# American History Told by Contemporaries/Volume 2/Chapter 11

CHAPTER XI — COLONIAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT
75. The Business of a County Court (1681)
The county court in the southern and middle colonies was rather administrative than judicial, and was the agent of local government. No detailed record of later date than 1681 has been found available. — Bibliography: Armstrong, Record of the Court at Upland, Introduction; E. Channing, Town and County Government; G. E. Howard, Local Constitutional History.
June 14th 1681
| P$^r$sent | M$^r$ Otto Ernest Coch M$^r$ Israel Helm M$^r$ Laurens Cock ${\Bigl .}{\begin{matrix}\\\end{matrix}}{\Bigr \}$ Justices. |
Capt$^n$ Edm: Cantwell high Sherrife
| Justice Laurens Cock p$^{lt}$ Justa Justassen Def$^t$ | ${\Bigl .}{\begin{matrix}\\\end{matrix}}{\Bigr \}$ the def$^t$. 2$^d$: default |
The Co$^{rt}$: Continued this action till next Co$^{rt}$. day;
| Andries Boen P$^{lt}$ Moens Peter Stacket Def$^t$ | ${\Bigl .}{\begin{matrix}\\\end{matrix}}{\Bigr \}$ | the def$^t$: returned non Est Inventus |
Arnoldus De Lagrance p$^{lt}$
This action referred till next Court by reason that there's noe Court wthout Justice otto whoe is a party.
Justice Henry Jones & Justice George Browne were boath fyned for not attending ye Court to suply their places Each 10 pounds according to ye Law booke.
Hanna Salter p$^{lt}$
The P$^{lt}$. not appearing was nonsuited wth: Costs; ​William Boyles acquaints ye Co$^{rt}$: that one Robberd michill next heir of Robberd hoskins deceased, is att p$^r$sent alyve in England, and that hee ye s$^d$ will Boyles is by him ye s$^d$ Rob : michill desiered to take Care of ye Estate of ye s$^d$ deceased hoskins wth: in this Country;
Upon Complaint of Christiaen Claassen ; ordered that william Baale Give sattisfact : to Cristiaen for what Land hee had Cleared and all further Improovem$^t$ ; in Equity
Claes Jansen brings in ye Eare marke for his Cattle & hoggs & desires that ye same may bee recorded ; Granted & is as followeth viz, the foremost syde of yeEars halfe cutt away ;
Justice George Browne appeared and sate in Co$^{rt}$: being hindered to come sooner for want of a passage over ye Creeke ;
| Lasse Dalboo P$^{lt}$ |
| Swen Lom Def$^t$ |
| Jurys names James Sanderlins Will Boyles John Boeyar harmen Ennis will : orian andries peterss : & oele raesen | The P$^{lt}$: declares agst: ye def$^t$: for a peece of Land Lying in ye Schuylkill etc. The def$^t$: replyes that hee has had ye first grant & survey & paid quit rent. |
The P$^{lt}$ craues a Jury w$^{ch}$: was Granted and ye Jury Impannelled & sworne & ye : Case before them debated, they went out and returning brought in their verdict as followed viz$^t$: wee find for the deft : the Co$^{rt}$: doe passe Judgem$^t$. according to verdict ;
Justice Otto Ernest Coch acquaints the Court, that hee has bought and paid of ye : Indian proprieto$^{rs}$: a certaine swampy or marshy Island called by ye Indians quistconck Lying att the upper End of Tinnachkonck Island in ye river opposit andrews Boones Creeke ; and desires ye Co$^{rts}$: approbation. The Co$^{rt}$. haueing well Informed themselves about ye p$^r$misses, doe allow thereof.
Upon ye Peticon of magist$^r$: Jacobus fabritius ; ordered that ye Church wardens of ye Peticon$^{rs}$: Church doe take care that Every one of those as haue Signed & promissed towards his maintaynance, doe pay him ye sumes promissed, upon payne of Execution agst: ye : deffective ;
Andries Petersen P$^{lt}$
Jonas Nealson Def$^t$
The def$^t$ alleadging that hee was not tymely arrested ; The Case is referred til next Court ; ​Upon Complaint made by ye overseers of ye highways ; The Court haue and doe hereby Condemne John Champion to pay a fyne of twenty and fyve Gilders, for his not workeing upon ye highway when due warning was Given him ;
Upon ye Request of william warner & william orian ; ordered that ye severall people. that hold Lands ; of that w$^{ch}$ ye peticon$^{rs}$ bought of ye Indians Lying in ye Schuylkill Every one to repay to ye peticon$^r$ proportionable to ye : quantity of Land they hold there — the whole purchaze w$^{ch}$ ye peticon$^{rs}$ paid being 335 gilders ; and ye following p$^r$sons holding Lands wthin that Limit, viz$^t$ andries Inckoren 200 acres andries homman 200 acres Pelle Laersen (als) Put pelle 100 acres, Peter Erikson 200 acres will : warner 100 acres will : orian 100 acres John Booles & John Schoeten 400 acres Swen Lorn 300 acres of Land. Each of ye : aboves$^d$ p$^r$sons to pay proportionable to ye quantity of Land they hold as aboves$^d$
Upon ye request of Peter Jocum ordered that Peter rambo Cause his marsh Land according to pattent to bee surveyed to ye End s$^d$ Peter Jocum may know what is Left to him ;
Benck Salung sworne in Co$^{rt}$ sayeth that hendrik Colman tould him that hee heard moens Staecket say that all the Court were Rogues ;
The Co$^{rt}$ ordered that Execution should bee Granted to ye Sherrife ; upon ye Co$^{rts}$ amerciaments due according to ye List drawne out, : alreddy in ye s$^d$ Sherrifs hands for ye Collecting of ye s$^d$ amerciaments according to Lawe.
Upon ye severall peticons of the afternamed persons, The Co$^{rt}$ Granted unto Each of them ye quantitys of Land hereunder Exprest, to take up they ye Peticon$^{rs}$ seating and Improoveing ye same according to Lawe and regulacons ;
| Granted unto Reynier Petersen to take up | 200 acres |
| Andries Boon | 200 |
| Will : Warner Senior | 400 |
| Rich : Tucker | 100 acres |
| Otto Ernest Coch | 400 acres |
| Lynall Brittall | 200 acres |
| Jan Claassen | 200 acres |
Upon an Information of will : Coyles ye Constable att ye faals agst Gilbert wheeler att ye s$^d$ faals, for selling of strong Licquors by retayle to ye Indians Contrary to ye Lawe & ye forwarning of ye s$^d$ Constable, w$^{ch}$ s$^d$ Information was Lykewyse by Justice Geo : Browne auerred to ​bee truth; The Co$^{rt}$ haue and doe hereby Condemne ye s$^d$ Gilbert wheeler to pay as a fyne ye sume of fower pound; for his s$^d$ trespasse, according to ye Expresse Lawe of ye Governm$^t$ togeather ye Costs (als) Execution.
The C$^{rt}$ haue this day authorized and appointed William Boyles to bee surv$^r$ & overseer of ye highwayes from the faales to Poetquessink Creek; hee to take care that ye s$^d$ highwayes bee made good & passable, wth bridges over all myry & dirty places; betweene this & ye next Co$^{rt}$ and all ye Inhabitants Living wthin ye Compasse aboves$^d$ to bee reddy to doe & compleat ye s$^d$ way upon due warning given by ye s$^d$ overseer; the unwilling to bee fyned according to former order & practize;
The Co$^{rt}$ adjorned till ye 2$^d$ Teusday of ye month of Septemb$^r$ next.
[Edward Armstrong, editor], The Record of the Court at Upland, in Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Historical Society, Memoirs, VII, Philadelphia, 1860), 189-194.
76. Records of a City Government (1700)
BY THE MAYOR, RECORDER, ALDERMEN, AND COMMON COUNCIL OF ALBANY
Very few borough or city governments existed in the colonies; this extract sets forth the activity of one of them. — Bibliography: A. J. Weise, History of the City of Albany, ch. x.
ATT a Common Councill held in y$^e$ Citty of Albany y$^e$ 14th of May, 1700.
It is concluded and thought requisite that y$^e$ streets within this Citty be cleared, each Inhabitant before his door, and to remove y$^e$ fyre wood thereof, and whoever shall be founde driveing a wagon or cart through y$^e$ streets, and y$^e$ drivers not walking afoot, shall forfeit for each such offence y$^e$ sum of 3s, as likewise for such as are neglecting to clean the street, and remove the wood before their doors.
​Hendrik Oothout appointed surveyor for y$^e$ Citty and sworne.
Jacob Turke is appointed to sue the Kinderhook Justices to y$^e$ next inferior Court, fo y$^e$ arrears due to y$^e$ Citty.
May 16, 1700. — Whereas Pr. Jedon and John Pettitt and family, both French, from Sopus, appear desyring liberty to passe to Canada, and that a man or two may be allowed to carry them thither, which is permitted, and thought convenient y$^t$ y$^e$ Persones y$^t$ carry them thither shall enter into bonde that they shall transport noe horses or mares to Canida as y$^e$ late proclamation requires, whereupon David Ketelheyn and Elbert Harmense, who are their guides, have given bond for ₤100.
Itt is concluded y$^t$ y$^e$ three Constables, each in his warde, shall goe rounde by each Inhabitant y$^e$ have rid Stockadoes for y$^e$ Citty, and order him to show y$^e$ same, and whoever as have not ride their quota shall pay for each Stockade 18d. which is to be done in the space of twice four and twenty hours.
It is further concluded that after the Citty walls are closed, y$^t$ y$^e$ Constables shall take care to see that no Stockadoes be broak downe and wherever they fynde or can hear of any person y$^t$ breaks downe said Stockadoes shall forfeit for Stockadoe so broak downe y e summe of 6s. according to former custom, and then said Constable shall order Stock adoes to be sett up againe upon y$^e$ Citties costs.
May 21. —It is concluded y$^t$ a warrant be given to y$^e$ Constables to strain all Inhabitants as have been neglecting in Riding their quota of Stockadoes for y$^e$ Citty walls, and y$^t$ 4 men shall be employed to sett up y$^e$ Stockadoes already Ride upon y$^e$ Cittys costs.
May 24. — It is concluded by y$^e$ authority aforesaid, that a Tax of one hundred pounds be laid and assessed upon y$^e$ Inhabitants of this Citty, and y$^t$ a warrant be issued to y e assessors of y e Citty, to make their assessment for y$^e$ same, which shall be collected and received, one half at or before y$^e$ 15th of July next ensueing, and y$^e$ other halfe at or before y$^e$ 15th of September then following; y$^e$ assessors are to make their returns to Mr. Mayor in y$^e$ space of eight days ensueing y$^e$ 25th of this instant.
June 7. — Whereas on y$^e$ 24th of May last a warrant was directed to the assessors of this Citty, to make their assessment for ₤100 upon the Inhabitants therein, and to make their return in y$^e$space of eight days to Mr. Mayor, under hand and scale, which assessment being made and produced to y$^e$ meeting, desyring approbation, but being founde not to be sealed according to order, is given over again to y$^e$ assessors and referred ​till Harpert Jacobse, Ben. van Corlaer, assessors, come home from New York, to the sealing thereof.
David Schuyler and Jacobus Turke are appointed to inquire if there is any debts still due to Abraham Poel deceased, by Hend. Hanse and others, and make report thereof next Tuesday. . . .
[Sept. 3. —] The Churchwardens of Shinnechtady doe make application to y$^e$ Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen & Common Councill, desyreing two persones to be allowed & appoynted to goe Rounde by y$^e$ Inhabitants of y$^e$ Citty, to see if they can obtain any Contribution to make up y$^e$ Sellary due to there Minister, Do. Freman, whilst on his voyage from Amsterdam to this place, they complayning not to be capable to make out said Sellary by there own Congregation doe therefore desyre assistance.
The Commonality are unanimously of opinion that since they are censible that s$^d$ Church wardens have not informed themselves what there Congregations will Comply to said Sellary, that they first goe and Visite there owne Congregation, and if they doe not obtain said Sellary by them, then to make there application to the Commonality at y$^e$ next Court day.
Sept. 21. — Whereas y$^e$ Church wardens of Shennechtady doe again make application that two persons may be appointed to goe Round by y$^e$ Inhabitants of this Citty to see if they can obtain any contributions for Do. freemans Sellary as there Desyre on y$^e$ 3d of this Instant doth now at large appear. Whereupon y$^e$ Commonality have concluded and doe allow and admitt two or more of s$^d$ Church wardens of Shinnechtady to goe once Round for Contribution to use as aforesaid from y$^e$ Inhabitants of this Citty and no more in y$^e$ time of the Sessions, which will be first and second of October next Ensuing.
Albany y$^e$ 14th of October, A$^o$ 1700. — This day being appointed by y$^e$ Charter of y$^e$ Citty for y$^e$ Aldermen in there respective Wards to make return of y$^e$ aldermen, assistants, assessors & constables for y$^e$ ensueing year, who are as follows . . .
[Nov. 15. —] It is concluded that y$^e$ following Proclamation be proclaimed.
That according to y$^e$ yearly Custome they doe hereby prohibit and forbid y$^e$ Retailing of all sorts of Strong Liquor within this Citty and County, unless by Mr Mayors Lycense, on penalty of forfeiting as a fyne upon such person or persones so offending y$^e$ summe of five pounds, according to act of assembly, as also that no such Retailers shall receive from any Souldier upon any Pretence whatsoever any of there Provisions, ​Cloaths, or other accoutrements, or shall retaile to them in their house after y$^e$ ringing of y$^e$ Bell for Eight o'clock at night, upon penalty of for feiting for each Souldier so founde as aforesaid y e summe of six shillings for y$^e$ Behooffe of such Person as shall sue for y$^e$ same.
Pursuant to an order of Councill dated y$^e$ 23$^d$ of Sept., and another from his Excellency dated the 16th of October last, Coll. Pr. Schuyler, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality have hired the house of William Ketelheyn till p$^{mo}$ May next, for y$^e$ summe of six pounds for two Lefts, and there wifes. Also y$^e$ Chamber on y$^e$ south side of Elisabeth widow of Wouter Utthoft's house, with the use of her bedd and bedding to p$^{mo}$ May next, for four pounds tenn shillings for one Leif$^t$ , with y$^e$ condition that at y$^e$ present y$^e$ magistrates are to supply her with two Blankets, which at y$^e$ Expiration of y$^e$ time as afores$^d$ are to be deducted off y$^e$ hire.
Nov. 26. — Evert Wendell sen. appears in Common Councill and makes Request verbally, that in y$^e$ time of y$^e$ late Gov. Thomas Dongan, orders were issued to demand all Patents or Ground Brieffes belonging to this Citty and County, in which time y$^e$ said Petitioner gave up his Grond Brieffe granted to him by y$^e$ late governor Petrus Stuyvesant for a certain Lott of grounde situate lying and being on y$^e$ south side of y$^e$ Citty, on y$^e$ east side of y$^e$hill abutting toy$^e$ north of y$^e$ Land and Orchard belonging to Isaac Casperse ; and since said Evert Wendel declares that said Ground Brieffe or any other was never returned to him. Doth therefore humbly request of y$^e$ hon. Commonality to grant him a Release for s$^d$ Grounde, which y$^e$ Commonality have taken into Consideration, and have graunted y$^e$ same, ordering a Release to be writte, which shall be signed.
It is concluded that a warrant be issued to y$^e$ fyre masters to vizite y$^e$ Chimneys and fyre places within this Citty every three weeks, beginning y$^e$ 2d of December next and so continuing during the time of three months, which fyre masters are as follows : Bastiaen Harmense, William Hogen, Warner Carstense, Guysbert Marselis, Tierk Harmense, Jonathan Broadhurst.
J[oel] Munsell, The Annals of Albany (Albany, 1853), IV, 112-120 passim.
77. Record of a Vestry Meeting (1702) BY THE VESTRY OF ST. PAUL'S PARISH, CHOWAN PRECINCT
In the south the vestry, alongside the county court (No. 75 above), was the organ of local government, corresponding roughly to the town-meeting of New England. —Bibliography : E. Channing, Town and County Government.
AT a Vestry holden the 30th of June 1702 at the house of Thomas Gilliam
| Present : |
| Col William Wilkinson | M$^r$ Edward Smithwick |
| Cap$^t$ Thomas Leuten | M$^r$ Nicholas Crisp |
| Cap$^r$ Thomas Blount | M$^r$ Wm Banbury |
| Wm Duchenfield Esq. | M$^r$r James Long. |
| Nath$^l$ Chevin. |
In obedience to a late act of Assembly made in March last impowering the Vestry of each precinct to provide a standard for weights & measures and it being debated how the said weights and measures be procured — agreed —
That the Church Wardens shall use their utmost endeavour by the first convenience to send for weights and measure as the law directs.
And agree with some person for that purpose at as cheap a rate as possible and also one fair and large book of common Prayer, and the Book of Homilies.
Ordered that the Church Wardens shall agree with and pay the collector or collectors for collecting the precinct Levies. . . .
At a Vestry held at Thomas Gilliam's Oct. 13th 1702.
| Present |
| The Hon$^{ble}$ Henderson Walker — President |
| Col Wm Wilkison | Mr John Blount | Church Wardens |
| Capt Thomas Leuten | Capt Thomas Blount | Church Wardens |
| Mr Nicholas Crist. | Mr Edward Smithwick |
| | Mr Wm Banbury. |
Whereas at the last Vestry it was ordered that there should be a standard of weights and measures sent for the use of the precinct in obedience to the act of Assembly the charge whereof with the rest of the p$^r$cinct charge being as folio weth. Viz$^t$. ​
| | ₤ sh d |
| To building the Chappel to Mr John Porter | 25:0:0 |
| To Richard Curton Reader | 7:0:0 |
| To the Standard for the precinct. | 12:10:0 |
| To clearing an acre of ground, and flooring the house to. Mr Smithwick. | 2:10:0 |
| To Nathaniel Chevin acting as Clerk | 1:10:0 |
| To the Joiner for Windows. Table forms. & Benches | 6:0:0 |
| To Thomas Gilliam for trouble of his house | 1:10:0 |
| To the poor of the precinct | 8:0:0 |
| To John Tyler for Attendance | 0:1:0 |
| To Sallery for collecting at so p$^r$C$^t$—— | 6:8:0 |
| | The total amount. —— 70:19:0 |
The list of Tythables in the precinct being taken is found to be 283 and the sum
Ordered that the church Wardens collect from each Tythable person in the precinct five shillings and Col Wm Wilkinson having undertaken the collection, and the Vestry agreeing thereto
Ordered that Col Wm Wilkinson do collect upon all and every the Tythables within this precinct (a list whereof is delivered to him under the hand of the clerk of the Vestry) five shillings p$^r$ pole and for non payment thereof to make distress according to Law, and likewise to pay unto the several persons aforementioned the several sums due to them and allotted by this vestry, and He together with the other Church Wardens do provide and pay for the other things mentioned in the aforesaid Order, and render an account of the same to this Vestry to be holden the last tuesday in April next and finish all the collection. . . .
OCTOBER YE:14th 1702.
The vestry being met and having viewed the Chappel, the major part of the Vestry do declare their dislike of the ceiling of the Chappel by reason of the Boards being defaced.
Ordered that Mr Edward Smithwick and Mr Nicholas Crisp on behalf of the Vestry do choose one indifferent man that is skilled in building, and Mr John Porter shall choose another, who shall meet at the Chappel the second Saturday in November to give their judgment whether the boards be fit for ceiling such a house and if these two persons chosen as aforesaid cannot agree in their opinions, then they shall choose an umpire, and what opinion he the said umpire shall give shall ​be a full and final determination of the matter about the ceiling and boards, and the agreement between the Church wardens and Mr John Porter shall be thence.
At a Vestry holden at the House of Mrs Sarah Gillam ye 15th Day of December 1702. . . .
Co$^{ll}$ William Wilkinson and Cap$^t$ Thomas Leuten having Served one Year in the Station of Church Wardens, and the Choice of new Church Wardens being debated :
Mr William Duckenfield and Mr Edward Smithwick are appointed Church Wardens for the ensuing year. . . .
The Chappel being this Day viewed by all the Vestry here present and are Satisfied therewith and do receive the House and Keys from M$^r$ John Porter he promising to provide So much Lime as will Wash the Ceiling of the Chappel, and the Vestry to be at the Charge of a Workman to do the Same.
William L. Saunders, editor, The Colonial Records of North Carolina (Raleigh, 1886), I, 558-561 passim.
78. Proceedings of a Town-Meeting (1720/1–1721)
BY CLERK CAPTAIN RICHARD WATERMAN
Out of many records this has been chosen as including a variety of business in small compass. The elections show the number and variety of offices. — Bibliography : E. Channing, Town and County Government ; G. E. Howard, Local Constitutional History, — See also Channing and Hart, Guide, §§118, 147; Contemporaries, I, No. 165.
ATT a Towns Quarter meeteing held att Prouidence this 27th day of January anno Dom : 1720/21
Major William Hopkins Chosen Moderator :
| Grand Jurimen Called for by the moderator Returned | ${\Bigl .}{\begin{matrix}\\\end{matrix}}{\Bigr \}$ | William Harris Robert Currey |
| Pettee jurymen Called for by the moderator Returned | $\left.{\begin{matrix}\\\\\\\\\end{matrix}}\right\$ | Samuel Aldrich Roger Burllinggame William Hopkins Carpenter Ebenezer Spreague |
Geese that are so found — Past :
It is voated and ordered that Herndens Lane and the highway that Leads from thence to pautuckett may be fenced for the space of fiue years from hence next Comeing prouided there be sufficiant Gates sett vp and maintained in s$^d$ Lane and highway that may be Conueniant for both horse men and Cartes to pass through as well as foot men dureing all the said term
It is further voated and ordered that Nathan Place shall bring what deputies Bills he hath in his hands to m$^r$ James Browne that he may Jnspect into what the sum of s$^d$ Bills amounts to and also Jndeavour to git Jnformation how big the Rate was that was Leuied vpon the Town Jn the yeare 1715 and there vpon give an account to Richard Waterman Town Clerke . . .
It is also voated and ordered that Each free holder with in this Township of Prouidence shall from and after this day haue two pence P$^r$ head for euery head of a Gray Squirrill that shall be by them brought before the Towns Treasurer : and to be payed out of the Townes Treasurrey : and this order to Continue dureing the Towns pleasure
And the s$^d$ Treasurer shall be Carefull to accept of no squirrils heads but such as are killed within this Town ship
The meeteing is dissolued
Att a meeteing of the Committee Chosen to make vp the accounts with the Town Treasurer and also to audet the Townes debts this 23$^d$ day of may Anno Dom : 1720 : And to Jnspect into such accounts as shall be brought before them : And there vpon to allow of such accounts as to them shall seeme Legal : and draw a List of the same to be a Rule for the Treasurer to pay out the money by —
| deputies Bills | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | Wee haue thought fitt to Raise Sixteene pounds to pay y$^e$ deputies | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | ₤ s d 16-00-00 |
| Charges upon Mary Marsh | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | due to William Turpin To Cloatheing for Mary March And theire will be due for her keepeing ye 14th day of June next the sum of the which sum$^r$ Turpin saith he is Jngaged for | 01-19-03 $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$09-00-00 |
| due for Sarjants wages | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | To m$^r$ William Turpin for Sarjants wages | 04-00- |
| for other things | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | To 4 yards of osenbrigs for the Cripple att Nathaniel Brownes To warning the Jury and attendance in the Layeing out the highway by John Wilkinsons | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$00-08-00 $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ 00-12-00 |
| Charges upon Richard Collins upon [ ] | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | due To Doctor John Jenckes for the care of Richard Collings when heis well for Phissick To Bettee Saturn in the time of sickness Jn february: 1719: 20 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$04-10- $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$02-02-09 |
| Allowed to Daniel Abbott | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | due to Daniel Abott for Paying 2 Rates for William Screech &: 2: Rates for Sam vmpotoun Jndian | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$00-03-04 $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$00-02-06 |
| We think fitt to Raise for Squerrils | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | To y$^e$ defraying the Charge of Squerrils heads | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$16-00-00 |
| [ ]rges high [ ]ays | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | Wee think fitt to Raise for the defraying the Charge of the highway through Hosannah Brownes Land and the highway att or neere James Mathewsons Land | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$03-18-00 |
| [ ] a Record [ ]ooke | $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ | due to Richard Waterman Jun$^r$ for a Record Booke | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$00-14-00 |
Where vpon it is voated and ordered to Raise 150$^₤$ -00$^s$ - 00$^d$
And it is further voated and ordered that the Tow[ ] Treasurer shall pay all Legal dues and duties in Geathering and such other —— Lawfull —— Charges that shall accrew in bring in the s$^d$ sum of one hundred and fifty pounds in to the Towns Treasurry . . .
Att a Towne meeteing held att Prouidence this 5th day of June 1721 : Jt being the first munday in said month and the Towns Election day for Chooseing of Towne officers
Cap$^t$ Richard Waterman is Chosan Town Clerk : Engaged
| Robert Currie Chosen Towne Serjant : Henry Eastain Chosen Constable × John Sayles Chosen × Constable | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Engaged those Crast are engaged |
Moses Burlinggame Chosen Constable who was dismissed for Reasonable alligations
| Co$^{ll}$ Joseph × Whipple M$^r$ James Browne Refused m$^r$ Nicholas × Power M$^r$Edward Smith Refused Cap$^t$ Nathaniell Jenckes × Cap$^t$ Thomas Harris × | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Chosen Town Councill men | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$those Crossed are Engaged |
Thomas Olney w$^s$ Chosen Town Treasurer Engaged
| M$^r$ Edward Smith Cap$^{tn}$ Josiah Westcott × & m$^r$Joseph Brown × | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Chosen Ratemakers |
| M$^r$ Stephen Dexter × M$^r$ John Dexter × M$^r$ Ebenezer Spreague × M$^r$ John Steere ×Jun$^r$ × M$^r$ Nehemiah Sheldon × M$^r$ Thomas Burllinggame M$^r$ John Bolcom M$^r$Samuell ffisk | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Chosen Surueyors of highways those Crossed are Engaged |
| M$^r$ Eliezer Arnold Engaged M$^r$ Thomas Arnold Jun$^r$ M$^r$ William Turpin Engaged | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Chosen ouer seers for the poore |
| Cap$^t$ James olney M$^r$William Whipple William Whipple Refused | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Pound Engaged keepers |
| M$^r$ × James Browne M$^r$Richard Browne m$^r$ × William — Hopkins — Carp$^{tr}$ m$^r$ Richard Sayles m$^r$ Charles Dyer m$^r$ × Arthur ffenner Jun$^r$ m$^r$ John Steere Jun$^r$ × & m$^r$ James Aldrich | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Chosen fence viewers those Crossed are Engaged |
| M$^r$ Benjamin Tillinghast Chosen Packer & and Sealer | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Engaged |
| M$^r$ Thomas Kilton m$^r$ Daniell Angell and m$^r$ Ebenezer × Bates | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$Chosen Hog Constables Engaged |
The Town Constables Chosen and Engaged for the Ciuell are
Henry Estance : — John Sayles Jun$^r$ Samuell Gorton
M$^r$ Nathaniell Blague M$^r$ Thomas Kilton are Chosen hemp viewers — Engaged
M$^r$ Jonathan Spreague Jun$^r$ Js Chosen deputy to serue att the next Genr$^{ll}$ Court of Assembly to be held att Newport Jn this Jnstant June Jn the Roome of m$^r$ Andrew Harris
for as much as M$^r$ James Browne hath Positiuely Refused to serue in the place of a Town Councill man : where vpon Cap$^t$ James Olney is Chosen in his Roome and also m$^r$ Edward Smith hath positiuely Refused to serue in the place and office of a Town Councill man : where vpon M$^r$ Phillip Tillinghast is Chosen in his Roome ×
The meeteing is adjorned to Saterday next it being the 10th day of this Jnstant June att twelue a Clock in the day — ​Saterday y$^e$ 10th day of June 1721 :
the meeteing is againe in being— Co$^{ll}$ Joseph Whipple Continues moderator
| The Town Councill men Chosen to act to the assistants and Justices for this yeare: and Engaged are — | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Co$^{ll}$ Joseph Whipple Cap$^t$ Nathaniell Jenckes Cap$^t$ Thomas Harris M$^r$ Nicholas Power Cap$^t$ James Olney M$^r$ Phillip Tillinghast |
John Potter Jun$^r$ is Chosen Constable Jn the Roome of Moses Burllinggame
Ensign James Whipple is Chosen Pound Keeper in the Roome of M$^r$ William Whipple
The meeteing is adjorned to munday the 19th day of this Jnstant June
Jn order to Engage John Potter Jun$^r$ to the place of a Constable : other ways to Chose an other in his Roome : but in Case the s$^d$ Potter takes his ingagement before that time then this meeteing is dissolued
June y$^e$ : 19th day 1721 : the meeteing is againe in being —
Richard Waterman Chosen Moderator Co$^{ll}$ Joseph Whipple being absent
John Potter Jun$^r$ appeared before this meeteing and made excuse of his Enabilityes that disinabled him for serueing in the place of a Constable : and his alligations was accepted by the Justices and there vpon the s$^d$ Potter Js dismist for this yeare Jn hopes he may be better Enabled to performe the office by his Jndustry to acquaint himself with Larneing against an other time
Where vpon Samuell Gorton was Chosen in to the office of a Constable and Engaged in the Roome of the said John Potter
The meeteing is dissolued :
[Record Commission], The Early Records of the Town of Providence (Providence, 1897), XIII, 41-55 passim.
79. The Dignity of a Selectman (1763-1766)
The standing executive board or committee kept up the town s business when the town-meeting was adjourned.— For Adams, see No. 24 above; on town government, see No. 78 above.
[1763] BOSTON. February. This day learned that the Caucus Club meets, at certain times, in the garret of Tom Dawes, the Adjutant of the Boston Regiment. He has a large house, and he has a movable partition in his garret which he takes down, and the whole club meets in one room. There they smoke tobacco till you cannot see from one end of the garret to the other. There they drink flip, I suppose, and there they choose a moderator, who puts questions to the vote regularly ; and selectmen, assessors, collectors, wardens, fire- wards, and representatives, are regularly chosen before they are chosen in the town. Uncle Fairfield, Story, Ruddock, Adams, Cooper, and a rudis indigestaque moles of others are members. They send committees to wait on the merchant's club, and to propose and join in the choice of men and measures. Captain Cunningham says, they have often so licited him to go to those caucuses ; they have assured him benefit in his business, &c. . . .
[1766] March 1. Saturday. Spent a part of last evening with Mr. Jo Cleverly. He is a tiptoe for town meeting ; he has many schemes and improvements in his head ; — namely, for separating the offices of constable and collector ; collecting taxes has laid the foundation for the ruin of many families. He is for five selectmen, and will vote for the old ones, Mr. Quincy and Major Miller. He hears they are for turning out all the old selectmen, and choosing a new set ; they for having but three, &c. The only way is to oppose schemes to schemes, and so break in upon them. Cleverly will become a great town-meeting man, and a great speaker in town meeting. Q. What effect will this have on the town affairs?
Brother tells me that William Veasey, Jr. tells him he has but one objection against Jonathan Bass, and that is, Bass is too forward. When a man is forward, we may conclude he has some selfish view, some self ends. Brother asked him if he and his party would carry that argument through. It holds stronger against Captain Thayer and Major Miller, than it ever did against anybody in this town, excepting Colonel Gooch and Captain Mills. But I desire the proof of Bass s forwardness. Has ​he been more so than Major Miller? Come, come, Mr. Veasey, says Master Jo Cleverly, don't you say too much ; I an't of that mind. Ego. Bass is an active, capable man, but no seeker by mean begging or buying of votes.
3. Monday. My brother Peter, Mr. Etter, and Mr. Field, having a number of votes prepared for Mr. Quincy and me, set themselves to scatter them in town meeting. The town had been very silent and still, my name had never been mentioned, nor had our friends ever talked of any new selectmen at all, excepting in the south precinct ; but as soon as they found there was an attempt to be made, they fell in and assisted ; and, although there were six different hats with votes for as many different persons, besides a considerable number of scattering votes, I had the major vote of the assembly the first time. Mr. Quincy had more than one hundred and sixty votes. I had but one vote more than half. Some of the church people, — Mr. Jo Cleverly, his brother Ben and son, &c. and Mr. Ben Veasey, of the middle precinct, Mr. James Faxon, &c. — I found were grieved and chagrined for the loss of their dear Major Miller. Etter and my brother took a skilful method ; they let a number of young fellows into the design, John Ruggles, Peter Newcomb, &c. who were very well pleased with the employment, and put about a great many votes. Many persons, I hear, acted slyly and deceitfully ; this is always the case.
I own it gave me much pleasure to find I had so many friends, and that my conduct in town has been not disapproved. The choice was quite unexpected to me. I thought the project was so new and sudden that the people had not digested it, and would generally suppose the town would not like it, and so would not vote for it. But my brother's answer was, that it had been talked of last year and some years before, and that the thought was familiar to the people in general, and was more agreeable than any thing of the kind that could be proposed to many, and for these reasons his hopes were strong.
But the triumph of the party was very considerable, though not complete ; for Thayer, and Miller, and the late lessees of the north commons, and many of the church people, and many others had determined to get out Deacon Penniman ; but, instead of that, their favorite was dropped, and I, more obnoxious to that party than even Deacon Penniman or any other man, was chosen in his room, and Deacon Penniman was saved with more than one hundred and thirty votes, — a more reputable election than even Thayer himself had. ​Mr. Jo Bass was extremely sorry for the loss of Major Miller ; he would never come to another meeting. Mr. Jo Cleverly could not account for many things done at town meetings. His motion for choosing collectors was slighted ; his motion for lessening his fine was thrown out ; and he made no sort of figure as a speaker ; so that I believe Mr. Cleverly will make no hand.
Elisha Niles says, set a knave to catch a knave. A few days before a former March meeting, he told Thayer that he had a mind to get in Deacon Penniman. Thayer asked him, who he would have with him? he answered, Captain Allen. Thayer made him no answer, but when the meeting came, was chosen himself. Mr. Thomas Faxon, of this end of the town, told my wife he never saw anybody chosen so neatly in his life, — not a word, not a whisper beforehand. Peter Newcomb gave him a vote ; he had one before for Miller, and had heard nothing of me ; but he thought I should have one. So he dropped that for Miller. Jo Nightingale asked my wife, "Mr. Adams will have too much business, will he not ; the courts to attend, selectman, and representative at May, &c.?" Mr. John Baxter, the old gentleman, told me he was very well pleased with the choice at the north end, &c. Old Mr. John Ruggles voted for me ; but says that Thayer will [be chosen] at May. If I would set up, he would vote for me, and I should go, but Mr. Quincy will not. Lieutenant Holbrook, I hear, was much in my favor, &c. Thus the town is pretty generally disputing about me, I find.
But this choice will not disconcert Thayer, at May, though it will weaken him. But, as I said before, the triumph was not complete ; — Cornet Bass had the most votes the first time, and would have come in the second, but the north end people, his friends, after putting in their votes the first time, withdrew for refreshment, by which accident he lost it, to their great regret.
Mark the fruits of this election to me. Will the church people be angry, and grow hot and furious, or will they be cooler and calmer for it? Will Thayer's other precinct friends resent it and become more violent, or will they be less so? In short, I cannot answer these questions ; many of them will be disheartened, I know; some will be glad.
10. Monday. Last week went to Boston, and to Weymouth, &c. I hear that Mr. Benjamin Cleverly has already bespoke Mr. John Ruggles, Jr. against May meeting,— promised him as much as he can eat and drink of the best sort, if he will vote for Captain Thayer ; told him he would not have acted as he did, at March, if it had not been for Thomas ​Newcomb, and that he would vote for Thayer, at May, if it was not for Thomas Newcomb. By this, the other side are alarmed ; the craft, they think, is in danger ; but I believe their fears are groundless, though I wish there was good reason for them.
Drank tea at Mr. Etter's. He says all the blame is laid to him, and that a certain man takes it very ill of him. By the way, I heard to-day that Major Miller and James Bracket, Jr. were heard, since March meeting, raving against Deacon Palmer, and said he was a knave, &c. Q. About this quarrel?
I find the late choice has brought upon me a multiplicity of new cares. The schools are one great object of my attention. It is a thing of some difficulty to find out the best, most beneficial method of expending the school money. Captain Adams says, that each parish s proportion of the school money has not been settled since my father's day. Thomas Faxon says, it would be more profitable to the children, to have a number of women's schools about than to have a fixed grammar school. Q. Whether he has not a desire that his wife should keep one? Jona than Bass says the same. Q. His wife is a school- mistress. So that two points of examination occur ; the portion between the parishes, that is, the sum which this parish ought to have ; and whether a stand ing grammar school is preferable to a number of school-mistresses part of the year, and a grammar school part.
Another great object is the poor ; persons are soliciting for the privilege of supplying the poor with wood, corn, meat, &c. The care of supplying at cash price, and in weight and measure, is something ; the care of considering and deciding the pretensions of the claimants is something.
A third, and the greatest, is the assessment ; here I am not so thorough ; I must inquire a great while before I shall know the polls and estates, real and personal, of all the inhabitants of the town or parish. The high ways, the districts to surveyors, and laying out new ways or altering old ones, are a fourth thing. Perambulations of lines are another thing. Dorchester, Milton, Stoughton, Bridgewater, Abington, Weymouth,— orders for services of many sorts to, &c.
John Adams, Works (edited by Charles Francis Adams, Boston, 1850) II, 144-188 passim.