A REPORT Kecord Commissioners CITY OF BOSTON, CONTAINING THE BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1778 TO 1783. BOSTON: ROCKWELL AND CHURCHILL, CITY PRINTERS^ 1895. 170156 [Document 80 — 1895.] A REPORT RECORD COMMISSIONERS. The Twenty-sixth Report of the Record Commissioners is a continuation of the Eighteenth, and contains the proceed- ings of the Town from 1778 through 1783, concluding the period of the Revolution. Wm. H. Whitmore, City Registrar. Old Court House, Boston. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Boston Library Consortium Member Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/reportofrecordco26bost BOSTON TOWN RECORDS. [SIXTH BOOK, CONTINUED.] [151.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, the 5 th . Day of March Anno Domini 1778. Warrant for calling the' Meeting read — ■ The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. was unanimously chosen Moderator of this Meeting. The Comittee appointed by the Town the 5 th . of March last, to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration the 5 th . of March instant, to perpetuate the Memory of the horrid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers under the Command of Capt. Thomas Preston of the 29 th Regiment- — Reported — That having met together several Times for the Purpose mentioned in the Town Vote, they had unanimously made Choice of Jonathan William Austin Esq to deliver an Oration on the 5 th . of March instant ; who had accordingly accepted of that Service. The above Report having been made by the Chairman of the Coiniltee, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative. Upon a Motion made the Town took into Consideration, what would be the best Time to have the Oration pronounced ; as also what Place would be most suitable for the Purpose — Whereupon Voted, That the Oration be delivered at \ past 12 O'Clock, at the Old Brick Meeting House, the Hall not being capacious enough to receive the Inhabitants that attend on the Occasion — The Committee of that Society having before consented, that the Meeting House should be made Use of for this Purpose. Voted that Joseph Greenleaff Esq. The Hon ble . John Pitts Esq. Ellis Gray Esq. [153.] Be a Comittee to wait on Jonathan William Austin Esq. & acquaint him that it is the Desire of the Town, that the Oration may be delivered at the Old Brick Meeting House, at \ past Twelve O'Clock this Day. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to the Old Brick Meeting House, \ past 12 O'Clock. 2 City Document No. 80. The Town met according to Adjournment \ past 12 O'Cloek at the Old Brick Meeting House — The Committee appointed to wait on Jonathan William Austin Esq. to acquaint him with the Vote of the Town, respecting the Time & Place for the Delivery of an Oration — Reported — That said Gentleman was ready to comply with the Orders of the Town. An Oration to commemorate the horrid Massacre of the Fifth of March 1770, & to impress upon the Minds of the Citizens the ruinous Tendency of stauding Armies, being placed in free & populous Cities &c. was delivered by Jonathan William Austin Esq to a large & crowded Audience and received by them with great Applause Upon a Motion made & seconded Voted that the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq. M r . Joseph Barrel Ellis Gray Esq. Samuel Barrel Esq. Hon ble . John Pitts Esq. M r . Eli as Parkman Joseph Greenleaff, Esq. be, & hereby are appointed a Comittee to wait upon Jonathan William Austin Esq. & in the Name of the Town to thank him for the spirited & elegant Oration delivered by him at their Request, in Commemoration of the horrid Massacre [153.] Perpetrated on the Evening of the Fifth of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers of the 29 th . Regiment, under the Command of Captain Thomas Preston, & to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press. On a Motion made & seconded Voted that The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Nathaniel Barber Esq. William Cooper Esq. John Pitts Esq. John Scollay Esq. Jonathan William Austin Esq. Perez Morton Esq. be, & hereby are appointed a Committee, to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 5 th . of March next, to perpetuate the Memory of the horrid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers of the 29 th . Regiment, under the Command of Capt. Thomas Preston; & to impress on our Minds the ruinous Tendency of standing Armies being placed in free & populous Cities, in a Time of Peace; & the Necessity of such Noble Exertions, in all future Times, as the Inhabitants of the Town then made, whereby the Designs of the Conspirators against the public Peace, may be still frustrated. A small Collection was made at this Meeting for M 1 . Christopher Monk, a young Man now languishing under a Wound he received in his Lungs, by a Shot from Preston's bloody Party of Soldiers on the 5 th . of M:irch 1770. Then the Meeting; was dissolved. Boston Town Eecords, 1778. 3 [154.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 9 th Day of March Anno Domini 1778. Prayer was made by the Rev d . D r . Cooper. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read. Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accord- ingly read The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Majority of Votes, & took his Seat accordingly. M r . William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year en- suing, by a Majority of Votes, & took the Oath of Office for the faithful Discharge of his Duty, which Oath was administred by Joseph Greenleaff Esq. The Town proceeded to the Choice of nine Selectmen, & the Votes being brought in & sorted, it appeared, that John Scollay Esq. Samuel Austin Esq. Oliver Wendeell Esq. John Pitts Esq. Capt Gustavus Fellows M r . Harbottle Dorr Thomas Greenough Jonathan Williams Esq. Capt John Preston were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing. The Inhabitants bro't in their Votes for Twelve Overseers of the Poor & upon sorting them it appear'd that The Hon ble . William Phillips Esq. Issac Smith Esq. [155.] M r . Jonathan Mason Capt Samuel Partridge M r . Samuel Whitwell M r . John White Edward Procter Esq. William Powell Esq. M r . John Sweetser jun r . Samuel Barret Esq. M r . Samuel Hewes M r . Nicholas Bowes were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. 3 'Clock P.M. met according to Adjournment Upon a Motion made & seconded, the Question was put, Whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chose seperate from Con- stables — Passed in the Affirmative. On a Motion made the Question was put — Whether the sum of Five Pounds shall be remitted out of the Ten Pounds Fine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing — Passed in the Negative. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, & upon sorting them it appeared, that 4 City Document No. 80. M r . Henderson Inches - - - - excused M r . Nathan Frazier M r . Harbottle Dorr M r . William Bant D°. M r . William McNiel M r . Nathaniel Barret Capt Isaac Phillips M r . Edward Grant ------- D°. M r . Samuel Dyer [156.] M r . Joseph Callender M r . John May ■ Capt Jacob Williams were chosen Wardens for the Year ensuing. The Inhabitants brought in their votes for a Comittee of Corre- spondence, Inspection & Safety, & upon Sorting them it appeared that Capt Nathaniel Barber M r . William Davis ----- excused Perez Morton Esq. M r . Ebenezer Dorr ------- D°. John Winthrop Esq. ------ D°. Capt John Simkins M r . Moses Grant D r . Peter Eoberts Capt Amassa Davis ------ D°. M r . Edward Green M r . John Lowell were chose a Comittee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety for the Year ensuing The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards, & upon sorting them it appear'd, that John Scollay Esq. Newman Greenough Esq. - - - excused William Cooper Esq. Edward Proctor Esq. Francis Shaw Esq. Capt John Pulling Ebenezer Hancock Esq. Paul Peviere Esq. Major Andrew Symmes Thomas Crafts P2sq. [157.] Capt Joseph Webb John Winthrop Esq. M r . Thomas Tileston Capt Gustavus Fellows Capt John Ballard Caleb Davis Esq. were chose Fire Wards for the Year ensuing. The Inhabitants, brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer, & upon sorting them it appeared, that David Jeffries Esq. was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing. Boston Town Records, 1778. 5 Mess 8 . William Crafts John Lambert jun r . Nathaniel Wales Moses Ayres Samuel Dyer were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing. Mess 3 . John Champney John Page Edward Ranger Joseph Ballard Benjamin Page William Ellison Joseph Butler Nathan Bradley Elisha Byles William Moor Andrew Symmes Thomas Uran John Neal Nathan Hancock Benjamin Eustis William Todd Henry Blaisdel [158.] Were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing. Capt Edward Carnes was chosen a Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing Mess s . William Andrews Joseph Clark Nathan Green Samuel Bangs were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing. M r . Adam Colson was chose an Informer of Deer for the Year ensuing. Mess s . Manasseh Masters Joseph Dyer John Owen Joshua Pico Benjamin Bernard Samuel Haley Job Wheelwright Paul Baxter Nathan Spear Edward Co well Ebenezer Woodward were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing. Mess s . Charles Simpson Nathan Cobbet Benjamin Wheeler were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing. M r . William M c .Fadden was chosen a Hayward for the Year ensuing. 6 City Document No. Mess 5 . John Sigorney - Wards N°. 1. John Lambert- -. --i ------ 2. John Cumberfoot --------- 3. John Coggshell --------- 4. [159.] Mess 5 . Thomas Baley ------ Ward N°. 5. Moses Bradley --------- 6. Elijah Campbell ---•.-■■..----.-- 7. Edward Gray ---------- 8. Daniel Parks ------ 9. John Ballard ---------- 10. Stephen Cleverly ---------- 11. John Lucas ---------- 12. were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing On a Motion made, Voted, that the Choice of Constables be re- ferred to the Adjournment. Votes for a County Treasurer being brought in, & sealed up in Town Meeting, were delivered to M r . Constable Thomas, to be by him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at their next Meeting The Inhabitants bro't in their Votes for Twelve Assessors, & upon sorting them it appeared, that — Deacon Jonathan Brown Gyles Harris Esq. M r . William Lowder M r . George B. Gidney Deacon Thomas Foster John R. Sigorney Edward Green Samuel Dyer Capt William Fleet Capt Samuel Dogget were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing. The Selectmen were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing. — Mess rs . John Lucas John White were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing. [160. J Jonathan Williams Esq. M r .John Sweetser M r . Timothy Newell were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing ; & they are desired & impower'd to give all needful Direction to the Keeper of the Granary ; respecting the Quantity of Grain to be sold & affixing the Price thereof from time to time, as Occasion shall re- quire: And the said Comittee are" desired & directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town, to be ground at the New Mills near the Mill-Bridge Mess 8 . Thomas Green John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing Voted, that M r . Thomas Walley Boston Town Records, 1778. 7 M r . Ezekiel Price Thomas Daws Esq. Ebenezer Storer Esq. M r . Edward Green be & they hereby are appointed a Cofhittee to audit the Accounts of David Jeffries Esq. Treasurer, & also the Accounts of the Overseers of the Poor ; & the said Comittee are impowered, when they shall audit said Accounts, to allow such of the Overseers, as shall advance Money for the Relief of the poor, Interest on all such Sums from the time so advanced, until they shall have au- dited ; & they are also desired to report from time to Time, a State of the Treasury respecting Debts and Credits, & on any Matters that they may think proper. / Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next, 10 O'Clock Forenoon. Wednesday 11 th . of March, 10 O'Clock Forenoon, Met accord- ing to Adjournment. The Town brought in their Votes for two Assessors, & on sorting them it appear'd that M r . Joseph Henderson & M 1 '. Benja- min Edes were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing. [161.] On a Motion made Voted, that this Meeting be ad- journed to 3 O'Clock P.M. 3 O'Clock, P.M. met according to Adjoui-nment. The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting being obliged to attend the House of Representatives, M r . Ezekiel Price was chosen a Moderator Pro. Temp, by a hand Vote. The Inhabitants bro't in their Votes for a Warden & upon sorting them it appeared, that Capt. Gustavus Fellows was chosen a Warden for the Year ensuing. M r . Benjamin Wheeler chosen One of the Hogreeves was excused by the Town from serving in that Office. M r . Thomas Hitchburne was chosen a Hogreeve for the Year ensuing. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for four Collectors of Taxes, & upon sorting them it appeared, that Mess 8 . Josiah Torry Francis Shaw Benjamin Cudworth Benjamin Sumner were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing. Voted, That the Assessors be, & hereby are impowered & directed to set for Abatement of such Taxes, as they shall judge reasonable, on every day of the Month following the Delivery of the Tax Books to the Collectors, Lord's Days excepted, & uo longer, saving that they be allowed to set the two last Weeks in November, for the Abatement of the Taxes of such Persons, as had not an Opportunity of applying in the above limited Time, by reason of their being out of the State ; at which time they are also allowed [162.] And impowered to abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died insolvent before the last Da}' of November. 8 City Document No. 80. Voted, that the Consideration of Schoolmasters Salaries, & all other Salaries & Grants, be referred over to the next May Meet- ing. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Consideration of Collectors Premiums be re- ferred to next May Meeting. On a Motion made, Voted, that M r . Ezekiel Price M r . Thomas Walley Thomas Daws Esq. M r . John Sweetser M r . Joseph Henderson Samuel Barret Esq. M r . Gibbins Sharp be a Committee to consider & report at the Adjournment, what Sum of Money it will be necessary to raise by a Tax to defray the Expences of the Year ensuing. The Article in the Warrant, Viz: "To consider — "Whether, agreeable to au Application of the House of Representatives, some more effectual Measures ma}- be taken for the immediate Collecting the State Tax " — was read. Whereupon, the Collectors were called upon, when they made it appear to the Town, that they had paid in to the State Treasury, the whole of the State Tax, which had been committed to them to collect of the Inhabitants of this Town. The Article in the Warrant, Viz : " To consider whether, agree- able to a late Act of the General Court, a Coinittee shall not now be chosen to make Provision for the Families of such non- commissioned Officers & Soldiers, as have engaged in the Con- tinental Service" — was read & Considered, whereupon [163.] Voted, that Nathaniel Appleton Esq. M r . Henderson Inches Thomas Daws Esq. M r . John Sweetser M r . Ebenezer Dorr M r . Nathan Frazier be a Comittee to consider & report on this Matter at the Ad- journment. The Article in the Warrant, Viz : " What Method shall be taken to obtain Relief, in regard to the present extraordinary high Price of Provisions, & other necessary Articles of Life?" was read — Whereupon, Voted, that M r . Samuel Whitwell M r . Ezekiel Price Samuel Barret Esq. M r . Joseph Barret M r . Thomas Walley be a Committee to consider & report at the Adjournment what they judge best to be done. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, the 16 th . of March instant, 10 O'Clock Forenoon. Boston Town Records, 1778. 9 March 16 th . 10 O'Clock A.M. Town met according to Adjourn- ment. On a Motion made Voted, that the Choice of Clerks of the Mar- ket be referred over to the Adjournment. The Selectmen acquainted the Town, that they had met the Physicians, who declared their Readiness to Innoculate the poor Inhabitants, & attend them Gratis, but expected that the neces- sary Medicines should be found them. Voted, that the Town will pay the Expence that may arise by the Poor Inhabitants, who shall be innoculated, being supplied with Medicines, to carry them through the Small Pox. [164.] The Committee appointed to consider what Method shall be taken to obtain Relief in regard to the present extraordi- nary high Price of Provisions, & other necessary Articles of Life " — Report That it is their opinion, that One Great Reason of the present Excessive Price of Provisions in this Town arises from the Averice Injustice & Inhumanity of certain Persons within Twenty Miles of it, who purchase great Part of the same of Farmers living at a greater Distance, & put an exorbitant Advance upon it, which our Necessities oblige us to give ; while they, having mon- opolized it, deal it out to us in such Quantities as they please, at a Time when the necessary Provision making for the Army, & the Consumption by so large a Body of the Enemies Troops in the Vicinity deprive us of the natural Relief we should otherwise have received from the uncommon Plenty, with which Heaven has crowned the Year. That to remedy so great an Evil & to save the Town from utter Destruction, they are of Opinion that the following things ought to be attempted, & if attended with Success would prove effectual. First — -That a decent, yet spirited Memorial be presented to the General Assembly, setting forth the unexampled Cruelty & Oppression, under which the Town labours from certain Persons in the Country, in Addition to their other Distresses, praying their Interposition, & humbly proposing as (in the Opinion of the Town) the most efficacious Remedy, that as severe a Law, in Addition to those already in Being, as can be framed, may be en- acted against the inhuman & unrighteous Practice of monopolizing the Necessaries of Life, & forestalling this Market. — Secondly — That an Agreement be earnestly recommended to the more opulent Inhabitants of the Town, to be entered into by Subscription, for the Relief of the more indigent, that in order to reduce the Price, so far as lessing the Demand will do it, they will on no Occasion whatever, have more than Two Dishes of Meat on the same Day on their Table — and that they will avoid the Use of Poultry, & every other Superfluity as much as possible. [165.] Thirdly — That the Inhabitants agree universally to make two Dinners p Week on Fish, if to be had. The foregoing Report having been read & considered — the Question was put — "Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative — Also Voted, that Mess 8 . Joseph Barrel 10 City Document No. 80. Thomas Walley Edward Carries John Reed Major Samuel White Capt John Byles Ebenezer Hancock Esq. be a Committee to draw up an Agreement conformable to the foregoing Report, & that they endeavour to procure Subscriptions to the same. Voted, that the foregoing Committee be desired to prepare a Petition to the General Court, relative to Forestallers of the Market, & that they report the same at the Adjournment. The Committee appointed " to consider & report at the Ad- journment, what Sums of Money it may be necessary to grant for the Payment of the Schoolmasters, for the relief of the Poor, and defraying other necessary Charges " — Report, That in a Review of the Charges of Supplies to the Aims- House, & to the poor of the Town in the several Wards, for the Sis preceding Months, & on the most reasonable Estimate of the Sums necessary (considering the great Decline of Trade) to the Continuance of said Supplies for the Year ensuing, as well as to the Carrying great Numbers of the Poor wholly, & others partly, through the Expences of the Small Pox — as also from a View of furnishing the Assessors with a sufficient Fund for making Abate- ments in Taxes, pursuant to a Vote of the Town for that purpose, to such Persons as shall make it appear that they have been aggrieved in the same ; and of making provision for the Payment of Schoolmasters, & for other [166.] Necessary Charges ; they are of Opinion, that the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds will be necessary for said Purposes ; & that it is on every Account most eligible that the same be granted, assessed & collected as speedily as possible. The foregoing Report being read & considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative. Voted, that the Sum of Ten thousand Pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town for the Relief of the Poor & defraying other necessary Charges arising within the Town the ensuing Year. The Committee appointed " To consider what is necessary to be done respecting the Families of the Non-commissioned Officers & Soldiers, who have engaged in the Continental Army, in Con- formity to a Resolve of the General Court, passed September the 29 th . — " Report, That a Commissary be immediately appointed, whose Business shall be to provide a Quantity of Indian Meal, Rye Meal, Beef, Pork, Rice & Wood, & dispose of the same to the Families of the Non-commissioned Officers & Soldiers in Town, who have in- listed into the Continental Army, agreeable to the aforesaid Re- solve ; — and that the Sum of four thousand Pounds be assessed immediately for that Purpose upon the Inhabitants in Addition to the Ten thousand Pounds, already Voted to defray the Common Boston Town Records, 1778. 11 Expences of the Town, the ensuing Year; & that the Town Treasurer be directed & impowered, to pay the same unto the Commissary that shall be chosen, as the said Monies are paid into the Treasury. The foregoing Report having been read, it was moved, & the Question accordingly put — Whether the farther Consideration thereof shall be referred to the Adjournment — which passed in the Affirmative. [167.] On a Motion made, Voted, that this Meeting he Ad- journed to Tuesday next, being the 17 th . instant, 10 O'Clock Forenoon. Tuesday the 17 th . Day of March, 10 O'Clock Forenoon, Town met according to Adjournment. The Report of the Committee appointed to consider what is necessary to be done by the Town respecting the Families of the Non-commissioned Officers & Soldiers, who have engaged in the Continental army &c — was again read & considered, & the Question being put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative. — Also Voted, that Mess rs . John Sigorney - - - - Wards N°. 1 . John Bnllard --------- 2. Nathaniel Hitch burne ------ 3. Gibbins Sharp --------4. Thomas Hitchburne 5. Joseph Hall --------- 6. Nathan Frazier --7. Benjamin Jepson --------8. Jeremiah Belknap ------- 9. Thomas Daws Esq. ------- 10. Hermon Brimmer - - 11. Thomas Baley -- 12. be a Committee, with such Persons as they shall think proper to invite, to take a Memorandum of the Names of the Non-comis- sioned Officers & Soldiers, who went from Boston into the Con- tinental Army ; the Town for which they went, &, when it can be ascertained, the Company & Regiment into which they enlisted ; what Family they now have in Boston to be provided for, agrea- ble to an Act of the General Court, passed 1777 Mess s . Abraham Hayward Clement Collins jun r . were chosen Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing. [168.] The Article in the Warrant Viz : " To consider & determine what is proper to be done relative to the Proceeds of the damaged Fire Arms, that were put into the Hands of a Com- mittee for purchasing new Arms for the Use of the Militia " — was read, whereupon Voted, that the Selectmeu be a Committee to make Inquiry, & report at the Adjournment. The Committee who received two hundred and fifty one Pounds seven Shillings & Two pence from the General Court, for the de- fective Fire Arms, belonging to the Inhabitants of the Town of 12 City Document No. 80. Boston, for the Purpose of purchasing Arms — Report the follow- ing Account, Viz. To Cash paid for 28 Fire Arms - - - - - D r . £122 - 4 — Ballance due to the Town ------- 256-3-2 By Cash received for Fire Arms sold - By Cash from the Town Treasurer £378 - . 127 251 - 7-2 7-2 £378 - 7 - 2 Boston March 9 th . 1778 Errors excepted John Marston, Chairman The foregoing Report having been read. Voted, that Mess s . John Marston Joseph Barrel Capt Jacob Williams M r . Martin Brimmer Capt Joseph Webb be a Committee to lay out the foregoing Ballance of £256 - 3 - 2 in Capt Marston's Hands, of the Produce of damaged Arms sold, in good Fire Arms, to supply such of the Militia in this Town, as are without them, they paying for the same ; & to continue pur- chasing with the Money received for what they sell. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next 22 d . of March instant, 3'Clock P.M. [169.] Monday 22 d . March 1778, 3 O'Clock Afternoon, met according to Adjournment The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for four Members of the Committee of Correspondence &c, & upon sorting them it appeared, that Mess s . Joseph Henderson Joseph Hall Capt William Brown M r . Foster Condy were chosen Members of the Committee of Correspondence, In- spection & Safety for the Year ensuing. Mess 8 . Samuel Greenleaff George Hamlin were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing. Newman Greenough having on Account of his Age desired to be excused from serving as a Fire Ward, he was accordingly ex- cused from serving. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given to Newman Greenough Esq. for his long & faith- ful Services, as a Fire Ward. The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for a Fire Ward it appeared that M r . John Lowell was chosen a Fire Ward for the Year ensuing. Boston Town Records, 1778. 13 The Committee appointed to prepare a Draught of a Petition to the General Court, relative to Forestallers of the Market &c — Reported the following Draught, Viz. To the Hon ble . the Council & House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay, The Memorial of the Town of Boston humbly sheweth, That their Distresses are great on Account [170.] Of the very extraordinary Price of every Necessary of Life from the Country, that although the Charge of raising the Produce of the Land is but little greater on an} T Account than hereto- fore, nor so great, if we advert to the general Custom, with respect to the principal Article Labour, the Farmer has been in of paying One Bushel of Corn for a Days Work, whereas the Nominal Sum is Eighteen Shillings lawful Money, yet three Pecks of Corn will pay it ; and altho' the Blessing of Heaven has produced an unusual abundance, yet they are pained to observe, they are obliged to give eight times as much for their Provisions as they formerly gave ; and considering the Sacrifice they have made of their Trade & Substance to the General Good, which can easily be proved to have operated hitherto entirely for the Good of the Landholder, they are constrained to say this cruel Con- duct is without a Paralel in the History of Mankind ! — Your Memorialists would by no Means extend this to the Country indiscriminately, as there are some Instances of Brotherly Kind- ness, happy for this Town were they more common. Your Memorialists are sure their uncommon Sufferings are greatly encreased by the more than Brutish Conduct of those Wretches within a few Miles of this Capital known in the odious Character of Forestallers, who, lost to the Feelings of Humanity, purchase from those at a Distance, & retail it out to these un- happy distressed Inhabitants, at a Price suited to their unfeel- ing Hearts, & many of them add Insult to their Extortion. Your Memorialists apprehensive it will be impossible for them to subsist, unless a Stop is put to so merciless and distinctive a Practice, pray your Honors, that an effectual Law may be enacted against this Species of Wretches, & the Town thereby receive some Alleviation to this particular Distress. [171.] The foregoing Memorial being read & considered the same was accepted by the Town, & the Selectmen directed to sign the same, & present it to the General Court M r . Edward Grant & M r . William Bant having desired to be excused from serving as Wardens, for Reasons offered to the Town — they were accordingly excused. On a Motion made, Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Fryday next, 3 O'Clock P.M. Fryday March 27 th . 3 O'Clock afternoon, Town met according to Adjournment. The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting being absent, the Town made Choice of M r . Ezekiel Price as Moderator Pro Temp, by a Hand Vote — M r . Price not being able to attend. 14 City Document No- 80. Benjamin Kent Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting Pro Temp, by a Hand Vote. The Report of the Committee appointed to consider what is necessary to be done by the Town, respecting the Families of the Non-commissioned Officers & Soldiers, who have engaged in the Continental Army in Conformity to a Resolve of the General Court, passed September the 29th — was again read, & being duely considered, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted? — Passed in the Affirmative. — Also, Voted, that the Sum of four thousand Pounds be raised, by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town for the Supply of the Families of the Non-commissioned Officers & Soldiers in the Con- tinental Army, in Addition to the Ten thousand pounds already Voted for the other Services of the Town, agreeable to the Report of the Committee. The Town bro't in their Votes for a Commissary to supply the Families of the Soldiers enlisted into the Continental Army agreable to the Report of the Committee, & upon sorting them it appeared, that [172.] Capt. John Simkins was chosen Commissary for the Purpose aforesaid. Voted, that David Jeffries Esq. Town Treasurer be, & he hereby is impowered & directed to borrow upon interest on the Credit of the Town, four thousand Pounds Voted to be assessed on the In- habitants, for the purpose of supplying Soldiers Families, & that he pay the same, as it shall be borrowed to Capt. John Simkins chosen a Commissiary to supply the Families of the Continental Soldiers in this Town. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for two Wardens, & upon sorting them it appeared, that M r . Benjamin Jepson Capt. William Brown were chosen Wardens for the Year ensuing. Voted, that all Matters & Things which remain unfinished be referred over to the General Town Meeting in May next, then to be considered & acted upon. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall, on Saturday the 14 th . of March Anno Domini 1778 — 10 O'Clock A.M. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read. The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes for a Moderator, and the same being bro't in and sorted it appeared that, The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq. was chosen, who took his place accordingly. The Article in the Warrant Viz. "To consider and determine what is proper to be done with respect to the Small Pox, [173.] Boston Town Records, 1778. 15 Which, in the Righteous Providence of God, appears likely to take a sudden Spread in this Town " — was read. The Selectmen laid before the Town a State of the Small Pox, by which it appeared, that, besides those who had been removed to the Hospitals there were about fifteen Families now visited with that Distemper — and from the Accounts given by others, there was reason to conclude that, a greater Number of Houses was infected. It being suggested that D 1 '. Danforth a Physician of this Town had inoculated a Number of the Inhabitants Voted that Col : Daws M r . Joseph Barrel Ellis Gray Esq. be a Committee to confer with D r . Danforth relative to said Sug- gestion. The forenamed Committee having conferred with D r . Danforth, Reported, that the Doctor had assured them, that there was no foundation for the Report — that he had not inoculated any One himself, & knew of no One that had been inoculated by any other Physician. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 4 O'Clock in the Afternoon. 4 O'Clock P.M. Town met according to Adjournment It having been suggested, that an Order had passed the Hon bIe „ Board, or General Court, permitting a Number of Col: Crafts Regiment of the Train to be inoculated in this Town, the Deputy Secretary M r . Avery was desired to attend the Meeting. The Deputy Secretary attended, & laid the following Resolve, which passed the General Assembly the 12 th . Instant, before the Town, Viz. Resolved, that D r . Joseph Gardner, be, & hereby is impowered to improve the Hospital at West Boston for the [174.] Sole purpose of innoculating such of the Soldiers in Col. Crafts Regi- ment, as may be willing to receive the Small Pox under the Direction of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston, who are hereby directed to put said Hospital under such Regulation, as has by them been heretofore established, & to continue their Vigilance to prevent the spreading of said Distemper ; & Col; Tho 3 „ Crafts is hereby directed to afford said Selectmen such Guards & other Assistance is his power ; as said Selectmen shall require. The Town having duely considered what had been laid before them relative to the Small Pox, it was moved that the Sense of the Town be taken theron, by the following Question being put, Viz. " Whether there is, in their Opinion, a rational Probability that, under present Circumstances, the Spread of the Small Pox may be prevented," & the same being put, it appeared to be the Sense of the Town, that it could not. It was then moved, & the Question accordingly put, — "Whether such Persons, Inhabitants of this Town, who have not had the Small Pox, may be permitted immediately to innoculate " — Passed in the Affirmative. 16 City Document No. 80. It was also moved & accordingly Voted, that the Physicians of this Town be desired, that they do not innoculate any Persons for the Small Pox after the 24 th . of March instant. Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to acquaint the Physicians of the Town with the preceeding Vote, & that a strict Compliance with the same is expected from them. Then the Meeting: was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders, & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 4 th . day of May Anno Domini 1778. [175.] Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - - read — The Inhabitants were desired to withdraw and bring in their Votes, for a Moderator of this Meeting, & the same being bro't in & sorted, it appeared, that, The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq was unanimously chosen Mod- erator. Several Resolves of the General Assembly of this State, rela- tive to new Draughts of Men, — were la-id before the Town by Col: Hatch, & read by their Orders. The Article in the Warrant Viz. " To consider & determine upon a Method for raising in the most expeditious & least burden- some Way, the Eighty Six Men ordered by the General Assembly of this State, to be draughted from the Boston Regiment, to serve in the Continental Army, or otherwise to act therein as they may judge best," — was read, & after some Consideration had thereon — It was moved & carried, that a Committee be appointed to take this Matter into Consideration, & to report what they shall judge to be best for the Town to do thereon, at the Adjournment of this Meeting Voted, that Caleb Davis Esq. M r . Joseph Barrel Thomas Daws Esq Col: John Hatch M r . Henderson Inches M r . Ebenezer Dorr Col: Thomas Tyng Major Edward Procter M r . Hermon Brimmer M r . Ezekiel Price Major Joseph Webb M r . John Reed M r . Thomas Walley [176.] Be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid A Letter from General Heath urging the immediate Cleansing of the Town from the Small Pox &c was read — and the Inhabi- tants afterwards desired to proceed in cleansing their Houses, with all possible Dispatch. On a Motion made Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday the 6 th : instant, 10 O'Clock in the Forenoon. Boston Town Records, 1778„ 17 Tuesday May 6 th . 10 O'Clock Forenoon met according to Ad- journment The Committee appointed by the Town to consider at large the State of the Town ; their Proportion of the Army, & the easiest & most expeditious Manner to raise the Eighty Six Men now ordered by the General Court, without adverting (at this time) to the Propriety or Impropriety of the Measure, with respect to this Town, — Report That the easiest way will be by giving them a handsome Bounty. They therefore propose to the Town, that a Bounty of Sixty pounds lawful Money, including the State Bounty — mentioned in the Resolve, be given to every person inlisting to make up Xhe Number of Fifty men, ordered to join General Washington for Nine Months ; & a Bounty of Thirty Pounds to every Person in- listing to make up the Number Thirty Six men, ordered to the North River for Eight Months, who are considered as a Detach- ment from the Militia. These Bounties will amount to four thousand & Eighty pounds, to raise which the Committee advise, that about Six hundred pounds now in the hands of the Town Treasurer for this purpose, & also the Sum of about four hundred pounds, generously raised by tbe Independent Company on this Occasion, be immedi- ately delivered to Col: Hatch, & that the remaining [177.] Sum of about three thousand & Eighty pounds, be borrowed by Subscription, which Sum shall be added to the next Town Tax & for the Repayment thereof the Town Treasurer be directed to give his Notes accordingly. That Col: Hatch be desired to appoint some proper Persons to beat up for Voluntiers until next Tuesday, on which Day the several Companies to be raised, & the Deficiency (if any at that time) be then draughted from the Companies : The Committee think it of very great Consequence, that the several Companies be enjoined, on no Terms, & in no way, to encrease the Bounty above men- tioned, as now the Men will be all on the same footing, & knowing the Extent of the Bounty, those who intend to enlist will do it immediately. The Committee would farther advise (should the Col: be re- duced to the disagreeable Necessity of draughting men, and any persons so draughted should pay their Fines) that the Fines so raised should be put into the Treasury, in order to make up the Sum now promised by the Town, & not as heretofore has been the Custom, divide it among those who should afterwards inlist. The Committee think it highly expedient, that due Care should be now taken to ascertain the Men raised, that they are for this Toivn. Had this been done in the late Levies, this Town had been delivered from this oppressive Draught, & saved a very large Sum of Money. The Town will do well to consider, that by the present Resolve of the General Court, no man from this Town, or any other, is allowed to inlist for any Town, but that they belong to ; so that 18 City Document No. 8u. those who may expect larger Advantages, will assuredly be disappointed. The foregoing Report having been read & considered, it was Voted, that the same be accepted — & that the Committee be desired to sit again & report further at the next Meeting. — Also [178.] Voted, thatM r . William Davis D r . John Loring M r . Nicholas Bowes ,M r . Daniel Parker M r . William Gooch be a Coinittee to procure Subscriptions agreable to the foregoing Report. On a Motion made Voted, that the Town will repay to Col: Hatch, whatever Sum it may be necessary for him to pay, as Charges incurred by raising of the Men. Voted, that David Jeffries Esq. Town Treasurer be, & he hereby is empowered & directed to borrow on the Credit of the next Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town, a Sum, not exceeding thirty three hundred Pounds, for the purpose mentioned in the foregoing Report, for the Repayment of which he is to give his negotiable Notes. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the 13 day of May Anno Domini 1778. Prayer was made by the Reverend M r . Wight. The' Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read Sundry Laws read The Town having determined to chuse Seven Persons to repre- sent them in the Great & General Court or Assembly, to be held at the Town House in Boston, upon Wednesday the 27 tl1 . Day current — the Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw, & bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives, & then it was [179.] Declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded, & that they propose the Poll shall be closed at 12 O' Clock. i The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives the Number of the same was found to be three hundred & forty- five — & upon sorting them it appeared that the following Persons were Chose, Viz. The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. - - ' - 335. The Hon h,e . William Phillips Esq. 227. The Hon ble . John Pitts Esq. 342. Oliver Wendell Esq. -------- 337. Caleb Davis Esq. --------- 334. Ellis Gray Esq. .--------- 329. John Lowell Esq. 221. The Choice of Representatives being over, & declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in Boston Town Eecords, 1778. 19 their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, & bro't in their Votes, & upon sorting them it appeared, that The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. was chosen. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon. 3 O'Clock in 'the Afternoon, met according to Adjournment. The Article in the Warrant Viz. "To consider what Regula- tions are necessary to be made respecting Faneuil Hall Market " — was read, & after some Debate, it was Voted, that the Selectmen give Orders that the Doors of the several Arches in Faneuil Hall Market, be taken off the Hinges, & that the Market House be kept open & free from Incumbrances, till the farther Orders of the Town. [180.] The Article in the Warrant Viz. " To consider whether Instructions shall be given to the Representatives that may be chosen " — was read, & the Question being accordinly put — Passed in the Negative. The Committee appointed to consider what is proper to be done by the Town, on their Voting to furnish the eighty Sis Men ordered to be draughted, as their Proportion of the Continental Army — Reported the following Draught of a Memorial to the General Assembly — Viz. To the Hon ble . the Council & House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts' Bay in General Court assembled. May it please your Honors. The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston beg leave to state to your Honors their Situation with Regard to the Continental Army. The Quota assigned this Town for the fifteen Battalions for the State, was one Seventh of the Inhabitants the Return made & sworn to by the Selectmen was 2852 including 188 Molattoes & Negroes ; since which our Numbers are so decreased, that the Training Bands & Alarm Lists, by a Return from Col: Hatch taken last Winter, was only 1423. We have in the Continental Army 527, Rank & File (all of those who have Families are now supplied by the Town at the reg- ulated Price 85 Officers, 106 Artificers, 14 Quarter Masters, & other Officers in the Continental Department (exclusive of near 300 in the Continental Navy) these we can prove by an exact Return, now in the Possession of Col: Hatch, and a Number of others, whose Regiment & Company cannot be ascertained at present, those together make the Number above [181.] 1000 Men, without the 87 now ordered, or any regard had to Col: Craft's Regiment, many of which belong to this Town — Besides, such have been the frequent Draughts from the Militia for short Terms of Duty, that almost every Man has served Twice. We trust the Court will not take Advantage of the Omission of the Place of Abode, & other Requisites in the Return of such Men belonging to this Town, as are inlisted into the Continental Army, for this Omission cannot in Justice be charged on this Town ; for, 20 City Document No. 80. the inlisting, the mustering, & the returning Officers, are all ap- pointed by the Court ; in one of those, or in the Designation of their Duty, must the Error lye ; & we are peculiarly affected, when we are told, that as the Return was not made according to the Mode prescribed, the Town is called upon, as delinquent, upon the Score of Omissions, though a very considerable Creditor upon that of Justice. — We hoped, & ive will still hope, the Hon ble . Court will be governed more by the latter, Consideration than the former, especially as they may remember, that, the Mode now prescribed, never made its Appearance, till after a great Number of our Men were mustered, Col: Bromfield made a Return according to the then Mode, which we suppose was agreable, as far as it went. We have exerted ourselves to supply the 87 Men now ordered, altho' we are Qonvincecl that we have done more than our Duty, & we find the main Difficulty is a Consciousness in the Breast of almost every Individual, that we are greatly, very greatly oppressed in this particular, tho' we are determined to a man not to be out done by any Town in the State, & we trust it will appear, we have more in proportion in actual Service than any other, notwithstanding the many Draughts from this Sea Port, by Men of War & Privateers, without whose Assistance [182.] We had long before this been reduced to the most wretched Situation. We submit these Matters to your Honor, & we pray for such Redress, as Justice demands, we do not petition for favor, we ask not the least Alleviation in any necessary proportioned Difficulty, but we do expect, & have a Right to demand Justice; & when these Matters are equitably adjusted, if we then are delinquent, we are ready at all Events to supply the Deficiency, but if we have a Surplusage we expect to remain Creditors therefor. The foregoing Draught of a Memorial being read & considered paragraph by paragraph, the same was accepted by the Town, & the Selectmen are directed to sign the same, & present it to the General Court. Adjourned to Monday the 25 th . of May, instant 9 O'Clock A.M. Monday the 25 th . of May, 9 O'Clock, met according to Adjournment. The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. Moderator of this Meeting having signified to the Town that he was unable to attend — the Inhabitants were desired to withdraw & bring in their Votes for a Moderator Pro Temp, the Votes being collected and sorted, it appeared that The Hon ,jle . Thomas Gushing Esq. was chosen. The Draught of a Petition to the General Court relative to the Men raised for the Continental Army, was again read, & after some Debate, Voted, that the same be recommitted. On a Motion made the Question was put Whether the Town will reconsider the Vote passed at the last Meeting not to give Instructions to their Representatives — Passed in the Affirmative. [183.] Voted, that Nathaniel Appleton Joseph Barrel Boston Town Records, 1778. 21 Ezekiel Price Samuel Barret Col: Thomas Daws be a Committee to prepare Instructions for the Gentlemen who represent this Town in the General Assembly — to report the same at the Adjournment. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to To-morrow 10 O'Clock to meet at the Old Brick Meeting House. Tuesday May 26 th . 10 O'Clock A.M. met according to Adjournment. The Committee to whom was recoihitted the Draught of a Memorial to the General Court — Reported, as entered Page 165 — which Report was accepted, & the Selectmen were directed to sign the same, & handed to our Representatives, to be by them presented to the General Assembly. The Committee appointed to prepare Instructions for our Representatives, Reported a Draught, which was read, & after considerable Debate, it was moved, & the Question accordingly put — That the Matter of Instructions subside, which passed in the Affirmative. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, 4 O'Clock P.M. to meet at Faneuil Hall. Monday June 1'. 1778, 4 O'Clock P.M. Met according to Adjournment. The Hon ble . Thomas Cushing Esq. Moderator of this Meeting being absent thro' Sickness. Jonathan Williams Esq. was chosen Moderator Pro. Temp, by a Hand Vote. [184.] On a Motion made, Voted, that M r . Ezekiel Price M r . Peter Boyer M r . Thomas Walley Samuel Barrett Esq. Deacon Tim . Newell Be a Committee to consider & report, what Grants may be nec- essary to make the several Schoolmasters for their Support the present Year. Voted, that all Matters & Things, which remain unfinished at this Meeting, be referred over to the Town Meeting on Wednes- day next for the Choice of two Selectmen Then the Meeting be dissolved. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, being free, & Twenty One Years of age, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Monday 25 th . Day of May Anno Domini 1778. Warrant for Calling the Meeting - - - . read The Hon ble . Thomas Cushing Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote. 22 City Document No. 80. A Motion being made for an Adjournment on Account of the Small Number of Inhabitants at this Meeting, when Business of so much Moment, as the accepting or rejecting of the Form of Government agreed on by the late Convention, was to be trans- acted — It was previously Voted, that at the Adjournment moved for, all the Bells be rung for -| an hour, before the time of Meet- ing, & that the Constables be desired to go through their several Wards & desire the Inhabitants to shut up their Shops, that all qualified might attend the Meeting. [185.] Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to -J past 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon, then to attend at the old Brick Meet- ing House. 3 O'Clock Afternoon, met according to Adjournment A Constitution & Form of Government for the State of Mas- sachusetts Bay, as agreed on by the Convention of said State February 28 th . 1778, to be laid before the several Towns & Plan- tations, in said State, for their Approbation or Disapprobation, was distinctly read & duely considered — And the Question being put, Viz : — Whether the Inhabitants do approve, or disapprove of said Form of Government, Nine hundred & Sixty eight Persons being present, & voting on the Question. On a Motion Voted, that M r . John Winthrop M r . Joseph Barrel Perez Morton Esq. M r . Ezekiel Price M r . Nathaniel Appleton Be a Committee to draw up Instructions relative to a Form of Government for this State, to report at the Adjournment. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, 3 O'Clock P.M. to meet at Faneuil Hall. June P. 1778, 3 O'Clock P.M. next according to Adjournment. The Hon ble . Thomas Gushing Esq. Moderator of this Meeting- being absent, occasioned by Sickness, Jonathan Williams Esq. was chosen Moderator Pro Temp, by a Hand Vote. The Committee appointed to draw up Instructions for our Representatives, relative to a Constitution or Form of Government — Reported the following Draught, Viz. To the Representatives of the Town of Boston — [186.] Gentlemen, You are hereby instructed by the Town of Boston to inform the Hon 1 ' 16 . General Court, that after mature Deliberation, in a very full Meeting, consisting of Nine hundred & Sixty eight, we Voted unanimously, to Reject the Form sent out by the Conven- tion, & proposed by them for the Government of this State in future, & to assure them, that a full Conviction of the Impropriety of this Matter's Originating with the General Court, was the Reason which induced us, the last Year, to instruct our Repre- sentatives, on no Terms to consent to any Proposals for this Par- Boston Town Records, 1778. 23 pose; & we are free to declare, the Specimen we now have, in the Form proposed, has confirmed us fully, even to Demonstration, that we were right in our Coujectures of that Hon ble . Body's being improper for this Business : — A Convention for this, & this alone, whose Existence is known No Longer than the Constitution is forming, cau have no Prepossessions in their own Favor, while it is hard for the General Court, upon a Matter of this Kind, to divest themselves of the Idea of their being Members; & the probability that they may continue such, may induce them to form the Government with peculiar Reference to themselves : — To this we suppose it is owing, that the Legislative & Executive Branches are so blended, & that nothing appears, but that the Members of the Court may monopolize to themselves a Variety of Offices, which we are fully persuaded, the best Form of Govern- ment will ever keep these Branches intirely distinct, & the Mem- bers confined to their particular Duties, without Incumbrance. 'Tis needless to particularize the many Objections which we could offer to the Form — It is defective in its Foundation ; for it's surely of Importance, that all Forms of Government should be prefaced by a Bill of Rights ; in this we find no Mention of any : — But, was it unexceptionable in all its Parts, except that of Representation, that alone would be [187.] Sufficient with every one possessed of the least Idea of Justice, or the smallest Knowl- edge of the Rights of Human Nature, to reject with Disdain, a Proposal so diametrically opposite to both. — Representation ought to be conformable to some Rule, either Property or Numbers, or both; but in the Present no Regard is had to either, and Reason, Justice, & common Sense, must be tortured to a great Degree, to accept that Representation, as equal, which may be as Ten or Twenty to One: "For every incorporated Town, without ascer- taining the Number of Voters, may send one Member, while no Town, having any Number under three hundred, shall send more." If this is equal, if this is just, all the Rules of Arithmetic, which have been in use since the Formation of Figures, must be done away ; but until this new Rule of Calculation receives the Stamp of Authority, we cannot Consent to it ; for we are possessed of that antiquated Notion, that two & two are always equal to four, & it appears to us absolutely impossible to prove the contrary. We were, & still are of Opinion, that a time of War is noi the time to form Constitutions ; we feel the ill Consequence of this Matter, having taken up the time of the General Court, while the Army was neglected — We wish the present may profit by the Errors of the last. — Should it be declared, that this Form is adopted by two thirds of the State, you will be careful that exact Scrutiny be made, as to the Numbers, & at all Events enter your solemn Protest against the Glaring Injustice of Representation ; but should it meet the Fate we hope & expect, of a total Rejection, & a new one is proposed, you are by no Means to give your Consent, but protest against & oppose it in every Stage of its Progress, & thereby do what is in your power, to prevent unnecessary Expences of public Money. The present Form of Government we look upon equal to the 24 Our Document No. 80. Exigencies of the Times, & hold ourselves bound to support it with our Lives & Fortunes. [188.] At a proper Time your Constituents wish ardently a new form, & perhaps in a Day of Tranquility, such an One may be adopted as shall please all good Men, & save us from the Dissen- tions which we find attending the present Time. The foregoing Draught of Instructions to our Representatives having been read & considered, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted, & given to our Representatives as their Instructions — Passed in the Affirmative. On a Motion Voted, that those Instructions be printed in the News Papers. Then the Meeting: was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the 3 d . Day of June, Anno Domini 1778. The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes for Two Representatives, in the Room of the Hon ble . Oliver Wendell & John Pitts Esq 1 ' 8 ., elected Counsellors; & then it was proposed that the Poll should be closed at 12 O'Clock. The Votes being bro't in for two Representatives, the Number of the same was found to be 250 — & upon sorting them, it appeared, that M r . Joseph Barrel was chosen --------- 189. The Votes being bro't in for One Representative, the Number of t?he same was found to be 218 — -& upon Sorting them it appeared that Thomas Daws Esq. was chosen ---------128. [189.] The Choice of Representatives being over & declared — by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant & those which were referred over at the May Meeting — accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, and brought in their Votes, & upon sorting them it appeared, that The Hon blc . James Otis Esq. was chosen. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon. 3 O'Clock P.M. met according to Adjournment The Town proceeded to the Choice of two Selectmen, and upon sorting the Votes bro't in, it appeared, that M r . Nathan Frazier was chosen a Selectman for the year ensuing. The Town again bro't in their Votes for one Selectman & upon sorting them, it appeared, that M r . Ezekiel Price was chosen a Selectman for the Year ensuing. Boston Town Records, 1778. 25 The Committee appointed to consider and report, what Grants it may be necessary to make to the several Schoolmasters, for their Salaries & Support the present year — Reported as on File, & the Question being put — Whether the same shall be accepted? Passed in Affirmative Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Twenty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M r . Samuel Hunt for his Salary, as Master of the South Grammar School, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, and to commence from the Expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the additional Sum of One hundred & Eighty Pounds, for Six Months, commencing the 1*. of March last, [190.] Be allowed & paid unto M r . Samuel Hunt, on Account of the present high Price of Provisions &c. Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M r . Samuel Holbrook for his Salary, as Master of the Writing School in the Common, the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence from the Expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of one hundred pounds for Six Months, be allowed & paid unto M r . Samuel Holbrook on Account of the present high Price of Provisions &c. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred pounds be allowed & paid unto M r . James Tileston for his Salary, as a Master of the North Writing School, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, & to commence from the Expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of one hundred pounds be allowed & paid unto M r . James Tileston, for six Months, on Account of the present high Price of Provisions &c. Voted, that the Sum of one hundred pounds be allowed & paid unto M r . James Carter, for his Salary, as Master of the writing School in Queen Street, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, & to commence from the Expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of one hundred pounds for Six Months, be allowed & paid unto M r . James Carter, on Account of the present high Price of Provisions &c. Voted, that the Sum of Sixty pounds be allowed & paid unto M r . William Bently, for his Salary as Usher of the South Gram- mar School, the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, & to commence from the Expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of eighty pounds, for Six Months, be allowed & paid unto M r . William Bently, on Account of the present high Price of Provisions &c. [191.] Voted, that the Sum of one hundred & thirty pounds be allowed & paid out of the Town Treasury, unto David Jeffries Esq. for his services, as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, & for all his Expences in that Office. Voted, that the Sum of one hundred and eighty pounds, be allowed & paid out of the Town Treasury unto David Jeffries Esq. in Consideration of the high Price of Provisions &c. 26 City Document No. 80. The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of David Jeffries Esq. Town Treasurer, have attended that Service, & find the same from March 1775, to March 1778 right cast and well vouched, in which he charges himself with sundry Rents & other Incomes of the Town, amounting to £10612 - 9 - 11. And the said Treasurer discharges himself by Abatements made the Collectors amounting £967-18-8 — by draughts made by the Selectmen amounting to £4178 - 3 — 3 of which he has paid £3922-12 - 3 — by Draughts made by the Overseers of the poor, amounting to £5615 - 6 - If — of which he has paid £4991 - 10 - If — & also by sundry Sums paid for Interest &c — amounting to £150-3 — 5 — ■ The Debt of Account of Town Treasurer, in the Treasurers Books amount to Sixteen thousand two hundred & five Pounds 14 f 5 d . £ The Committee have inspected said Draughts in a very particu- lar manner, & every other Branch of public Chai'ge, amounting in the whole to above £16205 - 14 - 5 J as by Account of Town Treasurer in Town Treasurer's Books Ballance where of being five thousand five hundred and ninety three pounds 4/6£, is carried to the Debet of a new Account. "Which Report & Account being read, Voted, that the same be, & hereby is accepted. [192,] Voted, that the Selectmen be, & they hereby are ap- pointed to act upon the List of Jurors. Voted, that the Sum of Thirty three hundred Pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town, for the Repay- ment of the Sums borrowed by Subscription for the Bounty Voted the 6 th . of May last, to be given the 86 Men, raised by a late Order of the General Court, as this Towns Proportion of the Con- tinental Army, in Addition to the Ten thousand & four thousand pounds, already Voted for the other Services of the Town the present Year. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the 24 th . Day of June Anno Domini 1778. Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Inhabitants bro't in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, & the same being sorted it appeared, that M r . William Davis was chosen. The Town took into Consideration the Resolve of the General Assembly of this State passed June 10 th . 1778 — the Selectmen of each Town in this State, are directed to pay out of the Treasury of their respective Towns, the Sum of fourteen pounds, to each Non-Commissioned Officer & Private, that shall be detached & Mustered, agreable to said Resolve, to serve in the Army, for the Defence of Rhode Island &c. Boston Town Records, 1778. 27 [193.] Also Six pence p Mile for Mileage to said Men " — Whereupon Voted, that David Jeffries Esq. Town Treasurer be, & he hereby is impowered & directed to borrow on the Credit of the next Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town, the Sum of Seven hun- dred & fifty Pounds for the purpose mentioned in a Resolve of the General Court passed the 10 th . of June 1778, for the Repayment of which he is to give his negotiable Notes on Interest — Also Voted, that Mess s . Daniel Bell Capt Jonathan Stoddard be a Committee to procure Subscriptions agreable to the foregoing Vote. Voted, that the Sum of Seven hundred & fifty pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town, for the Repay- ment of the Sums to be borrowed by the Town Treasurer for the Bounty & Mileage, allowed by the General Assembly in their Re- solve, passed the 10 th . Day of June Current, to be given this Town's Proportion of the eighteen hundred Men, ordered to be raised by Draughts on several Regiments in this State to serve in the Army for the Defence of Rhode Island &c the same to be added to the next Assessment Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Thursday the 6 th . Day of August A.D. 1778 [194.] Warrant for Calling the Meeting read. The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, & the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that The Hon ble . John Hancock was chosen unanimously Moderator of this Meeting, and took his Seat accordingly. The Article in the Warrant Viz. " To consider and determine, what Steps are proper to be taken, with respect to a Number of Persons, late Inhabitants of this Metropolis, who have sought & received Protection from the British King, and, as it is report* 1 , are about returning to this Town " — was read & also the Application to the Selectmen for Calling the Meeting — After very warm De- bates upon the Subject It was moved that the Sense of the Town may be taken, Whether they will now proceed to take any Steps in this Matter — And the Question being accordingly put — It passed in the Affirm- ative Unanimously It was then Voted, unanimously, that it is the Opinion of this Town, that no one of those Persons, that have left this Town, & have sought & Received Protection from the British King, can return to it again, without greatly endangering its Peace & Safety. Upon a Motion made, it was Voted, that 28 City Document No. SO. The Hon ble . John Hancock Esq. Nathaniel Appleton Esq. M r . Thomas Walley M r . Commissary Devens Ellis Gray Esq. M r . Ezekiel Price [195.] M r . William Cooper M r . Joseph Henderson M r . John Winthrop Be a Committee to consider and report, at the Adjournment, what they judge may be farther necessary to be done, respecting the Subject-Matter of the Warrant. On a Motion made, it was Voted, that this Meeting stand ad- journed to the first Monday in September next, 3 O'Clock P.M. And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned, Monday the 7 th . of September 3 O. Clock P: M: Met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to consider and Report what may further done to prevent those Persons that have left the Town and have sought and received protection from the British King. — Re- ported, which Report being read and considered, was amended by the Town, and is as follows, Viz'. The Committee appointed to consider what may be further done to prevent these Persons that have left the Town, and have sought and received protection from the British King, Reported the following Vote. Viz 1 . Voted, that the Representatives of the Town be and the}' hereby are Instructed and directed to use their best endeavors in the Great and General Court at their next Sessions to have such Laws enacted as may effectually prevent a return, to the Town, or any part of the State, any Person whatever who has left this Country when in Distress, and has Saught and received protec- tion from the King & Government of Britain [196.] The Question being put, Whether the foregoing Report shall be excepted — passed in the Affirmative, unanimously also Voted that the Town Clerk furnish the Gentlemen who Repre- sent this Town with an Attested Copy of the foregoing Vote. On a Motion made by a late Speach of the Patriotick Gover- nour Livingston, relative to the inexpediency of the absent Torys, being suffered to return to these States, was read Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 29 th . Day of September Anno Domini 1778. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read. The Inhabitants were directed to bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Town Meeting and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that The Honourable John Hancock Esq 1 ", was chosen Moderator unanimously. Boston Town Records, 1778. '29 [197.] The Town being informed by General Hancock, that a Lameness prevented his Accepting the Honor done to him by the appointment, proceeded to the choice of another Person, and the Votes being brought in and sorted it appear'd that The Hon ble . Thomas Cushing Esq r . was chosen Moderator of this Meeting unanimously. The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . — To consider of the request of the Overseers of the Poor, that the Town would take Measures for the immediate raising a sum of Money in order to procure Provisions, and other Necessaries of Life, for the present Supply of the Poor in the Almshouse, and to carry them through the Winter" — was read and after debate had thereon, it was moved and Voted, that upon account of the thinness of this Meeting, it be Adjourned to Wednesday next 10 O'Clock in the Forenoon, also Voted that the Bell Ringers be directed by the Selectmen, to ring the last Bells for the Adjournment of this Meeting half an Hour before the time of Meeting And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. Wednesday September 30 th . 1778 — 10 O'Clock Forenoon — Met according to Adjournment. The Article in the Warant relative to the request of the Over- seers, of the Poor, for the Supply of the Alms House, again read & after considerable debate [198.] Voted, that a Petition be preferred to the General Assembly of this State, that a Quantity of Corn now in the Hands, of the Hon ble . Board of War, may be disposed of to the Town, for the use of the State and Town Poor now in the Alms House ; as also for a Quantity of Wood, if it should appear, that considerable of that Article has been procured by the Board of War for the use of the State ; and that the Selectmen be a committee to prepare and Present said Petition — also — Whereas it has been represented to this Town by the overseers of the Poor, that they stand in pi'esent and absolute need of a con- siderable Sum of Money to procure Supplies for the Support of the Poor in the Alms House this Fall and the ensuing Winter. Voted, that it be and hereby is earnestly recommended to the Inhabitants of the Town to pay their Town Taxes to the Collectors immediately, in order that the Overseers may be furnished with a sufficient sum of Money for the purpose aforesaid and the Col- lectors are hereby directed to pay in the Money they ma} r receive in consequence of this Vote to the Town Treasurer immediately, and the Town Treasurer is directed to supply the Overseers, of the Poor with a Sum not exceeding Five Thousand, five hundred Pounds, accordingly also. Voted, that the Committee appointed to assist the Town Treas- urer in borrowing Moneys for the service of the Town be desired to proceed in said business, till the several Votes of Credit are Compleated. [199.] The Article in the Warrant, Viz 1 . What steps shall be taken in regard to a late Resolve of the General Assembly of 30 City Document No. 80. this State, directing the Selectmen of this Town to procure four hundred and Seven Shirts, and the same number of pairs of Shoes and Stockings for the use of the Continental Army " — was read — and after some debate had thereon, it was moved, and Voted, that the further consideration of this Article be referred to the Adjournment The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To consider the request of the Assessors, that,, an, adequate Allowance may be made them on Account of the extraordinary duty which now lays upon them, and in consideration of the high price of the necessaries of Life " was read, and after considerable debate, it was moved, that the further consideration thereof be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting. The Article in the Warrant relative to procuring Shoes and Stockings &c for the Continental Army was again read and con- sidered, whereupon, it, was Voted, the former Vote be reconsid- ered, for referring the further consideration of this Article to the Adjournment, and that the Selectmen be and hereby are directed and impowered to procure the Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings wanted for the Continental Army, Agreable to a Resolve of the General Assembly of this State for that purpose. [200.] Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday the 11 th . Day of November 10. O. Clock. A: M: And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. Wednesday the 11 th . Day of November 10. O. Clock Forenoon — Met accoi'ding to Adjournment. The Article in the Warrant — Viz'. — "To consider of the request of the Overseers of the Poor, that the Town would take measures for the immediate raising a Sum of Money in Order to procure Provisions, and other Necessaries of Life, for the present supply of the Poor in the Alms House, and to carry them through the Winter " — was read — The Collectors of Taxes were then called upon, to acquaint the Town, with the success they had met with in Collecting Money, from their respective Wards. The Collectors having Reported, agreeable to requirement ; the Town were thereby led to apprehend, that the Overseers of the Poor, were like soon to receive sufficient Moneys for the present supply of the Alms House — whereupon it was Voted, that the further consideration of that Article in the Warrant respecting the Alms House was become needless. The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . — To consider the request of the Assessors, that an adequate Allowance may be made them on Accouut [201.] of the extraordinary Duty which now lays upon them, and in consideration of the High price of the neces- saries of Life" — -was again read, and considered — Whereupon it was moved and Voted, that the further consideration of this Matter be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting — also Voted, that M r . Ezekiel Price M r . Peter Loyer Boston Town Records, 1778. 3l M r . Thomas Walley Samuel Barret Esq r . M r . Timothy Newell A Committee appointed at a former Meeting " to consider and Report what grants may be necessary to make the several School Masters for their Support the present year," — be desir'd to take the request of the Assessors into consideration, and Report what they Judge proper to be done thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting It was then moved, and Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday the 17 th . Day of November 10. O'Clock Forenoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Tuesday the 17 th . Day of November 10. OClock Forenoon — Met according to Adjournment The Honb le . Thomas dishing Esq r . [202.] Moderator of this Meeting, having Signified that he was unable to attend, by reason of Sickness Votes, by Order of the Selectmen were brought in for a Moderator Pro Tern , and upon sorting them it appeared that The Honb le . John Hancock Esq r . was chosen The Committee appointed, " to consider what Grants may be necessary to make the several Schoolmasters, for their support the present year" —Reported as follows Viz 4 . That a further additional allowance on Account of the present high price of Provisions & c . be made — Viz 4 . To M r . Samuel Hunt - - - of £250 — for y e . other 6 Months To M r . Samuel Holbrook - - of 140 — for - - d°. - - To M r . James Carter - - - of 140 — for - - d°. - - To M r . James Tileston - - of 140— for - - d°. - - To M r . James Bently Usher to M r . Hunt of £125 — d°. - - and for omission the last 6 Months, — - 10 £135 The Committee appointed " to consider of an adequate Allow- ance to the Assessors on Account of their extraordinary duty and in consideration of the High price of the Necessaries of Life — having attended the Assessors, examined their Business the present Year ; Viued their method of doing the same, with the great number of Books, and Papers, they have wrote and gone through for that Purpose ; do find that by means of the repealed Assessments, they have been obliged to make, and the regular Method they have pursued [203.] In making those Assess- ments, and the General Valuation of the Ratable Estates, of the Inhabitants agreeable to a late Law of this State ; great Labour and much time have been Spent therein ; and that their whole number might be employ'd in the Service. We are therefor of Opinion That they ought to receive thirty Shillings per Day, each, during the time of their being employed in the Business of their Office, to commence from the Settlement of their last Account. The foregoing Report having been read, and duly considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accented — Passed in the Affermative The Report of the Committee to consider proper allowances to 32 City Document No. 80. the Schoolmasters, having been duly considered, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affer- mative A Motion was made and passed that this Meeting be dissolved — And tbe Meeting was accordingly dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Tuesday the 17 th . Day of November Anno Domini 1778. 11. 0. Clock. Forenoon [204.] Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Votes for a Moderator, of this Meeting having been brought in and sorted, it appeard, that The Honb le . John Hancock Esq r . was chosen. The Warrant for calling the Meeting " to make enquirey why some obnoxious Persons that have returned are permitted to reside here contrary to a Law of this State ; and to receive from the Committee of Correspondence an account of their proceeding in the execution of said Laws and to adopt some spirited Resolves, whereby the Town may further testify to the World their deter- mination that those sworn Enemies to our rights and Liberties, who have fled their Country and engaged as volunteers, in the cause of Tyranny and shall never return to enjoy within the Walls of liberty and independence " — was again read. The Committee of Correspondence &c being called upon for an Account of their proceedings reported see particulars as entered at large in the fair Quarto Minnet Book of Town Meeting trans- acted from Page 110 to 125 On a Motion made Voted, that M r . Thomas W alley Caleb Davis Esq 1 ". Perez Morton Esq r . be a Committee to wait upon the Board of War, and to request their Reason for Suspending the opperation of the [205,] Law, so far as it respects the sendiug M r . Johonnot out of this State The Meeting was then Adjourned to three O'Clock P: M: Three O'Clock Afternoon, met according to Adjournment. The Committee appointed in the Forenoon, Reported that they had waited on the Board of War, who were pleased to hand them an order to be laid before the Town, a Resolve of Council and the Board of Wars, replys, and a second Resolve of Council, which are as follows Viz'. State of Massachusetts Bav Council Chamber October 16. 1778. Whereas it appears to this Board, that Francis Johonnot's case, now confined in the Common Goal in Boston, as appears included in the exclusion Act, passed the last Session of the General Court, is attended with sundry circumstances peculiarly favorable to him, And such as would have a great tendency to induce the Legislative Authority of this State to order his Liberation from Prison and exemption from banishment : therefore Boston Town Eecords, 1778. 33 Order that it be and hereby is recommended to the Board of War, not to send off Francis Johonnott who is now confined in Goal, in consequence of a Law that passed the last Session of the General Court, agreable [206.] To the direction of said Law, untill he can have opportunity to lay the State of his case before the General Court, and obtain their determination thereon — True Copy Att s . John Avery Dep y . Sec y . To the Hon ble . the Council — We the underwritten, Members of the Board of War, have received your Honours, recommendation, respecting Francis Jo- honnot now confined in Boston Goal on the exclusion Act, on which we beg leave to observe — that however favourable any circumstances may appear in that Gentlemans Case, they apprehend the Law the common rule of all our conduct, has nothing discretionary with us, therefore to Suspend the opperation of so positive a State, on a recommendation only, we confess we are awfully afraid Samuel P. Savage John Brown War Office October Thomas Walker 27. 1 778. Eleazer Johnson Isaac Phillips State of the Massachusetts Bay Council Chamber October 28 th . 1778. On the Petition of Francis Johonnot Whereas. M r . Francis Johonnott has lately been confined to the common Goal in Boston as a Person included in the Act intitled. " An Act to prevent the return to this State of certain Persons [207.] Therein named, and others, who have left the State, or other of the United States, and Joined the Enemies thereof " — And in persuance of said Act, is to be transported by the Board of War, to some port or place, within the Dominions or in the possession of the Forces of the King of Great Britain ; and whereas it appears to this Board, that the case of said Francis Johonott is attended with many circumstances peculiarly favour- able to him, and which might induce the Legislative Authority of this State (if they were convened) to liberate him from Goal, and exempt him from banishment ; and his conduct during his Ab- sence, and since he fled from Great Britain has been such as that in case he should be sent out of this State, as is by said Act directed, he would be exposed to immediate distraction, liable to be apprehended as a Traitor to the King of Great Britain, and to suffer the punishment Persons of such a character are by their laws exposed to : the sending him off therefore under such circum- stances would be looked upon by every considerate and Candid Man as a Species of cruelty, unworthy of Americans : therefore Ordered, That the Prayer of this Petition be so far granted, the Board of War be and hereby are directed and required, to sus- pending sending of the said Francis Johonnot, in pursuance of the Act aforesaid untill he can have an Opportunity to lay the State 34 City Document No. 80. of case before the General Court, and obtain their determination thereuu True Copy Att s . John Avery Dep y . Sec y . [208.] On a Motion made — Voted, that Caleb Davis Esq r . AVilliam Cooper M r . Thomas Walley Ezekiel Price Esq r . M r . Harbottle Dorr D r . Nathaniel Noyes Col . Edward Proctor be a Committee to consider at large the Subject matter of the Notification, for the Meeting, and to Report at the Adjournment, what they shall Judge necessary for the Town to do thereon. It was then moved, that there might be an Adjournment to Monday next 3. O. Clock Afternoon; And the Meeting was accord ingby Adjourned Monday the 23 d , of November 3 O'Clock P: M: Met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to consider at large the subject Mat- ter of the Notification and Reported the following Resolves &c which with some amendments, were passed by a very great majority. Viz 1 . The Town having examined mto the Case and Circumstances of Cap'. Samuel Pepper, and M r . Francis Johonnot, came into the following Resolves. Viz'. [209.] Resolved, that it appears to this Town that the Board of War have not proceeded with M r . Francis Johonnot, as is injourned them by the late Law of this State, having suspended the Operation of said Law so far as it respects the said Johonnot, untill the next Meeting of the General Court, by the order and requirement of the Honb le . Council of this State ; for reasons set forth in said Order Resolved, as the Sense of this Town that the Oath of Fidelity, being administred to Cap'. Samuel Pepper by M r . Justice Green- leaf, is indirect violation of a law of this State, prescribing the form of said Oath, and said Pepper still remaining among us, is dangerous to the peace and Safety of this and the United States Whereas this Town have divers times testified their indignation at those Practices, who have imbrued their hands in the Blood of their fellow Countrymen, and their determined resolution to do all in their Power to prevent their return, and at a late full Meet- ing of the Inhabitants, solemnly Voted. — "That it is the opinion of the Town, that no one of those Persons who have left this Town and have sought and received protection from the British King, can return to it again without greatly endangering its peace and safety, ' And the Gentlemen who Represent this Town in General Assembly, having agreeable to their Instruction, Moved for, and obtained a Law to be enacted, prohibiting a return to this Town, or any part of this State, any such Persons whatso- Boston Town Eecords, 1778. 35 ever ; and it appearing [210.] To this Town, that said Law and others, in force are well calculated to preserve the Peace and Safety of this and the United States at a time of common danger, provided the same are carried into execution Resolved, That the Inhabitants of this Town will exert them- selves to the utmost in Supporting the Civil Magistrate in the execution of this Law, that those, professed Enemies to our Rights and Liberties, the first fomenters of our present Troubles, who have left this Country and aided the British Tyrant iu his worse than Savage measures, to deprive Americans of ever thing that ought to be held dear and sacred by any People, may not return and enjoy in common, the fruits of what our immortal Patriots, have toil'd and bled to procure us, and in some future time to be again the base and cursed Instruments of British Seducers, in in- volving a happy People in confusion and bloodshed, in order to realise the reward, and private advantages held out to such Traitors by the Enemies of America — And it is further Resolved, That our Representatives be and they are hereby are Instructed, to use Their influence in the Gen- eral Assembly, that the Laws now in. being, relative to our implacable Enemies be not only preserved in their full force and vigor, but strengthened if there should be occasion ; this Town being of opinion, that no relaxation, can at this time be permitted without great hazard, not only to our peace but to the glorious Cause in which America is engaged [211.] The Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safety, having agreeable to requirement Reported to the Town their proceedings in the execution of the late Law of this State prohib- iting the return of inimical Persons ; and it appearing to the Town that they have diligently and faithfully performed the duties enjoined them by the Laws of this State Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given them therefore ; and that they be desired to proceed with vigilance and activity in the further discharge of the Duties of their Important trust ; the Town being determined to afford them their countenance and support, while they continue to make the Laws of this State, the rule of their Conduct. On a Motion made and Voted, That the sum of Three hundred and fifty Pounds be added to M r . Hunts Salary for the Year end- ing the first of March next. Nine hundred pounds in considera- tion of the high price of the necessaries of Life — On a Motion made, Voted, that the Sum of One hundred seventy five Pounds be granted to M r . William Bently, Usher to the South Grammar School, in addition to the Salary already granted him ending the first of March next, in consideration of the high price of Necessaries, which will make one half the Sum which has been granted M r . Hunt [212.] On a Motion, Voted, That all the proceedings of this Meeting be Published. It was then moved, that this Meeting be dissolved And it was accordingly dissolved 36 City Document No. 80. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 13 th . Day of January Anno Domini 1779. 10. Clock Forenoon Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to bring their Votes for a Moder- ator of this Meeting and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared, that John Brown Esq 1 ', was chosen unanimously. The Article in the Warrant Viz'. 5 C To consider what measures are proper to be taken by the Town, respecting the present scarcity of Bread Corn and to prevent the further monopoly and exorbitant prices of the Necessaries of Life " — was read — and after some consideration thereon — On a Motion made Voted, that the Bakers in the Town be desired to give their Attendance and inform the Town [213.] of the quantity of Flour and Grain, which they, and others, may now have by them — Several of the Town Baker's, attend'd accordingly, and in- formed of what they knew relative to the quantity of Flour and Grain, now in the hands of the Bakers &c On a Motion made Voted, that a Committee of thirty Six Persons, three for each Ward, be now chosen, to make thorough inquiry in their respective Wards as to the quantity of Flour and the other Necessaries of Life, now in Town — and to Report in writing at the Adjournment — Voted the following Persons be and hereby are appointed a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid — Viz 1 . Ward Cap 1 . William Brown N°. 1 M r . John Sigorney Cap 1 . Silas Atkins Mess rs . John Lambert N°. 2 Nathaniel Barber Richard Flood Cap'. John Ballard N°. 3 Cap'. Elias Parkman James Sherman Col . Edward Proctor N°. 4 Francis Shaw Esq r . Edward Edes [214.] Cap'. William Craft N°. 5 M r . Daniel Parker Cap'. William Bell Cap'. John Hinckley M r . Joseph Hall N°. 6 M r . Benjamin Sumner Boston Town Eecords, 1779. 37 M r . Benjamin Edes M r . Robert Wier N°. 7 M r . Joseph Lovering M r . "William Scollay Cap'. Winthrop Gray N°. 8 Col . Jonathan Pollard M r . Adam Colson M r . Thomas Walley N°. 9 M r . Joseph Shed Major Joseph Webb Deacon Robert Gardner N°. 10 M r . William McNiel M r . Samuel Ruggles M r . Thomas Tifeston N°. 11 M r . John McLane Deacon Gibbins Sharp Cap*. Robert Davis N°. 12 M r . Ebenezer Dorr [215.] On a Motion made — Voted, that a Committee of Nine Persons be appointed to take up the several matters, in the Warrant for calling the Meeting, and to report at Large what Measures they apprehend it will be expedient for the Town to adopt, in order to relieve the Inhabitants under their great and growing difficulties Voted, that John Brown Esq r . John Rowe Esq r . William Cooper Samuel Barret Esq r . Ezekiel Price Esq r . M r . William Foster Cap 4 . Amasa Davis Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r , Nathaniel Noyes be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid On a Motion made Voted, that the several Wharfingers be desired to attend the foregoing Committee, and acquaint them with the present quantity of Wood on their respective Wharfs Voted, that the Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next 10. O'Clock Forenoon and the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. Fryday the 15 th . of January 10. O'Clock Forenoon, met accord- ing to Adjournment. The Committee of thirty Six appointed to make inquery in the several Wards, as to the quantity of Flour and other Articles, made Report in Writing [216.] Of the quantities of Flour and other necessaries of Life, which upon enquiry were found in the respective Wards 38 City Document No. 80. The Committee of Nine made a Report as follows — Viz 4 . The Committee appointed to take np the Several Matters contained in the Warrant, beg leave to Report, in part That they have conversed with the several Wood Wharfingers, and find that the Wood now on hand is sold to the Continent and State ; that the Coasters now demand twenty Six dollars for Wood, and that considering the high price of Hay &c. they cannot deliver their Wood under thirty six Dollars, but to prevent any further rise of that Article, for the present they have engaged to supply the Inhabitants with two hundred and fifty Cord at thirty Six Dollars in small Quantities not exceeding Six feet — Your Committee by conferring with the Chairman of the Committee of Enquirey are informed that the present supply of Flour and Bread Corn is very scanty, therefore are of opinion that some measures must be adopted immediately to purchase a quantity of Flour and Grain for which purpose they recomend to the Town to appoint a Committee to Collect Subscriptions for Money to be advanced immediately and put into some trusty hands, to buy up a quantity of Grain and Flour, and [217.] have The same housed in the Granary, and sold to the Inhabitants at the discretion of the Selectmen or a Committee for that purpose, at the cost and charges, and as it ma} T be necessary for the purchasers to go into the States of Connecticut and New York, your Commit- tee recomend, that an application be made immediately to the General Assembly requesting a recommendation to those States for permission to transport the same into this State. As there is now depending in the General Court a Bill to prevent forestalling and monopoly, your Committee have suspended the consideration of that Article till they can obtain further informa- tion respecting said Bill, but recomend it to the Inhabitants, not to purchase any more of the Necessaries of Life, then thoy have immediate occasion for in their Families ; and that the present Possessors of Sugar, Molasses, Grain, Flour, Tea, Coffee, Choco- lat and Rice, be desired to retail the Same in small quantities untill the Town shall take further order thereon The foregoing Report having been considered, paragraph by paragraph, the question was put — whether the same shall be accepted — pass'd in the affermative Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed and impowered to receive all the Moneys which shall be borrowed by the Com- mittee to be appointed to Collect Subscriptions, agreeable to the Report of the foregoing Committee also [218.] Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed and impowered to give his negotiable Notes carrying Interest, and payable from three to Six Months, to such Persons as shall lend the Town Moneys for the purpose of purchasing Flour. &c agreeable to the foregoing Report On a Motion made. Voted, that the Committee to be chosen for the purpose of borrowing Moneys and purchasing Flour, and con- sist of Twelve Persons to be chosen by Ballot, in the Afternoon Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourn'd to 3. 0. Clock. P: M: Boston Town Records, 1779. 39 3 0. Clock P. M. Met according to Adjournment The Votes for a Committee of Twelve Persons, for the Purpose of borrowing Moneys purchasing Flour &c were brought in, and being sorted, it appeared, that John Rowe Esq r . M r . John White M r . William Bant M r . Gibbins Sharp excused Samuel Barret Esq 1 . M r . Thomas Wally M r . Samuel Hendly Esq r . M r . Isaac Pierce • excused M r . John Lucas M r . Thomas Russell [219.], Cap'. Amasa Davis M r . Daniel Hubbard were chosen. Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to the 16 th . Day of Jan- uary Ins 1 , and the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Saturday 16 th . January. 10. O: Clock Forenoon — met according to Adjournment On a Motion made and carried the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for six Persons in addition to the Committee for borrowing Money and purchasing Flour & c — the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that M r . John Sweetser M r . William Foster Major Joseph Webb Cap'. Gustavus Fellows M r . Samuel Breck M r . Henderson Inches were chosen The following Memorial and Address to Major General Gates, was laid before the Town, agreeable to a Motion made for that Purpose at the last Meeting — Viz'. — To the Hon ble . Horatio Gates Esq r . Major General and Com- mander of the Army of the United States in the Eastern Depart- ment — The Memorial and Address of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston [220.] The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston beg leave to represent to you Sir, that from their distresses occasioned by the present scarcity of Flour and Bread Corn, owing in a great Meas- ure to the Embargo laid thereon in the Southern States, a large Sum of Money has been subscribed for procuring a quantity thereof, for the more immediate relief of the Poor ; and not know- ing but that some Flour might be spared from the Continental Stores, which have been augmented from the Magazines of this State ; we pray you Sir, that you would be pleased either to give directions or recommend to the Commissary General of Supplies, the favouring us with the loan of such a quantity thereof, to be 40 City Document No. 80. replac'd in a short Time, as you shall Judge may be spared without prejudice to the Publick Service, to which we are sensible every private or partial Interest ought to give place The Town take this opportunity in Publick Town Meeting Assembled, to express their high satisfaction in seeing this Military Department filled by a Gentleman who thr°. the favour of Providence has acquired such uncommon Glory in the Field, and whose Services has been so happily important to the General In- terest of the United States and particularly to the present security of the Northern Quarter, and in whom as well as in your worthy Predecessor in this Department, we experience the amiable qualities of a good Citizen, combined with the accomplishments of the Soldier ; from whence we derive the most pleasing Assurances that- nothing [221.] on your part will be ommitted, which may conduce to the relief, the peace and good order, as well as the defence of the Town Voted, unanimously, the foregoing Memorial and Address, be attested by the Town Clerk, and that John Brown Esq r . the Moderator of this Meeting together with John Scollay Esq r . Samuel Austin Esq r . Jonathan "Williams Esq r . M r . Harbottle Dorr. Cap 4 . Gustavus Fellows, Cap'. John Preston Deacon Thomas Grenough, M r . Nathan Frazier and Ezekiel Price Esq r . Selectmen and William Cooper Town Clerk be a Committee to present the same in behalf of the Town On a Motion made, that the Inhabitants might be directed to bring in their Votes for four Persons, to be added to the Com- mittee for borrowing Moneys and purchasing Flour &c — the Votes for four Persons were accordingly brought in and sorted when it appeared, that • Isaac Smith Esq r . Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . James Bowdoin Jun r . Esq r . M r . John Barret Ju r . were chosen On a Motion, Voted, that a Committee be appointed, for the special business of making enquirey, with respect to some Persons, who lost to the feelings of Humanity are at this Season of dis- tress, endeavouring to enrich their little Selves by Monopolizing and forestalling the Necessaries of Life and that they Report at the Adjournment such Facts as they can ascertain [222.] Voted, that Cap 1 . John Ballard M r . John Kennedy M r . Adam Colson M r . Moses Grant M r . Thomas Uran M r . Joseph Lovering M r . Ebenezer Edes be and hereby are appointed a Committee for the purpose afore- said On a Motion. Voted, that the Committee of Nine, chosen to consider what is proper to be done &c. be directed to prepare a Boston Town Records, 1779. 41 Vote defining the power and duty of the Committee appointed to borrow Money and purchase Flour &c — also Voted, that said Committee of Nineteen be desired to proceed immediately in procuring Subscriptions, and purchasing such Articles as they may Judge for the Interest of the Town Adjourned to Wednesday next 10. O: Clock Forenoon — Met according to Adjournment The Committee of Nine, appointed to consider and Report the Steps proper to be taken under the present alarming — scarcity of Bread Corn and to prevent the further progress of Monopoly and Forestalling having Reported in part, and the Town having accepted said partial, Report, and in consequence thereof chosen a Committee of Nineteen to receive Subscriptions of Monies to be paid into the hands, of [223.] The Town Treasurer, for the Purpose of purchasing Flour and Grain — and the Town having referred to this Committee to consider of proper Powers and Instructions to be given to the Committee aforesaid, in order to their adopting the line of Conduct intended by the Town in their appointment ; having attended that service beg leave to Report the following Commission To the Committee for receiving Subscriptions, and purchasing Flour and Grain &c — Gentlemen Taking into our Serious consideration the present very partial Supply of Flour, Grain, and other Necessaries of Life, and deeply affected with the Melancholy prospect of these Misiries, which threaten us Unless, some speedy and effectual Measures are Adopted to ward them off, The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, in legal Town Meeting Assembled, reposing special Confidence in your Integrity, Prudence, and Humanity, have made chose of you as their Committee for the sole purpose of making as early Provi- sion as possible of the aforementioned Articles of Subsistence, and selling the same to the Inhabitants But in order to facilitate your Proceedings in said concern, and to prevent the Artifices of Monopolizers and forestallers from counteracting your salutary purposes and Measures, we have thought proper to give and do hereby give you the following Powers and Instructions, Viz 4 . [224.] You are in the first place impowered and directed to open a Subscription for raising by Loan a Sum of Money adequate to the design ; the same to be paid into the hands of the Town Treasurer, who is already impowered, and is hereby ordered to give his Recepts to the Subscribers for the same, paj'able with Interest in Six Months or a shorter term, not less than three Months, as may be by them limitted. And you are further impowered to draw upon said Treasurer for any Sum or Sums so deposited with him, who is ordered to pay the same on demand ; which sum or Sums, you are to lay out by your selves or agents in Flour and Grain, as you shall Judge most conducive to the Relief of the Inhabitants ; under their present or future distresses, said Flour and Grain to be brought as soon as possible into the Town, and deposited in the Granary or such 42 City Document No. 80. other Store, as you shall Judge most convenient under the care and Conduct of Such Person, or Persons, as you shall appoint — said Flour and Grain to be delivered out to the Inhab- itants, and to them only under your directions at the Cost and Charges — The Money arising from the Sale thereof you are to deposit again in the hand of the Treasurer, aforesaid, Subject to your occasional drafts, who is hereby ordered to receive and pay the Same as aforesaid. — and you are impower'd and directed to lay said Moneys, out and repay them to the Treasurer, as they shall arise from [235.] The Sale, in the. manner prescribed, as often as the time limitted for the repayment of them to the Subscribers will admit, and the Necessities of the Inhabitants shall in your Judgement require — The Charge of Agents Commissaries Storekeepers and Clerks, of Storage, Expresses, Transportation, and other necessary costs attending your purchases and Sales, are to be included in the price at which you shall direct the Provisions aforesaid to be sold. You are further directed to keep proper Records of your pro- ceedings under this Commission, and fair accounts of the Monies received and paid, and of the Provisions, purchased and delivered, and to lay the same before the Town, when called for. And as occasion may require the interposition and assistance of the General Assembly, of this State, you are impowered and direct'd to make such application for such purposes as to you may seem proper and necessary — And finally to do all such matters and things and in such sort respecting the Premisses and the mode and Medium of purchases not heretofore dischribed and limitted, as your discretion, or that of any Seven of you which shall be a Quorum for all purposes, shall dictate Your Committee further Report that [226.] They have been favioured with a true Copy of the Bill now pending in the Great and General Court for preventing Monopolies, Forestalling &c. and natter themselves, that if compleated according to its design and intended improvements it will answer the salutary purposes of such a Bill and render any proceedings, of this Town, except such as may be had in legal Acts of its Execution when promulgated unnecessary, and they therefor recomend a Recommitment of that Article of the Warrant calling this Meeting on which this Clause of their Report is grounded untill the Adjournment The foregoing Report having been duly considered, it was Voted, that the same be accepted, and that a fair Copy of the Commission to the Committee, for borrowing and purchasing at- tested by the Town Clerk be delivered the Chairman of said Com- mittee The Committee appointed to present the Memorial and Address of this Town to the Honb Ie . Horatio Gates Esq r . Major General and Commander of the Army of the United States in the Eastern Department — Reported that they had presented said Memorial and Address, and received the following Reply which they now lay before the Town Viz'. Boston Town Records, 1779. 43 Gentlemen The Provision which has been made for the Relief of the Poor of Boston is a testimoney [22 7.] That watchfull Beneficence, which has characterised its Inhabitants — To be de- prived of the Measures of Immediately forwarding the execution of their generious Designs, is a most painfull Situation, which affects me to a Degree, which their own Feelings will make them Conceive better than I can describe ; but the present State of the publick Stores disables me from indulging the Pleasure, which the full gratification of their Request would afford me — I shall do every thing in my Power, as soon as the expected Supplies arrives, to Wince [sic ? evince] the Sincerity of this Declaration. The Politeness with which in Town Meeting they have expressed their Satisfaction in seeing me at the Head of the Eastern De- partment, is to me an additional Motive for not beiug remiss in my Attention to prove my Self, on all Occasions a Citizen, as well as a Soldier. Providence having been pleased to f aviour that Part of the Army which the Command of which I was interested, against our En- emies, I never can forget how much I am indebted to the Intripid- ity and Fortitude of the Officers and Soldiers of this State, for the little Reputation I may have acquired. Gratitude and Human- ity will urge me to neglect no Opportunity for relieving their dis- tressed Bretheren, whenever it shall be compatible, with the good of the Service Horatio Gates [228.] The Committee of Nineteen for borrowing Moneys, purchasing Flour &c. having acquainted the Town that they were like to meet with difficulties, on account of the late Resolve of Congress respecting certain Emissions, of Money whereupon agreeable to a Motion Voted, that the consideration of this Matter be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting, and that said Committee be desired to proceed in procuring Subscriptions, and to report the State thereof at the Adjournment. On a Motion, Voted, the North Doors and Windows of the Market, be put up by the Selectmen. On a Motion made Voted, that the Committee who presented the Towns Memorial and Address to General Gates, be desired to waite upon him and appoligize for the purporting [sic ? postponing] the Printing said Address, and the Generals Reply, for a short time, that our Enemies might [? not] take the advantage of being acquainted with our present Necessities. Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday Next the 27 Instant. 10. 0. Clock Forenoon Wednesday Jan y . 27. 10. 0. Clock A: M: Met according to Adjournment The Committee of Nine appointed to consider of the proper Steps to be taken, relative to the Present scarcity of Flour &c. acquainted the Inhabitants, that the Bill relative, to Monopolizers, and [229.] Forestallers, was still pending in the General As- 44 City Document No. 80. sembly, which prevents their making Report on Matter at this Adjournment but they hoped they might be able to do it at the next Adjournment The Committee of Nineteen appointed to borrow Moneys, and purchase Flour, &c Reported Verbeally — That they had constantly attended to the business of their appointment ; and have already made sum Contracts for Flour in the Country, and are like soon to have a Supply for the Inhabitants — that they had received such assistance from General Gates as will greatly facilitate the entra- ducing into this State the Flour wanted — that they had already procured, Subscriptions for about Twenty thousand Pounds, Cur- rent Monies, which is to be paid immediately The Committee of Seven appointed to make enquirey relative — to Monopolizers, and — Acquaint the Town that they were not able to make Report at this Adjournment, agreeable to the Injunc- tions of the Town, though they have carefully attended to the buisiness assigned them, but expect they shall be ready to make Report at the Next Meeting On a Motion made, Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday next the 2 d . of February 10. OClock Forenoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. February 2 d . Tuesday 10. 0. Clock Forenoon Met according to Adjournment [230.] The Committee of Nine appointed to consider of the proper Steps to be taken relative to the present scarciety of Flour &c Reported — That amendments had been made in the Monopoly Bill now pending in the General Assembly ; but as it was still under the Revision of the Court, they were not now able to give their Sentiments thereon to the Town Meeting The Committee of Nineteen appointed for the purpose of bor- rowing Moneys by Subscription and purchasing Flour &c ac- quainted the Town that they were now only able to inform hem that a Person had been already dispatched to the Northward to secure some Flour, in that quarter The Committee of seven appointed, to Enquire into the Con- duct of Forestallers Engrossers and Monopolizers, and to ascer- tain Facts — Reported in part That on or about the fourteenth of January last, Matthew Fair- service purchased a quantity of Rum and Sugar at Salem and Marblehead that he gave forty Pounds for the Sugar p Hundred, and thirteen Dollars p Gallon for the Rum That about the same time John Fairservice purchased a large quantity of Sugar, for which he says he gave £45. — and £47. 10/ p hundred, and sold them for £58. — p hundred which gave him an extravagant Profit of £10: 10/ and £13. — p hundr'd ; which obliges the Poor Consumer to pay a still [231.] Greater price to the Retailer, by means of which engrossing your Com- mittee look upon the Town greatly injured That one Sampson Reed a Stranger is suspected of Engrossing and Forestalling the Necessaries of Life — that in a particular Manner he has monopolized a great quantity of Glass, for a Con- Boston Town Records, 1779. • 45 siderable quantity of which he did not give £30. — p Box and sold it for £100 — p Box — that he has had twenty four Boxes of Window Glass in halves, some of. which he has sold for ten Shil- lings a Square, to the great determent of the Community That your Committee are seeking proof against Sundry others, and shall be ready to Report at an Adjournment or some future Meeting John Ballard The foregoing Report haviug been read and Considered, it was Voted, that the same be accepted, and that the»said Committee of Seven be desired to proceed in the Business assigned them by the Town and that tbey do Report at the next Meeting what Steps they may Judge it will be best for the Town to take with such Persons as are found guilty* of Monopolizing &c. on a Motion, Voted that all matters and things which remaine unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next Town Meeting, then to be acted upon Then the Meeting was dissolved. [232.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duely qualified and legally Warned, in Publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 19 th Day of February Anno Domini 1779 — 3. O'Clock P.M. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in -their Votes, for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought and sorted, it Appear'd that > John Brown Esq r was chosen unanimously The Committee of Seven appointed to make enquirey relative to Fore Stallers and Monopolizers — Report further — That Two of the Committee Viz*. Lovering and Edes, hearing that M r . William Foster, had purchased, amono other Articles, eight Barrels of Flour for the benefit of the Toww, as he said at £15 — p and that after the Teamster had sold it to him, the said Teamster, after- wards, sold it again to a Person not an Inhabitant of this Town, for twenty two Pounds p hundred ; the above Lovering, and Edes, enquiring into the case found it to be true whereupon they ad- vised and directed the Teamster, to carry it from along side the Vessel, on board of which it was going to M r . Fosters, Store which was accordingly done February 5 th . 1779 [233.] The Committee hearing of One Williams, who had been an Engrosser and that a Deposition had been taken relative to the same, obtained the sight thereof which is as follows Viz'. Boston Decem r . 29 th . 1778. I Joshua Hubbard Peruke Maker testify and declare that on Saturday last the 26 Day of December Currant, I was employed by Samuel Williams, of Roxbury, as an Assistant in disposing of his Meat in Boston Market, and was with him from the beginning of the Sale, untill he sold the whole of his Marketting, and was present when he counted the Money over in order to determine what profits he made in the Course of the Day, and heard him 46 * City Document No. 80. say, that out of four hundred and fifty Dollars, he was then pos- sessed of, he on that Day cleared two hundred Dollars his Load that he brought with him, having cost him but one hundred and fifty Dollars, and added I have got a damned sight of Money On the ninth of February the Committee had information, that one Dowse, and one Daniel Cane Bakers, had purchased some Flour and sold it again to other Baker's for an advanced price, to the detriment of the Poor. of the Town, the Committee required their Attendance the Same Day and they accordingly come, when they weare asked the following Questions Viz 1 . Q — M r . Dowse have you bought any Flour lately A: Yess I have bought some Rye' and Wheat [234.] Flour, for which I gave £17. 10/ and £18- p hundred and sold it to M 1 . Hart Baker for £20 p cwt. Q. Have you now practized giving a higher price for Flour than other Bakers A. No M r . Dowse then said that M r . Henry Bass come to him and offered him Flour for £20 — p cwt. for Money out of Circulation, that he purchased 3 Bills : for that Sum, and Sold it for the Same price for good Money — He further said that M r . Bass asked him but £14 — p cwt. a few days before. Q. M r . Daniel Cane have you bought any Flour lately — A. Yess. I bought of M r . Henry Bass Fight Barrels of Flour for £18 — p cwt and sold it to M r . Hart for £20 — p cwt. They were then both asked why they did not Bake it, their Answer was because they got a higher Profit for selling it — The Committee then desired they would refrain from such practices, and they promised they Would — The Committee have observed the extravagant price of Fish, asked by the Fishermen at the Town Dock ; and would recommend that some Step's may be taken by the Town for regulating the price of that necessary Article of Life ; especially as Fishermen from the Neighbouring Towns, who have come in with their Fish and sold them at a moderate rate have had their Riggen &c cut to pieces in the Night time, and their Fish thrown into the Docks by some evil minded Persons — Upon the whole the Committee beg [235.] to Report, that it was their Opinion, that the Names of all who are found guilty of Monopolising the Necessaries of Life, should be held up to publick View but since the Monopolizing Act is now in force, the Committee humbly submit their Opinion to the Consideration of the Town. John Ballard Chairman The foregoing Report having been received and considered, Voted, that the same be accepted — also Voted that the thanks of the Town be and are hereby given to the Committee aforesaid for their diligent and faithfull discharge of their duty The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To make choice if the Town shall Judge proper of a Number of Persons, not exceeding Twelve to be inspectors of the Market &c agreeable to a late Act of the General Assembly of this State, Fntitl'd an Act against Monopoly Boston Town Records, 1779. 47 and Forestalling was read and considered — as also the Act afore mention'd In a Motion made Voted, that the Town hereby express their higest disapprobation of the Conduct of the Persons Reported by the Committee of seven as Monopolizers and Forestallers, and that they will proceed with after Offenders of this kind as their Offen- cies may deserve, and the Laws will Justify Voted, to proceed to the choice of a Committee of Inspection, agreeable, to the Allowance of a late Act of the General Assem- bly and that the Committee Consist of twelve Persons [236.] Voted, that Cap*. John Ballard M r . John Kennedy M r . Adam Colson . M r . Moses Grant M r . Thomas Uran M 1 '. Joseph Lovering M r . Benjamin Edes M r . Samuel Rnggles M r . Richard Hunnewell M r . Joseph Shed M r . Jacob Roads Cap 1 . Alexander Willson be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Voted, that the thanks of the Town be given to John Brown Esq r . Moderator of this Town Meeting for his good Services Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 5 th . Day of March Anno Domini 1779 Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Honb le : John Hancock Esq r . was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a unanimous Vote [237.] The Committee appointed by the Town the o of March last to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration the o th . of March Instant, to perpetuate the memory of the horred Massacre, perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770 by a Party of Soldiers under the Command of Cap 4 . Thomas Preston of the 29 th . Regiment Reported That having met together for the purposes mentioned in the Towns Votes they had unanimously made choice of Col°. William Tuder to deliver an Oration on the 5 th . of March Inst 4 : who had according accepted of that service The foregoing Report having been read by the Town Clerk one of the Committee, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative Upon a Motion made the Town took into consideration, what would be the best time to have the Oration pronounced ; as also what place would be most suitable for the purpose — whereupon Voted, that the Oration be delivered at 12 O'Clock at the Old Brick Meeting House, the Hall not being Capacious enough to re- 48 City Document No. ay — as also to ask leave of the Committee of said Church for the use of that Building On a Motion — Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to. Order the Several Bells in the Town to be tolled from one quarter of an Hour after 9. O. Clock this Evening untill 10. O. Clock Adjourned to the Old Brick Meeting House 12. O. Clock The Town met at the Old Brick Meeting House 12 O. Clock ac- cording to Adjournment The Committee appointed to wait upon M r . Thomas Daws Ju r . to acquaint him with the Votes, of the Town, respecting the time and Place for the delivery of an Oration — Reported That said Gentelman was ready to Comply with the Order of the Town [491.] An Oration, to commemorate the horred Massacre of the Fifth of March 1770 — and to impress upon the Minds of the Citizens, the ruinous tendency of Standing Armies being placed in Free and Populous Cities &c. was delivered by M r . Thomas Daws Jun r . to a large and crowded Assembly, and received by them with great Applause On a Motion made Voted, that John Brown Esq r . John Scollay Esq r . M r . Nathan Frazier M r . Barret Ezekiel Price Esq r . Ebenezer Hancock Esq 1 . M r . Tuttle Hubbard be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait upon M r . Thomas Daws Jun r . and in the name of the Town to thank him for the Spirited and elegant Oration delivered by him at their request, in commemoration of the horred Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers, of the 29 th . Regiment under the Command of Cap 4 . Thomas Preston, and to request of him a Copy thereof, for the Press sent On a Motion made, Voted, that John Brown Esq r . Moderator Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . Harbottle Dorr Esq r . M r . Thomas Daws Ju r . M r . Jonathan Mason Ju r . Ellis Gray Esq r . [492.] John Lowell Esq r . be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Apply to a proper Gentelman to deliver an Oration on the 5 th . of March next, to perpetuate the Memory of the horred Massacre perpetrated on the 172 City Document No. 80. Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers of the 29 th . Regiment, under the Command of Cap 4 . Thomas Preston ; and to impress upon our Minds the runious tendincy of Standing Armies being placed in Free and Populas Cities in a time of Peace ; and the necessity of such noble Exertions in all future times, as the Inhabitants of the Town then made, whereby the Designs of the Conspirators against the publick peace, may be still frustrated — sent A Petition of M r . Robert Patterson setting forth "that he re- ceived a Wound in his right Arm the 5 March 1770 by a Shot from Prestons Party whereby he has- entirely lost the use of it ; and that Since the Death of M r . Monk he is the only one of the unhappy number then badly wounded, that survives," and there- fore praying the charity of the Town — was read — Whereupon Voted, that a Collection be made at the close of this Meeting for the said unhappy Sufferer ; and Boxes were placed at each Door to receive the Collections The Collection made for the said M r . Patterson, Amounted to the Sum of Then the Meeting was dessolved [493.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab- itants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in Publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuiel Hall on Monday the 12 th . Day of March Anno Domini 1781 — 9. OClock Fore- noon Prayer was made by the Rev d . M r . Eckley Warrant for calling the Meeting — read Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting, were accord- ingly — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in then- Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought in and Sorted it appeai'ed, that John Brown Esq r . was chosen Moderator M r . William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensu- ing, and took the Oath of Office for the faithfull discharge of his Duty, which Oath was administred by M r . Justice Price The Town having determined by a Vote to choose Seven Select- men ; the Inhabitants, were then directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for that Number, and the same being brought in and Sorted, it appeared that the following Gentelmen Viz'. [41)4.] John Scollay Esq r . Cap*. Gustavus Fellows Harbottle Dorr Esq r . M r . Nathan Frazier Ezekiel Price Esq r . Cap'. William Mackay M r . Tuttle Hubbard were chosen Selectmen for the Year ensuing Boston Town Records, 1781. 173 The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Nine Persons as a Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safety, and upon sorting them it appeared that Nathaniel Barber Esq r . Edward Proctor Esq r . Cap'. John Pulling Ebenezer Hancock Esq r Cap 4 . Isaac Phillips i Samuel Ruggles Esq r . Maj r . Thomas Melville Jonathan Mason Ju r . M r . Christopher Clark were chose a Committee of Correspondence &c for the year ensu- ing The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared that The Hon ble . William Phillips Esq r . Isaac Smith Esq r . M r . Jonathan Mason Cap'. Samuel Partridge M r . Samuel Whitwell [495.] M r . John White Edward Proctor Esq r . William Powell Esq r . M r . Jonathan Sweetser Ju r . Samuel Barret Esq r . M 1 . Nicholas Bowes Joseph Webb Esq r . were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, and upon sorting them it appeared, that Mess rs . Robert Davis Stephen Gore Major Thomas Bunistead John Champney Samuel Wallis Habijah Savage John Wait Nathaniel Barret Edward Wild Samuel Eliot Jun r . Edward Edes Jacob Holland were chosen Wardens for the Year ensuing The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards, and upon sorting them it appeared, that John Scollay Esq r . William Cooper Francis Shaw Esq r . Edward Procter Esq r . [496.] Cap'. John Pulling Caleb Davis Esq r . 174 City Document No. 80. Ebenezer Hancock Esq 1 . M r . Thomas Tileston Andrew Symms Esq r . Cap*. Gustavus Fellows Joseph Webb Esq r . Cap'. John Ballard M r . John Winthrop M r . John Lowell Maj r . Thomas Melville Jabez Hatch Esq r . were chose Fire Wards for the Year ensuing On a Motion — -Voted, that the Choice of a County Treasurer and a Count} 7 Register, be Assigned to 4. O. Clock Afternoon The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer and upon sorting them it appeared that David Jeffries was chosen, Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing, unanimously On a Motion, Voted, that the Question Whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chosen Seperate from Constables — be considered at £ past 4. OClock in the Afternoon Voted, that the Constables of the Town be desired to enform the Town at £ past 4 OClock Afternoon, what they apprehend to be the Towns proportion of Fines, which are due from the several Justices [497.] On a Motion — Voted, that the Question Whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chosen seperate from Constables — be considered at / Moved and Voted that the choice of Assessors be postponed to 5.0. Clock — Afternoon — Adjourned to 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon ■ — 3 O'Clock. P: M: Met according to Adjournm*. Maj r . Edward Carnes was chosen a Surveyer of Hemp for the Year ensuing Mess rs . Benjamin Page John Stutson Moses May John Lambert Joseph Ballard Uriah Norcross Benjamin White Joseph Butler Samuel Fenno Henry Blaisdel John Champuey Thomas Bayley Edward Ranger John Bell Abraham Howard Samuel Dellaway Jonathan Stoddard Thomas Uran were chose Surveyors of Boards for the year ensuing Boston Town Eecords, 1781. 175 Mess". William Clough Joseph Daniels Samuel Dyer [498.] Nathaniel Wales William Brown were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing Mess rs . Samuel Bangs Nathan Green Samuel Curtis Isaac Bird were chose Sealers of Leather for the ensuing Year M r . Adam Colson was chosen an Informer of Deer for the Year ensuing Mess rs . David Spear Manassah Masters Joseph Spear John Williston Joshua Pico Samuel Hey ley William Raynard John Owen Samuel Avis Caleb Hayden Israel Cook were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing Mess rs . George Hamlin Samuel Curtis Joseph Snelling were chose Hogreeves for the ensuing Year — Mess rs . George Hamlin Isaac Tuckerman were chose Haywards for the ensuing Year Ward. [499.] Mess". Samuel Clough N°. 1 John Lambert 2 James Sherman 3 John Cogswell 4 John Dinsdell ------ 5 John Welch ------- 6 William Peake ------ 7 David Burrel 8 Elisha Sigorney 9 Andrew Oliver 10 William Fallass 11 Charles Simpson 12 were chose Scavingers for the ensuing Year Votes, for a County Treasurer, brought in and being sealed up m Town Meeting were delivered to M r , Constable Colson to be by him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, at their next Meeting Votes, for a County Register, brought in and being sealed up in Town Meeting were delivered to M r . Constable Colson, to be by 176 City Document No. 80. him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at their next Meeting On a Motion Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is irnpowered and directed to allow the Overseers of the Poor Interest as, usual on all Sums that have or may be Advanced by them, for the Support of the Almshouse Moved, that a Committee be appointed to consider the present Condition of the Almshouse — to enquire what part of the Monies appropriated for the [500.] Support of the Almshouse has been received, and to devise the best means, for a timely and regular supply, and to Report at the Adjournment — the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that Ellis Gray Esq r . M r . Joseph Barrel M r , Joseph Russel be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid This being the time Assigned for taking up the Question — Viz'. Whether Collectors shall be chosen seperate from Constables — after debate had thereon — It was moved and carried that the further consideration of this matter subside for the present On a Motion of M r . Grays, Voted, that a Committee of Ways and Means be appointed, who shall take into consideration the State of the Towns Finances, the present mode of Assessing and Collecting their Taxes, and to Report as soon as may be such alterations as they Judge expedient Voted, that Ellis Gray Esq r . John Lowell Esq r John Brown Esq r . M r . Leonard Jarvis Stephen Higginson Esq r . M r . Edward Payne Nathaniel Barret be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid On a Motion, the Question was put Viz'. Whether the present mode of Assessing be agreeable — [501.] passed in the Nega- tive — also on a Motion — the Question was put. Viz'. Whether the present mode of Collecting the Taxes, Assessed, be Agreea- ble — Passed in the Negative Cap 1 . Fellows one of the Selectmen chosen at this Meeting hav- ing in Writing prayed that he might be excused from serving in that Office, the Present year it was moved and carried, that the consideration of this request be referred to the Adjournment This being the time Assigned for making enquirey of the Con- stables, with respect to the Towns proportion of Fines which the Justices received and are accountable for — this matter was taken up — whereupon a Motion, was made, and carried *'that a Com- mittee be now appointed, to make enquirey what Monies may be due to the Town from the Justices, as the Towns proportion of Fines and Forfitures — also Voted, that M r . Joseph Barrel D r . Charles Jarvis M r . Joseph Russell be a Committee for said purpose to Report as soon as may be Boston Town Kecokds, 1781. 177 It was moved, that this Meeting be Adjourned to to Morrow Morning 10. O'Clock And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Tuesday March 13 th . 10. O'Clock Before noon — Met according to Adjournment [502.] Information having been been given to this Meeting that two Persons were got to Town from Philadelphia with large quantities of Paper Moneys which they had offered to exchange for Silver at upwards of one hundred for one, when the common exchange is but Seventy five for one — whereupon it was moved and Voted, That the Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safety for the Town of Boston be directed to send for those Persons, and have them under examination, in order to their being dealt with as the Safety of this and the other United States require A Letter from the Committee of the Town of Stoughton to the Selectmen of Boston relative to meeting in a proposed Convention, with respect to the Tender Act so called, lately repealed was laid before the Town by the Selectmen The following Persons were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing — Viz 1 . Mess rs : Joseph Roby Thomas Clark James Morrel Nathaniel Fosdick Thomas Newell James Carrew William Smith William Gooch Pepperal Tyler Joseph Winthrop [503.] Nathan Bond Thomas Coverlv Vernon Voted, that Ellis Gray Esq" 1 '. Hon blc . Caleb Davis Esq r . Ebenezer Storer Esq r . M r . Herman Brimmer M r . Joseph Barrel be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts of David Jeffries Esq 1 '. Treasurer and also the Accompts of the Overseers of the Poor ; and the said Committee are impowered when they shall Audit said Accounts to allow such of the Over- seers as have Advanced Monies for the relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the time so Advanced, untill they shall have Audited said Accounts ; and they are also desired to Report from Time to time a State of the Treasurey respecting its debts and credits, and on any Matters they may think proper And the Committee are also directed to examine the Draughts of the Selectmen M r . Wallis chosen one of the Wardens for the Year ensuing 178 City Document No. 80. having desired the Town to excuse him from serving in that Office — he was accordingly excused On a Motion made, it was Voted that the further consideration of the Excuses made for not serving as Wardens be referred to the Adjournment The Selectmen were chose Surveyers of High Ways for the Year ensuing [504.] Jonathan Williams Esq r . Mr. John Sweetser Jun r . M*. John White were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are desired and iinpowered to give a'l needfull directions to the Keeper of the Granary respecting the quantity of Grain to be sold, and affixing the prices thereof from time to time as occasion shall require ; and the said Committee are directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground at the new Mills near the Mill Bridge John Tudor Esq 1 ". John Lucas Esq r . M r . John White M r . James Thwing M r . John Sweetser were chose Surveyers of Wheat for the Year ensuing Mess rs . Thomas Green Benjamin Thompson were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing Voted, that the consideration of Schoolmasters Salaries and Grants, be referred over to May Meeting The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . What Lands shall be improved by the Town the present Year for the raising of Vegitables — was read, whereupon Voted, John Lucas Esq 1 . Cap'. Job Prince. Sen r . M r . John Lowell [505.] be a Committee to take this Article into considera- tion, and Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting It was moved that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday next, the 20 th of March Ins 1 . 9. OClock Before Noon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Tuesday March 20 th . 9. OCloek Forenoon— Met according to Adjournment Mess". John Bulfinch Clement Collins Jun r . were chose Surveyers of Boards for the year ensuing The Address of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth to the Inhabitants of the Same relative to Money Matters &c. was distinctly read in this Meeting The Article in the Warrant — Viz 1 . To consider what is neces- sary to be done for the accommodation of the Youth of the South part of the Town with a Schoolhouse in the room of one consumed bv Fire — was read and considered — whereupon, it was Voted, Boston Town Records, 1781. 179 that the Selectmen be directed and iinpowered to apply to the General Assembly of this Commonwealth at their next Sessions, for the use of a Room in the Manufactory House so called, for the accomodation of the Youth of the South part of the Town with a School in the room of one lately consumed by Fire The Coihittee appointed by the Town to [506.] consider of the present method of Assessing and Collecting Taxes &c have attended that Service and Report that upon enquiring they find the Expence of Assessing and Collecting the State, County and Town Taxes for the last Year was nearly equal to all the Other Town Charges put together — that in order to ease the Inhabitants who are necessarily burthened with heavy Taxes to carry on the War they propose a new mode comprised in the following Votes for the consideration of the Town Voted that there be two discreat men in each Military ward chosen to Assess, such State County and Town Taxes as may be ordered the ensuing Year, on the Inhabitants that live in those Wards respectively and one other Person in each Ward to Collect the Same Voted, that neither the Assessors nor Collectors shall receive any pay for their Servicies save the thanks and Gratitude of their fellow Citizens Voted, that in all cases where the Assessors for want of Valua- tions are Oblidged to Doom, they shall have a right to advise with those whom they think Proper, as to the Circumstances of the Persons to be doomed Voted, That when the Assessors have compleated the Estima- tions for their Respective Wards, it shall be their duty to convene and go over the several Estimations in order to rectify any Errors that may appear in them and to see that they have [507.] all adopted the same Standard in forming their Estimates — and hav- ing done this to see how much in the pound, the Tax to be As- sessed turns out upon the whole Capital of the Town, and by that Rule to Assess the Inhabitants in their Respective Wards Voted, That the Books of the Assessors shall be open to the Inspection of any Person who wants to see the amount of An- others Tax or the principales on which the Assesment is founded Voted, that as soon as the Assessors for any Ward have Com- pleated their Assesment they shall send Tax Bills printed in the usual Form to the Inhabitants of that Ward, and the Collectors shall within days after the delivery of said Tax Bills, de- liver to the Constables, an attested List of all those Persons, who have not paid their Taxes or any Part thereof — -and it shall be the duty of the said Constables, or Collectors, immediately to Collect the same by Distraint or otherwise as may be necessary, for which purpose they shall have a Warrant from the Assessors, and be allowed a premium of 5 p Cent on all Sums which they shall so collect — And whereas great Advantages, will arise to the Publick from the Taxes being early and punctually paid in Voted, That the Collectors be and they hereby are directed and impowered to deduct 5 p Cent from the Amount of the Tax Bills of all those Persons who shall within Forty Daj 7 s after the Date of the same pay in their Taxes to the Constables 180 City Document No. 80. [508.] And the Committee prayed leave to Report further The foregoing Report having been read after some debate, it was Voted, that said Report be taken up b} r paragraphs The Paragraph's of said Report having been distinctly read and considered the Five First of the same were Accepted Adjourned to 3 O. Clock in the Afternoon 3 O. Clock P: M: met according to Adjournment Mess rs . John Gammel — sworn James Rogers were chose Surveyors of Boards, for the Year ensuing The Article in the Warrant Viz*. "To consider the request of Nathan Frazier, that the Monies he has Advanced for the Town, for severall years past may be repaid him" — was read, whereupon Voted, that M r . Joseph Russell Ezekiel Price Stephen Higginson Esq r . be a Committee to consider this request and Report the Sum that may be due to him at the Adjournment The Report of the Committee on Ways and Means again taken up, and after considerable debate had thereon it was moved and carried that the Report be recommitted at large, notwithstanding five paragraphs thereof have been Accepted — the Committee to Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting [509.] On a Motion. Voted, that Ezekiel Price Esq r . Col°. Tudor be added to said Committee On a Motion, Voted, that a Commitee be now appointed to Join the Assessors in preparing an Abstract that may serve for taking the Valuation in this Town, to lay before the General Court Voted, that Col°. Dawes M r . Joseph Barrel Stephen Higginson Esq r . M r . Leonard Jarvis Isaac Smith Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid — sent The Committee relative to the Fees due from some Justices, to this Town as its part of Fines by them received — Reported ver- bally, whereupon it was moved and Voted, that The Town Treasurer be directed to wait upon the several Justices and ac- quaint them that it is the expectation of the Town that they immediatley settle with him for the Towns proportion of Fines re- ceived by them Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . Added to the Committee on Ways and Means in the room of M r . Gray, who is prevented by Sickness from attending the Committee The Committee to consider the expediency of improving Land in this Town for the raising Vegi tables the present Year. — Re- ported, that in their [510.] Opinion ; it would be for the Advan- tage of the Town to improve the Land at West Boston for the raising Vegetables Boston Town Records, 1781. 181 Adjourned to Monday next being the 22 Day of March Instant, 9. O'Clock Forenoon — Monday the 26. Day of March 9. O. Clock Forenoon — Met ac- cording to Adjournment Voted, that Cap'. Job Prince Sen r . M r . Isaac Pierce M r Rouse M r . Jeremiah Belknap be a Committee to improve the Land, at West Boston for the raising of Vegitables, which were improved for that Purpose the last year, and so much more land as can be obtained on the same conditions with last as the Committee may Judge to be for the Interest and benefit of the Town The Article in the Warrant. Viz'. " To consider whether the Town will Lease or make sale of any part of their Lands on the Neck agreeable to the request of several of the Inhabitants " — whereupon it was moved and Voted, that the consideration of this Article be referred to 4. O. Clock. Afternoon On a Motion, Voted, the consideration of Cap'. Bradfords Peti- tion come on, immediately after the consideration of 'the forego- ing Article [511.] The Article in the Warrant Viz'. "To consider whether the Town will allow the same premium to those who have advanced Monies for the Purchase of Cloathiug for the Army as they have to such as have done it for the procuring of Btef" — was read and considered whereupon Voted, that the same Premium of ten per Cent be allowed those Persons who have advanced Monies for the Town for the procur- ing Cloathing for the Continental Army as was allowed those who lent their Monies for the procuring Beef The Town Treasurer, Reported to the Town that Agreeable to their directions he had applied to the Justices for a settlement of the Towns part of the Fines which they had received — that M r . Justice Gardner haid paid Eight huudred Dollars on Account of said, Fines and that when their Accounts against the Town were allowed by the Selectmen, they would settle with him for the Fines they had received — Whereupon it was moved and Voted, that the Town Treasurer should again apply to the Justices, and demand a particular account of the Towns part of the Fines by them received The Committee appointed to make full enquirey into the Affairs of the Town respecting debts and Credits have attended that ser- vice and according to information of the Town Treasurer find the Town indebted to sundry Persons as p List herewith rendered from the year 1762 — to 1776 including - - - 8083 Ballances due in - - - 1777 - - - - 2980 ditto in 1778 - - - - 3678 [512.] Ballance due in 1 779 ----- 13299 Ballance due to May 20 th . 1780 - - - - - 33335 the whole exclusive of Interest Amounting to £61,377 5 Of 10 7 10 19 3 11 3 4. 2| 182 City Document No. 80. The Committee have also received from the Treasurer a List of Debts due from sundry Persons to the Town which together with a List of expenditures, as aiso a List of Rents from the Selectmen are herewith respectfully Submitted Josiah Waters Jun 1 ". p order The foregoing Report having been read together with the Lists referred to in the Report, it was moved and Voted, that a Committee to assist and advise the Town Treasurer in settling Accompts and Collecting the debts due to the Town as by a List on file, and that the Treasurer be and hereby is impowered to hire a suitable Person as a Clerk for so long a time as he and the Committee may Judge to be necessary also Voted, that Col . Waters M r . Joseph Russell be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Committee relative to ways and Means, Reported, where- upon it was moved and Voted, that the Report be taken up at 3. O. 'Clock Afternoon Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon 3 O'Clock, Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment [513.] The Report of the Committee relative to Ways and Means, again taken up at large, and after considerable debate had thereon, it was moved and carried, that the same be further considered paragraph by paragraph The foregoing Report having been considered by paragraphs and amended by the Town, the same was reduced to the follow- ing Votes, which were passed by a Majority of the Inhabitants, Viz 4 . Voted, that there be twenty four discreat Men, two out of each Military Ward, chosen as Assessors the ensuing Year to levy and Assess upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of the Town and other Persons, doing business therein all such Commonwealth County and Town Taxes as may be ordered, said Assessors to be under oath as the Law directs Voted, that it is the undoubted right of every Inhabitant to inspect the Books of the Assessors, and be informed of the principles upon which any Assessments are made, and the Assess- ors are directed to conform accordingly Voted, that the Assessors aforesaid shall be entitled to no pecuniary reward for the services aforesaid Voted, that in all cases where the Assessors for want of Valuations are oblidged to doom, they shall have a right to advise with those whom they think proper as to the circumstances of the Persons to be so doomed [514.] Voted, that where the Assessors have compleated the estimations for their respective Wards, it shall be their duty to convene and go over the several estimations in order to rectify any Errors that may happen in them, and to see that they have all adopted the same standard in forming their Intimates, and having done this to see how much in the pound the Tax to be Assessed Boston Town Records, 1781. 183 turns out, upon the whole Capital of the Towu, and by that rule to Assess the Inhabitants in their respective Wards Several of the foregoing Votes or parts of the Report of the Committee reconsidered Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered and directed to set for such Abatement of Taxes, as they shall Judge reasonable, ten clays next following the date and delivery of the Tax Bills, Lords Days excepted, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set two Days the last Week in Februai'y for the Abatement of the Taxes of such Persons as had not an oppor- tunity of applying in the above limitted time, by reason of their being out of the Commonwealth, or any other unavoidable hin- drance ; at which time the_y are also allowed and impowered to abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent before the said time Adjourned to Thursday next 10. O'Clock Before Noon Thursday the 29 th . of March 10. O'Clock P: M: Met according to Adjournment [515.] On a Motion made — the Question was put Viz*. — Whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chose seperate from Con- stables — Passed in the Affermative The Petition of Cap*. John Bradford for an abatement of his Taxes, was read, and considered, whereupon it was moved and carried, that the said Petitioner have leave to withdraw his Petition The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — To consider whether the Town will Lease or make Sale of an}^ part of their Land on the Neck, Agreeable to the request of several of the Inhabitants." — ; was again read, and after some debate had thereon — It was moved and Seconded, that a Committee be now appointed to take this matter into further consideration ; and to Report their Opinion to the Town as soon as may be — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative It was moved and passed that this Committee consist of Nine Persons Voted that Deacon Sharp Harbottle Dorr E#cf. Col . Andrew Symms Thomas Dawes Esq r . Cap 1 . John Ballard John Lucas Esq r . M r . Thomas Parker Col . Barber William Story Esq', be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid to Report to the Town as soon as may be Adjourned to Fryday next 10. O'Clock Beforenoon [516.] Fryday March 30 th . 10 O. 'Clock Forenoon — Met ac- cording to Adjournment John Brown Esq r . the Moderator of this Meeting acquainted 184 City Document No. 80. the Town that his health would not allow him to attend his duty this Day as Moderator The Inhabitants were therefore directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of the Meeting Pro. Tern . — And the Votes being accordingly brought in and sorted, it appeared that John Tudor Esq r . was chosen Moderator Pro. Tern . The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for four Wardens. The Bells ringing for Fire, before the Votes were brought in, a Motion was made that the Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O. Clock Afternoon — and the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned 8 O'Clock Afternoon, Met according to Adjournment The Inhabitants were again directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for four Wardens ; and the same having been brought in and sorted it appeared, that Mess™. Elisha Sigorney excused Joseph Prince Israiel Loring G. W. Speakman excused were chosen Wardens for the ensuing Year [517.] It was moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned; it shall be to toMorrow. 9. OClock Forenoon — also Voted, that the Cryer be directed to inform the Inhabitants of the Adjournment and that he be furnished by the Town Clerk with a written Notification — also that the several Sextons be directed to ring the Bells of the Several Churches at the intended Adjourn- ment The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for twelve Constables, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that Mess rs . Edward Tuckerman excused Jonathan Amory d°. John Read d°. Benjamin Clark d°. Joseph Barrel d°. John Welch d°. William Clark d°. Mungo Mackay d°. Ellis Gray d°. Samuel Eliot d°. Daniel Parker d°. Thomas Adams d°. were chosen Constables for the Year ensuing Cap'. Robert Davis having desired the Town to excuse him from serving as a Warden the ensuing Year — he was accordingly excused M r . Stephen Gore chosen. one of the Wardens for the Year ensuing having desired to be excused from serving [518.] in that Office — he was accordingly excused by the Town Boston Town Records, 1781. 185 Voted, that this Meeting be now Adjourned according to the Vote already passed ; — and it was accordingly Adjourned Saturday the 31 Day of March, 9. O'Clock Forenoon met according to Adjournment The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 : To consider whether the Town will Lease the North Battery for a long term " — was read, and after some debate, it was moved and carried, that the further consideration of this Article be referred The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw, and bring in their Votes for four Wardens — and the same having been brought in and sorted it appeared that Mess rs . John Larkin Samuel Avis Hopestill Foster Nath 1 . Sheppard were chose Wardens for the ensuing Year Mess" : Edward Tuckerman Jonathan Amory, John Read, Benj a . Clark, Joseph Barrell, John Welch, Mungo Mackay, Ellis Gray, Samuel Eliot, Daniel Parker and Thomas Adams, chosen Constables for the ensuing Year, having desired the Town to excuse them from serving in that Office — they were accordingly excused [519.] It being moved that the 1 st . Vote of the Report of the Committee on Ways and Means for choosing twenty four Assessors, be now reconsidered, and that Seven Assessors only be now chosen, the Question was accord ingly put, and passed in the Affermative It was also moved that the 3 d . Vote, in said Report, relative to the Assessors not being allowed a precuniary reward for their Ser- vicies in that Office be now reconsidered and set aside — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative The Inhabitants were then directed to bring in their Votes for seven Assessors, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that only four were chosen — Viz*. Mess rs . William Lowder Samuel Downe Samuel Ruggles Esq Bartholomew Kneeland The Inhabitants as directed, brought in their Votes for three Assessors and the same being sorted it appeared, that Gyles Harris Esq 1 . — excused. Moses May Samuel Dyer were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon 3. O'Clock P: M: met according to Adjournment On a Motion made — Voted, that the last Vote in the Report of the Committee on Ways and Means be reconsidered and set aside [520.] Voted, that two and one half p Cent, be and hereby is allowed to the Persons that shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing, on all such Sums of Money as they shall Collect, 186 City Document No. 80. provided they pay the same into the Several Treasuries before the second Monday in March 1782 — which Premium appears to be a Just and equitable and an ample allowance to the Collectors, to encourage them to discharge their duty with diligence and fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with Suffi- cient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithfull discharge of their duty in said Office, and complying with this Vote Voted, that the Collectors of Taxes be and they hereby are directed and impowered to deduct five p cent from the Amount of the Town Tax, on the Tax Bills of all those Persons who shall within forty Days after the date of the same pay in their Town Taxes to said Collectors, and that this be noted on the Tax Bill — also Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed and impowered to allow the deduction of the Five p. Cent aforesaid made by the Collectors as aforesaid provided they pay the same within five Days after the expiration of the forty The Town having determined to Choose four Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing ; the Inhabitants were desired to withdraw and bring in their Votes accordingly, and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared, that [521,] Francis Shaw Esq r . M r . Benjamin Sumner Jun r . M r . Thomas Bayley M r . James Thompson were chosen Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for 1.2 Constables, in the room of those who were chosen in the Forenoon & declined, serving — and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared, that Mess rs . Samuel Whitney (sworn) John Ballard ----- excused William Fallass d°. John Cogswell d°. Jacob Edes d°. John Woart ------ d°. Nathaniel Cobbit d°. Benjamin Clarke ----- d°. John Rice ------- d°. Jeremiah Belknap - - d°. Shubaiel Hews d°. Elijah Marsh d°. were chosen Adjourned to Monday next being the 2 d . Day of April. 3. O.Clook Afternoon Monday the 2 d . Day of April. 3. O. Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment — M r . Jeremiah Belknap M r . John Rice Cap'. John Ballard Boston Town Eecords, 1781. 187 M r . John Cogswell [522.] M r . Jacob Edes M r . John Woart M r . Elijah Marsh M r . Shubael Hewes M r . William Fallass M r . Benjamin Clark having desired the Town to excuse them from serving in the Office of Constables to which they had been chosen at the last Meeting — they were accordingly excused Upon, the Inhabitants being directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for ten Constables in the room of those which have been excused — a Motion was made and carried, that the choice of Constables be referred to the Adjournment Gyles Harris Esq r , having in writing excused himself from serving as an Assessor, it was Moved & Voted, that the choice of an Assessor in the room of M r . Harris who has resigned, be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting The Article in the Warrant Viz'. Whether the Town will Lease the North Battery for a long term" — was read whereupon it was moved and Voted that a Committee be now appointed to consider this Article and to confer with any Person disposed to purchase or Lease the Estate, and to Report at the Adjournment what they Apprehend will be for the Interest of the Town to be done thereon — also Voted, that Deacon Sharp M r . Ebenezer Dorr Col . Symms [523.] Thomas Dawes Esq 1 . Cap 4 . John Ballard John Lucas Esq r . ' M r . Thomas Parker Col . Nathaniel Barber William Storey Esq 1 ". be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid sent The Article in the Warrent. Viz'. To consider of the Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants, that such Measures may be taken as may most effectually dis- countenance an illicit & Careful trade with the Enemies of the United States " — >was read, whereupon it was Moved, and Voted, that a Committee be now appointed to take this Matter into con- sideration, and Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting, what they apprehend may be best to be done thereon — also Voted, that the Committee of Correspondence & Inspection & Safety, be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid. Moved, that the foregoing Votes for choosing a Committee, to consider the Article in the Warrant relative to an illicit trade, be reconsidered, and that the consideration of this matter be referred to the Adjournment The Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative On a Motion* Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to ac- 188 City Document No. 80. quaint the Justices, that a particular Account of the Towns pro- portion of Fines, [524.] Received by them, will be expected from them by the Adjournment Moved & Voted, that the late Constables be desired to con- tinue their good services in that Office, till other Constables are chosen and Sworn into that Office ; and that they be desired to favor the Town, with a List of such suitable Persons as they apprehend would willingly Serve the Town as Constables the Year ensuing ; at the Adjournment of this Meeting It was moved that this Meeting be now Adjourned to Wednes- day the 11 th Day of April, 10. O'Clock & Before Noon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Wednesday the 11 th . Day of April 10. O'Clock Forenoon — Met according to Adjournment M r . Nathaniel Cobbit appeared and having desired the Town to excuse him from serving as a Constable into which Office he was lately chosen — he was accordingly excused The Inhabitants were directed to bring in their Votes for eleven Constables ; and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that Mess rs . John Doake ----- excused Josiah Simpson (sworn) John Hewes excused Alexander Mc. Cloud. (sworn) [525.] Elkanah Hayden - - - - (sworn) John Mc.Fadden - - - - excused Benjamin Vezie ------ d°. William Baxter William Rogers (sworn) William Ballard excused Edward Jones d°. were chose Constables for the ensuing Year The Committee relative to Leasing the North Battery — Report as follows Viz'. That they have Attended the service, and having fully viewed the North Battery are fully of Opinion that it will be for the interest of the Town to sell the same for the Most it will fetch — that to form some estimate of the value they are of Opinion, that some suitable Persons, who are proper Judges should make an estimate thereof to enable the Persons appointed to sell the same to form some Judgement of the value, the Committee beg leave to purpose to the Town whether it would not be best to give the pur- chaser liberty to pay for the same in three payments — they have conversed with M r . Jones who seems inclined to purchase Gibbins Sharp p order The foregoing Report having been read and considered, where- upon the Question was put Viz'. — "Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affe.rmative [520.] Voted, that the Selectmen be served with a Copy of the foregoing Vote, and that they be and hereby are Authorised Boston Town Records, 1781. 189 and irnpowered to make Sale of said Estate in such manner as they shall Judge most for the interest of the Town sent The Committee appointed to consider the expediency of Leasing or making Sale of any part of the Towns Land on the Neck — Reported, — and After considerable debate had thereon it was moved and Voted, that the same be recommitted, and that the Committee take into consideration the terms of the late M r . Sutten Byles Lease of part of those Lands, as also the best method to defend the Neck from the incroachments of the Sea, and to Report to the Town as soon as may be The Town Treasurer laid before the Town a Letter from M r . Justice Gardner acquainting them with the State of the Fines he had received from M r . Justice G-reenleaff The Overseers of the Poor, having represented to the Town that they were in such want of Money, that unless they are furnished with some immediatley they must open the Almshouse Doors to let the Poor out — whereupon Voted, that Samuel Ruggles Esq r , be a Committee to enquire of the Treasurer what immediate provision it is in his power to make for the supply of the Almshouse [527.] Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon 3 0. Clock Afternoon — met according to Adjournment M r . John Hews desired to be excused from serving as a Consta- ble the present Year — and he was accordingly excused by the Town M r . Benjamin Vezie desires to be excused from serving as a Constable the present year — and he was accordingly excused The Letter of M r . Justice Greenleaf and the Account of M r . Justice Greenleaf laid before the Town by the Treasurer were both read — whereupon Voted, that said Letter & Account be referred to the Committee appointed to make enquiry, and that said Committee appointed be desired to call upon the Executor's of the Will of the late Justice Pemberton deceased for the Towns proportion of Fines which had been received by said Justice The Committee appointed to enquire of the Town Treasurer what Sums he could furnish for the supply of the Almshouse — Reported, that having made the enquirey directed, they were in- formed by the Treasurer, that he had not any Monies in his hands, & therefore should not be Able to supply any Monies, except the Collectors should bring in of what they have to Collect — that of the five hundred thousand pounds granted [528.2 m November last, no more than fifty two thousand had as yet been received by him into the Treasurey The Gentlemen the Overseers of the Poor having represented in a Most affecting Manner, the present suffering and almost perishing circumstances of the Poor in the Almshouse, and the Necessity of an immediate and Adequate supply of Money to enable them to provide for their support and to prevent what must Otherwise. uuadvoidably take place — Viz'. The opening the 190 City Document No. 80. doors of the Almshouse, that such of those unhappy Sufferei'S as are able to walk out may from door to door seek such relief of their compassionate and Christian Townsmen as might save them from perishing ; and the Town having taken this representation into their Serious consideration Voted, that a Committee be appointed in each Ward to raise by Subscription of the several Inhabitants, a sum not exceed- ing two thousand Pounds in Silver or Current Money equivilent for the immediate supply of the Almshouse, and that the Chair- man of the respective Wards, shall receive the Subscriptions and return the Money subscribed together with the Subscription paper to the Town Treasurer who shall furnish the respective Collectors of Taxes with Attested Copies of the Same in order to their de- ducting said Sums out of the [529.] Taxes of the respective Lenders from the next tax that shall be issued, & that the head of a Subscription Paper be drawn up by the Town Clerk, and delivered to the Chairman of each Ward Voted, that Mess rs . Silas Atkins Nathaniel Barber Ju r . John R. Sigourney be a Committee for Ward N°. 1 to answer the purpose afore- said. Mess rs . Jedediah Parker Thomas Coverly Vernon Foster Cruft a Committee for Ward - - - - N°. 2. John Tudor Esq r . Cap'. John Ballard Jonathan Mountford J 1 ', a Committee for Ward -------- - - N°. 3. Mess". Daniel Parker John Larking Col . Syms a Committee for Ward ----------- N°. 4. D r . William Clark Cap 1 . John Pulling M r . Thomas Hitchburne a Committee for Ward --- = -- N°. 5. Mess". Joseph Hall Samuel Barret M r . Stephen Amory a Committee for Ward - - - -- N°. 6. Mess". Timothy Newell Richard Salter Joseph Callender [530.] a Committee for Ward - - N°. 7. Cap 1 . John Simpkins Jeremiah Belknap Samuel Eleot a Committee for Ward - - - - - N°. 8. Boston Town Records, 1781. 191 Mess". Elisha Sigorney Luke Baker Zephion Thayer a Committee for Ward ____.- n°. 9. Charles Miller Esq r . Adam Colson Stephen Hall a Committee for Ward N°. io Cap 4 . Nehemiah Somes Joseph Barrel Thomas Tileston a Committee for Ward N°. 1 1 Deacon Thomas Bayley Deacon John Procter M r . William Marshall a Committee for Ward N°. 12 The following is the Head of a Subscription Paper delivered to the Chairman of each Ward — Viz*. We the Subscribers most sensibly effected with the foregoing Representation of the present condition of the aged decriped & other suffering Poor in the Almshouse, some of whom have lived well and contributed their share towards the Publick expence ; and fully apprehensive [531.] not only of the many and great inconveniences that must take place upon those Poor being thrown upon the Charity of Private Families, but of the great reproach it would Justly bring upon the Inhabitants of this Town, both as Men and as Christians, for so cruel and unpresidented a Neglect — do therefore hereby chearfully engage to pay the respective Sums affixed to our Names, to the Chairmen of the Above Com- mittee, upon the condition and for the purposes expressed in the aforegoing Vote The Committee appointed for inlisting this Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army — Acquainted the Town how far they had proceeded in the service Assigned them Moved that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next being the 13 th of April — 3 0. Clock Afternoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Fryday April 13 th . 3. O'Clock Afternoon met according to Ad- journment M r . Benjamin Vezie and M r . William Ballard, who have been chosen Constables for the ensuing Year, appeared, and having desired the Town to excuse them from serving in that Office, they were accordingly excused The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for two Constables, and the same having been brought in and Sorted, it appeared that [532.] Mess rs . John Hunt ------ sworn Rufus Bent ------- d°. were chose Constables for the ensuing Year M r . John Doak & M r . Edward Jones, who have been chosen 192 City Document No. 80. Constables for the Year, ensuing, having desired to be excused from serving in that Office they were accordingly excused from serving by the Town The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for two Constables, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that Mess rs . Elijah Searl sworn Spencer Walker - - - - excused were chosen Constables for the ensuing Year — The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for one Assessor, and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that George B. Gedney was chosen an Assessor for the ensuing Year — M r . John Hews chosen into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing having prayed that he might be excused from serving in that Office, he was accordingly excused by the Town The Town brought in their Votes as directed, for one Consta- ble, and upon sorting them it appeared that M r . Foster Cruft was chosen a Constable for the ensuing Year excused [533.] M r . John McFadclen chosen into the Office of Con- stable, for the ensuing Year, having desired to be excused by the Town from serving, he was accordingly excused The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for one Constable, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that M r . William Clough sworn was chosen a Constable for the ensuing Year M r . Clough attended & desired to be excused serving as a Constable & the Question was put, but did not obtain The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for one Constable, and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that M r . Samuel Smith was chosen a Constable for the Year ensuing On a Motion Voted, that M r . Joseph Russell Ezekiel Price Esq r . Stephen Higginson Esq r . the Committee on M r . Fraziers Petition make up the depreciation on his debt according to Continental Scale of depreciation On a Motion Voted, that all Matters and Things which remaine unfinish'd at this Meeting be referred over to May Meeting [534.] On a Motion — Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to John Brown Esq r . Moderator Pro. Tern", for the good services, in dispatching the business of the Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of Twenty One Years of Age and Upwards, qualified as the Con- Boston Town Kecoeds, 1781. 193 stitution prescribes and legally warned in publick Town Meeting, Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Monday the 2 d . Day of April A.D. 1781 — Prayer was made by the Rev tl . M r . Clark Warrant for calling the Meeting read Paragraphs of the Constitution or Form of Government, rela- tive to the choice of Governor, Lievetinant Governor, and six Senators for the County of Suffolk It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be received but such as are unfolded, and that they purpose that the Poll shall be closed at half an hour past Twelve O'Clock It was moved and Voted, that the Bells be rung at a quarter past 12. O'Clock [535.] Persons Voted, for as Governor, with the number of Votes for each Person — Viz 1 . His Excellency John Hancock Esq r . Five hundred & thirteen Votes Persons Voted, for as Luiev*. Governor with the Number of Votes for each Person — Viz*. Votes His Honer Thomas Cashing Esq r . - - •• 480 Houb le . Samuel Adams Esq''. - - . - 12 Honb le . Azor Orne Esq 1 '. 2 M r . Elias Parkman ------- 2 M r . Nathaniel Tracy ------ 1 Thomas Esq r . - - - - 1 Persons Voted, for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with the Number of Votes for each Person Viz'. Votes Ellis Gray Esq r . ------- 4 Honb le . Jeremiah Powell Esq 1 ". - 508 Samuel Adams Esq 1 '. - - - - 479 John Pitts Esq r . 505 Jabez Fisher 510' Increase Sumner ------ 512 Samuel Niles --------20 Cotton Tuffts - 476 M r . Leonard Jarvis ------ 4 Hon ble . Benjamin White - - - - 6 Hon bIe . Thomas Gushing Esq 1 '. - - 9 John Rowe Esq 1 '. - 11 Hon ble . Caleb Davis Esq r . - - - - 1 John Lowell Esq r . 2 Hon blc . William Phillips Esq r . - - - 1 [536.] Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Gover- nor Leivetenant Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk were committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Inclosure sealed up in Town Meeting — Superscribed as follows — Viz 1 . 194 City Document No. 80. For John Avery Jun r . Esq 1 ". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a Governor Leivetanant Governor and Six Senators for the County of Suffolk, Certified within and Sealed up in Town Meeting Then the Meeting was dessolved At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston atFaneiuel Hall April 27 — 1781 — 3. O'Clock Afternoon Warrant for calling y e . Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that John Tudor Esq r . was chosen The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . "To consider and determine upon the most expeditious [537.] measures for making up the Towns defficiency of Men for the Continental Army, Occasioned by the neglect or refusal of some Classes and Individuals in Classes to procure them ; as also to give in to the Assessors the Names of every such Delinquent that they may be Assessed as the Law directs the full value of the same which shall be expended in procuring their Men together with the 50 pC. the Town have Voted shall be laid upon the respective Delinquents in Addition to the charge aforesaid"- — was read — whereupon the Committee for Inlisting Men were called upon to inform the Town what Classes were defficient, who Reported — That 36 men the Committee have receipted for from the Classes — 1 Man inlisted by a Class for which the Committee did not Receipt — making 37 Men from the Classes — 81 Inlisted by the Committee — the whole 118 Men — 63 Men wanting 65 Classes have paid £36 — & each have a Man Assigned. 60 ditto have paid in part £36 — 125 Classes have paid in full and in part of £36 — 37 Classes have got their Men Classes themselves making --. - -----162 Classes Delinquent -• ------------19 181 37 from Classes 65 Assigned 102 16 Men to Assign On a Motion, Voted, that at the Adjournment of this Meeting, the Committee for Inlisting Men be desired to make Report of their doings, and [538.] The Names of all the Persons who are Boston Town Records, 1781. 195 Delinquents, with respect to paying their respective Assessments for procuring the Men ; and the Town will then take immediate Measures to procure the Men ; and return the Names of such Delinquents to the Assessors On a Motion — Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to next Monday Seven night — 3. O. Clock. Afternoon On a Motion — Voted, that the Committee for Inlisting Men be desired to make enquirey with respect to such Persons as are car- rying out and Inlisting Men for Other Towns, and to lay the proofs with the Names of such Persons ; before the Town at the Adjourn- ment of this Meeting, that they may be dealt with according to their deserts Adjournment to the 7 th . Day of May next being Monday. 3. OClock in the Afternoon Monday the 7 Day of May. 3. O'Clock Afternoon — Met ac- cording to Adjournment The Committee for Inlisting the Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army, being called upon to Report their doings to the Town — they accordingly Reported that they had inlisted' — One hundred and twenty 1 Men The Chairman of the Committee appointed to make enquiry what Sums remained due from the several Justice of the Peace for the Towns proportion [539.] of the Fines by them received from time to time Reported, that they had discoursed with M r . Justice Gardner relative to those fines, and also had read his Letter to the Town respecting those Fines and what he had paid in and done for the Town, and upon the whole they think what he has paid and done, may be looked upon as Satisfactory for what is past, but that a regular Account ought to be kept by the Justices in future ; and that they be duly called upon by the Town Treasurer, for the Towns proportion of such Fines as they ma}' have received — the Letter from M 1 '. Justice Gardner to the Town, was again read — And the Question being then put — Viz 1 . Whether the same shall be accepted as Satisfactory to the Town — Passed in the Affermative It was moved & Voted, that M r . Justice Greenleaf be desired to lay before the Selectmen by tfext "Wednesday all his returned Warrants since the Town was opened, or an Account of the Towns proportion of fines, making Oath that he Apprehends the same to be the full amount of what has been received by him in that time for the Towns proportion of Fines Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to call upon the several Justices for a particular Account of the Towns proportion of Fines received by them, every Six Months, and also for the Sums which those Fines may severally Amount to within that time, and in case of refusal or neglect, to prosecute them for the Same, Agreeable to the Law of this Commonwealth [540.] The Committee for Inlisting the Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army Reported the Names of Deliquents Persons in the several Classes — Whereupon 196 City Document No. 80. Voted, that said Committee be desired to Report at the Next Town Meeting, what they shall apprehend will be the best method for raising the Money necessary to procure the Men wanted for the Delinquent Class and Individuals On a Motion — Voted, that the further acting upon the Article of the Warrant, be referred over to the General Town Meeting in May Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to John Tudor Esq 1 ", for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting Then the Meeting was dessolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 16 th Day of May Anno Domini 1781. 10 O'Clock Forenoon Prayer made by the Rev d . M r . Wight Warrant for calling the Meeting, read That part of the Constitution or Form of Goverment which relates to the choice of Representatives annually read [541.] Sundry Laws ----- read The Town having determined to choose seven Persons to repre- sent them in the General Assembly of Massachusetts to be held at the State House in Boston upon the last Wednesday of May Cur- rent, agreeable to the Constitution or Form of Goverment for the Massachusetts. — The Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw, and bring in their Votes for seven Representatives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be re- ceived, but such as are unfolded, and that they purpose the Poll shall be closed at 12. O. Clock The Votes being brought in for seven Representatives, the number of the same were found to be four hundred thirty eight, and upon sorting them it Appeared, that the following Persons were chose — Viz 4 . The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . - - - - 415 The Hon ble . Caleb Davis Esq 1 '. 273 Thomas Daws Esq r . --------421 John Lowell Esq r . - - - 421 Samuel A. Otis Esq r . - - - 260 •Leonard Jarvis ---------- 237 Stephen Higginson Esq r . 408 The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the Other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and Brought in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared that [542.] John Brown Esq 1 ". was chosen M r . Brown not being in the Meeting, or to be found, it was moved that a Moderator Pro. Tern : be now chosen Boston Town Records, 1781. 197 The Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator Pro Tern . — and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that John Scollay Esq r . was chosen Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon 3 O. Clock Afternoon met according to Adjournment M r . Brown the Moderator of the Meeting, & M 1 '. Scollay chosen Moderator Pro. Tern , being both Absent, it was moved, & Voted that the Town proceed to the Choice of another The Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that Samuel Allen Otis Esq r . was chosen The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider whether Instruction shall be given the Representatives [543.] that may be chosen" — was read and after debate had thereon, it was moved, and the Question accordingly put — Viz 1 . Whether the Town will now Instruct the Representatives that have been chosen — passed in the Negative The Petition of the Collectors of Taxes, " that the Town will reconsider the Vote lately passed respecting the Premium to be allowed for collecting the Taxes ; and also determine with respect to the Abatement of certain Taxes to them committed " was read whereupon it was moved and carried that a Committee be ap- pointed to consider said Petition, and Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting Voted, that M r . Joseph Barrel M r . Herman Brimmer Cap 4 . William Mackey excus'd M r . John White be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Moved, that an Application be made to the General Court relative to the Old Monies — depreciating — after some debate it was moved, and carried that the Matter subside for the present Voted, that M r . Samuel Hunt Master of the South Grammer School be allowed and paid the Sum of Ninety Pounds in Gold & Silver or current Money equivalent thereto at the time he shall receive the same out of the Treasuery,- for Six Months Salary as Master of said School, the same to commence the 1 st . of March last [544.] Voted, that the Sum of Ninety Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Aaron Smith Master of the North Grammer School, in Gold & Silver or Current Money equivilent thereto at the time he shall receive the same out of the Treasury, for Six Months Salary as Master of said School, the same to commence the first of March last Voted, that the Sum of Seventy five pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . John Tileston Master of the North Writing School, in Gold & Silver or current Money equivilent thereto at the Time he shall receive the Same out of the Treasury for Six 198 City Document No. 80. Months Salary as Master of said School, the same to commence the first of March last — also Voted, that the said M r . Tileston have an Additional allowance of Eighteen Ponnds p Annum for House Rent or the Exchange as aforesaid, Voted, that the Sum of Seventy five Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . James Carter Master of the Writing School in Queen Street, in Gold & Silver or current Money eqnivilent thereto at the time he shall receive the same out of the Treasurey for Six Months Salary as Master of said School, the same to com- mence the first of March last [545.] Voted, that the Sum of Eorty five Pounds be Allowed, and paid unto M 1 '. William Croswell Usher of the South Grammer School, in Gold & Silver or Current Money equivelent thereto at the time he shall receive the same out of the Treasury for Six Months Salary as Usher of said School the same to commence the first of March last The Committee for Inlisting the Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army — Reported there proceedings, Verbally — Adjourned to Fryday next being the 22 d Day of Mav Ins'. 3. O'Clock Fryday May 22 d . 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon. Met according to Adjournment Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to Act upon the List of Jurors The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for three Constables, — and the same being brought in and sorted it Appeared that Mess rs . Benajah Davenport sworn Samuel Sprague Joshua Beal excused were chosen Constables for the ensuing year The Committee appointed to consider the Petition of the Col- lectors of Taxes, having Attended that service are of Opinion with respect to the [546.] Abatement of the Taxes, that the As- sessors are the proper Judges, and therefore advise that they be directed to Abate all those Persons their Taxes, that by Law are exempted from payment and all those which cannot be Collected which they are convinced were not lost by the Omission of the Collectors, but if any are become bad by their carelessness or un- due lenity, in that case the Committee are of Opinion that those sums so lost be not abated, but that the Collectors make them good — and the Selectmen be desired to liquidate and settle their accounts as soon as may be The Committee beg leave to sugest that Application be made to the General Court by our Representatives that a law may be made, expressly and explicitly to enable the Assessors to tax such Persons, as do not reside in Town but do their business here, altho they are Taxed elsewhere, as nothing can appear more unreasona- ble than the Determination of a late Court of Sessions, that a Man shall pay his whole Taxes to a Town, where he does not ac- Boston Town Records, 1781. 199 quire a farthing, but only spend, the property which he acquires in this Town luhile this Town reaps no benefit although the business would otherwise be done by Persons residing here The Committee are of Opinion that the Premium of two and half p Cent allowed the Collectors for Collecting the Taxes, is sufficient for that service and that they be enjoined to pay in from time to time, to the Town Treasurer at the [547.] same time they pay into the State Treasurer, the full proportion of the Towns Taxes, and that the Treasurer of the Town make it a standing Rule whenever the State Treasurer Issues his Executions, that he does the same, without further Order from the Town Joseph Barrell p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered, the Question was put Viz 1 . — Whether the same shall be accepted Passed in the Aff ermative — also Voted, that the Town Clerk furnish the Assessors, the respec- tive Collectors and the Town Treasurer with attested Copies of the aforegoing Vote The Committee appointed to liquidate the Account of Nathan Frazier Esq r . for Monies lent the Town at several Times — Re- port That they find the Sum of £601 .. 19 .. 8 Silver Money due to him as appears by the within State — that the Town Treasurer take his Notes given to M r . Frazier, and grant him a New Note for the above sum payable in Silver Money or an equivilant thereto in Current Money when paid — this new Note to bear this date and carry Interest Joseph Russell Jun 1 " Ezekiel Price Stephen Higginson [*547.] The foregoing Report having been read and con- sidered — the Question was put. Viz'. Whether the same shall be accepted Passed in the Affermative On a Motion — Voted, that a Committee be appointed to give in an Estimate of the Sum necessary to be raised for defraying the Expencies of the Current Year, and that they determine upon such Appropriations of the Same as they shall Judge to be expe- dient Voted, that M r . Joseph Barrel M r . Edward Payne M r . Jonathan Mason Stephen Higginson Esq r . The Hon ble . William Phillips Esq r be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid — to Report at the Ad- journment of this Meeting Adjourned to next Fryclay seven Night being the 1'. of June 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon Fryday the 1 st . Day of June 3. OClock in the Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment M r . Samuel Allyne Otis Esq r . the Moderator of this Meeting not being able to give his attendance — The Inhabitants were 200 City Document No. 80. directed to withdraw and bring in Votes for a Moderator Pro Tern . — -And the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that John Rowe Esq r . was chosen Moderator of the Meeting [548.] M r . Benjamin Sumner, M 1 '. James Thompson, & M r . Thomas Bayley three of the Persons chosen Collectors of Taxes for the ensuing Year, being in the Meeting, were called upon to inform the Town, whether they accepted of the choice made of them for Collectors of Taxes — when they answered in the Affermative The Committee appointed to give in an Estimate of the Sum necessary to be raised for defraying the Expencies of the Current year & to determine how it should be appropriated, being in the Meeting were called upon for their Report — whereupon said Committee Acquainted the Town, that they were not as yet able to make Report, and desired further time for that purpose which was granted them On a Motion — Voted, that all Matters, and Things, which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting which may be called Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in a publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 12 th . Day of June Anno Domini 1781. 3. O'Clock. Afternoon — Warrant for calling the Meeting — read [549.] Precept for the choice of one Representative - - - read The Town having determined to choose a Person to Represent them in the General Assembly of this Commonwealth in the room of the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r , chosen a Senator agreable to a Precipt received for that purpose — The Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes, for one Representative, and then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be received by the Selectmen but such as are unfolded, and from Persons who enter the Hall after they have Voted and remain untill the Poll is closed which they propose shall be at 5 O'Clock. The Votes being brought in for one Representative, the number of the same were found to be - - - - - 394 and upon sort- ing them it appeared that John Rowe Esq''. ------ 300 was chosen The choice of Representative being over and declared by the Selectmen the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in Order that the Town may proceed in transacting the Other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared that Boston Town Records, 1781. 201 [550.] The Hon ble . Benjamin Austin Esq r . was chosen The Committee appointed to consider what Monies are necessary to defray the Charges of the Current Year, and in what manner the same shall be appropriated — being ready to Report — the Ques- tion was put Viz'. — Whether the same shall now be taken up and Acted upon — passed in the Aff ermative The Committee appointed to form an Estimate of the Sum neces- sary for the Currant Expencies of the Year, and to appropriate it Report That they find the Sum expended last Year for the expences of the Town amounted in Specie to about five thousand pounds law- full Money, as appears by the Selectmen and Overseers draughts which Sum the Committee are of Opinion will be sufficient for the present Year That they find the debts due from the Town as by List taken in May 1780 — Amounted to about twelve thousand pounds lawfull, Money in Specie exclusive of Interest., but what proportion of these debts are paid cannot be assertained uutill the Treasurer liquidate and settle his Accounts, with the Collectors and Others, which the Treasu. says is impossible to be done without a Suffi- cient Assistant ; if the Tax now proposed is put into his hands That the Sum of Nine Thousand Pounds be raised, the Tax to be made in Gold or Silver, [551.] and paid in Specie or an equivalent in the new Emissions at the rates affixed by the Judges Scale of Depretiation at the time the Tax is essued, and appropriated as follows — One third to discharge the Overseers Draughts, one third to discharge what remains of the Selectmen and Overseers Draughts for 1779 & 1780 — (if there is not suffi- cient in the Treasury for the purpose) — the Residue with what may remain of the two Other, appropriations towards, discharging the Interest and part of the principal of the debts now due from the Town, and that the Treasurer be enjoined to pay to each De- partment (if applied for) in Just proportion and time as the Money comes into his hands That the Collectors settle their former Accounts immediately or their Bonds put in Suite, and that they Collect the present Tax as soon as may be ; and pay it into the Treasurer as soon as same is Collected ; and if a New Scale of Depretiation is made, before the whole Tax is collected, the Delinquents to pay according to the New Scale ; and no depretiation to be allowed the Collec- tors, but agreeably to the Scale at the time they make their payments to the Treasurer That the Treasurer be Directed to liquidate the debts and give new Notes (to those that choose it) including the Interest for all Sums prior to 1776 to be paid in Specie, and for all [552.] Sums after that date, in Specie or an equivalent in Currency That the Treasurer immediately open a New set of Books to be kept in Specie, the New Notes when liquidated, numbered & transferred into these Books, where the Tax now proposed, and the Appropriations are to be entered That the Monthly Draughts of the Selectmen and Overseers be 202 City Document No. 80. paid in course as they are drawn and no part of the second Month untill the first (if applied for) are discharged ; except only such Drafts from the Overseer's as may be in faviour of Persons from the Country That a List be taken by the Treasurer of those that are in want of the Monies borrowed, and if they exceed the Sum appropriated for the purpose, he proportion it in as equitable a Manner as may be That M 1 . Edward Payne Col . Josiah Waters M r . Herman Brimmer be a Committee, and upon the publication of every new scale, the Treasurer immediatlej T Apply to this Committee with an Account of what Money he has on hand, and this Committee shall examine the Money, and Affix what depretiation there is upon it and Charge it to the Town, but [553.] if the Treasurer shall omit to apply as aforesaid he shall have no allowance for any depretiation whatever. That a Copy of this Report be delivered to each of this Com- mittee who are desired to see the aforegoing regulations are put in Execution at the Treasury Joseph Barrel p Order The foregoing Report having been taken up and considered, paragraph by Paragraph — the Question was put — Viz 4 . — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative Whereas great inconveniences and embarressments have arisen in the Treasurers Accounts from the Collectors of Taxes not set- tling their Accounts and paying the Sums committed to them to Collect in the course of the Year therefor Voted, that no Person who has heretofore been a Collector of Taxes shall be hereafter chosen into that Office untill he has settled his Accounts and paid into the Treasurey the whole Sum committed to him to Collect — his Commissions and any Abatement the Assessors may make him being deducted Moved, that a Committee be now appointed to agree with one or more suitable Person or Persons to Assist M r . Treasurer Jeffries — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that M r . Edward Payne Col". Josiah Waters M r . Herman Brimmer M r . Alex r . Hodsdon be a Committee for that purpose Boston Town Kecords, 1781. 203 BOSTON TOWN RECORDS. [SEVENTH BOOK.] The Article in the Warrant Viz 4 . — To consider the Petition of Jonas Welch, that he may be permitted to take in a Small Strip of the Street leading to the North Mills, for the purpose Mentioned in said Petition — was read, and considered — Whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed and im- powered to make Sale of the Land prayed for by M r . Welch, on such terms as they shall Judge proper Voted, that the Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday the 21 st . of June. 3. O Clock in the Afternoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Thursday the 21 st . Day of June 3. O'Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment Benjamin Austin Esq r . in the Chair M r . Joshua Beal chosen one of the Constables, in March last, having desired to be excused from searving in that Office, he was accordingly excused by the Town The' Committee Appointed to consider & devise ways, to pre- vent the incroachment of the Sea upon the Neck, as also to en- quire into the terms of M r . Sutton Byles's Lease from the Town of Land on the Neck [2.] Report, That they have examined into the conditions M r . Byles hired that part of the Neck he improved, and find he was to pay one Shilling a Year for the Rent, which he paid to the Year 1774 and has a Receipt in full to that time — they also find there was no penalty to the Lease, that he was only to re-deliver the possession thereof when the Town required it Your Committee cannot devise any ways for the Town to pre- vent the incroachment of the Sea, but building a Stone Wall which they apprehend the Town in their present circumstances are not able to do, Unless they should think proper to make application to the General Court for a Lottery to raise a sum of Money Sufficient for that purpose Gibbins Sharp p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered, the Question was put — Viz'. Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative 204 City Document No. 80. The Committee for Inlistiug the Towns Quota for Men for the Continental Army — Reported verbally That they had still Money on hand for the purpose of hiring Men having been greatly disappointed by the Obstructions thrown in their way, by a M r . Griffis & Others and that it is the Opinion of the Committee that unless some Method can be devised to re- move those difficulties [3.] there is but little probability the Number to be raised by the Town will be compleated as there is still wanting — 45 — or 46 Men, & they only expect to procure a few Others — that they have now in hand of the Money Collected of the several Classes, about Six hundred & fifty pounds Specie The foregoing Report having been consider'd by the Town, it was thereupon Moved and Voted, that the Committee be desired to continue their good services untill the 30 th Day of June next The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for two Constables, and the same being brought in and sorted, it Appeared that Mess rs . George Thomas John Cook were chosen Constables for the Year ensuing Moved and Voted, that all Matters, & things which remain un- finished at this Meeting be referred to the next General Town Meeting On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and here- by are given to Benjamin Austin Esq r . for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved [4.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in pub- lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 28 th . Day of June Anno Domini 1781 — 3. O. Clock P: M: Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator, and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that M r . Thomas Walley was chosen Moderator of this Meeting The Article in the Warrant — Viz'. " To consider what proper Measures may be immediately pur- sued for carrying into full effect the Resolves of the General Assembly of the 22 d . of June Ins 1 , for procuring the Towns proportion of the Beef, for the Continental Army " was read The foregoing Vote of the General Court relative to the pro- curing live Beef, was also read — and after the same had been considered, it was moved and, Voted, that, a Committee be ap- pointed to consider what may be the most speedy and effectual Measures for procuring the Towns proportion of live Beef [5.] for the Continental Army agreeable to the Resolve of the General Court passed the 22 Inst — is also to confer with any Person or Persons, who may appear willing to furnish said Beef ; and to devise ways and means for procuring the Money necessary for the purpose aforesaid and Report thereon at the Adjournment Boston Town Records, 1781. 205 Voted, that Allen Otis, Esq 1 ". Stephen Higginson Esq r . M r . Thomas Walley Charles Miller Esq''. John Rowe Esq 1 '. be and hereby are appointed a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant — ■ Viz fc — To consider and determine upon the Most speedy and effectual Measures for raising the Towns Quota of Men, according to a Resolution of the General Assembly in their Sessions — was read — Whereupon, it was moved & Voted, that the consideration of this Article be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider what is neces- sary to be done for the immediate Relief and support of the Poor in the Alms house " — was read, and considered — whereupon a Mo- tion was Made, that application be made to the Rev d . Ministers that a Collection be made for the purpose aforesaid in their Re- spective Congregations — considerable Objections being made to this proposal the Motion was withdrawn [6.] And another Motion made, it was, Voted, that the Gentelmen the Overseer's of the Poor be desired to prepare a State of the destresses of the Poor in the Almshouse, and furnish a Copy thereof to the Ministers of the G-ospel of all Denominations through the Town, requesting them to communi- cate the same to their respective Congregations .the next Lords Day, and before the Congregations are dismissed, enforced with such Arguments, as to them shall Appear, most conducive to en- gage the Attention of the People to the same- — also to inform them that a Committee of the Town will wait on them for Sub- scriptions in the Several Wards, on the next Tuesday the Amount of which will be discounted out of the Tax now laid, and that the Overseer's be furnished with attested Copies of this Vote for the Minister's also, Voted, that the Committee of the Several Wards for procuring Subscriptions for the Almshouse, be desired to renew their appli- cations, for that purpose, more particularly on Tuesday next, re- ceiving the Subscriptions in Specie only, — And that the Town Clerk furnish the respective Chairmen with a Copy of this Vote Adjourned to Thursday next being the 5 th Day of July, 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon [7.] Thursday the 5 th of July, 3. O'Clock — Afternoon, Met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to consider of Ways and Means for procuring the Towns quota of Beef for the Supply of the Army, Agreeable to the Monthly Assessments by Order of the General Court, having made the necessary enquiry, find, that M r . Phelps Superintendent of Purchases, will procure the whole quantity wanted by the Town upon the most Advantageous Terms, expect- ing only a small consideration for his trouble, and that he will engage that the Beef for the first Month shall not -exceed forty Shillings Specie p hundred 206 City Document No. 80. Your Committee represent that Contracts might have been made for two three or Six Months, but as the Season Advances they think it probable Beef will become cheaper and preferable to employ M r . Phelps to make the Monthly purchases upon the lowest possible terms, one great Advantage of this Mode, is M r . Phelps can give the Town a few Weeks to Collect the Money, besides which no difficulty can arise as to the quantity none can be turn'd in that M r . Phelps can make an Objection to, himself being the purchaser The means of payment your Committee suppose can only be dirived from a hard Money Tax, which they recommend should be added to the tax now essuing — the whole Sum Necessary [8.] to be raised is about £2400 — in Specie — Six hundred Pounds of which to be collected in ten Days after the delivery of the Tickets, and then paid immediately into the hands of the Treasurer or a Committee for the special purpose ; said Money to be paid to M r . Phelps or his order to enable him to go on with his purchases ; the other Eighteen hundred pounds to be Collected and paid into the Hands of the Treasurer or said Committee on or before the first Day of October next for the purpose all which is submitted Tno^iAS Walley p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put Viz*. — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative also Voted, that the Sum of Twenty four hundred pounds in Specie be immediately raised by a tax on the Polls and rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Towns, Tax Six hundred pounds part thereof to be paid into the Treasurey, within ten Days after the delivery of the Tickets and the remaining Eighteen hundred pounds to be Collected and paid into the Treasurey by the first Day of October next, the whole of said Monies, to be Appropri- ated for procuring the Town Quota of Beef for the Use of the Con- tinental Army [9.] Voted, that Allen Otis Esq r . Stephen Higginson P2sq r . M r . Thomas Walley Charles Miller Esq r . John Rowe Esq r . be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Contract with Oliver Phelps Esq r . for the live Beef wanted by the Town Agrea- ble to the Report of the Committee I'elative to procuring Beef On a Motion Voted, that the consideration of the Article in the Warrant relative to raising Men be referred to the Adjournment The Committee for raising the Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army. — Reported verbally. That they had pro- ceeded, so far in raising Men as that but forty One Men are now wanting to compleat this Towns Quota — whereupon Voted, that said Committee be desired to continue their good services, till the further Orders of the Town Moved and Voted, that, the Town Clerk Advertize the business of the intended — Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next. 3. O'Clock Afternoon Boston Town Eecords, 1781. 207 [10.] July 9 th . 3. O Clock Afternoon Met according to Adjournment The Assessors having been desired to give their Attendance at this Meeting, they Attended accordingly The Moderator then acquainted them that the Town would wish to be informed how soon the Tax Bills for the present Tax, were like to come out The Assessors having taken some time to consider the Matter, acquainted the Town, that it would not be much short of Six Weeks On a Motion Voted, that the Vote passed the 5 th . of July Instant, laying a Tax of Twenty four hundred pounds Specie be reconsidered and set Aside — And that the Sum of Three thousand Pounds in Specie be immediately raised by a Tax on the Polls and rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, Seven hundred and fifty Pounds part thereof to be paid into the Treasurey within Ten Days After the Delivery of the Tickets, and the re- maining twenty two hundred and fifty Pounds to be Collected and paid into the Treasurey by the first Day of October next, the whole of said Monies to be appropriated for procuring the Towns Quota of Beef for the use of the Continental Army — And that no Person [11,] shall be entitled to the five per cent Allowed by the Vote Passed the 31 6t of March last who does not pay the first part of the above Tax in the Time limitted in this Vote ; and that this Sum be Added to the Tax now issuing, and that the same be placed in distinct Columns on the Tickets to be delivered to the Inhabitants Whereas by a Report of a Committee appointed to form an Estimate of the Sum necessary for the Expencies of the Current Year, it was Voted June 12 th . that the Sum of Nine Thousand Pounds should be raised, the Tax to be made in Gold and Silver and paid in Specie or an equivalent in Bills of the new Emission at the rate of depreciation affixed by Judges Scale at the time of the Tax being issued And whereas by a late Act of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, the former Act impowering the Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court to regulate the depreciation of the Paper Currency is repealed, and no such Scale of Depreciation is likely to take place — therefore Voted, that the several paragraphs, in the said Report relating to the Sum to be raised, and the Scale of depreciation by which the same was to be paid, be and hereby are repealed and made Void [12.] Voted, that the Sum of Twelve Thousand Pounds be raised by a Tax on the Polls, and rateable Estates of the Inhab- itants of this Town, for defreying the necessary Expences for the Year ensuing — And that the Tax be made in Gold or Silver, and paid in Specie or Bills of this State of the new Emission at the rate of one and seven Eighths of the new Emission for one hard Dollar, and that the same be appropriated as mentioned in the Report of said Committee The Committee Appointed to Contract with M r . Phelps for live 208 City Document No. 80. Beef Reported a Letter they had wrote to him a Copy of which is on file Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to next Monday being the 16 th of July Ins': 3 O'Clock Afternoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned to that time Monday the 16 th . Day of July 3. O'Clock, Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment M r . Treasurer Jeffries appeard, and desired the Town would give him their Opinion with respect to these two Questions Viz'. 1 st . Is the Town Treasurer to receive of the Old Continental Bills, of the Collectors for pavment of Taxes yet remaining due of the Two £250,000, [13.] — or £500,000 — Voted, to be raised July and October 1780 2 d . Is the Town Treasurer to receive of the Collectors any Other than Bills of the New Emission for what is due from them of the £9000 — Tax of said new Emission, Voted, December last for payment of the 2 d . Quota of Beef — After some debate the Question was put. Viz'. — Whether it be the Sense of the Town that the Town Treasurer should take the Act of the General Assembly passed the 6. of July Inst for his rule of Conduct relative to the Questions proposed — Passed in the Afferma- tive On a Motion Voted, that a Committee be now appointed, to consider and Report what they shall Judge to be a suitable allow- ance to the Town Treasurer for past services Voted, that the Committee last appointed to consider a suitable allowance to the School Masters Viz'. Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r . John Lowell be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid On a Motion Voted, that the Town do now reconsider and set aside the Vote passed giving the Town Treasurer their Opinion on the Questions proposed by him at this Meeting On a Motion, Voted, that all matters and things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred for consideration to the next Town Meeting [14.] Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be a*nd ^hereby are given to M r . Thomas Walley for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting — Then the Meeting was dessolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified, and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 16 Day of August Anno Domini 1781 3. OClock. P.M. Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Inhabitants were desired to withdraw, and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that Thomas Dawes Esq r . was chosen Boston Town Records, 1781. 20i> The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . " Then and there agreable to the request of a Number of the Inhabitants, to devise some ef- fectual and speedy method of raising Money for the payment of the four Months Quota of Beef for the Continental Army, already become due — was read, aud after some debate had thereon — It was moved, that the Assessors be desired to attend at this Meet- ing, they accordingly Attended, and being Asked [15.] Whether the Tax Books were ready to be delivered the Collectors of Taxes — Answered — " That by the latter end of the next Week, the Tax Books will be compleated " It was then moved and Voted, that a Committee be now Ap- pointed, to hire One hundred Pounds, which is now wanted to discharge a draught of M r . Phelps, for Beef purchased to that Amount It was moved and Voted, the foregoing Vote, be reconsidered,- and that the Collectors of Taxes be desired to apply immediately to the Inhabitants, and urge their advancing their Beef Tax ii order to discharge M r . Phelps draught for the Beef he has pro cured for the Town, for which they are by a Vote passed the ninth Day of July last, to have five per cent deducted from their respec- tive Taxes for the Sum so advanced — the Collectors to give Receipts accordingly and the Money received by them to be paid into the Town Treasury The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider what is neces- sary to be done for procuring the Towns proportion of Clothing for the Continental Army " — was read whereupon it was moved and carried, that a Committee be now Appointed to take this Article into consideration, and Report their Opinion thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting [16.] Voted, that The Moderator Samuel Allen Otis Esq r . Samuel Barret Esq 1 ". M r . Nathaniel Barret M r . Daniel Bell be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant. Viz'. To determine what Allowances shall be made the School Masters " — was read, whereupon Voted, that Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r . John Lowell be a Committee before appointed to consider what may be adequate Grants to the School Masters, be desired to make Report at the Adjournment The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " To consider what steps shall be taken for the better security of the Town in the Night Season" was read, whereupon Voted, that the consideration of this Matter be referred to the Adjournment — reconsidered The Moderator Col°. Daws having informed the Town " that he had obtained a Return of the Men now in the Continental Army" it was moved and Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to imploy a Suitable Person to arange, said Returns, that it may clearly appear, and be determined what proportion of Men this Town has procured for the Continental Army 210 City Document No. 80. [17.] The Committee Appointed to consider and Report an allowance to be made the Town Treasurer for his Services for the Year 1780 — Reported the following Vote which was accepted b}- the Town — Viz'. Voted, that David Jeffries Esq 1 ', be allowed in consideration of extra services, and high prices of the Necessaries of Life Two hundred and twenty pounds Specie for his Services as Treasurer of this City [sic^ for the Year 1 780 It was moved & Voted, that the aforegoing Vote respecting the "Watchmen be reconsidered, and that a Committee be now ap- pointed to take this matter into consideration, and Report thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting ' Voted, that the G-entelmen the Selectmen be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid It was moved, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to Wednesday next being the 22 d . of August Instant at 3. O'Clock Afternoon then to meet at this place And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Wednesday August 22 d 8. O Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment [18.] Col . Daws in the Chair — The Selectmen being a Com- mittee to take up the Matter in the Notification relating to the Town Watch do Report. That the State of the Town Treasurey being at present such that Money cannot be Obtained for paying the Watchmen, therefore in order to preserve the safety of the Town in the Night, that the Captain of each Military Company be desired to select out of each- Military Ward two discreat Persons to do duty for one Night, and so on every Night in rotation, that one third of the Company so appointed take care of the South part of the Town, one third the Middle part of the Town, and the Other third, the North part of the Town, this to continue till the Treasury is in a better State or untill the Town or the Selectmen shall otherwise Order p John Scollay Chairman The foregoing Report having been read & debate had thereon, it was moved & Voted, that the further consideration of this mat- ter subside for the present The Towns Committee to devise means for procuring the Quota of Shirts Shoes, &c for the Army — Report That there is plenty of Material for that purpose in Town which may probably be had upon a credet. And that some suitable Per- son'be appointed to purchase the Articles [19.] upon the longest Credit and best terms possible ; and that a hard Money Tax be laid to fulfill the Contracts as Soon as may be Samuel Otis p Order The foregoing Report having been read, and considered, the Question was put Viz': — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative, whereupon, Voted, that Samuel Allen Otis Esq r . M r . Nathaniel Barret M r . Daniel Hell Boston Town Records, 1781. 211 be a Committee to procure those Articles Agreeable to the fore- going Reports, and when clone to lay their Accounts before the Selectmen in order to obtain their Draughts upon the Treasury, for Payment — also Voted, that the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, in Gold or Silver be raised by a Tax upon the Polls & Rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, and that the same be paid into the Town Treasurey, and Appropriated for discharging the Accounts of the Several Articles of Clothing procured as aforesaid The Report of the Committee relative to the Town Watch again taken up, and after considerable debate had thereon, it was Moved & Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to proceed in the Old way of hiring suitable Persons to compose the Town Watch, the Town not accepting the said Report [20.] The Committee Appointed to consider and Report what Allowances should be made the School Masters are of Opinion That considering the high prices of Provisions, Fuel &c — They be allowed for the next three Months, commencing from the last Grant made them, to the first Day of September next, double the Sum in Specie granted them respectively in the Year 1774. The foregoing Report having been read, and considered. — Question was put — Viz' : Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting, then to be acted upon Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Thomas Daws Esq r . for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting Then the Meeting was dessolved* At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall being duly qualified & legally warned; December [7.] 1781 [21.] Warrant for calling Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that The Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . was chosen The Article in the Warrant. Viz' : " To consider the Applica- tion of a Sister Town relative to the Fishery " — was read — whereupon Moved & Voted, that the Letter from the Town of Marblehead, be read, & it was accordingly read It was then Moved, that a time be now Assigned for the consid- eration of said Letter from Marblehead, but another Motion being made and seconded, that the consideration of this matter subside for the present & that the Article relative to Grants be now taken up — the Question was put, & passed in the Affermative The Article in the Warrant Viz' : " To consider and grant such 212 City Document No. 80. Sums of Money, and in such manner as may be Judged needfull for the payment of the School Masters, for the Relief, of the Poor, and for defraying other necessary Charges ; the Tax laid in March last, for said purposes having been collected almost wholy in Monies of the New Emmission, now out of circulation" was read — [22.] Whereupon it was moved & Voted, that a Committee be now appointed to take this Article into consideration, and to Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting : the Sum necessary to be raised for the purpose aforesaid. Voted, that Edward Payne Esq r . M r . Joseph Barrel M r . Jonathan Mason Sen r . Stephen Higginson Esq r . William Phillips Esq r . be a Committee for said purpose, and that this Committee be In- structed to lay before the Town a List of the necessary charges of the Town Moved & Voted, that the Letter from Marblehead, be again read — and the Letter being read accordingly Voted, that a Committee be now appointed to take the Subject matter of this Letter into consideration, and Report at the Adjournment Voted, that the Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . Perez Morton Esq r . Samuel A. Otis Esq r . Isaac Smith Esq 1 '. Joseph Barrel Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant. Viz*. — "To consider and Act upon the Memorial of the Assessors, relative to Delinquent Classes and Individuals of each of those Classes — was read [23.] And Voted, that a Committee be now appointed to take the Memorial of the Assessors and the Papers accompanying the same into con- sideration, and Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting. Voted, that Maj r : Melville Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r . Thomas W alley — excused John Lucas Esq r . to be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to the Representatives Chamber — provided leave can be ob- tained for that purpose And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned to Tuesday the 11"' Day of December Instant. 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon, then to meet at the Representatives Chamber Tuesday the 11 th Day of December 3. O Clock Afternoon, Met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to take the following Article in the Warrant into consideration — Viz 1 : "To consider and grant such Sums of Monies and in such manner as may be Judged needfull for the payment of the School Masters, for the relief of the Poor, and for defraying other necessary charges, the Tax laid in March Boston Town Records, 1781. 213 last for said purpose, having been Collected almost wholly in Monies of the New Emission now out of Circulation" — Report [24.] That having examined the Estimate on which they formed their Report in May last, and finding the Tax granted at that time, was to be paid in Bills of the New Emission which were soon after out of Circulation, and consequently no part of the Selectmens Draughts for the payment of Schoolmasters, and Other Servants of the Town, nor those of the Overseer's for the support of the Poor have been paid The Committee are of Opinion that the Sum of Twelve Thou- sand Pounds lawfull Monie, or £22,500 in Bills of the new Emis- sion, was Voted in May last to be raised by a Tax, and one third of said Sum to be appropriated to discharge part of the Debts due from the Town for Monies borrowed, which Tax being to be paid in Bills of the New Emission, and when received, the Whole will remain useless in the Treasurey Unless the Creditors of the Town will consent to receive their pay in those Bills at some rate that may be agreed on by a Committee appointed for that purpose The Committee therefore propose to the consideration of the Town, whether they Will, at present raise a further Sum by a Tax to be appropriated towards the payment of part of those Debts, and let those Bills remain in the Treasury, untill Government shall make provision for their Redemption — or whether they will appoint a Committee to dispose of said Bills on the best terms that can be Obtained [25.] The foregoing Report having been read and ; after some debate had thereon (it was moved that a Committee be now ap- pointed agreeable to said Report, to dispose of the Bills, of the New Emission Money, now in the Treasurey, for the most they can obtain — and the Question being Accordingly put — Passed in the Negative It was then Moved, that the Monies above mentioned be dis- posed of for the payment of the Towns Debts — the Question being put — Passed in the Negative It was also moved, that the first Vote negativing the disposing of said Monies as Reported by the Committee be reconsidered, and the Question being put — passed in the Negative It was then Voted, that the Sum of Six thousand Pounds, be raised by a Tax on the Polls and ratable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, for defreying the necessary Expences of the present Year On a Motion, Voted, that a Committee be now Appointed, to waite upon his Excellency the Governor, to Acquaint him with the Apprehensions of the Inhabitants, of dangers from a Vessels lay- ing near the Town, said to have several thousand barrels of Powder on board and praying his Excellency to take such Meas- ures thereon, as he may apprehend the safety of the Town requires — also Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be a Committee for that purpose [26.] The Committee Appointed to take the Matter of the 214 City Document No. 80. Letter from the Town of Marblehead relative to the Fishery, into consideration Reported a set of Instructions to be given the Gen- telmen who Represent this Town in the General Court — as also a sircular Letter to be forwarded by the Selectmen — And the Same having been read — the Question was put. Viz'. Whether the Town will now Instruct their Representatives relative to the Fish- ery, as recommended by the Committee, which passed in the Affermative The Instructions Reported by the Committee being read and considered, the Question was put — Whether said Instructions be given to the Gentlemen who Represent the Town in the General Court — passed in the Affermative — The Instructions are as follows — Viz 4 . Gentlemen, The brilliant successes which have attended the Allied Arms through the course of the proceeding Campaign, afords us the most nattering prospects that our Enemies (though hitherto Obste- nate to a degree of infatuation) will soon sue for Peace. — In the conditions of that Peace, Your constituants feel themselves as deeply and immediately interested as any Part of the Powers at War ; but from an equal desire to promote the general welfare of the Federal Republick, and the Safety & [27.] Happiness of this Commonwealth, they think it their duty to Open to you their Sen- tements on the importance of that Principle Branch of the Eastern Trade, the Fishery, and the Necessaty of confirming a rite to it by an express Article of the Treaty of Peace The present De- cayed State of a Number of our Maritime Towns contrasted with their nourishing Situation previous to the present Contest, is a striking proof, not only of the Advantages of the Fishery to the commercial part of the Commonwealth, but the immediate ruin that follows the want of it ; and if any of their Sister Towns can boast more eligible circumstances, their riches are derived from a source which is but temporary and will last only with the War The stagnation of the Fishery furnished us with means, for Cr using against the Enemy's property, and its to the astonishing Successes that have hitherto Attended that kind of enterprize that we owe the principle part of our present Trade — And though the Merchants of some of our Seaports have lately made considerable importations from the differant European Markets, yet 'tis from a Source not more lasting than the Other, that they derive then- Ability to do it. The introduction of Foreign Armies an Navies amongest us, has created great demands for our internal Supplies those Supplies have furnished our Merchants with exchange, and enabled them to make large remittances. [28.] h\ Addition to which the Exportation of Gold and Silver, dining the Paper currency, has constituted no inconsid- erable part of the Ballance of our"Trade. —But if it is Obvious to the Eye of every One, that these resources of our Wealth must inevitably fail with the War — And in a Time of Peace, like all Other Nations, we must depend only upon the Staple Commodities of our own Country, for the Support of our commerce — These commodities exclusive of the Fishery, will consist only of Lumber, Boston Town Records, 1781. 215 and a small quantity of Inland Provisions. These Articles were never supposed more than Sufficient to ballauce our West India Importations ; for every European Article of consumption there- fore (which was formerly paid for by our Fish and Oyl) the Trade must be in debt. How fast that debt will accumilate, & how long it will take to ruin the Trade, & impoverish the Country, may be seen by the calculations of the Merchants of this Town in the year 1769, by which it appears that upwards of Four hundred Vessells were constantly employed in the Fishery, and the Annual Profits of their Labour amounted to upwards of £160,000 Sterling ; the whole of this was remitted to Great Britain for payment of the Merchandizes, Annually imported from that Island : — It therefore follows that without this Staple, we must either Content ourselves to forego the Use of all European commodities, or become meer carriers [29.] to the rest of the World ; the former from habit is become impracticable ; and the latter is too Mortifying to sub- mit to, and to inconsiderable in its prospects to be considered as an Equivalent. It is hence also easey to conceive (though we Apprehend need- less to urge) of how vast an importance the preservation of this Trade is to every Other part of the Commonwealth — The various Mechanicks, necessarily employed iir the building, rigging and fitting out such a Number of Vessels, must without it be destitute of Subsistance ; And the great quantities of provisions, expended by our Fishermen, and the Timber made use of in Building the Vessells, together with the Staves, Hoops, &c. made use of in the exportation of the Fish & Oyl, will convince us, that the loss of the Fishery must essentially affect our inland Brethren ; And without urging the more remote Argument, that the wealth & Strength of every Nation depends on the prosperity, and increase of its commerce it is evident, that the vast debt we have found it necessary to contract in the present War, together with all the publick Taxes we may hereafter be Oblidged to raise, on the fail- ure of the Trade, or in proportion to its dimenution, must In- evitably fall on the Landed Interest — And when they consider, what a great Part of the Publick Taxes is paid by the Mercantile Towns, and that the Country are in a great Measure enabled to pay their proportion of them by vending their produce in the Sea Ports, it is clear, that upon the depopulation of the Maritime, and the additional [30.] Weight of Taxes on the Country Towns, which must follow the loss of our Trade, the Burthen will be to them Intolerable — But the reasons need not be local For though the Inhabitants of the other States are not so immediately af- fected by the loss of the Fishery, yet we conceive it not less im- portant to the whole Confederacey, than to us, in its political Consequences. — Their future rank among the Nations of the Earth will depend on their Naval Strength ; & if they mean to be a Commercial People, it behoves them to be Able at all times to protect their Commerce ; — The means by which the}' can pro- cure that protection & Naval Strength, is to give incouragemeut to that kind of Trade among themselves, which will best serve as a Nursery for Seamen. 216 City Document No. 80. The importance of the Fishery in this view is obvious from the valuable acquisitions made in the beginning of the War by our Privateers, seven eighths of which where manned from this source: — And though from this circumstance our Enemies, Open and Secreat, have endeavoured to allarm the Other States of the Union with an Idea, that the possession of the Fishery will give a dangerous Supperiority of Strength to the Eastern States, & so have Attempted to disunit us in the claim of it ; yet we are con- fident, their wicked designs must prove abortive, when 'tis con- sidered that (if we were disposed to be a faithless and a treacherous People) [31.] Our Necessities for the Use of the Southern com- modities, and the Advantages we shall derive thereby a Circuitous Trade from Their Ports to Foreign Markets, will forever make it the Interest of Eastern States to preserve the Confederation per- petual ; and will always be a Security to the Southern States against the abuse of any Superiority of Strength which the Fishery may be supposed to give us. — Should it be said, that the Right we claim, is a Right Common to all Nations, and that we shall therefore be intitled to the use of it, whether it is made an express Article of Treaty or not : — We answer, that it can injure no Power to confirm our Natural rights by express Acknowledge- ment, if they honestly intend we shall enjoy them ; and if they decline making this Acknowledgment, it is a just cause of sus- picion that their intentions are not honest. — But we know the Haughty Kingdom with whome we are at War ; and her annalls furnish us with instances of her Sovereigns claiming by solemn Acts the Empire of the Seas, and setting bounds to Other In- depenclant Nations in the Use of that element, to which by the Laws of Nature, they had an equal Title. And France herself (now the greatest Naval Power upon Earth) has found it necessary to be admitted by Treaty to the participation of that very right for which we now contend. — And wh} T should we imagine That Great Britain will be more tender of the Natural rights of the United States, than she has been of those of Other Nations, who were [32. J Infinately better Able to resist her unlawfull Claims upon the Ocean. — On the contrary, have we not every reason to expect, that her Resentment, heightened by disappointment will induse her to revenge her Self on the States, as soon as a Con- venient Oppertunity presents its self ; & unless this Rite is guar- anteed to us by the Negotiating Powers she will undoubtedly make this the Cause of her Quarrel: and the Instant she Attacks on this Pretence, the whole Confederacy must be involved in a War; — For the Fishery having been uninteruptedly enjoyed by our Ancestors from Time immemorial & secured to them by Charter, in an Ancient Priviledge, & one of those Liberties, for the security of which, that firm league! of Friendship was enter'd into by the Thirteen States, so clearly Stipulated in the Third Article of their Confederation. — It is therefore the duty, Seconded by the clearest interest of every State within the Federal Union, to have this right explicitly Acknowledged in the Treaty of Peace, as the only means of securing to themselves a lasting & a Happy one — From these Considerations, Gentleman, we instruct & Boston Town Records, 1781. 217 direct yon, in the Approaching Sessions of the Legislature of this Commonwealth to move for & to nse your intluance to procure an Application to Congress, that they would give positive Instructions to their Commissioners for negotiating a Peace, to [33.] make the right of the United States to the Fishery an Indispensible Article of the Treaty. The Town took into consideration the Circular Letter Reported by the foregoing Committee, whereupon Voted, that a Circular Letter be sent by the Town as recom- mended by said Committee — also Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to transmit the Letter that shall be agreed on, to the Maritime Towns in this Common- wealth also Voted, that the Circular Letter Reported by the Committee aforesaid be recommitted, said Committee to make Report again at the Adjournment The Committee to consider the Memorial of the Assessors, relative to Deliuquint Classes Reported verbally — That in their Judgement it would not be expedient for the Town to take any measures respecting this Matter The Question was put. Whether the foregoing Report be agree- able to the Town — passed in the affermative. A Letter from John Bradford Esq r . relative to the Men he had procured for the Continental Army, and praying relief of the Town, from part of the burden he has born in consequence of his Iill [sic"] State of Health — - was read — whereupon [34.] Voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider said Letter, and Report what they apprehend proper to be done thereon Voted, that CoK Davis [Daws?] Caleb Davis Esq r . M r . Thomas Walley be a Committee for that purpose on a Motion Voted, that a Committee be appointed to prepare and present a Complimentary Address to the Hon ble : Major General the Marquis De la Fayette — in the Name of the Town Voted, that the Hon ble : Samuel Adams EsqVMod 1 '. Stephen Higginson Esq r . Samuel Barret Esq 1 '. be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Adjourned to Fryday next 3. O'Clock Afternoon, to meet at Representatives Chamber Fryday the 14 th Day of December 8 O'Clock. P.M.- met Accord- ing to Adjournment The Committee appointed to prepare and present an Address to the Hon ble : Major General the Marquis de la Fayette to express the most cordial esteem and affection of the Inhabitants for the Marquis — Reported that they had presented to him the following- Address Viz'. To the Honourable Major General the Marquis de la Fayette [35.] Sir We have the honor of waiting upon you in the Name & by the 218 City Document No. 80. Directions of the Inhabitants of Boston in Town Meeting Assem- bled in Faneiul Hall to express their Sentiments of Joy on your safe return to this Metropolis We Assure you from them, that they Still bear in their Minds a great-full Remembrance of the early disinterested and decided Part you took with Americans while they were resisting alone, the Hand of British Tyrany Your Sacrifice of domestick Enjoyment to the Cause of God & Humanity — Your generous Exertions in a foreign Country, in Support of that Cause ; & the Success which has crowned those exertions, so dangerous to your own Person, have in the Opinion of the Town, added a Lustur to your exalted Rank, and give you a Name and a Place in the first Lists of American Patriots & Heroes It is with Regret that they have been made acquainted that your Present Viset must be short : But though your Residence in the Town, would have afforded them an unspeakable Satisfaction, they will acquiesce in your Departure, from the Regard that they owe to their Country ; being fully persuaded that your presence in Europe at a critical Conjecture, will give you the Oppertunity of rendering most substantial Service to the joint interest of France & the United States [36.] The Inhabitants most fervently pray the Almighty God to take you under His Protection — to guard you from Danger in your Voyage, and to give you an happy Meeting with your Family, your private Conections and your Native Country : Assuring themselves that you will there be embraced with every Sentiment of Gratitude and Affection, and receive the approbation of the King your Sovereign — Boston December 14 th 1781 To which the Marquis returned the following Answer Gentlemen The past Obligations I have been under to the In- habitants of this Capital, and the New Favour they now confer upon me, have impressed my Heart with the most lively Sense of Attachment and Gratitude. To have been Admitted among you from an early Period, in the Defence of the Cause of Liberty will forever be the happiest Cir- cumstance in my Life. But it becomes more particularly so, when it is so kindly remembered by those who first began the Noble Contest, and who have ever since been so conspicuous in its Support Nothing could induce me to leave this Continent even for a short Period, before I had the Satisfaction to see my Friends in this Town — Be pleased Gentelmen to Accept my most respectfull Acknowledgements to your [37.] good Wishes. The Height of my Ambition would be, and particularly to gratify those Affection- ate Sentiments which forever devote me to this Metropolis. La Fayette On a Motion, Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to pub- lish the aforegoing Address & Reply in the several News Papers The Committee to prepare a Circular Letter Reported a draught of one, which was considered paragraph by paragraph, and the Question was then put Viz, — Whether this Letter shall be Boston Town Eecords, 1761. 219 adopted by the Town as a Circular Letter to the Maritime Towns in this Commonwealth — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to procure printed Copies of said Letters, & forward the same to the Maritime Towns, Agreeable to a former Vote. The following is the. Circular Letter Reported by the Committee — Viz'. Gentlemen The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, legally As- sembled, have taken into consideration a matter which they con- ceive all the other Maritime Towns, in this & the Neighbouring States are equalley, and some of them more nearly interested then thay. It is the Subject of the [38.] Fishery, and the great im- portance of a Common right therein being secured to the United States, whenever a Treaty of Peace shall be concluded. To flatter ourselves with so happy a Prospect, so far as to neglect the neces- sary preperations for another vigorous campaign, would indeed be unbecoming the Wisdom of Americans ; & yet so important has been the Success of the Allied Arms, the last' year, that it would Seem to be madness in extreem for Britain any longer to persist in her unrighteous claims. But Wisdom has forsakin her Counsels We ought to presume, that the Supreme Representatives of these States will have an equal regard in so momentous a Crisis to the rights of each individual. We would not Suggest the contrary. But may it not be supposed, that Persons whose situation is remote from the Fisher} 7 , & who derive Advantages from it in its more distant effects and not directly perceivable, are probably not so attentive to its unspeakable importance, as others who are im- mediately concerned, & depend upon it as the only Source of their Commerce and even their Subsistence, If this Should be the fact, would not States so immediately interested in the Fishery as ours, be justly criminated by the Others, if we should neglect Seasonably to lay before them our own sense of the necessaty of an express Article in a Treaty of Peace for its security ; Should we not be wanting to ourselves [39.] in a most essential Point, and be chargeable by all Posterity, with the Sacrifising our & their in- valuable Rights, by unpardonable carelessness ; Such is the Senti- ment of this Town. And though we would be far from obtruding this or any Sentiment of Ours upon Others, we cannot but think Ourselves justifiable in candidly recommending it to their Serious deliberation This Town have judged it necessary to instruct their Represen- tatives in the General Court on the Subject, the Instructions are inclosed. Many other & cogent reasons might have been urged, and will undoubtedly be made use of b} - you, if you Should think it proper to take the matter into your Consideration. Should we be so fortunate as to have your full concurrance in Opinion with us, we assure ourselves that we shall be equally fortunate in the Aid we shall receive from your concurrent exertions. — In the Name and by Order of the Town of Boston in Meeting legally Assembled December the 14 th . 1781 William Cooper Town Clerk 220 City Document No. 80. A Letter from M r . Hunt Master of the South Gramruer School, relative to the pay he had received as Schoolmaster was read, whereupon Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to take this Letter into consideration [40.] Also the similar circumstances of the Other School Masters, and to Report thereon at the Adjournment Voted, that Ebenezer Hancock Esq 1 '. Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . John Lucas be a Committee for that purpose Moved & Voted, that an Additional Instruction be given the Above named Committee ; to take into consideration the similar Circumstances of other Servants of the Town who have Salaries Assigned them On a Motion Voted, that a Committee be appointed to take into consideration the present arangement of the publick Schools in the Town; and to Report what further improvements — may be made thereon, as soon as may be — also. Voted, that the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . John Lowell Esq r . Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . Samuel Barret Esq r . Robert T. Payne Esq 1 '. be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Petition of the Assessors, " that the Town would Vote them such pay, for their services as may appear fitt — was read — whereupon Voted, that Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . John Lucas Esq 1 ". be a Committee to take this Petition into consideration [41.] and Report thereon as soon as may be The Committee relative to North Battery, Reported, the Appraisement that had been made of said Estate in August last pursuant to the order of the Town, whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are directed & im- powered to proceed in disposing of the Estate called North Bat- tery, for such a Sum as may appear to them to be for the interest of the Town, and if Money is not to be obtained, then upon a Credit not exceeding twelve months with good security and Interest, and the said Selectmen are im powered to give a Deed of Bargain & Sale to the Purchaser or Purchasers in the Name of the Town. Moved & Voted, that a Committee be appointed to consult with M r . Hodgden the Commissary of Military Stores as to the best place to remove the Powder Ship to, and to request his doing it as soon as may be — also Voted, that John Brown Esq r . M r . Thomas Walley Stephen Higginson Esq r . Hon 1 ' 1 '': Caleb Davis Esq r . M r . Samuel Whitwell be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Boston Town Records, 1781. 221 The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider what steps Shall be taken to prevent damage to the Common by the passing of Carriages " — was read whereupon [42.] Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to make the usual Repairs as Soon as may be The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider what Repairs shall be given those Streets, where the Pavements are much dam- aged" — • was read — whereupon — Voted, that a Committee be appointed to take these Articles into consideration, and to Report at March Meeting and that this Committee be desired and im- powered to make Application to the General Court, for their help & Assistance in giving necessary Repairs to said Streets — also Voted, that John Lowell Esq r . Col . Daws Robert Treat Payne Esq 1 '. Col°. Hitchbourne Esq 1 '. Caleb Davis Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider what further Steps shall be taken relative to the Town Watch, was read — whereupon Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to answer the Se- lectmens Draughts for Such an amount of the Bills of the New Emission Money, as may be sufficient for the Support of the Watch, and that the Money thus draughted, be appropriated for that purpose. [43.] On a Motion Voted, that when this Meeting be Adjourned, it shall be to Monday the 24 th Instant 3. O. Clock P: M: to meet in this Place And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Monday December 24 th . 3. O. 'Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment M r . Adams in the Chair The Committee appointed to consider the request of the School- masters, Assessors and other Servants of the Town at their Meeting the 14 th December 1781 Report, That the Treasurer settle with the Assessors, School- masters, and also with the Other Servants of the Town who have Salaries Assigned them by the Town, giving them credit for the Specie value of their several payments made them according to the Scale of Depreciation, and Report their several Balances to the Town as Soon as may be Ebenezer Hancock p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered ; on a Motion made Voted, that the Report of the Committee be reconsidered, and that the Committee be instructed to enquire and Ascertain what losses the Schoolmasters may have sustained by the depreciation of the Paper Money [44.] comparing the Salaries received from 222 City Document No. 80. year to year, with the Grants made them in 1774 — the Committee to have no respect to any Sums granted to the Schoolmasters on Account of the high prices of the Necessaries of Life. On a Motion, Voted, that M r . John Sweetser M r . John Lowell be added to the Committee relative to School-Masters. The Committee appointed to take into consideration the Repre- sentation of John Bradford Esq r ., Report as follows Whereas it appears that John Bradford Esq r . was included in Six Classes for furnishing Six Men for the Continental Army, for three years, or during the War, and by his Iill State of health was necessarily prevented from attending so closely to the buissness as otherwise he would in consequence of which he was a Second Time Classed in nine Classes, and thereby has received great loss and damage, however he has now perfected the Business, and the Nine Men are procured by him and gone forward. Therefore in order to releive M r . Bradford from part of the burden he has been in consequence of his Iill State of health aforesaid, and as he has fully complied with the Requisition, it is unanimously the Opinion of the Committee that John Bradford Esq r . [45.] have a Grant made him upon the Town Treasurey for the Sum of Sixty Pounds Specie Thomas Daws p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered. — the Question was put Viz'. Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the negative Moved and Voted, that the Selectmen draw on the Town Treas- urer for the Services of the Assessors in 1781 — at nine Shillings, p Day, for every Day they shall attend On a Motion, Voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider of proper and suitable Allowances to the Publick Schoolmasters for Six Months, commencing from the first of September last Voted, that Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . Nathaniel Appleton P2sq r . John Lucas Esq r . M r . John Sweetser M r . John Lowell be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid. On a Motion, Voted, that the Vote which passed at a late Town Meeting respecting the pay of the Town Watch be reconsidered, and that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is Authorized and directed to make Sale of so much of the Bills of the New Emission Money, now in his hands, or that may hereafter come into his hands as in the Judgement of the Selectmen shall tic Sufficient for the payment of the Town Watch [46.] Adjourned to Monday fortnight being the 7 th of Janu- ary next .">. O. 'Clock Afternoon, then to meet at this Place Monday the 7 th . Day of January 1782. 3. O'Cloek Afternoon, met according to Adjournment The Committee relative to the publick Schoolmasters Reported Boston Town Records, 1782. 223 in writing the Statings of what M r . Hunt one of the Schoolmasters, had received in Monies, or should receive in order to take the Opinion of the Town — the same having been read, and debate had thereon, it was — Voted, that the aforementioned Committee Credet M r . Samuel Hunt the Master of the South Grammer School the Sum of Seven hundred and thirty-five Pounds, being from June 1776 to September 1781 — and the Several Writing Masters in that proportion — also Voted, that said Committee make the Schoolmasters chargable with the Specie value of the several Draughts made them bj' the Selectmen, agreable to the Votes of the Town, at the time they received payment for the Same, and that the Committee aforesaid Liquidate Accounts and Report again to the Town On a Motion Voted, that the Committee appointed by the Town to liquidate Accounts in the Town Treasurer's Books have regard to the [47.] Scale of Depreciation affixed by the General Court of this Commonwealth The Committee Appointed to consider of proper allowances for the Schoolmaster's for Six Months commencing from the first of September last Reported, whereupon Voted, that the sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of the South Grammer School for Six Months Voted, that the sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Nathan Davis, for his Salary as Master of the North Grammer School for Six Months, the same to be paid him Quar- terly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of September last Voted, that the sum of Ninety pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . James Carter, for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in Queen Street for Six Months, the same to be paid him quar- terly as it shall become due and to commence from the first of September last Voted, that the Sum of Ninety Pounds, be allowed and paid unto M r . James [sic'] Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North Writing School for six Months the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due [48.] and to commence from the first of September last Voted, that the Sum of Ninety Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . John Vinal, for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in the Common for Six Months the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of September last Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . William Croswell for his Sallary as Usher of the South Gram- mar School for Six Months, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of September last Voted, that M r . John Tileston Master of the North Writing- School be allowed for House Rent at the Rate of Forty Pounds p Annum, the same to commence the first of September last Voted, that M r . Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammer 224 City Document No. 80. School be allowed for House Rent at the rate of Forty Pounds p Annum the same to commence from the first of September last Voted, that M r . John Vinal Master of the Writing School in the Common be allowed for House Rent at the Rate of Fort}' [49.] Pounds p Annum the same to commence from the first of Septem- ber last Moved, that a Committee be now Appointed to raise by Sub- scription three hundred Dollars, for the purpose of procuring two Men for three years or during the War, to compleat this Towns Quota of Men for the Continental Army, the same to be paid into the hands of Colonel Procter for said purpose, and that the Town Treasurer give his Notes for the Sums borrowed, payable out of the present Tax. The Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Afferma- tive Voted, that Col . Melville M r . Thomas Whalley John Lucas Esq r . "be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid On a Motion, Voted, that the several Notes given by the Town Treasurer to the Assessors for services by them rendered the Town in Seventeen hundred and Eighty, shall carry lawfull Interest from the date of the Selectmens Draughts Moved and Voted, that all Matters and Things which shall remaine unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting Voted, that the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq 1 '. Moderator of this Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved [50.] At a Meeting of the Freeholder's and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiul Hall on Monday the 5 th . Day of March Anno Domini 1781 [1782] Warrant for calling the Meeting — read John Brown Esq r . was chosen Moderator of this Meeting The Committee appointed by the Town the 6 th . of March last to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration the 5 th . of March Instant to perpetuate the Memory of the horred Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers under the Command of Cap 1 . Thomas Preston of the 29 th . Regiment Reported — That having met several Times for the purpose mentioned in the Town Vote, they have unanimously made Choice of M r . George Richards Minot to deliver an Oration on the 5 th of March Ins 1 , who had accordingly Accepted of that service The foregoing Report having been made the Question was put Viz 1 . Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Afferm- ative Boston Town Eecokds, 1782. 225 [51.] Upon the Motion, the Town took into consideration, what would be the best time to have the Oration pronounced, as also what place would be most suitable for the purpose where- upon Voted, that the Oration be delivered, at the Old Brick Meeting House the Hall not being capacious enough to receive the Inhabi- tants, that Attend upon the Occasion Voted, that Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . Nathaniel Barber Esq r . John Brown Esq r . be a Committee to wait upon M r . George Richards Minot, and acquaint him, that it is the desire of the Town, that the Oration may be delivered at the Old Brick Meeting House at half past 12. O'Clock this Day as also to ask leave of the Committee of said Church for the use of that Building On a Motion Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to order the severall Bells in the Town to be tolled from one quarter of an Hour After nine O'Clock this Evening untill 10: O Clock Adjourned to the Old Brick Meeting House, half past 12. O'Clock The Town met at the Old Brick Meeting House half past 12. O'Clock according to Adjournment [52.] The Committee appointed to wait upon M r . George Richard Minot, to acquaint him with the Vote, of the Town, re- specting the time and place for the delivery of an Oration — Reported That said Gentleman was ready to comply with the Order of the Town An Oration to commemorate the horred Massacre of the 5 th . of March 1770 — and to impress upon the Minds of the Citizens, the ruineous tendency of standing Armies being placed in Free and Populous Cities &c was delivered by M r . George Richards Minot to a large and crowded Assembly and received by them with great Applause On a Motion made, Voted, that John Brown Esq r . Moderator Nathan Frazier Esq r . William Cooper Esq r . John Lucas Esq 1 '. Josiah Waters Jun r . Esq 1 '. John Scollay Esq r . Ezekiel Price Esq r . be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to wait upon M r . George Richards Minot and in the Name of the Town to Thank him for the spirited and elegant Oration delivered by him at their request, in commemoration of the horred Massacre perpe- trated on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770 by a Party of Soldiers of the 29 th . Regiment under [53.] the Command of Cap'. Thomas Preston, and to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press 22b' City Document No. 80. On a Motion made Voted, that John Brown Esq'. — Moderator M r . George Richards Minot Cap 1 . Elias Parkman Thornas Daws Esq r . Cap 1 . William Mackay be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 5 th . of March next, to perpetuate the Memory of the horred Massacre, perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770 by a Party of Soldiers of the 29 th Regiment under the Command of Cap 4 . Thomas Preston ; and to impress upon our Minds the ruineous tendency of Standing Armies being placed in free & Populous Cities in a time of peace ; and the necessity of such noble exertions in all future times, as the Inhabitants of the Town then made, whereby the designs of the Conspierators Against the publick Peace, may be still frustrated a Petition of M r . Robert Patterson setting forth, " that he re- ceived a wound in his Right Arm on the 5 th . of March 1770. bj^ a Shot from Prestons Party, whereby he has entirely lost the use of it ; and that since the death of M r . Monk he is the only one of the unhappy number then badly wounded, that survive," and therefore praying the Charity of the Town — was read, whereupon [54.] Voted, that a Collection be made at the close of this Meeting, for the said unhappy Sufferer, and Boxes were placed at each Door to receive the Collections The Collection made for the said M r . Patterson, amounted to the Sum of Then the Meeting was dessolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned, in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiul Hall on Monday the 11 th . Day of March Anno Domini 1782. Prayer was made by the Rev d . D r . Cooper Warrant for calling the Meeting read, Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting, were accord- ingly, read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought in and sorted it appeared that [55.] TheHon'' 1 ''. Samuel Adams Esq r . was chosen Moderator William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing, and took the Oath of Office for the faithfull discharge of his Duty which Oath was Administred by M r . Justice Price The Town having determined by a Vote to choose seven Select- men, the Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for that number,, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that the following Gentlemen — Viz 1 . John Scollay Esq 1 . Boston Town Records, 1782. 227 Cap'. Gustavus Fellows Harbottle Dorr Esq 1 '. Nathan Frazier Esq r . Ezekiel Price Esq r . Cap*. William Mackay were chose Selectmen for the year ensuing unanimously The Inhabitants as directed by the Moderator, brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor and upon sorting them it appeared, that The Hon ble . William Phillips Esq 1 . Isaac Smith Esq 1 '. M r . Jonathan Mason Cap'. Samuel Partridge M 1 '. Samuel Whitwell M r . John White [56.] Edward Proctor Esq 1 '. William Powell Esq 1 '. John Sweetser Esq 1 ". Samuel Barret Esq r . M r . Nicholas Bowes Joseph Webb Esq 1 . were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing David Jeffries Esq r . Town Treasurer having sent into the Town in W»riting his resignation of said Office — The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Town Treas- urer, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that M 1 . Peter Boyer was chosen Town Treasurer for the ensuing Year On a Motion, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given unto David Jeffries Esq 1 ', for his good and faithfull ser- vices as Treasurer of this Town for Thirty One Years suc- cessively The Inhabitants brought in their Votes, for a County Treasurer, and the Same being Sealed up in Town Meeting, were delivered to Constable Smith, to be by him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at their next Meeting Moved & Voted, that the Inhabitants [57.] prepare a List of Substantial Men for Constables to be brought in at the Adjourn- ment of this Meeting in the Afternoon Moved & Voted, that in consideration of the inclemency of the Weather this Meeting when Adjourned, shall be to the Represen- tatives Chamber Adjourned to three O'Clock Afternoon to meet at the Repre- sentatives Chamber 3. O'Clock P: M: Met according to Adjournment On a Motion made the Question was put Viz' : Whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chose sepperate from Constables — Passed in the Affermative The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safety 228 City Document No. 80. — A.nd the same being brought in and Sorted, it appeared, that, Nathaniel Barber Esq r . Edward Proctor Esq 1 . Cap 1 . John Pulling Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . Cap 4 . Isaac Phillips Samuel Ruggles Esq r . Thomas Melvill Esq r . Jonathan Mason Jun 1 '. Esq r . Edward Greene Esq r . [58.] were chose a Committee of Correspondence &c for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards, and the same having been sorted, it appeared, that John Scollay Esq r . William Cooper Esq 1 '. Francis Shaw Esq r . Edward Proctor Esq 1 '. Cap 1 . John Pulling Caleb Davis Esq r . Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . M r . Thomas Tileston Andrew Syms Esq r . Cap 1 . Gustavus Fellows Joseph Webb Esq r . Cap 4 . John Ballard M r . John Winthrop M r . John Lowell Major Thomas Melvill Esq r . Jabez Hatch Esq r . were chosen Fire Wards for the ensuing Year The Article in the Warrant Viz 4 . " To consider the Request of a great Number of the Inhabitants that they have the Use of Fan- euiel Hall to be entertained with M r . Templemans Exhibitions" was read, and after longe debate, the Question was put. Viz 4 . Whether it be the Mind of the Town that agreeable to the request aforesaid M r . Templeman may have the use of Faneuil Hall for his Exhibitions — [59.] a doubt arising with respect to the Number of hands in faviour of the request and against it; a Motion was made that the Petitioners have leave to withdraw their Petition, which passed in the Affermative A Motion for the choice of Collectors at this time did not obtain The following Persons were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing Viz 4 : Mess r8 : Narborah Frazier Joseph Head Nathaniel Jarvis Daniel Biggelow Samuel Conant Jun r : Thomas Carter Benjamin Colman Boston Town Records, 1782. 229 Joseph Foster Samuel Amory Joseph Whiting John Welch Jun r . Moved & Voted, that when this Meeting be Adjourned, it be to to Morrow Morning 10. O'Clock Moved and carried, that to Morrow 11. O Clock be assigned for the choice of Assessors Moved & Voted, that the choice of Constables be Assigned over to to Morrow 10. O Clock Forenoon [60.] Major Edward Carnes M r . William M c Neil were chose Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing Mess rs : Benjamin Page John Stimpson Joseph Ayres Jonathan Stodder Edmund Ranger William Moor Abraham Howard Clement Collins Jun r . Samuel Fenno William Todd Uriah Norcross James Rogers Daniel Brown Joseph Butler John Stutson Joseph Ballard Abijah Crane John Dyer John Bell John Arnold Benjamin White Joseph Pay son Thomas Uran John Presson John Bulfinch were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing Mess rs : Samuel Todd William Clough [61.] Jonathan Stodder Joseph Daniels Israel Loring were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing Mess rs : Isaac Bird Joseph Hayden John Fenno Jun r : Samuel Bangs Nathan Green were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing 230 City Document No. 80. M 1 '. Adam Colsori was chosen Informer of Deer for the Year ensuing Mess rs : Robert Hitchburne John Owen John M c Elroy Manassah Masters Thomas Barber Joshua Pico Samuel Hayley Cap 1 . David Spear Lemuel Gardner John Lambert Joseph Loring Daniel Bell were chose Cullers of Staves for the ensuing Year Mess rs : Jeremiah Russel Henry Plimpton Edward Jones William Sharp were chose Hogreeves for the year ensuing [62.] Mess 1 ' 8 : George Hamlin Samuel Curtis were chose Haywards for the ensuing Year Ward Mess 1 ' 8 . Nathaniel Baker Jun r . - - - - No. 1 Cap 4 . John Lambert ------- 2 Joseph Prince ------- 3 John Cogswell ------- 4 Samuel Sumner 5 Jeremiah Bumsted ----- 6 Ephraim Copeland 7 John Kennedy 8 Zipheon Thayer 9 Joseph Shed ------- 10 George Langley ------ 11 Henry Bass- ------- 12 were chose Scavingers for the following or ensuing year Mess 1 ' 8 : John Skinner Thomas Green were chosen Assay Masters for the year ensuing- Voted, that Major Thomas Melville Esq'. M r . Thomas Walley Hon bU ': Caleb Davis Esq r . M r . Hermon Brimmer Josiah Waters Esq 1 M r . John Lowell be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts of M r . Peter Boyer Treasurer, and also the Accompts of the Overseers of the Poor; and the said Committee are impowered when they shall Audit said Accompts, to allow such of the Over- seers, as shall have [63.] Advanced Monies for the Relief of the Poor ; Interest on all such Sums from the time so advanced, untill they shall have Audited said Accompts ; and they are also desired Boston To^vn Records, 1782. 231 to Report from time to time a State of the Treasurey, respecting its debts and credits and on any matters that they may think proper and the Committee are also directed to examine the Draughts of the Selectmen The Selectmen were chose Surveyers of the High Ways for the Year ensuing Mess rs : John White John Sweetser Esq r . John Lucas Esq 1 , were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are desired and impowered to give all needfull directions to the Keeper of the Granary, respecting the quantities of Grain to be Sjld, and affixing the prices thereof from time to time as oc- casion shall require ; and the said Committee are desired & directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground at the New Mills near the Mill Bridge John Tudor Esq r . William Kettle Edward Tuckerman Ebenezer Tory Samuel Brown were chose Surveyers of Wheat & Flour for the year ensuing [64.] The Petition of M r . Paul Farmer relative to his Taxes was read, whereupon Voted, that Nathanel Appleton Esq r . Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . John Lucas Esq r . — excused John Preston be a Committee to take the Same into consideration, and Report at the Adjournment The Petition of Cap 4 . Amasa Davis, respecting Monies due to him from the Town, was read, whereupon Voted, that Nath 1 . Appleton Esq r . Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . John Preston be a Committee to consider the Petition and Report at the Ad- journment The Article in the Warrant. Viz'. " To consider what steps shall be taken for settling with the Board of War their demands on the Town for Small Arms &c " was read — whereupon Voted, that Cap 4 . Isaac Phillips Major Thomas Melville Esq 1 '. M r . Elisha Sigorney be a Committee to make enquirey relative to Small Arms which by a Resolve of Court passed May 6. 1777 the Board of War were directed, to deliver to the Selectmen, who were made accountable for the Same ; also what is [65.] become of the Cartridges deliv- ered the Military Officers of this Town, and make Report as soon as may be Moved and Voted, that a former Committee to purchase Small Arms be called upon ; to Report at the Adjournment of this Meetino- 232 City Document No. 80. Adjourned to Tuesday next being the 12 th Instant 10. O'Clock in the Forenoon, then to meet at the Representatives Chamber Tuesday 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon met at the Representatives Chamber On a Motion made Voted, that a Committee be now appointed to made enquiry, whether the G-entlemen chosen Town Treasurer have usually given Bond for the faithfull discharge of their Trust Voted, that M r . Samuel Whitwell Harbottle Dorr Esq r . Cap'. William Mackay be a Committee for this purpose to Report as Soon as may be Moved and Voted, that there be one more added to the Sur- veyers of Boards, and Things — [66.] M r . John Ballard Jun r . was chosen a Surveyer of Boards for the Year ensuing This being the time Assigned for the choice of Constables, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for twelve Constables, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that M r . Josiah Simpson was chosen The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for eleven Constables for the Year ensuing — and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that only four Constables were chosen — Viz'. Mess rs : Alexander M c Leod Samuel Whitney Elisha Byles - Samuel Smith The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for seven Constables ; and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that only one was chosen Viz'. M r . John Gray — excused The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for six Constables ; and the same being brought in & sorted, it Appeared that [67.] Mess" : James Kirkwood ----- excused Thomas Grant ------ excused John Tuffts ------- sworn John Magner ------ excused John Dinsdell ------ excused William Patten ------ sworn were chose Constables for the Year ensuing- Moved & Voted, that one more Person be chosen into the Oflice of Survey ers of Boards, M r . Henry Blaisdel was chosen a Surveyer of Boards, and Shingles, for the Year ensuing Moved & Voted, that the Town will now proceed to the choice of Seven Assessors Boston Town Records, 1782. 233 The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Seven Assessors, and the same being brought in & Sorted, it appeared, that Mess rs . William Lowder Moses May John R. Sigorney John Pulling Barth . Kneeland William Fleet Samuel Ruggles Esq r . were chose Assessors for the ensuing Year Cap'. Kirkwood chosen into the Office of a Constable for the Year ensuing, attended and [68.] informed the Town, that being bound to Sea, he desired he might be excused from serving in that Office, and he was accordingly excused Voted, that the Town will now come to the choice of a Con- stable Moved and carried that the foregoing Vote be reconsidered Moved and Voted, that a Committee be now Appointed to take into consideration what measures it will be pix>per for the Town to take relative to the outstanding Taxes in the new Emission Money ; and whether it will be necessary to raise any further Sum for defreying the Expences of the present year, and the Sum they Apprehend should be raised for that purpose Voted, that John Brown Esq r . Hon ble : Caleb Davis Esq 1 '. M r . Joseph Barrel be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid to Report as soon as may be A Motion was made that the consideration of Salaries and Grants be referred over to May Meeting — and the Question being put — Passed in the Negative It was then moved and Voted, that Grants be now made the Several School Masters for their Salaries, for Six Months [69.] commencing from the 1* : of March Instant Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Samuel Hunt for his salary as Master of the South Grammer School for Six Months, commencing from the first of March Instant, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be- come due Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Nathan Davis for his Salary as Master of the North Grammer School for Six Months commencing from the P. March Ins' : the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due Adjourned to 3. O'Clock Afternoon 3. O'Clock Afternoon met according to Adjournment M r . John Green was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the Year ensuing The Selectmen Reported, on the Visitation of the Schools the last year, and were Appointed Visitors for the Schools the present Year — 234 City Document No. 80. The Committee Appointed to make enquiry whether it had been usual for the [70.] Town Treasurer to give Bond, for the faith- full discharge of their trust in that Office Reported, that the late Treasurer David Jeffries when first chosen into that Office, give Bond to the Selectmen in 1750 in the penal Sum of £10,000 whereupon Voted, that M r . Peter Boyer who has been chosen Treasurer of this Town give Bonds with Surities, in the Sum of two Thousand Pounds for the faithfull discharge of his trust — also Voted, that the said Treasurer be Notified of the choice the Town had made of him for Treasurer, and desired to give his Attendance at this Meeting The Treasurer Attended accordingly and was informed that the Town had made choice of him as their Treasurer, and had Voted, that he must give Bond with Sureties in the Sum of two Thousand Pounds, for his fidelity in that Office Voted, that the Sum of Ninety five Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . James Carter, for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in Queen Street for six Months the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from the first of March Instant [71.] Voted, that the Sum of Ninety five Pounds be allowed and paid untoM r . James [sic] Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North Writing School for Six Months the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of March Ins* : Voted, that the Sum of Ninety Five Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . John Vinal for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in the Common for six Months the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of March Ins 1 : Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . William Croswell for his Salary as Usher of the South Gram- mer School for Six Months the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of March Instant Voted, that M r . John Tileston Master of the North Writing School, be allowed for six Months House Rent the Sum of Twenty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be- come due, and to commence from the first of March Instant Voted, that M r . Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammer be allowed & paid for Six Months House Rent the Sum of twenty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from the first of March Instant [72.] Voted, that M r . John Vinall Master of the Writing School in the Common be allowed and paid for six Months House Rent the Sum of Twenty Pounds the same to be paid him Quar- terly as it shall become due and to commence from the first of March Instant Moved and Voted, that one or more Persons be Added to the Committee, appointed to consider whether they can be a new arangement of the Publick Schools for the Advantage of the Town Boston Town Kecords, 1782. 235 Voted that the Hon blc : Oliver Wendell Esq r . be Added to said Committee Moved that the Minds of the Inhabitants be taken whether the Town Treasurer shall be paid by a Commission on the Money, passing through his hands — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative — whereupon Voted, that M r . Peter Boyer be allowed and paid the Sum of One hundred Pounds for Six Months, services as Treasurer the same to be paid him as it shall become due The Committee appointed to consider what is proper to be done with respect to what is due upon the Tax which was to be paid in the New Emission Money at one & seven eights, Reported as their Opinion — that no new Emission Mone\' be received into the [73.] Town Treasury, After the tenth Day of April next, and all that may then be due shall be paid in Specie, so far as may be due on Account of the Town Tax That the Sum of One Thousand Pounds be Assessed on the In- habitants and appropriated for the Repairs of the Streets, as the Streets are in a ruineous Condition and daly growing worse and the Town has been complained of and are liable to be prosecuted by the Grand Jury for this omission The foregoing Report having been read and considered, the Question was put. Viz 1 — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative — also Voted, that agreeable to the Above Report, the Sum of One Thousand Pounds in Silver & Gold be raised by a Tax upon the Polls and rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town ; and that the same be paid into the Town Treasurey and appropriated for the Repairs of the Streets in this Town now in a ruinous con- dition Moved and Voted, that the Consideration of what Sum of Money may be necessary to be Raised for the-Expences of the present year ensuing, be referred over to the Annual Town Meet- ting in May Next [74.] The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider what Measures shall be adopted for the immediate procuring the Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army, Agreeable to a late Resolve of the General Court — was read — whereupon Voted, that a Committee of thirty Six Persons be now appointed, three of whom are to be chosen out of each Ward, who are to Assist the Assessors in carrying the Resolve of the General Court for raising this Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army into execution Ward. Voted, that Cap 1 . Thomas Adams ----- l Cap 4 . William Brown M r . William Fowle Cap 4 . Elias Parkman -------2 M r . Benjamin Burt M r . Alden Bass M r . John White --------- 3 M r . Josiah Eliot 23(3 City Document No. 80. Ward. M r . Grant Webster Col . Nathaniel Barber 4 th . Col . Andrew Syms M r . Samuel Parkman Jonathan Williams Esq r . 5*. Cap*. William Mackey Cap 4 . Josiah Waters M r . Benjamin Jepson - - 6 th . Cap*. Samuel Barret M r . John Lowell excused Cap 1 . William Bell [75.] Cap'. Job Prince Sen r . N°. 7. M r . Timothy Newell Cap 1 . Isaac Phillips Cap*. John Simpkins -----__ 8 Cap'. John Langdon D r . John Loring Isaac Sears Esq r . ---_____ 9 M r . Jonathan Mason M r . John Andrews Col°. Joseph Webb - - 10 M r . John Read Cap*. Eleazer Johnson M r . Joseph Peirce 11 M r . John Tileston Col . Thomas Dawes excused Cap*. Nehemiah Soames Arnold Wells Esq 1 '. - 12 M r . Ebenezer Dorr M r . Henry Bass were appointed a Committee for the purpose aforesaid also Voted, that Col . Josiah Waters .----- excused John Lucas Esq r . Major Thomas Melvill Cap*. Alexander Hodgen ... - excused Cap*. Sarson Belcher ------ excused M r . Edward Green ------ excused Col . Joseph Webb ------ declines Col°. Edward Procter be and hereby are appointed a Committee for Opening a Rendez- vous for this Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army [76.] All but Two of the Above Committee have declined serving & been excused it was moved & Voted, that a Committee be now chosen to apply to proper Persons, & Report a List suit- able for filling up said Committee Voted, that John Lucas Esq r . Col". Waters Maj r . Melville be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Boston Town Keooeds, 1782. 237 Moved & Voted, that the Committee for raising Men have an adequate & generious allowance The Article in the Warrant relative to the South Writing School having been again read Voted, that a Committee be appointed to prepare an Estimate of the Charge of building a Suitable School House Voted, that Col . Daws M r . Samuel Dyer M r . John Preston be a Committee for said purpose Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are empowered and directed to set for such Abatements of Taxes as they shall Judge reasonable ten Days next following the date and delivery of the Tax Bills (Lords Days excepted) & no longer saving that they be allowed to set two Days, the Last Week in Febuary for the Abatements of the Taxes of Such Persons as had not an Oppor- tunity of applying in the above limitted [77.] time, by reason of their being out of the Commonwealth, or any other unavoidable hindrance, at which time they are also allowed & impowered to Abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent be- fore the said time Moved and Voted that the Committee Appointed to bring in an Estimate of the Charge of Building a new School house be de- sired to consider that of mending the Windows in Faneuil Hall, and placing the Seats where they formerly Stood and to Re- port at the Adjournment Voted, that when this Meeting be Adjourn'd, it shall be to Fry- day next. 3. O Clock in the Afternoon, then to Meet in this place Fryday March 15 th . 1782. 3. O Clock Afternoon, — Met accord- ing to Adjournment The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes, for Twelve Wardens, but before the Inhabitants had brought in their Votes a Motion was made and carried, that the choice of Wardens be deferred till the Meeting is fuller Moved, that if the Collectors of Taxes for years past produce to the Selectmen Certificates from the several Treasurers that they have paid all the Taxes, into the Treasurey which had been com- mitted to them to Collect of the Inhabitants except the two last Taxes, they shall be eligable to a New choice And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Af- fermative [78.] Moved and Voted, that the foregoing Vote be recon- sidered, and that no Collector have any new Tax Books committed to them, unless they produce Receipts from the several Treasurers, for the discharge of all Taxes (except the last) and Such Sums as in the Judgement of the Selectmen could not be recovered or received The Committee appointed to bring in an Estimate of the charge of mending the Windows in Faneuil Hall & placing the Seats as they formerly stood Reported as their- Opinion that the said Hall might be put in as good Repair as it was formerly for the Sum of Two hundred 238 City Document No. 80. pounds, they also Laid before the Town an Estimate of the Charge of the Several Articles of Repairs John Rowe Esq r . having in this Meeting generously offered to the Town a Box of Glass for the Repairs of the Publick Buildings Voted, unanimousley that this Donation be accepted, and that the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given him for the Same Moved and Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to take orders for the Repairs of Fanuiel Hall, and putting the same in its former State The Committee appointed to prepare an Estimate of the Charge of building a Suitable School House [79.] Reported, that a School House suitable for the accom- modation of the Youth of the South part of the Town, may be built for the Sum of £300 — as also a Plan of such a Building, whereupon it was moved, that the Report be accepted, and that the Sum of Three hundred pounds be appropriated for the build- ing a School House for the accommodation of the Youth of the Southerly part of the Town and that the Selectmen be directed to take Order thereon — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that the Sum of Five hundred Pounds in Silver & Gold be raised by a Tax upon the Polls and Rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, & that the same be paid into the Town Treasurey, and appropriated for the Repairs of Fanuiel Hall ; and the Building a New School-house The Inhabitants were directed by the Moderator to withdraw and bring in their Votes for twelve Wardens ; but before the In- habitants withdrew a Motion was made — that the Town first determine whether they Will choose Wardens the present year or not ; & the Question after longe Debate being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative Moved & Voted, that the Inhabitants be desired to come pre- pared with Votes for the choice of Wardens at the Adjournment of this Meeting — [80.] The Committee appointed to lay before the Town a List of suitable Persons to be Added to the Committee appointed to hire Men for the Continental Army ; for the approbation of the Town, Reported a List — whereupon, Voted, that Col . Josiah Waters Ju r . Esq r . John Lucas Esq r : Cap': Alexander Hodgsdon be added to the two Gentelmen before chosen on said Committee Col . Waters having represented to the Town that the Commit- tee for raising Men the last year had been greatley obstructed in their duty and the Town much injured by several of the Inhabit- ants engaging Men at a higher price than the Committee affixed, and then carrying them out of Town and selling them to other Towns ; and that it would be well if any thing could be done to prevent so detremental a practice — whereuon Voted, that Col". Thomas Daws Hon We . Caleb Davis Esq 1 ". Joseph Barrel Esq r . Boston Town Records, 1782. 239 be a Committee to make enquiry and Report what they Apprehend may be done by the Town for preventing the like wild Practices for the future John Magner one of the Persons chosen Constables for the en- suing year came into Meeting, and prayed the Town to excuse him from serving in that Office the present year — and the Ques- tion being put — Passed in the Negative [81.] M r . John Dinsclel another of the Persons chosen into the Office of a Constable, came into Meeting and desired the Town that he might be excused from serving as a Constable the Present year — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative It was moved, that the choice of Collectors of Taxes be referred to the Adjournment — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative — The Committee to whom M r . Paul Farmers Petition was referred — Report That the Overseers of the Poor make such addition to his Salary while Master of the Almshouse for his faculty as may afford him a suitable and decent support and also make him such allowances as they may think reasonable on Account of the Taxes, that he now owes or may have paid since he was in that Office The foregoing Report as amended in this Meeting having been read — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be ac- cepted — Passed in the Affermative Edward Jones chosen into the Office of Hogreeve for the present year came into Meeting, and prayed that he might be excused from serving as a Hogreeve the present year — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative — Moved & Voted, that the choice of another Hogreeve in the Room of M r . Jones be referred to the Adjournment [82.] John G ray chosen into the Office of Constable for the present year, came into Meeting and desired the Town to excuse him from serving as a Constable the ensuing year, and he was accordingly excused Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting shall be Adjourned it shall be to Thursday the 21'. Instant 3. O. 'Clock then to meet at this place And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned to Thursda} r Next then to meet in this place Thursday the 21'. of March 1782. 3. O.Clock P: M: Met accord- ing to Adjournment M r . Jacob Holland — sworn was chosen a Hogreeve for the Year ensuing The Committee to consider of Cap'. Amasa Davis's Petition, and Report to the Town, having Reported accordingly the Town came into the following Vote as recommended bv said Committee Viz'. Whereas the Selectmen for the year 1774. passed an account of Cap'. Amasa Davis Amounting to £53 : 1 1 : 3 and gave him a draft on the Town Treasurer for the said Sum and the said Treas- urer not being in Cash discounted the Amount of said Draught by 240 City Document No. 80. a Receipt dated November 8 th . 1774. in favour of M r . Edward Hollyday then one of the Collectors — and whereas said Davis is still possessed of said Receipt, and has [83.] never received any Part thereof though Often requested payment of said Hollyday — therefore — Resolved, that tlie Town Treasurer be and he hereby is impowered and directed to deliver Cap 1 : Amasa Davis a Promis- sary Note in behalf of the Town for the Amount of said Receipt, together with Lawfull Interest thereon from the date thereof pro- vided it shall appear that the same has not been paid, said Davis delivering up to the Treasurer the Receipt aforesaid Moved, and Voted, that the Committee appointed Auditors of the Accompts of the Town Treasurer the last year be directed to proceed in Auditing and settling the Accompts of the late Treas- urer David Jeffries Esq r . On a Motion, Voted, that Edward Payne Esq r . be added to the above Committee Moved that the Selectmen be directed to call upon the Delinquent Collectors or the Administrators of such of them as are deceased, in order for a Settlement of their respective Accounts — Viz': Abraham Savage, Edward Hollvdays Administrator, Benjamin Henderson, Benjamin Cudworth — Administrator, Benjamin Gray Administrator, and Josiah Torey, and in Case the Monies that may appear due from them respectively are not paid within three Months from this time the Town Treasurer is directed to put their Bonds in Suit [84.] And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in then- Votes for four Collectors of Taxes, and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that Francis Shaw Esq r . M r . Benjamin Sumner Jun r . M r . Thomas Bayley M r . James Thompson were chosen Collectors of Taxes for tlie Year ensuing Voted, that two and one half p Cent, be and hereby is allowed to the Persons that shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing, on all such Sums of Money as they shall Collect, pro- vided, that they shall conform to the Acts and Resolutions of the General Assembly and the Votes of this Town ; which Premium appears to be Just and equitable and an ample allowance to the Collectors to encourage them to discharge their Duty with dili- gence and fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmeu, for the faithfull discharge of their duty in said Office and comply- ing with this Vote [85.] Moved, and Voted, that the Collectors of Taxes be and hereby are enjoined to pay into the County and Town Treasuries in proportion as they shall pay into the State Treasury from time to time John Magner chosen a Constable for the year insuiug came into Boston Town Records, 1782. 241 Meeting and desired that he might be excused from serving in that Office for reasons offered the Town and he was accordingly excused The Committee appointed by the Town of Boston at their last- Meeting to consider what Steps are necessary to be taken touching such Persons who may be so lost to the Welfare of said Town as to Inlist Soldiers in said Town before the perticular Quota of said Town of Boston can be raised — beg leave to report That they have considered of every kind of discouragement which the Town can lawfully give to Persons of the above discrip- tion ; and recommend that all good Inhabitants of said Town would be perticularly watchfull of any Persons of the aforesaid discription and upon detecting any such Person in the Act of In- listing Soldiers, in said Town for the use of other Towns before the Quota of said Town is raised, to give the name of such Per- son to the Selectmen of said Town in order that Measures may be taken which will correct such an abuse of the Inhabitants — all which is submitted Thomas Daws p Order The foregoing Report having been Read and considered the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative [86.] This being the time Assigned for the choice of Wardens, it was Moved, " that the Vote passed at the late Meeting for now- coming to the choice of Wardens for the ensuing year be recon- sidered, and that no Wardens be now chosen for the present year" ... before the Question was put it was Moved that the further consideration of this Motion be referred to May Meeting, but this Motion did not obtain — The other Motion was then considered, and after large debate the Question was put — but the Vote being scrupeled, a Poll was called for and the same being taken, it appeared that the Motion was carried by a large Majorit}- Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to Mon- day the first of April next 3. O. Clock Afternoon, then to meet at Faneiuel Hall And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Monday April P. 1782. 3. O. Clock Afternoon Met at Faneiuel Hall According to Adjournment Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . in the Chair Thomas Grant chosen a Constable at the late Meeting, prayed the Town that he might be excused from serving in that Office the ensuing Year — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affer- mative. M r . Samuel Brown chosen a Surveyer of Wheat, was excused by the Town from serving in that Office the ensuing year [87.] M r . Edward V. Brown was chosen a Surveyer of Wheat for the Year ensuing The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Six Constables, and the' same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that 242 City Document No. 80. Mess" : William Rogers John Ballard sworn John M c Lane Peter Geyer Patrick Conner ' sworn John Butterfield sworn were chosen Constables for the ensuing Year Moved that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is directed and impowered to allow the Overseers of the Poor, Interest on all Sums that has or may be advanced by them for the Support of the Almshouse as has been allowed by the General Court of this Com- monwealth on their consoladated Securities The Overseers of the Poor for the Town are sorrey to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing the Town of the unhappy situation of the Poor in the Almshouse for want of the Necessa- ries of Life — They have been without Bread ever since Last Tues- day, untill Saturday when only two hundred of hard Bread was procured for them, and this Day it will be all expended, and noth- ing but Water for them to Drink ; owing to the want of Cash from the State and Town [88.] Treasurers, where large Sums are due that would enable them to procure those Necessaries, therefore 3 7 our Memorialists would implore the Assistance of the Town, that the Collectors may be enjoined immediately to Collect the Taxes or in Lieue thereof Grain and Other Necessaries of Life for their re- lief — The Master of the Almshouse being greatley in debt already, for Beef and other Necessaries, and by means of his not having it in his Power to discharge the same is refused any further Credit — the consequences of which must be obvious to all — wherefor the Overseers in consequence of the trust reposed in them relying on the Justice, wisdom and humanity of the Town, are constrained to represent to them, the unhappy situation above represented not doubting but something effectual will be adopted by them, in behalf of the Overseers Wm : Phillips Chairman The foregoing Memorial having been read and duly considered — the following Votes were passed by the Town Viz'. Voted, that such Sum or Sums of Money of the New P^mission in the Treasurey, as the Overseers of the Poor may Judge neces- sary for the support of the Almshouse, be sold for that purpose. Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is empowered and directed upon application made to him by the Overseers of the Poor, therefore, to make sale of so much of said [89.] Bills as they shall Judge will be Sufficient for that purpose, upon the best terms they can Moved, that a Tax of One Thousand Pounds be laid upon the Inhabitants for the use of the Almshouse, but the Motion after some debate, was withdrawn To the Inhabitants of Boston in legal Town Meeting Assembled Samuel Ruggles in behalf of the Estate of Edward Hollyday one of the late Collectors of Taxes for said Town Humbly sheweth That in December 1773 the Sum of £2449 : 1 : 8 — was commit- ted to said Edward Hollyday to Collect, the Tax bills were deliv- Boston Town Records, 1782. 243 ered by him in January 1774. between which time and the 19 th . of April 1775 — (but little more than a year, he had Collected and paid to the Severall Collectors Treasurers more than three quarters of the whole Sum, notwithstanding the imbarrasments of the Town, occasioned by the Port Bill &c — immediately after said 19 th of April the Inhabitants were thrown into the utmost confu- sion, the Injuries they suffered and the losses they sustained are too well known, and (by many) too keenly felt Need no recital. — they returned at different times in the Year 1776. and but few of them who owed the said Collector were at that time able to pay — Many still remain in reduced circumstances, some have died and some Joined the Enemy as will fully Appear, by examining the List herewith exhibited to the Town — Your Memoralist prays the Town to take the above [90.] State of facts, into their wise and serious consideration and previous to suing the Bond make such allowances, or abatements, as the Town may think reasonable Samuel Ruggles The foregoing Memorial having been read and considered by the Town — It was moved and carried that this Memorial with the Papers accompanying the same be committed Voted, that Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . Joseph Barrel Esq r . Samuel Barret Esq r . (excused) Edward Payne Esq r . be a Committee to take up this matter & Report as soon as may be, what they Judge ought to be done thereon — also Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to suspend putting the late Collector Hollydays Bonds in Suit untill the further Orders of the Town On a Motion made Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to lay before the Committee Appointed for Auditing the Town Treasurers Accompts, such Sums as within their knowledge ought to be paid into the Town Treasurey After some debate whether this Meeting should be dissolved or Adjourned, it was Voted, as the sense of the Town that their should be another Adjournment — and the Meeting was accord- ingly Adjourned, to Tuesday seven night 3. O. Clock P: M: [91.] Tuesday the 9 th . Day of April 1782. 3. O. Clock After- noon — Met according to Adjournment — Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq 1 ", in the Chair The Persons chosen Constables at the late Meeting having been duly notified of the choice of the Town had made of them as Con- stables for the Year ensuing, and also required to qualify them- selves as the Law directs — Constable Simpson acquainted the Inhabitants that said Persons were ready and intended taking the Oath of Office The Committee appointed for Inlisting this Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army — Reported to the Town — That they had Inlisted ten Men for the service — that they had received the full Sum of £45 . for 60 Classes — that 7 Classes have paid upwards of £40 — one Class £39 — and one Class £15 — 244 City Document No. 80. making in the whole Sixty nine Classes which have paid into the Committee That they have met with many interruptions, through the man- agement of such as wanted to procure and sell Men to the Towns in the Country ; but were now in a fair Waj' of making such discov- eries as will put a stop to such practises — and hope that by per- severance and an Attention to the buisiness laid upon them, they may be able to Answer the intentions of the Town in their ap- pointment — that in their Opinion the raising the Bounty now given, will not have so good an effect, as continuing already to the Sum they have hitherto [92.] offered to such as would Inlist, and that those who incline to . enter into the service when they hear that this Meeting is dissolved, it will quicken the Inlist- ments — whereupon Voted, that this Report be accepted and that the Committee be desired to continue their good services in procuring this Towns proportion of Men for the Continental service The Committee appointed for settling Accompts with the Board of War, being called upon to make Report ; Acquainted the Town that they were not as yet able to make Report — Moved and Voted, that Col . Edward Proctor be requested to give out Orders to the respective Captains of the Companies of Militia in the Regiment under his Command, to make return of the Small Amies, received of the Board of War, for the use of such Men in his Regiment as were destitute of Arms, and not able to purchase for themselves, informing in whose hands they were placed, or what had become of them ; as also of the Cartridges delivered out : the same to be laid before the Selectmen immedi- ately — and that Col . Proctor be served with a Copy of this Vote by the Town Clerk Moved and Voted, that all things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the general Town Meeting in May next, then to be considered and acted upon — [93. J Moved and Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq 1 ', the Mod- erator of this Meeting, for dispatching the Buisiness thereof Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of Twenty one years of Age & upwards, qualified as the Committee \_sic] prescribes, and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Monday the 1 st Day of April Anno Domini 1782 — Prayer was made by the Rev d . M r . Howard Warrant for calling the Meeting read — Paragraphs of the Constitution or form of Government, relative to the choice of Governor Lievetennant Governor and Six Sena- tors for the County of Suffolk was also read. On a Motion Voted, That the Town will now come to the choice of a Governor, Lievetennant Governor, and Six Senators, for the County of Suffolk. Boston Town Records, 1782. 245 It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be re- ceived but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at One O Clock [94.] It was then moved and Voted that the Bells in the Town be set a ringing at half past 12. O'Clock Persons Voted, for as Governor with the number of Votes for each Person — Viz 1 . His Excellency John Hancock Esq r . Five hundred & ninety eight Votes Persons Voted, for as Governor brought over Votes, Hon ble : James Bowdoin Esq 1 ". --------- 7 Hou ble : Benjamin Lincoln Esq r i -1 Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . --------- 1 Persons Voted, for as Lievetenant Governor with the Number of Votes for each Person Viz 1 : — Votes His Honor Thomas Gushing Esq r . - - 585 Honourable Azor Orne Esq r . - 5 Hon ble : James Warren Esq r . - - - - 4 Nathaniel Tracy Esq r . - - ' - - - 2 Cap 1 . Elias Parkman ------------ 1 Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk, with the Number of Votes for each Persons Viz 4 . Votes Honb ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . 580 Hon ble : John Pitts Esq r . - - 586 Hon ble : Jeremiah Powell Esq r . 59 2 Hon ble : Jabez Fisher Esq r . - - - 592 Hon ble : Samuel Nyles Esq r . - 355 Hon bIe : Increase Sumner Esq r . - - - 589 Hon bIe : Cotton Tufts Esq r . -217 Hon ble : James Bowdoin Esq r . -------- 1 [95.] Hon ble : Benjamin Austin Esq'. -------- 1 Hon ble : William Phillips Esq 1 ". 4 John Lowell Esq 1 ". __■--_ l Ebenezer Storer Esq r . ---- 1 Hon ble : Caleb Davis Esq r . 1 M r . Seth Sumner 1 Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor Lievetenant Governor & Senators for the County of Suffolk, were committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Inclosure sealed up in Town Meeting Superscribed as follows — Viz'. For John Avery Jun r . Esq r . Secretary of tbe Commonwealth of Massachusetts The number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a Governor Lievetenant Governor and Six Senators for the County of Suffolk, Certified within and sealed up in Town Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved 246 City Document No. 80. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled on Tuesday, the 14 th . Day of May Anno Domini — 10 O. 'Clock — Forenoon Prayer made by the Rev d . M r . Lothrop Warrant for calling the Meeting read [96.] That part of the Constitution or Form of Govornmeut which relates to the choice of Representatives read Sundry Laws to be read at the May Meeting were accordingly read --------- The Town having determined to choose Seven Persons to Rep- resent them in the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be held at the State House in Boston upon the last Wednesday of May Current, Agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of Government for the Massachusetts — The Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives, and then it was declared by the Select- men that no Votes will be received, but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at twelve O. Clock The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the Number of the same were found to be three hundred and thirty- five, but one of the Persons, Voted for, having three hundred and fifty Votes, which difference might have arisen from some of the Votes having been placed to M r . Lowell which should have been put to M r . Lovels, or to the Votes which had been given in, and received seperately, and not on one piece of Paper, which has been Often practised, and in such case prevents the Number of Voters from being exactly assertained — the Selectmen therefore accord- ing to their usual practise, declared the Number of Votes, to be three hundred & fifty [97.] and that the following Gentlemen were chose by a Majority of said Votes — Viz 1 . Thomas Dawes Esq r . ----- 332 John Lowell — Esq 1 ". ----- 350 Hon ble : James Lovell Esq r . - - - 251 Stephen Higginson Esq r . - - - - 324 Leonard Jarvis Esq'. ----- 204 John Rowe — Esq r . 213 After the above declaration made by the Selectmen ; a number of the Inhabitants gave it as their Opinion that there was an irregularity, in the receiving and Collecting the Votes, and some mistake as to the Numbers placed to the Names of the Persons Voted for It was therefore moved that the sense of the Inhabitants present might be taken, whether in their Opinion the Elections were valed — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative On a Motion made Voted, that it is the sense of the Town that no Vote for a Rep- resentative be received but from such as shall enter Fanuiel Hall after giving in their Votes — also Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to Notify the Inhabitants, of the intended Adjournment of this Meeting to Wednesday the Boston Town Kecords, 1782. 247 fifteenth of May, Instant for the choice of Seven Persons to Represent this Town in the General Court of this Commonwealth the Year ensuing Moved, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to to Morrow ten O Clock in the forenoon, then to meet in this Place [98.] And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned by the Selectmen Wednesday the 15 th . Day of May Instant 10. O'Clock in the Forenoon Town met according to Adjournment The Town Clerk was called upon to read the Minutes of the transactions of the Meeting Yesterday, and they were accordingly read to the Inhabitants A Motion was made & seconded that the Votes passed by the Town yesterday, that the Elections of Representatives was not valed — be reconsidered — After considerable debate, it was the sense of the Town, that the Question should not be put The Selectmen having declared to the Town, that theire decla- ration of 3 T esterday respecting the Number of Votes for Representa- tives was erronious, and that no choice was had — It was moved & Voted, that the Town will now Assign a time for coming to the choice of Representatives Voted, that the Town will come to the choice of Representa- tives at 3. O Clock On a Motion Voted, that the Poll for Representatives be closed at. 4. O'Clock Afternoon [99.] Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon 3. O'Clock, Town Met according to Adjournment The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded, and on one peice of Paper, and that such of the Inhabitants as give in their Votes at the Door must enter the Hall ; and that they propose the Poll be closed at half past 4. O Clock. The Votes, being brought in for Seven Representatives, the Number of the same were found to be three hundred & Thirty one ; and upon sorting them it appeared that the following Per- sons were chose Viz' : Votes Thomas Daws Esq r . - - - 321 John Lowell Esq r . --------- 316 Samuel A. Otis Esq r . -------- 200 Leonard Jarvis Esq r . 291 excus'd Stephen Higginson Esq r . ------- 313 exc'd John Rowe Esq 1 ". - - 223 Hon ble : James Lovell Esq r . 206 exc'd The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the Other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared, that 248 City Document No. 80. [100.] The Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . was chosen Moder- ator unanimously. The Article in the Warrant. Viz'. "To consider whether In- structions shall be given to the Representatives that may be chosen " — was read — whereupon the Question was put — Whether the Representatives shall be Instructed Passed in the Affirmative Moved, " that a Committee be now appointed to prepare In- structions for our Representatives" — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative " — and the Question being put — Passed in the Negative The Article of the Warrant, relative to the subject matter of a Report from the Committee to Audit the Treasurers Accompts & give in a State of the Treasury was read — whereupon said Com- mittee give in the following Report The Committee appointed to Audit the Town Treasurers Ac- compts Report as follows That it appears by the Treasurers Books, there remains unpaid of the Towns Debts — Viz 1 , due to 30 Persons for Money borrowed ) «„,-/».- , » ... ci . J V £6/6o before the Seige j To 42 Persons for Balances of Selectmen & ) „. ., 9 ~ Overseers Draughts -- j Currency to 273 d°. for Money borrowed from 1"777 to 1780 £49762 [101.] to 23 Persons for money in New Emission £1574 to 122 d°. Ballances of Selectmen & Overseers Draughts \ f]) . to 171 bro'. into Specie ------ ... - J-ilzl* to 125 d°. drawn for in Specie --------- 2735 615 The exact amount of the debts in Specie cannot be ascertained as the date of the several Notes are not particularly specified in the Books, but an Estimate has been made, by which it appears the State of the Treasury, if all the Notes are entered is nearly as follows Viz'. To the Amount of Notes given before the seige ) n,p. C Q C , - with the Interest --------- [ * 1Ub » b » i0 » ' To ditto since the seige with the Interest - - - 4638 ,, 4 ,, 7 To balances of Draughts before & since the seige 5100 ,, ,, — £20,425 To Premiums due to the Collectors and Abatements on the last Taxes, the Amount of which cannot be assertained as no settle- ment has been made with the Collectors since the Seige — there- fore your Committee purpose to the Consideration of the Town as the Collectors received the Taxes before 1781 in Old Ernmission Money, and paid great part of it into the Treasure y, after it ceased to be a Currency, whether they ought not to receive their Pre- meiums in the Same Money they paid into the Treasury where it now remains Boston Town Records, 1782. 249 To discharge the above debts, their appears to be due from the Collectors, the following Sums — Viz 1 . From Frauds Shaw on Acco'. — 1£ Tax i James Thompson - - - - Benjamin Sumner - - - - Thomas Bay ley ----- Beef Tax Specie Total 1066 £630 1383 £3079 1163 310 1666 3139 512 503 1209 2224 629 165 1289 2074 1608 - - - 10516 [ 102.3 States Certificates & Interest New | ~_ Emission Bills J " In Bills of the old Emission - £38,000 of the New Emission - - - - 21,734 It appears by the Selectmens Accounts that they purchased large parcels of Clothing and other necessaries on Account of the Towns Quota of Supplies for the Army, part of which has been re- paid, but there still remains due to the Town on Account of these Supplies in Specie about — £900 And for the support of the State Poor \ .. -^ _ - - - in the Almshouse - - - - j The Ballances due from other Collectors before the Seige are not bro 4 : into this Estamate as its uncertain if any part will be recovered — It likewise Appears that the Treasurer has paid Large Sums on Account of the War great part of which the Committee suppose is to be repaid out of the State Treasurey or deducted out of the Towns pi'oportion of the State Tax, they therefore propose that a Committee be appointed to inquire into the Expenditure of this Money, & report what Appears to be due either from the State or those who received the following Sums out of the Treasurey, Amounting to upwards of Nine hundred Thousand Pounds Conti- nental Money Viz*. Paid Col°. Proctor for raising Men & c - ■ p Resolve of the General Court - - - - Osgood & Phelps for first & Second Quota of Beef John Simpkius for supplys to Soldiers Familys" [103.] for Horses for the use of the Army Col . Hatch Bounty & Mileage ------ Col°. Crafts & Others for Shoes & Stockings Balance due to the Comm ee . for purchasing Grain - 925, 134 Paid the aforementioned sums due from the " Collectors & the State Treasurer Amounting to £13,400 from which may be de- ducted £3,400 for the Prem e . due to the Collectors & the Abate- ments on the Two last Taxes, will leave £10,000 specie in the Treasurey, a Sum sufficient to pay all the Debts the Town owes £620 358,958 515,569 24,720 11,200 6,068 7,595 1,024 250 City Document No. 80. except those for Money borrowed before the seige & the Interest due thereon — The Drafts of the Selectmen since March Amo ts . to £466 & those of the Overseers Arnot s . to £375 18/ and the paper Money in the Treasurey are not included in this Estimate — the former ought to be paid out of the Tax now to be granted ; the latter must be paid out of the Money now due from the Collec- tors — the Bills of the New Emission in the Treasurey if sold at three for one would raise £7240. Specie a sum sufficient to enable the Overseers to provide for the Poor & to pay the Interest (at least) if not a great part of the Principal of the Debts due for Money borrowed before the Seige, but as this will be Attended with considerable Loss & these Bills must finally be Redeemed at 1^ for a hard Dollar the Committee cannot Advise to their being disposed of, unless two for one can now be obtained, at which rate they would produce a Sum Sufficient to pay Off all the Debts due from the Town — Should the Overseers drafts be paid out of the Money supposed to be in the Treasurey there [104.] Will not be sufficient to pay Off all the Notes given since the Seige, there is no Doubt that the Proprietors have a Sufficient Sum for the Over- seers drafts would be content to wait for the principal (if the In- terest was paid) untill the New Emission Bills were Redeemed, or other provision made to discharge their Notes — Therefore your Committee propose the following regulations to the Consideration of the Town, should they be Voted & Attended too, the Credit of the Treasurey will be restored & the Town on any Emergency will be able to borrow such Sums as they may have occasion for provided the Lender can depend on being paid out of the Tax laid for that purpose 1*. That the Treasurer be directed to Cause an Advertizement to be published Advertising all Persons who are possessed of any Notes given by the Late Treasurer Jeffries to bring them in to be liquidated — Passed 2 d : That he give new Notes for the Amount thereof in Specie one for the Principal and another for the Interest to those who desire it & expect to receive the Interest out of the Money now due from the Collectors — Passed 3- 14-6 19 th . 1 780 ) 11 th . Article deliv d . J Scollay Esq r . for Hospital Boat j qq o _ qi by order of Council Jan*. 19. 1780 j y6 l ** That the 500 bushells Corn charged as delivered W m . Phillips Esq r : the Overseers are to account for, As also for the 200 bushels delivered the Selectmen which by an Order of Court Oct r . 12 th . 1778 was to be considered as so much paid towards defraying the Charges of the State Poor [122.] The small arms &c charged the Militia of the Town of Boston, were received by Col . Proctor and by him delivered to the several Captains of his Regiment, to be put into the hands of those persons in their respective Companies who were not able to Purchase them The Committee are of Opinion that the final Adjustment of the Account of it, Lays with the Selectmen, and that they should be directed to proceed in that Buissiness as soon as may be And if any difficulty should Arise that they take the Sence of the General Court Thomas Melvill p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered, the Question was put Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed iu the Affennative - amounting £8- 5- 10 37- • 2 - ■ 1 12- ■10- 10 15- ■ 1- ■ 7 80- ■ 0- ■ 17- 10 30- 13- 5 Boston Town Records, 1782. 259 Moved & Voted, that Col . Proctor be directed to Collect all the Cartridges which have been placed by him in the hands of his Officers to be used when occasion required it — the same to be delivered in to the Selectmen Voted, that Col . Procter be directed to Collect all the small Arms and Accoutrements received from the Board of War, that are now in the hands of the Captains of his Regiment — the same to be returned to the Selectmen and also to enquire what has become of such as shall not be returned [123.] The Committee Appointed to Audit the Town Treas- urers Account Report further Whereas the Town has been pleased to Accept the first report of said Committee & the Regulations therein proposed have been unanimously Voted, they propose that those regulations should be published for the information of the Inhabitants 2 dly . And in order to compleat the plan therein proposed, it will be necessary the real Estate of the Treasury should be assertained & every Article of Debts, & Credits, Adjusted, that the Treasurer may know how to proceed in paying Off the several Demands on the Town 3 dly . It is therefore proposed that the Committee Appointed to enquire into the expenditure of Moneys received out of the Treasurey, & the Demands of the Board of War for Arms &c be desired to report as soon as possible and in case it appears by their report there is Money due either from the Officers of Militia or any other Persons for Arms &c received & not returned, or from those who received Money out of the Treasury, or from any other Person indebted to the Town that the Treasurer be directed to demand the same immediately That the Selectmen be desired to settle the Accounts exhibited by the Board of War & report what may be due After deducting the Supplys for the Hospital & the Amount of the Arms belong- ing to the Inhabitants which the State took into their possession & Apply'd to the Use of the Army Aftei the Enemy left the Town [124.] That they procure payment from the State for Cloathing &c supply'd for the use of the Army by order of the General Assembly and likewise the Supplys to Soldiers Familys — 4 thy . The That Representatives of the Town be & hereby are instructed to see that the Town has Credit for what may be due to them on Account of the Bounty for raising Men for the Army in 1780. and also on Account of Clothing & any other Supplies for the Army & the Selectmen are desired to furnish them with the Necessary documents if it has not already been deducted out of their proportion of the State Tax — All which is Submitted to the Consideration of the Town Edward Payne p Order The foregoing Report was considered by Paragraphs, and accepted Moved & Voted, that a Committee be appointed to enquire what has become of the Arms which were lodged in Faneiuel Hall in 1774 and Report to the Town 2 GO City Document No. 80. Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Moved that the Selectmen be directed to publish in hand Bills the Regulations which the Town came into the 15 th . Ins 4 , in con- sequence of a Report of the Committee appointed to Audit [125.] the Town Treasurers Accompts and to take orders that the same be delivered to the several Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative Moved & Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to call upon Cap 1 . John Simkins for an Adjustment of the Accompts for the Supplies of the Soldiers Familys ; and to receive any Moneys that may be due thereon Voted, that the Representatives of the Town be and they hereby are Instructed to see that the Town have Credit for what may be due to them on Account of the Bounty for raising Men for the Army in 1780 — and also on Account of Clothing and any other Sup- plies for the Army and the Selectmen are directed to furnish them with the necessary documents, if it has not already been deducted out of their proportion of the State Tax The Committee to whom by a Vote of the Town on the 17 th . Ins': was refered to the Consideration of the Demands of the Collectors for their premeium on the Taxes by them paid to the Several Treasurers — Report that having considered with the Col lectors on the Subject & examined the resolutions of the Town relating thereto, they are of Opinion that the Collectors are entitled for the year 1777 to a premium of Seven & half p Cent for the Money they paid within four Months, [126] five p Cent for what they paid within twelve Months on Account of the Tax for that year, from the time of its being committed to them That for all the Subsiquent faxes in 1778. 1779 & 1780. they be allowed five p Cent on all payments they have made within four Months three & | p Cent on all payments made within Eight Months, & two & half p Cent on all payments made within twelve months from the time of their being committed to them & that for the payments not made within twelve Months they are not intitled to a premium — That the several Collectors be directed to exhibit their Accounts conformable thereto as soon as may be for a Settlement John Coffin Jones The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative The Selectmen a Committee to confer with the Collectors rela- tive to the Moneys paid into the Treasury in Bills of the Old Emission Money before the year 1781 — upon the Question in said Report Viz 1 . — Whether they ought not to receive their Pre- mium in said Money Reported That in their Opinion the Collectors ought not to receive their Premium in Bills of the Old Emission [127»] The foregoing Report having been read and con- sidered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted passed in the Affermative Boston Town Records, 1782. 261 The Committee appointed to consider the 1 st . Paragraph of the Report of the Committee to Audit Town Treasurers Accompts, Reported Verbally and in part — and Asked leave to Report again Moved and Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to call upon Col . Proctor to account for the Monies put into his hands for the purpose of raising two hundrded and Sixty four Men in 1780 Voted, that the Sum of Five thousand Pounds in Silver & Gold be raised by a Tax upon the Polls and Rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town in order to defrey the necessary Expences of the ensuing Year Moved, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed to Issue Writs of Distress on all the Collectors who are deficient in paying in the Tax, called the Beef Tax, on or before the 1 st . Day of July next — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that all Matters & Things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred for consideration, to the next General Town Meeting that shall be called [128.] Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . the Moderator of this Meeting for his good services as Moderator Moved & Voted, that this Meeting be dessolved And it was accordingly dessolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 18 th . Day of June Anno Domini 1782. 3. O. Clock P: M: Warrant for calling the Meeting read Moved and Voted, that a Moderator for this Meeting be chosen by a Hand Vote PLzekiel Price Esq 1 ", was chosen Moderator of the Meeting accordingly The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider and determine whether the Town will choose Collectors of Taxes in the room of those chosen last March Meeting, they not being eligible accord- ing to a Vote of the Town passed the 15 th . Day of March last, or reconsider said Vote " : — was read, and after debate had thereon — It was moved, [129.] that the Question be now put, Viz'. Whether the Town will proceed to the choice of new Collectors of Taxes, in the room of those chosen last March Meeting, they not having as yet complied with the Vote of the Town passed the 15 th . of March last in order to their having the new Tax Books committed to them And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative It was then moved, and Voted, that there shall be four Collec- tors of Taxes chosen in the room of those Persons chosen Collectors at the March Meeting — and the Question being accord- ingly put — Passed in the Affermative 262 City Document No. 80. It was then moved, and Voted, that the choice of Collectors of Taxes be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting The Petition of the Collectors of Taxes praying " that they ma} 7 have sundry Abatements made them of the Tax committed to them to Collect of the Inhabitants in September 1781 " — was — read after debate had thereon it was moved, That the Assessors be permitted to set two "Weeks, from this Day, for the Abatement of such Taxes on the Tax N°: 11 and 12. as they shall Judge to be reasonable — and that they be directed to take a list of the Names of the Persons and their Taxes, which Taxes could not be Collected, by reason of Persons being Absent, or other Necessary Causes; [130.] and that they lay- the same before the Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting ; any former Vote to the contrary notwithstanding And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Af- fermative It was moved, that this Meeting be Adjourned to to Morrow fortnight being the third Day of July next. 3. O'Clock Afternoon — And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Wednesday the third Day of July Anno Domini 1782 — 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment Moved and Voted, that the Town now come to the choice of two Persons as Clerks of the Market in the room of two others chosen into that Office at the March Meeting M r . James White was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the en- suing Year, in the room of M r . Conent who is abroad M r . Samuel Smith was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the Year ensuing in the room of M r . Frazier who has gone abroad The Assessors agreable to a Vote of the Town passed the 18 th . ' Day of June last — permitting them to set two Weeks, from that Day [131.] for the Abatement of such Taxes on the Tax N°. 11. and 12 th . as they shall Judge to be reasonable &c. laid before the Inhabitants a List of the Names of the Persons and Taxes which could not be Collected on the Tax N°. 11 and 12 — by reason of Persons being absent or other necessary Causes Moved, that the Town now come to the choice of four Collectors of Taxes Agreeable to a Vote passed at the late Meeting — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for four Collectors of Taxes, and the same being brought in :un 1 sorted, & before the Vote was declared, a Motion was made that the Votes passed by the Town the 15 th . Day of March last relative to Collectors and the Subsequent Vote in consequence thereof which was also passed by the Town on the eighteenth Day of June last be now reconsidered — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative M'. Benjamin Sumner Jun r . one of the Collectors of Taxes chosen in March last appeared, and prayed the Town that he may be excused from serving in that Office the present Year — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative On a Motion made — Voted, that when this Meeting is Ad- journed, it shall bo to Fryday Next 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon Boston Town Records, 1782. 263 [132.] On a Motion made Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are impowered and directed, to allow M r . Isaac Warren In- terest on the Money advanced by him for the Town on furnishing and procuring Shoes for the Continental Army ; from the time it became due Adjourned to Fryday the 5 Day of July Instant, 3. O'Clock afternoon then to meet in this place Fryday the 5 th . Day of July. 8 O: Clock Afternoon, Met accord- ing to Adjournment On a Motion Voted, that the Persons chosen Collectors of Taxes at the March Meeting, be called upon to acquaint the Town whether they would serve in that Office the Year ensuing Francis Shaw Esq r . one of the Collectors appeared, and being called upon, acquainted the Town, that he declined serving in that Office the present Year, and prayed that his resignation might be accepted by the Town for the reasons he had offered — The Ques- tion being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative M r . James Thompson another of the Collectors being present, was called upon, when he informed the Town, that he declines serving in that Office the present Year, for reasons by him offered ; and prayed that his refusal might be accepted by the Town [133.] The Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative M r . James Bayley the other Collector of Taxes appeared, and also declined serving in that Office the present Year, — and prayed that the Town would accept his excuse, for the reasons he had given ; and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative The Committee upon the Petition and Memorial of M r . Samuel Ruggles, respecting the Debt due from M r . Holeyday a late Col- lector, having examined the Papers are of Opinion That the Assessors be directed immediately to Abate the Taxes of such Persons on said Holeydays List, as have been reduced by means of the War, and who are still unable to pay, and the Taxes of those who have died, or joined the Enemy and left no Estate ; provided they are satisfied that such Taxes were not lost by the negligence or undue leinety of the said Collectors — and that Samuel Ruggles Esq r . as Administrator of the Estate of said Holleyday be impowered and enjoined to Collect and pay, or give his Obligation to pay, the then remaining balance into the Treas- urey of this Town, within the space of six Months from the time the Assessors shall determine the Abatements upon which the Bonds of the said Hollyday to be discharged Ebenezer Hancock p Order. [134.] The foregoing Report having been read, and consid- ered — the Question was put Viz'. Whether the same shall be ac- cepted — Passed in the Affermative On a Motion made. Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to M r . Christopher Clark, for his generous Donation of a Bell for the use of one of the publick Schools in this Town 264 City Document No. 80. Moved that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to Mon- day next 5 OClock. P: M: And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Monday July 8 th Five O'Clock in the Afternoon — Met accord- ing to Adjournment Moved and Voted, that the Town now come to the choice of four Collectors of Taxes The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in then- Votes for four Collectors of Taxes — and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that Mess rs : Thomas Bayley Charles Williams Daniel Parker William Fallass [135.] were chosen Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing. Moved and Voted, that the Vote passed at a late Meeting, directing the Town Treasurer to commence a Suit against the Col- lectors of Taxes for the Beef Tax so called, be reconsidered And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affir- mative The Committee appointed to enquire into the conduct of the Assessors in Apportioning the Taxes on the Inhabitants, what proportion the Real Estate bears to the Personal, and how the} r Estimated the Personal Estate and Faculty, in order to raise the Sum to be Assessed, having attended that business — Report as follows That the Estimates made by the Assessors of the value of the Real and Personal Estate of the Inhabitants, appears to be nearly the same, with the Estimates, made by the General Court, on which the Towns proportion of the State Tax was Assessed That the Income of the Real Estates deducting Repairs amounts to Upwards of Nine thousand Pounds, and the Interest on the Personal Estate including Money on hand and at Interest, Stock in Trade, Vessels and Income by Trade and Faculty at six per cent amounts to near twenty Six thousand Pounds — from these two Sums [136.] amounting to about thirty five Thousand Pounds, they deduct the amount of the Poll Tax, and the remainder is the Sum on which the 12 th . Tax is apportioned on this Sum the Assessors calculate, how much in the Pound will raise the Sum to be Assessed ; and what it amounts to in the Pound every Inhabitant is charged on the amount of his pellicular Valuation, both of Real, and Personal Estate being eight Shillings and eight Pence on the State Tax, and four Shillings on the Town and County In the Tax now coming out the Income of the Real Estate amounts to ten thousand Nine hundred and twenty Six pounds, mid the Personal to twenty Thousand five hundred ninety four, and turns out five shillings, and eleven pence to the State Tax, and three Shillings and five Pence to the Town But the Assessors have no certain Rule by which they Estimate the Personal Estate of the most part of the Inhabitants as not Boston Town Records, 1782. 265 more than one hundred and twenty Persons have given in Lists, the remainder being nineteen parts out of twenty, they are under a necessity of dooming, according to the best Information they can obtain, which no doubt is often erroneous, and must occasion some Individuals to be taxed more and less, than in Justice they ought to pay ; this will always be the case while the Inhabitants [137.] are doomed, and your Committee can devise no remedy, unless the Inhabitants in general can be prevailed on to give into the Assessors, true Lists of all their Rateable Estates Edward Payne p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative Moved, that the Town Treasurer be directed, in case the late Collectors do not pay into the Treasury their respective Ballances on or before the eight Day of October next, to put the Bonds of such delinquent Collectors in Suit, — And the Question being ac- cordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative On a Motion, Voted, that all Matters and things which remain unfinished at this Meeting, be referred over to the next General Town Meeting that shall be called On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Ezekiel Price Esq 1 ', for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting Then the Meeting;- was dessolved [138.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall the 25 th Day of July, Anno Domini 1782. 3. O'Clock. P: M: Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought in and sorted it appeared — that Nathan Frazier Esq r . was chosen Moderator The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . "To consider what Measures shall be taken to Anticipate the payment of the Continental Taxes ; and to Loan such further Sums of Money for, a few Months only as their respective Circumstances will possibly admit of ; and such other Matters as are earnestly recomended, by the General Assembly in their Resolves of the 4 th and 5 th of July Instant" — was read together with the said Resolves, and two Circular Letters, accompanying them whereupon Moved, that a Committee of three Persons be appointed for each Ward in the Town, to wait upon the Inhabitants who [139.] are Taxed, and impress upon their Minds, the Absolute necessity of the immediate payment of the present Tax. — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative Moved that a Committee of twelve Persons be appointed and 266 City Document No. 80. that they be directed to retire into the Selectmens Chamber, and Report Three suitable Persons in each Ward for the Above Com- mittee — and the Question being put — ■ Passed in the Affirmative — also Ward Voted, that M r . John R. Sigorney N°. 1 M r . John White ----------- 2 M r . Daniel Parker ---------- 3 Edward Proctor Esq r . --- 4 M r . John Larking ----- 5 John Scollay Esq r . -- -6 Major Thomas Melville 7 M r . Jeremiah Belknap -8 Edward Payne Esq r . 9 Nath 1 . Appleton Esq r . - 10 Thomas Daws Esq r . -- 11 Hon ble . Caleb Davis Esq r . 12 be a Committee for said Purpose The Article in the Warrant. Viz'. " To consider the request of a Number of the respectable Inhabitants, that some Measures may be taken to prevent the Alarming Effects of a Combination of the Bakers, in order to compel the Inhabitants to receive Bread on their own Terms" — was read — and after some debate it was moved [140.] and carried ; that all further debate on this matter subside for the present Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to this Day three Weeks in order to receive the Report of the Collectors of Taxes The Committee appointed to Report the Names of three Persons in each of the twelve Wards suitable to compose the Committee of Thirty six to wait upon the Inhabitants of their respective Wards agreeable to a foregoing Vote — Reported a List accordingly — whereupon the following Persons were chosen for said Committee — Viz 4 . Cap 1 . William Brown ~) Ward Cap'. Silas Atkins I N°. 1 Deacon Jonathan Brown ) M r . Alexander Hill M r . Thomas Vernon Abiel Ruddock Esq r . M r . Samuel Eliot M r . Edward Edes Cap'. John Ballard Francis Shaw Esq r . Alexander Edwards M r . Samuel Parkman Jonathan Williams Esq r . Deacon William Boardman M r . Thomas Hitchbnrne [141.] John Coffin Jones Esq r . William Greenleaf Esq r . N°. 6 M r . Joseph Hall Boston Town Records, 1782. 267 Deacon Tim . Newell Joseph Callender 'Samuel A. Otis Esq r . Isaac Smith Esq r . John Codmau Sen r . Deacon John Simpkins Hon ble . William Phillips Esq r . ) M r . John Andrews > 9 M r . Joseph Coolidge ) Thomas Walley Esq r . \ Col . Joseph Webb [• 10 Maj r . John Eeed ) M r . Joseph Barrell ) Samuel Barrett Esq r . v 11 M r . Joseph Russell Jun r . ) Cap 4 . Gustavus Fellows \ John Lucas Esq r . [- 12 Maj r . John May ) The Article in the Warrant relative to the Combination of the Bakers was again read — and after much debate and altercation with the Bakers, it was moved, and carried, that all further de- bate on this Article totally subside The Meeting was then Adjourned to Thursday the 15 Day of August next 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon, then to meet in this place [142.] Thursday the 15 th Day of August Anno Domini 1782 — 3. O'Clock Afternoon met according to Adjournment M r . Frazier in the Chair - M r . William Fallass one of the Collectors of Taxes, being in the Meeting, was called upon to make Report relative to the Monies he had Collected of the Inhabitants in his Ward, for the late Continental Tax Reported, that he had Collected of the Middling People in his Ward, and paid into the Treasury of this Commonwealth to the Amount of Six hundred pounds lawful Money Moved and Voted, that all Matters, and things which remains unfinished at this Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the next General Town Meeting then to be Acted upon Moved and Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Nathan Frazier Esq r . for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting Moved, that this Meeting be dissolved and it was accordingly — dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting [143,] Assembled at Fanuiel Hall the 15 th . Day of August Anno Domini 1782 — 5. O'Clock Afternoon Warrant for calling the Meeting read Moved and Voted, that the Town come to a choice of a Moder- ator by a Hand Vote Nathan Frazier Esq r . was chosen Moderator of this Meeting 268 City Document No. 80. M r . Thomas Bayley one of the Collectors of Taxes being in this Meeting was called upon to make Report relative to the Monies he had Collected of the Inhabitants in his Ward, for the late Continental Tax Reported that he had Collected, and paid into the Continental Treasury of said Tax, upwards of Eight hundred Pounds lawful Money The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . " To consider and determine what is proper to be done relative to the Towns deficiency of men for the Massachusetts Line of the Army, a Warrant from the Treasurer of this Commonwealth having been issued for the Assessors to Assess the Sum of £2870 — 13 — 4 on the deficient Class or Classes in this Town, being the Average price of the cost of raising the whole Number granted by Ihis State" was read — whereupon it was moved and Voted, that the Com- mittee [144.] appointed for raising this Towns proportion of Men for the Continental Army be called upon to Report — When they Reported accordingly That 586 Classes paid the Committee £45 each, for which Classes they had procured the Men — 7 Classes paid the Com- mittee £45 — each for which Classes they had not procured men That 18 Classes had paid £525 — 18 — 3 in part 78 Classes the Committee have received of in whole and part — 3 Classes have procured their own Men 4 Classes have neither paid the Money nor yet the Men — D Moraton. W Sherburn. J. Russell. C. Clark 85 Men is the Towns Quota Mem , the Committee have on hand about £770 M r . Collector Williams, being in the Meeting, was called upon to make Report relative to the Monies he had Collected in his Ward Reported That he had Collected and paid into the State Treasurey Five hundred and Eighty Pounds, and into the Town Treasurey — Fifty three pounds eight shillings and Six pence The first Article in the Warrant relative to the Towns deficiency of Men for the Massachusetts Line being again taken up, it was moved and Voted, that a Committee of three Persons be appointed to take up this Article [145.] at large, and Report what they may ap- prehend will be best for the Town to do thereon, at the Adjourn- ment of this Meeting Voted, that the Hon ble . Rob'. T. Payne Esq r . William Story Esq r . M r . Thomas Walley Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Moved and Voted, that the Committee Appointed to inlist this Towns proportion of Men for the Massachusetts Line, be desired to continue their good services untill the same are Obtained The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To determine whether Gravel shall be taken from Fox II ill for repairing the Streets " — was read — whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen have liberty to take as much Gravel Boston Town Records, 1782. 269 from Fox Hill, as they may Judge Necessary for the Repairs of the Streets of this Town, any preceeding Votes to the contrary not- withstanding The Article in % the Warrant Viz'. " To consider of some way for discharging what is due to several of the Town Watch for former Wages " — was read whereupon Voted, that the Town Treasurer, be directed to pay the Watch- men of the Town, their back Wages, out of the first Monies of the Old Tax that shall be received into the Treasury [146.] M r . Daniel Parker one of the Collectors of Taxes being in the Meeting was called upon to make Report relative to the Monies he had Collected in his Wards for the late Continental Tax Reported that he had Collected & paid into the State Treasurey of said Tax upwards of Six hundred Pounds Moved that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next being the 19 th . of August Ins 4 . 5. O'Clock in the Afternoon, then to meet at the Representatives Chamber And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Monday the 19 th . Day of August 1782. 5. OClock in the After- noon — Met According to Adjournment Nathan Frazier Esq r . in the Chair The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the first Article in the Warrant respecting the deficiency of the Towns quota of Men to be raised & have Attended that service and now Report to the Town that upon enquirey into the Matter they find that the Inhabitants of this Town having been aranged into 85 Classes for the Purpose of procuring the 85 Men [147.] 58 of those Classes paid the Money required of them by the Town to the Committee appointed for hiring the Men, and they were accordingly hired Mustered and received 5 of the Classes procured the men themselves 7 of the Classes paid to the Committee 'their Money in due season Viz'. — £45 — ; but the Committee were not Able to pro- cure the Men * 12 of the Classes paid part of the £45 — in due season 3 of the Classes paid nothing nor procured their Men 85 Classes. The Chairmen of the Classes who are wholy delin- quent are Mess rs : Dimond Morton Joseph Russell Merch 4 : Christopher Clark The Committee therefore beg leave to submit the following pro- posals to the consideration of the Town — Viz 4 . That the Committee for procuring Men be vested with dis- cretionary power and directed to procure the deficient number of Men with the greatest dispatch and on the easiest terms they can That the Assessors be directed forthwith to Assess the whole average sum of the price of hiring a Man as certified by the Treas- urer of this Commonwealth and the 20 p r . cent upon the delinquent Individuals [148.] in the twelve Classes respectively, who have 270 City Document No. 80. paid only part of their £45 — the Money already paid by any part of such Classes to the Committee to be applied towards, hir- ing a Man for such Class, when wanted for that purpose That the Assessors be directed to Assess said whole Average Sum with the 20 per Cent on the three Classes who are wholly delinquent ; and if either of the three Classes who are wholy delinquent or any of the twelve Classes , who are delinquent in part, should procure their Men before the Sum aforesaid to be Assessed upon them shall be Collected, that then such Sums shall not be Collected, any part that is Collected shall be returned also, that the Committee for procuring Men be directed for to procure the Men for the 7 Classes who paid their whole £45 — in season, and what prices, is paid therefor over and Above the forty five Pounds, if any be Assessed hereafter at Large upon the Inhabi- tants of the Town, at the next Tax that shall be levied all which is submitted R. T. Payne p. Order The foregoing Report having been read, and considered — the Question was put. Viz'. Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative Moved and Voted, that all Matters and things which remaine unfinished at this Meeting be and hereby are referred [149.] over to the next General Town Meeting that may be called, then to Act upon On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given unto Nathan Frazier Esq r . for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting Then the Meeting was — dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified, and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanieul Hall on Tuesday the 3 d . Day of September AD 1782'— 9 OClock — A: M Warrant for calling Meeting — read . The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought in and sorted it appeared, that The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Fsq r . was chosen Moderator unanimously On a Motion, the Pitition for calling a Town Meeting — was read The Article in the Warrant. Viz 1 . — " Then and there Agreea- ble to the request of a great number of the respectable Inhabitants to take into their serious consideration, what [150.] Steps are proper to be taken on Account of the Alarming and distructive lengths to which the ellicit Trade with our FOnemies is now carried was read Samuel Broom Esq r . having laid before the Town several Let- ters from Cap 1 . Collis M r . Prentice &c and Other Papers relative to a Number of Persons carrying on an Illicit Trade with the Enemy which he had lately brought from Connecticut where they Boston Town Records, 1782. 271 had been taken — it was moved that the same be read, and they were accordingly read by the Moderator M r . John Proctor one of the Persons mentioned in said Letter, Apprehending his Character might be injured by the same ; being in Town Meeting, handed to the Moderator a Deposition Taken before a Majestrate, & moved that the same might be read — and it was accordingly read, & then placed on the File of Papers Moved and Voted, that a Committee be appointed to wait upon his Excellency the Governor, and to request that he would be pleased to communicate to the Town such Papers or informations as he may Judge proper respecting an illicit trade carrying on with the Enemy Moved, & Voted, that this Committee consist of five Voted, that the Hon ble . Robert T. Payne Esq r . Ezekiel Price Esq r . Samuel Broom Esq 1- . [151.] Isaac Sears Esq r . (excused) Stephen Higginson Esq r . Charles Jarvis Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant relative to illicit Trade with the Enemy, was again taken up, and after some debate it was moved and Voted, that a Committee be now appointed, to take into consid- eration what Steps are proper to be taken, on Account of the Alarming and distinctive lengths to which the illicit trade with our Enemies is now carried — and that this Committee consist of seven Voted, that the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . Hon ble . John Lowell Esq 1 '. Charles Jarvis Esq r . Stephen Higginson Esq r . M r .. Thomas Walley Hon ble . Caleb Davis Esq r . Isaac Sears Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid to Report at the Ad- journment of this Meeting The Committee appointed to wait on Governor Hancock — Reported that having waited on the Governor agreeable to the direction of the Town, His Excellency had delivered to them a Deposition taken in Connecticut, and an Original Paper of great importance The said Papers having been laid before the Town, it was moved that the same be read & they were accordingly read [152.] Moved & Voted, that there be an Addition of two Persons to the Committee relative to an illicit trade Voted, that Robert T. Payne Esq r . Samuel Broom Esq r . ' be added to said Committee Moved & Voted, that Adam Babcock Esq r . be added to the aforegoing Committee Moved and Voted, that it be recommended to the Inhabitants at large, that they communicate to the Committee relative to an 272 City Document No. 80. illicit Trade such Ideas or Information as they shall Apprehend may be useful Moved & Voted, that the Town Clerk furnish the Committee aforesaid with Copies of the Papers, received from the Governer Moved & Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to Fry day next. 3. OClock Afternoon then to Meet in this place And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Frydaythe 6 Day of September 1782 — Met according to Ad- journment 3. O. Clock P.M. The Committee appointed to consider what Steps are proper to be taken on the alarming and distinctive Length to which an illicit [153.] Trade with our Enemies is now carried on — represented as follows The Artful and insidious Cabinet of Britain, sensible of the Inefficacy of their Fleets and Armies to enslave America and hitherto disappointed in their Expectations from Bribery & Corruption, (Engines, which to their Astonishment, have proved of no use, when Applied to the Free Sons of America, th6. in common with the most Successfull of all Means to subdue Man- kind to the Will of Tyrants) have in the excess of their Folly and Lust of Domination, Adopted the Absurd Idea of Subjugating America, by throwing in upon us a Flood of their Manufactures and Incouraging a Commercial Intercourse between us and them — For this purpose their Admirals and Generals appear to have Assumed the Character of Custom House Officers, Brokers, & such Other as may be necessary to facilitate their Views. By this Trade they expect to destroy that great, that mut- ual Confidence so happily subsisting between us & our Magnanimous Allies ; to revive that foolish Predilection which We once had for British Manufactures and British Manners : to Open to themselves new Avenues and acquire fresh Means of instilling the Principles of Toryism and sowing the Seeds of Disaffection Among the weak & unwary ; to send their Emissaries into all parts of the Continent to forment Divisions, create distrust as to our Rulers and by the Meanest and [154.] the vilest Arts to distroy that happy Union which has hitherto been, & while it continues can- not fail (under God) to be our sure Rock of Defence — And Above all to drain us of our Money, the Sinews of War : having drawn from us our Medium in this Way, having made their Arrange- ments, posted their Emissaries, and secured their Partizens they expect by a violent run on our National Credit, and to deprive us of all future Means of Defence Such are clearly their Views & these are the Mean Arts which haughty, though fallen Britain, is compelled to make use of. — To the disgrace of America, a few of her Sons, blinded by the Lure, & devoid of all Principle, have catched at the Bait ; and misled by Avarice, have taken the high Road to Infamy and Ruin The United States in Congress Assembled, sensible of these Evils, and Attentive to the safety of their Constituents, have in every Instance within their Jurisdiction by their Ordinances, Boston Town Records, 1782. 273 endeavoured to suppress such illegall Commerce, Trade and Inter- course & in other Instances recommended to the Legislatures of the several States to make effectual Provision, by Laws for that purpose, and called on the People to give Aid in carrying such Laws into Effect. The Inhabitants of Boston in Town Meeting Assembled, determined ever to be watchfull of their common Rights and [155.] Liberties, and Attentive to the publick Safety — sensible of the evil & destructive Tendency of such Trade & Intercourse — impressed with the necessaity of restraining it, — of Testifying their Abhorrence of such Base Practices — and giving all Possible Aid in the Execution of the Laws, do enter into the following Resolutions First that we will exert ourselves to the Utimost to detect & bring to due Punishment all those who shall import Goods from Any Part of the British Dominions, and particularly from any Post held by the British in America ; or any Goods of British Growth or Manufacture thrd. any Foreign Ports, other than those Allowed by Law ; or who may be directly or indirectly concerned in sending Money to any of those Posts, — or who shall encourage or promote Any Kind of Intercourse with the Enemy. 2 d . That the Delacacy which some People Affect to feel, as to giv- ing information, or making a Complaint of those who are engaged in such Vile Pursuits, is false and Absurd in its nature ; Arrising from wrong Ideas of the Path of Honour ; and the Line of Duty — That in cases like this to become Informer, is to be the Patriot, and it ought so to be considered by all those who regard the Pub- lick Weal 3 dly . That this Town will therefore not only countenance, & sup- port all those who may be vigilent and active in detecting [156.] Informing, or Complaining of such Enemies to their Country ; but will always use them as Characters highly deserving Respect and Esteem 4 th . That we will on the Contrary, esteem all those, who appear to be concerned in such infamous Traffick, as Enemies to our Freedom and Happiness wholly unfit to reside among Freemen : & we will by withdrawing all Intercourse from them & by treating them, on all Occasions, with Disrespect & Indignity, equal to their Demerit, convince them, that Americans cannot Associate with such base Characters. 5 th . That in every Instance where Opposition may be made to the execution of the Laws prohibiting such Trade and Intercourse we Will give all possible Aid to the Executive Branch of Govern- ment in carrying those Laws into Effect 6 th . That our Representatives in the General Court be and hereby are Instructed to urge an immediate and Attentive Revision of the Laws of this State, respecting Trade & Intercourse with the Enemy, that all Necessary Alterations & Amendments may be speedily made 7 th . That the Committee of Correspondence Inspection & safety of this Town, be and hereby are desired to be particular watchful of those who are suspected of being concerned in Trade or Inter- 274 City Document No. 80. course with the Enemy and to communicate to the Attorney Gen- eral any Discoveries they may make 8 th . That as any Individual has a Right to Inspect all Packages of Goods that are transporting [157.] as well by Land as Water, and to seize all such Goods as may appear to be illegally Imported in either of those Ways it is earnestly recommended to the Inhab- itants of this Town individually to examine all such packages as they may have reason to Suspect unless the Conductor thereof shall produce to them Certificates or other Satisfactory Evedence that such Packages contain no Goods Subject to Seizure 9 th . That this Town do hereby recomend an Association to be immediately formed by such worthy Persons as shall Voluntarihy engage therein, vigilantly, to guard against the Danger of such Goods being Artfully run into it under cover of the Night ; and reposing great Confidence in the Zeal and Virtue of such Associ- ators, do rely upon the most diligent Watch being kept in such Numbers as they shall think Sufficient to prevent this Atrocious Bussiness, by the most Carefull Inspection and Examination of all such suspected Persons, Vessells, Waggons &c as shall be met with in the Course of their Duty. And the Selectmen are hereby instructed to give orders to the Town Watch to patrol the Streets, and Wharves, with the special Intent of detecting this Illicit Trade, as well as to preserve the Peace and Order of The Town in the Night 10 th . That a Circular Letter be written to our Brethren in the other Towns in this State, to be signed by the Town Clerk, in the Name of this Town, containing the foregoing Resolutions, being the Measures which this Town has Adopted to Suppress this Shameful Traffick and to pray their Assistance in effecting so laudable a Purpose [158.] The Town having considered and Accepted the fore- going Resolutions proceeded to the Consideration of a Circular Letter, also reported by the Committee, which was Accepted The Town Voted, that the Selectmen be instructed to pro- cure such a Number of Printed Copies of the aforesaid Resolu- tions and Letter, as they should Judge Necessary & Transmit them, Signed by the Clerk to the Selectmen or Committee of the Several Towns, and Plantations Accordingly. The Circular Letter is as follows Viz*. Boston 6 th . September 1782 Gentelmen The rapid and distinctive Progress of an Illicit trade with the British in their different Ports on this Continent has filled the In- habitants of this Town with the Most Alarming Apprehensions. As it is not Surprising that a Cruel and Insidious Enemy so Often disgraced by the failure of their Other efforts to Accomplish the ruin of this Country should have recourse to this last expedition from which they undoubtedly expect the Most important benefits, it is easy to see Gentelmen, that the continuance of this Pernicious Traffict must necessarily involve the want of a Sufficient Medium for the Common purpose of Society — A circumstance, should if; unfortunately happen, which must soon distroy the pecuniary and Boston Town Records, 1782. 275 indispensable resources [159.] of the G-overment, and by giving a deep wound to our Military Opperations so Necessary for our defence, endanger the very being of this Commonwealth Impressed with these Sentiments this Town has thought proper, at a Meeting of its Inhabitants, legally Convened for this ex- press purpose, to communicate the inclosed resolutions, for your Serious Consideration, in the fullest confidence of your Adopting such Measures as in giving vigor to the Laws must undoubtedly contribute to the Total extirpation of such an unnatural com- merce As we are sensible that the efficacy of the best plan for the Attainment of so Salutary An Object, must at last depend on the united efforts of the Towns in this government — We Trust in such An interisting conjuncture, that the Pa trio tick Ardor which has so long and uniformly distinguished the Inhabitants of this State, will induce the most Zealous concurrence in these or similar Measures which can have no other Object but the publick good On a Motion Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to transmit the Circular Letter when printed to the Selectmen of each Town & Plantation, and in their Absence to the Committee of Cor- respondence Inspection and Safety [160.] Voted, that all Matters & things which remain un- finished at this Meeting be and hereby are refered over to the next General Town Meeting that may be called On a Motion, Voted, that it be recommended to the several Printers in the Town to publish the foregoing Resolutions, and Circular Letter in their respective News Papers Moved and Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . Moderator for his good services in the dispatch given to the business of the Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiuel Hall on Saturday the 7 th Day. of December Anno Domini 1782. 10. OClock Forenoon Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed by the Selectmen to withdraw & bring in their Votes for a Moderator and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that The Hon ble : Samuel Adams Esq r . was chosen unanimously [161.] The Article in the Warrant — Viz'. "To consider of some suitable Method of shewing the Gratitude and Respect of the Town to the Army and Navy of his most Christian Majesty, was read. — whereupon — It was moved and Voted, that The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . The Hon ble . James Sullivan Esq r . William Cooper — Esq r . 276 City Document No. 80. be a Committee to prepare au Address to His Excellency the Baron Vioruenil General & Commander in Chief of the Forces of his Most Christian Majesty, lately arrived in this Town pursuant to the Warrant for calling the Meeting — & to Report at the Ad- journment Moved & Voted, that this Committee be directed to withdraw, and Report as soon as may be The Committee to prepare an Address Report the following- Draught of one which being read and considered by the Town — the Question was put Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative — unanimously To his Excellency the Baron Viomenil General and Commander of the Forces of his most Christian Majesty in the United States of America Sir The Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally Assembled [162.] in Faneiul Hall congratulate your Ex- cellency on your safe Arrival at the Capital of this Common- wealth It is with particular Pleasure that we embrace this Oppertunity of testefying the Singular Respect with which we regard your Excellency, and the gallant Troops under your Command ; sent by his most Christian Majesty the illustrious Ally of the United States, to their Succor and Crowned in this Service with the most brilliant Success and permanent Honors We Assure your Excellency that no part of the United States, can be impressed More deeply with every Sentiment, becoming the Most faithful Allies, towards, the King your Sovereign, and the Nation which he governs with so much Glory, or can entertain a higher Sense of the great Merits of his Land & Naval Forces in America, than the Inhabitants of Boston. Our whole Country Attest the perfect Discipline, the uncommon good Order and Civility which these Forces have constantly preserved ; a Circum- stance among many Others which while it leaves the most agreea- ble Impression on the Minds of the Inhabitants in every Quarter, and must be extremely favourable to the publick Friendship, can- not but at the same time hightein our Regard at their Departure. — Wherever these Forces may still be employed, May Heaven defend their Persons, prosper their value, and add new Glories to their Names and to that of their Nation Your Excellency we are sure will be [163.] pleased, that upon this Occasion we do not forget to mention with the Utmost Respect the Name of Count Roshambeau your Predecessor in this important Command, whose distinguished Services in America can never be forgotten, and to whom also we ardently wish every Felicity. May the happy Alliance with France never be dissolved or im- paired in the support of which Such Expences have been incurred — Such Toils endured — such invaluable Lives exposed — Such great Actions displayed, and such genourious Blood Offered — Boston Town Records, 1782. 277 And may the reciprocal Fruits of it to both Nations be perpetually augmented On a Motion made — Ordered, That the Honourable Samuel Adams Esq r . the Moderator, the Honourable James Sullivan Esq 1 '. and Samuel Barret Esq r . together with the Gentelmeu the Select- men be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait upon his Excellenc\ 7 the Baron Viomenil General and Commander of the Forces of his most Christian Majesty, with this Address — Then the ' Meeting; was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the fourth Day of December Anno Domini. 1782 10. O'Clock in the Forenoon [164.] The "Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being accordingly brought in and sorted, it it appeared, that Benjamin Kent Esq r . was chosen Moderator The Act intitled an Act " for the more effectual Observation of the Lords Day" was read, — also The Article in the Warrant that the Inhabitants would agreeable to a late Act of the General Court, to choose twelve Wardens to serve the remainder of the year — was read — and after consider- able debate had thereon — it was Moved That the consideration of the choice of Wardens be suspended untill the General Town Meeting in March next — And the Ques- tion being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative On a Motion, Voted, that a Committee be now chosen to draw up a Memorial to the General Court, in order to State the Reasons why the Law intitled an Act for the more effectual Observation of the Lords Day, Militates with the Constitution — [165.] as also with respect to the inexpediency of said Act — and to report the Draught of a Memorial at the Adjournment of this Meeting — also Voted, that Col . Tudor D r . Charles Jarvis Perez Mourton Esq r . The Hon ble : James Sullivan Benjamin Hitchbourn Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to Wednesday next being the eleventh Day of December In- stant. Ten O. Clock in the Forenoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned 10. OClock. Forenoon December 11 th . Met according to Ad- journment Benjamin Kent Esq 1 , the Moderator of the Meeting, not 278 City Document No. 80. Attending, it was moved and Voted, that the Town proceed to the choice of a Moderator Pro Tern , when Samuel Barret Esq r . wns chosen Moderator accordingly The Committee appointed to present the Address of the Town to his Excellency — The Baron Viomenil General and Commander of the Forces of his Most Christian Majesty in the United States [166.] Reported that they had presented said Address, to which the Baron had been pleased to make Reply — which Reply being presented in French and English, they now laid before the Town The Reply in English was read to the Town, and is as follows — Viz 1 . Gentlemen It belonged to the Count de Rochambeau much more than to myself to receive those distinguished and nattering Testi- monies which you have been pleased to give to the conduct of the Troops, placed by the choice and confidence of the King, in his hands in order to serve the cause, of your Liberty — It is by per- suing the intentions of his Majesty, and the Orders, the particular Instructions and the example of the General which he gave us that we have been able to inspire you with these Sentiments of es- teem and Attachment of which you now Assure us in expressions that do us the greatest honor All the principal Officers of this Army, are, as well as myself, Gentlemen, extremely touched with your Suffrage in their favor ; it in a manner insures to them the approbation of the King, and is a very flattering recompence for the care they have taken to main- tain Discipline in the Regiments which they command ; the other Officers by whom they have been perfectly secured, will also be penetrated with the same sentiments ; And the whole Army [167.] see with Satisfaction, how thoroughly you are perswaded, that it is the perfect Union that has reigned between the American Troops the Marine of the King and the French Corps under the Orders, of the Count de Rochambeaue, that France and the United States are indebted for that Success you so kindly applaud Permit me also Gentlemen to seize the present moment for de- claring to you our Admiration of the virtues, the talents, and the accomplishments, which so particularly distinguish his Excellency General Washington. We all desire that the homage of our re- spects, and of our warm wishes for his preservation and happiness, may be agreeable to him as a testimony of the Satisfaction we have had in serving under his Orders I may venture to assure you beforehand, Gentlemen, that the King will very sensibly feel the good wishes which the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston have so ardently made for the glory of his Reign and the prosperity of the Nation which he governs. The disinterestedness and the wisdom of the views, of his Majesty in all that he has done for the support of the Independence of America do not admit a doubt that the next destination of this Army will still contribute with efficacey to the Compleate establishment of that Object. To whatever part of the Earth his Orders may send BostOx\ Town Records, 1782. 279 it, all who compose this Corps will ever remember with [168.] much sensibility, the pleasing wishes you have expressed for us on oul' departure The Assurances of your Affection, and the expression of your desires for the Maintainance of the Alliance which his Majesty regards, as one of those happy events that has marked his Reign having not the least Room to doubt of the duration of this Union, or of the great Advantages that will result from it to the two Nations in all times to come . For myself nothing Gentelmen could flatter me more, than tiie particular marks you have been pleased to give me of your esteem. I beg you to accept, together with all the thanks I owe to you, my most sincere respects and my assurances, that 1 shall ever form the warmest wishes for the prosperity of the United States in general, and for the happiness of the Citizens of Boston in particular Moved and Voted, — That the Town Clerk be directed to pub- lish in the News Papers at the expence of the Town — the Ad- dress of the Inhabitants to the Count de Rashambeau the General of the French Army, together with the Reply made to said Address in both languages Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to Wednesday next. 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To consider what allow- ance shall be made [169.] M r . Isaac Warren for loss sustained on Monies he received for Shoes supplied the Town " — was read — and after some debate it was moved, that the further consider- ation be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting Adjourned as by a preceeding Vote to Wednesday next being the 18 th . of December Ins*. 3. O.Clock in the Afternoon Wednesday the 18 th . Day of December 3. O.Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment Benjamin Kent Esq 1 ", in the Chair The Committee to draw up a Memorial to the General Court relative to the late Act for the better observation of the Lords Day being called upon to Report Col°. Tudor the Chairman of said Committee being in the Meet- ing, acquainted the Town the Committee had not as yet been able to make Report — and therefore they desired the Town to allow them a further time for that purpose — whereupon Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to Fryday seven Night at three O'Clock in the After- noon Moved and Voted, that the Town Clerk acquaint the Inhabitants in the News Papers of the Adjournment of this Meeting and that the Committee relative to the Lords Day Act are then tOi Report [170.] The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . — " To consider what allowance shall be made M r . Isaac Warren for Loss sustained on Monies he received for Shoes he supplied the Town " was read whereupon it was moved that a Committee of three be Appointed 280 City Document No. 80. to take this Article into consideration, and to make Report as soon as may be This Motion having been carried Ezekiel Price Esq r . was chosen one of the Committee, but having desired the Town to excuse him he was accordingly excused — It was then moved and Ob- tained that the Vote for choosing three Persons on this Committee be reconsidered, and that The Gentelmen the Selectmen be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid, they are desired to make Report to the Town at the Adjournment The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " To consider whether any Measures shall be taken relative to the Sweeping of Chimnies " — whereupon moved and Voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider this Article and Report to the Town there Opinion thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting Voted, that Samuel Broom Esq r . Col . William Tudor Col . Daws Col . Sears D r . Noyes be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid [171.] Then this Meeting was Adjourned to Fryday the 27 th . Day of December Ins'. 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon Wednesday (Friday) the 27 th . Day of December 3. O'Clock Afternoon — Met According to Adjournment The Committee relative to M r . Warren Reported ; when it was moved, and Voted that the Report lay upon the Table for the present The Committee relative to Chimnies Reported, which Report hav- ing been read and considered, it was moved & Voted, that the Report be recommitted, in order for the Committee to draw up a By Law relative to the Matters, contained in said Report — and to lay the same before the Town at the Adjournment The Committee relative to the Act for the better Observation of the Lords Day — Reported the Draught of a Memorial to the General Court, which having been read & considered by the Town in Paragraphs — the Question was put Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative The Memorial is as follows — Viz'. Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts To the honourable the Senate & the honorable the House of Representatives in General Court Assembled at Boston Jan y . 1 1K J , [172.] The Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally convened in Faneuil Hall by Adjournment on the 27 th . of December 1782. beg leave, humbly to represent their Solicitude at the Appearance of an Act passed in the last Session of the honourable Court " For the more effectual Observation of the Lords Day " — We are by no Means insensible to the Impro- priety of those Disorders on the Sabath, the Prevention of which is the declared Object of the Law in Question ; As we firmly be- Boston Town Records, 1782. 281 lieve that but few People have paid a more becomeiug & regular Attention to a Day, which our Policy & Religion have both conse- crated to Rest & Devotion, than the Citizens of this Town. — We fear however, that this Law, strained beyond the Line of Expedi- ency, if not of the Constitution (the Barrier of our Civil and Religious Liberty) must defeat its own Purposes ; & so far from the Benefits expected, will be productive only of those disoi'ders, which it is intended to prevent In our present Opposition of Sentiment to that of the honoura- ble Court it is a Source of very pleasing Reflection that the present is the only Instance where its Commands have not met the most ready & ever Chearful Acquiescence, Nor is it without the ut- most Respect as well as sincere Attachment to the Constitutional Guardians of their Liberties, that the Inhabitants of Boston now presume to Offer their Objections to an Act in the Event of which they are deeply and essentially interested. [173.] Having made these Assurances — We presume they will serve us for an Apology (if an Apology can be necessary to give a Sanction to the Remonstrance of Freemen to their Governors) in laying before your honours the Reasons which operated in our Minds, as well on the Score of Expediency, as in a constitutional View, to effect a Repeal of this Obnoxious Statue — It needs only to be suggested to your Honours that the difficulty of executing a Law, is b} 7 no Means a trivial Objection to its Existance, where the Urgency of the Case does not render it indispensible. The Confusion and Necessities unavoidably Attendant on a State of War, will never Admit of that perfect Repose which is the Com- panion only of Peace. To put a Stop to those Employments which the Past & present Exigences of State have rendered indis- pensible equally at all times, would be highly burthensome to the People if not dangerious to the Safety of the Commonwealth. The War has introduced amongst us many Citizens of foreign States, the Benefit of whose Friendship & Assistance, We have largely experienced ; & who though denominated Subjects of Monarchies, where will is Law — have never been controuled in the Exercise of those first and original Rights of Nature, peacea- bly walking in, and breathing a free Air ; Against these People therefore Policy as well as a Regard to our National Carrecter for- bids the Execution of this unnatural Statute ; And to [174.] distinguish those who are in this Predicament, from the Natives of the State, will excite Complaints at least from many Against a Law which must be partial in its Operation & unequal in its Effects. — In Another View the Inexpediency & Impolicy of the Act is strikingly obivious ; The Officers who are appointed to ex- ecute it, while they are Vested with extraordinary Powers, & are supernumerary in their Nature will forever be obnoxious to the People at large. For any Discription of Men to be impowered forceably to stop the Subject, who is quietly Passing the publick Streets & to demand of him a Reason why he occupies that Space, or breaths that Air in preferance to any Other is so humil- iating an Authority & so insulting an Interrogatory as »no Free- man can snbmit to : While the Warden shrouding himself under 282 City Document No. 80. the Sanction of the Statue & fancying like Paul in the time of his Infidelity in persecuting the Christians, he is doing God's service, may persist in the Insult, and a Breach of the Peace will probably ensue. — The Act therefore instead of being a Securit} 7 to the peaceful Devotions of the Religious will become the Instrument of their Disturbance. The general Aversion to the Machinery. of Wardens is height- ened, when it is seen that the Civil Magistrates, and the ordinary' executive Officers are sufficient for the Preservation of the Peace & good Order of the Community six days out of Seven. — And the People can see no Reason why the same Magistrates [175.] and the same executive Officers should not be considered as com- petent to the same purpose on the remaining seventh Day : Unless the Wardens, though created by civil Authority are in fact in- tended as Officers of Religion, set up to direct & controul in Matters of Conscience. — This Idea whether just or not, will forever keep alive a Prejudice against them, which may frequently endanger the Civil Peace. May it please your Honours In a constitutional View of the Act, the Inhabitants of this Town (Although they consider themselves as the unquestionable Judges, at least for the Purpose of remonstrating, whether a Statute made to effect them, exceeds the Line of the Constitution or not) are sorry to have Occasion thus early to oppose their Sentements to those of their Legislators upon so important a Sub- ject : Confident However that no Legislature upon Earth are more ready to here & attend to the decent & manly Remonstrances of their Constituents, or any part of Ihem, than ours, We are Sure to have the Matter candidly revised & discussed & judiciously determined. The Laying different Restraints & Penalties in the same place ; the making that Act a Crime for one Class of Citizens ; which is not so for another, & the Annexing unequal Punish- ments to the same Offence in different parts of the Commonwealth (though generaly considered As strong Exceptions to any Law under a free Goverment) are however [176.] in this Instance merged in the more substantial Objections to it For We humbly conceive this Act militates with the Spirit if not the Letter of the Constitution. By that original solem Com- pact by which the whole People have covenanted with each Indi- vidual & each Individual with the whole People, every natural Right is Secured to the Citizen which is not surrendered in un- equivocal Terms — Liberty in its most simple & Obvious Sense ; the Liberty of moveing, from one Place to another is so far from being one of those Natural Rights which the People of this Com- monwealth have surrendered that we esteem it one of the dearest Gifts of God to Man, & the Preservation of it among the primary Objects of the social Compact, the Legislature therefore can neither destroy or restrain it, but as a necessary Punishment for the Commission of a Crime : It must involve in it the highest Absurdity to make the simple Exercise of this Right a Crime in itself for which the Subject (in addition to the loss of his En- joyment) shall suffer an expensive & disgraceful Punishment. Boston Town Records, 1782. 283 We beg leave in a few Instances to compare or rather to con- trast the Constitution with the Act. By the Bill of Rights it is expressly declared that no Subject shall be held to answer for any Crimes or Offence untill the same is fully & plainly substantially & formally described Agreeable to the Formalities prescribed by Law, " And that every Subject has a Right [177.] to be secured from all unreasonable Searches & Seizures of his Person &c. by the Statute the Warden is empowered to Answer for a Breach of this Act, without any Formalities prescribed by the Laws. — By the Bill of Rights it is declared that no Subject shall be compelled to accuse or furnish Evidence against himself — The Act Subjects a Man to Imprisonment without Limitation, Unless he will not only furnish the Warden with Evidence of his Name, but accuse him- self of a criminal Persuit if he has any By the Bill of Rights, it is expressly declared that the executive shall not exercise the Legislative & Judicial Powers, or either of them ; By the Act, the Warden is an executive Officer, with a Power of imprisoning or executing at his Discretion A bare Recital of these Circumstances we presume (even if the Principals upon which the Act is founded were otherwise perfectly unaceptionable) are sufficient to demonstrate its Unconstitution- ality in the Mode of Proceedure should it be adopted & such a Power given to the Wardens, most of the offence defined in the Statute would go unpunished As we conceive upon the fundamental Principles of a free Gov- erment, if the Constitution had been altogether silent upon the Subject, that the Necessity of lodging such Powers in the Hands of the Wardens & Obliging the Party to be his own Accuser [178.] to carry it into Execution, would forever remaine an un- answerable Objection to the Act ; We should hardly expect an Argument of this kind in its Support, since it appears so clearly opposed, both to the Letter and the Spirit of the Bill of Rights, for it would be a very Singular Mode of Reasoning, upon any other Subject, to countenance the Violation of a Rule by giving Exist- ance to the very Mischief it was calculated to Destroy It may be contended that the Bill of Rights clearly implies an Authority in the General Court to make such an Act, because they are expressly impowered " To provide for the Institution of the Publick " Worship of God, & for the Support and Maintenance of Publick "Protestant Teachers of Piety Religion & Morality," "and to enjoin An Attendance upon such Teachers at stated Times & Seasons, if there be any on whose Instruction they can conscien- tiously and " conveniently" Attend. " That the Legislature have, in Virtue of this Authority a Right to confine the free People of this Commonwealth within the Walls of their own Houses for one whole Day in seven except such part of the Day only as may be employed in the Publick Worship of God : But we humbly con- ceive the Bill of Rights countenances no such Authority. The only Power given to the Legislature by the Paragraphs recited was to provide for the Institution of the Publick Worship, for the Support and Maintenance of Publick Teachers of Piety Religion & Morality & to enjoin an [179.] Attendance upon such 284 City Document No. 80. Teachers, without the remotest Reference to or Connection with any Other Objects ; And if the Legislature can from this Part of the Bill of Rights deduce such Authority, why ma} 7 they not with equal Propriety, for the same space of Time, consign the Subject to the Stocks or the Pillory, as well as make him a Prisoner within the Walls of his own House. There is certainly a Degree of igno- minious Restraint", in either of them, equally Abhorrent, to the pure Principles of Religion, as averse to every Idea of Civil Freedom That Clause of the Statute, which imposes a Penalty on him, who shall Absent himself from Publick Worship for a certain space of Time (though the provision of it seems to adopt part of the Letter of the o d . Article of the Bill of Rights) we conceive either to be Nugatory & useless, or contrary to the true meaning of the very Clause in the Bill of Rights it intends to comprahend — If its meant by this Clause of the Law that the Individual is to be the Sole Judge of his own Conscience we Ask, for what purpose is the penalty Annexed to the Breach of it, for as no other person can have the Right to pronounce him guilty, and as he cannot be compelled to criminate himself his Guilt must remaine forever unproved, and the Law in this view be rendered fruitless & void But if, as another part of the Statute provides the breach of this Clause as well as [180.] others is to be tried on Issue at Law, And the Individuals Conscience is to be squared by the Rules of other Mens, we conceive it to be unconstitutional ; because as the Worship of the Deity, and the Rights of Con- science in the Duties of Religion are unquestionably between God and the Individual alone, they must be ranked among those unalienable Rights, we cannot delegate to Society, and which are so explicitly secured to us by the first Article of the Bill of Rights : nor does any Other part of the Constitution justify a contrary Idea ; for that Clause in the 3 d . Article which invests the Legislature with Authority to enjoin an Attendance upon publick worship, can Mean no more, than to give them a Right to recom- mend it to the People, as essential to their Happiness. — We are justified in this Construction, because there is no power given to the Legislature by that clause, to annex a penalty or Punishment to the Non Observence of such Injunctions. A Power to enjoin, without a Right to enforce the Injunction cannot amount to more than a Right to Recommend: And if it had been intended they should have the Power to enforce their Injunctions with the Penalties &c. why is not the Constitution explicit on so interesting a point ; its Silence, and the Repugnancy of the Principle to every Idea of Freedom, together with its consequential militation with other parts of the Constitu- tion — We therefore conclude [181.] this Clause of the Act, though ostensibly adopting, in the proviso of it, the Letter of a Clause in the Bill of Rights, is however contrary to the real Letter & Spirit of the whole Constitution. But to bury all the Objections to this Act in one uncertain principal it is urged, That the General Court must have a Right to Boston Town Records, 1782. 285 enact such Laws as have a tendency to promote the General Good, — That the present Act having that Good for its sole Object, can be Objected to only on Account of its inexpediency ; and hence it is infered, that though the people at large may have a Right to Judge in Case of a direct violation of the Constitution, yet when the Question is merely to, the inexpediency of an Act, the General Court alone must be Judges in the last Resort This is an Argument, which has seldom failed of Success in depriving a free People of their Liberties ; but this like the Others, when brought to the Test or Original principles & the Constitution will be found false & inconclusive " Though it always has been difficult, if not impossible to de- termine upon the very nice Line, between the Constitutional Authority for the supreme Legislative and the unalienated Rights of the People, We suppose there are Cases, among which the present may be safely Ranked, [182.] in which the extreme Inexpediency of the Measures must render it perfectly unconstitu- tional ; since to allow the Legislature ; a Right of enacting such Laws as from their extreme Inexpediency must produce the Most dangerous Convulsions in the State, would be to grant them a power of defeating the very End of the Social Compact, When- ever then the Legislature Shall assume the Right of making such Laws, we think ourselves Authorized by the Spirit of the free Constitution We live under, to declare our Sentiments — We there- fore pray your Honours that a Statute, so Apparently inexpedient & unequal & as we apprehend repugnant to those civil & religious Liberties, secured to us by the Declaration of Rights may be forthwith repealed and another be Adopted more congenial to the principles of the Constitution and the Spirit and Sentiments of free Citizens Moved and Voted, that a Committee be appointed to present the foregoing Memorial to the General Court, and that this Com- mittee consist of ten Persons Voted, that Charles Jarvis Esq r . Perez Morton Esq r . Leonard Jarvis Esq r . Benjamin Hitchbourn Esq 1 . , William Tudor Esq r . Samuel Brick Esq r . [183.] John Lucas Esq r . M r . James Jarvis Isaac Sears Esq r . Joseph Barrel Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid On a Motion Voted, that the Gentelmen who Represent this Town in the General Court be and hereby are Instructed, to sup- port the foregoing Memorial in the General Court Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday next. 3. O. Clock Afternoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned 286 City Document No. 80. Thursday the second Day of January 1783. 3. O'Clock After- noon — Met according to Adjournment » The Committee to take into consideration " what allowance shall be made M r . Isaac Warren for loss sustained on Monies he re- ceived for Shoes Supplied the Town beg leave to Report That it appears to the Selectmen that the said Warrens loss on receiving two hundred and forty two Pounds in Certificates, instead of Specie Amounts to the Sum of Twenty four Pounds four Shillings — They therefore recommend to the Town that he may have a Draught from the Selectmen on the Town Treasurer for said Sum of twenty four pounds four Shillings John Scollay Chairman p Order [184.] The foregoing Report having been read and con- sidered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be Accepted — Passed in the Affermative The Clause in the Warrant Viz'. To consider what shall be allowed the Town School Masters for their services from the first of September last" — was read and considered, whereupon Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of the South Grammer School for six Months commencing from the first September last, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Nathan Davis for his Salary as Master of the North Grammer School for six Months commencing from the first of September last, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due Voted, that the Sum of Ninety five pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . James Carter — for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in Queen Street for Six Months commencing from the P: of September last the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due [185.] Voted, the Sum of Ninety five pounds be allowed and paid to M r . John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North Writing School for six Months commencing from the 1 st . of September last, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due Voted, that the sum of Ninety five pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . John Vinal for his Salary as Master of the Writing School for six Months commencing from P. of September last, the same be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due Voted, the sum of Fifty pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . [Samuel Payson?] for his Salary as Usher of the South Gram- mer School for six Months commencing from the P. of September last, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due Voted, that Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing School be allowed Twenty Pounds for six Months House Rent the Same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to com- mence from the l 9t . of September last. Votod, that M r . Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammar School be allowed and paid for Six Months House rent Twenty Boston Town Recokds, 1783. 287 pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence from the 1 st . of September last [186.] Voted, that M r . John Vinal Master of the Writing School in the Common be allowed and paid for six Months House rent the sum of Twenty pounds to be paid him Quarterly as' it shall become due & to commence from the 1'. of September last It was moved & Voted, that the Report of a Committee some time past relative to David Jeffries Esq r . which has been accepted be now reconsidered — also Voted, that the Above Report be recomitted, and that said Com- mittee be desired to take into consideration and Report as soon as may be what they shall Judge should be allowed the late Treasurer Jeffries for all his services to the present time — sent Moved and seconded that a List of the Persons, and their Taxes which have not been Collected by the several Collectors be recommitted to the Assessors, and that they be and hereby are impowered to make such Abatements thereof as they shall Judge it was not then, neither is now in the power of the said Collectors to receive And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affir- mative Adjourned to Wednesday next Three O'Clock Afternoon [187.] Wednesday the 8 th . Day of January 1783 Three O'Clock Afternoon — met according to Adjournment Benjamin Kent Esq r . in the Chair Moved & Voted, that Ezekiel Price Esq r . be excused from serv- ing on the Committee to whom is referred the consideration of what may be due to the late Town Treasurer for all his services to the present time Voted, that Nath 1 . Appleton Esq r . Edward Payne Esq r . be added to the foregoing Committee who are to make Report to the Town as soon as may be "The Article in the Warrant Viz*. To consider and cletermin What shall be allowed the Assessors for their services in that Office " — was read — whereupon it was moved and Seconded, that the Town now determin what the Assessors shall be allowed for their services p Day — And the Question being put — Passed in the Negative Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to Monday next being the thirteenth Day of January at 3. 0. Clock in the Afternoon And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. [188.] Monday the 13 th . Day of January 1783 3 O. Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment The Committee relative to Chimnies laid before the Town their Report which being read and considered paragraph by paragraph was amended in Meeting and Accepted by the Town and is as follows Viz*. 288 City Document No. 80. That the Geutelmen the Selectmen be desired to Advertise for some suitable person to undertake the Sweeping of Chimnies who shall have an exclusive right on condition, that he contract with them in behalf of the Town, in such a Manner as to Answer the purpose intended. Whos title shall be known by the Name of a Comptroller. And as the following outlines of a plan and Estimate may be serviciable in shewing the propriety of the Measure ; it is Offered for consideration. Supposing 1800 Dwelling Houses and 3 funnells to a House the Number is 5400 and if necessary to be swept three times in a year they will be equal to 16200 Funnells and at the price Chimnies are now swept Viz*. 3/6 one with an- other will amount to £2835. And it is presumed they may- be swept for £810 which is only one shilling p Chimney, and a sav- ing made of more than £2000 p Annum if some such plan as the following be Adopted Viz'. One Master not to exceed — £200 p Annum [189.] at the discretion of the Selectmen 6 Sweepers - - (S £100 _ 600 Brooms & Scrapers 10-- £810 each Sweeper to have two Wards, or what is equal- in funniels to one sixth part of the whole (to be under the direction of the Master) which will give him 9 funnels p Day & 300 Working Days in the year will compleat his 2700 or 6 th . part. Six Sweepers upon this Estimate, will sweep the 16200 funnells or the 1800 Houses 3 f unnell each 3 Times in a year. — The Master may easily have the Dwelling Houses from the Assessors Books which will readily give him the funnells commonly in use. And as some Chimnies may require sweeping Oftener and others not, it is sup- posed that the Estimate is full high, but the experience of one year will make it more certain. It is not doubted, but an Act of Gov- erment may be obtained (if their is not one already sufficient for the purpose) to empower the Town, if Agreeable to them ; to Oblidge the Inhabitants under a penalty to sweep their Chimnies at least three times in the year ; And no reasonable person can have a just Cause of Complaint, when the Sum to be paid will be so much less and the Advantages arising so great from some such Regulations as the Above. The Committee appointed to Report, the Draught of a By Law relative to the regular sweeping the Chimnies of .this Town Re- ported [190.] a By Law accordingly, which was considered by Paragrafs & comented, & the Question being put weather the same shall be Accepted as a By Law of the Town, Passed in the Affermative and is as follows viz 1 . It is hereby ordered and directed that every Person occupying any House or Tenement within the Town, of Boston shall cause such Chimney of such House or Tenement, wherein a Fire is usually kept, to be sweept three times at least, every year, if it Appears in (the Judgement of the Inspecter to be necessary.) And the Occupier of every Such House or Tenement shall forfeit & pay the Sum of ten shillings for each & every Chimney which shall not be Sweept as Above directed And it is further ordered that each and every Inhabitant whose Chimnies shall be swept in the Manner before ordered, shall pay Boston Town Records, 1783. 289 to the Chimney Comptroller, at & after the Rates following, if swept by said Comptroller or by his directions Viz'. For each Funnel of five Stories high one shill 8 . & 6 d . For each Funnel of four Stories high one shill s & 4 d . For each Funnel of three Stories high one shilK & 2 d . For all other Chimnies — One shilling The said Comptroller to be Accountable to the Selectmen for all Monies. so paid to him & that said Comptroller shall give Bond to [191.] the Town Treasurer for the payment of such Monies & for the faithful discharge of his Office And in Case any Person shall be unable to pay the sum directed to be paid for sweeping his or her Chimne} 7 s as aforesaid, such Comptroller shall report the Name of such Person to the Selectmen, who upon proper Inquiry, may at their Discretion, charge the same on the Fund arising from the general Assessment aforesaid But for the more exact Observation of the By Laws relating to Chimneys, It is hereby Voted and Ordered, That it shall be the Duty of the Comptroller, carefully to inspect all the Chimnies in said Town, where fires are usuallay kept, & See that they are faith- fully swept, and if any Chimney shall take fire in three Weeks After they have been swept by him or his Assistance, he shall be Subjected to pay a fine not exceeding Twenty shillings for each Chimney nor less then ten shillings The beforegoing By Law not to take effect untill a Comptroller and Sweepers are appointed The Article in the Warrant. Viz 1 . " To Consider and determine what shall ' k be allowed the Assess- ors for their services in that " Office," was again read, where- upon Voted; that the Selectmen be directed to allow [192.] the Assessors for their past services at the Rate of Nine Shillings pDay Voted, that all Matters and things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the Next General Town Meeting that may be called. Moved & Voted, that the Thanks of the Town, be and hereby are given to Benjamin Kent Esq r . — Moderator, for his good Services in the Despatch given to the Business of the Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 5th Day of March Anno Domini 1783 Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Hon ble . James Otis Esq r . was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took his Seat accord- ingly The Committee appointed by the Town the 5 th of March last to apply to a Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 5 th of March [193.] Instant to perpetuate the memory of the horred Massacre perpetrated on the evening of the fifth of March 1770 by 290 City Document No. 80. a Party of Soldiers : under the Command of Cap'. Thomas Pres- ton of the 29 th . Regiment Reported That having met several times for the purpose mentioned in the Town Vote, they have unanimously made choice of D r . Thomas Welch to deliver an Oration on the fifth of March Instant, who had accordingly Accepted of that Service The foregoing Report having been read — the same was accepted by the Town Upon a Motion the Town took into consideration, what would be the best time to have the Oration pronounced, as also, what place would be most suitable for the purpose — whereupon Voted, that the Oration be delivered at the Old Brick Meeting House, the Hall not being capacious enough to receive the Inhabi- tants, that Attended upon the occasion also Voted, that Col . Hancock Cap 1 . Parkman M r . Moses Grant be a Committee to wait upon Doct r . Thomas Welsh and acquaint him, that it is the desire [194.] of the Town, that the Oration may be delivered at the Old Brick Meeting House at half past 12. O'Clock this day ; as also to ask leave of the Committee of said Church, for the use of that Building On a Motion Voted, that the Selectmen be directed, to order the several bells in this Town to be tolled from one Quarter of an Hour after Nine O'Clock this Evening untill 10. O: Clock Adjourned to the Old Brick Meeting House £ past 12. O'Clock accoi'ding to Adjournment The Town Met at the Old Brick Meeting House £ past 12 O. Clock according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to wait on D r . Thomas Welch, to ac- quaint him with the Vote of the Town, respecting the time and Place for the delivery of the Oration Reported, That said Gentleman was ready to comply with the Order of the Town An Oration to commemorate the horred Massacre of the 5 th . of March 1770 and to impress upon the Minds of the Citizens the ruinous tendency of standing Armies being placed in Free and Populous Cities &c was delivered byD r . Thomas Welch [195.] to a large and crouded Assembly, and received by them with great Applause On a Motion made Voted that The Hon ble . James Otis Esq r . Moderator John Scollay Esq 1 ". Ezekiel Price Esq*. D r . Cooper Tattle Hubbard Esq r . Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r . Elias Sigorney be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait upon Doctf. Boston Town Records, 1783. 291 Thomas "Welsh, and in the Name of the Town to thank him for the Spirited and elegant Oration delivered by him at their request, in commemoration of tbe horred Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the fifth of March 1770. by a Party of Soldiers of the 29 th . Regiment under the Command of Cap*. Thomas Preston, and to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press A Petition of John Green one of the Persons wounded on the Evening of the 5 th . of March 1770 also the request of M r . Patter- son who lost the use of one of his Arms on that, memorable Night — was read — and considered A Collection was made for the aforenamed Persons amounting to the Sum of and put into the hands of the Selectmen to be distributed as they may Judge proper [196.] The Town did not proceed as usua A to the choice of a Committee to provide an Orator to deliver an Oration the 5 th of March next — the following Motion having been made by the Town Clark — Viz 1 . "Whereas since the Institution of this Anniversary on the 5 th of March which has answared excellent purposes, a Signal Revolu- tion has been effected through the Favor of Heaven in the Gov- ernment of our Country by the establishment of the Independance of these United States of America : And whereas this Memorable Event has induced many of the Inhabitants to make a Question whether in our present situation it would not be for the public benefit to exchange the present Institution for another of the same General nature — such for instance as an Anneversary for celebrating the glorious and happy Declaration of the Independance of the United States of America, in which the Orator might consider, the steps that led to this great Revolution, the distinguished Characters im- ployed in effecting and maintaining it — the important and timely aid these States received from an Alliauce with his Most Christian Majesty Louis XVI in consequence of this Declaration and while under rnany difficulties in strugling with an inraged & cruel Enemy to support and defend it — as also the superior advantages of a Republican form of Government [197.] well Constituted & Administered for preserving and promoting the Liberties and hap- piness of Mankind ; and the necessity of Virtue & good Manners, and of an Education that tends to promote them, in order to sup- port such a Government, and to realize the Advantages it is adopted to promote. Therefore voted, that a Committee be Appointed by the Town to consider this Matter at large and Report at the next May Meeting * On a Motion — Voted, that the consideration of this Motion be referred to March Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick *[ " at the adjournment," in original paper.] . W. H. W. 292 City Document No. 80. Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 10 th . Daj' of March Anno Domini 1783 Prayer was made by the Rev d . John Eliot Warrant for calling the Meeting — read Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting, were accord- ingly — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought in and sorted it appeared, that [198.] The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . was chosen Mod- erator The Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . having by a Letter to the Selectmen acquainted them that his engagement in the Senate, put it out of his power to give his Attendance at this Meeting The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for another Person, and the same being brought in and sorted it Appeared that Ezekiel Price Esq r . was chosen Moderator, unanimously William Cooper, was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing and took the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, which Oath was Administred to him by Ezekiel Price Esq r . The Town having determined by a Vote to choose seven Select- men, the Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw, and bring in their Votes for that Number, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that the Following Gentlemen Viz'. John Scollay Esq r . Cap 4 . Gustavus Fellows excused Harbottle Dorr Esq 1 '. Nathan Frazier Esq r . excused Ezekiel Price Esq r . Cap 1 . William Macky Tuttle Hubbard Esq', were chose Selectmen for the year ensuing unanimously [199. J The Inhabitants as directed by the Moderator, brought in their Votes, for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and upon sorting them it Appeared, that the Hon ble . William Phillips Esq r . Isaac Smith Esq r . M r . Jonathan Mason Cap'. Samuel Partridge M r . Samuel Whitwell M r . John White Edward Proctor Esq 1 ". William Powell Esq r . John Swectser Esq r . Samuel Barret Esq r . M r . Nicholas Bowes Joseph Webb Esq r . were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing. Moved, that the consideration of the choice of Wardens be Boston Town Kecords, 1783. 293 referred to 4 oClock Afternoon and the Question being put, — Passed in the Affermative The Town brought in their Votes, for Sixteen Fire Wards, and the same having been sorted, it Appeared that John Scollay Esq r . William Cooper Esq r . Francis Shaw Esq r . Edward Proctor Esq r . Caleb Davis Esq 1 ". M r . Thomas Tileston [200.] Cap'. Gustavous Fellows Joseph Webb Esq 1 '. M r . John Lowell Major Thomas Melvill Esq r . Jabez Hatch Esq r . Cap*. Isaac Phillips Josiah Waters Esq r . M r . Jacob Rodes Cap'. Ebenezer Parsons John Coffin Jones Esq r . where chose Fire Wards for the ensuing Year Nathan Frazier Esq r . having by a Letter directed to the Mod- erator, acquainted the Town, that the Business he was engaged in put it out of his power to Attend the Duty of a Selectman It was Moved & Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereb}^ are given unto Nathan Frazier Esq 1 ', for his Good & faithful services as a Selectman of this Town for a Number of years past. — Then the Meeting was Adjourned to 3 Clock P.M. at 3 P.M. — the Town Met According to Adjournment On a Motion, Made, Voted, that Collectors of Taxes be chosen Seperate from Constables This being the Time Assigned for bringing Votes, for twelve Constables, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes, accordingly [201.] The following Persons were Chosen Constables Viz'. Mess rs . William Rogers excused John Tufts excused William Patten sworn Samuel Whitney sworn John Kennedy excused John Butte rfield Joseph Simpson excused • John Hunt excused John Wheeler Samuel Smith sworn Patrick Conner excused Robert Williams excused were chosen Constables for the year ensuing The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Town Treasurer and the same being brought in and sorted it appeared that 294 City Document No. 80. M r . Peter Boyer was Chosen Town Treasurer for the Ensuing Year This being the Time Assigned for the Consideration of the choice of Wardens for the year ensuing — It was Moved that the choice of Wardens be reffered to the General Town Meeting in March next — & the Question being put passed in the Affermative only eleven dissentiants the Meeting allowed to consist of upwards of 400 People Moved, that the Vote now passed respecting Wardens, be pub- lished in the several [202.] Boston News Papers, and the Ques- tion being put passed in the Affirmative almost unanimously Cap 1 . Gustavous Fellows having by a Letter directed to the Mod- erator Acquainted the Town, that the Business he was engaged in put it out of his Power to Attend the Duty of a Selectman It was moved and Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given unto Cap 4 . Gustavous Fellows for his good and Faithful Services as a Selectman of this Town for a Number of Years past The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To Consider the Petition of a great Number of the Inhabitants for the preventing or removal of the incumbrances occasioned by the placing of Carts, paynyards, stalls and benches on Dock Square, and in other Publick Places, to the great interruption of Passangers, and the hazzard of* the Limbs & Lives of the Inhabitants ; and that some suitable Place or Places may be provided for the Accomodation of the Market people "together with the Petition itself was read whereupon, Voted that a Committee be appointed to take into consideration this Petition and the Article in the Warrant at Large and make re- port at the Adjournment of this Meeting [203.] Voted, that D r . Charles Jai'vis Joseph Barrell Esq r . Col . Thomas Daws Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r . Samuel Elliot Ezekiel Price Esq r . Perez Morton Esq 1 ', be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid, and that said Com- mittee do also take into consideration other Nusances of the Town and report at the same time The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes for a County Treasurer, which was received and Sealed up in Meeting & then delivered to Constable Smith to be by him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at the next Meeting Agreeable to the Article in Warrant Viz 1 . — To consider a Motion made on the 5 th of March Ins 1 , for the exchange of the in- stitution of the Anniversary for Another of a General Nature, for Reasons in said Motion " the following Motion was made — Viz 1 . Whereas since the Institution of this Anniversary on the 5 th of March which has Answered excellent purposes, A Signal Revolu- Boston Town Records, 1783. 2 ( J5 tion has been effected through the Favour of Heaven in the Gov- ernment of our Couutry by the establishment of the Independance of these [204.] United States of America : and whereas this memorable event has induced many of the Inhabitants to make a Question whether in our Present situation it would not be for the Publick Benefit to exchange the present Institution for Another of the same general Nature : such for instance As an Anniversary for celebrating the glorious and happy Declaration of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America in which the Orator might consider the Steps that lead to this great Revolution, the distinguished Carrecters imployed in effecting and maintaining it the important & timely Aid these States received from an Alliance with his most Christian Majesty Lewis XVI in consequence of this declaration & while under many difficulties in strugling with an enraged and cruel Enemy to support and defend it. As also the superior Advantages of a Republican form of Government, well constituted and Administred for preserving and promoting the Liberties & happiness of Mankind and the necessity of Virtue and good Manners & of an education that tends to promote them in order to support such a Government and to realize the Advan- tages it is adopted to promote Whereupon the Question was put. Whether the same shall be excepted Passed in the Affirmative also Voted that Perez Morton Esq. [205.] CoP. Tudor Thomas Daws, Jun r . Joseph Barrell Doct r . Charles Jarvis be a Committee to consider this Matter at Large & Report at the Adjournment Moved that the Town now proceed to the choice of four Collect- ors of Taxes for the year ensuing — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affermative Moved and Voted, that the Above Vote be recommitted and that the choice of Collectors be referred to to Morrow Morning Adjourned to Tuesday next being the eleventh of March Instant 10. O Clock in the Forenoon Tuesday the 11 th Day of March 10. O Clock in the Forenoon — Met according to Adjournment M r . William M c Neil M r . Edward How where chose Surveyors of Hemp for the year ensuing Mess™. Joseph Buttler Clement Collins Ju r . John Ballard Jun r . John Champney Joseph Ballard Jonathan Stodder [206.] Edmond Ranger 296 City Document No. 80. Abraham Howard Benj\ Page v Samuel Fenno Samuel Dellawa}' James Rogers Thomas II ran Henry Blaisdill Samuel Dyer Joseph A3 7 nes [Ayres] were chose Surveyors of Boards for the year ensuing Mess rs . Daniel Brown Jonathan Stoddard John Neat Samuel Todd William Clough were chosen Fence Viewers for the year ensuing Mess rs . Nathaniel Green Samuel Bangs Stephen Gore Joseph Hayden were Chose Sealers of Leather for the year ensuing M r . Adam Colson • was chosen Informer of Deer for the year ensuing Mess". Joseph Spear Menassah Masters Joshua Pico [207.] Caleb Hayden John Owen Edmond Burd Cap'. David Spear Joseph Loring Robert Hitchlnirne Daniel Bell Robert Brick John M c Elary were chosen Cullers of Staves for the year ensuing Mess rs . George Hamlin - sworn Samuel Curtis were chose Haywards for the ensuing year Mess™. William M c Fadden - - - - - excused William Sharp Jacob Edes Josiah Simpson were chose Hogreeves for the year ensuing Ward Mess rs . John Cade No. 1 excused Thomas Stoddar - - - 2 Joseph Prince - - - - 3 declines John Cogswell - - - - 4 Samuel Sumner - - - - 5 Jeremiah Bumstead - - 6 sworn Ephrim Copeland - - 7 John Kennedy - - - - 8 Boston Town Records, 1783. 297 Zipheon Thayer - - - 9 excused Joseph Shed - - - - 10 George Langley - - 11 Peter Geyer - - - - 12 were chosen Scaviugers for the Year ensuing [208.] Mess rs . Thomas Green John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the ensuing year Mess rs . John White Esq r . John Sweetzer Esq r . John Lucas Esq r . were chose Purchasers of Grain for the year ensuing and they are desired and impowered to give all needful directions to the Keeper of the Granary respecting the quantities of Grain to be sold, and Affixing the prices thereof from time to time as Occasion shall require ; and the said Committee are desired and directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground at the New Mills near the Mill Bridge The Selectmen were chosen Surveyors of the High Way for the year ensuing. Mess rs . John Lucas Edward Tuckerman Edward Edes Samuel Smith John Jenkins wei'e chosen Surveyors of Wheat and Flower for the year ensuing The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety. And the same being brought in and sorted it Appeared that [209.] Mess rs . Nathaniel Barber Edward Proctor Esq r . Cap'. John Pulling Ebenezer Hancok Esq r . Cap'. Isaac Phillips Samuel Ruggles Esq r . Thomas Melville Esq r . M r -. John Lucas excused Abiel Ruddock Esq r . were chosen a Committee of Correspondence Inspection & Safety, for the year ensuing. The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their Votes for four Collectors of Taxes, and the same having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that Benjamin Sumner Ju r . ------ 9fi Votes James Thompson --120 Thomas Bayley ---------- 153 Alexander Thomas --------115 were chosen Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing. Voted, that two and one half p Cent be and hereby is allowed to the Persons that shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing, on all such sums of Money as they shall Collect, pro- vided that they shall conform to the Act and Resolutions of the 2\)S City Document No. 80. General Assembly and the Votes of this Town ; which Premium appears to be Just and equitable and an Ample Allowance to the Collectors to encourage them to discharge their duty with deligence and [210.] Fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the faithfull discharge of their Duty in said Office and complying with this Vote Moved and Voted, that the Collectors of Taxes be and hereby are enjoined to pay into the County and Town Treasuries in pro- portion as they shall pay into the State Treasuery from Time to Time The Inhabitants were desired to . withdraw and bring in their Votes for two Selectmen in the Room of Nathan Frazier Esq r . & Cap*. Gustavious Fellows, and the Same having been brought in and sorted it Appeared, that Deacon Thomas Greenough David Jeffries Esq r . were chosen Selectmen for the year ensuing The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for seven Assessors, and the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared that Mess rs . William Lowder Moses May John R. Sigoney John Pulling Barth w . Kneeland Samuel Ruggles Esq r . Cap*. William Fleet were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing [211.] Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are empow- ered and directed to set for such Abatements of Taxes, as they shall Judge reasonable ten days following the date and delivery of the Tax Bills (Lords days excepted) and no longer saving that they be allowed to set two days the last Week in February for the Abatement of the Taxes of such Persons as had not an oppertun- ity of applying in the Above limitted Time by reason of their being out of the Commonwealth, or any other unavoidable hin- drance, at which time they are also Allowed and impowered to Abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent before the said time — The Article in the Warrant, relative to making Provision for paying the Town Creditors Viz 4 . "Whether the Town will make provision for paying the principal and Interest due to such of their Creditors as are in want of their Monies " — being read — where- upon Voted, that the Town Treasurer be impowered and directed to allow the Several Creditors of the Town who have lent Monies to the Town, Interest and compound Interest on the Monies lent Voted, that 4 "Clock be Assigned for the consideration of the Articles in the Warrant relative to Lands on the Neck Boston Town Eecords, 1783. 299 And after it for the consideration of the Articles in the Warrant relative to new Emission Monies [212.] The Article in the Warrant. Viz 1 . " To consider, weather any measures shall be taken for the better regulation of the Cows going on the Common of this Town " — was read where- upon Voted, that this Matter be reffered to the Selectmen, and they are hereby Authorised and impowered to raise the Sum required for providing Bulls &c to Six Shillings for every Cow going on the Common The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " Wether the Selectmen in their settling with the Town Clerk may not Allow him on Account of the high price of the Necessary s of Life, in proportion with what has been allowed the Other Town Officers was read — where- upon Voted, that Joseph Barrell Esq r . M r . John Lowell Col . Joseph Webb be a Committee to consider this Matter and Town Clerks, Ac- counts, and report at the- Adjournment Then the Meeting was Adjourned to 3 Clock in the Afternoon. At 3 °Clock P: M met according to Adjournment [213.] The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Six Constables and the same being brought in and Sorted it Appeared that the following Persons were chose Viz'. Mess". John Kemp excused Alexander M c . Cloud Sworn Abner Rumnil ------- d°. Rufus Bent -------- d°. George Hamlin ------- d°. Isaac Wendell ------- d°. were chosen Constables for the ensuing year The following Persons were chosen Clerks of the Market for the year ensuing Viz 1 . Cap*. John Wi'nslow sworn v M r . Robert M c Niel M r . Nathan Spear sworn M r . William Hyslop d°. M r . Thomas K. Jones Samuel Deming -- sworn M r . Lewis Carnes --------- d°. M r . John Brown d°. . M r . William Payne d°. M r . John Amory d°. M r . William Morrill d°. M r . Samuel Gould Voted, that Major Thomas Melvill excus'd Edward Payne Esq r . Herman Brimmer Esq r . Edward Green Esq r . Charles Miller Esq r . Samuel Ruggles Esq r . 300 City Document No. 80. [314.] be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit Ac- compts of M r . Peter Boyer Treasurer, and also the Accompt of the Overseers of the Poor and the said Committee are iinpowered when they shall Audit said Accompts, to allow of such of the Overseers as shall have Advanced Monies for the Relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the Time so Advanced uutill they have Audited said Accompts ; and they are also desired to report from time to time a State of the Treasurey respecting its debts and credits and on an}' Matter that they may think proper And the Committee are also directed to examine the Draughts of the Selectmen " A Motion was made that the Consideration of Salaries and Grants be refferred over to the General Town Meeting in May Next. — and the Question being put it Passed in the Af- fermative. The Selectmen Reported, on the Visitation of the Schools the last Year and were Appointed Visitors of the Schools the present Year. The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . " Whether the Lands on the Neck shall be leased for a Certain time, or otherwise improved by the Town" — was read wereupon moved that the consideration of this Article be reffered [315.] to the General Town Meeting in May Next, —and the Question being put passed in the Negative It was then Moved & Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to take this Article into consideration and Report at the Adjourn- ment Voted, that Col°. Nath 1 . Barber Col . W m . Tudor Joseph Barrell Esq r . excused Cap'. John Ballard John Lucas Esq r . Col°. Dawes — Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose Aforesaid The Article in the Warrant Viz 1 . " Whether the Town Treasurer shall be impowered to dispose of the whole or any part of the Emission Monies in the Treasurey: — was read, whereupon Moved, That the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is Authorised and impowered to dispose of the New Emission Money in the Treasurey on the best Terms he can And the Question being put Passed in the Affermative Moved, when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to Tuesday Fortnight at 3'0 Clock P.M being the 25—1118'. And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned [210.] Tuesday March 25 th — 3. O Clock in the Afternoon — Town met according to Adjournment On a Motion Voted, that one other Person be Added to the four Hogreeves chosen for the Year ensuing — whereupon M r . .John Skinner was chosen a Hogreeve for the year ensuing Boston Town Records, 1783. 301 The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for one Constable — and the same being brought in and Sorted, it Appeared that M r . Robert Brick was chosen a Constable for the year ensuing AT. Joseph Prince chosen one of the Scavingers for Ward N°. 3. having desired the Town to excuse him from serving in that Office, he was accordingly excused. AT. Elkanah Hayden was chosen a Scavinger for the year ensuing for Ward N°. 3. Moved and Voted, that one more be Added to the Persons chosen Surveyers of Boards AT. William Alexander was chosen a Surveyor of Boards for the year ensuing The Committee on the Article in the Warr'. Viz*. " To con- sider whether the Selectmen in their settling with the Town Clark may not allow him [217.] on Account of the high price of the Necessaries of Life, in proportion with what has been allowed the Other Town Officers," — Reported as follows, Viz'. The Com- mittee Appointed by the Town for the purposes Above mentioned, are fully of Opinion that the Selectmen in Settling with the Town Clerk, allow him on Account of the high prices of the Necessaries of Life, in proportion with what has been allowed the School- masters Joseph Barrel p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted Passed in the Affirmative The Committee Appointed to devise the Necessary Means of removing the disorders of the Market and other Nuisances, beg Leave to report. I st That for the future in their Opinion it will be highly for the Interest of the Inhabitants in General, that proper places be Assigned for the different Markets for Wood, Hay, &c, as the Square contigueous to Faneuil Hall delinated in the Annexed plan, be still Approbiated [_sic] as the Most convenient spot for the great Alarket of Flesh, Vegetables, &c. 2 d . That the Part of Common Street between the Grainery and the North end of the Burying Ground Adjoining ; as also the Old North Square, be the Places for the Wood Alarketts for all the Wood brought by land into this Town for Sale. [218.] 3 dly That the Space near Olivers Dock be Assigned as a Markett place for Hay, that is for all hay brought by Land for Sale into this Town. 4 thly That the dock be filled up as far as the swing Bridge and if any Private Property be injured the owners thereof be compen- sated for their loss. 5 thly . That an inspector of the Marketts be annually Chosen by the Town to see the several by Laws and Orders of the Town properly enforced as far as they respect the Marketts, and that this Officer be allowed an Adequate reward for his Services. 302 City Document No. 80. gthiy That the following by Laws be recommended to the Town as of indispensible Necessity, to give effect to the Preceding regulations. 7 thly That the Scavengers be enjoined by the Town to the utmost to exert the Power with which they are invested for the suppression & prevention of those Nuisances which at present are a disgrace to our Police, and if not removed, by contaminating the Air, must contribute to produce the Most fatal disorders among the In- habitants. — And in Order the more effectually to remedy this mischief It is earnestly enjoined upon the Inhabitants to give the earliest information to the proper Officers of all or any Nuisances that the proper and legal Methods may be forthwith taken for their removal. — [219.] By Laws, for the Appointment and Regulation, of the several Markett places in the Town of Boston. Whereas, it frequently happens that Persons, who vend Hay, Wood, Meat, Vegetables, and other Articles of Supplies in this Town, Assemble and stand with their Carts, Teams, Sleds, Sleighs, Waggons & Horses, in some or Other of the Publick Streets, to the great annoyance of the Neighbourhood where such stand is made, and to 'the Danger of the Lives and Limbs of those who Attempt to pass them : And whereas it is highly convenient and necessary for the General Good, that in all Populous Towns, the Publick Streets thereof should be freely passable at all times, and that certain Publick places, be set apart for the Stand of those who supply the Inhabitants thereof with Provisions & other Articles of Consumption. It is therefor Voted, and Ordered. — That the lower floor of Faneuil Hall and the Land around the same (as laid out and marked in A plan this day Approved and Adopted by the Town) be the Common Markett place for the Sail of all kinds of Meat, Vegetables or Grain &c. — the several parts thereof to be used and improved respectively for the purposes mentioned in the aforesaid plan [220.] And whoever shall use or improve any part of said Markett place to a different purpose than is Assigned in said plan After being directed by the Inspector of the Markets to his proper place, and without special permission first had & Obtained from the Inspector of the Markett, shall forfit and pay the Sum of Six shillings for every such Offence. And if any Person or Persons bringing Meat, Vegetables or Grain to Markett shall be found standing in any other Publick Street of the Town, with his or their Team, Cart, Sled, Sleigh, Waggon, or Horse with Meat, Vegetables, or Grain, therewith (except while being stopt'd by some person offering to purchase the same or detained by some accident) he shall forfit and pay the Sum of Eight shillings for every such Offence. 2 d It is further Ordered, That Common Street so called extending from the Granary to the North End of the Common Burying Place on the West Side of said Street, and also the Old North Square so called, be and they are hereby set apart and known as Wood Marketts, where it shall be lawful for all Persons bringing Wood, loads of barrells Empty or full, or Hoops to Marketts to Assemble Boston Town Records, 1783. 303 and stand with their Teams, Carts, Sleds & Waggons for the pur- pose of vending the Same [221.] And if any Person or Persons, bringing Wood, Hoops, or Empty or full Barrells to Market shall be found, standing in any Other Publick Streets of the Town with his or their Team, Cart, Sled, or Waggon loaded with any of the afore- said Articles (except while being stoped by some persons offering to Purchase the Same, or detained by some Accident) he shall forfit & pay the Sum of Ten shillings for every such offence. 3 d . And it is further Ordered, That the Open space at the bottom of Water Street near Olivers Dock, be and it hereby is set apart and Appropriated as a Hay Markett ; where it shall be Lawf ull for all Persons bringing Hay to Markett to Assemble and stand with their Teams, Carts, Sleds and Waggons for the purpose of vending the Same. — And if any Person or Persons shall be found standing in any other Streets of the Town, with his or their Team, Cart, Sled or Waggon loaded with Hay (excepting at the place of weighing, & except while being Stopt'd by some Persons offering to purchase the same, or detained by some Accident) he shall forfit and pay the Sum of Twelve shillings for every such Offence. — 4 th . It is further Ordered. — That no Person, or Persons, bringing Meat, Vegetables, Grain, Wood, Hay or any other Articles of Supplies [222.] to Market shall presume to stop and sell or Offer for sale any such Articles within the Limits of Dock Square or in any of the Avenues or Streets leading directly from State Street now so called into the Common Market place or Dock Square aforesaid, under the Penalty of six shill- ings for every such Offence And in order that Persons may not be encouraged & Counte- nanced in the Violation of the aforesaid Orders & By Laws. 5 tMy . It is further Ordered — That every Person Inhabiting this Town, who shall buy or Offer to buy any Meats, Vegetables Grain, Wood, Hay or any other Articles of Supplies, brought to Market for Sale of any Person or Persons standing and Offering the same for Sale in any other Streets or parts of this Town than is herein respectively Assigned them for that purpose, or shall buy or offer to buy any of said Articles of any Person or Persons whatsoever within the limits of Dock Square or in any of the Avenues or Streets leading directly from State Street into the Common Market place or Dock Square Aforesaid, shall forfit and pay the Sum of Six shillings for every such Offence. And to the end that the foregoing Orders & By-Laws may not like others heretofore be [223.] rendered ineffectual nugatory by Remissness and inattention to the execution thereof — but be carried into rigorous Effect. 6 thly . It is hereby further Ordered, That there be Annually chosen from among the Inhabitants of the Town some Active Spirited and faithfult Person, who shall be called the Inspector of the Markets, whose Duty it shall be to carry the severall By-Laws and Orders of the Town touching the arrangement of the severall Markets into constant Effect — And in Order thereto he shall make it his daily employment to pass through the several Market Places, the 304 City Document No. 80. Avenues leading thereto, and the Several Publick Streets : and if the Inspector of the Markets shall find any Person or Persons, stand- ing Avith his or their Carts, Teames, Sleds, Sleighs, Waggons or Horses loaded with meats, Vegetables, Grain, Wood, Hay &c. as aforesaid in any of the Streets in Violation of the aforesaid Bv-Law, upon view thereof he shall Order & direct the Offender to Repair to the Market place Assigned for the Sale of the Articles he may have & on his refusal, the said Inspector of the Marketts shall forthwith Complain against snch Persons to some [234.] Justice of the Piece that he may find Agreeable to the foregoing By-Laws. — And it shall be the Duty of the said Inspector of the Markets to complain in Manner as aforesaid against all Breaches of Any of the Aforesaid By-Laws which shall come to his knowledge, either by his own View, or the Informa- tion of any other Citizen — And it shall further be the Duty of said Inspector of the Markets, to keep the several Market places continually clean and free from all kinds of filth & Dirt ; and to remove all Nusances therefrom. 7 th . And to the end that said Inspector of the Market may be induced to perform his Duty with chearfullness and Integrity, It is Ordered that he shall have an Adequate and reasonable reward for his Service. 8 th . It is further Ordered, That all Penalties & forfeitures Arising by any breaches of the foregoing By-Laws, shall go and be to the use of the Town, and be Approbiated to the support and maintance of the Several Markets, aforesaid — By Order of the Committee. Charles Jarvis The foregoing Report having been read and considered Para- graph by Paragraph ; was Accepted by the Town & the Plan Mentioned in said Report was Adopted by the Town. [225.] Moved & Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to carry this Report into Execution Also Voted, that Charles Jarvis Esq r . Joseph Barrell Esq r . Thomas Daws Esq r . Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . M r . Samuel Elliot (excused) Ezekiel Price Esq 1 ", excused be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid & they are also Au- thorised and impowered to confir with the Abutters on the Dock relative to the tittle & property of the Land or any priviledges in the said Dock, as also with Respect to any Compensation. The Committee relative to Lands on the Neck having Reported, it was moved & Voted, that the consideration of said Report be referred to next May Meeting, and that the Town be then Notified thereof in the Warrant then to be essued for said Meeting The Committee Appointed to consider a late Motion for the Change of the Institution of the Annavcrsary on the 5 th . of March, reported as follows Viz 1 . Boston Tov/n Keoords, 1783. 305 Whereas the Annual Celebration of the Boston Massacre on the 5 th . of March 1770, by the Institution of a Publick Oration [226.] has been found to be of eminent Advantage to the Cause of America in disseminating the Principles of Virtue and Patriot- ism among her Citizens ; And whereas the immediate Motives which induced the commemoration of that day, do now no longer exist in their primitive force ; while the Benefits resulting from the Institution to, may and ought to be forever preserved, by exchang- ing that Anniversary for Another, the foundation of which will last as long as time endures. It is therefore Resolved, that the Celebration of the fifth of March from henceforwards shall cease ; and that instead thereof the Anniversary of the 4 th . Day of July A.D. 1776 (a Day ever memorable in the Annals of this Country for the declaration of our Independance) shall be constantly celebrated by the Delivery of a Publick Oration, in such place as the Town shall determiue to be most convenient for the purpose — In which the Orator shall consider the feelings, manners & principles which led to this great National Event as, well as the important and happy Effects whether general or domestick, which already have, and will forever continue to flow from this Auspicious Epoch. — The foregoing Report having been read & considered, it was Voted, that the same be [227.] Accepted, And that a Committee be now Appointed to provide an Orator to deliver an Oration on the 4 th of July Next Agreeable to said report, Also. — Voted, that Perez Morton Esq r . Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq 1 ". Hon ble . James Sullivan Esq r . William Tudor Esq r . Ezekiel Price Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose Aforesaid John Kemp chosen a Constable for the year ensuing having de- sired to be excused from serving in that Office he was Accordingly excused. Moved, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it be to next Monday sennight — 3 °Clock P.M. — And it was Adjourned Accordingly Monday the 7 th . Day of April 3 O Clock Afternoon — Town met according to Adjournment Ezekiel Price Esq r . in the Chair M r . John Cade chosen Scavinger for Ward N°. 1 for the ensuing year having desired, to be excused from serving in that Office — he was accordingly excused M r . Samuel Clough was chosen a Scavinger for the ensuing year for Ward N° 1 [228.] Ezekiel Price Esq r . one of the Committee relative to Incumbrances on the Dock & having desired to be excused from serving he was accordingly excused Deacon Newel was appointed one of the Committee relative to the Dock in the room of M r . Price 306 City Document No. 80. The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for one Constable and the same having been brought in and sorted it Appeared that M r . Calvin White — excused was chosen Constable for the year ensuing Moved and seconded, that a Committee be now Appointed to consider and Report proper Instructions for the Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safet} 7 of this Town — After some debate the Question was put Viz 4 . Whether such a Committee shall be now Appointed by the Town — And the Question being ac- cordingly put — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that the Hon ble . Sam 1 . Adams Esq r . Hon ble . James Otis Esq r . Joseph G-reenleaf Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid [239.] M r . William M c Fadden chosen a Hogreeve for the year ensuing having desired to be ex- cused from Serving in that Office, he was accordingly — excused, M r . Timothy Conner was chosen Hogreeve for the Year ensuing M r . Calvin White chosen one of the Constables for the year having desired to be ex- cused from serving in that Office, he was accordingly excused by the Town The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for one Constable, but no Votes were brought in The Committee Appointed to Consider what directions were necessary to be given the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- tion and Safety — Reported the following Resolve — Viz'. Whereas by a Resolve of the Legislature of this Commonwealth passed on the thirteenth of February Seventeen huudred seventy Six, the several Towns were directed and impowered at their Annuale Meetings in March to choose a Committee of Correspond- ence Inspection and Safety, whose bussiness (among other things) is to Communicate matters of Importance to Committees of the Same denominations, to any Other Town County or States, or to the General Assembly or Council. And whereas the present Cir- cumstances of the United States require that Committees so Ap- pointed should use their utmost industry & Care [230.] to effect the great & important purposes of their Appointment, at a time when interest is making for the readmitting Absentees and Conspirators to return into this and other of the United States — therefor Resolved — -That This Town will at all times (as they have done) to the utmost of their power, oppose every Enemy to the Just Rights and Liberties of Mankind : And that after so wicked a Conspiracy against those Rights and Liberties by certain In- grates, Most of them Natives of these States, and who have been Refugees and declared Traitors to their Country — It is the Opin- ion of this Town, that they ought never to be suffered to return, but be excluded from having Lot or Portion among us Boston Town Records, 1783. 307 And the Committee of Correspondence are hereby requested as by the Law of this Commonwealth they are fully impowered, to write to the Several Towns, in this Commonwealth, and desire them to come into the same or Similar Resolves, if they shall think fit The foregoing Report having been read and Considered the Question was put — viz 1 . Whether this Report shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative It was then moved and Voted that the aforegoing Resolves or Report of the Committee [231.] be published in the Publick News Papers Moved & Voted, that when this Meeting shall be Adjourned, it shall be to the same Day of the May Meeting. 3. O Clock in the Afternoon — And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned At a Meetiug of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of twenty one Years of Age & upwards qualified as the Constitu- tion prescribes, and legally warned in Publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 7 th . Day of April Anno Domini 1783 Prayer was made by the Rev d . Joseph Eckly Warrant for calling the Meeting — read Paragraphs of the Constitution or form of Goverment relative to the choice of Goyernor Lieve 4 . Governor and Six Senators, for the County of Suffolk were also read On a Motion Voted, That the Town will now come to the choice of a Governor Lievetenant Governor and six Senators for the County of Suffolk [232.] It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be received but such as are unfolded, and that they Pur- pose the Poll should be closed at One O Clock It was then moved and Voted, that the Bells in the Town be set a ringing at half past twelve O'Clock Persons Voted for as Governor with the numbers of Votes for each Person. Viz*. His Excellency John Hancock Esq r . seven hundred & forty seven Votes — Persons Voted, for as Governor Votes. Hon ble . James Bowdoin Esq r . 60 Hon ble . Benjamin Lincoln Esq r . 52 Persons Voted, for as Lieutenant Governor with the Number of Votes for each Person, Viz ( . Votes. His Honor Thomas Gushing Esq r . 724 Hon ble . Elbridge Gerry Esq r . 105 Hon ble . Azor Orne Esq r . - - 1 Hon ble . James Warren Esq r . ------ 2 Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq 1 ". ------ 1 Persons Voted, for as Senators for the County of Suffolk, with the number of Votes for each Person — Viz 1 , 308 City Document No. 80. Votes. Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . 823 Hon ble Jeremiah Powell Esq 1 ". 732 [233.] Hon ble . Caleb Davis Esq r . 812 Hon ble . Cotton Tufts Esq r . - 816 Hon ble . Jabez Fisher Esq r . 704 Ebenezer Wales Esq r . - - - 785 Hon ble . John Pitts Esq 1 '. 176 Hon ble . Samuel Dexter --- 125 Hon ble . Samuel Nyles 23 Hon ble . Robert T. Payne 1 Hon ble . James Sullivan -------- 10 Hon ble . Benjamin Austin Esq 1 '. 9 Hon ble . William Phillips 21 Hon ble . Benjamin White Esq 1 '. ----- 4 Hon ble . James Otis Esq 1 '. 6 John Lowel Esq r . 3 John Rowe Esq r . --- 7 Samuel Barret Esq r . -- 2 John Barret Esq r . _-_____. 2 Richard Cranch Esq r . 6 Thomas Daws Esq r . -------- 3 Solomon Lovel Esq r . -------- 4 Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . ------- 1 Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor Luive- tanant Governor & Senators for the County of Suffolk, were com- mitted to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Inclosures sealed up in Town Meeting, Superscribed as follows. Viz'. For John Avery Jun r . Esq r . Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts [234.] The Number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a Governor Lievetenant Governor and Six Seuators for the County of Suffolk Certified within and sealed up in Town Meeting Then the Meeting was disolved At an Adjournment of the March Meeting to this Day, the In- habitants met according to Adjournment at 3. O'Clock Afternoon Ezekiel Price Esq r . in the Chair M r . Zipheon Thayer chosen one of the Scavingers for the year ensuing having desired the Town to Excuse him from serving in that Office, he was accordingly excused M r . Christopher Clark — (excused) — was chosen a Scavinger for the year ensuing. M r . Clark having appeared and prayed the Town to excuse him from serving in that Office the Year ensuing — he was accordingly excused Cap 1 . Gilbert W. Speakman — (Sworn) — was chosen a Scavin- ger for the Year ensuing for Ward N°. 9 Boston Town Records, 1783. 309 The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in then- Votes, for one Constable — and the same having been brought in and sorted it appeared that M r . Barth . Broders was chosen a Constable for the Year ensuing [235.] Moved and Voted, that all Matters and things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be and they hereby are referred over to the May Meeting Moved & Voted, that the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Ezekiel Price Esq 1 ', for his good services as Moderator Then the Meeting; was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanieul Hall on Tuesday the 6 th Day of May Anno Domini 1783 10. O'Clock in the Forenoon Prayer was made by the Rev d . M r . Clark Warrant for calling the Meeting — read That part of the Constitution or Form of Government which relates to the choice of Representatives — read Sundry Laws to be read at the May Meeting — were accordingly — read The Town having determined to choose Seven Persons to Rep- resent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held at the State House in Boston [236.] upon the last Wednesday of May Current Agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of Govern- ment of the Massachusetts — The Inhabitants were accordingly directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Seven Repre- sentatives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would be received, but such as are unfolded, and that they purpose the Poll shall be closed at twelve O. Clock The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the Number of the same were found to be three hundred seventy eight — and upon sorting them it Appeared that the following Gentel- men were chosen by a Majority of said Votes — Viz'. Votes The Hon ble . William Phillips Esq r . -------- 337 Hon ble . John Pitts Esq r . - . - 310 Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . 264 Hon ble . Caleb Davis Esq r . --------- 303 Thomas Daws Esq 1 ". -----------361 Thomas Walley Esq r . 225 Hon ble . James Sullivan Esq r . - 244 Adjourned to Four O Clock in the Afternoon 4 O'Clock in the Afternoon Town met according to Adjourn- ment The choice of Representatives [237.] being over and declared by the Selectmen the Inhabitants, were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned 310 City Document No. 80. in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes, and upon sorting them it Appeared, that Ezekiel Price Esq r . — (excused) was chosen Moderator. M r . Price having informed the Town that he was prevented from giving his Attendance the Inhabitants were directed to with- draw and bring in their Votes, for another Moderator and the same being brought in and sorted it appeared that Thomas Daws Esq 1 . was chosen Moderator of the Meeting Moved and Voted, that a Comittee be now chosen to draw up and Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting a Draught of In- structions for the Gentlemen who Represent this Town in the General Assembly. Voted, that the Hon ble . Sam: Adams Esq r . Ezekiel Price Esq r . Hon ble . James Lovel Esq 1 '. [238.] . D r . Charles Jarvis Joseph Greenleaf Esq r . be appointed a Committee for the purpose aforesaid. M r . Thomas Walley chosen one of our Representatives in the General Court having in writing declined Serving as a Represent- ative he was accordingly excused by the Town. The Moderator lade before the Town a Letter he had received from the Hon ble . William Philips Esq r . — which was read. The Committee relative to Lands on the Neck, being Appointed by the Town to consider the Situation of said Lands, and what improvement can be made of these Reported — and the said Re- port having been read & considered, and also announced by the Town was Accepted as follows Viz 1 . That the Selectmen be impowered to lease (for as short a time as they can agree on) to M r . Nathaniel Curtis or any other person a Piece of Beach Land measuring Ninety five feet more or less in length and lying between the Land and Wharff of said Curtis and the Northeast Corner of the Fortification and such part of the Land Adjoining as the Selectmen shall think proper on condition that such Persons shall Covenant to Erect a Subestantial Sea Wall of Stone, five feet [239.] high with a good Capston Top, to run from said Curtis's ; Wharff to the Northeast Corner aforesaid, and be filled in with dirt so as to level the Ground from said Wall to the Street, and have the same compleated by the first Day of No- vember next ensuing That it is of immediate importance to the preservation of the Lands remaining, on the Easterly side of the Neck that a Stone Wall be built as soon as possible to extend from the Southerly Corner of the Wood Work of the Fortification to the head of the Dam containing About one Thousand feet in Length, and that all the Ground within said Wall be made level with the Pavement. And in order to have this most necessary work speedily and effectually executed, the Town impower the Selectmen to lay out the Lands included in the Above Boundaries into Lots of Sixty Boston Town Records, 1783. 311 feet each in Front and running to said Wall, and to execute Sufficient Deeds of Bargain and Sale of every other of said Lots to such Person, or Persons as will contracte for themselves and Heirs to Erect and forever maintain said Wall, and preserve the Ground lying within said Limits from Decay. The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — Whether the Town will take any other or further Measures for preventing or removing [240.] any Incumbrances or Nusauces as well on the Common as in the Streets Lanes or High Ways of the Town was read — whereupon. Voted, that W" 1 . Tudor ------ (excused) Hon bIe . James Sullivan Esq r . Josiah Waters M r . John Lowel -------- excused Tho s . Daws Jun 1 '. Esq 1 . be and hereby are Appointed a Committee for the purpose afore- said and they hereby are Authorised and impowered to Confer with the Abutors on the Town Dock relative to the Title and Property of the Lands, or any Privileges in the said Dock, as also with respect to any Compensation — And to Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting M r . Samuel Eliot Appointed one of the Committee for filling up the Dock having desired the Town to excuse him from serving on that Committee he was accordingly excused. M r . Henry Prentice was chosen one of the Committee for the purpose aforesaid Moved that the foregoing Committee for filling up the Dock - - Viz'. Charles Jarvis Esq r . Joseph Barrel Esq r . Thomas Dawes Esq r . T241.] Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . Deacon Timothy Newell M r . Henry Prentice be desired to proceed in that Business, and in making the Head and carrying out the Draines which run into the Dock, in Order for the immediate filling up the same upon the best terms that may be ; and also fixing the Rails and Posts for the better accom- modation of the Market People ; and that the Expencies of the same be paid out of the next Town Tax. And the Question being Accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative. Moved and Voted, that the Committee Appointed to prepare a Draught of Instructions for the Gentlemen who Represent this Town in the General Court ; have an Article in said Draught, Viz'. — That when the Representatives are met in General Court they pray leave of the House in behalf of the Town, to bring in a Bill for removing Newsauces and Incumbrances from Dock Square and elsewhere, and also regulating the Market. Moved, and Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to Notefy in the News Papers the Adjournment of this Meeting, at which it will be considered whether the Town will then proceed to the 312 City Document No. 80. Choice of [243.] two Representatives in the room of the Gentel- meu who have resigned or declined serving Adjourned to Tuesday next being the 13 th . Day of May, 10. Clock in the Forenoon May 13 th . 10. O Clock Forenoon Met According to Adjournment. The Selectmen presided The Town took into consideration Whether a Gentelman should now be chosen to Represent the Town in the General Assembly of this Commonwealth in the room of M r . Thomas Walley who has declined serving — and it having been determined to choose one Gentelman in the Room of the said M r . Walley who has resigned — It was then moved that the choice of a Representative be refferred to the Afternoon, and that it is proposed that the Poll be closed at 4 Clock Afternoon. Col . Daws took the Chair. The Committee appointed to prepare & to Audit Accounts of M r . Boyer Town Treasurer — Reported and the Report having been read, it was moved and Voted, that this Report be recommitted. [243.] The Committee Appointed to prepare a Draught of Instructions to the Gentelmen who Represent the Town in the General Court Reported a Draught, which being read, it was moved and Voted, that the same be referred for consideration to the Afternoon. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon Met according to Adjournment. The Selectmen presided Moved & Voted, that it be a rule at the present Meeting, that all those Persons who give in their Votes for a Representative, shall enter the Hall and there remaine untill the Poll shall be closed. Voted, that the Vote passed in the Morning proposing that the Poll be closed at 4. O'Clock be reconsidered and it is proposed that the Poll for the choice of a Representative be closed at 5. O: Clock this Afternoon. The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring iu their Votes for one Representative. The Votes, being brought in for one Representative the number of the same were found to be One hundred & fourteen — and upon sorting them it Appeared that John Rowe Esq r . Votes. was chosen by a Majority of Votes ---------59 [344.] The business relative to the choice of a Representa- tive being over Col . Daws took the Chair. The Report of Committee for draughting Instructions to the Gentelmen chosen to Represent this Town in the General Court again taken up — and the Draught of Instructions having been considered paragraph by paragraph — was accepted by the Town, and are as follows. Viz 1 . Boston Town Records, 1783. 313 Gentelmen Having made choice of you to Represent this Town in the General Court the year ensuing, We confide in your Integ- rity and good Understanding to conduct the Publick Affairs in our Behalf, in such Manner as to promote the Interest and Safety of the Commonwealth at Large and of this Metropolis in particular. It is nevertheless our unalienable Right to communicate to you our Sentiments ; and when we shall judge it necessary or convenient to give you our Instructions on any Special Matter, and We expect you will hold yourselves at all times bound to Attend to and to [245.] Observe them. You will constantly bear it on your Minds, that this Commonwealth is free Sovereign and Independent ; and that it retains every Power Jurisdiction and Right which is not by the Confederation or may not hereafter by the People, be expressly delegated to the United States in Congress Assembled — You will therefore conceive it to be your bounden Duty in your legislative Capacity, to exercise the Powers of the Commonwealth vested in you with your utmost Wisdom, to guard its Rights with all possible Vigilance, and take Care that its sovereign Jurisdiction be not i m pared or unreasonably delagated to Other Persons, besides those in whom the Constitution hath vested it on any Pretence whatever. Self preservation is said to be the first Law of Nature, It holds good equally with Societies and Individuals, you will therefore carefully Advert to those Principles which are essential to the Preservation of a free Commonwealth. In this you will be greatly aided by our excellent Frame of Government and the Declara- tion of Rights, which we recommend to your frequent Perusal — There we find it to be the express Sentiment of the Body of this People, that the preservation of Good Government, essentially [246.] depends upon Piety Religion and Morality, and that these cannot be generally diffused among a Community but by the Institution of the Public Worship of God — That Wisdom and Knowledge, as well as Virtue are necessary for the preserva- tion of the Rights and Liberties of the People. — That it is the Duty of the Legislators and Magistrates of the Commonwealth, to cherrish the Interest of Literature and the Sciences, and all Sem- inaries of them especially the University at Cambridge, Publick Schools and Grammar Schools, in the Towns — That Piety Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Industry and Frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the Advantages of Liberty — These are the Principles of our Constitution, which it was incum- bent on us very particularly to attend to in our Choice of you to represent us ; and we require of you the Strict Observance of them in the Part you shall take in the formation of all Laws Necessary for the good Administration of the Affairs of the Commonwealth. We shall always Submit chearfully to Laws formed on those Prin- ciples, and wish for as perfect a [247.] System as human Wisdom can contrive ; at the same time, as faithfull Citizens, we must enjoin it upon you, to use your utmost Inffluence, that the Act of this Commonwealth, intitled an Act for the due Observa- tion of the Lords Day, and other penal Laws may be carefully revised, that Such of them or parts of them as are repugnant to 314 City Document No. 80. the Rights and Liberties contained in the Constitution, may be altered and amended or repealed. Moreover in the aforesaid Declaration of Rights, the impartial Interpretation of the Laws, and Administration of Justice are expressly held to be essential to the Preservation of the Rights of every Individul, his Life, Liberty, Property and Character ; We therefore expect that you will use your utmost Endeavours that all due Encouragement be given to the Ministers of Justice ; and particularly, that an honorable Support be Afforded, as the Constitution requires, to the Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court. You will also take Care that the Three Great Powers of Govern- ment the Legislative, Executive; and Judicial be kept distinct Agreeable to the Letter of our Constitution, and the Spirit of every free [248.] Government — This we more especially remind you of, inasmuch as we believe there has been an Interference in tiie Exercise of these several Powers which leads to a fatal Change of a free Commonwealth for Tyranny or Anarchy and Con- fusion. You will always remember that }'OU represent a Trading Town ; and therefore while you justly give your Attention to every Con- sideration which may lead to promote Agriculture in its utmost Extent, you will not fail to exert yourselves in proposing and enforcing evex'y Measure Adapted to cherish and extend our Trade, and to encourage the Fishery, which by the Blessing of Heaven is secured to us by the Treaty of Peace. — We cannot too warmly express our Gratitude to Almighty God, who hath smiled on the virtuous Struggles of the United States, and crowned the Conflict with so happy a Conclusion, Our Independence is con- firmed — A Blessing for which Patriots have long toiled and Heroes fought and Bled — Posterity can never justly charge us with tamely surrendering their Rights — We and they shall be Free so long as we shall [249.] deserve Freedom — It will de- pend upon our Virtue — But while we contemplate the Treaty in general with pleasure we cannot help feeling anxious for the Event of the fifth Article, which inspects those Men who fled from their Country when their Liberties were Invaded, and took Residence in the Dominions of the Invader, Congress only can recommend — They will not Obtrude Citizins on any of the States — Much less declared Traitors — We give it to you as our Opinion, that the late Conspirators against the Rights and Liberties of America and of Mankind, whether they have Actually taken up Arms against us or not, who have taken Shelter in the Bosom of our Enemies, that Nation which has exhausted her Wealth and Strength to enslave us ought never be suffered to Return, but to be excluded from having any Lot or Portion among us. The Committee Appointed to confer with the Abuttors on the Town Dock relative to the Title and property of the Lands ; or any Privileges in the said Dock as, also with respect to any Compensation — Reported verbally and had leave to Report again Moved and Voted, that the [250.] Instructions Agreed upon Boston Town Eecords, 1783. 315 to be given the Gentlemen who Represent this Town in the Gen- eral Court be published in the severall News Papers. Moved that when this Meeting- shall be Adjourned, it shall be to this Day three Weeks. 10. O Clock Fore noon. And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. Tuesday June 3 d . 1783. 10. O'Clock Forenoon, met according to Adjournment Thomas Daws Esq r . the Moderator of this Meeting being detained at the General Court, a Motion was made and passed that a Moderator Pro Tern , be now chosen by a Hand Vote. Benjamin Kent Esq"*, was chosen Moderator of this Meeting during the Absence of the Hon ble . Samuel Adams Esq r . the Moderator It was moved and Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O Clock Afternoon and the Meeting was accordingly Ad- journed. 3. O'Clock P: M Met according to Adjournment. [351.] Benjamin Kent Esq r . chosen a Moderator Pro. Tern , being Absent it was moved and Voted, that another Moderator Pro Tem°. be now chosen. Joseph Greenleaff Esq r . was chosen Moderator Pro Tern , by a Hand Vote The Committee Appointed by the Town to examine the Books and Accompts of M r . Peter Boyer Town Treasurer to March the 1 st . 1783 — have Attended that service and beg leave to Report as follows. That they find the Books and Accompts of said Treasurer regu- larly kept and posted up to the first of March 1783 by which it Appears that he charges himself for Taxes received, Rents, Sale of New Emission Money, and State Treasurers Certificates from the first of March 1782 to the first of March 1783. the Sum of Eighteen thousand seven hundred and six pounds nineteen Shill- ings and four Pence half Penny, and also new Notes hand issued in lieue of Old ones, which he has redeemed and charges the Town with to the Amount of Seven Thousand and thirty seven Pounds fourteen Shillings & 7 d . Specie the whole of s d . two Sums Amount- ing to £25744. 13. 11£ Specie [253.] And s d . Treasurer discharges himself from the Above Sums in the following manner Paid on the Selectmens Drafts to March 1 st . 1783 Paid on the Overseers Draft to D° - - - - Paid to old & New Creditors £3585 14 6£ ) & 1102 Ojj Paid Loan Notes given to Supply Almshouse - Paid off old Notes given for supply of the Alms House Paid Interest of Ditto ------- £3944 18 If 915 9 6£ 4687 14 6| 1050 5766 13 8* 1829 5 11* 316 City Document No. 80. Paid Premiums & Abatements made to the") Late Collectors, Mess rs . Shaw, Sumner, ! ,-, „ i Thompson & Bayley on the Settlement of j ^ their Account J Paid on Account of New Notes ----- 449 15 2 J £25193 Ballance Remaining in the hands of Peter Boyer Town Treasurer the 1 st of March 1783 [■ 551 8 9£ in hard Money carry d to New Account Specie £25744 - 13 11£ Your Committee have carefully & in a Particular Manner Ex- amined the Books & Accounts of said Treasurer also the Drafts of the Selectmen & Overseers & every Other publick charge & find them all Right Cast & proper & Sufficient Vouchers of every Charge. There also remains in the hands of the Treasurer the 1 st . of March 1783 besides the Above Ballance Viz'. Dollars [253.] In New Emission Money 57323 N.E. is! 7196 18 In old Continental Money old Curr y - 38202 7 8 for which said Treasurer remains Accountable to your Committee Also think it proper to inform the Town that it Appears by the Treasurers Books that there remained due from the four last Col- lectors Viz'. M r . Bayley M r . Williams M r . Parker & M r . Fallass, the first March 1783 — including their Premiums the following Sums Viz*. From M r . Bayley £564 12 5f from M r . Williams ----------- 924 2 6f from M r . Parker 903 8| from M r . Fallas ----- 921 19 7f Specie— £3313 15 4J All which is humblv Submitted by Thomas Melvill, Thomas Walley, John Lowell.' Boston May 1 st . —1783. The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put. Viz 1 . Whether the same shall be accepted Passed in the Affermative. The Article in the Warrant for March Meeting relative to a Grant for the services of the Present Year, Schoolmasters Salaries &c which was referred over to this Meeting for consideration — was read — whereupon it was moved & Voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider and Report what Sum of Money it will be necessary [254.] for the Town to raise in order to defre} T the Expencies of the Current Year. Voted, that Edward Payne Esq r . M r . Thomas Walley Ezekiel Price Esq 1 ". be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid who are desired to make Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting. The Committee Appointed to confer with the Abutters on the Town Dock relative to Claims Compensation &c : — made a Verbal Boston Town Records, 1783. 317 Report — whereupon it was Moved — That said Committee be desired to proceed in the business Assigned them, and make Report thereof to the Town in writing at the Adjournment of this Meeting — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative The Selectmen Appointed a Committee to Act upon the List of Jurors. Moved & Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to next Thursday Seven night 3. O'Clock P: M: Moved & Voted, that the consideration of Schoolmasters Salarys be referred to the Adjournment. Then the Meeting was Adjourned. [255.] Thursday Three O Clock Afternoon Met According to Adjournment. The Committee Appointed by the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston to examine the Claims of the Abuttors on the Town Dock have Attended that service and beg leave to Report That the Claimes of said Abuttors, as well as the Claimes of The Town in and to the Dock are exceeding numerous Ancient and perplexed, and that the Committee have great reason to Suppose there is a very considerable Number of Deeds and Papers touching the Claimes aforesaid which have not yet been exhibited. That if the Committee could gain possession of all the Papers, of every kind relating to said Claims it would even in that Case re- quire such a length of Time to Obtain a final and determined Opinion touching the Nature and quantity of right of different Claimants as would have the Speedy purpose for which the Com- mittee was chosen unanswered. Besides your Committee would be cautious how they deside upon the right of any Person who denies all Authoriety to [256.] determin in such case, but the Authority of a Court Law. Upon the whole the Committee having considered the long unin- terrupted possession of the Abuttors and their Predecissors, and having looked into a large number of Deeds and Town Records are of Opinion, that the Town has little more than a right in com- mon to that part of the Dock meant to be filled up, and that it is most convenient in the choice of difficulties to make some compo- sition with the Abuttors and to make them some Offer for a release of their right be that more or less. James Sullivan Jo s . Waters Jun t . Thomas Dawes Ju r . The aforegoing Report having been read and considered the Question was put — Viz 4 . — Whether the same shall be Accepted — Passed in the Affirmative. Moved, that a Committee be appointed to confer with the Abut- tors on the Town Dock, and Report the Sums that Such Abuttors would take for their claim to the Dock, and in case the Abuttors do not mention a Sum, then the Committee and Abuttors shall agree upon three Persons to value said Claims and Report the same at the [257.] Adjournment of this Meeting — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative. 318 City Document No. 80. Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed a Com- mittee for the purposes Aforesaid The Committee Appointed to consider and Report what Snm of Money it would be necessary for the Town to raise in order to def rev the Expencies of the Current Year Reported — And the Report having been read it was moved and Voted, that the consid- eration of this Report, and all other matters which remain unfin- ished to be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting- Moved, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to this Day seven Night — 8. O'Clock Afternoon Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to Notify the Inhabi- tants of the business of the Adjournment — Viz 4 . — To grant the Sum of Money necessary to defrey the Expencies of the Current Year, and also the Salares of Schoolmasters Town Treasurer &c Adjourned to Thursday the 19 th . of June Instant. 3. OClock Afternoon. [258.] Thursday the 19 th . Day of June 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon the Town met according to Adjournment. The Committee Appointed to consider what Sum of Money is necessary to be raised for defreying the Expencies of the Current year — Reported as follows Viz'. That it appears by the Treasurers Books and the Report of the Committee appointed to examine the Treasurers Accounts, there remained unpaid of the Selectmen and Overseers Draughts on the first of March last £2020 0— To discharge this Sum there was in the Treasury in Money £550 ~\ .. 1 fi . Due from the Collectors deducts their) fil „ (■ Premiums and Abatem ts . About 8 p C. j ) Remains due to Compleat the Draughts of the \ nnnn last Year ) To pay for New School House — since drawn ) „ . ~ for } To pay the Town Clerk for three years — ) 1000 past --' _j 2200 For the Expences of the Curr'. year School- masters Salaries £1200 Watchmen £760 Town Treasurer and Town Clark £400 j 116 ° [259.] Assessors — £600 — Premium for ) 1 90f . Collecting - - - - £600- - - - - - } I/uu 6 p C l . Abatement on £25000 1500 Repairing the Streets, Buildings and other Con- "I r()( ^ tingent Charges at least - - ) For Posts Rails &c for the Market Square and \ g~„ filling up the Dock to be paid out of the Taxes j- J exclusive — of the Abuttors Claims ) £6060 To pay the Overseers Draughts for the Alms- } 2000 house ------------ J £10260. Boston Town Kecords, 1783. 319 la this Estimate no Provision is made to pay any part of the old debts either principal or interest except the New Emission Money is Sold for the purpose of paying the Interest on the Notes, that have been brought in and renewed. This Sum of £10260 - - - the Committee are of Opinion will be necessary — whether the Inhabitants can pay a larger or even so Large a Sum in Addition to the State Taxes, is submitted to the consideration of the Town — Edward Payne The State Tax is upwards Thomas Wallev of £17000. Ezekiel Price " The aforegoing Report having been read and Considered, it was moved that the Sum of £10,200 lawful Money be [260.] raised by a Tax on the Inhabitants to defry the Expencies of the Town the Current Year — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative. It was moved and carried that the Above Vote for raising £10,200 — for the defreying the Charges of the Current year be reconsidered — also Voted, that the Sum of Nine thousand Pounds lawful Money be raised by a Tax upon the Polls and Rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town in order to defrey the necessary Ex- pences of the Current Year. Moved, that a Committee be now Appointed to consider and Report what they shall Judge to be proper and adequate Salaries for the Schoolmasters and Town Treasurer the present Year — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Afferma- tive — also Voted, that M r . Thomas Walley excused M r . John Lowell M r . Joseph Russel Joseph Barrel Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid to Report at the Ad- journment. Moved that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to this Day fortnight [261.] 3. O Clock. Afternoon, being the 3 d . Day of July And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 19 th . Day of June Anno Domini 1783. 4. O'Clock in the Afternoon Warrant for calling the Meeting was read. The Precept received from the Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives for the choosing one Person to Represent this Town in the General Court this present year in the Room of the Hon bIe . John Pitts Esq r . who has been Elected Senator and accepted the Trust — was read — and After some debate had thereon It was moved, that the Town proceed to make choice of one Person to Represent this Town in the General Court of this Commonwealth for the present Year in room of the Hon ble . John 320 City Document No. 80. Pitts Esq r . who has been Elected Senator and Accepted [262.] the Trust — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative. It was then moved that this Meetiug be dissolved. And the Meeting was accordingly dissolved. At an Adjournment of the May Meeting July 3 d . 1783. 3. O Clock in the Afternoon. Joseph Greenleaf Esq r . in the Chair The Article in the Warrant — Viz'. "To consider the request of a Number of the Inhabitants that no Person whatever be. suffered to sell pickeled Meat Butter or "Wet Provisions of any kind whatever in the Market &c — was read — as also the Petition to the Selectmen, requesting, that said Article might be inserted in the Warrant for calling the Meeting — whereupon after some debate it was moved and Voted, that the further consideration of this Article be deffered. The Article in the Warrant. Viz 1 . "To consider of some speedy method for payment of the Expence incurred by Build- ing the New School-house," was read, and After some debate, the Town declined Acting upon said Article [263.] The Article in the Warrant, Viz 1 . — To consider the Request of the Constables that some recompence may be made them for services rendered the Town in that Office " — was read & considered ; whereupon the Question was put. Viz'. — Whether the said Request shall be granted — Passed in the Negative. The Committee Appointed to consider and Report what they should Judge Adequate Grants to the School Masters for the present Year — having Reported to the Town as their Opinon that the Same Allowances be made the Several Schoolmasters for their services the present Year as were made them the last Year — the following Votes were passed — Viz 1 . Voted, that the Sum of two hundred Pounds, be allowed and paid unto M r . Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of the South Grammar School the present year to commence the first of March last, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become clue. Voted, that the Sura of two hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Nathan Davis for his Salary as Master of the North Grammer School the present Year, commencing from the first of March last the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due. [264.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Ninety Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . James Carter for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in Queen Street the present Year commencing from the first of March last, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Ninety Pounds, be allowed and paid unto M r . James Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North Writing School the present year, the same to be paid Boston Town Kecoeds, 1783. 321 him Quarterly as it shall become due aud to commence from the first of March last. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Ninety Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . John Vinal for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in the Common the present year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of March last Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M r . Samuel Payson for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammer School for the present Year the Same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first of March last [265.] Voted, that M r . John Tileston Master of the North Writing School be allowed for House Rent the present year the Sum of forty Pounds, the Same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from the first of March last Voted, that M r . Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammer School be allowed for House Rent the Present Year the Sum of Forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from the first of March last Voted, that M r . John Vinal Master of the Writing School in the Common be allowed for House Rent the present Year the Sum of forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be- come due and to commence from the first of March last Voted, that M r . Peter Boyer be allowed and paid the Sum of Two hundred Pounds for his Services as Treasurer the present Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence the first of March Last [266.] The Committee Appointed to confer with the Abutters on the Town Dock relative to any Claims of Priviledge &c in said Dock being called upon to Report — informed the Town that they were not as yet able to make Report. Moved that a Committee be now appointed to take into consid- eration what is still due to David Jeffries Esq r . late Town Treasurer for his Services in that Office and to Report at the Ad- journment if any or at the next Town Meeting — The Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative. Voted, that M r . Thomas Walley M r . John Lowel M r . Henry Prentice be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next general Town Meeting that shall be called then to be acted upon Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in [267.] Pub- lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 4 th . Day of July Anno Domini 1783 — 10. O. Clock in the Forenoon Warrant for calling this Meeting- was read 322 City Document No. 80. The Hou ble . James Sullivan Esq 1 ", was chosen Moderator of this Meeting & took his Seat accordingly. The Committee appointed by the Town the Tenth of March last to Apply to a proper Gentelmanto deliver an Oration on the fourth Da} 7 of July Instant (in such Place as the Town shall determine to be most convenient for the purpose) it being a Day ever memorable in the Annals of this Country for the Declaration of our Independence Reported That having met several times for the purposes mentioned in the Town Vote, they have unanimously made choice of D r . John Warren to deliver an Oration on the fourth of July Instant, who had accordingly' accepted of that service The foregoing Report having been read, the same was accepted by the Town Upon a Motion the Town took iuto consideration when would be the best time [268.] to have the Oration pronounced ; as also what place would be most suitable for the purpose whereupon Voted, that the Oration be delivered at D r . Coopers Church in Brattle street, the Kail not being capacious enough to receive the Inhabitants that Attend upon the Occasion — also Voted*, that William Tudor Esq r . Thomas Daws Esq r . Ebenezer Hancock Esq r . be a Committee to wait upon D r . John Warren, and acquaint him that it is the desire of the Town, that the Oration may be delivered at D r . Coopers Church as soon as the Religeons Exercises as di- rected by the Gen 1 . Court are ended, as also to Ask leave of the Committee of said Church for the use of that Building On a Motion Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Satur- day next, 12. — O'Clock. at Noon then to met in this Place And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Saturday the 5 th . Day of July 12. O'Clock at Noon — Town Met According to Adjournment [269.] An Oration To commemorate the Independence of the United States of Amer- ica was delivered by D r . John Warren at D r . Coopers Church on the Yesterday to a large and crouded Assembly, that Day being the Anniversary of said Indepeudance On a Motion Voted, that The Selectmen l»e and hereb}* are appointed a Committee to wait on Doct r . John Warren, and in the Name of the Town lo Thank him for the learned and elegant Oration delivered by him Yesterday at the Request of the Town upon the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America in which according to the Institution of the Town he considered the feelings, manners, and Principles which lead to that great National Event — And to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press. On a Motion Voted, that The Gentelmcn the Selectmen be and hereby arc appointed a Boston Town Records, 1783. 323 Committee to Apply to some Learned and Able Gentelman to deliver an Oration on the 4 th . of July 1784 that Day being the An- niversary of the Independence of the United [270.] States of America, wherein the Orator is to consider the feelings manners and principles which lead to this great National Event, as well as the important and happy Effects whether general or Domestiee which have already and will forever continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch. Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 11 th . Day of August Anno Domini 1783 — 3. O'Clock P.M. Warrant for calling the Meeting • — was read. Moved & Voted, that a Moderator for this Meeting be chosen by a Hand Vote. The Hon ble . Robert Treat Paine Esq r . was chosen Moderator, but being by his desire excused from serving Thomas Dawes Esq r . ■ was chosen Moderator, and took the Chair accordingly. [371.] The Petition of a Number of Physicians for leave to Erect an Inoculating Hospital at Apple Island &c — Viz 1 . To The Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in publick Town Meeting Assembled. When the People of this Commonwealth were a part of the British Nation, and consequently were connected in Commerce only with that Kingdom, their Islands and Countries, it happened by this intercourse, that nearly once in ten years that distinctive Disorder the Small Pox made its Appearance in this Metropolis, sweeping from the Stage in its progress, the enterprising Mer- chant the busy Mechanic, and the valuable Patriot, before leave could be obtained to mitigate its Severity by the Hand of the Inoculation. — The Inhabitants flew from the face of the destroyer and with them a very important Part of the Trade of this Metrop- olis, which has scarcely at this day returned, since we have now Opened an Intercourse with the Nations of Europe and all the Islands in the West Indies, may we not justly expect this disorder will be much oftner brought among us which will occasion an Obstruction in Trade very injurious to a large Commercial City; to prevent these Evils in future, which we conceive may be effected by an Appropriation of some convenient place for Inoculation, where every Person who wishes to pass through [272.] the Dis- order may without any danger to that part of the Community who from Infirmity or disinclination would Chuse to Avoid it. The Subscribers beg leave to Petition for Liberty to carry on the Business of Innoculation upon Apple Island it being a very Safe and convenient Situation ; or some Other place within the Juris- diction of the Town in the neighbourhood of said Island, and to be under such regulations as the Law directs, as they doubt not 324 City Document No. 80. the Town will be convinced of the Utility of the Institution they therefor with pleasure submit to their wise consideration. And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray John Warren Thomas Welsh Aaron Dexter John Bartlett The foregoing Petition having been read, and considered, it was Moved, and the Question Accordingly put — Viz'. — Whether the Town consent and Approve of the bnsines of Inoculation being carried on upon Apple Island — Passed in the Affermative The Petition of the Town of Chelsea relative to their being reannexed to the Town of Boston, was laid before the Town and is as follows Viz*. [273.] To the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston the Ad- dress and Petition of the Town of Chelsea Humbly Sheweth. That having for the Space of Forty five years experienced many disadvantages from a Small Incorporation, which at first was un- fairly Obtained ; and being now greatly reduced and impoverished by a very unequal proportion of Public Taxes which was Assigned us through the Ignorance of our Representative in the year 1781 — And although the Hon. General Court, has for the present Adjusted our valuation nearly to an equality with the Other Towns in the Country — Yet we find ourselves in Absolute need of protection and security from Such evils for the future Superior to what we are capable of exerting for ourselves — And therefore we take the Liberty respectfully to Address you on the Subject of a reunion, that we may once more be considered as a branch of this Metropolis. We have long regretted a Seperation which has proved the source of such ruinous consequences to us ; And if no consider- ation of detriment or Additional Charge should Appear in your discernment to Accrue, we can't but hope from the generous and public Spirit which has Always distinguished the Inhabitants of this Metropolis, that this [274.] Address will be thought worthy of your Attention at least so far as to favour us with a conferance upon the Subject by a Committee. And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray &c. Philip Payson Samuel Sargent John Sale Committee in the Name and Joshua Cheever behalf of the Samuel Clark J Town. The foregoing Petition having been read, and debate had thereon, it was moved and Voted, that the Petition of the Town of Chelsea be referred to a Committee to Consider the Same, and that the said Committee be directed to Confer with the Committee of the Town of Chelsea on Boston Town Kecords, 1783. 325 the Subject matter thereof, and to Report as Soon as may be — also Voted, unanimously that The Gentelmen the Selectmen be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid. The Article in the Warrant Viz*. To consider what allowances shall be made the Assessors for their Services the present Year." was read — whereupon it was moved and Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to make such Allowance to the Assessors [275.] for their service as they may Judge proper ; provided such allowance does not exceed the Sum of six Shillings p Day for said Services Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting that may be called then to be Acted upon. Voted, that the thanks of the Town be given to Thomas Daws Esq 1 ", the Moderator for his good Services Then the Meeting; was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Fryday the 29 th . Day of August Anno Domini 1783 — 3. O. Clock in the Afternoon Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought in and sorted, it Appeared that Thomas Daws Esq 1 '. was chosen Moderator, unanimously On a Motion the Petition of a number of a Number of Gentle- men, to the Selectmen for calling a Meeting - read [275 A.] The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — To consider whether any thing shall be done respecting the Land at Olivers Dock laid Waste by the late Fire" — was read, whereupon it was moved and Voted — That a Committee be Appointed to confer with the Owners of Land near Olivers Dock made vacant by the late Fire, and Report to the Town at the Adjournment, the Terms on which the Owners will dispose of their said Lands also Voted, that Thomas Daws Esq r . Moderator Joseph Barrel Esq. Nathaniel Appleton Esq r . Nathaniel Balch Nathan Frazier Esq r . be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider what measures shall be taken to enforce the good and wholesome Laws respect- ing building with Wood " — was read whereupon Voted, that Hon ble . Robert T. Payne Esq r . John Lowel Esq r . William Tudor Esq 1 ', be a Committee to examine the Laws relative to new Wooden 326 City Document No. SO. Buildings erected, and to Report a Draught of a Law, which may be efectual to prevent the evil complained of [276. J The Article in the Warrant Viz 4 . lt To consider what measures shall be taken to enforce the good and wholesome Laws for preventing the firing Small Arms at the bottom of the Common on the Neck and else where within the Limits of the Town," was read whereupon Voted, that the Gentelmen The Selectmen be directed, immediately to employ three Persons to see the Laws carried into execution for prevention of the dangerous practice complained of The Committee appointed to confer with the Abuttors on the Town Dock, relative to a compensation for their Claims, Reported Verbally — That they had not as yet conferred with all the Abut- tors so as they can now make a full Report to the Town, but hoped they should be able to do it at the Adjournment whereupon Moved & Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to make as full a Report as may be relative to this matter at the Adjournment of this Meeting The Article in the Warrant. Viz*. "To consider what further measures shall be taken for the security of the Town by Night — was read — whereupon [276 A.] Voted, that M r . Sam: Whitwell John Sweetser Esq 1 '. M r . Nath 1 . Balch Nath 1 . Appleton Esq r . Joseph Barrel Esq r . Thomas Daws Esq r . M r . Henry Prentice be a Committee to consider this Article of the Warrant and Re- port at the Adjournment of this Meeting The Committee appointed to examine into certain demands the Board of War have against the Town for Corn, Arms &c Amount- ing to Twenty Six hundred and forty Pounds, laid their Report before the Town — which Report is to be taken up and consid- ered at the Adjournment of this Meeting Moved, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday next being the third Day of September, 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon. And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. Wednesday the third Day of September, 3. O'Clock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment. [27*7.] The Committee to confer with the Abuttors on the Town Dock Reported verbally That they had not been able to confer with all the Abuttors, Col°. John Tyng who is one of them being in the Country Sick ; but, that the amount of the Sums required for compensation so far as they had gone, exclusive of M r . Tyngs part, amounting to upwards of fifteen hundred Pounds, Appeared to them a Sum so large, that they were led to the Opinion, that it was not worth while for the Committee to proceed any further in the business of Boston Town Kecords, 1783. 327 Conference, without the Town should require it of them — After some debate, it was moved That the Selectmen be impowered to confer with all or the Major part of the Abutters on the Town Dock, or such as Shall legally represent them, and make them the proposal of submitting to the Arbitration and Award of three Persons to be mutually chosen and Agreed on by the Town and the said Abutters, who shall have full Power finally to determine the Right, Title, Privilege and Claim of the said Abutters to the Town Dock as filled up, and to determine and agree upon such Sum or Sums of Money as they shall think an Adequate Compensation to the said Abutters for the filling up said Dock, if they have any Title or Privilege thereto ; and that the Selectmen be fully impowered to nominate and Agree upon said Arbitrators in behalf of the Town [278.] and to enter into any Bonds and Covenants for the faith- ful performance of the Award of said Arbitrators — and the Question being accordingly put — It passed in the Affirmative The Committee Appointed to confer with the Owners of Land near Olivers Dock made vacant by the late Fire — Reported verbally That they had met several times on the business, and conferred with the Owners of the Land where the Buildings were consumed, as also the Abutters on Land on the some square — that M 1 '. Phillips and some others, were willing to dispose of their Lands and Buildings provided the Other Owners and Abutters were dis- posed to part with what might be sufficient to Answer the inten- tion of the Town, the purchase of all which would amount to about five or Six Thousand Pounds — whereupon, it was moved and Voted, that the Committee, be desired to proceed in the business and Report at the next Town Meeting in Writing and that the Selectmen insert in the Warrant for calling said Meeting a Clause for taking up said Report. [279„] The Committee appointed to consider what further measures shall be taken for the security of the Town by Night Reported verbally — That there be an Additional Watch of eight Men, which they term a patroling Watch, to be partly made up from the other Watch, and to have an Additional pay — Also with respect to the Lamps being again lighted up in the Town, if the Town should think it expedient — It was then moved, and Voted, that the Committee aforesaid be desired to Report their Opinion in Writing at the next Town Meeting which may be called, and that a Clause for taking up the Report be inserted in the Warrant for said Meeting. The Committee relative to ascertaining the demands of the Board of War on the Town — Report as follows. Viz'. The Committee appointed to examine into certain demands the Board of War have against the Town for Corn Arms &c Amount- ing to £2640. 0. Specie, have Attended that business and Report That the seven hundred bushels of Corn charged £158. 19. 1 has been paid by William Phillips Esq r . 328 City Document No. 80. The one nundred forty eight Armes and Accoutrements charged delivered Col . Proctor, he informed the Committee he would do his best [379A] endeavour to collect and return agree- able to the Condition of the Resolve of Court The Ninety Cartouch Boxes and Ninety Bayonet Belts charged delivered Col°. Crafts he informed the Committee he did not recol- lect receiving, but if he had them they were for the use of the Militia, and were not returned to him The thirty one Fire Arms and Bayonets charged delivered Col : Hatch, the Committee are informed were for men inlisted for the Town into the Continental Army, which Men were detained in Town sometime for want of Arms, at great expenee and hazard of desertion, that he took this method of procuring Arms for them, as the only expedient to get them to the Army, and to save the Town great charge The Town will be informed by the Gentelmen Selectmen con- cerning the twenty hundred weight of Lead charged delivered John Scollay Esq r . as also concerning the Arms delivered to General Gages order before the Seige, that were Afterwards taken & repaired by the State, All the Other Articles charged against the Town, it appears by a sketch of the Account taken from the Books of the late Board of [279B] War (which is hereto annexed) were for the use of the States Hospital Isaac Phillips p Order The foregoing Report having been read it was moved, and Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to make enquiry respecting the Articles mentioned in the foregoing Report as being wanting as also to call upon the Colonel and the Captains of the Militia of the Boston Regiment to Account for the small Arms delivered to them, in order for a Settlement of the Account with the Com- monwealth Moved, and Voted, that all matters and Things which remain unfinished at this Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the next General Town Meeting that may be called then to be acted upon Moved, and Voted, that the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Thomas Daws Esq 1 ', for his good Services as Moderator of this Meeting Moved that this Meeting be now dissolved And the Meeting was accordingly dissolved [280.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhab- itants of The Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Monday the 8 th . Day of December Anno Domini 1783 — 3. O Clock in the Afternoon. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read Tt was moved and Voted that the Moderator be chosen by a Hand Vote Boston Town Records, 1783. 329 The Hon ble . James Sullivan Esq r . was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took his Seat accordingly. The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — To choose two or more suit- able Persons to be Viewers, and Cullers of Staves aud Hoops," was taken into consideration whereupon. It was moved and Voted, that Six Persons be chosen Surveyers and Cullers of Staves and Hoops — also. Voted, that these Persons be not chosen by a Hand Vote, but by Ballot [281.] The Votes being accordingly brought in and sorted it appeared, that Cap*. John Newell Cap 4 . Manassah Masters M r . William Marsters M r . Daniel Bell M r . Arthur Langford M r . John M c Elroy were chosen Cullers of Staves &c for the remainder of the year The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To consider whether the Hay Market shall be removed to a Place more convenient for the Business " — whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to carry the Report of the Committee relative to Land on Olivers Dock made vacant by the late Fire, into execution, so far as relates to removing the Engine for weighing Hay, near the School House by the Common. The Committee appointed to confer with the Owners of the Land near Olivers Dock made Vacant by the late Fire, having attended the Business, take leave to Report That as some of the Owners of said Land are unwilling to dis- pose of the same, and the great Expence that will attend the pur- chasing from Others so much as will be necessary to Answer the intention of the Town [282.] it is not expedient for the Town to take any further steps relative to the said Place more especially as the Committee conceive the Town may be much better ac- commodated near the School House by the Common on their own Land, and by removing the Engine for weighing the Hay to that Place it will naturally become the Market Place for that Article, and by being more in the Center of the Town will better Accom- modate the Inhabitants, all which is Submitted Thomas Daws p Order The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put — Viz'. — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative The Committee appointed to consider what further Measures shall be taken for the security of the Town by Night having attended the Business, take leave to Report — Whereas it appears That there are four AVatch Houses kept up in the Town, to each of which are Appointed one Constable at eleven Dollars per Month, and five Watchmen at eight Dollars p Month, each amount- ing in the whole to Seven hundred thirty four Pounds [283.] 330 City Document No. 80. eight Shillings p Annum exclusive of Fewell and Candles, and the Advantage arising f rom the said Watches appear to be no ways equal to the Expence. It is therefore presumed that a different disposition of the "Watch, will tend much more for the Safety and Security of the Town by Night than the present. If each of the present Watch Houses were reduced to fotir, and the eight taken from them to form another Watch, to be kept near the State House and this Watch to have an addition of one Shilling p Night to what the Others have to induce Persons suita- ble for the business to engage and they to be a patrolling Watch to inspect the Others &c. As the Gentelmen the Selectmen will direct it is supposed the Town may reap such advantages from this Alteration, as will compinsate for the additional Expence. And the Committee also Report, that the lighting; the Town as formerly will further Add to its security — • upon enquiring they find one hundred and twenty Lamps left in the upper Chamber [284.] of the Hall, and from the best intellegence suppose that about eighty are out in the Town, on this presumption One hundred more Lamps will make up the Number that was originally kept up for lighting the Town The greatest part of the Posts and Irons are in their Places — The former Expencies of the Lamp Lighters & Master amounted to £155. 4. 0. and the Oyl and Wick about £300. 0. more p Annum — All which is Submitted. Thomas Daws p order The foregoing Report having been read and considered — where- upou It was moved and "Voted, that so much of said Report as respects a Patrolling Watch be accepted — and that the Select- men be and hereby are appointed a Committee to carry the same into execution as soon as may be. A further debate arose respecting that part of the Report which respects, the Lamps and lighting the town, whereupon it was moved that a Committee be now Appointed to Collect all the Lamps [285.] which are in Town and others belonging to the Town, and that they devise ways and means for the immediate lighting the Town and make Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting — also Voted, that Thomas Daws Esq r . John Sweetser William Whitwell M r . Nath 1 . Balch Nath 1 . Appleton Esq r . Joseph Barrel Esq r . M r . Henry Prentice be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid The Article in the Warrant — Viz'. To receive the Report of the Committee relative to market Square" — was read — but one of said Committee being in the Meeting acquainted the Town that they were not yet ready to make Report — whereupon it was moved and Boston Town Records, 1783. 331 Voted, that the Gentelmen who Represent the Town in the General Court of this Commonwealth be and hereby are Instructed to use their endeavors in the General Court that a [286.] Law may be obtained to prevent or remove Incumbrances on the Market Square, Simular to the Draught of a By Law lately pre- sented the Court of Sessions for that purpose which was not ob- tained as they apprehend, that only the General Court could pass such a Law The Article in the Warrant Viz 4 . '.' That the Town will come into some Measures for the regulat- ing the tolling of the Bells for Funerals " — was read it was then moved, and Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to take this Article into consideration ; as also what may be necessary for regulating the Expencies of Burials ; and to make Report at the Adjourn- ment of this Meeting. The Committee appointed to examine and Report what they Judge may be still due to the late Treasurer David Jeffries Esq r . for his servicies as Treasurer of the Town Report as follows — Viz'. The Committee appointed by a Vote of the Town of July 3 d . 1783 — to take into consideration what is still due to David Jeff- ries Esq r . late Town Treasurer for his Services in that Office & report to the Town have attended that service and beg leave to make the following Report. [287.] That they have carefully examined the Selectmens drafts from the year 1774 to the present day in order to Ascertain what he has received from the Town in those Years & they find that he has not had any drafts for his Salary for the years 1775. 1778 & 1781. They have also carefully examined the Sums he has received in paper Monev in the other years in order to dis- cover how near it came in Value to the Salary in solid Money which we suppose he was entitled to. We herewith annex a State of his Account to March 1782. the time he resigned, wherein will be seen the Allowances we have made him for those Years — And as we find the Business of the Treasurer was greatly increased in the Years 1779. 1780. & 1781. owing to the depreciated paper currency & the price of all the necessarys of Life so excessive high in 1780 & 1781 — Your Committee are of Opinion he is Justly en- titled to the severall allowances we have made him, Whereby it will appear that there is a ballance due to him from the Town of Eight hundred & Eleven pounds fifteen shillings & 4 d . Specie, which your Committee are of Opinion ought to be on Interest till it is discharged — all which is submitted — Thomas Walley £811. 15. 4. p Order of the Committee Boston Dec r . 6. 1783 [288.] The foregoing Report having been read — it was moved and Voted that the consideration thereof be Referred to next March Meeting. It was Moved that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to Thursday the 18 th . Day of December Ins'. 3. O Clock in the Afternoon. And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned. 332 City Document No. 80. Thursday the 18 th . Day of December met according to Adjourn- ment. The Hon ble . James Sullivan Esq r . the Moderator of this Meet- ing having excused himself from attending this Afternoon — It ■was moved that the Town now come to the choice of a Moderator Pro Tern . Voted, that a Moderator Pro Tern : be chosen by a Hand Vote Perez Morton Esq r . was chosen Moderator Pro Tern , and took the Seat accordingly. The Committee appointed to Collect the Lamps belonging to the Town, and also to devise ways and means for the speedy [289.] lighting the same, not having Reported in writing, it was moved and carried that the Consideration of this Matter be passed over for the present The Committee appointed to carry the Resolution of the Town into execution with respect to appointing a patrolling Watch, being called upon to know whether the Same had been effected, acquainted the Town, that not having been able to Obtain a suitable place for a Watch House, they should postpone the ap- pointing said Watch, but hoped soon to be able to answer the in- tention of the Town relative to said Watch The Committee appointed to consider of some measures for regulating the Expencies at Funerals, and Tolling the Bells on such occasion — Reported to the Town in writing on those Mat- ters — but as what related to the regulation of Funerals was Ob- jected to, as not being inserted in the Warrant for calling the Meeting ; the Town attended chiefly to that part of the Report, relative to the tolling of Bells at Funerals, and after considerable debate and arguments thereon the Town came into the following Resolution Viz'. Voted, that in future there be only one Bell tolled at each Funeral ; and that the Bell of the Parish to which the Deceased belonged ['290.] Or the Bell of the Parish nearest to the Habi- tation where the Deceased Dwelled at the Election of the Relations of the Deceased. That in tolling the Bells for such Funerals, not more than two Strokes of a Bell be given iu one Minute. The Committee for collecting the Lamps belonging to the Town, and for divising ways and means for the immediate lighting the Town, not being ready to make Report. It was Moved and Voted that Col . Tudor be added to the Committee ; who are desired to set forthwith, and Report to the Town at the Adjournment the ways and means for carrying said intention of the Town into immediate execution. It was moved that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to Wednesday tin; Twent} 7 fourth Day of December Instant 3. O'f'lock in the Afternoon. And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned to said Time then to Meet in this Place. Boston Town Records, 1783. 333 Wednesday the 24 Day of December 3. O Clock: Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment [291.] The Hon ble . James Sullivan the Moderator and Perez Moreton Esq 1 '. Moderator Pro. Tern , not being able to give their Attendance, it was moved and Voted, to come to the choice of another Moderator Pro Tern , in order to regulate the Meeting and that this choice be by a hand Vote. Ezekiel Price Esq r . was accordingly choseu Moderator Pro. Tern . The Committee Appointed to Collect the Lamps &c take leave to Report. That it was the Intention of the Town to have Lamps lighted as heretofore if a sufficient number could be Obtained for the pur- pose. And that a Committee would attend at Fanuiel Hall on Tuesday the 23 d . Instant from eleven to one of the Clock before- noon at which time & place the Inhabitants who had any Lamps in their Possession were desired to send in their Names & Place of Abode to the said Committee in order that the number of Lamps belonging to the Town or otherwa3 7 S might be known and also if any Person had any to dispose of they were requested to Give in their Names with the Number they have on Hand that a satis- factory report might be made at the Adjournment " The Commit- tee Attended the [292.] Business & would Inform the Town that no Person Attended in consequence of the aforesaid Notifica- tion. They also desired a Gentelman at Salem to make Enquiry of the Lamps that are reported to be in that Town from whom they have not heard. The Committee would further report that the Selectmen be re- quested to employ some Suitable Person as soon as may be, to take an Account of the Irons & Posts that was provided in the year 1774 now standing & what the deficiency is, to asurtain this the Com- mittee will furnish him a list of them. An Enquirey may be also made if there is any Lamps in the Houses where the Irons are or in the Neighborhood of them And if a sufficient number of Lamps can in any ways be Obtained. That then the Selectmen be requested to Employ a Master & Lamp Lighters as before in this Business and make the necessary repairs & provide such Articles as may be wanted. And that a Tax of Six hundred pounds be Assessed as soon as possible on the Inhabitants for the purpose of carrying [293.] This plan into Execution to be called the Lamp Tax this Tax will be about one sixtieth part of the last Tax. And it is supposed if made with nearly the same Materials may be soon done and the Meeting of it be not difficult, a person who pay'd sixty Dollars in the last Tax will pay about one in this — The Disposition of the Inhabitants with regard to lighting the Lamps will be soon known by the Collection of the said Tax. But if it is found inexpedient for such a Tax to be immediately Assessed — Then the Town Treasurer may be directed to borrow a sufficient Sum for the said purpose, which Sum so borrowed shall 334 City Document No. 80. be repaid out of the first Moneys collected from the next Tax Assessed on the Town. All which is Submitted Tho s . Dawes p Order The aforegoing Report having been read, and considered the Town came into the following Votes. Viz 1 . Voted, that the Sum of Six hundred Pounds be raised by a Tax on the Polls and Rateable Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, for the purpose of procuring such Lamps as may be wanted [294.] with their Materials, and to defrey the Expences which may be necessary for the lighting the Lamps ; and that said Sum be Added to the next Tax that shall be issued in a Seperate Collum. Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to draught a Subscription Paper and deliver the same into the Hands of the four Collectors of Taxes who are hereby directed to apply to the Inhabitants forthwith, to obtain by way of Subscription a Sum of Money not exceeding Six hundred Pounds for the purpose of purchasing Lamps and the Materials and lighting the Same, and pay the Money into the Town Treasury as soon as received for which Sum the Treasurer is hereby impowered and directed to give said Sub- scribers a Recept, to be deducted out of their Next Town Tax. On a Motion Voted, that the Treasurer be directed to acquaint the Severall Collectors of Taxes that such Collectors as shall be Delinquent with respect to paying in their Tax on the first of Feb- ruary next, his Executions will be then Issued against such Collector. Voted, that all Matters and things [295.] which remain un- finished at this Meeting be referred to the next General Town Meeting then to be Acted upon. Thanks Voted to the Moderator. Then the Meeting was dissolved. INDEX OF NAMES. Adams, 2, 14, 52, 62, 65, 70, 75, 83, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 97, 99, 100, 107, 115, 125, 136, 137, 138, 150, 151, 171, 184, 185,193, 198, 200, 211, 212, 217, 220, 221, 224, 226, 235, 241, 243, 244, 245, 248, 253, 254, 255, 256, 258, 261, 270, 271, 275, 277, 292, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310, 315. Alexander, 301. Allen, 53, 60. Ainory, 92, 184, 185, 190, 229, 299. Andrews, 5, 114, 115, 236, 267. Appleton, 8, 20, 22,28,37,40,64, 73,81,83,98, 123, 125, 127, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 153, 155, 163, 164, 165, 167, 180, 208, 209, 212, 220, 222, 231, 266, 287, 290, 294, 304, 308, 309, 311, 325, 326, 330. Arnold, 229. Atkins, 36, 161, 190, 266. Austin, 1, 2, 3, 40, 49, 63, 65, 67, 71, 98, 114, 137, 151, 152, 156, 201, 203, 204, 245, 258, 308. Avery, 15, 33, 34, 87, 124, 194, 245, 308. Avis, 175, 185. Aynes, 296. Ayres, 5, 51, 229, 296. Babcock, 271. Baker, 52, 54, 73, 92, 191, 230. Balch, 325, 326, 330. Bales, 94. Baley, 6, 11. Ballard, 4, 5, 6, 36, 40, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 70, 73, 77, 84, 88, 90, 95, 97, 99, 102, 110, 136, 143, 149, 162, 174, 183, 186, 187, 188, 190, 191, 228, 229, 232, 242, 266, 295, 300. Bangs, 5, 51, 111, 175, 229, 296. Bant, 4, 13, 39. Barber, 2, 4, 36, 48, 49, 78, 92, 93, 97, 109, 116, 136, 143, 162, 173, 183,187, 190, 225, 228, 230, 236, 297, 300. Barnard, 51,92. Barrel, 2, 9, 12, 15, 16, 20, 22, 24, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 63, 69, 70, 73, 84, 88, 92, 120, 142, 148, 151, 166, 176, 177, 180, 1S4, 191, 197, 199, 202, 212, 233, 238, 243, 285, 301, 311, 319, 325, 326, 330. Barrell, 162, 185, 199, 256, 267, 294, 295, 299, 300, 304. Barret, 3, 4, 8, 21, 31, 37, 39, 40, 50, 69, 70, 74, 76, 84, 92, 93, 110, 113, 114, 117,119, 123, 144, 162, 167, 171, 173, 176, 190, 209, 210, 217, 220, 227, 236, 243, 252, 257, 277, 278, 292, 308. Barrett, 21, 54, 63, 78, 152, 156, 167, 267. Bartlett, 324. Bass, 46, 143, 230, 235, 236. Baxter, 5, 188. Bayley, 96, 111, 174, 186, 191, 200, 240, 249, 263, 264, 268, 297, 316. Beal, 198, 203. Belcher, 49, 97, 160, 162, 236. Belknap, 11, 95, 125, 181, 186, 190, 266. Bell, 27, 36, 51, 111, 118, 168, 174, 209, 210, 229, 230, 236, 296, 329. Bennet, 51, 53. Bent, 191, 299. Bentley, 71. Bently, 25, 31, 35, 103. Bernard, 5, 111. Bigelow, 53, 120. Biggelow, 92, 118, 228. Bird, 51, 175, 229. Blaisdel, 5, 51, 111, 174, 232. Blaisdill, 296. Blake, 51. Blanchard, 60. Boardman, 266. Bond, 177. Bowdoin, 40, 83, 89, 95, 150, 151, 245, 255, 256, 257, 307. Bowes, 3, 18, 50, 69, 102, 106, 110, 173, 227, 292. Boyce, 109. Boyer, 21, 30, 227, 230, 234, 235, 250, 252, 256, 294, 300,312,315,316, 321. Boyls, 109, 143. Bradford, 92, 181, 183, 217, 222. Bradley, 5, 6, 51, 52. Bradshaw, 92. Brailsford, 89. Breck, 39, 60, 88,115,154. Brewer, 118, 120, 128. Brewster, 54. Brick, 58, 64, 91, 109,114, 118, 122, 140, 153, 165, 168, 285, 296, 301. Bridgham, 166. Bright, 54. Brimer, 255. Brimmer, 11, 12, 16, 59, 98,114, 140, 162, 168, 177, 197, 202, 230, 256, 299. Broders, 309. Bromfield, 20. Broom, 142, 151, 154, 255, 256, 270, 271, 280. Brown, 6, 12, 14, 33, 36, 37, 40, 45, 47, 53, 54, 58, 71, 88, 90,91, 92, 93, 95,97,111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 120, 15S, 159, 163 170, 171 , 172, 175, 176, 183, 192, 196, 197, 220, 224, 225, 226, 229, 231, 233, 235, 241, 266, 296, 299. Bruce, 91, 168. Bryant, 92, 118, 120. Bulfinch, 51, 110,178,229. Bullard, 11. Bumstead, 173, 296. Bumsted, 230. Burd, 296. Burrel, 113, 175. Burt, 235. Butler, 5, 51, 110, 174, 229. Butterfield, 242, 293. Buttler, 295. Byles, 5, 10, 189, 203, 232. Cable, 92, Cade, 111, 296,305. Call, 92. Callender, 4, 190, 267. Campbell, 6. Cane, 46. Carnes, 5, 10, 51, 60, 110, 113, 174, 229, 299. Cams, 92. Carrew, 177. Carter, 25, 31, 58, 71, 103, 198, 223, 228, 234, 286, 320. Champney, 5, 51, 111, 173,174, 295. 336 City Document No. 80. Chase, 82. Cheever, 324. Child, 111. Clark, 5, 49, 53, 92, 97, 100, 101, 143, 173,177, 184, 185, 1S7, 190, 193, 203, 268, 269, SOS, 309, 324. Clarke, 89, 186. Cleverly, 6. ClougK 51, 52, 60, 74, 111, 113, 175, 192, 229, 296, 305. Cobbet, 5. Cobbit, 186, 188. Codman, 113, 267. Coggshell, 6. Cogswell, 74, 113, 143, 175, 186, 187, 2S0, 296. Collins, 11, 51, 136, 178, 229, 295. Collis, 270. Column, 22S. Colson, 5, 37, 40, 47, 51, 89, 100, 111, 123, 128, 175, 191, 230, 296. Couant, 50, 228. Condav, 116. Condy, 12, 89. Conent, 128, 262. Conner, 242, 293, 306. Cook, 52, 92, 93, 118, 120, 143, 175, 204. Ooolidge, 54, 92, 113, 267. Cooper, 2, 3, 4, 28, 34, 37, 40, 48, 49, 50, 64, 79, 80, 107, 108, 109, 115, 125, 129, 148, 155, 158, 159, 172, 173, 219, 225, 226, 228, 275, 290, 292, 293, 322. Copeland, S9. 230, 296. Corbit, 52, 111. Cotta, 111. Cowell, 5. Crafts, 4, 5, 15, 19, 36, 75, 76, 77, 78, 95, 100, 102, 104, 106, 249, 328. Cranch, 151, 308. CraQe, 111,229. Crocker, 54. Croswell, 198, 223, 234. Cruft, 190, 192. Cudworth, 7, 59, 117, 118, 122, 240. Cumberfoot, 6. Curies, 92. Curtis, 52, 89, 109, 111, 175, 230, 296, 310. Cushing, 20, 21, 22, 29, 31, 101, 113, 124, 150, 151, 193, 245, 307. Dall, 71. Danfurth, 15. Daniels, 51, 111, 175,229. Davenport, 198. Daverson, 53. Davidson, 123. Davis, 4, 16, 18, 26, 32, 34, 37, 39, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 62, 65, 70, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 87, 88, 89, 92, 93, 100, 109, 110, 115, 136,150, 151, 152, 153, 154,156, 161, 165, 167, 108, 173, 177, 184, 193, 196, 217, 220, 221, 223, 228, 230, 231, 233, 234, 238, 239, 240, 245, 266, 271, 286, 2'.i:;, 308, 309, 320, 321. Dawes, 52, 56, 65, 75, 76, 78, 114, 156, 165, 167, 171, 180, 183, 187, 208, 236, 246, 300,311,317,323,334. Daws, 7, 8, 11, 10, 16, 21, 24, 62, 67, 68, 69, 83, 99, 113, 114, 125, 136, 148, 151, 152, 153, 161, 162, 166, 170, 171, 196, 209, 210, 211, 221, 222, 226, 237, 238, 241, 247, 260, 280, 294, 295, 304, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 315, 322, 325, 326, 328, 329, 330. Dellaway, 111, 174, 206. Deming, 151,299. Dennie, 91, 151, 164. Dennlson, 71. Devens, 28, 89, 155. Dexter, 308, 324. Dinsdel, 113,239. Dinedelt, 175, 232. Doak, 191. Doake, 188. Doan, 113. Dogget, 6. Dorr, 3, 4, 8, 16, 34, 37, 40, 49, 88, S9, 107, 108, 112, 120, 154, 168, 169, 171, 172, 183, 187, 227, 232, 236, 292. Downe, 185. Dowse, 46. Dyer, 4, 5, 6, 51, 52, 53, 111, 117, 120, 175, 185, 229, 237, 296. Eckert, 111. Eckley, 172, 307. Edes, 7, 36, 37, 40, 45, 47, 52, 88, S9, 90, 95, 100, 118, 123, 151, 173, 186, 187, 266, 296 297 Edwards, 109, 266. Eleot, 102, 190. Eliot, 50, 74, 131, 135, 148, 173, 184, 185, 235, 266, 292, 311. Elliot, 294, 304. Ellison, 5. Eustis, 5, 113. Everet, 77. Fairservice, 44. Fallas, 89, 316. Fallass, 175, 186, 187, 264, 267, 316. Farmer, 231, 239. Farnam, 111. Farriugton, 109, 165. Fellows, 3, 4, 7, 39, 40, 49, 50, 54, 55, 62, 74, 78, 79, 80, 91, 92, 10S, 110, 158, 159, 160, 162, 170, 172, 174, 176, 227, 228, 267, 292, 293, 294, 298. Fenno, 73, 111, 113, 174, 229, 296. Fisher, 151, 193,245,308. Fleet, 6, 233, 298. Flood, 36. Ford, 50,92. Fosdick, 177. Foster, 6, 37, 39, 45, 53, 64, 73, 93, 122, 185, 229. Fowle, 235. Fraizer, 95. Frazier, 4, 8, 11, 24, 40, 49, 98, 102, 108, 136, 142, 143, 145, 162, 171, 172,180, 192, 199, 225, 227, 228, 258, 262, 265,267, 269, 270, 292, 293, 298, 325. Freeland, 111. Freeman, 91. Frobisher, 118. Fullerton, 59, 123. Gage, 328. Gammel, ISO. Gardner, 13, 37, 151, 181, 189, 195, 230. Gates, 39, 42, 43, 44. Gedney, 53, 192. Gerry, 307. Geyer, 242, 297. Gidney, 6. Gooch,18, 75, -177. Gore, 173, 184, 296. Gorham, 101. Gould, 299. Grant, 4, 13, 40, 47, 59, 89, 162, 232, 241, 290. Gray, 1, 2, 6, 15, 18, 28, 37, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 63, 64, 68, 70, 73, 83, 89, 93, 95, 98, 102, 106, 107, 113, 114, 115, 119, 123, 127, 129,136, 137, 138, 145, 149, 151, 154, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 162, 163, 164, 171, 176, 177, 180, 184, 185, 193, 232, 239, 240. Greanleaff, 150. Green, 4, 5, 6, 7, 52, 53, 73, 92, 100, 111, 113, 123, 151, 175, 178, 229, 230, 233, 236, 291, 290,297, 299. Greene, 228. Grccnleuf, 34, 49, 60,108,189, 195, 266, 306, 310, 320. Greenleaff, 1, 2, 3, 12, 189, 315. Greenough, 8, 4, 12, 49, 161,298. < trenough, 40. Grfffig, 204. Index of Names. 337 Haley, 5. Hall, 11, 12, 36, 92, 190, 191, 266. Hamlin, 12, 52, 175, 230, 296, 299. Hamling, 111. Haramat, 52. Hancock, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 58. 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 72, 73, 74, 82; 83, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 112, 116, 136, 137, 138, 145, 146, 150, 155, 158, 159, 171, 173, 174, 193,220, 221, 222, 225, 228, 231, 243, 245, 263, 271, 290, 307, 322. Hancok, 297. Harris, 6, 53, 60, 117, 185, 187. Hart, 46. Hatch, 16, 17, 18, 19, 59, 76, 77, 96, 110, 174, 228, 249, 251, 293, 328. Hayden, 111, 175, 188, 229, 296, 301. Hayley, 111, 230. Hayward, 11. Head, 228. Heath, 16, 69, 150. Henderson, 7, 8, 12, 28, 240. H end ley, 87," 92, 164. Hei.dly, 39. Henley, 87, 95. Hewes, 3, 187, 188. Hews, 50, 77, 102, 186, 189, 192. Heyley, 51, 175. Higgerson, 73. Higginson, 64, 70, 87, 88, 98, 99, 100, 115, 14 142, 153, 154, 155, 162, 163, /l65, 168, 169, 176, 180, 192, 196*199 205, 206, 212, 217, 220, 246, 247, 252, 254, 271. Hill, 75, 92, 100, 104, 266. Hinckley, 36. HinUley,113. Hitchborne, 104. Hitch-bourn, 277, 285. Hitchbourne, 221. Hitchburne, 7, 11, 52, 64, 74, 88, 190, 230, 266, 296. Hodgden, 162, 163, 220. Hodgen, 236. Hodgsdon, 238. Hodsdon, 202. Hodson, 141. Holbrook, 25, 31, 57, 71, 103, 123, 124. Holeyday, 263. Holland, 173, 239. Holleyday, 263. Hollyday, 240, 242, 243, 263. Homans, 123. Hoskins, 79, 80, SS, 90, 92, 95, 118. Houghton, 92, 118, 120. How, 295. Howard, 51, 111, 115, 152, 174, 229, 244, 296. Hubbard, 39, 45, 92, 110, 15S, 159, 171, 172, 290, 292. Hunnewell, 47. Hunt, 25, 31, 35, 71, 102, 103, 104, 147, 191, 197, 220, 223, 233, 286, 293, 320. Hurd, 101. Hyslop, 299. Inches, 4, 8, 16, 39, 64. Ingersol, 50. Jackson, 113, 150. Jarvis, 73, 76, 77, 79, 80, 83, 88, 89, 90, 93, 95, 98, 100, 138, 142, 144, 154, 161, 162, 163, 176, 180, 193, 196, 228, 246, 247, 254, 271, 277, 2S5, 294, 295, 304, 310, 311. Jeffries, 4, 7, 14, 18, 25, 26, 27, 51, 53, 54, 55, 65, 68, 105, 112, 114, 146, 147, 149, 158, 159, 174, 177, 202, 208, 210, 227, 234, 240, 250, 256, 2S7, 298, 321,331. Jenkins, 50, 51, 297. Jepson, 11, 14, 53, 123, 236. Johnson, 33, 236. Johonnot, 32, 33, 34, 92, 144. Johonnott, 33. Johonott, 33. Jones, 74, 16S, 188, 191, 230, 239, 256, 260, 266, 293, 299. Jonsey, 92. Joy, 11. Kemp, 299, 305. Kennedy, 40, 47, 59, 60, 88, 123, 230, 293, 296. Kent, 14, 277, 279, 287, 289, 315. Ketchum, 92. Ketchup, 92. Kettle, 50, 231. King, 92. Kirkwood, 232, 233. Kitchen, 93. Knap, 118, 120. Kneeland, 4S, SS, 91, 92, 95, 104, 105, 107, 143, 162, 185, 233, 298. Knox, 54, 71. La Payette, 217, 218. Lambert, 5, 6, 36, 53, 58, 74, 113, 174, 175, 230. Langdon, 162, 236. Langford, 329. Langley, 230, 297. Larkin, 92, 185. Larking, 190, 266. Law, 55, 92, Leaverett, 60. Lincoln, 245, 307. Livingston, 28. Loring, 18, 136, 184, 229, 230, 236, 296. Lotherop, 115, 150. Lothrop, 246. Love, 93. Lovel, 113, 246, 257, 308, 310. Lovell, 246, 247, 256. Lovering, 37, 40, 45, 47, 89. Lowder, 6, 117, 185, 233, 298. Lowel, 128, 308, 311, 321, 325. Lowell, 4, 12, 18, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 67, 83, 102, 103, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 114, 115, 119, 127, 129, 136, 143, 150, 151, 152,156, 160, 161, 164, 171, 174, 176, 178, 193, 196, 20S, 209, 220, 221, 222, 228, 230, 236, 245, 246, 247, 271, 293, 299, 316, 319. Lucas, 6, 39, 50, 52, S9, 91, 109, 112, 113, 114, 128, 154, 162, 163, 178, 183, 187, 212, 220, 222, 224, 225, 231, 236, 238, 256, 267, 285, 297, 300. Mackay, 84, 85, 97, 108, 143, 170, 172, 184, 185, 226, 227, 232. Mackey, S5, 162, 197, 236. Macky, 292. Magner, 232, 239, 240. Marsh, 186, 187. Marshall, 191. Marsters, 329. Marston, 12, 59. Martin, 78. Mason, 3, 50, 56, 92, 106, 107, 109, 110, 113, 117, 124, 171,173, 199, 212, 227, 228, 236, 292. Masters, 5, 52, 111, 175, 230, 296, 329. Matchet, 93, 96. Mather, 61. May, 4, 51, 53, 117, 168, 174, 185, 233, 267, 298. McCloud, 1S8, 299. McElary, 296. McElroy, 230,329. McFadden, 5, 188, 192, 296, 306. McLane, 37, 242. McLeod, 232. McNeil, 229, 295. McNiel, 4, 37, 299. Melvil, 50, 89, 93. Melvill, 79, 80, 99, 108, 110, 116, 228, 236, 255, 258, 293, 299, 316. Melville, 76, 109, 163, 173, 174, 212, 224, 230, 231, 236, 266, 297. 338 City Document No. 80. 196, 197, 199, 205, 206, 289, 290, 306, Melvin, 76. Miller, 191, 205, 206, 299. Minot, 224, 225, 226. MiDzey, 51. Mollin'eux, 91. Monk, 2, 10S, 172, 226. Moor, 5, 51, 229. Moraton, 26S. Moreton, 78, 333. Morrel, 177. Morrill, 299. Morton, 2, 4, 22, 32, 4S, 55, 60, 63, 129, 131, 212, 269, 285, 294, 295, 305, 332. Mountford, 190. Mourton, 277. Neal, 5. Neat, 296. Newel, 305. Newell, 6, 21, 31, 109, 128, 177, 190, 236, 256, 267, 311, 329. Newman, 113. Nightingale, 92. Niles, 193. Norcross, 51, 110, 171, 229. Noyes, 34, 37, 79, Sit, 128, 280. Nyles, 151, 245, 308. ■Oliver, 58, 115, 175. Orn, 150. Orne, 193, 245, 307. Osgood, 249. Otis, 24, 83, 144, 14 . 209, 210, 212, 247, 26 308. Owen, 5, 51, 111, 175, 230, 296. Page, 5, 174, 229, 296. Paine, 323. Palfrey, 107. Parker, 18, 36, 74, 92, 143, 162, 183, 184, 185, 187, 190, 264, 266, 269, 316. Parkman, 2, 36, 93, 111, 128, 162, 193, 226, 235, 236, 245, 266, 290. Parks, 6, 52, 53, 110, 111, 113, 118, 123. Parsons, 293. Partridge, 3, 50, 59, 60, 110, 173, 227, 292. Patten, 118, 232, 293. Patterson, 172, 226, 291. Payne, 64, 115, 151, 154, 158, 168, 176, 199, 202, 212, 220, 221, 240, 243, 252, 255, 256, 259, 265, 266, 268, 270, 271,287,299, 308, 316, 319, 325. Payson, 229, 286, 321, 324. I'fiEtliG 175 Peirce', 100, 115, 162, 163, 166, 236, 255. l'eke, 113. Peniberton, 189. Pepper, 34. Perkins, 92. Perry, 52. Phelps, 205, 206, 207, 209, 249, 253. Philips, 310. Phillips, 3, 4, 18, 33, 50, 79, 80, 98, 100, 110, 151, 173, 193, 199, 212, 227, 228, 231, 236, 242, 245, 255, 258, 267, 292, 293, 297, 308, 309, 327, 328. Pico, 5, 51, 109, 111, 175, 230, 296. Pierce, 39, 58, 89, 91,92, 114, 115, 118, 120, 181. Pitts, 1,2,3, 18,24,92,10?, 150,151,193,245, 252, 308, 309, 319, 320. Plimpton, 230. Pollard, ■;-,. Porter, 92. Powell, 3, 50, 64, 110, 150, 151, 173, 193, 227, 245, 256, 292, 308. Prentice, 54, 71, 73, 79, 80, 91, 92, 100, 109, 270,311,321,326, 330. Presson, 229. Preston, 1, 2, 3, 40, 47, 48, 49, 106, 107, 308, 120,162, 170, 17], 172, 224, 225, 226 2-°l 2.° 7 290 291. Price, 7, 8, 13, 16, 21, 22,' 24, 28, 30, 34, 37, 40, 48, 49, 54, 58, 60, 69, 77, 84, 87, 88, 90, 91, 102, 104, 106, 107, 108, 114, 137, 138, 154, 158, 159, 160, 168, 171, 172, 180, 192, 199, 225, 226, 227, 256, 261, 265, 271, 280, 287, 290, 292, 294, 304, 305, 308, 309, 310, 316, 319, 333. Prince, 58, 60, 74, 78, 96, 114, 115, 120, 162, 178, 181, 184, 230, 236, 296, 301. Procter, 3, 16, 54, 59,78, 79, 80, 93. 110, 116, 128, 141, 142, 173, 191, 224, 236, 259. Procter, 4, 34, 36, 50, 59, 100, 139, 141, 145, 146, 160, 161, 163, 173, 227, 228, 244, 249, 251, 258, 259, 261, 266, 271, 292, 293, 297, 328. Pulling, 4, 50, 53, 74, 79, 80, 88, 110, 116, 117, 162, 173, 190, 228, 233, 297, 298. Pulsipher, 52. Rand, 92. Ranger, 5, 51, 111, 174, 229, 295. Rashambeau, 279. Raynard, 111, 175. Read, 75, 118, 124, 184, 185, 236. Keed, 10, 16, 44, 113, 267. Reviere, 4, 50. Rhodes, 109. Rice, 186. Richardson, 88. Roads, 47. Roberts, 4. Robey, 162. Kobins, 92. Roby, 177. Rochambeau, 278. Rochambeaue, 278. Rodes 293. Rogers, 51,' 111, 113, 180, 188, 229, 242, 293, RoshanVbeau, 276. Rouse, 181. Rowe, 37, 39, 75, 84, 85, 88, 91, 93, 95, 98 102, 103, 138, 152, 156, 193, 200 206, 238, 246, 247, 308, 312. Ruddock, 266, 297. Ruggles, 37, 47, 49, 53, 56, 68, 70, 71, 79 86, 91, 100, 116, 153, 166, 171, 185, 189, 228, 233, 242, 243, 297, 298, 299. Rumnil. 299. Russel, 176, 230, 319. Russell, 39, 73, 92, 176, 180, 182,192, 199, 267, 268, 269. Sale, 324. Salter, 190. Sargent, 324. Savage, 33, 173, 240. Scollay, 2, 3, 4, 37, 40, 48, 49, 50, 54, 75, 94, 103, 108, 109, 137, 138, 154, 160, 168, 171, 172, 173, 197, 225, 226, 228, 258, 266, 286, 292, 293, 328. Scolly, 258. Searl, 192. fScars, 54, 71, 73, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 95 166, 236, 271, 280, 285. Seers, 88. Sever, 150. Sharp, 8, 11, 37, 39, 73, 79, 80, 88, 183, 188, 203, 230, 296. Shaw, 4, 7, 36, 50, 88, 109, 116, 121, 122, 106, 173, 186, 228, 240, 249, 263, 293, 316. Shed, 37, 47, 89, 91, 95, 230, 297. Sheppard, 185. Hherburn, 268. Sherman, 38, 113, 175. Sigoney, 54, 161,298. Sigorney, 6, 11, 36, 74, 88, 117, 128, 175, 191,231, 233. 266, 290. Sigourney, 50, 190,255. Hillman, 129. Simkins, 4, 14, 109, 112, 124, 166, 260. SiminH, 251. Bimpfeina, 49, 61, 64,68,128,190, 236,249, 101, 205, , 80, 173, 263, 158, 210, 290, \ 187, 162, 266, Index of Names. 339 Simpson, 5, 52, 113, 175, 18S, 232, 243, 293, 296. Skinner, 6, 52, 113, 230, 297, 300. Sloon, 92. Smith, 3,40, 50, 73,80, 83, 88,92, 110, 140, 154, 164, 166, 173, 177, 180, 192, 197, 212, 227,232, 262, 267, 292, 293, 294, 297. Snelling, 175. Soames, 236. Somes, 91, 191. Speakman, 184, 308. Spear, 5, 52, 53, 74, 118, 123, 175, 230, 296, 299. Speekraan, 93. Spooner, 150. Sprague, 60, 198. Stagpole, 118. Slagpoole, 120. Stanton, 128. Stimpson, 229. Stoddar, 296. Stoddard, 27, 111, 174, 296. Stodder, 229, 295. Storer, 7, 52, 83, 114, 123, 14S, 177, 245. Storey, 187, Story, 183, 268. Stutson, 174, 229. Sullivan, 275, 277, 305, 308, 309, 311, 317, 322, 329, 332, 333. Sumner, 7, 36, 53, 54, 55, 58, 60, 93, 116, 121, 122, 151, 166, 186, 193, 200, 230, 240, 245, 249, 262, 296, 297, 316. Sutton, 74. Sweetser, 3, 6, 8, 39, 50, 52, 73, 84, 108, 110, 112, 113, 117,124, 131, 173, 178, 222, 227, 231, 292, 326, 330. Sweetzer, 297. Syllimau, 151. Symmes, 4, 5. Symms, 49, 60, 73, 116, 162, 174, 183, 187. Syms, 50, 110, 190, 228, 236. Templeman, 228. Thayer, 50, 58, 115, 191, 230, 297, 308. Thomas, 6, 204, 297. Thompson, 55, 89, 117, 121, 122, 166, 178, 186, 200, 240, 249, 263, 297, 316. Thwinc, 113, 178. Tiieston, 4, 25, 31, 37, 50, 58, 71, 99, 103, 110, 162, 174, 191, 197, 198, 223, 228, 234, 236, 286, 293, 320, 321. Todd, 5, 51, 229, 296. Torey, 240. Torrey, 55, 122, 166. Tony, 7, 116. Tory, 231. Tracy, 193, 245. Tuekerman, 52, 111, 175, 184, 185, 231, 297. Tuder, 47, 48. Tudor, 48, 60, 62, 65, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 112, 113, 115, 116, 122, 124, 125, 131, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 158, 159, 167, 178, 180, 184, 190, 194, 196, 231, 277, 279, 280, 285, 295, 300, 305, 311, 322, 325, 332. Tuffts, 151, 193, 232. Tufts, 245, 293, 308. Tyler, 177. Tyng, 16, 326. Uran, 5, 40, 47, 51, 89, 111, 174, 229, 296. Van Ranselier, 139. Varnum, 92. Vernon, 177, 190, 266. Vezie, 1SS, 189, 191. Vinal, 223, 224, 234, 286, 287, 321. Vinall, 234. Viomenil, 276, 277, 278. Wait, 173. Wales, 5, 51, 111, 175, 30S. Walker, 33, 192. Walley, 6, 8, 10, 16, 21, 28, 31, 32, 34, 37, 52, 55, 56, 62, 65, 67, 69, 70, 73, 88, 89, 95, 100, 10], 131, 136, 143, 145, 152, 153, 156, 162, 165, 204, 205, 206, 208, 212, 217, 220, 230, 253, 256, 267, 268, 271, 309, 310, 312, 316, 319, 321, 331. Wallis, 173, 177. Wally, 39. Ward, 150. Warren, 150, 245, 263, 279, 280, 286, 307, 322, 3U. Washington, 17, 278. Waters, 109, 113, 114, 116, 120, 144, 154, 162, 163, 182, 202, 225, 230, 236, 238, 293, 311,317. Webb, 4, 12, 16, 37, 39, 49, 50, 52, 59, 110, 161, 162, 163, 173, 174, 227, 228, 236, 267, 292, 293, 299. Webster, 236. Welch, 113, 175, 184, 185, 203, 229, 290. Wells, 59, 92, 162, 236. Welsh, 290, 291, 324. Wendell, 3, 18, 24, 83, 149, 150, 151, 235, 299. Wentworth, 118. Whalley, 224. Wheeler, 5, 7, 52, 293. Wheelwright, 5, 51, 92. White, 3, 6, 10, 39, 50, 51, 52, 90, 94, 109, 110, 112,113,123,136,151, 173, 174, 178, 193, 197, 227, 229, 231, 235, 262, 266, 292, 297, 306, 308. Whiting, 229. Whitney, 186, 232, 293. Whitwell, 3, 8, 50, 92, 110, 173, 220, 227, 232, 292, 326, 330. Wier, 37, 59. Wight, 18, 196. Wild, 173. Williams, 3, 4, 6, 12, 21, 22, 40, 45, 49, 52, 59, 92, 93, 102, 112, 124, 178, 236, 264, 266, 268, 293, 316. Willis, 85. Williston,175. Willson, 47, 79, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 95. Wilson, 80. Winslow, 92, 299. Wintherop, 110. Winthrop, 4, 22, 28, 49, 50, 174, 177, 228, 252. Wiswell, 53, 58. ' Woart, 1S6, 187. Woodward, 5. Wyer, 123. INDEX TO PLACES AND SUBJECTS. Accounts, 116, 117, 121, 122, 157, 181, 1S2, 195, 199, 201, 211, 223, 258, 26S, 327, 32S. to audit, 7, 177, 300, 312. of town treasurer, 7, 52, 53, 65, 114,117,201, 202,230,231, 240, 243,248, 254, 255, 259, 260. overseers of the poor, 7,53, 114, 177, 230, 231. sale and purchase of fire-arms, 11, 12. collectors, 122, 123. Mr. Justice Greenleaf , 189, 195. Amasa Davis, 239, 241. with board of war, 244. selectmen, 249. expenditures of the war, 249. Cupt. Gustavus Fellows, 158. Act, exclusion, 32. (See also Renegades.) against Monopoly and Forestalling, 46, 47,81. (See also Bill to prevent forestalling and monopoly.) to supply the families of certain non- commissioned officers and soldiers with necessaries, 115. relative to taxes, 169. tender (so-called), 177. for the more effectual observance of the Lord's Day, 277, 280-85. Address to John Hancock, 158. Marquis Lafayette, 217-18. Baron Viomenil, 276-77. Advertising, see Newspapers. Agriculture, 13, 314. Aliens, 71. law relative to, 71. (See also Laws.) Allies, 276-77. Almshouse, 10, 29, 30, 56, 176, 191, 242, 249, 315, 318. supplies for, 10, 30, 54, 55, 56, 57, 98, 242. appropriation for, 57, 149. pressing need of, 1S9, 190, 205, 242. keeper of, 239. salary of, 239. Amusements, 228. Anniversary, change of the institution of, on the 5th of March, report mi, 304-305. of the Independence, 291, ?94, 295, 305. Apple Island, an innoculating hospital at, to erect, 323, 324. [ ... i also Islands.) {See al o I (ospital.) Appropriation for the almshouse, 57. families of non-com- missioned officers and soldiers, 61. building new school- o i --, 2.;s. Armies, standing, ruinous tendency of, 2, 9, 4-<, 4'.), 107, 108, 171, 172, 225, 226, 290. foreign, 214. Arms and ammunition, 11, 12, 67, 68, 77, 244, 251, 252, 258, 259, 326, 327, 328. proceeds of damaged fire-arms, 11. purchase of, 12, 59. assigned to the town, 59, 231. firing of small, on the Common, 326. Neck, 326. poor quality of, 77. small arms to return, 244. loan of, asked for, 77. list of, 77. disposal of eighty, to militia officers of the town, five hundred eighty-seven to Col. Edward Proctor, 78. cartridges, 78, 231, 244, 251, 259. powder, 213. Army, continental, see Continental. neglect of, 23. Artillery, state, 77. (See also Troops.) Assay masters, 6, 52, 113, 178, 230, 297. Assembly or General Court, 6, 8, 18, 22, 34, 42, 47, 59, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 84, 102, 112, 120, 122, 128, 133, 135, 136, 137, 138, 140, 142,146, 153, 154, 155, 160 f 167, 169, 175, 176, 179, 180, 196, 197, 198, 200, 203, 204, » 205,207, 2 14- lS, 219, 221, 242, 246, 247, 249, 254, 256, 257, 258, 264, 265,273, 277, 279, 283, 285, 309,310, 312, 315, 319, 322, 324,331. demand lor jus- tice, 20. resolve of (Sept. 2 0, 1778), 10, 14. resolve of (J u n e 1 0. 1778), 26, 27. resolve of (J une 1 0, 1777), 11. resolve of (May 6, 1777), 78. rcBolvd of (Dec. 2), 161. resolve of (Dec. 4), 165, 167, 168. memorial to, 9, ID, 13, 19, 20, 21, 280-85. exclusion act, :;2, :::;, 34, 35. Index to Places and Subjects. 341 Assembly or General Court, petitioned to import grain from New York and Connecticut, 38. bill to prevent foresta 1 1 i n g and monop- oly, 38, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47. legislative and exe c utive branches of, abuses, 23. to enact laws relative to renegades, 28. resolve for pro- curement of clothing for the army, 29, 30. to supply fam- ilies of cer- tain non-com- missioned of- ficers and soldiers, 115. measures t o take for pro- tection of the se a-c oasts, 119. resolve of the, relative t o , f orrnin g a new constitu- tion, 83. representatives elected to, 18, 24, 61, 62, 63, 86. Assessors, 7, 30, 59, 60, 106, 116, 121, 145, 149, 154, 163, 167, 174, 179, 182, 194, 198, 207, 209, 212, 217, 219, 237, 253, 254, 262, 264, 269, 270, 318, 325. choice of, 6, 7, 53, 116, 117, 1S5, 187, 192, 229, 232, 233, 298. abatement of taxes, 7, 10, 26, 53, 114, 117, 121, 123, 1S3, 197, 237, 248, 249, 251, 253, 263, 279, 287, 2S9, 298. books of, 179, 251, 256, 288. ask for allowance, 30. granted, 31, 106, 149, 325. to levy taxes more equitably, 56. . allowance, 72, 106, 221. to prepare abstract of valuation of the town, 18U. in case of want of valuation, 182. Assize of bread, see Breadstuff s. Attorney-general, the, 274. Bakers, 36, 46, 92. combination of, to prevent, 266, 267. {See also Trades.) Barbers, 79. '{See also Trades.) Barracks, petition to erect, 69. Battalions, see Troops. Battery, North, 136, 138, 149, 185, 187, 188, 220. to sell, 189, 220. - South, 153, 155. Beacon Hill, 57, 72. trespasses on, 57. Beef, 10, 81, 102, 152, 153, 157, 165, 166, 167, 16S, 169, 181, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 242, 249, 253, 264. {See also Provisions.) Bell's wharf, 92. {See also Wharves.) Bells, ringing of, 22, 29, 143, 184, 193, 243, 307. omitted, 85; ringers, 29. tolling of, 4S, 107, 171, 225, 290, 331, 332. presentation of a bell to a school- house, 263. Bill of Rights, 23, 128, 129, 283, 284. to prevent forestalling and monopoly, 38. Bills, rate, see Taxes, hand, SI, 260. of credit, 154, 213, 221, 242, 249, 250, 260. Port, 243. Bilrica [Billerica], 90. Blacksmiths, 79. {See also Trades.) Blanks to print, 147. Blankets for the army, see Continental army. Board of War, 29, 32, 33, 231, 244, 251, 255, 259, 327. corn in the hands of, to dis- tribute to the poor, 29. case of Mr. Johonnet brought before, 32, 33, 34. resolve of, 32, 33. opposition to, 34. accounts with, 244, 257, 258, 259, 326,327,328. town's arms, 59, 231, 326. to wait upon, 97. books of, 328. Boards, surveyor of, see Wood. Bonds, see Sureties. Books, tax, 7, 143, 144, 145, 163, 179, 182, town, see Records. Boston, 1, 3, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, IS, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 32, 36, 39, 41, 45, 47, 61, 67, 72, 82, S4, 86, 88, 89, 90, 97, 101, 102, 105, 106, 108, 125, 131,135, 140, 151, 152, 158,159, 160, 165, 16S, 169, 170, 172, 192, 194, 1W6, 200,204, 20S, 211, 218, 219, 224, 226, 241,242, 244, 245, 216, 258, 261, 265, 267, 270, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 288, 289, 291, 302, 3U7, 303,309, 317, 319, 321, 323, 3^4, 325. Common, horses going at large on, to prevent,. 59, 60, 61. injury to, by passing of carriages, 221. school in the, 223, 224, 234, 321, 329. firing of small arms at the bottom of, 326. burying ground on, 302. incumbrances on, 311. i Gaol, 32, 33. - harbor, to fortify, 74. {See also Fortifications.) militia, 140, 141. {See also Militia.) / ueck, sale of town's lands on the, 55, 56, 57, 15S, 1S1, 183, 298, 310. forestalling provisions on, 87, SS, 89. lease of, 189, 203. incroachments on, to prevent, 203. firing of small arms on, to prevent, 32fi. Regiment, see Troops. Bounties, 17, IS, 26, 27, 140, 141. {See also Continental Army.) Braintree, 94. Breadstuffs, 6, 10, 13, 37, 38, 45, 46, 90, 92, 96, 101, 102, 140, 178, 231, 242, 249, 251, 258, 266, 267, 297, 302, 326, 327. 342 City Document No. 80. Breadstuffs, surveyors of wheat, 52, 112, 113, ITS, 231, 241, 297. scarcity of, 36, 39, 40. to provide for the families of non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Continental army, 10. rye bread, 90. for the poor, 29, 30, 36, 39, 242. iu the several wards, 36, 37, 38. assize of bread, 56, 57. Bridge, mill, 6, 103, 112, 17S. repairs, 103. draw, 103. repairs, 103. swing, at Oliver's dock, 301. Building, petition to erect, 69. of suitable school-house, 237, 238. new wooden, 325, 326. Burial places : sextons, 184. adjoining the Granary, 301. common, 302. expense of burials, to regulate, 331, 332. tolling of bells at funerals, regulating of, 332. Butchers, 76, 82. petition of the several, 81. (See also Trades.) meat, 81. (See also Provisions.) By-laws, 60, 280, 302, 331. relative to sweeping of chimneys, 288, 289. for appointment and regulation of the several market places, 3U2. to enforce, 302, 303, 3u4. (See also Laws.) Cadiz salt, 92. (See also Salt.) Cambridge, 83, 125. university at, 127, 313. Candles, 330. Card makers, 79. (See also Trades.) Cargoes, see Ships, vessels, etc. Carpenters, 79. (See also Trades.) Carriages, carts, etc., 103, 221, 302, 303,304. Cartridges, 78. (See also- Arms and Ammunition.) Carts, see Carriages, carts, etc. Carvers, 79. (See also Trades.) Case of Francis Johonnot, 32, 33, 34, 35. petition iu, 33,34. guilt of, not proven, 33. Capt. Samuel Pepper, 34, 35. Cattle upon the hoof, 91. Common, 299. Caulkers, 79. f Si >' also Trades.) Certificates, 86, 96, 123, 124, 237, 249, 286. loan office, 99. Charlostown Ferry, 87, 88. (See also Ferries.) Charter for fisheries, 216. Chelsea, re-annexation to Boston, relative to, 324. Chimney sweepers, 170. salaries of, 288. to appoint, 170. to advertise for, 288. sweeping of, 280. report on chimneys, 287-89. inspection of chimneys, 289. Ohocolate, 38. ' interns, 92. distilling of, 85. Clerks of the market, see Market. Clothing, 30,102, 103, 104, 105, 164,181,211. (See also Continental army.) Coffee, 38. Collection for Christopher Monk, 2. Collectors of taxes, see Taxes. Commerce, 323. wealth and strength of a nation dependent upon its, 215. naval strength of a nation linked with its, 215. illegal, 273. Commissary General of Supplies, 39, 40, 64, 68, 124, 126, 133. time of service to limit, 126. of military stores, 220. Commissions, 127, 217. Committees : on providing an orator for March the Fifth, 1. to wait on orator, 1, 2, 47, 48, 49, 106, 107, 108, 170, 224, 225, 289-90, 291. on correspondence, 4, 12, 32, 35, 49, 50, 70, 71, 72, 108, 109, 112, 116, 173, 177, 227, 228. to audit accounts, 7, 52, 53, 65, 243. on inspection and safety, 4, 12, 35, 47, 49, 50, 70, 71, 72, 75, 108, 109, 116, 173, 177, 227, 228, 273, 275, 297. to consider a tax to defray the expenses of the town, S, 10, 11, 201, -i02. on high price of provisions, 8, 9. remedy for, 9, 10. for relief of the poor, 10, 205. payment of schoolmasters, 10, 169, 221, 222. to obtain the names of the non- commissio lied officers and sol- diers of the Con tinental Army, 11. names of commit- tee, 1 i. to relieve said persons, 14, 68, 102, 103, 104, 115, 124. purchase fire-arms, etc., 11, 12, 67, 68. prepare a draft of petition to the General Court, 13, 20,21. on inoculation for small-pox, 15. drafting men into the army, 16, 17, 18, 19, 161, 162, 191, 195, 196, 198, 204, 222, 235, 236,237,238,241,243, 244. to obtaiu subscriptions for bounties, 18, 27, 143, 224. wait on the Board of War, 32, 97. prepare instructions to the representatives, 21, 64, 138, 156. prepare instructions relative to a form of government, 22,65, 66. prevent return of renegades to the town, 27, 28. on school-masters' salaries, 30, 31, 54, 56, 102, 123,147, 164, 319. to purchase flour, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 56, 140. borrow money, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 56, 201, 202. Index to Places and Subjects. 343 Committees : Committees to present memorial to Hon. Horatio Gates, 39, 40. inquire into persons fore- stalling the necessaries of life, 40, 45, 46, 87. obtain supplies for the poor, 54, 189, 190, 191. on payments made by collect- ors in the several treasu- ries, 55, 68, 69. sale of town's lands, 55, 56, 57. expenditures of monies, 56. levying of taxes more equi- tably, 56. assize of bread, 56, 57, 60. case of Francis Johonnot, 34. to ascertain amount of flour and other necessities in the several wards, 36, 37. report measure to relieve the inhabitants in their great and growing diffi- culties, 37. collect subscriptions for money to buy grain and flour, 38, 41, 142. furnish inhabitants with vegetables, 58, 60. prevent horses going at large on the Common, 59. on by-laws, 60. to obtain subscriptions of money, 64, 75, 99, 104, 154, 155, 212. relative to tax premiums, 68. to meet with the convention at Concord, 70, 71, 72, 73. names of committee, 70. proceedings of, to carry into effect, 73, 74, 76. to decide what measures to take relative to prisoners of war going at large, 70. report of, 69, 70, 71. on grants, 71. to procure subscriptions for loan of money to Congress, 74, 75. obtain subscriptions for for- tifying Boston har- bor, 74, 75. names of committee, 74, 75. affix prices on European goods, 75, 76, 78, 79, 9S, 100. consider what may be best to do for security of the town in case of an inva- sion from the enemy, 76. consider the introduction of live stock into the town, 76, 77. take note of violation of laws concerning sale of European goods, 79. committee of Twelve, reports of, 144. on enforcement of monopoly act, 81. committee of Thirteen, 82, 84, 85, 90, 96, 97, 91). on scarcity of fire-wood, 84. price of merchandize, 84, 89. on fire-wood, 85, 86, 94. engrossing of wood, meat, etc., to prevent, 86. to prevent persons going upon Charlestown ferry and the Neck to purchase provi- sions, 88, 87. names of twenty, on commit- tee, 8S, 89. on price of merchandize and country produce, 88, 89, 96. to supply the town with pro- visions, 89. wait on merchants, traders and distillers, 90, 91, 92, 95. relative to cattle upon the hoof, 91. to board vessels and report on cargoes, 93, 95. receive and store salt, 95. procure subscriptions for the magazine, 95. of merchants, appointed to affix prices of European goods, etc., 98, 100, 101. names of, 98. to obtain supplies for the pub- lic store, 100. on repairs to bridges, 103. salaries of town officials, 106. abatement of taxes, 114. to inquire into debits and credits of the town, 114. on street refuse, 115. workhouse, 115. to promote virtue and good order in the town, 115. examine collector's books, 117, lis. improve town land at West Boston for raising vege- tables, 118, 17S. for protection of the sea coasts, 119. to establish a school at the South End, 120, 123, 124. provide a place for the town to meet, 125. consider the habeas corpus writ, 127. 3d article in the declara- tion of rights, J 29. report on, 129- 130. draw up reasons for altera- tions in constitution, 131, 135. procure recruits and sup- plies for the a.rmy, 144, 164, 210. on assessors' salaries, 148. to examine accounts of Gapt. Gustavus Fellows, 158, 159, 160. on address to John Hancock, 158. to inquire into town's title to land at or near North Battery, 136. classify inhabitants of the several wards, 161, 162, 163, 164. procure beef for the Conti- nental Army, 152, 153, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170. present address to Gov. Hancock, 159. on outstanding taxes, 164, 16E, 166, 195. to receive monies raised by tax for beef, 168. on Ways and Means, 176, 182, 183. 185, 205. town's proportion of fines, 176, 177. 344 City Document No. 80. Committees . on assessing and collecting taxes, 176, 179. to prepare abstract of valua- tion of the town, 180. assist town treasurer in settling accounts and collecting debts, 182, 202. clerk to said committee, 182. on town's land on the Neck, 183. to lease North Battery, 187, 188. prevent illicit trade, 187,271, 272. on petition of collectors of taxes, 197. to act on list of jurors, 198. estimate sum necessary to defray expenses of current year, 199, 200. assist the treasurer, 202. prevent encroachments on the Neck, 203. on town watch, 211. fishery, 212. to wait upon the Governor, 213, 271. ' prepare complimentary ad- dress to the Marquis de la Fayette, 217-18. on present arrangement of publick schools, and what further improvement may be made therein, 220. to consult with the commissary of military stores, 220. on repairs to streets, 221. petition of Paul Farmer, 231. building of new school- house, 237. to inquire into expenditures of war, 249. examine the assessors' books, 256. act upon the list of jurors, 258. present memorial relative to the observance of the Lord's day to the general assembly, 285. consider the suitable obser- vance of the anniversary of the Declaration of Inde- isendeuce, 291, 295. on enforcing by-law relative to the markets, 304. to provide an orator to deliver en oration on the 4th of July, 305, 322, 323. consider the re-annexation of Chelsea to Boston, 324. security of the town by night, 326, 327. collect town's lamps, 330, 332. Common burying ground, 302. [St <■ also Burial places.) street, 301, 302. (See also .Streets.) Concord, 70, 7:;, 74, 75, 76,78, 80, 82, 87, 88, S 101. Confederation of tin- Thirteen States, 216. Congress, 05, 217, 272, 314. to obtain subscription* for money to loan, 74, 75. pamphlet published by, 95. delegates to, 126, 137. ' commissioners to, 217. ■'), 270, 271. i.l.s, :;, 22, 73, 97, 123,124,136,148, 144,153, 15:., 163, 171, 175,176, 17:>, 183, 188, 203. Constables, choice of, 6, 53, 59, 116, 117, 123, 184, 1S6, 188, 191, 192, 19S, 200, 204, 227, 229, 232, 233, 241, 242, 243. desire to be exempt from serv- ing as, 5S, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 191, 192, 2u3, 239, 241. disorderly behavior of one of the, 97. list of persons who will serve as, to furnish, 188. . (See also Watch.) Constitution and form of government, new, 21, 22, 23, 61, 63, 83, 125, 128, 129, 131-35, 156, 157, 193, 196, 244, 246, 282, 283, 284, 313, 314. provision for a future revisal of, 127. to accept, 129. superior advantages of a repub- lican, 291. Continental agents, 90. army, 8, 10, 14, 19, 77, 141, 153, 154, 156, 194, 195, 206, 207, 209, 217, 235, 236, 259, 328. full proportion of, to keep in the field, 66. statistics as to the, 11, 19, 249. drafting men into, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 145, 161, 163, 198, 204, 222, 235, 236, 237, 238, 243, 244, 249. enlistments into, 17, 18. bounties, 17, 18, 26, 27, 140, 141, 145, 147, 224, 244, 249, 260. mileage of men, 27, 140, 147, 249. clothing for, 29, 30, 102, 103, 104, 105, 181, 249, 259. shoes and stockings, 30, 140, 147, 164, 165, 210, 249. blankets, 140, 147,164, 165. major-general and com- mander of the, memo- rial to, 39, 40. reply of, 42, 43. supplies to families of non-commissioned offi- cers and soldiers of, 61, 64. 115, 124, 249, 260. tax raised, instead of men drafted, 140-41. recruits and supplies to procure, 144, 145, 160, 191. beef for, 152, 153, 157, 165, 166, 167, 169, 170, 204, 209, 249, 253. grain for, 249. horses for, 249. navy, 19. service, see Continental Army. stores, petition for flour and bread corn from, 49, 50. tax, 205,267, 268, 269. Convention of February 28, 1778. June 16,1780,152. form of government sent out by, to reject, 22. State, to call, ace State Con- vention. me. ling of, at Concord, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 70, 78, 80, 82, 96, 99, 101. at Cambridge, delegates, 83, 128. Concord, 87, 88. for framing new constitution, 125. Index to Places and Subjects. 345 Convention, i-esolves of the, 125, 135. on sweeping of chimneys, 280. Coopers, 79. {See also Trades.) Cordwainers, Y9. {See also Trades.) Corn, see Breadstuff's. Correspondence, committees on, 4, 12, 32, 35, 49, 50, 71, 72, 108, 109, 112, 116, 173, 177, 187, 227, 228. names of, 49, 50, 228. {See also Committees.) with sister states, to en- courage, 157, 306, 307. Cotton wool, 92. Council, the, 13, 34, 70, 72, 77, 84, 126. counsellors, 24. resolve of, 32, 33. case of Francis Johonnot, 32, 33, 34, 35. County of Suffolk, see Suffolk, treasurer, see Treasurer, register, see Register. Court of general sessions, 6, 294. inferior, 142. supreme judicial, 207, 314. Cows, see Cattle. Credit, public and private, basis of, 156. Cryer, town, see Town. Cullers of staves, 5. Currency, article upon, 95. Curtis' wharf, 310. Debit and credit of the town, 7, 53, 114, 177, 181,182. Debt, public, 157, 201, 215. Declaration of Independence, anniversary of, to be suitably observed, 291 294. Eights, 127, 129, 130, 131, 132, 313, 314. Deeds, etc., 220, 311, 317. Deer, informer of, 5, 51, 111, 175, 230, 296. Delegates, 131, 135. to the convention at Cambridge, 83, 84, 125, 126, 128. at Concord, 87, 88. choice of, 83, 87, 88. names of, 83, 88. Depositions, 271. Diseases, infectious, 9, 10, 323. spread of, 15. to prevent, 302. {See also Small-pox.) Distilleries and distillers, 90, 91. Distilling of cisterns, 85. {See also Cisterns.) Dock square, 303, 330. fish market at, to open 98. repairs on, 318. consideration of, deferred, 98, 99. fish stalls, to build on, 100. encroachments in, 294, 311. {See also Streets, etc.) town, 46, 326. incumbrances on, 305, 331. abutters on, 311, 314, 316, 317, 318, 321, 326, 327. {See also Town Dock.) to fill up, 311. Dominion provinces of Great Britain, 33. Donations, 238, 263, 291. Drafting, 16, 17. Drafts of monies, see Monies. men, see Continental Army. Drains, etc., 311. Drawbridge, 103. repairs to, 103. {See also Bridge.) Elections, matter of settling, 126. Enlistments, 17, 18, 19, 20, 243. bounties for men enlisting, 17, 18, 244. men to enlist in their own towns, 17, 18. omissions in manner of, 20. {See also Continental Army.) European goods, 75, 76, 78, 98, 100, 101, 215. Exclusion Act, 32, 33, 34, 35, 306, 307, 314. {See also Act.) Executive power, 126. Exhibitions, 228. {See also Amusements.) Exportation of gold and silver, 214. Faneuil Hall, 1, 3, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 32, 36, 45, 47, 49, 56, 61, 67, 69, 72, 82, 84, 86, 89, 97, 102, 105, 106, 108, 125, 135, 150, 152, 155, 156, 160, 165, 169, 170, 172, 192, 194, 196, 200, 204, 208, 211, 21S, 219, 224, 226, 228, 241, 242, 244, 246, 251, 259, 261, 265, 267, 270, 275, 276, 277, 289, 292, 307, 309, 319, 321, 323, 325, 328, 333. market, 19, 65, 302. regulations of, 19. stalls in, 81. arms lodged in, 259. windows of, to mend, 237. repairs to, 237, 238. Farmers, 82. Farriers, 79. {See also Trades.) Fees due from justices, 180. Fence viewers, 5, 51, 111, 175, 229, 296. Ferries, 80. Winnisimet, 72. forestalling provisions on, 87. Charlestown, 87, 88. Fines, see Penalties and Fines. Firearms, see Arms and Ammunition. wards, 4, 12, 50, 109, 110, 173, 174, 228, 293. Fires, to consider what is proper to be done to secure the town from, 170. bells to ring for, 184. at Oliver's dock, 325. Fish, 9, 215. stalls, 100. extravagant price of, 46. fishermen, 46. markets, 56, 57, 98, 99. price of haddock and halibut, 80. mongers, 79. Fisheries, 211, 214, 215, 314. importance of, 214-217. charter, 216. circular letter relating to the, 217, 218, 219. Flour and grain, see Breadstuffs. Foreign Armies, see Armies. Foreign Navies, see Navies. Forestalled, severe condemnation of, 13, 45, 46. law against, to enact, 13, 96. forestalling and monopoly, bill to prevent, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 44,47,87. certain men who are, 44, 45, 46. Form of government for the State of Massa- chusetts Bay, old, to reject, 23. new, to institute, 23, 24_, 66, 126. rights of representation, 23. equality of representation, 66. proposed alterations in, 131-35. new, 156. 346 City Document No. 80. Form relative to choice of Governor, etc., 307. rep re senta- tives, 309. Fort Hill, barracks to erect on, 69. Fortifications : brick wall of, 165. in Boston harbor, 74. near the Neck, S7, 88, 310. North Battery, 136, 138, 149, 185, 187, 188. to sell, 189. South Battery, 153, 155. Fox hill, 268, 269. France, naval power of, 216. allies from, 276-277, 278. Freedom of speech, to secure, 127. French Corps under Count Rochambeau, 278, 279. Funerals, tolling of bells at, to regulate, 331, 332. Gaol, case of Francis Johonnot confined in the, 32, 33. General and Commander-in-chief of the forces in the United States of America, welcome to, 275,276-77, 278. reply of, 278, 279. Glass, 44, 45, 238. Glaziers, 79. (See also Trades.) Goal, see Gaol. Gold, 214. Goldsmiths, 79. (See also Trades.) Governor, the, 126, 133, 150, 151, 152, 165, 193, 194, 213, 244, 245, 271, 307. address to, 158. committee to present ad- dress, 159. reply of, 159. Lieutenant, 126, 150, 151, 152, 193, 194, 244, 245, 307. Grain, see Breadstuffs. (See also Granary.) Granary, the, 38, 41, 231, 297, 301, 302. grain to store in, for the town, 38, 41. to be distributed, 42. keeper of, 6, 52, 112, 231, 297. purchasers of grain, 6, 52, 112, 140, 178, 231, 297. sale of, 52, 231, 297. to use, as a public magazine, 96. stores in, to remove, 97. burying ground adjoining, 301. Grants and allowances, 66, 67, 71. (See. also Salaries.) Gravel, 268, 269. Great Britain, 216. monies sent to, 215. Habeas corpus, 127. privileges and benefits of, 128. to suspend only in time of war, e