USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the selectmen's meetings, 1799 to, and including, 1810 > Part 25
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List of Voters in the Town of Boston-
The Selectmen hereby inform their fellow Citizens, that in pursuance of the Law of this Commonwealth, there are posted at Faneuil-Hall & at the Office of the Board of Health complete copies of the list of persons qualified to vote in the choice of Governor Lieut. Governor, Senators & Representatives-the Inhabitants are particularly reminded, that these lists are from a new return, made by the Assessors according to law, conform- able to the new division of Wards; every Person is desired to examine whether his name is inserted in the list of the Wards in which he resides, and in case it should be omitted, to apply at the Seleetmens Room Faneuil hall, any day previous to the election of Governors & Senators (Sundays excepted) between the hours of 12 & 1, at which time & place one or more of the Selectmen will attend to insert the names of any qualified voters which may have been omitted-
The Chairman was desired to furnish the Clerks of the several Wards with an extract of the law directing the choice of Assistant Assessors, and also to take measures to distribute notifications for the choice, to take place on the 1st. Wednesday of April-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 26. 1806- Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tileston, Oliver, Hunnewell, Wright, Kettle
296
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
On the application of a number of Gentlemen residing at West Boston, requesting that the Bell taken from the old Meeting house, might be raised in some convenient place in that quarter of the Town, untill the new House should be ready for it-the Chairman [293.] was desired to employ Mr. Samuel Todd to build a suitable Stage for that purpose, in any situation that can be found convenient-
Written application having been made by Mr. Stephen Codman & others for the use of Faneuil-hall on the Evening previous to the election of Governour &c. & Benjamin Austin & John Brazier Esq's. having made the same request to the Board in Person at the last Meeting-the subjeet was now considered, and it was agreed that the request of Stephen Codman & others should be complied with, provided they should employ three faithful Men to watch the building through the night-the Men to be approved & under the direction of Mr. Hunnewell-
Approved the Indentures of Joseph Doak a Minor to Joseph Hudson Sailmaker. the term to expire the 13th. of December 1811-
Jurors were drawn to serve at the next Court of Common Pleas-& entred on the Jury Books-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 31st. 1806 Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Hunnewell, Wright,-
Passed upon Aeeounts-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 9t. 1806 Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Wright,
A letter was received from the Committee of the Church in Brattle Street respecting the repairs of Dorsets Alley-Mr. Tilden was desired to enquire of the Abutters on the Alley, whether the repairs should be done at the expense of the Town, or at the charge of the Abutters-
Mr. Tilden & Mr. Hunnewell were desired to view the Towns land on Water Street, and to endeavour to make an arrangement with Mr. Harris, who has purchased the Land adjoining for the permanent accommodation of the Cataract Engine-
On the application of Mr. Josiah Knapp for liberty to fill up the Dock at the bottom of Kneeland Street, on the East [294.] side of Front Street-Mess's : Porter, Hunnewell & Wright were desired to view the place & consider on what conditions it would be expedient to comply with said request
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297
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1806.
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 16. 1806 Present Mess" : Bulfinch. Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Hunnewell. Wright. Kettle,
A communication was received from the Proprietors of the Ropewalks at the bottom of the Common, protesting against the Report of the Comme. of the Town at the last Town Meeting- the same was read & ordered to be put on file with the said Report
The Commee. on M. Knapps Petition Reported, that he have liberty to fill the Dock at the East end of Kneeland Street, reserving the same when completed as a public Street, without any exclusive priviledge of using or encumbring it-the Report was accepted-
Mr. Francis Wright Jr. was appointed an Auchtioneer for this Town .-
The attention of the Board having been called to the expedi- ency of widening the Southerly side of the East end of State Street : it was agreed that whenever the Agents of the Long Wharff Proprietors or any other Persons shall indemnify the Town from the expense attending it, the Board would take measures to widen the Street-
It was agreed that such Military Companies as may wish for the use of the Armories in the upper story of Faneuil hall shall have the right of choice in succession according to the period of time which they had occupied rooms for the same purpose in the old building-that the Company which first had the use of an Armory should have the first choice & the rest in rotation-and for further explanation, it is determined to be the opinion of the Board that the ancient & honble. Artillery Company, has the right of first choice-
Signed a Deed of a piece of Land on Fort hill to Uriah Cot- ting for the Sum of one thousand Dollars-
This being the time assigned by public Advertisement [295.] for coming to the choice of Constables for one Year the following Persons were chosen-Vizt-
Mr. Thomas Stevenson-Sureties
Mr. Amos Lewis
Dudley Walker and Thom8. Stevenson Junt.
Thomas Lewis & Joshua Ellis
Levi Joy
Edward Wentworth Joseph Bennet-
Samuel White
Abraham Babcock Eben. Slough-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
Elisha Copeland
- Abrain Gibson John Perry
Moses Thayer
Nath1. Frothingham Samuel Sanger-
Farewell Brown
Benjn. B. Leeds
William Wiley Thomas Edmunds Jere Gore, Benj". Bass & Nath1. Tucker- Perkins Nichols
John Deverel
Henry Lane -
Whiting
Jirah Holbrook -
Edward Staples Jona. Merry-
Solomon Twist -
- Moses Gardner Jonas Twist-
James Sumner
George Homer Thomas Howe
Voted, That the Town Clerk be directed not to Administer the Oath of Office to either of the Persons above chosen until he shall produce a certificate from the Town Treasurer that he has given Bonds as the law directs ---
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 23ª. 1806 Present Messrs : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Hunnewell, Oliver, Wright, May, Kettle,
Six extra Jurors for C. C. P. drawn & posted in Jury Book
The Board were oceupied in considering the best mode of obtaining a correct list of Votes to be used in the election for [296.] Representatives, and agreed to return a Copy of the printed lists to the Assessors together with the additions made at the last Eleetion ; from which they should be desired to furnish sueh lists as in their Judgement would be eorreet-
The Chairman proposed a division of the Town into districts, each under the espceial superintendenee of one Seleetman, for the purpose of paving & other Town work the particulars of which are on file ; the same was adopted & each Gentleman to be furnished therewith-
On complaint that Mr. Low Sexton of the West Boston Society, persists in executing the duties of a funeral Porter although not lieensed for that purpose-Mr. Porter & Mr. Wright were desired to proseeute him for so doing-
Mess's : Tilden Tileston & Mr. May a Committee to view M'. Jonathan Balchs Wharff to inquire into any incroaehments he
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299
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1806.
may have made or incumbrances on the flatts east of the Circular Line & to Report-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectinen April 28. 1806 Present Mess : Bulfinch Tilden, Tileston Porter Wright May Kettle
Passed upon Accounts-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 30. 1806 Present Mess : Bulfinch Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver May, Wright, Kettle
Passed upon other Accounts-
Application having been made from the Captains of the Militia, requesting that a suitable number of Arms & military equipments should be provided for such Inhabitants as are unable to furnish themselves : MT. Wright was desired at the last meeting to make enquiry into the expence-he now Reports, that the Town being provided with Arms. the cost of the other articles would be about 5 Dollars for each stand of Arms-It was agreed to suspend entring on the subject untill the Armories at Faneuil-hall should be completed-
Mr. Richard Austin & MT. Timothy Green were chosen Sealers of weights & Measures for the current Year, [297.] to act in the same divisions of the Town as during the past Year-
Warrants were signed for Town Meetings for the choice of Representatives. & other matters-to meet on Wednesday the 14 & Thursday the 15t. of May next-9. o. Clock & 10. o Clock-
Dr. Kirkland to open the Meeting with Prayer, & Mr. Hunne- well a Committee to make the request-
Mr. Newell to have the printing of Notifications for May Meetings-
After a full consideration of the best mode to obtain a correct list of the persons qualified to vote for Representatives, it was agreed to hand the lists which have been returned by the Assessors. to the Gentlemen who checked the lists at the last Election, and to request them to correct the lists in their several Wards, and to return them to the Chairman-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 7. 1806- Present Mess18 : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter Tileston, Oliver, Hunne- well, Wright, Kettle May
A Commee. of the Proprietors of the Long Wharff appeared & presented a Remonstrance against the proceedings of the
300
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Broad Street Association, who they stated were laying a Wharff beyond the limits of the Circular Line-a Plan of the Circular line was Exhibited, the Gentlemen having withdrawn the subject was considered, & the Chairman was directed to inform the Broad Street Association that the Board considered the Wharff now placing by their order as a trespass beyond the Ancient boundary-
The Chairman was desired to insert in the papers an Advertize- ment to forbid the throwing of Squibs Serpents or Crackers, according to the Law lately passed by the Legislature
The Board having viewed the northerly end of Pleasant Street in front of the heads of the late Rope-walks, it was agreed to be expedient that the same should be widen'd by drawing a line from the North East Corner of the Cellar of Isaac P. Davis's [298.] Walk to the Northeast corner of the Brick Store of Mr. P. B. Rogers-Mr. Emmons' Walk being reduced in length by this proceeding, he appeared & stated his objections; when it was agreed that he should be compensated for the damage which he should sustain-Messrs : Bulfinch Tilden & Hunnewell were desired to view the ground & to ascertain whether the improve- ment would be effected without unreasonable additional expense to obtain a foundation to M'. Emmons Hemphouse-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 20. 1806 Present Messsr : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, May, Wright, Kettle,
Grand & Petit Jurors for the Circuit Court were drawn & entered & posted in the Jury Book-
A Commee. appointed by the Gentlemen Associated to make a Street across the Mill Pond, presented a survey of the Land adjoining cach end of the proposed Street-which was examined, & after consideration agreed by the Board, that the Street should be sixty feet wide across the Pond & 40 feet wide from the shore of the Pond to the Bridge & from the easterly shore to Middle Street-the Chairman was desired to inform the proprietors, and to stake it out accordingly-
Mr. Charles Vose proprietor of a lot of land on the easterly side of Broad Street, abutting on State Street, appeared & informed that he had contracted with the proprietors of the Long Wharf, to take six feet 10. inches in width from the north end of his lot to add to the street upon their paying him the sum of 2500 dollars-Mr. Vose then signed & acknowledged a deed of that piece of land to the town, to be added to the high way, & a certificate of the same was given him to present to the Clerk of the Long wharf proprietors in order to demand payment-
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301
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1806.
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 26. 1806- Present Bulfinch. Tilden Porter. Tileston, Hunnewell, Wright & Kettle .-
Passed upon Accounts-
The Chairman reported that upon viewing the situation of [299.] [a] proposed street across the Mill Pond, he found the ground at the westerly end would allow of its being 45 feet wide, but at the easterly end it could not be more than 30 feet without occasioning unreasonable expence to the proprietors-this Report being considered, it was agreed to lay out the street as follows-
The north & west line to begin on Charles River Bridge near the first lamp post from a point in the direction with the north- westerly capsill of the wharf belonging to the proprietors of said bridge. thence along said capsill & in the same direction seren- teen feet from the westerly end thereof : then turning & continu- ing in a right line to a point fire feet west of the most easterly corner of the mill house & through the same mill house to the pond-thence making a bend more westerly across the pond to the easterly corner of the factory on the mill creek & through the same to the west side of the Towns passage way leading to Middle Street
The north and the east line to begin at the toll house on Charles River Bridge-thence to run fifty feet to a Shop belong- ing to the Proprietors of said Bridge to a point thereon, fifty feet distant from the north line, thence turning & running in a right line forty five feet distant from the first described line untill it come to the Pond. then to widen on the easterly side to sixty feet across the pond, the line then to turn westerly along the shore of the pond to a point thirty fire feet distant from the corner of the Factory : thence southerly through land of J. Bulfinch, and J. Howe to a point in said Howes westerly line which is 78 feet from Middle Street, thence along said Howes west line to Middle Street-
MIT. Sylvanus Gray presented another memorial respecting the injury done to a number of wells at west Boston by the excessive use of Water from the well owned by Messrs: Cotting & others -after considerable conversation on the subject, the Chairman was desired to make particular examintion into the state of the wells at that part of the Town & to Report
[300.] Boston ss: At a special Meeting of the Selectmen [June 21. 1806] Present MessTs: Bulfinch, Porter, Tileston, Oliver. Hunnewell, Wright. May, Kettle
MIT. Tilden confined to his House by sickness, was unable to attend-
302
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
The Chairman informed the Board that he had understood from one of the Representatives of the Town in the General Court, that the return made to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of the Votes for Governour Lieutt. Governour & Senators in Apirl last, was incorreet in some particulars of form, for which reason he had summoned a Meeting that suitable measures might be taken to Justify the conduet of the Selectmen in signing such return-
The Town Clerk being then applied to & affirming that the return in April last was in the form & manner which he had always used on such occasions-he was desired to write two Certifieates to that effect which he did as follows-
I the Subscriber Town Clerk of the Town of Boston duly qualified & sworn, testify & declare, that I was Town Clerk of said Town, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution of this Commonwealth the 25th. of October 1780-and have been annually elected to that offiee to the present time, and that return has been made of the Votes received at the April Elections for Governour Lt. Governour & Senators in the same manner & form annually, and that it has never come to my knowledge that either of those returns were ever objected to-
signed WILLIAM COOPER Town Clerk
One of said Certificates was returned to the Senators of the County of Suffolk, and the other to the Representatives of the Town of Boston-
[301.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen June 4 Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Tilden, Tileston, Oliver, May, Kettle, Hunnewell, Wright,
Approved of the Indentures of John Murdough a Minor to Stephen Hall, Housewright ; to be in force untill May 20th. 1810-
Agreed to lease the Stalls in the new part of Faneuil Hall Market, each shall be put up to lease at 50 Cents p Week, and the highest bidder over that sum to have the right of choice
A Billet was received from Mess's : Benjamin Russell & Thomas Danforth in behalf of a great number of Citizens requesting the use of Faneuil-hall on the 4. of July next, for a publiek Dinner- granted-
Communication from the President of Broad Street Asso- ciation was read explaining the proceedings of their Agents with respect to the Circular Line-the Report referred for further consideration-
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303
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1806.
Capt. Badger having applied for 10,000 Cartridges for the use of the Militia at a publick parade about the middle of June-ME. Wright was desired to procure a sufficient quantity of Powder & to employ Mr. Burbeck to make the Cartridges, to be delivered to the several majors at the order of the Chairman-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 11th. 1806 Present Mess" : Bulfinch. Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Kettle, Oliver, Hunnewell, Wright
Jurors drawn for Court of Common Pleas & entred on Jury Books-
The Chairman presented a Report of the state of the Wells at West Boston in Hancock Street, Lynde Street &c. with a plan of those Streets & the Houses adjacent to exhibit the number of Wells & their actual conditions, the same was veiwed by the Gentlemen present-and agreed to examine it further previous to next Meeting, when the remonstrance on that subject is to be acted upon-
[302.] A number of Gentlemen Abutters upon the Passage way leading from Kilby Street. lately to Doanes Wharf, now into Broad Street, having requested that the same should be made a publick Street ; the Selectmen having considered that the greater part of said Street has been par'd at the expense of the Abutters, and that by accepting it, any incumbrances might be more readily removed by the Authority of the Town, it was agreed to record the same as a publick high way. by the name of Doane Street-
MIT. Oliver & M. Kettle a Committee to view the Cellar now digging for a Store for William Brown Esq at the Corner of Broad Street & Doane Street & to consider the expediency of taking any part of Mr. Browns Land to widen the east side of the Street-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 18. 1806 Present Messrs : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Oliver, Tileston, Kettle,
Agreeable to Precept from the Honble. Judge of Probate from the County of Suffolk, Inquisition was made into the circumstances of Robert Steele, and return made to the Judge that the said Robert Steele was non compos & that a Guardian ought to be appointed for him
The Town Clerk was directed to give Certificates of reappoint- ment as Auchtioneers, to such as have been appointed during the past year & wish to renew their Licenses
304
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
The Commee. to view Doane Strect, & to consider the expediency of taking part of Deaeon Browns land to widen the easterly end of said Street-Reported that they had consulted Deacon Brown upon the subject, who was exceedingly averse to parting with any of his land for the purpose-The Committee were of opinion that the proposed widening should have been done before the Land was sold by the Broad Street Association, and that it was not expedient to exert the powers of the Board on this oceasion- the Report was considered, & after hearing the Applicants the same was accepted-
Several Gentlemen who presented the Remonstrance at a late Meeting respecting their loss of Water at [303.] West Boston now appeared to urge that some conclusive trial might be made to prove how far the constant use of the Great Well in Chambers Street affected them-after hearing the Gentlemen & considering the subjeet, the Chairman was desired to notify Mess's: Cotting Lowell & Jackson that the Board expected they would stop the use of their Well, or of the privilege of the Pipes through the Streets from Saturday Evening next, for one fortnight ensuing : That two impartial persons should be chosen by the Proprietors of the Well and by the Remonstrants to sound daily at the Wells in that Neighbourhood that were open, to keep an accurate account of the depth of Water, to be handed to the Seleetmen at the expiration of the time
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 21. 1806- Present Mess : Bulfinch Tilden, Tileston, Oliver, May, Kettle,
This Meeting was ealled to draw Jurors for the Distriet Court -after completing that business-proceeded to sign Deeds of three Lots of Land sold on the 19th. Inst. on Fort-hill-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen June 25. 1806- Present Mess : Bulfineh Porter Tileston Oliver, Hunnewell, May Kettle, Wright
On the application of a number of the Abutters upon the Street at the foot of the Steps on the North side of Beacon-hill, which Street leads from Middleeot to Haneock Street-it was determined that Street should in future be called & known by the Name of Derne Street-
Upon Report of Commee. appointed to view, it was agreed that a drain be laid from Warren Street Southerly into Pleasant Street to convey off the over ground Water, provided the Proprietors of the Land through which it shall pass, shall convey to the Town the use of sueh Land for ever-M". Porter was desired to have the same done at the Towns expense, on the most favoura- ble terms-
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305
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1806.
On the application of Isaac P. Davis & P. B. Rogers for lib- erty to extend their covered Ropewalks. by building a Shed over the [304.] Platforms at the Westerly end of their Walks, it was determined that it was not expedient to grant such indulgence- & that it exceeded the powers of the Board, the length of the covered walk having been determined by the Town in the original grant to the Proprietors-
An application, that the ground in the mall, might be staked out & let to such purchasers as would wish to occupy the same for Tents on the 4th. of July next under certain regulations, was referred untill the sense of the Town could be known on the subject-
A Petition from a number of young men praying for liberty to throw Fire works of any deseription on the Common on the Evening of the 4. of July, was read & considered; and it was agreed in consideration of the discretionary power given to the Selectmen by law, to allow the throwing of all kinds of fire works in the Common on that Evening. provided it should be at the distance of 200 feet from the Rails-
The Chairman read a Copy of a letter which he had sent to Messrs : Cotton Lowell & Jackson on the subject of their well near Chambers Street-& al-o their answer, both of which are on file-In their answer they decline consenting to the proposal to stop the use of the Water-after debate it was agreed that the Chairman Mr. Hunnewell & Mr. Wright, be a Commee. to con- sult Judge Davis respecting the nature of the grant of Pipes from said Well & to ascertain the Towns rights to revoke the privilege given on the 24. of April 1805, as by minute in the Selectmens Books-
Signed a Warrant for Town Meeting on the 4. of July next being the Anniversary of American Independence
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 30t. 1806 Present Mess"": Bulfinch Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Wright, Kettle. May
Passed upon Accounts-
The Committee appointed the last Meeting to consult Judge Davis respecting the right of the Selectmen to suspend the privilege [305.] given to Mr. Cotton & Lowell-Reported that Judge Davis had fully considered the subject, & had given his opinion that the privilege of laying Pipes for the conveyance of Water through certain Streets having been granted as an indul- gence to those Gentlemen & without any consideration therefor, to the Town, that the Selectmen had a right to suspend or wholly stop such indulgences-whereupon Voted, that the Chairman be
306
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
desired to inform Mr. Cotton Lowell & Jackson that the privilege granted them of laying Pipes in Chambers Street &c. to their works will be suspended from and after the 15. Day of July next-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Seleetmen July 2ª. 1806 Present Messrs : Bulfinch, Tilden, Kettle, Tileston, Oliver,
Passed upon other Aeeounts
The Seleetmen having given liberty to Mr. Thomas Heath to lay a Drain from the Northwesterly corner of the Burying Ground on Cops Hill to the Water for the purpose of draining the Tombs on said Burying Ground, the whole expenee of which by an Aeeount rendered and examined amounted to Ninety six Dollars-They do hereby adjudge that said expenee shall be borne, by the Proprietors of the Tombs benefited thereby as follows-
Enoch Rust 1
$5,,33-
Thomas Godfrey -
1 -
5,, 33
Caleb Loring & Benjn. Smith 1
-
5,, 33
Croeker & Valentine
1 - 5 ,, 33
Samuel Brintnal
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