UNITED STATES OF AMERICA mbd WASHINGTON, D. C. Bl9574 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHABLESTOWN, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, f AND COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, READ TO AN ASSEMBLY OF CITIZENS AT THE OPENING OF WASHINGTON HALL, nov. 16, 1813. BY JOSIAH BARTLETT, M. D. / BOSTON: PRINTED BY JOHN ELIOT, No. J, Court-Strtet, 1814. ' THE following Address was prepared, with notes, for the Massachusetts Historical Society; and this pamphlet, copied from the second volume of the second series of its collections, page 163, is respectfully inscribed to the Citizens of Charlestown, in testimony of the author's gratitude for their various and repeated tokens of confidence and esteem. May 9, 1814. SKETCH OF CHARLESTOWN. THERE are periods in society, as well as in the life of an individual, when it is peculiarly proper, by a review of past occurrences, to trace the progress of improve- ment, and excite such feelings, as may lead to future usefulness. On this occasion, when we are convened in such auspicious circumstances, and may rationally esti- mate the advantages of a laudable exertion for ourselves and our posterity, I deem it appropriate to attempt a general sketch of our municipal history, and offer such observations as comport with \ the design of our present meeting. Among the intrepid advocates of civil and religious freedom, who encountered the dangers of the ocean, and the greater danger of the wilderness, were nine or ten persons,* who, in the summer of 1628, travelled by land from Naumkeak, now called Salem, and, under the au- thority of governour Endicot, constituted this placet an English settlement. They here found an "English thatched house pallisadoed," and occupied by Thomas Walford, a smith by trade, of whom no particular account is preserved. By the Indians, who were very numerous, it was called Mishawum, and their chief was John Saga- , more, by whose consent these enterprising travellers set- tled themselves in the neighbourhood of TOWN HILL, * Among whom Ralph Sprague with his brethren Richard and William are particularly named in the record. t Charlestown, lying in lat. 420, 2V N. and long. 4" E. from the meridian of Cambridge, is of an irregular form, about 7 1-4 miles long, and 1 mile in average width. Its bounds (formerly very extensive) were established by the General Court, March 3, 1635. It now lies S. W. on Cambridge, N. W. on Woburn, N. W. and N. E. on Mistick river, and S. E. on Charles river, from which its name is derived. The natural divisions are distinguished by within and without the neck. The first includes a peninsula, formed by Mistick and Charles rivers, somewhat of an oval form, about a mile and a quarter long, and half a mite wide, upon which the town is built, and which is joined to the main by a narrow isth- mus. The second division contains a great quantity of fertile land, rendered valuable from its vicinity to an excellent market. /' 4 HISTORICAL SKETCH which was fortified* the year following, against invasions, with which the English were threatened. On the margin of that memorable eminence we are now assembled; it has been repeatedly a citadel of de- fence, a resort for the instruction of youth, and devoted to the service of the Almighty. Here our fathers resisted the threatenings of untutored savages; here they taught the rudiments of science, and projected measures for their future happiness; here, if tradition is correct, they worshipped beneath the shade of a venerable oak, and perhaps anticipated a period like the present, when their descendants, on the same spot, in a spacious temple,f should pay their weekly adorations to the GreatCrea- tor; and in a convenient edifice,:}: dedicated to patriot- ism and philanthropy, should gratefully respect their memories, and cultivate the principles they so assiduously supported. In i629,§ Gov. John Winthrop arrived here with fifteen hundred persons, and resided several months,|j during which tine a church was gathered, which was the second in Massachusetts. The goveruour and other publick officers were accommodated with a building called the great house,\ on the westerly side of our pre- sent market square, and near the late residence of the Hon. James Russell** deceased. The remainder resided * This was " performed by all hands, viz. of men, women and children, who labour m digging and building till the work is done." t The Congregational meeting house. {Washington Hall. § The arrival of Gov. Winthrop is stated by himself, Dudley, Mather, Holmes and others, to have been in 1630; but the original town record, vol. I. page •?! makes it in 1629, and the figures in the margin and text are perfectly plain. .J"7^t»x*.Court °f Assist™ts was held in Charlestown harbour, on board the Arabella, Aug. 23, 1630, present, Gov. Winthrop, Dep. Gov. Dudley, Sir R. Saltonstall Messrs Ludlow, Rossiter, Nowell, Sharp, Pynchon, and Bradstreet." ine Hon. bimon Bradstreet was governour in 1679, -nd his descendants have continued here with reputation to the present period. nJnS^J11 J6?' °n. acce?JlJ °*}ht Patentees' fcy the Hon. Thomas Graves, who S?£J vl °n. tOW1, M\and was aPP°inted to « moddle and lay out the form tanS, ♦ w»th streets," and to "measure out to each inhabitant a two acre lot to plant upon. He is spoken of as "a person skilful in mines of iron, lea.d, cop- 5Ea^ ,era-luS^' an£ uy.lum' fortificati(jn of all sorts, surveying, &c." He was an Ztv %■, GoJv* Endlcot> -nd appointed a sea commander by Oliver Crom. wen. __,s cescendants were citizens of repute, and sustained important offices. enZ^hTJ?*?™ °f Mr-,R?s,se1.1 were among the first settlers of the town, and i?&ya15e8mostlmP°rtant legislative, judicial and municipal offices. He died in 179»> aged 83, and was a descendant of the fourth generation, who successively OF CHARLESTOWN. 5 in cottages, booths and tents. These persons, having experienced great sufferings from a variety of causes,* became so unhealthy, that many died soon after their ar- rival, in consequence of which, the governour, with many of the survivors, removed over Charles river to Shaiumut, which they called Boston, and others engaged in the set- tlement of Watertown, Cambridge, and other places, leaving but seventeen male inhabitants. In 1632,! the small pox was very destructive to the natives, which rendered the lives of the emigrants more comfortable, and hastened an increase of their country- men, who, early in 1633, amounted to fifty eight, most of whom had families. At this period a church was again gathered; the house^ which Gov. Winthrop had occu- pied was purchased as a place of worship, and used as such till 1716, when a meeting house§ was erected on the northerly part of the square. In 1634, the town was organized, delegates were elect- ed to the General Court, selectmen|| and other officers were appointed; and from that time it gradually popu- among other places of great trust, sustained the office of assistant or counsellor in the province. His son, the Hon. Thomas Russell of Boston, an eminent merchant and philanthropist, was a native of Charlestown, and was also a representative of Boston, and a counsellor. He died April 8, 1796, aged 56. An eulogy on his character was delivered May 4 following, by John Warren, M. D. and is published. * It is said that but one spring of fresh water was then to be found, and that upon the beach, near the present scite of the state prison. However this may be, no town is now better supplied. t The winter of this year was severe, and there was a scarcity of provisions. In the spring a vessel arrived from Virginia with Indian corn, which sold for ten shillings a bushel. John Sales was the first inhabitant convicted of theft. He was publickly pun- ished, and " all he had was taken to make restitution." X "April, 1633. Agreed and concluded by the inhabitants that the sum of ten pounds be collected of the said inhabitants, and be paid to John Winthrop, Esq. governour, and the rest of the gentlemen interested in the great house built in anno 1628, by Mr. Graves and the company's servants; which is for the pur- chase of the said house, now the publick meeting house in this town ; all which was accordingly done." This is a specimen of the early records of the town, which are very minute and entertaining to those who acquire a knowledge of the wri- ting of that period. The town clerk was Mr. Increase Nowell, who was after- ward secretary to the colony. § This building was 72 feet long, 52 feet wide, and 34 feet (three stories) high, with a steeple. The cost stated at 2000 pounds. U The number of " deputys at court" this year was three; and of selectmen, eleven. The names of persons admitted inhabitants were recorded, and on the 8th of March, 1635, it was agreed, that "whosoever is warned to appear at any town meeting forty eight hours before the time appointed, and shall fail, unless the occasion be extraordinary, shall forfeit and pay eighteen pence." 6 HISTORICAL SKETCH lated and improved, until a large part of it fell a sacrifice to the ravages of war. On the state of the town during an hundred and forty seven years to this event, it may be remarked, that the inhabitants were industrious, sober, and cultivated good principles. Publick worship was regularly attend- ed, schools were as well regulated as the state of society would allow. Navigation, which consisted principally in the whale fishery and West India trade, though not ex- tensive, was prosperous; the mechanick arts were cher- ished, and advantages were derived from ship-building, the manufactory of rum, loaf sugar, candles, leather and potashes. Judicial courts were early instituted, and continued until the revolutionary war. A dry dock was made in 1678, above the present draw bridge, near the navy yard, and was the only one in the country. The small pox* and other contagious diseases have generally prevailed when they did in the metropolis; and there have been several firesf distressing to individuals, the most remark- able of which was in 1749, occasioned by the villany of three negro servants, who were convicted of poisoning their master,^: and two of whom were executed, the other becoming evidence for the king. A ferry,§ communicating with Boston, which was re- puted to be the best regulated of any in the province, * The last spread of the small pox was in the autumn of 1792. The number ZX5? ?kS H34 879 inhfabitants and 455 strangers) of which 9 died 12 had the disease the natural way, of whom 5 died. Vaccination is now generally prac t There is an account of several fires in Charlestown, durine the eighteenth llr^sX °RS °£ thC MaSSachuSCtte Histori^ sSf>.%L?h^S2 tJ£Ti,J°hn ^?dmlnL' a resPectable citizen, and an active military officer de- stroyed by arsenick. The servants were named Mark Phillis andl>h«32^'j£ ^^^r^B^t^^ sssB-SE the annafs of StwEngla^ ™ °*7 ^ mStanCeS °f *""•** or A**** in tS_3_££S5^ue__s:« OF CHARLESTOWN. 7 was established in 1631 ; and one was opened without the peninsula, to communicate with Maiden, in 1640. There is now at this place a convenient bridge * erected in 1787. On the retreat of the English troops from Concord, April 19, 1775, a great part of the inhabitants! of this town abandoned it, and they were dispersed in various parts of the country. On the 17th of June of that year, the Americans began a breastwork on Breed's Hill, which was discovered at Boston the following morning, when a severe cannonade commenced. In the afternoon an attack was made by the British, who, after a severe conflict, obtained a dear bought victory.* During the battle the town was set on fire, when the meeting house, a court houses prison, county house, two school houses, and a work house,§ with upwards of three hundred and eighty dwellings and other buildings, valued on oath at five hundred and twenty three thousand dollars, were totally consumed, and two thousand persons, being the whole population of the peninsula, were reduced from affluence and mediocrity to poverty and exile. Connected with these solemn transactions was the death of the Hon. Joseph Warren,|| a distinguished states- * Maiden Bridee was finished in six months, and cost 5300 P°unds. The pro£ ^^v^dT^shares It is ajoo fe* long **^%£^£\& Hon. John Phillips of Boston. t James Miller, aged 66, and Edward Barber, aged 14, were killed on that ♦ TfcP Americans encaged in this enterprize were commanded by Col. Pres- co^d %£Z\g gThe British (being *e fiow «^VS*?Z ^W?#^^ of the tran~ IS; see Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. II p. 226. § The scite of the meeting *™*™™ ^Xf^dgf ?£%£?££ front of the house now owned by the H^vMatAewBndge. {£longing to the was on the easterly part of the square, in front of ^.^^J-gaJ, which heirs of the Hon. Thomas «JStett?MS clock/was on Vicinity of the present school house. , | The day previous to the battle, Warren, at the age of 35;was apposed a major gene/airand acted on this occasion as,*^««£ed™ ^&£, where an 8 HISTORICAL SKETCH man, an eloquent orator, and an intrepid warrior, who fell an early sacrifice on the altar of freedom. During the siege of Boston, that division of our terri- tory, which we distinguished by without the neck, and where there are several vestiges of fortifications* was principally occupied by the American troops, and the in- habitants were consequently subject to considerable in- conveniences, which it has been supposed were fully compensated in 1778, by a temporary residence of the British and Hessian army, captured at Saratoga; whose necessaries and conveniences Were purchased with spe- cie, whilst the circulating medium of the country was a depreciated paper currency. This section was exclu- sively agricultural, with the exception of the alewife fish- ery at proper seasons, until within a few years, since which the manufactory of bricks has afforded employ- ment for many of the citizens. Its growth has been gradual; it has furnished a full proportion of the town officers, and has derived peculiar advantages! from its connexion with the peninsula. On the removal of the seat of war in 1776 many of the former inhabitants returned from their exile,* and commenced according to their respective means, to re- pair their waste places. A few of the number were able to erect convenient dwellings, whilst others, like their hardy predecessors, were only covered with temporary shelters. Those, who can call to mind the occurrences of that interesting era, must recollect their mingled emo- tions of despondency and pleasure. The only objects that retained their former appearance were desolated streets, and the grave yard of their ancestors and rela- tives ; but by a consideration of mutual sufferings, it was the endeavour of every individual to meliorate the con- * There are several hills in this town, famed in the American annals, the most of which command extensive prospects. On the peninsula are Bunker's and Breed's on the N. E. side; and on the S. W. are Town hill (which has been much reduced) and a small hill used as a burying ground. Without the neck are Prospect, Winter, Plowed and Cobble hills (on this is the-seat of the late Joseph Barrell, Esq.) with three others of less note, called Quarry, Reed's and Walnut hills. % Particularly in schools, and the high ways. X Mr. Timothy Thompson, jun. was the first person born on the peninsula, af- ter the town was opened; and Susanna Hooper (now Mrs. Haven) was the first OF CHARLESTOWN. 9 dition of his neighbour; to cultivate harmony, and unite for the benefit of the whole. A block-house, erected by the enemy, at the place* originally fortified against the natives, was appropriated to the discharge of our civil duties, to the publick services of religion, and to the education of youth. Here, uninfluenced by political dissentions, we gave our first suffrages! for a chief magistrate and legislators, under the constitu- tion of this Commonwealth; when, in the true spirit of republicanism, we exulted in the commencement of a government, achieved by our ablest statesmen, and cal- culated to promote our own happiness with that of our posterity. At the expiration of nine years to 1785,* the buildings on the peninsula were one hundred and fifty one, and the population was five hundred and fifty. The buildings without the neck, were one hundred and twenty eight, and the population four hundred and forty nine, making but a small difference at that time, in the geographical divisions of the town. The present number of inhab- itants, including temporary residents^ for employment, is nearly six thousand, of which about five-sixths reside on the peninsula, where the natural population has been unusual|| from a constant accession of young families. The buildings have increased in twenty eight years from one hundred and fifty one, many of which were tempo- rary and are abolished, to the present state-of respecta- bility and convenience, which far exceeds our former situation. The principal streets were widened, straightened and improved, and the market square was regularly laid out, * Town Hill t Sept. 4, 1780. The votes for Governour were 48. Lieut. Governour 39. Senators 38. In _8-3,tb.e votes for Governour were 821. Lieut. Governour 821. Senators 819. J The buildings and inhabitants were numbered at this time, when a conase account of the town, was published in part, in the Boston Magazine; and after- ward entire in No. 1 and 2 of the American Recorder (Dec. 9th and 13th, 1505) rnewsDaoer printed at Charlestown, but which was not long continued. That pubSonwL prepared by the author of this sketch, and embraces some of the facts to that period, which are here stated. § Estimated at 900, including women and children. I It anoears bv extracts from the new year's sermons of the Rev. Dr. Morse, thllt inX lalt% years, the number of births on the peninsula, was pa* and of deaths 1510. 2 10 HISTORICAL SKETCH soon after the opening of the town in 1776 ; to facilitate which, a lottery was granted, and the state taxes were remitted for seven years. These with a brief, for assist- ance to erect a meeting house, and a partial support to the aged and infirm, who were reduced by the conflagra- tion, were the only instances of legislative aid for the sufferings of the inhabitants in the cause of their coun- try ; though a seasonable application on this subject, was respectfully submitted to the continental Congress, by a committee* appointed for that purpose. Our publick buildings are four meeting houses, five school nouses, in one of which is a town hall; a powder magazine belonging to the Commonwealth, and an alms house.! The present number of dwellings,^ stores, * Hon. Nathaniel Gorham and Thomas Russell. By the report of a committee of Congress dated Philadelphia, May 16, 1777, they sympathize with the sufferers, and consider the estimate of damages to be very moderate; but they " apprehend that if Congress were to pay that valua- tion, claims much more extensive, and of a similar nature, will be made by other sufferers, and subject the United States to the payment of sums of money which, in the present exigencies of their affairs, cannot be spared from the support of the present just and necessary war." In 1784 Mr. Gorham, at the request of the sufferers went to England to solicit aid; but this mission (which was disapproved of by many) like that to Philadel- phia, was unsuccessful. t A Congregational meeting house, 72 feet long, 52 feet wide and 27 feet high to the eaves, erected in 1783, and widened to 84 feet in 1804. It has a large tow- er, and elegant steeple. A bell of 1300 weight (which has been twice broken and replaced) was presented by Messrs. Champion, Dickason and Burgis, merchants of London, and an elegant clock, by the Hon. Thomas Russell. These are the property of the town. A convenient chapel, 26 feet long, 21 wide and 10 1-2 high, for parish and church meetings, lectures, &c was built by subscriptions in the church in 1809, on part of a valuable parsonage lot, bequeathed in 1703, by Mr. Richard Sprague. A Baptist meeting house, 65 feet long, 50 feet wide and 29 feet high, erected in 1800. It is handsome and convenient, with a cupola and bell, but was relin- quished by the society for whom it was built, and now belongs to an individual. A Baptist meeting house, 65 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 14 feet high, built with brick in 1810. It is a well finished, respectable edifice, and belongs to the society ■who occupied the building above described. A Universal meeting house, 62 feet long, 62 feet wide, and 34 feet high, built with brick in 1810. It is commodious, and handsomely finished. Two of the school houses are built with brick, two stories high, and are on the peninsula; the three others are of wood, and properly located without.the neek. There is a building erected by Major Timothy Walker for an Academy, which is kept by Oliver Brown, A. M. The Magazine on Quarry hill, is a strong stone edifice of a conic figure, and has been erected many years. The Alms house is a wooden building, two stories high, with proper accommo- dations for the keeper, and for the persons who are subjects of such an institution. The keeper is Mr. Gideon Foster. | Of these, some are elegant, many are spacious, and others are convenient. A law has lately passed, requiring a certain proportion of every new buildine to be of brick. • OF CHARLESTOWN. H barns, &c. is eight hundred and fifty, of which six hun- dred and seventy are on the peninsula. In 1812 an application was made to the legislature, for the reestablishment of Judicial Courts, which was pro- bably defeated, by an influence, that has recently decided on the erection of a court house and jail at Lechmere's Point in Cambridge; an establishment which is consid- ered injurious to us, but which we are told will be coml pensated by an intended spacious causeway, to connect us with that territory. In 1803 an avenue was opened at the easterly part of the town, in nearly a direct line from Salem, by means of a turnpike road, and the erection of Chelsea Bridge.* The Congregational church, established in 1633, has continued to the present time; a Baptist church was founded in 1801; a Universal church in 1811, and there are other religious societies, by which we enjoy the pri- vilege of attending publick worship according to our va- rious opinions ; and it is honourable to the different sects, that there is no apparent discord on this important sub- ject.! * This Bridge was built across Mistick river in 1803, about a mile below Mai- den bridge. It is longer, but of the same width, has two draws, and is accom- modated with lamps It cost 53000 dollars, which is held in 2400 shares, half of which are the property of the Maiden Bridge Corporation. It reverts to the Commonwealth in 70 years. The President is Hon. Nathan Dane of Beverly. t The congregational ministers are as follows. Rev. John Wilson, settled in Aug. 1630, and removed with his church to Bos- ton the Nov. following. He died in 1677, aged 78. Rev. Mr. James settled 1632. He went to Virginia in 1646. Rev. John Harvard, officiated a short time, and died in 1638. Age unknown. Rev. Thomas Allen, settled in 1638, wfcnt to England in 1651, and died in 1673. Aged 65. Rev. Zechariah Symmes, settled 1652, died 1671. Aged 71. Thomas Shepard, 1659, 1677. 43- Thomas Shepard, jun. 1680, 1685. 27. Charles Morton, 1686, 1706. 80. Simon Bradstreet, 1698, I74x» 7*« Joseph Stevens, 17x3. l721- 4°- Hull Abbot, 1724. *774« 7*. Thomas Prentice, 1739. l7&* «>• Joshua Paine, 1787. 1788. U> Jedidiah Morse, D. D. 1789- The present deacons of the church are James Frothingham, Thomai Mill«r, and Amos Tufts. Baptist ministers-Rev. Thomai Waterman, settled 1802, and dismissed 1803. He was pastor of the church, and an instructer of youth at Woburn, and d«d Sere March 21. 1814. aged 39. Rev. William Collier, settled 1804. . Th^^ art DiVil Goodwin, William Arnold, and Jatnei Fo«dicl_ 12 HISTORICAL SKETCH In 1743 a fire society was formed, which is still con- tinued; with the addition of three others, in 1795, 1800 and 1810.* A lodge of Freemasons! was constituted, in 1783, and from its funds was erected, in 1794, a hand- some monument! on Breed's hill, in memory of a dis- tinguished member,§ and to perpetuate American bravery. Associations like these, for mutual assistance in periods of danger-and adversity, have a beneficial influence, and they merit the attention of the benevolent and humane. In 1786 the Opening of Charles River Bridge,|| erect- ed where the ferry was kept, was celebrated, with the Universal ministers—Rev. Abner Kneeland, settled in 1811. His connexion is dissolved, and Rev. Edward Turner from Salem, is to succeed him. The deacons are Moses Hall and Samuel Thompson. There are two other Baptist societies, which worship in private buildings. They consider clerical titles and dress improper, deny the necessity of ordination in the usual way, administer the communion every sabbath, and receive no contri- butions but from church members. The teachers are Mr. Walter Balfour and Oliver Holden, Esq. See Benedict's History of the Baptists, vol. II, p. 407—8. The first Baptist church in Boston, was gathered in Charlestown in 1665. * These are designated by the names of the Ancient, Phoenix, Washington, and Jefferson societies. t The Master is Mr. Thomas Hooper. • *iA Tuscan Pillar» l8 feet h'gh, on a brick foundation 10 feet from the ground, eight feet square and enclosed by posts. On the top is a gilt urn, with the letters J. W. aged 35, entwined in masonic emblems. On the south side of the pedes- tal is the following inscription. ERECTED, A. D. MDCCXCIV, By King Solomon's Lodge of Free-Masons, Constituted in Charlestown, 1783, In memory of Major-General Joseph Warren, and his Associates, who were slain on this memorable spot, June 17, 1775. thv'^°_e-buVhey Twho ?et a Just value uP°n the Wessings of Liberty are wor- thy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we bled in vain: if vou our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders." Y ' Charlestown settled 1628. Burnt 1775. Rebuilt 1776. The enclosed land was given by the Hon. James Russell. of hif death WaS Grand MaStCr °f Free-Ma*ons for 'North America, at the time Jatesi%ntrin?^h^\Wt^thirteen m?nths in building, and considered as the K Je SS ^h h had„been undertaken in the fountry, is 1503 feet long, of trferfVePr 7nd unite°dT°Sed °f-SCVen P„°St? °f oak timber/driven into the bed •trie Dieces ih.Vh _? y caP Piec.e? a?d g^8- The piers are connected with wide w?th f'r,Ti^ C coverued.Tirlth four inch plank. The bridge is 43 feet 2' *7-a ra,led wav on each side for foot passengers. It has a draw 30 feet Edfffii k_ST* e? "K 4° lampS- ™c deP'h of water inthe channel on wis assessed ?£t 4° {f^ 7he property is vesttaTin 150 shares, each of which BridgeTSh ££"£* £dJSSre £'**•* in 'o years from X786. The Brides wi^i.C ^^ » «\"u "reverts to tne state in 70 P7e3deni£. tt n* oCn 3m^e .built in the vicinity. ™ ™ rresident is the Hon. George Cabot, of Boston. the same model. The OF CHARLESTOWN. 13 greatest splendour and festivity, on the same spot, and at the same time, which eleven years before, was a scene of slaughter and devastation. A reading society and news-rooms, were opened in 1812, upon a.liberal establishment; but by the peculiar state of the times, another was afterward formed, which divided the original subscribers, and caused a different arrangement. That year also gave existence, in this town, to a branch of the " Washington Benevolent Society,"* the objects of which are to support the constitution, preserve the union of the States, recipro- cate advice in times of adversity, and relieve the indi- gent. Its first publick appearance was on the last anni- versary of the birth of our political father. Though I omit to detail our various publick celebra- tions,! (which are common to other places) and the dif- ferent motives of those who have encouraged them, I cannot forbear to mention that this town, in but seven- teen days:}: from the mournful event, was the first in Mas- sachusetts, and I believe in the United States, that insti- tuted publick funeral honours on the death of W a s h i n g- ton. There are many who hear me, that can never for- get the united sympathies of six hundred and twenty persons, moving§ by a solemn knell, and agonizing peals of cannon to the house of prayer; or the copious tears of a crowded auditory at the recital of his unexampled services for his beloved country. The gazing school- boys, who accompanied us on that occasion, will renew * The President is Joseph Hurd, Esq. and the number of our inhabitants who are members is 230. + The 22d Feb. 4th March, 17th June and 4* July, have often been celebrate ed by tL different political sects ; and the 24th June by the Free-Masons. J Dec. 31, 1799- k IT.* procession consisted of the male inhabitants, from seven years of age and § Th^e processor, consis«a Parish^ officers, instructed of upwards; the M.^r^Vi Masons and the Military, consisting of three com- the schools, the lodge oft Free"M,a^^' a"° ' shut. the flags on the vessels and panies in uniform. The storesj and siopsJJ«J** • ^"^ fired £r0m Breeds on shore were displayed half &£^*g JJ£k a*d an appropriate discourse Ml. The meeting house was Crowded in black, ana ^ PP_/MoRSE> whkh> S 5erprreyed^wiVe7VublSeSd by the taJn for the use of the inhabit- "ft. 2_d Of »f™2^ ^^?oSW^vS aXr of this history, which was publish- 5Kfeque*S°tSetkctmen Id parish committee. 14 HISTORICAL SKETCH their tender emotions, when they tell the melancholy story to their listening children, and the records of the town will transmit to future ages, a most honourable testi- mony of our esteem and veneration. By this cursory retrospect of thirty seven years, from the rebuilding of the town, we may discover the benefi- cial effects of industry and perseverance. Our com- merce, ship building, and other mechanick arts have ge- nerally been successful; our manufactures, which in some branches are extensive, particularly of morocco leather, cordage, bricks, candles, soap of various kinds, the distillery of molasses, and the brewing of malt liquors; with the extensive butcheries, tan yards, and packing large quantities of provisions for foreign mar- kets, afford, in prosperous times, a productive income to the different proprietors, and a handsome support to various classes of our fellow citizens. Our pleasant, healthful and commodious situation, is frequently a subject of conversation, with occasional vis- itants. The events of the revolutionary war; the Navy Yard* located in 1800, and now in active operation, by the building of a seventy-four gun ship, and the fitting of other vessels of war; the Middlesex Canal,! opened in 1803, and creating a deposit for wood, lumber and other articles; the Marine Hospital4 erected in *The territory comprising the national accommodations, being between 40 and 50 acres, was ceded to the U. States in 1800, by the General Court, who re tain no other jurisdiction than to prevent a refuge against breaches of our sUtote, committed without its limits. The persons residim? there are subject to no t«es nor the performance of municipal duties; and it is considered aTsettledbvthe Judiciary, that they are not entitled to the ordinary rights and privileges of our citizens. The land appropriated, was valued by a Jury It 37,280 dollars A nJrt s& v^_i___r3_ ™ xsra ^rSrr 25M2. ^«jfc1S35£__FaS,_ ^^^^a_s_^^t_^s&_r~-^2 t This Canal, which affords a water communication from Rn«fnn ♦„ vr_--: 1 river, terminates on the peninsula at Charlestown Fnr IT,5 , !? M?rr?m*<* this immense undertaking see Morse's Universal P_ Partlckul« desf»Pt»on of Vol. I. p. 348. The President i. Aaro"Dex"er, Esq Geograph* fourth ^ion. t The Marine Hospital of the United States is inn *<..* k„ .~ *. . • ... and a basement* it is accommodated withkhchena? Kd2_?i_i|0 T* higK rooms, with a garden. The average nnm^rnf n *• P? ? hall5 *nd m,»etee» controlled by & Collecto? ol"he^Tmand^nTcted V* * * U » .teward, under the direction of the "-feo^ho^D^'lSi^^^ * OF CHARLESTOWN. 15 1803, for the accommodation of sick and disabled sea- men; and the State Prison* built in 1805, for the pun- ishment, employment and reformation of convicts, have given us publicity; and we cherish a belief, that these important circumstances and establishments, will be so estimated and conducted, as to answer the publick expec- tations, and promote the happiness of the town. On political occurrences I shall remark generally, that during our connexion with Great Britain, we enjoyed the customary privileges; a due proportion of the in- habitants were appointed to important offices; there was a regular compliance with the requirements of govern- ment, and a cheerful support of the publick burthens. But we participated fully in the effects of the stamp act in 1765, the revenue bill in 1768, the port bill in 1774, and of other tokens of ministerial impolicy. In proof of our patriotism it may be observed, that at the commence- ment of serious opposition! to parliamentary measures, we united, as I hope we ever shall, to resist oppres- sion, and that but a single inhabitant,} sought protection from the parent country, whilst many§ engaged, m various ♦ This Prison is said to be as secure as any in the world. It is 200 feet long, 44 wide and 38 high, containing 90 cells for convicts, with kitchens, convenient Kom, for officers, Ind guards, *a Chapel, hospital, store, work shops.and battang nlace The yaril, in which is a garden, is encompassed with a stone wall, 375 oy 5_f _nd ic feelThigh on which the guards are stationed. The number of con- :S,Td1ntUefromghDe°c? ,"05, to the8 time of this address, is; 640 of whon1^6 b_v_ been discharged, 80 pardoned, 9 escaped, 22 died, 1 shot, and 232Remain. The visftors are the Supreme Executive of the Commonwealth and the Supreme Tosiah Bartlett, M. D. „ , t E N. a respectable citizen of this town, late., leceased at the age of 78 *« repeatedly mentioned to the writer, that he was among the In&am, who de- itToyed the tea at Boston in 1774. .... t Thomas Danforth, E.q. who was the only attorney at law m the town. _:p3=^Me£_raKsra'SK % &3B^§S__g_5S- different periods, were -In the *«,, Cap m,^ Benammj£o J^ let Newell, and /William "arris in tne *«£J ^ hospital surgeon, and Rand, who attended small pox patients J*Isaac *os'er' a"eim5Itai surgeon, and Sterward a deputy director f^J^^Si^^^ commissarys ^2^™%%™^ S^ham^and Thomas Frothingham, ;un._Those marked * are dead. --*;,>, TWtlett Ezekiel Cheever, Rich- 16 HISTORICAL SKETCH stations in the revolutionary army, and some continued until the termination of the contest. During the confederation of the United States, and the first administration of the federal government, we were tolerably united in principles and conduct; but a question on the adoption of the British treaty in 1795, revived our prejudices ; and the commotions of Europe, aided perhaps by that spirit of rivalship which is insepa- rable from the human character, excited in our citizens, those unhappy divisions, which paralize the energies of our country, and threaten us with the most serious cal- amities. May we all cultivate union, candour, modera- tion, and forbearance; and let us remember, that by a noble support of a free constitution, ancient Rome was elevated to happiness and glory; but by innovations and animosities, she fell from her exalted rank to infamy and slavery. If we except the years 1809 and 1812 (when a union ticket prevailed) the affairs of the town have for a long period been exclusively administered* by those, who es- pouse the present measures of our national government; but it is pleasing to reflect, that political dissensions have not destroyed our social intercourse, our mutual charities, or the personal confidence of our citizens in each other. From the adoption of the constitution in 1780, we chose but one representative annually to the General Court, until 1803, when we elected two; in 1804 three; in 1805 four; and in 1806 five, which number has been continued to the last election, when by an equality of suffrages, for the different candidates, and an unintention- al errour in declaring the choice, the seats of four were vacated, and we are again reduced to a single member,! * The present Selectmen (1813) are David Goodwin, Esq. Messrs. Timothy Thompson and Richard Frothingham, Col. Isaac Smith, Mr. Peter Tufts, Capt. Jqseph Miller and Mr. John Tapley. Town Clerk, John Kettell, Esq. Treas- urer, Mr. David Devens. Elected 1814. Selectmen, David Goodwin, John Soley, and Jeremiah Evarts, Esq'rs. Deac. Amos Tufts, Messrs. Samuel Payson, Peter Tufts, and Joseph Tufts. Clerk, Mr. David Dodge. Treasurer, Mr. D. Devens. t Capt. Joseph Miller. His predecessors in office from the operation of the constitution were *Timothy Tufts, Esq. *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham; Thomas Har- ris, and *Richard Devens, Esq'rs. Hon. Josiah Bartlett, *Aaron Putnam, Esq. Hon. Matthew Bridge, David Goodwin, Esq. Messrs. Richard Frothingham, and Seth Wyman, Col. Nathaniel Hawkins, Messrs. Elijah Mead, Daniel Tufts, Timothy I OF CHARLESTOWN. 17 on whom the responsibility devolves, at this most impor- tant crisis. We have usually furnished a senator for the district of Middlesex, and repeatedly a member of the supreme executive.* One of our respected inhabitants, who served in various offices, was, for many years, the com- missary general! of this commonwealth. We were also honoured with a president of congress under the confederation ; who was afterward a member of that au- gust assembly that formed the constitution of the United States, and of the convention of this State that ratified it4 This town enjoyed the residence, and here are deposit- ed the ashes of the most distinguished benefactor§ of Thompson, and David Devens; Peter Tufts, jun. John Kettell, and William Aus- tin, Esqrs. Elected for 1814—Joseph Hurd and John Soley, Esqrs. and Mr. Jos- eph Tufts, who do not espouse the measures of the national government. * The inhabitants, who have served as senators, under the present constitu- tion, are *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Josiah Bartlett, Matthew Bridge, and Samuel Dana. As members of the council, *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Josiah Bartlett, and Artemas Ward. t Richard Devens, Esq. who died in 1807, aged 86. " From a native strength of mind, quick discernment, and commendable industry, he was qualified for dis- tinguished usefulness. He sustained at different periods the most important town offices; was a magistrate and legislator; and bequeathed a large sum for charita- ble purposes." For a particular delineation of his character, see Panophst, vol. III. p. 239. t Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, who died in 1796, aged 58. Having served in vari- ous town offices, he was chosen representative in 1771, and from that period was seldom disengaged from publick employments. He was Speaker of the House, a Tudge of the county Court, and, at the time of his death, supervisor of the na- tional revenue for the district of Massachusetts. In testimony of his merits and important services, and in compliance with a vote of the town, an eulogy on his character wSi delivered, June 11, 1796, by Thomas Welsh, M. D. and is published. § John Harvard died in 1638. All that can be ascertained of this gentleman is, that he had been a minister in England, and died soon after his arrival in this country; that he preached a short time in this town, and bequeathed^ about elgh hundred pounds to the College. The writer has repeatedly searched for his crave, but could discover nothing to designate it. ,„„,...„.! * The following inhabitants of Charlestown (including exiles by the war in ipj) received degrees at Harvard College, and the r names are copied from the Catar logue. For information on this sub ect before the memory ^he writer, he is indebted to the politeness of the Hon. William Winthrop, of Cambridge, who is a descendant of the fifth generation from Governour Winthrop. onnp„PA Those who are not marked as dead, and have no place of residence annexed, are now 'inhabitants of the town. 1658 * Benjamin Bunker, Mr. 63 * Nathaniel Cutler. 64 * Alexander Nowell, Mr. Soc. 1647 *Comfort Star, Mr. Socius. t3 *Samuel Nowell, Mr. Thesau. ♦Joshua Long, Mr. 56 *Thomas Greaves, Mr. Soc. o *Zechariah Symmes, Mr. Soc. *Zechariah Brigden, Mr. Soc. 69 *Daniel Russell, Mr. Soc. 71 * Isaac Foster, Mr. Soc *Samuel Phipps, Mr. 18 HISTORICAL SKETCH Harvard University; and there are many of our departed citizens, who were highly esteemed as clergy, judges, legislators, magistrates, and publick benefactors.* 86 *Nicholas Morton, 90 *Nicholas Lynde. 91 * Joseph Lord, Mr. 1703 Thomas Greaves, Mr. Mass. Prov. Cur. Sup. Jurid. 20 * Joseph Stimson, Mr. 22 *Seth Sweetser, Mr. 23 *Joseph Lynde, Mr. 24 *Henry Phillips, Mr. 25 *Edward Dowse. 20 *Thomas Greaves, Mr. 27 *Benjamin Kent, Mr. 28 *Simon Bradstreet, Mr. 31 *Chambers Russell, Mr. Mass. Prov. Cur. Sup. Jurid. ♦Joseph Kent, Mr. 32 * Thomas Skinner, Mr. 35 *Daniel Russell, Mr. *John Bunker, Mr. 39 *Jonathan Kent, Mr. 40 *Bcnjamin Stevens, Mr. S. T. D. ♦Samuel Henley, Mr. 50 *Thomas Cheever, Mr. 52 *William Foster, Mr. 53 *David Jenner. 57 *Charles Russell, M. D. Aberd. 58 *David Wyer, Mr. *Isaac Foster, Mr. 59 *John Gorham, Mr. 61 * Thomas Carey, Mr. Isaac Rand, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. Vice Praeses et Praeses. S. M. Lond. Soc. Corresp. A. A. et S. H. S. Boston. 63 *Richard Carey, Mr. 64 * Thomas Abbot, Mr. ♦Thomas Brigden, Mr. 66 *Joseph Dowse. tirnehe foll°wing additional graduates at' Harvard College reside in I?ll lwSPnySKn* ™n o I l8m Elias Phinney. Mr. 86 Elias H. Derby, Mr. 1803. 2 Henry Adams Mr 95 Samuel J. Prescott, Mr. I y ' - At Yale College, New-Haven. 1766 *John Stevens, Mr, 71 John A. Mason, Mr. Boston. John Frothingham, Mr. Portland. 72 Thomas Welsh, M. D. M. M. S. et A. A. Soc. Boston. 76 *Ezekiel Henley, Mr. Isaac Hurd, Mr. M. M. S. Soc Concord. William Stearns, Mr. Salem. 77 "Jacob Conant 78 Josiah Bartlett, M. B. 1791. M. D. 1809. M. M. S. A. A. et S. H. S. 81 *Timothy Swan. 82 *Richard Codman, Mr. 87 Thaddeus M. Harris, Mr. Bib. S. T D. S. H. et A. A. S. Dorchester. 88 James Gardner, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. Soc. Lynn. 90 Abijah Tufts, Mr. Virginia. 92 John Gorham, Mr. 96 Benjamin Gorham, Mr. Boston. 97 Joseph Hurd, Mr. ♦Benjamin Wood. 98 William Austin, Mr. Henry Gardner, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. Soc. ' Maiden. 1800 *Aaron H. Putnam, Mr. 3 Abner Gardner, Mr. Roxbury. 4 Oliver Brown, Mr. 5 Isaac Warren, Mr. Concord. 6 Isaac Hurd, Mr. Lynn. 7 Joseph Tufts, Mr. 10 Joseph Eaton. William J. Walker, Mr. M. D. 11 Charles Hurd. James Russell. 13 Gorham Bartlett. Henry Thompson. town at this •783 Jedidiah Morse, Mr. et Nass. Tutor, S. T. D. Edin. A. A. et S. H. Mass. Soc. 1802 Jeremiah Evarts, Mr. C. A. Soc. 1810 Samuel F. B. Morse. u Sydney E. Morse. 12 Richard C. Morse. Theodore Dexter.' At Frovidence College. 1797 William Collier, Mr. 1802 Benj. Gleason Mr « s t a „, t, , At D2rtm™tk College, Hanover. J ^leason> Mr- 1808 LeonardI M. Parker. 1811 Abraham Andrews and William Gordon Abraham R. Thompson entered in 1795, and continued till i7q, °n' Inhabitants who are undergraduates at Harvard Celleze. Tohn M iN-i, t 1665 *Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the only Im.ian who ever re™Vf>A a Harvard College, died at Charlestown in 1666, aged 2a ed * degree at * The present magistrates are, justices through the state Hon Sam,, 1 ^ (who has been president of the senate, and is chief justicfof thT'CkcStConrToi OF CHARLESTOWN. 19 Our military arrangements have generally been re- spectable. As early as 1630, a lot of land was designa- ted as a training field, and has been continued by that name, and for that use, to this time. Our present mili- tary force are three companies of militia, all of which are well officered and provided; an artillery company formed in 1786, and two companies of light infantry in 1804. These are so completely equipped and disciplined, as to sustain an equal rank with any in the commonwealth. We have now a brigadier general, three field officers, Common Pleas) and Josiah Bartlett, Esqrs. Justices of the quorum, John Soley and John Kettell, Esqrs. Justices of the peace, Benjamin Hurd, Joseph Hurd, Oliver Holden, David Goodwin, Thomas Harris, *Abner Rogers, Matthew Bridge, Henry Adams, H. W. Gordon, Peter Tufts, Jun. William Austin, Elias Phinney, and Elias H. Derby, Esquires. Mr. Rogers died Feb. 23,1814, aged 35. There are many ancient epitaphs on the burying hill, most of which are not legible. The following have been copied with difficulty, and may serve as a spe- cimen of the taste of our forefathers. "Here lieth the body of Mr. John Greene, born at London, in Old England, who married Perseverance the daughter of-----i?hnson m Amsterdam, by whom he had six children; with whom and three children he came to Charies- town, in New-England, in 1632, was ruling elder of the church and deceased Apri 22, i6<8, aged 65, leaving behind two sons and one daughter, viz. John, JaPcob,and tfaryfwho erected this monument to the memory of him and his wife, their father and mother." « Here lies interred the body of Richard Russell, Esq. who served his country as treasurer mo?e than a treble prentiship and as a magistrate sixteen years; who departed this life the 14th of May, 1676, being the 65th year of his age. A saint, a husband, and a faithful brother, A friend, scarce equalled by any other, A saint, that walked high in either way, In godliness and honesty all say. A husband rare to both his darling wives, To her deceas'd, to her who him survives. A father politick, and husband kind, Unto our state in treasureship wc find. Of fathers good, as best to own to those, On him a fathership law did impose, A Moses brother kind, good Aaron lov d, On whom love showers, full of strength improve, A friend to needy poor, whom he refresh d, The poor may well lament their friend suppress d, In time of war he was removed in peace, ^ From sin and woes to glory, by his decease. such uses, as the inscription is now almost effaced. mir_ity, and treasurer ^^^^^^^^^l^^Caaxt of Com- ^n^afanlreTf h^ma^stuncil ab anno 1689 ad annum 1716, suc- cessively."' Richard Sprague (one of the first comers from Salem) 20 HISTORICAL SKETCH two brigade staff officers, and a regimental surgeon.* Several of our citizens are members, and we have re- cently furnished a commander! of the Ancient and Hon- ourable Artillery Company, which, in 1638, was formed at Boston, as a school for officers, and is the oldest mili- tary establishment in the United States. The learned professions^ as they are termed, have been honourably encouraged, decently remunerated, and, in general, properly conducted. But constantly varying in theory, and from their nature involved in obscurity, they are liable to abuses; and their usefulness is oftener lessened by unworthy conduct in their members to each other, than by a want of candour in the publick. Our free schools were incorporated by a special act of the legislature, in 1793. They are governed by seven trustees§ occasionally elected by the town in May. They are liberally endowed by permanent funds and annual appropriations.il The trust is now in charge of those who are competent and faithful. Let it be our care to * The militia companies are commanded by captains Lot Pool, Robert Tenney, and John Gibbs. The Artillery, by captain Loammi Kendall. The Warren Pha- lanx, by captain Samuel T. Armstrong, and the Light Infantry, by captain James K. Frothingham. The other officers are, brigadier general Nathaniel Austin, jun. (who is sheriff of the county) colonel Jonathan Page, majors Joshua w 11 ipPt' •and William Fernald. Brigade quarter master, major Timothy Walker, brigade major and inspector, major Samuel Jaques. Surgeon, Abra- ham R. Thompson, L. M. t Captain Melzar Holmes. J The clergy are Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D. D. and William Collier, A M. The Universal church is vacant, but Rev. Edward Turner is soon to be installed. Attorneys at law. — William Austin, ♦Abner Rogers, Elias Phinney, Henry Adams, and Joseph Tufts, Esqrs. and Leonard M. Parker, A. B. Practitioners in medicine.—Josiah Bartlett, M. D. and Abraham R. Thomp- son, L. M. who are fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Theodore Dexter, A. B. a candidate for practice. § The present board are the Rev. William Collier, President; Capt. Nehemiah Wyman, Treasurer; Dr. Abraham R. Thompson, Secretary; Messrs. George Bartlett and David Stetson, Capt. Joseph Miller, and Mr. Daniel Reed. Their predecessors in office were ♦Richard Devens, Esq. ♦Hon. Nath. Gorham, and Josiah Bartlett; ♦Aaron Putnam and Joseph Hurd, Esqrs. Col. Nath Hawkins and Mr. Seth Wyman (who are named in the act) Messrs. Samuel 1 ults and Jonathan Teel, Rev. Jedidiah Morse, Benjamin Hurd, Esq. Mr. Timothy Ihompson, Maj. Timothy Walker, David Goodwin, Esq. Hon. Matthew Bridge, inomas Harris Esq. Messrs. Samuel Payson, Joseph Phipps, John Stone, Elijah Mead James Greene, John Tufts, and Samuel Thompson; Peter Tufts, Jun. t J^ , Kettell> Esclrs- Messrs. Samuel Kent, Daniel Parker, David Devens. Jonas Tyler, Philemon R. Russell, and Ebenezer Cutter, William Austin, Esq. ine tnstructers on the peninsula, are Abraham Andrews, A. B. Messrs. David JJodge, John Bennet, and Oliver Jaqueth. Without the neck, Messrs. Mosea. Hail, Jacob Pierce, and Benjamin Greene. II The permanent fund is $5081, and the appropriation for 1813 $3500. OF CHARLESTOWN. 21 strengthen their hands, and encourage their hearts ; for free schools were the glory of our ancestors, they are the boast of New-England, and the^palladium of our fu- ture prosperity. In the year which is nearly closed, an extensive soci- ety* of all the religious denominations, and of different political principles, has been organized for the reforma- tion of morals, which, if prudently, conducted, may tend to the peace and happiness of the town. By a display of publick spirit, and with a degree of unanimity, ominous of future success, this handsome, convenient edifice,! designed for the accommodation of our reading society,:}: and for purposes like the pre- sent, has been expeditiously completed, and in the act of incorporation§ is designated by the name of Washing- ton Hall. ♦ The president is Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D. D. t This is a brick building, situated on the main street, and accommodated with a handsome rear entrance from Town Hill. It is 53 feet long, 29 feet wide, and three stories high. The property is vested in fifty shares, subscribed for by 34 persons, viz. Benjamin Swift 5 shares, Joseph Hurd 3, Timothy Walker 3, Ashur Adams 3, Josiah Bartlett 3, Jedidiah Morse 2, Nathan Tufts 2, Apollos Field 2, Richard Boylston 2, David Stetson, Nathaniel Austin, Jun. Samuel Soley, Wil- liam Pratt, Thomas Kettell, Stephen Gorham, Chester Adams, Nathan Adams, Thomas Osgood, Elias Phinney, Oliver Jaqueth, Benjamin Adams, John Soley, Ab R Thompson, Henry Adams, Elisha Wheeler, Thomas Boylston, ♦Benjamin Hurd, Jun. Samuel Kidder, John Skinner, Villiam Fernald, Samuel Jaques, Isaac Warren, Amos Tufts, and Jeremiah Evarts 1 each. Mr. Hurd died Sept. 15, 1813, aged 37. The expense, including the land, was $6250. The cellar and lower story are used for an elegant druggist's store; the second story is for reading and news rooms; in the third is the Hall, and a convenient drawing room, appropriated for various uses. In the yard is an office about 15 feet square, occupied by Mr. James Frothingham 3d, portrait painter. X This institution is furnished by the "Washington Hall Association" with newspapers, books, &c. of which there is a considerable collection. Subscribers are admitted by the Directors, each of which pay #5 a year. The present num- ber is 85, and the officers of the association, elected 1814, are Joseph Hurd, Esq. President; Major Timothy Walker, Vice-P-sident; Mr. Samuel Soley, Clerk and Treasurer; John Soley, Esq. and Mr. Thomas Kettell, who form a board of Directors. * The other reading Society has a room in the square; the subscribers pay *5 a year, the number is 53, and the officers are Major William Thompson, Presi- dent; John Kettell, Esq. Messrs. Jesse Brown, Leonard M. Parker, and Kendall Bailey, Committee; Maj. W. Thompson, Treasurer; L. M. Parker, A. B. Clerk. § "COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. An Act to incorporate sundry persons in Charlestown, in the county of Middle- sex, by the name of the Washington Hall Association. SECT. I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- eral Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That Joseph Hurd,.Jo- siah Bartlett, David Stetson, Timothy Walker and Benjamin Swrft, with such others as have associated, and purchased a lot of 1m^™^ *TOA^n ^ main street, in said Charlestown, running back one hundred and fiftyfeet and are erecting a building thereon by the name of Washington Hall, for offices, 22 HISTORICAL SKETCH We now solemnly and joyfully dedicate it to the memory of that illustrious, unequalled patriot whose name it bears. Here we may venerate his virtues, cultivate his principles, and practise by his example. Within these walls may our successors manfully sup- port the doctrines of rational liberty; and when an hun- dred and eighty five years, the period we have so imper- fectly reviewed, shall again have expired, may they recognize the efforts of the present era, as we now cele- brate the exertions of those who have passed before us to the regions of immortality. APPENDIX. THE following is a detail of the births and deaths (be- re noticed) on the peninsula for the past 25 years. Ye^rs. Births, Deaths. Years. Births. Deaths. 1789 52 22 1803 135 57 90 40 35 4 140 79 91 47 26 5 150 68 92 46 32 6 200 80 93 64 32 7 190 90 94 70 26 8 200 47 95 77 38 9 197 78 96 83 65 10 228 63 97 103 50 11 220 100 98 93 40 12 233 93 99 93 .40 13 228 115 1800 102 60 1 114 95 3225 1510 2 120 79 reading rooms, and other purposes; be, and they are hereby incorporated, for holding in fee simple, and managing the affairs of the said estate, which is divided into fifty shares; and they are authorized to use a common seal, and to establish such by-laws, relating to the said corporation, as are not repugnant to the consti- tution and laws of this Commonwealth; provided the annual income of said cor- poration shall not exceed the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. Sect. 2. Be it further enacted, That said Joseph Hurd be authorized to call the first meeting of the said corporation, by a written notification to each mem- ber, at least three days before the time of meeting. Approved, June 16, 1813. CALEB STRONG. The persons named in the act were the Directors, to provide materials, make contracts, and conduct the erection of the building. Mr. Chester Adams was Clerk and Treasurer. OF CHARLESTOWN. 23 A census of the inhabitants of Charlestown, taken in August and September, 1810, by Mr. Timothy Thomp- son, Jun. who was appointed for that purpose by the marshal of the United States for the district of Massa- chusetts. Males. Females. Under ten years of age 651 771 From ten to sixteen - 308 351 sixteen to twenty six 496 510 twenty six to forty five 612 496 forty five and upwards 281 260 Convicts in the State Prison 195 5 2543 l 2393—4936 Included above, are 25 black male- and 37 females. Mr. Thompson has also furnished the following ac- count of manufactures in the town, taken at the same time. Value per year. Eighteen millions bricks - 650,000 One hundred and seventy chaises - - o+.uuu Two hundred and fifty gallons rum per day o0,000 Four thousand hides tanned - - *%"nn r* e\ - lOO.UUU TwhTe " - " " " I'500 OnThundred and fifty thousand morocco skins 225,000 Stone and earthen ware - - - »,oUU Thirty thousand pounds fine soap - - juuu Ninety thousand pounds common do. - WW Ten thousand boxes mould candles - - -^ Plated ware _ ^m Cabinet work Twenty eight hundred and fifty yards common ^ ^ weaving - - ' $1,231,663 Establishments for preparing spirit of turpentine and lamp black, and for a brewery, were not valued. 24 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHARLESTOWN. There have been, an extensive distillery erected, two tan yards completed, a factory for preparations of vitriol established, and salt petre works commenced, since the census was taken; but it is the opinion of competent judges, that the manufactory of bricks, chaises, cordage, morocco leather, plated ware, and cabinet work, has greatly lessened since that period. The Schools are in a state of great prosperity; as will be shewn by the following extract from a report of the trustees to the town, May 2, 1814. "At the late examinations, we found the schools under the most perfect government, and in the highest state of improvement; we cannot refrain from congratulating our fellow-citizens on a situation of their publick schools, so auspicious to the best interests of the town, so grati- fying to the dearest hopes of parents, and bearing such honourable testimony to the eminent ability and fidelity of the instructers." On the acceptance of the report, the town voted one thousand dollars in addition to the usual annual appropri- ation, for the education of young children; in conse- quence of which, twenty one districts are established, and to each a schoolmistress is appointed, for the instruc- tion of those, from four to seven years of age, the whole number of whom is four hundred and twenty five; the scholars of both sexes, in the other schools, f.om seven to fourteen years of age, are seven hundred and seven- teen ; which makes the whole number, instructed at the expense of the town, eleven hundred and forty two. A publick support of schools, kept by women, for primary instruction, and free to every inhabitant, under the direction of the trustees, though novel, is honourable to the town, and affords a pleasing presage of future im- provement. Charlestown, May 9, 1814. \ cL70 cl mm izzcm mmAi tm^v