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A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
OF THE
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE,
FROM 1631 TO 1865;
TOGETHER WITH TUB
ftetolleriions of a Dosfon fjolite ©iter,
OR
BOSTON BY DAYLIGHT AND GASLIGHT,
FROM THE DIARY OF AN OFFICER FIFTEEN YEARS IN THE SERVICE.
BY
EDWARD H. SAVAGE.
; >Tis strange, but true, — for truth is always strange,
Stranger than fiction."— Byron.
SECOND EDITION, REVISED.
BOSTON:
PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOR,
1865.
}4 Vz'^z
7 S3
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by
EDWARD H. SAVAGE,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
Stereotyped and Printed by
J. B. Fakwell and Company,
87 Congress 8treet, Boston.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
H1STOKY OF THE BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.. 7-105
POLICE KECOLLECTTONS.
A STAMPEDE 311
A CONFIDENCE MAN 193
A CHARM. GAME . 244
ADVICE TO A YOUNG POLICEMAN 341
A TRIP AMONG THE SNOW BANKS 202
A CHAPTER ON HATS 188
A WEDDING IN THE TOMBS 280
A KID GAME 381
BEGGARS 184
COMMERCIAL STREET FIRE 217
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE 136
CHURCH ROBBERY 231
CHOLERA IN 1854 263
CONSCRIPTION RIOT 347
DESTRUCTION OF THE BEEHIVE ... .107
DEATH OF A FIREMAN 167
DEACON PHILLIPS'S OLD STONE HOUSE 291
FIGHT WITH JOHN WELCH 130
724843
IV CONTENTS.
Page.
GABRIEL AND HIS HORN 113
GUESS WORK 117
GIVING A DESCRIPTION 816
IMPERTINENT POLICEMEN 338
JAKE AND HIS BOYS 155
LIQUOR LAW DISCLOSURES *. 249
LITTLE RAGGED NELL 397
MY FATHER'S LIKENESS 399
MY MOTHER'S GRAVE 402
MARIA WHIPPLE 179
MECHANICAL BAKERY FIRE 223
MY OLD GRAY CAT... 229
NOAH'S ARK 296
NEW CITY HALL. — A DREAM 389
OLD BUILDINGS 283
PICKPOCKETS 235
POLICE DESCENTS 254
RECOLLECTIONS OF COUNTRYMEN 124
' RAT PITS 160
SMALL MATTERS 274
• THE JOKING LIEUTENANT 147
THE OUTCAST 171
THIEVES WITH A BAG 198
THE LOST TREASURE 226
TOUGH CUSTOMERS 321
THE OLD ELM ON THE COMMON 334
THE DRAFT 371
THOMAS SEMMES 375
THAT LITTLE CURL 401
VALUE OF CHARACTER 277
WOMAN'S REVENGE 221
WATCHMAN'S RATTLE 143
PREFACE.
The Author of this volume has been in the service of the
Government of Boston as a Police Officer for the last fifteen
years, and has many good reasons for feeling a deep inter-
est in the history and welfare of his adopted city. Under
this influence, and with opportunities offered through the
courtesy of numerous friends, the writer has devoted much
of his leisure time for some years past, in collecting mate-
rial for a Chronological History of the Town and City of
Boston ; and although the collection is yet incomplete, it
would now fill a large volume.
From these records have been borrowed the materials
that compose the "Chronological History of the Boston
Watch and Police." The work has been prepared with
no little labor and care, and it is hoped will prove of interest
and value.
The duties of the Police Officer afford peculiar opportu-
nities for the study of human nature ; and the views of city
life, by him witnessed, present a wide field not only for the
pen of the novelist or critic, but also for the hand of the
philanthropist and Christian.
The writer has not been an idle observer in his police
life ; and during his long term of service, no day has passed
that he has not made a note of some passing event. iMany
of these notes are of fto value except perhaps, now and
then, as matters of reference. Others, consisting mostly of
incidents and casualties, may be of more or* less interest,
and many reflect little credit on those most intimately con-
6 PREFACE.
cerned. Of this last class, few will ever meet the public
eye. For although
"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated, needs but to be seen ;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, — then pity, — then embrace."
And again, there is neither profit nor honor, in exposing
the secrets and follies of others, for the purpose only of
holding them up for contempt and ridicule ; but if any one
should here recognize his own identity in an unenviable
position, let him improve upon the past, and fear nothing
from me unless the case demands a judicial investigation.
From this volume of memoranda the Author has selected
such as are believed to be unobjectionable and of interest ;
and, at the earnest solicitation of friends, he now offers to
the public " A Chronological History of the Boston
Watch and Police/ ' together with his own " Police
Recollections."
In his work, the writer has made no attempt to draw
upon the imagination, believing that truth is not only
stranger, but more profitable than fiction. Neither does he
claim for himself any of the detective tact of a Hayes or a
Reed, nor for his " Recollections " the historical romance
in the career of a Vidocq or a Jonathan Wild. They are
only the observations of a plain man, told in a plain way,
and are but every-day transactions in city life.
The Author hopes to be forgiven for the many errors not
only in his book, but in his life ; and if he is permitted to
reap the assurance that in the one he has done his duty,
and in the other he has been successful in an attempt to
please and instruct, his highest aim will be accomplished,
and his fondest hopes realized.
E. H. Savage.
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
OF THE
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE,
FROM 1631 TO 1865.
A well-regulated Police is the strong right arm
of all local civil governments ; its presence is ever
a guarantee of peace and the supremacy of law,
and a safeguard to life and property.
In reviewing the history of the " Boston Watch
and Police " since its first organization, covering a
period of two hundred and thirty-four years, the
limits of this work will allow but a brief outline.
In fact, its character and duties can only be gath-
ered from the customs, opinions, and tastes of the
people, — the nature of transpiring events, and the
peculiar condition of things. As we pass along,
"catching the manners living as they rise," an
attempt will be made to give a " bird's-eye view "
of the character of the times, the Internal or Police
Regulations of the town, with here and there an
inkling of the civil and criminal Jurisprudence.
The peninsula now called Boston, was probably
first visited by Englishmen in the year 1621. A
8 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
colony of English emigrants had commenced a set-
tlement at Plymouth in 1620, and on the eigh-
teenth day of September, the year following, ten
Englishmen of the colony, accompanied by three
Plymouth Indians as guides and interpreters, set
sail in a " Shallop, to visit The Massachusetts ', for the
purpose of exploring the country and trading with
the natives."
The party arrived " at the head of the Bay " the
same evening, and early next morning they
"landed under the cliff," supposed to be on the
beach at the foot of Copp's Hill.
On landing, they found a pot of lobsters that
had been left unguarded by the unsuspecting na-
tives, which they without ceremony appropriated
to their own use (the Harbor Police had not been
established then ) ; after which they started over
the hill in search of the inhabitants.
They had not proceeded far, however, when
they met an Indian woman going for her property,
little dreaming it had been so unceremoniously
confiscated by her civilized visitors. The party
seeing that their mistake was about to be de-
tected, concluded to "fork over a sum of hush
money, (the Record says, " they contented the
woman for them,") and the matter was settled with
out an expose.
The party, finally, had an interview with the
Sachem, and formed a treaty. It was said that
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. V
" He submits to the King of England, on our
promising to be a safeguard against his enemies."
The agreement was undoubtedly kept by one party
about as well as by the other, as it does not appear
that the visit was repeated or returned for years
afterwards.
In the summer of 1630, the ship Arbella, with
several other emigrant vessels, having on board
Governor John Winthrop and party, who were
called the " Massachusetts Company," arrived at
Salem and Charlestown, and commenced perma-
nent settlements there.
At this time the peninsula, which by the Indians
was called " Shawmut," but by the English " Tri-
mountain," (because, from Charlestown, " the west-
erly part had the appearance of three contiguous
hills,") was inhabited by only one white man, a
Mr. William Blaxton (or Blackstone), who lived
at the westerly part, near where is now Louisburg
Square. How long he had lived here, no one
seems to know ; he was not here in 1621, when
the Plymouth party paid their first visit; but it
was said he had a house and garden, which indi-
cated an age of seven or eight years.
Trimountain was then described as being very
uneven, abounding in hills, hollows, and swamps,
and was covered either with wood, or blueberry
and other wild bushes, and abounded in bears,
10 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
wolves, snakes, and other beasts, birds, and reptiles
too numerous to mention.
The location at Charlestown being low, wet, and
short of good water, in a few weeks proved quite
unhealthy, and Trimountain offering much better
inducements for a settlement, at the invitation of
Mr. Blackstone several persons went over to dwell
on his grounds, till it was finally determined to
make the place the seat of Government for the
colony ; and on the seventh day of September, at
a court holden at Charlestown, it was ordered that
Trimountain be called Boston, at which time the
settlement of Boston has since been reckoned, the
seventh of the month old style answering to the sev-
enteenth according to the present reckoning. The
name was said to have been given in honor of
several distinguished persons of the colony, who
were emigrants from an old town called Boston in
Lincolnshire, England.
The Massachusetts people in their new homes
were almost surrounded with a wild, unexplored
wilderness, inhabited by uncivilized men, whose
numbers and strength were unknown, some of
whom it was said would u tie their prisoners to
trees, and gnaw the flesh from their bones while
alive." This, perhaps, had its influence in making
Boston the seat of Government, as it was almost
surrounded by water, and could be fortified much
easier than any place near it.
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 11
Although the inhabitants of Boston were at first
quite numerous, yet not until 1631, (April 12),
was it ordered " by Court " that Watches be set at
sunset, and if any person fire off a piece after the
watch is set, he shall be fined forty shillings, or be
whipped." And two days after, it was said, " we
began a Court of Guard upon the Neck, between
Roxburie and Boston, whereupon shall always be
resident an officer and six men."
This was an organization of the first Boston
Watch ; and although it partook more of the char-
acter of a military guard than otherwise, it was
well adapted to the wants of the people, as all
Police arrangements should be ; and was probably
continued, with greater or less numbers, till the
organization of a watch by the selectmen.
For several years after the settlement of Boston,
" The Court," consisting of the Governor, Deputy
Governor, Secretary, and a certain number of
assistants, constituted the Legislative, Judicial, and
also the Executive power, not only of Boston but
of the whole colony ; and, judging from the num
ber and character of their laws, and the frequency
of their violations, they must have had a pretty
busy time of it. Nor was there then, more than
now, complete perfection in the executive, for al
one time one of the assistants was fined five pound 4
for whipping a culprit unlawfully, no other ass
ant being present. However, in time, populat
12 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
and business had so much increased, and the duties
of " The Court " had become so oppressive, that it
was deemed expedient to institute a new order of
things, and on the first day of September, 1634, a
Town Government was organized for Boston, by
choosing nine " Townes Occasions " (Selectmen),
and various other officers, for superintending the
local affairs of the town, the name of William
Chesebrough first appearing on the records as
Nonstable.
From the first, the people had plenty of " Court,"
yet a grand jury was not organized till September
1, 1635, and that was none too soon, for at its first
/setting it was said they found " over one hundred
presentments, and among them were some of the Mag-
istrates"
Although a Watch had been established as early
as 1631, it does not appear that the authorities of
the town assumed the prerogatives of its appoint-
ment and control till the twenty-seventh day of
u*uary, 1636, when, at a Town Meeting, " upon
- ^/ate warning, it was agreed y* there shalbe a
♦vatch taken up and gone around with from the
first of the second month next for y e summertime
rom sunne sett an houre after y e beating of y e
irumbe, upon penal tie for every one wanting
herein twelve pence every night."
is'le organization of a Town Watch here estab-
i4l, under various names and hundreds of dif-
J
i\
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 13
ferent modifications (with perhaps the exception
of a brief period during the Revolution), has ex-
isted to the present time. The duties of the Watch,
as appears by the order, were to be performed in
turn by the inhabitants ; they were not " citizen
soldiers," but citizen Watchmen, and having an in-
terest in their work, no doubt did it well. What
their duties were is not laid down in the record,
and can only be inferred from the condition of
things at the time.
The dwellings of the inhabitants had mostly
been thrown up in a hurry, with such material as
was at hand, and were built of wood or mud walls,
thatched roof and stick chimneys, plastered with
clay ; this left them particularly exposed to fire,
and a fire in those days was a calamity indeed.
There were numerous straggling Indians, who paid
their nocturnal visits from the wilderness, and they
were not over scrupulous in relation to etiquette
or the ownership of property. There were also
among the inhabitants (if we believe the report), a
set of knaves, thieves, and burglars, of their own
" kith and kin." Wolves and bears were also nu-
merous, and came into Boston even, and carried
off young kids and lambs. Nor was this all ; mas-
ters were sorely annoyed by the frequent desertions
of their slaves ; for Boston men had slaves, and not
only black slaves, but white ones. (At one time a
ship-load of one hundred and fifty Scotch em-
14 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
igrants were sold in Boston to pay their passage ;)
and these, especially, were prone to take French
leave of their masters the first opportunity, prefer-
ring a wild life and a wigwam with liberty, to civ-
ilization and bondage.
These and attending circumstances would plainly
indicate what might be the nature of the duties
required of the Town Watch at that time.
1637. This year Rev. John Wheelwright was
banished from Boston for entertaining heretical
opinions, and the year following Dorothy Talbe, a
poor insane woman, who killed her child to save it
from being miserable hereafter, was hanged. It
was believed that the devil prompted her to do it,
and hanging her would punish him. It was said
that Mr. Peters and Mr. Wilson, the ministers,
went with her to the place of execution, but they
" could do her no good."
1639. Edward Palmer was employed to build
the stocks (a place in which to set criminals for
punishment) ; when completed, he presented his
bill of £1. 135. Id. This was thought to be exor-
bitant, and poor Palmer got placed in his own
machine, and fined five pounds. The next year
Hugh Bewett was banished, " for maintaining that
he was free from original sin."
1645. Tbe inhabitants were not allowed to en-
tertain strangers, for fear they might become pau-
pers, and a law was passed forbidding any person
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 15
to swear an oath ; " and if an Indian powwow, he
shall pay 10s. and stop powwowing." No house
shall be sold without liberty from the Selectmen.
1648. Margaret Jones was hung for witch-
craft. " A little child was seen to run from her,
and when followed by an officer, it vanished." This
scaled her fate. Her husband, Thomas, attempted
to escape on a vessel for Barbadoes, but the ship
being in light ballast,, and having on board eighty
horses, " fell a rolling." An officer was sent for,
and when he came, one said, " you can tame men,
can't you tame the ship ] " Said the officer, draw-
ing a warrant, " I have here what will tame her,"
and arrested Jones. " At that instant she began
to stop, and stayed, and when Jones was put in
prison moved no more."
1650. The court passed a law forbidding the
wearing of " great boots," and other extravagant
articles of dress, unless the wearer was worth two
hundred pounds. — Oliver Holmes was whipped for
being a Baptist. Some persons who shook hands
with him after the whipping, were fined, and
others whipped.
1652. Fires began to do much damage, and
ladders and swabs were to be prepared by the in-
habitants to extinguish them, and "Bell Men shall
goe aboute y e town in y e night, from ten to five
o^ clock in y e morninge." ♦
1655. The people were very poor, and money
16 BOSTON WATCH AND TOLICE.
scarce, taxes were paid in rye, peas, and corn, and no
man was allowed to carry more than twenty shil-
lings out of town.
1657. " Christopher Holder and John Cope-
land, Quakers, were whipped through town with
knotted cords, with all the strength the hangman
could command. The prisoners were gagged with
a stick in the mouth, to prevent their outcries."
Horred Gardner, a Quakeress with a child at her
breast, was brutally whipped ; and when liberated,
knelt down and prayed for her persecutors." The
year following, the penalty of death was added to
the law against Quakers.
1659. William Robinson and Marmaduke Ste-
phenson, men of irreproachable character, were
hanged to the limb of a tree on the Common, as
Antinomians and heretics. When dead, they were
rudely cut down by the hangman, Robinson falling
so as to break his skull. Their friends were not
allowed their bodies, but they were stripped, and
cast naked into a hole, without any covering of
dirt, and were soon covered with water." " A Mr.
Nichols built a fence about the place to protect
them." Mary Dyer was to have been hung at the
same time, but was reprieved for a season. Peter
Pearson, Judith Brown, and George Wilson, were
whipped through the town to the wilderness, tied
to a cart-tail, " the executioner having prepared a
cruel instrument wherewith to tear their flesh."
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 17
These were no solitary instances, but the heart
sickens at the thought, and we gladly drop the
curtain over these scenes of cruelty and bloodshed.
1661. " Ordered y 1 y e constables begin their
rounds from May first all night."
1663! Sir Robert Carr, sent over by the king
to modify the abuses of the Colonial Government,
spent his time on Sunday at a noted tavern called
" Noah's Ark," in Ship Street. The Governor
issued a warrant against Sir Robert, for violation
of the Sunday kw, and Richard Bennett, the Con-
stable, was sent to make the arrest. Sir Robert
caned the officer, and sent him away. The Gov-
ernor then sent a summons for Sir Robert to
appear before him, but he would not come." Ar-
thur Mason, a spirited officer, was then sent to
bring Carr, when some high words arose between
the officer and Carr, and ere long poor Mason
found himself in prison for attempting to obey his
superior, and was eventually fined for an honest
effort to do his duty, the Governor being glad to
find a scapegoat in the person of his subordinate,
whereby to escape punishment himself in abusing
the King's agent.
1670. An Indian hung in gibbets on Boston
Common, for the murder of Zachary Smith in
Dedham woods.
1672. Governor Bellingham imprisoned George
Heathcock for neglecting to take off his hat when
2*
18 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
he came to bring a letter. — " Boston had fifteen
hundred families, and there were not twenty houses
that had ten rooms apiece. There were no musi-
cians by trade. A dancing school was set up, but
it was put down."
1676. A terrible fire destroyed all the build-
ings between what is now Richmond, Hanover,
Clark streets, and the water. Soon after this,
cages were set up about town to put violators of
the Sabbath in, and constables were ordered to
" search out and arrest Quakers." Margaret
Brewster went into the South Church, and pro-
nounced her curse. She had her face blackened,
and wore sackcloth. Margaret was hurried off to
jail, and brought to court next day. She had been
washed, and the officer could not identify her, but
she w r as whipped.
1679. A fire consumed eighty buildings, near
the dock. A Frenchman, " who. was suspected " of
setting the fire, was sentenced to stand in the
pillory, to have both ears cut off, pay charges of
court, give five hundred pounds bonds with sure-
ties, and stand committed till sentence was per-
formed. (Query. What would have been the
sentence if there had been proof of guilt 1)
1686. It was said the affairs of the town were
much neglected in consequence of trouble with the
Home Government. The charter had been taken
away. Town officers were officers no longer, and
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 19
the people were disfranchised, and the agents of
the Home Government, without having an interest,
had the control of the town. Town meetings held
but once a year.
1689. Governor Andros got into a quarrel with
the people, who became exasperated, and the Gov-
ernor, for safety, fled to the castle, and from thence
to a man of war lying in the harbor ; but the cap-
tain of the frigate being on shore, fell into
the hands of the people, and would not let the
frigate fire on the town, for fear of his own safety.
Governor Andros was finally given up, put in jail,
and sent home to England.
1692. Governor Phipps arrived in Boston with
a new charter. — Giles Corey was pressed to death
for being a wizzard. — A cage and watch-house
had been built near the market.
1698. A Mr. Ward, who visited New England
this year, said of Boston : " The buildings, like
their women, are neat and handsome, and their
streets, like the hearts of their men, are paved
with pebbles. They have four churches, built with
clapboards and shingles, and supplied with four
ministers, — one a scholar, one a gentleman, one a
dunce, and one a clown. The .captain of a ship
met his wife in the street after a long voyage, and
kissed her, for which he was fined ten shillings.
What a happiness, thought I, do we enjoy in old
England, where we can not only kiss our own
20 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
wives, but other mens, without a danger of pen-
alty." So much for Mr. Ward.
1701. At town meeting, " Watchmen are en-
joined to be on duty from ten o'clock till broad
daylight." " They are to go about silently with
watch bills, not using any bell, and ho watchmen to
smoke tobacco while walking their rounds ; and
when they see occasion, to call to persons to take
care of their light." — " Those intending to build,
must have permission of the Selectmen." — "Many
ordinaries, beer-shops, and stands out of doors were
licensed." — " Several persons warned out of town
for fear they will become paupers." — "Three
warehouses near the dock were blown up with
powder, to stop the progress of a fire."
1703. John Barnard built a watch-house for
the town at North End, with a sentry-box on top
of it ; and another near the powder-house on the
Common. — April 24. The first newspaper in
North America, issued by John Campbell, post-
master.
1707. The main street towards the South End
paved. Three hundred pounds appropriated to
support the Watch. Twelve watchmen were em-
ployed at forty shillings a month. James Thornby
and Exercise Conant, overseers of the watch.
Watch rules and regulations adopted.
1708. The various streets, over one hundred in
number, named and recorded in the Town Book. —
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 21
The town petitioned the legislature for an act of
incorporation as a city.
1709. Town officials fined for neglect of duty.
A minister said, " The covetous office-holders are
intent on gain ; sometimes they are contriving to re-
move obstructions, sometimes to prevent discovery;
sometimes in supplanting rivals, they spend many
hours in imagining mischief upon their beds." — The
watch increased to fifteen. They petition for leave
to prosecute those who abuse them while on duty.
1710. Fortification rebuilt on the Neck, com-
posed of brick and stone, across Washington at
Dover Street, as now named, extending to the sea
on the east, and south to where is now Union
Park, having a parapet on which to place a
cannon, with gates for teams and foot passengers
at the street. — Watch-boxes set up in various parts
of the town. — Male and female Indians sold at
auction as servants.
1711. A terrible fire consumed the old town-
house, and about one hundred buildings about it,
including the first meeting-house. Many persons
were killed by blowing up houses. Several sailors
perished in the flames, in trying to save the church
bell. One hundred and ten families were made
homeless. — Fire-wards appointed. They were " to
carry a staff five feet long, colored red, with a bright
brass spike at the end, six inches long, and have
power to command all persons at fires." — Bounties
22 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
for Indian scalps paid in Boston. — Deaths in town
during the year; whites, 305; negroes and Indians,
58.
1713. George Brownell " teaches writing, ci-
phering, dancing, treble violin, English and French
embroidering, flourishing, plain work, and mark-
ing." — Numerous colored people * advertised for
sale. — The half bushel of a countryman selling
turnips at the dock, was found to be small. A
justice ordered the measure stove to pieces, and
the turnips given to the poor. — A Mr. Bacon,
going with a team over the Neck one winter night,
lost his way, and both he and the team perished
with cold.
1714. Two men added to the watch, and " two
sober, discreet men to have charge thereof." — The
watchhouse near the townhouse to be removed,
" and set by the schoolhouse in Queen Street, and
a cage to be added." Also ordered, that " the
whipping-post be removed thereto."
1715. There were four watchhouses ; one in
Clark Square, one near the Conduit, one near the
schoolhouse, Queen Street, and one at South End,
with about four watchmen at each. The watch
went on duty at nine o'clock p. m. in winter, and
ten o'clock p. m. summer, remaining till daylight
next morning, at forty shillings per month. There
were two overseers. — The town was divided into
eight wards this year, three of which were north
of Mill Creek.
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 23
1718. Mary Porcell, Abigail Thurston, and
Esther Hay, were publicly whipped for being
night-walkers-, and afterward fined ten shillings
each.
1720. " Ordered, That trucks shall be no more
than eighteen feet long, tires four inches wide ;
two horses to one team, and one ton load."
1721. A great linen wheel-spinning exhibition
on the Common, where " all classes met and vied
with each other in skill. A great concourse of
people from town and country."
1722. Boston contained ten thousand six hun-
dred and seventy persons ; four thousand five
hundred and forty-nine lived north of Mill Creek.
There were said to be one thousand brick, and
two thousand wood houses, forty- two streets,
thirty-six lanes, twenty-two alleys. — The watch
reduced to twelve men; the south watch discon-
tinued.
1723. Five divisions of the watch established,
and called the " Old North, New North, Dock
Watch, Townhouse Watch, and South Watch.
The names indicated the locality. The South
watch were supposed to be located in a narrow,
one-story brick house in Orange Lane, which may
now (1865) still be seen at No. 518 Washington
Street (another story having since been added),
and which was occupied for a watchhouse over
one hundred years." There were five watchmen
24 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
at each house. They were ordered to " walk their
rounds slowly and silently, and now and then stand
still and listen."
1725. A lad aged seventeen years, for abusing
some smaller children, sentenced "to be whipped
thirty-nine stripes at the cart tail, twelve at the
gallows, thirteen at the head of Summer Street,
thirteen below the townhouse, and be committed
to Bridewell six months." — Hoop petticoats were
a subject of ridicule in Franklin's newspaper. He
advertises, " Hoop Petticoats, just published and
sold by the printer, arraigned and condemned by
the light of nature and law of God — price 3d."
1726. William Fly, Samuel Cole, and Henry
Grenville, hung for piracy. Two days before
execution they were taken to Mr. Column's
church, to listen to a sermon, for which they
cared little. . Fly was hung in gibbets on an
Island in the harbor. The wind whistling through
his bones many months after, was a warning to
sailors passing in and out of the harbor.
1727. The General Court passed laws prohibit-
ing violations of the Sabbath, such as swimming,
unnecessary walking in the highways, in fields, or
on the Common ; violators " to be put in jail," " set
in the stocks," &c.
1728. Henry Phillips and Benjamin Wood-
bridge, two aristocratic youths, got in a quarrel at
Royal Exchange Tavern, went to the Common, and
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 25
fought a duel with swords. Woodbridge was run
through the body and killed, and Phillips made his
escape. Shortly after, a law was made against
duelling. The offender was to be " carried in a
cart, with a rope about his neck, to the gallows, to
sit thereon one hour, and be imprisoned twelve
months ; " the person killed " to be buried with a
stake driven through his body, and stones piled on
his grave." — Ratable polls in Boston, about three
thousand. — Governor Burnet quarrelled with the
House of Representatives, and removed the gen-
eral court to Salem.
1730. Boston cast 530. votes. The following
Town Officers officiate : Town Clerk, 1 ; Select-
men, 9 ; Treasurer, 1 ; Overseers Poor, 8 ; Asses-
sors, 7; Constables, 16; Sealers of leather, 5;
Clerks of Market, 8 ; Measurers of boards and
shingles, 7 ; Fence viewers, 7 ; Scavengers, 16 ;
Hogreeves, 4 ; Watchmen, 25. It does not
appear that the town, held any centennial celebra-
tion of its settlement, but Mr. Prince preached a
sermon to the legislature, in which he says, " A
flood of irreligion and profaneness has come in
upon us, — so much terrible cursing and swearing,
lying, slandering, and backbiting, cruel injustice,
oppression, rioting, and drunkenness."
1732. The town had seven fire engines, and
eighty-seven firemen. It was said that " John and
Thomas Hill have a newly constructed engine at
26 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
their Distil House, drawn by a horse j that throws
a great quantity of water twelve feet high. It is
a great improvement, and the first of the kind."
— The Selectmen authorized to award faithful
watchmen, " not exceeding ten shillings a month."
1733. At town meeting, an application was
made to have Mathew Young appointed watchman,
" that he and his children do not become a town
charge." — The whipping-post that had been blown
down was " ordered to be set up near the town
house Watchhouse."
1734. Three market-places established, " one
in Orange Street, one in Dock Square, and one in
Market Square." — A mob demolished a house of
ill-fame, under the countenance of some well-
meaning Magistrates." — The town voted to build
a workhouse. — The weight of bread was estab-
lished, bakers to put their initials on each loaf.
1735. Watchmen " Ordered to cry the time of
night and state of the weather, in a moderate tone,
as they walk their rounds after 12 o'clock, — One
o'clock, clear, and all's well." Boston divided
into twelve wards, names dropped, and numbers
used instead. — Thirty shillings a winter allowed
each watchhouse for coal.
1736. Porters to be licensed, and to " wear a
badge with the figure of a Pine Tree." — The
number of watchmen reduced to sixteen, watch-
houses four, viz : " Old North, New North, Town-
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 27
house, and South End." — The badge of the over-
seers to be "a quarter pike ; " " one watchman to
attend at each watchhouse door all night, to in-
spect persons."
1737. A workhouse built near the Granary
and a house at Rainsford Island for persons with
contagious diseases. — Quarantine established.
1739. John Chambers and other gravediggers
inform the Selectmen, that The Johnson and
Granary burial-grounds are so full, they are ofttimes
obliged to bury four deep. — The School Commit-
tee reported that " there are five schools, with 595
scholars, all satisfactory." — Dock Square Market-
house torn down by a mob.
1740. The overseer of the watch petitioned to
have a coal-hole door to a watchhouse repaired.
— The watch ordered " to look out for disorderly
Negroes and Indians." — There were fifteen
churches in Boston.
1741. William Shirley, Esq., a Catholic law-
yer, was appointed Governor of the Province. —
Fifty-five persons in the workhouse.
1742. There were said to be in Boston, 16,382
inhabitants, 1,200 widows, 1,719 dwelling-houses,
116 warehouses, 1,514 negroes, 418 horses, 141
cows.
1746. "The Justices in town agree to walk
and observe the behavior of the people on Lord's
day." — A law passed to prevent firing guns.
28 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
1747. A riot occurred on the wharves, by
Commodore Knowles pressing laborers into service.
— The Townhouse again destroyed by fire ; valu-
able ancient books destroyed.
1748. Able-bodied watchmen allowed seven
pounds, ten shillings per month, but fined twenty
shillings for getting asleep on duty.
1749. Some Englishmen, for their own amuse-
ment, got up theatrical exhibitions at the Royal
Exchange. Some interlopers, endeavoring to force
an entrance, the matter became public, and the
Exhibition was broken up. — Written rules pre-
pared for the government of the watch.
1750. A Town meeting called, and a remon-
strance formed against the duty levied on tea,
coffee, chaises, coaches, and various other articles,
which operated unequally and unjustly on the
people.
1751. The General Court authorized a lottery
to raise $ 26,700, for supplying the Treasury.
Hon. Mr. Watts, manager. Office at Faneuil Hail.
Tickets, $ 3.00 each.
1752. By an act of British Parliament, this
year began on January 1, instead of March 25,
as heretofore; and all Deeds and Public Docu-
ments, began to be dated to correspond. The old
style followed the Julian method of computing the
months and days in the calendar, as established By
Julius Csesar, in which every fourth year consists
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 29
of 366 days, and the other years of 365 days.
This is something like 11 minntes in a year too
much. Pope Gregory Thirteenth reformed the
calendar by omitting 10 days in October, 1552, in
order to bring back the Vernal Equinox to the
same day as at the Council of Nice, A. D. 325 ;
which reformation was followed by Parliament, as
above stated, by which 11 days in September, 1752,
were left out, calling the 3d the 14th. This
mode of reckoning is called " New Style," accord-
ing to which, every year divisible by 4, unless it
is divisible by 100, without being divisible by 400,
has 366 days, and every other year has 365 days.
1753. A revolting spectacle in King Street.
" A female, accused of lewdness, was exposed nearly
naked on a scaffold near the Townhouse, for the
space of an hour, facing each of the four cardinal
points fifteen minutes, suffering the most disgust-
ing and brutal treatment by a mob."
1754. It was said that Benjamin Franklin
" has greatly surprised and obliged the world, by
the discovery of the Electrical Substance, as one
great and main instrument in lightning and thun-
der." — Thomas Williston appointed Captain of
Watch. — Concert Hall built. — Elizabeth Creigh-
ton whipped for cohabiting with a negro.
1756. In consequence of numerous evening
processions got up by the lower clases, and ending
often in bloodshed, a law was passed to prevent
3*
30 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
such assemblages. — The Common burial-ground
was purchased of Mr. Andrew Oliver.
1757. Although there was a law against lot-
teries, the Town was carrying on one, and on one
occasion the inhabitants were notified that, " If
they do not adventure before a given day, they
will be excluded, as the Town had voted to take
all unsold tickets to itself." — Another lottery was
also got up to raise money to pave the highway.
1760. A terrible fire near Oliver's Dock. A
subscription of $ 28,000 was raised for the suffer-
ers, who were each required to bring in a schedule
of their loss. Mrs. Davis presented the following.
"Lost in the fire, March 20, 1760, a velvet jacit
and pr close Briches, 2£. 8s. Od. ; a dark alpine
Peticote, £1. 4s. Od. ; seven Shetes, £1. 6s. Od. ;
Baby linings ; one doz. Dipers, Clotes, £1. 14s.
8 d. ; one new warming Pan, £0. 10s. Od. ; one half
dozen pewter Plates, £1. 0s. Od. ; one Meal Barrel,
£0. 8s. Od. ; half dozen Chiny Tea-cups and Sar-
sers, £0. 6s. Od. ; Bosten Errus exsepted, lawful
Munny, £7. 16s. 8d." At this fire it was said 350
buildings were burned, and 1,000 people left with-
out homes.
1763. Serious difficulties arose between the
Revenue officers and the people. — James Otis de-
livered his " remarkable speech against the Write
of Assistance, in the Council Chamber, old Town-
house." It was said that t; then and there was In-
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 31
dependence born." — The terms Wliig and Tory
begin to be used.
1765. Captain Semmes, of the South watch,
reported that " Negro Dick came to the watch-
house, and reported rowdies under his window.
Watchmen were sent, and met a gang of rowdies,
one of which drew a sword. The watch cried
murder and fled to the watchhouse, and the row-
dies escaped." — The Union Club (or Sons of Lib-
erty) formed under the great Elm, which on the
14th of August was christened, " The Tree of Lib-
erty." — The house of Governor Hutchinson, and
several other government officers mobbed.
November 5. This was the anniversary of the
discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, in which Guy
Fawkes figured, in 1605. Pope's day, however,
originated in 1558, on the accession of Queen Eliz-
abeth. At first, the Pope and the Devil were the
only pageants, but it afterwards became somewhat
changed. These anniversaries had long been cele-
brated in Boston, and for several years the compe-
tition between the North and South Ends, had
caused two celebrations. The programme on
these occasions, was to form processions at head-
quarters, and march through the streets, collecting
contributions as they passed, to carry on the cele-
bration ; and woe to them who did not contribute.
A pageant accompanied the procession, consisting
of figures mounted on a platform on wheels, and
32 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
drawn by horses. These figures generally repre-
sented three characters, — the Pope, Devil, and
Pretender, with sometimes the addition of obnox-
ious political characters. (The Pretender, was
James Francis Edward, and his effigy was added
in 1702.)
Under the platform were placed half-grown boys,
with rods extending up through the figures, to
cause them to face to the right or left, and to rise
up and look into people's windows. In front of
the procession might be seen a fellow with a bell,
who notified the people of their approach, and
who would chant something like the following : —
" Don't you remember the fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot ?
I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be . A
forgot.
From Eome to Kome the Pope is come, amid ten thousand
fears,
With fiery serpents to be seen, at eyes, nose, mouth, and
ears.
Don't you hear my little bell, go chink, chink, chink?
Please give me a little money, to buy my Pope some
drink."
The two celebrating parties in Boston, after hav-
ing marched about town, generally met near the
Mill Creek, where a desperate fight would ensue
for the possession of the effigies, and bloody noses
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 33
and broken bones were often the restiilt. If the
South were victorious, the trophies went to the
Common ; if the North, Copp's Hill was the rendez-
vous, where the pageantry was burnt. This year
the two parties formed a union, and union Pope
was celebrated till the Revolution.
1769. In consequence of existing difficulties,
the watch were ordered " to patrol two together,"
" to arrest all negroes found out after dark without
a lantern." It was said soon after the order was
given, " an old darkie was picked up prowling
about in total darkness." Next morning, when
asked by the magistrate if guilty, he replied " No,
sa, I has de lantern," holding up before the aston-
ished court, an old one, innocent of oil or candle.
He was discharged, and the law amended, so as to
require " a lantern with a candle." Old Tony w T as
soon up again on the same complaint, and again
entered a plea " not guilty," and again drawing
forth the old lantern with a candle ; but the wick
had not been discolored by a flame. The defend-
ant was discharged with a reprimand, and the law
was made to read, " a lantern with a lighted can-
dle." Old Tony was not caught again, having
been heard to remark, " Massa got too much light
on de subjec." — Sheriff Greenleaf was ordered to
" cause a new gallows to be erected on the Neck,
the old one having gone to decay."
1770. The Revenue troubles continued under
34 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. .
great excitement. The ladies formed an " Anti
tea-chinking Society." — A custom-house informer
shot a hoy in the street near Faneuil Hall.
— March 5. The Boston Massacre occurred in
King Street, near Flag Alley, in which Samuel
Gray, Crispus Attucks, and James Caldwell fell
dead. Samuel Maverick died next day; Patrick
Carr died in nine days ; and others were badly in-
jured by the discharge of firearms in the hands of
British soldiers. The troops soon after evacuated
the town, and went on board their ships lying in
the harbor.
1773. December 16. The Boston Tea Party
emptied three hundred forty-two chests of tea into
the sea. The article was on board three vessels,
lying at Griffin's (Liverpool) wharf, and the work
was done in three hours. The Tea Party were in
Indian costume, and went from the* Old South
Church.
1774. June 1. Boston Harbor was closed as
a port of entry, no vessel being allowed to go in or
out, and the collection of customs was removed to
Salem. — Eleven military regiments were quar-
tered in town.
1775. Every entrance into town was guarded
by soldiers, and sentinels were posted in all the
streets. — -April 18. The Beacon Pole was taken
down, and a small square fort built in its place. —
June 17. The battle of Bunker Hill. — General
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 35
Howe had his head-quarters in the belfry of
Christ's Church during the battle. The alms-
house, manufactory house, workhouse, and many
private houses, filled with wounded British sol-
diers. — Jul}} 12. The inhabitants of Boston held
a town meeting at Concord. — Negroes were sum-
moned by General Howe to meet at Faneuil Hall,
to form a scavenger party. Oscar Merriam, a
sharp old Whig darkie, remonstrates, and gets put
in Jail. — September 1. A party of British soldiers,
headed by Job Williams, cut down the " Tree of
Liberty ; " one jumped upon the trunk to strike
off a limb, and fell dead. — October 8. Governor
Howe issued a proclamation forbidding all persons
to leave Boston without a pass, " on penalty of
military execution." Old South Church was oc-
cupied by Burgoyne's Cavalry, as a riding school,
with a liquor bar in the gallery. " The pulpit and
pews were removed, and many loads of dirt carted
in to make the floor. The South door was closed,
and a rail was there fixed, over which the horses
were taught to jump. An old lady who passed that
way every day, used to stop and expostulate with
the soldiers in their sacrilegious work, and at one
time told them that the good Dr. Sewall would rise
from his grave and appear to them. Soon after, a
superstitious Scotchman was on guard, and late at
night got terribly frightened at something he im-
agined he saw. He discharged his piece, set up a
hue and cry, and fled. This raised the Governor's
36 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
Life Guard, at the old Province House, near by
(General Howe's head-quarters), and a general
commotion ensued throughout the town. On being
questioned, the guard said he saw approaching a
venerable old man, in a great wig and gown. He
was only pacified by being told that Dr. Sewall
never dressed that way."
1776. January 11. Major Montgomery, with
one hundred men, attacked the British outposts at
Charles town, and burnt some old buildings. On
the same evening the Red Coats were entertaining
themselves at Faneuil Hall with a play called
" The Blockade of Boston." In the midst of the
play, a person came forward to the footlights, and
with great earnestness proclaimed, " The Yankees
are taking Bunker Hill ! " " The deluded wretches
thought this to be a part of the play, and cheered
the speaker heartily. But soon learning that the
speaker meant to represent a solemn reality, the
whole assembly left the house in the greatest con-
fusion, and scampered off in great precipitation."
— March 4. The Continental army, assisted by a
large body of militia, were carrying on the siege of
Boston with great vigor, having garrisons at Cob-
ble Hill, Lechmere Point, and Lamb's Dam at Rox-
bury. " Shot and shell heard to make great crash-
ing in Boston." — March 17. " General Washing-
ton secured positions in Roxbury and Dorchester
to command Boston. General Howe evacuated the
town, and retired on board ships in the Harbor,
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 37
and General Putnam took possession of Boston
in the name of the Thirteen United States of Amer-
ica" During the bombardment but little damage
was done ; one cannon ball went through the
Lamb Tavern, another struck Brattle Street Church.
The last was picked up by a Mr. Turell, and re-
placed where it struck-; it is still to be seen in the
west wall of the church. — July 18. " The people
of Boston were fast returning to their homes, and
pursuant to an order of the Honorable Council,
there was read from the balcony of the Town
House, " The Declaration of Independence, passed
by the American Congress on the 4th inst, absolv-
ing the United Colonies from their allegiance to
the British Crown." — In the evening a large num-
ber turned out, " and every sign, with every resem-
blance of it, whether the King's Arms, pestle, mor-
tar and crown, heart and crown, and every sign
that belonged to a Tory were taken down and burnt
in King Street." — September 19. Beacon Pole
again raised on Beacon Hill. — Several persons tried
and sent out of the States as Tories.
1777. September 1. King Street to be called
State Street, and Queen Street, Court Street.
" Several persons who had audaciously made them-
selves obnoxious by renouncing their trades and
commenced dealing in monopolies," were seized and
conveyed out of Town in a cart, and passed from
town to town till they reached the British Camp
4
38
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
at Rhode Island. — Several persons were imprisoned
for exchanging Continental money for gold at a
great discount.
1779. May 1. "The great and General Court
passed an Act confiscating the Estates of the ene-
mies of Liberty for the benefit of the Government. "
" A convention of delegates from several towns met
to regulate the price of goods, and take measures
relative to trade and the currency." — July 21. At
a town meeting at Faneuil Hall, the following list
of prices were established : —
£.
s.
Windward Rum, per gallon
6
6
New England Rum, per gallon
4
16
Molasses, "
•
4
7
Coffee, per pound . • •
18
Brown Sugar, per pound .
•
14
Bohea Tea, " .
15
Salt, per bushel ,
•
9
Indian Corn, per bushel • •
4
10
Rye, " .
•
6
00
Wheat, " .
9
00
Beef, per pound . • •
•
6
Mutton, " .
4
Butter, " ...
•
12
Cheese, " , • •
6
Milk, per quart
•
2
Hay, per cwt
2
00
Labor, per day (find themselves)
.
5
00
Cloth for one pair leather Breeches
1
15
W. I. Rum Toddy, per mug
•
18
N. E. Rum Toddy, per mug
12
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 39
The schedule begins with rum, and ends with
toddy. A long list of resolutions were passed, the
drift of which indicate, " that any person taking
more or less than the prices fixed, or who shall
refuse Continental money, shall be published in the
papers, considered enemies, and treated as such ; "
and a committee was appointed to carry the resolu-
tion into practice.
1780. May 19. Darkness prevailed at noon-
day throughout New England, said to be caused by
smoke from great fires in the woods in Maine and
New Hampshire. Many people greatly frightened.
A Mr. Willard went on to Boston Common to make
observations ; while there, a crowd collected, and
presently a man came up in breathless haste,
saying, " The tide has ceased to flow." " So it has
for to-day," said Mr. W. pulling out his watch,
" 'tis past twelve o'clock! " — Thomas Gibbs and Eben
Burbank sat on the gallows, for one hour, for
counterfeiting Continental currency. — One hundred
dollars in silver will buy four thousand in Conti-
nental bills. — October 25. Massachusetts has had
no governor for about four years. John Hancock
chosen Governor, and so " proclaimed from the bal-
cony of the old Town House, amid the ringing of
bells, firing of cannon, and great joy."
1781. It was said that " Boston begins to revive
under the supervision of the Sons of Liberty."
— November 14. Great display and rejoicing in
40 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
Boston on account of the surrender of Cornwallis
at Yorktown, 19th of October. — Hucksters not al-
lowed to purchase provisions brought into Town
before one o'clock, if they intend to sell them
again."
1783. The inhabitants notified to bring in their
dirt to fill up the Town Dock. — Mr. Robert
Hughes, the Boston Butcher, gave notice to drovers
that he can " dress two hundred hogs or fifty beef
cattle in a day, which he does for the offal."
1784. Mr. Joseph Otis, the jailer, solicited aid
" for numerous poor debtors confined in Boston
jail, who are suffering with hunger and from the
inclemency of the weather."
The judges of the Superior Court " appeared in
scarlet robes, and the barristers in gowns." — An
effort made to make Boston a city, but the measure
was voted down in Town Meeting. — A third row of
trees set out near the Mall on the Common. —
Numerous persons whipped at the Post, in State
Street, for various offences.
1785. May b. William Scott and Thomas Archi-
bald hung on the Common for burglary. — July 4.
It was said that "vast multitudes this day declared
themselves independent The Mall on the Common
is filled with temporary dram-shops, and cake and
ale aud punch undergo a rapid annihilation. The
whole rag-tag and bob-tail gentry, from the Birds
of Paradise to Barefoot Molly, are in their glory
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 41
and meet on a common level. Independence is the
word, and the sequel will show many independent of
common sense." — A code of Town Laws published,
among which were the following, viz : " to prevent
damage by brick kilns ; " "to provide town bulls ; "
" to prevent tan-pits being left open ; " "to prevent
gaming in streets ; " "to prevent throwing snow-
balls ; " "to provide for sweeping streets," &c. &c.
— The court passed a law that " all idle persons
who do not properly do their stint, shall be moder-
ately whipped." Convicts began to be sent to the
castle, to serve their sentence. — April 17. Captain
John Ballard, William Billings, Christopher Clarke,
and Mr. Webb, appointed Inspectors of Police. —
The Selectmen employed four teams to remove dirt
from the streets. Mr. Gardner appointed to try all
Town law violations. — June 17. Charles River
Bridge completed, and a procession of twenty
thousand persons passed over it. Great demon-
strations of joy in town.
1787. At the session of the Supreme Judicial
Court, September 9, the following Sentences passed :
" One burglar to be hung ; five female thieves to be
whipped ; four male thieves whipped ; two big
thieves to sit on the gallows ; one counterfeiter to
stand in the pillory, and have right ear cut off." —
November 22. John Shean hung on the Common
for burglary in the house of Mr. Elliot. — December
10. The Town purchased two and a third acres of
42 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
land of William Foster, at southeast corner of the
Common, in exchange for stores on a wharf. —
Merchants began to number their stores in business
streets.
1788. May 8. Archibald Taylor and Joseph
Taylor hung on Boston Neck, for robbing Mr. Cun-
ningham, near the place of execution. — July 4. A
great torchlight procession in the evening.
1789. January 8. An Englishman gave gym-
nastic entertainments at the George Tavern, — a
great novelty. — April 1. John Norman published
the first Boston Directory, containing 1,425 names.
— At State election, Boston cast 1,934 votes. —
August 7. Several burglaries having been com-
mitted, it was said, " It is high time the watchmen
were overhauled ; they have been asleep since New
Year's. The Captains are generally men in their
prime, aged from ninety to one hundred years, and
the crew only average about fourscore, and so we
have the advantage of their age and experience,
at least the robbers do" — October 8. William Dan-
nesse, William Smith, and Rachel Wall hung on
Boston Common for highway robbery. — October
24. General George Washington visited Boston.
A great day in town. — December 2. A dramatic
exhibition in Boston. To avoid the law and obtain
^license, it was called " School of Moral Lectures'
December 14. The highway from Roxbury to
Elliot's Corner named Washington Street. Gen-
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 43
eral Washington came over it when he entered the
Town on his visit.
1790. September 1. Boston contained 18,038
persons, and 2,376 buildings. — September 16.
Fourteen persons whipped in State Street for crime.
— October 14. Edward Vail Brown (white), and
John Bailey (colored), hung on Boston Common,
for burglary.
1793. January 1. Colonel Josiah Waters, the
newly appointed Inspector of Police, gave notice
that he " enters upon the duties of his office with
much diffidence, and he asks the assistance of the
citizens in executing the by-laws. He calls the
attention of the inhabitants to the bad condition of
wells and pumps ; recommends increase of fire-
buckets, ladders, fire-bags," &c. He gave direc-
tions in relation to the management of teams, and
says that " the present internal arrangement of the
Town is very bad." — January 24. A civic feast
was held in Boston, to commemorate the success
of the French in their struggle for civil liberty.
" The dawn was welcomed by a salute from the
Castle, Citizen Bradley's Artillery, and by citizens
in Liberty Square. At eleven o'clock an ox, weigh-
ing 1,000 pounds, devoted as an offering, having
been roasted whole the previous night, w r as pre-
pared for exhibition, and a procession was formed,
moving in the following order : —
44 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
" Citizens on horseback, with civic flags.
" Citizen Waters, Marshal.
" Committee of nine, flanked with peace officers
" Music, full band, drums, and fifes.
" Citizens, eight and eight.
" Twelve citizens in white frocks, with cleavers,
knives, and steels.
" The Ox,
" Elevated twenty feet on a car, drawn by fifteen
horses, ornamented with ribbons, The horns of
the ox were gilded, and on the right horn hung the
French flag, and on the left the American. For-
ward, on a board at the end of the spit, in large
gold letters, was the inscription —
"Peace Offering to Liberty and Equality,
" Citizens, eight deep.
"Eight hundred loaves of bread, drawn by six
horses.
" A hogshead of punch, drawn by six horses.
" Eight hundred loaves of bread, drawn by six
horses.
" A second hogshead of punch, drawn by six horses ;
which closed the procession.
" The procession moved from the foot of Middle
Street through various streets to the Common, and
from thence to State Street, by which time the
punch had disappeared, and there the ox was carved,
and disposed of with much good will." Another
account says : " When the procession arrived at State
BOSTON WATCH AXD POLICE. 45
Street, the punch had done its work ; but few could
get a slice of the ox, and he w^ho did, used it to
grease his neighbor s face, and the scene that followed
beggared description." At the close of the cere-
monies in State Street, the horns of the ox were
laid at the foot of the liberty pole in Liberty Square,
and afterwards placed on the top of a flag-staff
raised there. A few months after, news came that
Louis XVI. was beheaded three days before the
celebration, and the head and horns of the roasted
ox were draped in mourning.
1794. February 3. Mr. Powell, opened the
Boston Theatre in Federal Street. — July 30. A
terrible fire in Green Lane (Atkinson Street).
Seven ropewalks and forty-five dwellings burnt. —
Three pirates, named Collins, Poleski, and Fertidi,
hung on Boston Common.
1795. June 1. A new Amphitheatre established,
near the foot of the Mall. — July 4. Corner-stone
of new State House laid. — September 14. Mr.
Bowen raised the frame of the Columbian Museum
at the head of the Mall. — November 9. The
grounds of the Almshouse, Workhouse, and Gran-
ary, sold at auction.
1796. May 14. The Legislature passed a code
of laws relating to Watch and Wards of Towns,
under w r hich the Boston Watch was soon after re-
organized. — Under the new regulations, the Se-
lectmen, or the Constable, were to charge the tvatch,
46 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
" to see that all disorders and disturbances are sup-
pressed, to examine all persons walking abroad after
ten o'clock at night, who they have reason to sus-
pect, to enter houses of ill-fame, to suppress
disturbances, and to arrest all violators of law or
disturbers of the peace. Watchmen are to walk
their rounds once an hour, to prevent damage by
fire and to preserve order." Constables, to super-
intend the watch were to be appointed for each
house, and the Selectmen were the appointing and
supervising power. .Under the new organization,
there were five Watchhouses: One on Ship near
Lewis Street, one at Town Dock, one at Town
House, one on Orange, near Eliot Street, and
one near where the Revere House now stands, with
one constable and about six watchmen at each
house, at a salary of sixty cents per night for the
constable, and fifty for the watchman, while on
duty. The Watch went out at nine o'clock even-
ings in winter, and ten o'clock in summer, remaining
on duty till sunrise, one half going out alternately
every other night, carrying with them their badges
of office, a hook with a bill, and the rattle ', an
appendage added this year. — December 26. Hay-
market Theatre opened, on Tremont, near West
Street.
1797. February 3. A terrible fire burnt the
ropewalks at West Boston. — April 6. John
Stewart, hung on the Common, for robbing the
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 47
house of Captain Rust, in Prince Street. His
plunder was taken, at several times, and hid in a
tomb on Copp's Hill, where he was traced and de-
tected one stormy night. — October 12. Stephen
Smith, a colored man, hung on the Common for
burglary. He confessed setting fire to several
houses to get plunder. His body was given to
physicians for dissection. — October 21. The Frigate
Constitution launched from Hart's wharf.
1798. January 11. The Legislature met at the
old Town House for the last time. A procession
was formed, and possession taken of the new State
House. — April 2. Boston cast 1,774 votes for
Governor. A bitter feeling between parties called
the Federal and Republican. The Federalists
adopt the wearing of what was called " The Amer-
ican Cockade" a rosette of black ribbon with a
white button in the centre. — September 15. Sol-
omon Monroe, selling Jamaica Pond aqueduct
water, near the fish market, for thirty cents a hogs-
head, eight cents a barrel, and one cent a pail full.
1799. December 24. " News received at Boston
that General George Washington, the Father of
his Country, died at his residence at Mount Ver-
non, on the 14th instant, age 67: minute guns
were fired, bells tolled throughout the day, and
the Town was draped in mourning."
1800. The Town officers for the year were : Se-
lectmen, 9 ; Board of Health, 12 ; Overseers Poor,
48 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
12 ; Fire Wards, 20 ; Assessors, 5 ; Treasurer, 1 ;
Clerk, 1 ; Town Advocate, 1 ; Municipal Judge,
1 ; Inspector Police, 1 ; Constables, 12 ; Consta-
bles of the Watch, 4 ; Watchmen, 20 ; Collectors
of 'Taxes, 5; Fence-viewers, 3; Hogreeves, 3 ;
Hay Wards, 4 ; Hemp Surveyors, 2 ; Wheat Sur-
veyors, 2 ; Assay Masters, 2 ; Cullers of Fish, 3 ;
Inspector Lime, 1 ; Cullers of Staves, 4 ; Survey-
ors of Boards, 11; Sealers of Leather, 3. — The
watchhouses have been reduced to four, — one on
Ship Street, one near the Market, one in Orange
Street, one near the State House. — " Complaints
for all violation of by-laws, to be made to the
Inspector of Police, who is at his office from
twelve to one o'clock each day." — The Board of
Health have the supervision of all sanitary ar-
rangements in town. — July 4. It was said, " The
day was solemnized with acts' of devotion to Al-
mighty God, with pomps, shows, games, sports,
guns, bells, flags, bonfires, and illuminations ; and
in the evening fireworks were given by Captain
Gardner's company, at the Gunhouse on Copp's
Hill." Population of the Town, 24,937. Eatable
polls, 4,103. Votes cast at State Election, 2,149.
1801. March 12. Charles Bulfinch, Esq.,
chosen Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and
soon after Inspector of Police. — Constables and
watchmen ordered to " Report all violations of the
By-laws." — Subscriptions raised for town improve-
ments. A brick front built to the watchhouse in
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 49
Orange Street. (See narrow brick building, now
standing at No. 518 Washington Street.)
1802. January 23. The market-house robbed.
The next day a newspaper paragraph said, "It is
remarkable that the broken door of the market-
house, is just forty feet from the watchhouse." —
March 8. Town meeting ; a pickpocket caught in
the act, beat almost to death and then sent to jail,
— May 18. A fire broke out at midday. It was
said, " The alarm was communicated rapidly by
the watchmen stationed on Beacon Hill." — A new
almshouse built in Leverett, near Spring Street.
On the front was the figure of a female with a
child in her arms. " In one part was a work-
house, where constables commit vagabonds by
orders from Overseers of the Poor." December 13
Middlesex canal opened for transportation.
1803. March 22. Robert Pierpont and Abiel
E. Story convicted of destroying the brig Hannah
to defraud the underwriters. They were sen-
tenced to stand in the pillory two hours, and to
serve three years in State Prison. The case was
one of great interest. — Lottery ticket offices, with
a horn of plenty for a sign, were plenty in State
Street. Boarding-house keepers, tavern keepers,
and carriage drivers, required to report the arrival
of all strangers to the Selectmen, for fear of a ma-
lignant contagion prevailing in New York.
1804. April 9. Town meeting. It had been
5
50 BOSTON WATCH AND POLTCE.
the custom to decide questions by hand vote. To-
day an attempt was made to divide the house on a
question, the yeas being requested to go out of the
house first, which they refused to do ; the nays were
then requested, but they refused also, and a most
ludicrous scene occurred. — The nays had it. —
June 23. An underground arch was discovered
near the head of Lewis's "Wharf, fifty feet long,
twenty wide, and six high, the mason- work being
perfect, with an iron gate at each end. All
above was a garden, where trees were standing,
over a foot through. It was probably an old wine-
cellar. It was said that Lord Percy hid in one near
Brattle Square, during the bombardment by Wash-
ington, in 1776. — August 1. Great funeral pro-
cession on the death of Alexander Hamilton, killed
in a duel by Aaron Burr. The Selectmen declined
to ring the bells or to detail constables, lest they
implicate the Town, — " but the constables may go
if they choose" — October 10. A terrible gale
blew down the steeple of Christ Church, and
carried away the tower on King's Chapel.
1805. It was said, " The Mill Pond is a nuisance,
full of putrid fish and dead dogs and cats." The
Selectmen petitioned to fill it up. — At the April
term of the Supreme Judicial Court, one John
Nichols, who was convicted of counterfeiting, was
sentenced to stand in the pillory one hour. It was
said that the sentence was executed the twenty-sixth
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 51
of April, and it is believed that he was the last
actor who graced the boards of this ancient relic
of Puritanism. Nichols had letters of favorable
notice from President Thomas Jefferson, and an
attempt was made to turn Nichols's crime to political
account. The pillory and whipping-post stood in
State Street, below the Town House, nearly oppo-
site the Merchants' Bank. It was said that both
were removed soon after the sentence of Nichols.
Whipping was practised sometime afterwards, and
was executed on a platform on the Common, near
the corner of West Street. The platform was said
to be " put up temporarily, when occasion required."
It consisted of a frame work, the platform reached
by stairs, with posts raised on two sides, and a cap
across the top like a gallows, but no drop. A pole
stood in the middle, to which the culprit was made
fast with iron shackles, and with ankles in sockets,
and arms extended like a malefactor, his naked back
was ready for the lash. Criminals for small offences
were sometimes exposed on this platform without
the lash. — June 28. The powder-house on Mount
Vernon Street removed, but a small brick house,
belonging to the estate, was retained for the Town
Watch. — October 24. A jury of inquest on the
body of a man found floating in the water, reported
that " He came to his death by misfortune"
1806. .July 4. A bear, whose body had been
shaved, and who had been taught to stand on his
52 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
hind legs, and perform certain antics, was exhibited
on the Common as a nondescript from the East
Indies. The cheat being discovered, poor bruin
attempted to escape, and got desperately hustled
about. The scene ended in a general fight. — De-
cember 3. Thomas Oliver Selfridge, indicted for
manslaughter, in shooting Charles Austin. The
men were political partisans, of opposite creeds,
and Selfridge being of the dominant party, was
acquitted.
1807. March 10. The town was divided by
State and Court streets into two Police districts,
each under the supervision of an officer. — Several
persons are fined for keeping disorderly houses. —
August 16. Joshua Ladd fined thirty dollars for
cheating the weight of his binding-poles in a load
of hay. — October 17. Eppes Ellery fined five dol-
lars for refusing to pass the bucket at a fire, by
order of a Fireward.
1808. April 16. A soup-house established in
Milk Street, " where the poor can procure soup
from twelve to one o'clock each day." — September
3. A great horserace at Lynnfield. One Boston
editor approved, another condemned. They got
warm, and accused each other of patronizing cock-
fighting. A suit for libel, and a fight in the street,
settled the question between them. — December 8.
Joseph Underwood fined forty dollars for casting
three votes at the election. — December 25. The
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 53
Overseers of the Poor gave notice that they had
given away six hundred loads of wood, " and can
give no more without further subscriptions."
1809. May 17. The Board of Health give
notice that " all dirt-carts must have tail-boards."
— June 25. Fish pedlers forbid blowing their
horns in the streets. — October 19. Ezra Brown
fined fiye pounds for forestalling. He was then
complained of as an idler, and sent to the Alms-
house. — December 2. The funeral of William
Cooper, who was Town Clerk forty-nine successive
years, was solemnized to-day. — December 30. A
masquerade ball advertised, but " it was forbidden,
as detrimental to morals."
1810. January 13. Notice given that " James
Wilson, Town Crier, will receive all lost property
at his house, No. 23 Cornhill. — March 21. The
Town chose one Inspector Police, two Assistant
Police officers, seventeen Constables, and thirty
Watchmen. Watchhouses in Ship Street, at the
Market, Mount Vernon Street, and corner of Elliot
and Washington streets. — Boston had 33,234 in-
habitants, 9,557 ratable polls, and cast 5,288 votes.
— July 4. " The celebration was very spirited.
Next day, seven hundred persons, without distinc-
tion of party, were regaled at Faneuil Hall on five
barrels of punch, that remained of the stores pro-
vided by the Town for the celebration the day pre-
vious. Query. How many barrels were provided
5*
54 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
for the celebration ? — August 3. The Town voted
to open a new burial-ground on the Neck.
1811. March 11. Alexander Townsend, Thom-
as Welch, James Savage, William Minot, and
Lemuel Shaw, were rival candidates for Town Ad-
vocate.
1812. June 24. The news of the declaration
of war with England was received with great in-
dignation by a majority of Boston people. — August
31. The Town appointed one hundred special
watchmen to patrol the town. " In case of riot,
they are to toll the bells, and in case of an alarm,
all well-disposed citizens are requested to place
lights in all their front windows, and all military
companies, magistrates, and constables will hold
themselves in readiness ; and all boys or appren-
tices who do not wish to be considered rioters, will
remain in doors." The permanent watch was also
increased to forty-six, consisting of three divisions ;
the North, Centre, and South, as follows : at the
North, fourteen men ; Centre, eighteen men ; South,
fourteen men, and two constables at each house.
A Captain was also appointed, whose office was at
the centre house, and who had general supervision.
One constable and half the watch being on duty
alternately every other night, all night. " Watch-
men are not to talk loud, or make any noise, nor
suffer any one to enter a watchhouse without a
certificate from a Selectman." — Constable's pay,
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 55
seventy-five cents per night; watchman's, fifty
cents. — December 10. Samnel Tully, for piracy,
hung on Nook's Hill at South Boston. John Dal-
ton, an accomplice, was reprieved on the gallows.
1813. April 9. Molly Pitcher, who has turned
the head of many a Boston boy, died, aged seventy-
five. She was said to be grand-daughter of John
Diamond (a fortune teller of Marblehead), and the
wife of Robert Pitcher, at Lynn, having several
children herself. Her fame as a fortune-teller was
known throughout the world. No vessel arrived
on the coast, but some of the hardy crew visited
Molly. Her dwelling stood on a lonely road near
High Rock, at the gate of which were to be seen
the bones of a great whale that the ocean had
thrown on the banks. To this place repaired the
weather-beaten mariner, the respectable merchant,
and the timid> swain, who often betrayed the secret
of their expedition, by inquiring for the bones of
the great whale. Molly had great tact in preteud-
ing to discover lost property. She generally saw
it in the bottom of a teacup ; but her information
was generally derived from the inquirers them-
selves, while they were talking with her domestic,
Molly being in the next room. But it may be asked
what has Molly Pitcher to do with the Boston
Watch and Police ; let the frequenters of " The Old
National," when " The Fortune-Teller of Lynn" was
the play, answer that question.
56 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
1814. March 23. An Asylum for indigent boys
established. — April 10. A report that a British
fleet is off the coast, and Boston made great prep-
aration for defence. — April 13. The Selectmen
offer $ 100 reward for arrest of grave-robbers at
South Burying-Ground. — May 10. A public din-
ner given to Commodore Perry for whipping the
British on Lake Erie. — June 14. Western Avenue
Company incorporated. — July 25. A Company
called the " Sea Fencibles," formed. — September
10. Several thousand troops are quartered in Bos-
ton for the defence of the town against the British.
1815. February 22. A grand illumination in
the evening, in celebration of the Treaty of Peace
with Great Britain. — September 23. A terrible
storm destroyed many trees on the Common, and
did much damage in Town and harbor. — October
22. The Town's people practised going into the
country on Sunday to get fresh air. Country peo-
ple remonstrated. A stringent Sunday law was
enforced, and Boston gentlemen got detained out
of town over night. — The Supreme Court at Bos-
ton, decided, u A county Justice cannot issue
warrants for violation of Sunday laws, against an
offender living in another county ; neither can an
officer serve such a warrant on Lord's day." This
gave Boston people a breathing '-hole , and country
people much annoyance.
1816. January 1. Boston Post-office removed
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 57
to corner Congress and Water Streets. — December
11. An effort having been made to build a new
workhouse, it was said, — "As respects The Hill,
it consists principally of drunkards, harlots, spend-
thrifts, and outcasts from the country ; in truth,
Beelzebub holds a court there, and almost every
Town in the Commonwealth has a representative.
These are great nuisances, but every large town
has them, whether governed by Selectmen, or
Mayor and Aldermen, in spite of jails and work-
houses, and probably will till the millennium.' ,
1817. January 20. Daniel D. Britten sent to
Jail, for stealing hens. " He is a brawny chimney-
sweep, and parades the streets in a big cap, a long
stick, and a train of boys at his heels, to the great
annoyance of people." — March 1 3. Henry Phillips
hung on Boston Neck, for the murder of Gaspard
Denegri, near Eoebuck Tavern, in January last.
" After the cap was drawn over his eyes, he sang a
song of three verses, dropped the handkerchief, and
was launched into eternity." — During the year,
wonders were plenty. An egg, with some mysteri-
ous writing, was on exhibition, and attracted great
curiosity. But the Sea Serpent, seen in a thousand
different places and shapes, astonished the natives,
and cast all other mysteries in the shade. — Decem-
ber 26. William McDonald sentenced to be hung,
for killing his wife, but he died before the day of
execution arrived.
58 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
1818. May 20. A heavy rain overflowed the
Frog Pond, and when the water fell, a great num-
ber of small fish were left on dry land. Common
people were astonished : scientific men attempted
an explanation, not once dreaming the real cause.
The case was a sequel to the Sea Serpent, and
wonderful egg. — November 3. The Exchange
Coffee House burned. — The light was seen at
Amherst, New Hampshire, and Saco, Maine. The
building contained 210 rooms, covered 12,753 feet
of land, and cost $600,000.
1819. A committee of the Selectmen made
several visits to the watchhouses in the night time,
and reported as follows : " January 5. Visit the
several watchhouses, and find them in good con-
dition." — " January 12. Another visit. Find too
many watchmen doing duty inside." — "January
20. One o'clock, night. South Watch doing good
duty, but the two constables are asleep. At North
Watch, constables awake. At Centre Watch, found
an intoxicated man and an abandoned female in
the Lockup." — February 3. Another visit made
by the Inspector of Police. He said, " At one
o'clock, visited South Watch ; constable asleep.
One and one-half o'clock, at Centre Watch found
constable and doorman asleep. Two o'clock, at
North Watch found constable and doorman asleep,
and a drunken man kicking at the door to get in."
The Inspector recommends that the doorman be re-
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 59
quired to wake the constable when necessary. Constable
Reed arrested several persons for keeping gambling
houses. One was fined $150, for keeping " a new
French game called Quino." — February 18. John
Williams, John P. Rog, Niles Peterson, and Francis
Frederick, pirates, hung on Boston Neck. — March
21. William Johnson sent to State Prison for life,
for robbing a countryman of squirrels on the. Com-
mon, where he decoyed him, under pretence to find
a purchaser. — May 31. At Town Meeting, the
watch and their friends remained at the polls till
near the close, till others had left, and then passed
a vote to pay watchmen seventy-five instead of fifty
cents per night. The vote was rescinded next
Town Meeting. — June 1 7. Freeman Backhouse,
sent to State Prison three years, for picking the
pocket of Flavel Case, a watchman. — November
13. Rope walks burnt in Charles Street.
1820. March 13. The North watchhouse, for
many years in Ship Street, was removed to Fleet
Street, near Moon Street. The Centre watch-
house was in the east basement of the Town House.
The South was at the place long occupied on Wash-
ington, near Eliot Street. West watchhouse,
corner Temple and Hancock streets. Number of
watchmen 55. Constables of the watch, 8. Cap-
tain, 1. May 25. Michael Powers hung on Bos-
ton Neck, for the murder of Timothy Kennedy, in
60 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
South Russell Street, in March last. — Watchmen
were served with a certificate of appointment.
1821. May 23. A new Captain of the Watch
appointed, and a long list of instructions given.
" Watchmen are not to walk or talk together on
their beats. They are to go their rounds, and
return to their box, and there wait till the time
arrives to go round again. They are not to cry the
time of night in a vociferous voice," &c. &c. —
July 2. Milldam bridge opened for travel. —
September 19. A man named Pearl, convicted of
adultery with a young woman who had been work-
ing with him as a carpenter s apprentice, in male
attire, for three years. — December 20. Michael
Martin hung at Lechmere Point, for robbing Major
John Bray, in Medford, in October last. His
accomplice, the notorious Captain Thunderbolt,
lived incog, many years after in Brattleboro', Ver-
mont, and died there in 1835. — December 23. Sev-
eral burglaries having been committed, some per-
sons were very severe on the Watch, and said,
" They care for nothing but their pay, and are sure
to get that ; give us a private watch." Others said,
" A private watch, like the one in 1816, as soon
as the stores are closed, would be found at the
Exchange, sipping coffee. The only safe way is
for merchants to watch themselves." Others said,
" Who will work faithfully all night for the bare
stipend of fifty cents."
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 61
1822. February 22. The Legislature passed an
Act establishing " The City of Boston," subject to
the acceptance or the refusal of the citizens. —
March 4. At a meeting of the legal voters of the
Town of Boston, held at Faneuil Hall, to adopt or
reject the City Charter granted by the Legislature,
the vote was as follows : Yeas, 2,797 ; nays, 1,881 ;
and the Town of Boston to become a City the first
day of May next. — March 7. Gilbert Close and
Samuel Clisby hung on the Neck lands, near the
burying-grounds, for robbing Ezra Haynes in Cam-
bridge Street, on the tenth of August last. — April
25. Samuel Green hung on the Neck lands for
killing Billy Williams in State Prison, in November
last. — May 1. Boston City Government inaugurat-
ed, consisting of Hon. John Phillips, Mayor, eight
Aldermen, and forty-eight Councilmen. Inaugura-
tion at Faneuil Hall, and they take up their offices
at the old Court House, in Court Square, where
subordinate officers are chosen. — May 24. Owing
-to the disorderly state of the Hill and Ann Street,
constables were detailed there on Sundays. — June
20. The new Police Court held its first session.
Honorables Benjamin Whitman, Henry Orne, and
William Simmons, Judges ; Thomas Power, Clerk ;
William Knapp, Assistant. They held criminal
sessions each day, and civil sessions twice each
week. — August 1. Several cases of yellow fever
in Boston. — September- 16. Howard Trask, a no-
62 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
torious murderer, who had escaped hanging on the
plea of insanity, attempted to kill two prisoners
confined with him in Boston Jail, after which he
cut up several mysterious antics and escaped. — In
consequence of the bad condition of the Jail in
Court Square, prisoners were taken to Lechmere
Point. — An effort was made to introduce the tread-
mill, to punish criminals.
1823. February 13. New buildings completed,
and an order passed, " That the new Court House
in Leverett Street, be called City Court House."
The buildings were to be occupied as a Jail, House
of Correction, and Police Court House. — May 1.
Josiah Quincy, Mayor. — May 3. The Mayor gave
notice " That he would attend at his office," at the
County Court House, every day (Sundays excepted),
between nine and ten o'clock a. m., to receive
communications of individual or public interest." —
May 13. " All cows going at large, shall wear a
Tally on their neck, with owner's name, and number
of the license." " No citizen shall pasture more'
than one cow on the Common." The office of
Superintendent of Police abolished, and Benjamin
Pollard appointed City Marshal, James Morgan,
Captain of the Watch. The North Watch was
removed to Hancock Schoolhouse, in Middle Street.
The Centre Watch was at the Town House, the
West at Derne Street, and the South at the Old
House on Washington Street. There appeared to
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 63
be little alteration in watch regulations, except that
they were increased to about sixty. — June 19. An
order passed to sell the old Jail in Court Street,
and lease the house of the Jailer. — "Shaking
down," by the girls, becomes frequent on The Hill.
Mayor Quincy inaugurated stringent measures
there.
1824. February 14. The great Canal Lottery in
full blast in State Street. John Beck fined fifty
dollars for keeping a faro bank. — May 1. Josiah
Quincy, Mayor. — Watch appropriation, $8,800.
June 23. Type foundry in Salem Street burnt. —
July 1. An Ordinance passed to renumber the
streets, placing the even numbers on one side, and
the odd on the other. Middle and North to be
called Hanover Street ; and the main street from
" The Market to Roxbury line, shall be called
Washington Street."— J% 21. The City Clerk
reported, " Fees received for cow and dog license,
$3,247, 39." — August 24. General Lafayette vis-
ited Boston. — September 15. Dr. Harrington
fined $150, for letting rooms to Susan Bryant for
unlawful purposes. — October 14. An officer de-
tailed to patrol Ann Street by day. — November 20.
— The North wood-stand to be between Cross and
Merrimac streets and Green Dragon Tavern ;
The South, between Granary Burying-ground and
Samuel Phillips's House. South Hay Scales in
Charles Street. New Lockup about being built at
64 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
the South watchhouse. The Washington Gardens,
a place of great attraction on Tremont Street,
between West Street and Temple Place, were
opened.
1825. March 26. The city voted to accept the
act changing the time of the municipal election to
the second Monday in December. — " Watchmen
found asleep, to be discharged." — April 6. The
old Friends meeting-house, Congress Street, sold.
— - April 27. Corner-stone of new Market House
laid. — Thomas Melville, who had been Fireward
forty-six years, resigned. — May 2. Josiah Quincy,
Mayor. — June 4. The City Marshal gave notice
that he should execute the laws. — June 17. Cor-
ner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument laid. — July
11. An order adopted to survey head waters near
Boston, to introduce water. — Churches allowed to
put chains across streets Sundays to prevent dis-
turbance. — Watchhouse removed from Washing-
ton to Eliot Street. — July 22. The Beehive de-
stroyed in Prince Street, by a mob. — July 24. A
riot attempted at Tin Pot, Ann Street, which was
suppressed. — October 10. Sign-boards ordered to
be placed at corners of streets. — October 24.
Tremont Street widened, taking Gardiner Greene's
land. — December 12. Watchman Jonathan Hough-
ton killed in State Street, by a ruffian named John
Holland. — Boston contained 58,281 inhabitants.
White males, 27,911; white females, 29,453.
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 65
Colored males, 974; colored females, 943. — De-
cember 21. A fearful riot occurred at Boston The-
tre, Federal Street. Edmund Kean, who had pre-
viously given offence, was to play. A large num-
ber of men and boys, but no women, were present.
At Kean's appearance on the stage, the riot com-
menced. Kean was driven out, the house and fur-
niture nearly destroyed, and many persons badly
injured. 5,000 people, more or less, connected
with the riot.
1826. January 1. City Government inaugur-
ated ; Josiah Quincy, Mayor. — January 9. The-
atres charged $1,000 for license. — January 29.
James Morgan, Captain of Watch, died, and Flavel
Case was soon after appointed. — February 6.
House of Juvenile Offenders established at South
Boston. — March 3. John Holland hung on the
Neck for the murder of Watchman Houghton. —
War between the Government and Fire Depart-
ment ; the Fire Department got the worst of it. —
May 6. The Mayor of Boston fined for fast rid-
ing. — A stone curb ordered to be built about the
Frog Pond. — Park Street Mall laid out. — June 17.
Jerome V. C. Smith chosen resident physician at
Hospital Island. — July 1. Bodies being removed
from Quaker Burying-ground to Lynn. — July 4.
Celebrated with great spirit. A liberty pole
erected corner Essex and Washington Street. —
Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both
6*
66 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
died this day. — July 14. A riot on Negro Hill;
several houses pulled down. — August 26. The
new market completed and opened, and ordered to
be called' " Faneuil Hall Market." — October 7.
The first railroad in America, completed at Quin-
cy. — October 13. John Tileston died at his resi-
dence, No. 65 Prince Street, aged eighty-nine.
Had been a Boston schoolmaster seventy years. —
October 16. Gaspipe being laid in the streets in
Boston. — November 27. Boston Marine Railway
completed. — December 18. Charles Marchant and
Charles Colson, pirates, sentenced to be hung.
When sentenced, Marchant replied, "What! is
that what you brought me here for, to tell me I
must die ? No thanks to you, sir ; I am ready to
die to-morrow." He killed himself the day before
execution arrived.
1827. Josiah Quincy, Mayor. — February 1.
Colson, the pirate, and accomplice of Marchant,
hung in the jail-yard, Leverett Street. — February
7. Edwin Forrest appeared at Boston Theatre. —
February 19. The city exchanged land with Asa
Richardson, front of City Hall. — March 15. A
temperance meeting held at Julien Hall, Milk
Street. — April 28. Constables ordered to patrol
the Common by day. — Joshua Vose pastured cows
on the Neck for eight dollars the season. May
18. No more liquor to be sold on the Common
public days. — June 16. A new monument erect-
t
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 67
ed over the graves of the father and mother of
Franklin, in Granary Burying-grounds. — August
11. Palm-leaf hats first worn in Boston. — Septem-
ber 24. Tremont Theatre first opened. — October
11. Old Gunhouse removed from Copp's Hill to
Cooper Street. — The body of a drowned woman
floated in the creek, from Creek Square, across
Hanover Street. — October 31. The Statue of
Washington placed in the Sfate House. — Novem-
ber 24. Madam Celeste danced at Tremont The-
atre. — December 15. No child to be admitted at
school unless vaccinated. — December 1 7. Two
watchmen detailed for duty at South BQston. —
The Boston Directory this year contained 11,164
names. It had the name of a baker, a blacksmith,
a cordwainer, a ship carpenter, a tailor, a house
carpenter, a saddler, a druggist, a wine dealer, an
auctioneer, two merchants, and two hair-dressers,
that were in the first Boston Directory in 1789.
One merchant kept the same store, and one hair-
dresser the same shop forty-six years. — During
the year, 921 persons have been committed to Bos-
ton Jail for debt.
1828. Josiah Quincy, Mayor. — January 17.
Ancient wooden house on the west side of Tremont
Street, removed, a part of which was said to have
been built by Sir Henry Vane, in 1635, and the
other by Rev. John Cotton, in 1636. — February
26. The Ursuline Convent at Mount Benedict,
t
68 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
Charlestown, completed. — April 30. One hundred
persons more or less injured by the falling of a
floor, while witnessing the ceremonies of laying the
corner-stone of the Methodist Church, North
Bennet Street. — June 23. Persons contracted to
remove night soil. — July 4. The corner-stone of
City Hotel (Tremont House) laid. Mr. J. B. Booth
appeared at Tremont Theatre. — September 15.
Marginal (Commercial) Street from Market to Sar-
gent's Wharf opened. — September 23. Federal
Street Theatre (renamed the Old Drury). — Sep-
tember 26. Boston Millpond filled up, and the
Company surrendered their right to the city. —
Union Street opened from Hanover to Merrimac
streets. — November 4. The Centre Watch petition
for beds, but don't get them. — The Grand Jury
complained of being annoyed by the noise at their
quarters in Leverett Street, by prisoners hammer-
ing stone. — December 25. Warren Bridge opened
for travel.
1829. Harrison Gray Otis, Mayor. — January 1.
A Gas Street-lamp placed in Dock Square, as an
experiment. — January 19. The pay of the Watch
increased to sixty cents per night. — April 15.
Clinton Street opened. — April 22. Common Street,
from Court, by the Common, to Washington, to be
called Tremont Street. That part of Common St.
between Southac Court (Howard), and Court, to
be called Pemberton Hill.
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 69
1829. July 4. Celebrated with little spirit.
It was said, " on the Common no liquor, no booths,
and no people. At the Washington Gardens, af-
ternoon, Orator Emmons held forth in flights of
passing eloquence and rhyme, which, with a nonde-
script fish, were all to be heard and seen for
fourpence." In the evening, a man tri-ed to whip Big
Dick, and got the worst of it. Big Dick (Richard
Cephas) was a big darkey and bully of the Hill.
He was a dancing-master by profession, and a peace-
maker by practice. He is remembered by some
old men as standing head and shoulders above his
fellows, weight 300 pounds, with short open blouse,
red jacket, little round-top hat, and was feared
by all. He long since " shuffled off this mortal
coil,' 1 but his stately figure may still be seen not a
mile from his former residence. — August 24. Sia-
mese Twins in Boston. — October 19. A new wall
to be built on Tremont Street, next Chapel burying-
ground. — Cigar-smokers in streets, notified that
they will be fined. — Market Street to be called
Cornhill. — November 28. J. B. Booth comes near
killing another actor in sword exercise at the Tre-
mont, pretends to be crazy and leaves the city. —
December 30, A great Anti-Masonic meeting at
Faneuil Hall, resolved to put down the order.
1830, Harrison Gray Otis, Mayor, — February
1. Beccher's church in Hanover, opposite Port-
land Street, burnt — February 15, The Franklin
70 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
Schoolhouse having been sold, was repurchased,
and the South Watch soon removed thereto. The
watch detailed as follows : North Watch, house in
Hancock Schoolhouse, 2 constables, 25 men; Cen-
tre Watch, in Kilby Street, 2 constables, 25 men :
South Watch, Franklin Schoolhouse, Common
Street, 2 constables, 22 men ; West Watch, Derne
Street, 2 constables, 24 men ; 2 men at South Bos-
ton. Flavel Case, Captain. — March 15. Cows
excluded from the Common. — April 6. Mr. Joseph
White, aged eighty-two years, murdered at Salem.
— May 1. City Marshal's salary , $ 1 ,000 ; Captain
of Watch, $800 ; Watch Appropriation, $ 11,400.
— Boston had 61,381 inhabitants, of which 1,915
were colored. — September 17. A committee long
having the matter under consideration, decided this
day to be the anniversary of the Settlement of Bos-
ton, and the day was celebrated with great spirit, as
the second centennial anniversary of the settlement
of the Town. — The old Town House having been
prepared, the City Government took possession, to
occupy it as City Hall, with appropriate ceremo-
nies. — September 29. John F. Knapp hung at
Salem, for the murder of Mr. White. — October 14.
Comer-stone of Masonic Temple, Tremont Street,
laid. — November 8. Another peace officer placed
on Ann Street. — North Island wharf, the last re-
mains of what was called " the old wharf," was re-
moved this year.
BOSTON WATCH A»D POLICE. 71
1831. Harrison Gray Otis, Mayor. — March 21.
John Harrington astonishing Bostonians with ven
triloquism, at Concert Hall. — May 5. Maynard's
bakehouse in Broad Street, burnt. A man, wife, and
three children, perish in the flames.' — June 13.
Chambers over the Market to be called Quincy Hall.
The 'Municipal Court removed from Leverett
Street, to County Court House, Court Square. —
July 1. Joseph Gadett, and Thomas Colinett,
hung in rear of Leverett Street jail, for piracy. —
No. 60 State Street, corner Flag Alley, once
the British Custom House, afterwards, United
States Custom House, sold at auction for ten dol-
lars per foot. — July 11. Oak, Ash, Pine, and ad-
jacent streets, being graded. — August 3. John
Gray Rogers appointed Judge of Police Court;
Judge Orne resigned. — August 10. First sale of
lots at Mount Auburn. — August 23. Funeral
ceremonies on the death of President Monroe ;
died July 4. — September 10. The notorious
swindler Mina, arrested by officer Pierce, for High
Constable Hayes, of New York. — November 16.
Mr. Anderson attempted to sing at Tremont The-
atre, but was driven from the stage, for alleged
abuse of the Yankees. — December 28. Calvin Ed-
son, the living skeleton, on exhibition in Boston.
1832. Charles Wells, Mayor. — February 27.
Centre Watch removed from Kilby Street, to base-
ment in Joy's Buildings. — May 1. Among the
72 BOSTON WtiTCH AND POLICE.
appointments were Hezekiah Earl, Deputy Mar-
shal ; Zephaniah Sampson, Superintendent Streets ;
Thomas C. Amory, Chief Engineer, Fire Depart-
ment ; Samuel D. Parker, County Attorney. — June
11. The watch to be set at ten o'clock the year
round. — July 3. William Pelby opened the War-
ren Theatre. — July 20. The Asiatic cholera ap-
peared in Boston. $ 50,000 appropriated, and
every preparation made to stay its progress. The
contagion disappeared in a few weeks. — August 9.
A constable to patrol South Boston on Sunday. —
August 13. A Steamboat first placed on Chelsea
Ferry. — September 12. Mrs. Vincent first appeared
at Tremont Theatre. — September 24. Boston lying-
in hospital established, at 718 Washington street. —
October 1. Great complaint against the gas works
on Copp's Hill. — October 16. Steamboat put on
Noddle's Island Ferry. — December 21. Great ex-
citement in Boston, in consequence of the alleged
murder of Sarah Maria Cornell, by Hev. E. K.
Avery, a Methodist preacher, at Tiverton, R. I. —
December 31. Eleven o'clock at night, Bromfield
Street watch-meeting broken up" by rioters.
1833. Charles Wells, Mayor. — February 17.
John B. Carter and Mary A. Bradley, a worthy
young couple, committed suicide by hanging them-
selves together face to face, in her father's store. —
March 26. Elisha Towers and other temperance
men petitioned to have the eleven o'clock bell dis-
continued, but Boston would have its eleven
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 73
o'clock. — April 8. Jim Crow Bice jumping at
Tremont Theatre. — The city purchased Brown's
Wharf. — May 1 . First Boston omnibus run between
Roxbury and Chelsea Ferry. — May 6. Old Court
House, Court Street, removed. It stood sixty
years. — June 3. A fight between constables and
gamblers on the Common. — June 17. House of
Correction, South Boston, opened. — June 21. An-
drew Jackson visited Boston. — June 28. New
Watch arrangement ; the men to go out, one divi-
sion one half the night, the other division the other
half, commencing at -six o'clock winter, and seven
o'clock summer, remaining out till sunrise. The force
increased eighteen men. Constable's pay one dollar.
Watchmen seventy-five cents. — September 28. Cor-
ner-stone of New Court House, Court Street, laid.
— November 11. Tremont Street to Roxbury line,
also Dedham, and several other streets west of
Washington nearly completed.
1834. Theodore Lyman, Jr., Mayor. — January
24. Judge Whitman, of the Police Court resigned.
— February 4. Constables detailed to attend fires.
— February 17. The name of Lynn Street discon-
tinued, and Commercial to extend from State to
Charlestown Bridge. — April 8, The first cargo of
ice exported from Boston by Mr. Rogers. — May
4. Colonel David Crockett visited Boston. — July
3. During a terrible storm, the figure-head of the
Frigate Constitution (the likeness of General Jack-
74 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
son), lying near Charlestown, was cut off and car-
ried away. — July 4. The christening of the Whig
party. 2,000 persons sit down to a feast under a tent
on the Common. — August 11. Monday evening,
the Ursuline Convent at Mount Benedict, Charles-
town, burnt. — August 19. Theatres agreeing to
sell no liquor were licensed for five dollars each. —
September 19. Hair beds furnished for the watch.
— September 22. Blackstone Street completed and
named. — November 17. Dover Street completed.
— December 2. Henry Joseph, hung in Leverett
Street Jail yard for piracy. — December 4. The
city indicted for a nuisance at South Boston. —
There were seventy-one gas street-lamps in the
city. — Ann Street widened so as to connect Mer-
chants Row with Blackstone Street.
1835. Theodore Lyman, Jr., Mayor. — January
5. Men go from Central Wharf to the Castle on
skates. — April 18. Old Mansion taken down,
corner Salem and Charter Streets. — May 8. Pem-
berton Hill being removed, to build Lowell Street.
The Gingko tree removed to the Common, near Joy
Street. — May 27. Cars put on Lowell Railroad. —
June 9. Pedro Gilbert, Manuel Costello, Monelle
Bogga, Jose Bassello DeCosta, and Angelo Garcia,
five Spanish pirates, hung in rear of Leverett Street
Jail. — June 30. Special constables appointed for
July Fourth. — August 13. Mr. George Robert
Twelves Hewes, ninety-six years old, said to be
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 75
the last surviving member of " The Boston Tea
Party," visited Boston from his residence in New
York. — September 5. Joyce Heth, pretending to
he one hundred and sixty-one years old, and General
Washington's nurse, was on exhibition at Concert
Hall. — September 12. Ruiz, the pirate, hung in
rear of the Jail. — October 7. Sixty-four building-
lots sold in Pemberton Square. — October 22.
George Thompson mobbed at the Liberator Office,
Washington Street. — October 23. A circus opened
at the Lion Tavern. — December 31. Charles
Harris, Esq., submitted a plan for supplying Boston
with soft water, by an Artesian well on Fort Hill,
which he calculated would yield twelve million
gallons of pure water per day. — Watch appropria-
tion, $27,210. Special Constable appropriation,
$3,630.
1836. Samuel Turell Armstrong, Mayor. —
March 16. Simon Crocket and Stephen Russell,
for setting fire to Mr. Hammond's house in South
Street Place, were hung in the jail yard. — April
1. " Ordered f, That hereafter the church bells be
rung at twelve, instead of eleven o'clock." — April
13. " The Boston Stone," was set in a building in
progress of erection, corner of Marshall and Creek
Lanes. It was used for grinding paint by an early
settler in Boston, whose arms are to be seen in the
front walls of a building on Marshall Street, at the
present day. The stone was said to have laid use*
76 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
less in the yard many years, bnt was afterwards
placed at the corner of the streets, to keep truck
wheels from injuring the building, which was at
that time occupied by Mr. Howe. About the year
1737, the suggestion of a Scotchman, who lived
near, induced Joe Whiting, whose father then kept
the shop, to paint the name of " Boston Stone,
Marshall Lane," on the old paint mill, in imitation
of " The London Stone," in London, that it might
be a landmark and directory, which character it
did eventually acquire. The pestle or ball was since
found, and " The Boston Stone" -has now " become
the head of the corner." — June 16. Pond Street
to be called Endicott Street. — July 13. Church
bells to be rung at one o'clock instead of twelve. —
July 18. Mount Washington House, South Boston,
opened. — August 22. The name of Pelby's Theatre
altered from Warren to National. — September 22.
William II. Snelling published a paper called the
Balance ■, which he said, "Is to be the author of
truth, a scourge to blacklegs, and a terror to un-
righteous judges." — December 16. The iron fence
around the Common completed; length 5,930 ; cost
$80,000. $17,000 contributed by individuals.—
December 20. . The new Court House in Court
Street, completed. — Benjamin Pollard, who had
been City Marshal fourteen years, died, and Daniel
Parkman was appointed in his stead.
1837. Samuel Atkins Eliot, Mayor. — February
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 77
8. The foundation of the United States Hotel
laid. — March 3. Graham lectures at Amory
Hall. — May 11. Boston Banks suspend specie
payment. — Superintendent Common Sewers chos-
en. (A new office.) — Ezra Weston appointed City
Marshal. — June 11. Sunday afternoon. "The
Broad Street riot occurred between Irishmen and
fire companies, in which it was said 15,000 people
were engaged. The riot was finally suppressed by
the military. — June 14. The National Lancers
made their first public parade. — June 30. A flag-
staff erected on the Common, near " The Old Elm."
— July 5. The edgestones about the Frog Pond
to be removed. — August 21. A watch of four
men detailed for East Boston. — September 12. At
the general military review on the Common, when
the Montgomery Guards appeared, five companies
left the line, and the review was suspended. — Oc-
tober 20. Lands granted to Horace Gray for " the
Public Garden." — Ten deaths by cholera, and
eleven by delirium tremens, during the year.
1838. Samuel Atkins Eliot, Mayor. — February
3. (Saturday night.) The City Marshal made a
descent on gamblers in Milk Street, arresting twelve
men. — February 19. Pemberton Square named.
— May 21. The Legislature having passed a law
giving the Mayor and Aldermen of Boston power
to appoint c< Police officers with any or all of the
powers of Constables, except the power of execut-
7*
78 BOSTON WATCEt AND POLICE.
ing a civil process." The Board this day organized
a Police force for day duty, to be under the direc-
tion of the City Marshal, and six officers were
appointed, drawing pay when on actual du-
ty, the new department having no connection
with the Watch. There were four Watch-
houses in the City proper. North Watch, Han-
cock Schoolhouse, 2 constables, 23 men ; East
Watch, Joy's Building, 2 constables, 28 men;
South Watch, Common Street, 2 constables, 22
men ; West Watch, Derne Street, 2 constables, 28
men. The South and East Boston Watch were
combined, having 2 constables, and 9 men, with
temporary accommodations at each place. Watch
appropriation, $30,000. Police appropriation, $3,-
637. — June 18. Abner -Kneeland sent to jail
two months for blasphemy. — July 24. Great
Webster dinner at Faneuil Hall. Jim Wilson, of
New Hampshire, a guest. — A new division of
wards. — July 31. The iron fence about Wash-
ington Square, completed. — Fanny Ellsler dancing
at the Tremont Theatre. — August 27. Eastern
Railroad opened for travel. — September 11. " The
striped Pig" on exhibition at Dedham muster
(and elsewhere). — The police force increased to
thirteen during the year.
1839. Samuel Atkins Eliot, Mayor. — Febru-
ary 11. A committee reported one hundred and
eighty gas street-lamps in the city. — February
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 79
15. Harnden's Express commences carrying let-
ters to New York. — March 27. High Sheriff
Sumner (in office many years), resigned. — June 4.
City purchased Richardson's estate fronting on
School Street. — June 17. Jacob's Great test
liquor case in Police Court. — October 19. A tar
and feathering liquor informer case occurred. —
November 19. Iron fence around the Cemetery on
the Common completed. — November 21. Steam
communication between St. Johns and Boston
opened. — Marcus Morton elected Governor by
one vote this year.
1840. Jonathan Chapman, Mayor. — February
8. William Miller (Father of Millerism) first lec-
tured in Boston. — February 10. Governor Morton
signs a new Liquor Bill ; great rejoicing. Coun-
selor Gill preserves the Governor's pen that did
the deed. — March 10. Daguerreotypes first taken
in Boston. — May 1. James H. Blake appointed
City Marshal, James Barry, Captain of the Watch.
Police appropriation $4,500 ; Watch appropriation
$40,000: Marshal's salary, $1,000; Captain of
Watch, 1,000 ; 14 Police, 110 Watchmen. Police
pay, 1.75 per day ; Watchman's pay, 90 cents per
night. — May 28. One hundred thirty-two building-
lots sold on Lowell Street. — June 4. Steam
Packet communication opened between Boston and
Liverpool. — July 4. Celebrated with great spirit,
partaking somewhat of a political character. " Log
80 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
Cabins" " Coon Skins" and " Hard Cider" were
in the play, and "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" were
the watchwords. — The Iron fence completed be-
tween the Granary burial-ground and Tremont
Street. — August 8. Monsieur Bihin, the Bel-
gian Giant eight feet high, on exhibition in Boston.
— December 22. Hannah Kenney on trial for
poisoning her husband.
1841. Jonathan Chapman, Mayor. February
15. Father Matthew, the Irish Temperance Ee-
former, in Boston. — March 18. Old County Court
House fitted up, and named City Hall. The Gov-
ernment removed there from Old Town House. —
March 28. Davis and Palmer's store, Washington
Street, robbed of $20,000 in jewelry. Constable
Clapp afterwards recovers the property. — Front
Street to be called Harrison Avenue. — April 21.
Funeral of President Harrison solemnized in Bos-
ton. — June 14. Boston Museum, Corner Tremont
and Bromfield streets opened. — August 2. Cor-
ner stone of Merchants Exchange, State Street
laid. — September 23. The first pillar of Mer-
chants Exchange, weighing fifty-five tons, was raised
to-day. — October 25. Circuses opened on both
Haverhill and Friend streets. — November 15. Abby
Folsom broke up a meeting in Marlboro' Chapel. —
November 24. The French Prince De Joinville danced
in Faneuil Hall with the Mayor's lady. — December
3 1 . The Municipal court docket for the year showed
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 81
five hundred and sixty-nine cases, Judge Thacher
having been on the Bench one hundred and sixty-
six days during the year.
1842. Jonathan Chapman, Mayor. — January
21. Elder Knapp, a revival preacher, who was
reported to have said, "It is easier for a shad to
climb a greased barber's pole tail foremost, than for
a sinner to get to heaven," held forth in Boston. —
April 25. Abby Folsom and Joseph Lamson created
sensations. — May 16. The first watering-machine
used for wetting streets in Boston. — July 4. It
was said that 8,000 school children were on the
Common in the day, and 100,000 witnessed the
fireworks in the evening. — July 23. The Cap
stone of Bunker Hill Monument laid. — September
27. Brigade muster on the Common. Boston
represented by fourteen companies.
1843. Martin Brimmer, Mayor. — January 1.
Merchants Exchange (State Street) opened. —
April 23. The day fixed by the Prophet Miller
for the end of the world. A large number of be-
lievers assembled at the Miller Tabernacle (Howard
Street) in the evening, expecting to take their leave
of earth that night ; but nothing unusual happened
but the meeting. — May 9. Trees ordered to be
planted on Copp's Hill. — May 22. Tom Thumb
first appeared in Boston. — June 16. Abner Rogers
killed Warden Charles N. Lincoln, at Charlestown
State Prison. — June 17. John Tyler, President
82 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
of the United States, visited Boston. — Honorable
William Simmons, Judge of the Police Court, died.
— July 11. Judge Cushing first took his seat as
Judge in the Police Court. — August 27. A riot
in North Square between negroes and sailors. —
September 4. General Winneld Scott visited Boston.
— September 6. Judge Cummins held the Muni-
cipal Court, Judge Thacher late deceased. — Novem-
ber 30. Centre Watch removed from Joy's build-
ings to City building, Court Square. — The Captain
of the Watch fined for smoking in the street. —
John B. Gough lectured in Faneuil Hall. — Decem-
ber 28. The Tremont Theatre having been pur-
chased by a Religious Society, was dedicated and
called Tremont Temple.
1844. Martin Brimmer, Mayor. — January 1.
Post Office removed from Old State House to
Merchants Exchange, State Street. — February 3.
Men drove teams and skated from Long Wharf to
Boston Light. John Hill & Co. cut a ship chan-
nel for the British steamer to pass out. — May 20.
Ole Bull gave his first Violin Concert at Melodeon,
— and Mr. Franklin threw three somersets at the
Circus. — June 4. The Fairchild excitement com-
menced. — July 2. The South Watch " ordered
to be divided, the southern branch to be in Canton
Place." — July 4. Fireworks on the easterly part of
the Common for the last time. - - July 23. The old
building, corner of Union and Hanover streets, a
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 83
competitor for the birthplace of Franklin, is repair-
ed and becomes a part of Diamond Block. — Sep-
tember 19. Great Whig meeting on Boston Com-
mon. — The close of the year is noted for a muni-
cipal political strife. — A Watchhouse built at
South Boston during the fall.
1845. — January 6. The City Government or-
ganized without a Mayor. — January 30. Federal
Street Church sold, to be removed. — February 21.
Thomas A. Davis elected Mayor, at the eighth
trial. — March 14. Peter York sentenced to State
Prison for life, for killing James Norton, in Rich-
mond Street. — April 10. Deacon Samuel H.
Hewes, (Supt. of burials) died. He planted one
hundred and seventy-two trees on the Common, and
many in the burial-grounds. — May 26. Washing-
ton Theatre opened at 253 Washington Street. —
June 23. Ira Gibbs appointed City Marshal. — July
9. Funeral ceremonies for President Jackson,
who died June 8. — July 22. Henry Smith, the
Razor Strop man in State Street, crying " a few
more left." — September 4. Juba (the dancer), on
exhibition. — October 6. Mayor Davis resigned on
accour.t of ill health. — October 18. Howard
Theatre (built on the site of the Miller Tabernacle)
opened. — October 27. Maria Bickford murdered
in Mount Vernon Avenue. — November 8. Old
Colony Railroad opened. — November 12. Mayor
Davis died. — November 17. Winthrop House
opened.
84 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
1846. Josiah Quincy, Jr., Mayor. January 15.
Magnetic Telegraph line put up from Boston to
Springfield. — The third row in the National be-
coming noted. — March 24. Albert J. Tirrell on
trial for the murder of Maria Bickford. He was
acquitted. ; — May 14. One hundred and twenty-
nine vessels arrived in Boston Harbor. — May 16.
War between the United States and Mexico — May
19. Mrs. Pelby exhibited one hundred wax figures
at Phillips's Hall. — June 4. Recruiting parties
patrolling the streets, for Mexican War volunteers.
June 22. — Francis Tukey appointed City Marshal.
— July 1. City Stables being removed from Hay-
market Square. — July 17. The Old Eastern Stage
House, Ann Street, removed. — August 20. Mayor
Quincy broke ground at Wayland, for the " Boston
Water Works." — September 21. Adams House
opened. — September 29. Trucks and carriages to
be licensed. — November 2. The New Boston
Museum between Tremont Street and Court
Square, opened. — During the year, under the
direction of Marshal Tukey, the Police Depart-
ment was reorganized. - — The force numbered
twenty-two day, and eight night officers. The
former on duty from eight a. m. till nine p. m.
Detailed throughout the city, reporting to the Mar-
shal at eight a. m. and two p. m., at $2 per day. —
The latter a night force, particularly for the de-
tection of thieves, at pay of $1.25 per night. Police
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 85
appropriation $12,000. — Under Captain Barry,
the watch numbered about one hundred and fifty,
going out half of each night, one half the force
alternately, first and last watch at a pay of $1 per
night. The North Watch was in Cross Street, the
Centre under the Court House, the West in Derne
Street, Boylston, in Common Street, South at Can-
ton Street, South Boston in Broadway, and a new
house building at East Boston.
1847. Josiah Quincy, Jr., Mayor. January
22. Terrible fire in Causeway, Medford, and
Charlestown streets. A complete sheet of cinders
covered the north part of the city, presenting one
of the most sublime and terrific spectacles ever
witnessed. — February 7. Currier & Trott's store,
Washington Street, robbed of a large amount of
jewelry. — March 13. The Grand Jury found one
hundred and ninety-eight bills of indictment. —
March 31. A temperance meeting (Deacon Grant,
President) broken up at Faneuil Hall. — April 26.
The new Custom House, at the head of Long
Wharf, (began in 1837, and part completed,) illumin-
ated. — April 27. Corner-stone of Boston Athenaeum,
Beacon Street, laid. — May 1. The Revere House,
Bowdoin Square, completed and opened. — May 13.
The Mayor and Aldermen voted to license no more
liquor shops. — The Bridge Estate purchased by
the city. — June 5. Mrs. Partington's witty sayings
begin to appear in the newspapers. — Ship fever
86 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
raging at Deer Island ; a large Police force detailed
there. — June 9. Mischievous boys come near de-
stroying the Old Elm, by placing matches in a
decayed place. — June 12. The house of Deacon
Grant, the temperance reformer, disgracefully de-
faced. — June 16. The old Custom House, Custom
House Street, sold. — June 24. Omnibus war be-
tween Mr. King and Boston, begun. — June 29.
President Polk visited Boston. — Jul}/ 27. Iron
seats placed on the Common, to bar whittlers. —
August 24. Alexandre Vattemarej Paris, Prefect of
Police ■, donated books to Boston, which eventually
formed a nucleus for a Public Library. — September
8. The Assessors' book shows real estates $ 97,-
764,500, and personal estate, $64,595,900, for
Boston. — October 7. News reached Boston that
the American Flag is flying over " The Halls of the
Montezumas" in Mexico. — October 25. New Han-
cock Schoolhouse, Richmond Place, completed. —
November 18. The Chinese Junk arrived in Boston
Harbor. — November 20. Corner-stone of Beacon
Hill Reservoir laid. — December 13. Workmen
digging down Snowhill Street, tombs exposed.
1848. Josiah Quincy, Jr., Mayor. January 7.
Marshal Tukey recovered $ 1,100, stolen from
Hughes & Co., by digging on the Public Garden. —
February 29. City Hall in mourning for Honor-
able John Quincy Adams, born July 11, 1767,
died February 23, 1848. — March 10. The twenty-
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 87
eight-gallon liquor law passed. — March 14. Sam
Houston, of Texas, at Tremont Temple. — April 27.
Watchman David Estes shot in Sister Street, while
on duty. Night Policeman James S. Kimball nar-
rowly escaped the same fate at the hands of burg-
lars. — May 2. Marshal Tukey fined for fast
driving. — Jane 16. General order to complain
of all persons smoking in the streets. — June 28.
Dearborn's Block, in Federal Street, fell with a ter-
rible crash. — July 22. The Massachusetts Regi-
ment, Colonel Isaac H. Wright, returned from the
Mexican war. — August 9. Granite depot for
Fitchburg Railroad, completed. — August 24. Dr.
Collyer's Model Artist, at Melodeon. — September
18. Thrilling account of gold in California reaches
Boston. — October 25. Grand celebration of the
introduction of Lake Cochituate water into Boston,
and a jet of water sent up from the fountain in tbe
Frog Fond, — an event worthy of commemoration; —
December 27. The ship Salstillo left Boston with
twelve passengers for the California gold mines. —
The Police number twenty-two day officers, twenty
night officers, and nine specials for Sunday. A
Police Clerk appointed. Police appropriation,
$29,000 ; Watch appropriation, $58,000.
1849. John Prescott Bigelow, Mayor. — Janu-
ary 1. Good sleighing and great horseracing on
the Neck. — January 9. Ship Edward Everett
and two others, clear for California. — February
88 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
19. The City Government offer a reward of fifty
cents for every dog's head. — February 21. Peo-
ple walk on the ice from Long Wharf to Spectacle
Island. — Franklin and Blackstone squares laid
out. — March 15. Flouring Mills at East Boston
commence work. — May 21. Marshal Tukey
showing up pickpockets at his office. — May 25.
Washington Goode hung at the jail for the murder
of Thomas Harding, in Richmond Street, in June
last. — June 4. The Asiatic Cholera made its
appearance in Boston. — July 27. Lieutenant
Hunter, a notorious swindler, arrested. — August
18. William Waberton (Bristol Bill), a notorious
burglar, arrested. — September 17. James Hayes,
an Irishman, dies in Hamilton Street, aged one
hundred and eight years. — October 11. Mont-
gomery Flouse opened for entertainment. — No-
vember 1. Eye and Ear Infirmary completed, in
Charles Street. — November 7. Great meeting of
the Sons of New Hampshire, at Fitchburg Hall. —
November 16. Iron fence completed about Frank-
lin and Blackstone squares. — December 1. The
Statue of Aristides placed in Louisburg Square.
— December 19. Deer Island Hospital completed.
1850. John Prescott Bigelow, Mayor ; Francis
Tukey, City Marshal ; James Barry, Captain Watch.
In his address, Mayor Bigelow said, " Boston has
197 schools, 20,000 pupils. The number of deaths
exceeds any previous year, owing to cholera, being
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 89
5,068. There are 50 Police Officers, 225 Watch-
men, the beat of each man averaging over a mile.
The expense of Police and Watch, $113,000 per
year. The Water Works are nearly completed, at a
cost of $4,939,824 ; % and the city debt, exclusive of
water, is $1,623,863." — January 14. The clock
in Faneuil Hall presented to the city by children.
— February 8. " The Liberty Tree Block,'" corner
of Essex and Washington streets, completed. — May
18. Chester Square laid out. — June 3. Mr.
Glidden exhibited an Egyptian mummy at Tremont
Temple. — August 15. Funeral procession of Pres-
ident Zachary Taylor. — August 30. Professor John
W. Webster hung at the Jail yard for the murder
of Dr. George Parkman, the 23d of November last,
at the Medical College. — September 28. Jenny
Lind sang at Tremont Temple. Ossian E. Dodge
paid $625.00 for choice of seat. — October 26. Slave-
catchers arrested in Boston ; great excitement among
colored people. — October 30. Great sale of build-
ing lots in Chester Square. — November 15. Free
Soil meeting at Faneuil Hall broken up. — Decem-
ber 31. Number of dwelling-houses in Boston
13,173. Inhabitants 138,788.
Heretofore I have been under the necessity of
leaving the reader to judge of the character of
Watch and Police duties, from the nature of
transpiring events, the manners, customs, opinions,
90 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
and tastes of the people, and the peculiar rules and
regulations that governed them at the time. Hav-
ing now become intimately engaged in those duties
myself, I shall hereafter generally speak of what
has fallen under my own observation.
1351. John Prescott Bigelow, Mayor; Francis
Tukey, City Marshal ; James Barry, Captain of the
Watch, who are detailed exclusively for night duty,
the beats extending entirely over the city, and each
man on his beat one half the night. The City
Marshal had one deputy, one clerk, one superin-
tendent hacks, one superintendent trucks, one of
swill, and one of intelligence offices, who also had
a particular eye after the day men ; forty day officers
on patrol on beats throughout the city, and about
twenty night patrol officers to catch thieves, together
with five detectives. It was the duty of the day
men to report at the Marshal's Office at eight a. m.,
go on beats till two p. m., then report and go out
again till nine in the evening. We looked out for
our respective districts, the Marshal and his as-
sistant when in sight of a corner, and our two
dollars per day. The night police did about the
same thing for $ 1.3 7 J per night. — On the eve of
the 23d of April, this year, we made the great
Police descent in Ann Street, capturing some one
hundred and sixty bipeds, who were punished for
piping, fiddling, dancing, drinking, and attending
BQSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 91
crimes. In the fall of this year, the Marshal seemed
to think that. things looked a little squally, and
under his direction we very quietly dabbled a little
(very little) in politics at the election. Our choice
was successful, and we were in very good spirits at
the close of the year, in anticipation of a longer job.
1852. Benjamin Seaver, Mayor; Francis Tukey,
City Marshal, with the organization unchanged. —
A new prohibitory liquor law was passed in May,
which enjoined peculiar duties on City Marshals,
imposing, as it was said, a little too much responsi-
bility ; and from that or some other cause, on the
24th of June following, the office of City Marshal
w T as abolished in Boston, and Francis Tukey was
appointed Chief of Police. I have said that the
municipal election resulted in our choice ; but no
sooner had we got our man in, than he began to
get us out, — and served us right, too, for meddling
with politics. In filling the places of the outs, I
must say I think the Mayor was sometimes unfortu-
nate. This got the Mayor and his Chief by the
ears, and the Mayor having the best hold, pulled off
the Chief's head, together with the heads of his
whole night force and a part of the day. His
Honor was indeed after all of us with a sharp stick ;
but some were like Paddy's flea, — " "When ye put
yer finger on 'im, he aint thar ! " It was the 19th
day of July, that the Mayor pulled off Chief Tukey's
head, and Gilbert Nurse, Esq. was appointed Chief
92 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
of Police the same day. A better man never lived.
Said a Frenchman to a Yankee one day, " Vat
drinque ish dat ye have in dish countrie, vat is all
conthradiction ?" " What do you mean ? " says Yan-
kee. " Vy, dar ish de brandie, to make him
sthronge, and de vatre, to make him veak ; dar ish
de lemon, to make him sour, an' de sugar to make
him schweet." "Punch" said Jonathan. "Ah!
oui, oui" says Francis, " he like punch me brain out
last night." When Mr. Nurse came into office, he
found our Department very much like the French-
man s drink, and it came near accomplishing the
same result on our worthy Chief; but notwithstand-
ing all the difficulties, he went to work with a steady
hand, and really made many important improve-
ments.
1853. Benjamin Seaver, Mayor. Gilbert Nurse
Chief of Police, with two deputies, the usual num-
ber of office men, and fifty-two day patrol men.
No night police. The Chiefs salary was $1,800,
and the Police appropriation, $44,200. — In June,
robberies on vessels and on the wharves having
become very common, a Harbor Police was organ-
ized, consisting of a Captain and ten men ; House
at head of Sargent's wharf. They were furnished
with row boats, and armed with Colt's revolvers ;
and plenty of work they found to do. Heretofore,
for some years, the officers had worn leather
badges, bucMed round the hat, with the w r ord
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 93
Police in large silver letters, and a number in front.
This year, on June 1, we were furnished a new
badge, to be worn on the left lapel of the coat.
It was an oblong, six-pointed brass star, about as
big as one's hand, with an unintelligible device in
the centre, and looked more like a Sculpin's head
than a Policeman's badge. — For some years past,
there had been a talk of reorganizing the Watch
and Police, and on May 23d of this year, the Leg-
islature empowered Boston to make the change ;
but there were no steps taken in that direction by
the City Government till the following year. —
December 29. James Barry, having faithfully
served the City as Captain of the Watch fourteen
successive years, resigned his office, and Captain
William K. Jones was appointed in his stead.
1854. Jerome Van Crowninshield Smith, Mayor.
Gilbert Nurse, Chief of Police. I have said that
the Legislature had empowered Boston to reorgan-
ize her Watch and Police, and there were probably
some good reasons why it should be done. There
were two departments, under different heads, and,
although there was at this time no disunion, yet
under the direction of other and different men at
the head of so large forces, there might be. The
Police by themselves, were still a little like the
Frenchman's punch. The watch were paid only
one dollar per night, and were obliged to work
by day also, to support their families ; and, good
94 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
men as they were, who could expect them to work
day and night without sleep or rest ] Under this
state of things, most of the people and a part of
the Government were in favor of the change ; hut
a majority of the Council were opposed to the
measure, and claimed a voice in the matter. How-
ever, the appointing and the discharging power in
both departments were, by law, vested in the Board
of Mayor and Aldermen; and one day, Mayor
Smith, with the countenance of the Aldermen, dis-
charged every man on both Watch and Police, and
out of their number appointed a Department of
Police, the discharge and appointments to take
effect on a subsequent day.
On tire 26th day of May, 1854, at precisely six
o'clock p. m., the Boston Watch and Police, which
had lived two hundred and twenty-nine years,
ceased to exist, and " The Boston Police Depart-
ment" became an Institution.
The New Department was under the supervision
of a Chief of Police, subject to tjie direction of the
Mayor, and consisted of about two hundred and fifty
men, with the following divisions : Chief, 2 Depu-
ties, Clerk, Superintendent Hacks, Superintendent
Teams, 5 Detectives. ' Office at City Hall. Station
No. 1. Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 33 Patrolmen, House
Hanover Street ; No. 2, Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 44
Patrolmen, House Court Square ; No. 3. Captain,
2 Lieutenants, 23 Patrolmen, House Joy Street;
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 95
No. 4. Captain, 2. Lieutenants, 43 Patrolmen,
House rear Boylston Market ; No. 5. Captain, 2
Lieutenants, 24 Patrolmen, House Canton Street
Place ; No 6. Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 25 Patrol-
men, House Broadway, South Boston ; No. 7.
Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 19 Patrolmen, House Me-
ridian Street, East Boston ; No. 8. Captain, and
10 Boatmen and Patrolmen, House head Sargent's
wharf. The territory of the whole city and har-
bor, were proportionately divided between the sta-
tions, and the Captain of each, assisted by his Lieu-
tenants, had the supervision of his district and
men, under the direction of the Chief. Each Sta-
tion consisted of three divisions of patrolmen ; one
for day, and two for night duty. The day division
go out at eight o'clock, a m. and remain till six
o'clock p. m., when they were relieved by a night
division, and report to their Station House, and
are often detailed for extra duty at places of amuse-
ment, or elsewhere, in the evening, for which they
get extra pay. The night division remain on duty
from six p. m., to one next morning, when they
are relieved by the other night division, who re-
main out till eight o'clock, when they in turn are
relieved by the day men. The second night, the
night division change watches, the last out the
night previous, going out first, and the first, last ;
and so alternately through the year, for the con-
venience of giving both night divisions a better
96 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
chance to do day house duty, which every night
man does once in six days. This regulation gives
every man his own beat every day and night, and
gives him the opportunity to know his route, and
the wants of those on it, better than any other,
which is veiy important to both officer and citizen,
and which he cannot know too well if a good man ;
if not, he should not be there. The badge of the
old Police for the day, and the hook and rattle for
the night, were continued for a time, and the
Houses of the old watch were made Station Houses.
The salary of the new Chief, Robert Taylor, Esq.,
was $1,800 per year; Captains, $3,00 per day;
Patrolmen, $2.00 per day, or night and other of-
ficers in proportion. Every officer to devote his
whole time, and have no other employment, al-
though extra pay was allowed for extra work,
when done for others than the city.
On the evening of the reorganization, about ten
o'clock, the whole force, at a moment's notice, were
called to Court Square, to suppress a fearful riot
caused by the arrest of a fugitive slave, Anthony
Burns, by United States officers, in which one man
was killed and others dangerously wounded. The
whole department were out nine days and nights,
performing a most unpleasant duty under trying
circumstances, and, with the solitary exception of
one individual, met the highest anticipations of their
friends. — October 23. The brass badge was ex-
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 97
changed for a silver octagon oval plate, little larger
than a silver dollar, with a "five-pointed star" on
which was engraved Boston Police, and the old
watchhook, in use one hundred and fifty-four years,
gave place to a fourteen-inch club, the night men
retaining the rattle. Such was the condition of the
Department when organized in 1854, and, with
little variation, it is so in 1865. And although the
name is now " The Boston Police Department," yet
the night duties are virtually a watch, as heretofore,
and I shall venture to continue my history under
the head of " The Boston Watch and Police."
1855. Jerome Van Crownin shield Smith,
Mayor ; Robert Taylor, Chief of Police. Police
appropriation, % 188,000. —April 9. The Chief
was ordered forthwith to report to the Mayor, " the
name, age, nativity, residence, time of residence in
Boston, and former occupation of each member of
the Department, or applicant for office, and to keep
a copy of said list in his office." In June, both
branches of the City Government joined in forming
an ordinance establishing the " Boston Police De-
partment," and thus recognized an organization
which, to all intents and purposes, had been in suc-
cessful operation more than a year. Although at
first the Mayor was under the necessity of appoint-
ing the Chief of Police Captain of the Watch also,
and the captains, constables, a Police Committee,
9
98 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
consisting of four Aldermen, was appointed during
the year.
1856. Alexander Hamilton Rice, Mayor; and
April 9, Daniel J. Coburn was appointed Chief
of Police, with a salary of $2,200, and horse and
chaise. Police appropriation, $ 198,000. The
Police Committee consisted of three Aldermen.
At the annual Police appointments, the council
have a voice for the only time in the history of the
city. An Assistant Clerk appointed this year.
1857. Alexander Hamilton Rice, Mayor. —
March 30. " Father" Hezekiah Earl died, having
been an officer twenty-five years, and one of the
Deputy Chiefs since 1853. He had the care of the
Internal Health Department, and was a good officer
and worthy man. - — March 30. As an act of
courtesy, the Board appointed the members of the
Common Council Police Officers. The regular
force were increased to 266 men. A city prison
was fitted up under the Court House for the recep-
tion of prisoners, night and morning from the Sta-
tions, and a Superintendent appointed. — October
18. Policeman Ezckiel W. Hodsdon murdered by
two burglars at East Boston while attempting their
arrest. Police appropriation, $205,500. A new
Station House in East Dedham Street was built for
Station No. 5, at a cost of $17,000.
1858. Frederic Walker Lincoln Jr., Mayor.
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 99
In June, the silver badge was altered, leaving off
the star, and cutting numbers through the plate,
the number of each officer being recorded at the
Chief's Office. — In August, the Police Telegraph,
connecting each Station (except Station No. 7) with
the Chief office, was established. — November 1.
The new Police uniform was put on, consisting of
blue coat, Police buttons, blue pants and black vests,
dress coat for Chief and Captains, and frock coat
for Deputy and Patrolmen. Police appropriation,
$214,000.
1859. Frederic Walker Lincoln, Jr., Mayor. —
February 28. Sergeants of Police were appointed,
two to each Station, except the Harbor Police.
Police were detailed from each Station to do fire
Police duty, formerly done by constables, and six
fire Police suits of rubber were furnished for each
Station. — A new Station House for No. 7 was
built in Meridian Street, East Boston, at a cost of
$16,000, and old Hancock Schoolhouse, in Han-
over Street, was enlarged and improved for Station
No. 1, costing some $6,000. Police appropriation,
$229,700.
1860. Frederic Walker Lincoln, Jr., Mayor.
Police Committee three Aldermen, as last year. —
The Police were increased to two hundred and
ninety-two men. A Captain of Detectives ap-
pointed, and a sailboat purchased for the use
of the Harbor Police, manned by four men. In
100 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
consequence of a difficulty with some unruly
members of the Police, the Government got the
idea that change was required, and each Station
was organized into six divisions, each division going
out six hours alternately, day and night, abolishing
the regular day force ; and the arrangement was
such that a man went on his own beat but once in
two days, this was the principal object aimed at,
but the plan worked bad ; the Police did not like
it, the people did not like it, nor did the Govern-
ment like it, and the next spring we went back on
the old plan. Police appropriation, $228,000.
1861. Joseph Milner Wightman, Mayor. Feb-
ruary 11. Josiah L. C. Amee, Chief of Police. —
April 15. President Lincoln issued his proclama-
tion, " That in consequence of the bombardment
and capture of Fort Sumter, in the harbor of South
Carolina, by a force inimical to the United States
Government, war is inaugurated between the United
States and the seceding States, South Carolina,
Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana,
and Texas." This was the opening scene in a
tragedy the most fearful since the world began, and
one in which Boston took a most active part, open-
ing a new field, requiring vigilance, activity, and
deep responsibilities on all her municipal officers,
and the Police were at all times held in readiness
for any emergency. During the remainder of the
year, military processions, parades, receptions, re-
BOSTON WATCH AND .FO&TGS. 101
views, and other gatherings 1 ..continually -ill led <he
streets, and Police details from ten to one hundred
and fifty officers were made on one hundred and
thirty-six occasions for these alone. The Harbor
Police were also in constant requisition for duty on
the water. Deserters from both army and navy
were arrested and returned to their places, and re-
cruiting offices guarded. In fact, wherever aid or
protection was required, there were the Police to
be found. — A Police Tent was provided this year
for furnishing refreshments, and also as a place for
Police headquarters at large details. A rogue's
picture-gallery was also commenced, and about one
hundred valuable likenesses collected.
1862. Joseph Milner Wightman, Mayor; Jo-
siah L. C. Amee, Chief of Police. Details for
military escort, procession and receptions, con-
tinued as last year. The Police force increased to
three hundred and seventeen men. — March 1. A
Police Relief Association established among the
members ; assessments twenty-five cents per month
for each member ; benefits in sickness not over $5
per week. It was dissolved early the next year by
an almost unanimous vote of the members. — July
25. Great war meetings commence to be held on
the Common, which continued each day for several
weeks. Tents and speakers stands raised. — The
Old South Church opened as a recruiting office. —
Sunday, August 31. News received of the terrible
9*
1£2 UOSTCVN WATCH AND POLICE.
slaughter a:: second Bull Run Battle. Religious
services at church closed and contributions of every-
thing needed for wounded soldiers collected in large
quantities, which were packed in cases, and, in
charge of State and City Authorities and twenty
Policemen, were immediately on their way to Wash-
ington. — December 22. Corner-stone of New City
Hall laid. — A new Station House built in Joy
Street for Station No. 3, at a cost of $28,000. The
Station removed there from Leverett Street.
1863. Frederic Walker Lincoln, Jr., Mayor.
January 10. The Old City Hall about to be removed
and the City Government go to Mechanics Hall,
Chauncy Street. The office of Chief of Police was
removed to a place in the basement of the Court
House. — February 24. General Amee retired from
office, and Boston has no Chief of Police. By
order of the Mayor, Deputy Chief E. H. Savage
had temporary charge of the Department. — March
3. Colonel John Kurtz assumed the duties of
Chief of Police. — April 6. Members of the Police
sworn into office, having been appointed during
good behavior and usefulness, subject only to
removal by the Mayor, the annual appointment
ordinance having been abolished, both of which
were new features in our history. — April 28.
The Police Department met at Faneuil Hall, under
the Chief, for military drill, which was afterward
continued at each Station. — July 14. The great
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 103
Conscription Riot at North End. — August 17. A
club two feet long carried in a leather belt around
the waist provided for the Police. — Several of the
force have enlisted in the military service. — De-
tails for military purposes continued, amounting to
one hundred and eighty-seven, with from six to one
hundred and eighty officers at each, during the year.
1864. Frederic Walker Lincoln, Jr., Mayor ;
Colonel John Kurtz, Chief of Police. — No new or
important event connected with the Police occurred
during the year, although the number of men and
the duties have gradually increased. Military regi-
ments were continually arriving and departing,
and details, from five to one hundred and eighty
men, have been made on over two hundred occa-
sions ; and the records show a greater amount of
work done in the year, than ever before.
1865. Frederic Walker Lincoln, Jr., Mayor ;
Colonel John Kurtz, Chief of Police. — February
22. News that President Lincoln had signed the
Emancipation Bill, was received. One hundred
guns fired on the Common, flags displayed, bells
rung, and great rejoicing. — April 10. The news
of the surrender of Lee's Pebel army reaches Bos-
ton, and causes tremendous excitement. Cannon
are roaring on the Common, flags are thrown out
from almost every building, bells are pealing,
twenty steam-engines are rushing, screaming
through the streets, and people are running crazy
104 BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE.
with joy. A great portion of the buildings in the
city illuminated in the evening. — April 15. The
great joy of the people turned to the deepest sor-
row at the reception of the news that President
Lincoln fell by the hand of an assassin, last even-
ing. Business was immediately suspended, and in
a few hours, the entire city was draped in mourn-
ing. — June 1. Funeral in memory of the death of
President Lincoln. A larger procession than ever
appeared in Boston, passed through the streets, ac-
companied by the entire Police force ; and an ora-
tion and other appropriate ceremonies closed the
solemn scene.
The Police Force of Boston, now numbers three
hundred and sixty men, the organization being
nearly the same as when reorganized in 1854 ; and
I am proud to say, I believe it has the countenance
and support of all good citizens.
Such has been the history of The Boston Watch
and Police, two hundred and thirty-four years ;
such it is in 1865. I will only add that during all
the turmoil of war and riot which has so long
caused the loyal heart to shrink from the future,
whether in the alacrity with which they sprang to
the rescue when our own city was in danger, in the
aid and encouragement sent to our brave brothers
in the field, the sympathy extended to suffering
widows and orphans at home, or in the quiet but
vigilant tread with which they guarded our lives
BOSTON WATCH AND POLICE. 105
and our homes, in the dead hour of night, I feel
that the Boston Police have nobly done their duty,
and, under the protection of our worthy and discreet
Mayor, and the direction of our gentlemanly and
efficient Chief, they are surpassed by no Police force
in the world.
RECOLLECTIONS
OF A
BOSTON POLICE OFFICER
DESTRUCTION OF THE BEEHIVE.
As I was passing over my District one morning,
I came np to where two old gentlemen were stand-
ing engaged in earnest conversation, their attention
apparently attracted to some object over the way.
As I was abont to pass them unnoticed, I said,
" Good morning, gentlemen ; happy to meet you
in your morning walk."
" That you, Geevus" said one of them, turning ;
and scanning me from head to foot. " Well, sir,
the likes of you, with your long blue coat and
bright B. P. Big Poker buttons would have been
a rare sight in those days."
" What days do you refer to 1 " said I.
" Why, the days of the olden time ; days of the
Tinpot and the Beehive" said he ; " days when
citizens sometimes found it necessarv to take the
108 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
execution of the laws into their own hands, and
pretty summary work they made of it too."
"Well, sir," said I, " what about the Beehive V 1
(Shifting his cane from one hand to the other,
and dropping a big quid of the weed into the
empty hand and deliberately throwing his old sol-
dier upon the pavement.)
"Do you know," said he, " that the street where
we now stand was once called Black Horse Lane?"
It was called so, from the Black Horse Tavern, that
once stood down there by the corner, where you
see the figure with a big nose standing over the
apothecary's door. The tavern had the figure of
a black horse for a sign ; it was long before my
remembrance, but when I was a boy an old darkie
who lived over by the water-mill used to tell me
much about it. He called it Blackus Inn, but that
was old Ebony's abbreviation. This Inn was once
noted as a place of refuge for soldiers who desert-
ed from Burgoyne's army as it was about leaving
Winter Hill, near the close of the He volution.
There was another tavern, with a like sign, up in
Back Street afterwards, and one up at old No. 17
Union Street, not many years since, but this was
the original one. In early times, the North End
was the " court end " of the town, and it was pro-
verbial for its numerous places of entertainment.
Ann Street was then Fore Street, and Hanover was
Middle Street, and Salem Street from the mill
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 109
bridge to the corner down here was Back Street,
and from Prince Street up by Christ's Church and
the old Governor Phipps estate to Charter Street
was called Green Lane.
" Since my remembrance, the millpond extended
from North Margin to South Margin streets, and
from the causeway to Haymarket Square. Canal
boats passed through where Blackstone Street now
lies, at high water coming out into the Bay near
where the foot of Quincy Market -now stands, and
there were bridges across the canal at Hanover
and at Ann streets, and there was a water mill a
little north of Hanover and Blackstone streets, and
another near the foot of Endicott Street. Black
Horse Lane was afterwards widened and called
Princess Street, in honor of some female woman of
the English Royal family. Boston men were loyal
men until the mother country by continued acts of
oppression drove them to madness and desperation."
" That is very true," said I ; " but tell us about
the Beehive."
•"O, yes," said he; " I had forgotten. Well,
sir, do you see that narrow three-story house just
over the way there? it was once painted lead
color ; it is now No. 60, I believe. Well, on that
ground stood the Beehive?
" Why was that name given it \ " said I.
"Well, I will tell you," said he; " you see it was
then a two-story wooden dwelling with a sharp
10
110 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
roof, the end to the street ; had little windows,
and externally it looked very much like a beehive,
and then it was chuck full of cosey little cells, and
old marm Cooper was the queen bee. She had
two pretty daughters, and plenty of boarders of the
female persuasion, and the popping in and out at
the hive on an evening would remind you of the
genuine article on a June day. Do you think the
place rightly named? Well, the hive finally be-
came so notorious and so noisy that respectable
people would put up with it no longer, and so one
night the truckmen, — yes, sir, the truckmen, them
were the fellows when any game was on foot in
those days. Well, they might not all have been
truckmen, perhaps a sprinkling of mechanics and
laborers, and now and then a sailor boy, just home
from sea," said he, giving his companion a severe
punch in the side with his elbow. ' Humph!'
said the other giving a pull at the hip of his pan-
taloons.
"Well," continued the speaker, "just as we
were knocking off work word came — let me see
— yes, it was on the 22d day of July, 1825, about
nine o'clock in the evening, there came down from
Hanover Street way, about two hundred of the
most comical-looking fellows that you ever laid
eyes on. They had pitchforks, and poles, and
bars, and axes, and conch shells, and gourd shells,
and tin horns, and tin pans, and were dressed in
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. HI
all kinds of costume, and their faces were blacker
than the bottom of a tar kettle. Well, just as they
arrived at the beehive, the band struck up — such
music — and the work began, and such work, —
why sir, you could not hear .yourself think, and in
less than ten minutes there was not a piece of door
or window or furniture left of the beehive so large
as a Truck Pin, and such a stampede by the in-
mates of the hive. Don't you remember," said he,
(turning to his friend and lowering his voice,)
" don't you remember seeing old marm Cooper
scudding through School alley under full sail at a
rate that would have done credit to a privateers-
man % "
" Exactly" said his friend, (at the same time giv-
ing an unlucky cur who was passing a most ungen-
erous punch with his cane that sent him yelping
down street.)
" Well," continued the old gentleman, turning to
me again, " you see the wind was fresh northwest,
and some dozen feather beds had been turned in-
side out from the windows, and the atmosphere
was about as full of feathers as you ever see it of
snow-flakes in a squall. To add to the scene, some
one had got up a prodigious smoke by burning
brimstone, feathers, and wool rags. I tell you, sir,
it was a scene for a lifetime. Why, you would
have thought all the feathered imps from the
regions of darkness had shed their coats on this
112 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
devoted ground, and were escaping with their
dear lives to every lane, passage, and gateway in
the neighborhood (after a pause) ; and so the
swarm was taken up," said he.
" But where were the. police all this time'? " said I.
"Police," said he, " did n't I just tell you that
the likes of you would have been a rarity in those
days, and did n't I tell you that the citizens some-
times were obliged to take the laws into their own
hands ? Pity the practice has gone quite out of
use. Don't you think, sir, that Justice, who is
seated in the big County House up town, some-
times gets a little dirt in his eye ? "
" But where were the city authorities'? " said I.
" City authorities," said he ; " why, Boston had
been a city but a short time then, and if they knew
anything at all about the matter, they took good
care not to come there till the trouble was all
over ; and beside, them truckmen done up that job
about as quick as you could say Jack Robinson,
and then they were off."
" Well," said I, "it must have been quick work
and a comical sight indeed. But (and looking at
him a little slyly), who do you suppose were the
truckmen engaged in this riot? "
" Riot — none of your business, you young sauce-
box", said he ; and taking a fresh quid the two
walked leisurely up the street, leaving me to re-
sume my duties.
GABRIEL AND HIS HORJtf.
Among the many exciting events that marked the
progress of the year 1854 in Boston, was the ad-
vent of Gabriel and his horn. I do not mean him
of olden time, spoken of on the sacred page, but a
poor, illiterate, half-breed Scotchman, with more
impudence than brains, who with a three-cornered
hat and cockade on his head, and an old brass horn
in his bosom, took advantage of the political excite-
ment then existing, and travelled about the city
and suburbs from place to place tooting his horn,
collecting crowds in the streets, delivering what he
called Political Lectures, and passing round the hat
for contributions.
His lectures generally consisted of a repetition of
a few ill-chosen words, interspersed with some un-
meaning slang, relative to some European institu-
tions that no one ever read of, and the abuse of some
sport-loving youngster who had pelted him with
rotten eggs at a former lecture.
But the horn — Gabriel's horn -was the great cen-
tre of attraction, and appeared to occupy as promi-
10*
114 TOLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
nent a place in the hearts of his admirers, as did
that which adorned the altar in King Solomon's
Temple. Without that horn Gabriel would have
been powerless, but with it he seemed to possess
the power of a Socrates, and indeed the notes from
that horn were the best arguments I ever heard him
advance.
So potent was its fame, that even a sound from a
conch shell made by some roguish boy, was often
mistaken for the genuine article, and would fill
the streets with a gaping multitude in a few
moments.
Gabriel usually closed his harangue by notifying
his audience of the time and place of his next lec-
ture, which saved advertising, and when the time
arrived another stampede would occur. Wherever
these lectures were holden, it became necessary to
detail a large force of police to preserve the peace,
and rough times we often had of it. Indeed, it
really seemed that everybody was bent on a row,
and perfectly infatuated with humbug.
I well recollect one of these Gabriel incidents
that occurred on Sunday afternoon, December 17, of
this year.
Gabriel was to lecture at Chelsea, and for once
he had gone down Hanover Street quietly and un-
noticed ; but on arriving at the ferry, as he stepped
on board the boat, he must blow his horn. This
was a signal for a crowd, and it was soon there,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 115
but Gabriel had gone, and no one seemed to know
whither. Many of the boys collected, were deeply
impressed with the spirit of the times, and a disturb-
ance commencing, the police were under the neces-
sity of making several arrests, and took one man to
* the Station House. They succeeded in reaching
the house with the man, but the crowd supposing
Gabriel had been arrested, were very indignant,
and followed up, surrounded the house, and began
to threaten, and call for Gabriel, in no very pacific
or nattering terms.
After the prisoner had been locked up, I went
out upon the steps and waved my hand to be heard,
which was granted.
I then told the crowd that only an intoxicated
man had been arrested, he would be kindly treated
and probably discharged when sober. That Gabriel
had gone to Chelsea to deliver a lecture agreeably to
appointment made by him in Union Street, last Sun-
day, as many who now heard me would well recol-
lect ; that they would now find him speaking in his
winning strains on Hospital Hill — God bless him !
This turned the tide of affairs, and the crowd
began to cry out, " That 's so!" " All right, old
boy ! " " Give us a speech yourself, Capt'n ! " Hur-
rah for Station One!" "Hurrah for Gabriel!"
" Hurrah for the horn! " " All hands to Hospital
Hill ! " and a general stampede for Chelsea Ferry
closed the exhibition.
I
116 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
I wished, from the bottom of my heart, that Ga-
briel, his horn, and all his followers were with the
host of Pharaoh in the bottom of the Red Sea ; but
recollecting that the truth is not to be spoken at all
times, I held my peace.
Gabriel finally became such a travelling nuisance,
that the more sober portion of the people (if there
were any at that time,) began to be ashamed to be
seen following in his wake, and the sport for others
becoming stale, his collections would not pay his
lodging bills, and he left his field of labor, in dis-
gust, for the more sunny clime of Saint Domingo.
He was not there long, however, before he was
arrested as a general disturber of the peace, and
sentenced to the penitentiary for three years, and
died in prison soon after.
GUESSYVOKK.
A portly, intelligent-looking man came into the
Office one morning and inquired for the Captain.
I said I was that celebrated individual, and inquired
what could be done for him. He leaned over the
railing that separated us, and stood twirling a busi-
ness card between his thumb and finger for some
time, apparently in a brown study. " Well," said
he, finally, straightening up, "I came in to see you
on a little matter of business, but on reflection, I
recon I wont trouble you with it now," and he turned
to go away. I had been watching him closely in
his re very, which T saw he noticed, and it seemed
to strengthen his resolution in not doing his errand.
He seemed to feel that his appearance, indicated a
recent debauch, which he did not care to have no-
ticed. As he was about leaving I said, " Look
here, stranger, are you a Western man] He turned
and looked me square in the face a moment, and
replied, "Well, I recon I am. But why do you ask
that?"
" Nothing in particular," said I, " only your ap-
118 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
pearance indicates that. And not only so, there is
something on your mind that perplexes you some-
what ; and if so, I should be most happy to render
you some service."
After looking at me a moment, he walked back,
came inside the railing, and took a seat by my
side.
" Well, sir," said he, quite frankly, " I take you
to be a Yankee, and I am told the Yankees are
some on guessing. Now what have you to say in
my case 1 "
" Sir," said I, we are no fortune-tellers here, only
policemen ; but as to the matter of Yankee guess-
ing, as you call it, I am willing to try in your case,
if you desire it, on one condition, — that you tell
me when I guess wrong."
" Very well," said he, " go ahead."
I reached and took his hand and looked it ovei
carefully, — and a " huge paw " it was.
" Well," said I, after considering a while, " 1
guess you have done sonic I . —
boring some. That is an
honest-lookmg hand, and 1 doubt not it is a true
representative of the heart. And you have not
been confined to farming and lumbering altogether ;
you could make a good stump speech, or draft a
set of resolutions, if necessity required."
I stole a glance at his face and saw that he was
quite satisfied thus far, and ready for more.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 119
"Well, I guess you have a very pretty, blue-eyed
vv r ife,far away in a new country, near a wide, smooth
stream, with four, perhaps five, little responsibil-
ities."
" Stop," said he, with some earnestness, and pull-
ing away his hand, " do you know me, sir ? "
" Never heard of you in my life," said I ; " you
was to tell me if I guessed wrong."
" Well, go ahead," said he, settling back in his
chair.
After quizzing him in the face awhile, " I guess"
said I, " that you are little acquainted in Boston, are
here on business, have been a little incautious, fell
in with some jolly companions, took a drop, per-
haps, that altogether, quite overcame you. I think,
also you may have lost money, perhaps gold, large
pieces I think, and I think you have lost some kind
of a bundle."
At this, he sprang from his chair like a wild man.
" Good God, sir!" said he, "I will stand this
no longer. Do you know me, sir, — do you know
my name and business 1 How came you by all
this knowledge, sir?"
" Knowledge," said I, quite innocently, "I have
no knowledge of you, certainly. You set me to
guessing, and I have only done according to the
best of my ability. You have only to tell me when
I guess wrong. Don't be offended ; just come back
and sit down, and see if you can tell it any better
120 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
yourself; and if your case comes in my line, I
shall be most happy to aid you."
" Well," said he, "I don't know who the dense
you are, nor exactly what is in your line, whether
policeman or fortune-teller ; but your proceedings
with me seem very much like the latter, and pretty
well posted at that. Now, sir, please just tell me
how you came in possession of all these facts."
"Facts" said I; "then you say I have been
telling you facts, do you ? Well, I only called it
guesswork. But you know better than I, and we
wont dispute the point. But you come and sit
down here and tell me your case, — I want some-
thing more tangible than guesswork, — and let us
see what can be done."
" I might as well," said he, " although you ap-
pear to know nearly as much about it now as I do.
At any rate, you guess well ; and if you can guess
me out of this scrape as well as you have guessed
me into it, I shall be forever obliged to you."
He then told me his story.
He was a resident of Minnesota ; owned a large
tract of timber land on one of the rivers where the
country was too level for mill privileges by water
power, and he had set up several steam mills,
which were a source of great profit. He came to
Boston to purchase machinery for another mill ;
had closed his business, and was to leave by the
half past five o'clock train for the West. He had
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 121
an hour to spare, — took a stroll about town, —
brought up in North Street, — went into a place to
take a drink, — a youn<£,diap asked him to treat,
— he drank once, again ; after which he forgot
what happened. This morning he found himself
alone in a strange garret. He examined the room
carefully, and found no one. His clothes were
left, but the pockets were empty. He made his
way out as best he could, and found his 'way to the
Station House. He- had lost alf his money, consist-
ing, of seven twenty-dollar gold-pieces, and a bun-
dle containing a valuable steam gauge. He had
seen the elephant, (rather too close a view, he
thought,) was many hundred miles from home,
among strangers, and without a dollar in his
pocket.
After getting all the information he could give
me, I sent him into a saloon to get some breakfast,
and set the boys to work. The officers soon learned
that the chap who had done the shake had left for
New Bedford. A telegraph dispatch got there
first: the chap was arrested on his arrival at New
, Bedford, and an officer followed in the next train
and brought him back with one hundred and
twenty dollars of the money. He w r as taken be-
fore the court, and sentenced to two years' service
in the House of Correction ; and with what money
was recovered and the steam gauge, the stranger
took his leave for his home in the West, a wiser,
if not a better man.
122 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
After arriving home, he wrote me a polite note,
thanking me for what was done for him, and took
occasion to say that if my guessing propensities
were as accurate in relation to how he felt as they
were on what he lost, I would surely sympathize
with him in his folly ; but he was all right now,
and he had seen enough of Yankeedom to guess
that he would be in no hurry to again look up the
Boston elephant.
Should any curiosity arise relative to the guess-
work, let me frankly say that I make no pretence
to supernatural knowledge myself, nor believe it
in the possession of others, and shall not attempt
to throw any mystery about the affair.
My guessing was very simple when explained,
as most mysteries are.
Early that morning an officer had brought in
the steam gauge from a rum hole in North Street,
which the keeper said was left by a countryman
who came into his place the previous evening.
He had any quantity of twenty-dollar gold-pieces,
treated generously, and finally went off with
a chap of the town well known to the officers.
The steam gauge had the maker s name on it, — a
well-known firm in the city. We knew, of course,
that the man would lose his money in such hands,
and as soon as the store of the firm was open, I
repaired there to learn what I could of the owner
of the gauge ; and from one of the firm I learned
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 123
the man's name, residence, business, and much
more that I did not put into the guesswork.
While he was leaning over the rail twirling the
o o
card between his thumb and finger, I saw it was
the card of that same steam-gauge company, and
with the description I had from one of the firm, I
was sure of my man.
That man learned the science of slialting, but in
all probability, Yankee guessing to him is still a
mystery.
RECOLLECTIONS OF COUNTRYMEN.
As a general rule, the administration of justice is
best accomplished when each branch of the Executive
confines itself to "its own legitimate duties. The
Boston Police are appointed for the special pur-
pose of preserving the peace of the city, executing
its ordinances, and also the criminal latvs of the
Commonwealth within their jurisdiction ; and to
guard against their interference in civil matters,
and keep them in their proper sphere, it became
necessary to prescribe their duties by the Statutes,
giving them " the power, of constables in criminal cases
only" and also by the ordinance, " They shall not
render assistance in civil cases." Yet, notwithstand-
ing these special provisions in both the statute and
the ordinance, but very few of even our own cit-
izens seem to be aware of the fact. The conse-
quence is, demands are made daily for the mem-
bers of the Police to do all kinds of work, much of
which they are not permitted to do by the rides of
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 125
the Department, and not unfrequently that which
no man can do lawfully.
The fact that the services of the Police are paid
for by the city, no doubt adds to the number of de-
mands.
An officer is fortunate enough to catch a burglar,
and carries him before the Police Court. He is
bound over for trial. For the sum of twenty-five dol-
lars paid by the burglar's friends, Mr. Brown bails
the rogue in the sum of ^.Ye hundred dollars, takes
him out of the hands of the officers of the law,
and turns him loose to again prey upon the com-
munity. When the case comes up for trial, the
rogue is not in court, and he and his bail are de-
faulted. If justice is done, Mr. Brown gets sued
for the amount of bail. This sometimes happens.
And Mr. Brown, if his bail happens not to be straw,
immediately hunts up the officer who was smart
enough to catch the rogue at first, and orders him
to New York or Nova Scotia, after his protege ; and
if told by the officer that he has no power in the
matter, he flies in a passion and uses his influence
to get the officer discharged. Another has a tenant
who don't pay rent. The landlord forthwith repairs
to the Station House and demands an officer to pro-
ceed without precept or judgment to put the family
out at once. If told that it would be a gross viola-
tion of law for any officer, and that the police were
not qualified to serve a precept in such cases if he had
11*
126 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
cnc, the officer is strongly reminded that an appoint-
ing day is soon ccming that will fill the ranks of the
police with men that will do their duty.
Instances of the like nature are of very frequent
occurrence ; but they are quite bearable in compari-
son with some others that sometimes occur with our
own citizens. The first are excusable, because those
making such demands, perhaps, have not the oppor-
tunity of knowing all the rules of law ; but when
members of the legal profession, and those officers
whose duties are not restricted to criminal matters,
make demands even more at variance with law and
common sense, an excuse is not so easily found. I
have been ordered by a constable to go into a store
and remove a large amount of groceries on which
he had made an attachment ; and I once underwent
a most searching examination by a " limb of the law'''
before the Police Committee because I refused to
remove a constable's keeper from a store of the law-
yer's client.
Yet those cases, too, are sufferable when we rec-
ollect that we are well paid for being abused, and
partly by the very men who abuse us.
But the most annoying and provoking demands
made on the Police, are from persons who do not
belong to the city, often requiring the most un-
reasonable duties, and in a manner that would indi-
cate the belief that the Police were a horde of slaves,
kept for their own particular benefit. I do not
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 127
mean to say that this is the general rule of all coun-
trymen, but I do say that such cases often happen.
Officers are sometimes sent for to go many miles
out of town to perform some service which no man
can lawfully do, with the apparent expectation that
he will go and "find himself" I have been called
from my bed at the dead hour of night by a country-
man, apparently sober ^ to go and hunt up his worth-
less dog, who perhaps, disgusted with his master s
peregrinations and company, had either left for
home or followed off some other night wanderer by
mistake. And I have known a countryman hang
round the Police Office for hours, importuning for
an officer to go to a bar-room, and demand for him
a return of three cents, the bar-keeper having taken
six cents for a drink of raw gin, the countryman
declaring it should be but three. " Not that he cared
for the three cents, — no, not he; but it was the
principle of the thing, and it was the duty of the
Police to see him righted."
The meanest man I ever did a job for was him
for whom I recovered a stolen team. The team
consisted of a fine horse, buggy, harness, robe,
whip, halter, and foot-mat, all worth at least five
hundred dollars, which was stolen in a country
town and brought to the city. Before hearing of
the theft, I had secured the buggy as it was being
put aboard the Bangor steamer, believing it to be
stolen; afterwards the horse,, harness, and other
12S POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
property was all recovered, — all but the mat, val-
ued probably at fifty cents, which I was not lucky
enough to get. I had laid out upon the wharf two
whole nights, after doing duty on the day, and before
I could reach all the property was obliged to pay
something over seven dollars from my own pocket
for assistance. The thief was convicted and sen-
tenced to State's Prison, and the property safely de-
livered to the owner, — all but the mat. I thought
he would refund me the money I had paid out to re
cover his property, — I expected nothing more ; but
this he would not do, and finally told me, in so many
words, that "if you had done your duty, I should
have my mat also."
My recollections of that countryman are quite
fresh, although it is now twelve years since the cir-
cumstance occurred. He keeps a livery stable yet,
not many miles from Boston. I will not call his
name, for I do not write to gratify personal feeling ;
but I do think if that soul ever gets into heaven, it
will be because it is so small it can creep in unob-
served.
As a slight illustration of country opinion of police
duties in Boston, and of the progress of the school-
master, I give the following true copy of a letter
which, was received at the office of Chief of Police,
except the name of the party and his place of
residence.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 129
BUNKUMVILLE, JUNE 9, 1862.
" To the Clicafe of Tolcasc" : —
« * Ie sende this dispache toe you toe Areste A yunge
man bye the name of Nathan Stokes of this place, hea is
A yunge man aboute 20 yers old an had a blacke frocke
Cote an Cloth cap. hea is a Sayler bye perfesion ande
George Stokes is his unkle an you ken in quier of him.
an if you doe ketch im cape im til Ie ken get a permit toe
taek im her for tryal your in hast,
please Sende as Sone as you ken an Cape im til you her
from mea." •
JONATHAN JENKINS
FIGHT WITH JOHN WELCH.
While on patrol duty in the summer of 1854, 1
was passing down Hanover Street early one even-
ing, and when near Hanover Avenue I was met by
some apparently living thing, for my life I could
hardly tell what ; but on removing a piece of old
bedquilt, I there found the head of a Mrs. Welch
among the tattered remnants of her clothing, what
little she had, all of which was completely sat-
urated with blood. A more pitiful object my eyes
never saw, and the poor creature was more dead
than alive. Knowing the habits of the family, I
comprehended the state of affairs at once. She
had again been most cruelly beaten by her brute
of a husband John, who had already served two
terms in the House of Correction for the same
offence.
She said she had barely escaped with her life,
and begged me to run to the house just down the
avenue, for John was beating the children, two
interesting little girls, who had often suffered at
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 131
the hands of a cruel father while begging of him
not to kill their mother.
The house being but a few steps off, I was soon
at the door ; but all was still there. Welch lived
on the second floor, over a colored family, and I
immediately groped my way, in the dark, up the
winding stairway to Welch's room. I had been
there before under similar circumstances, thus far.
On entering the room, which was dimly lighted by .
an old oil lamp, I cast my eyes over the apart-
ment. The only furniture consisted of an apology
for a bed, an old table, and two or three broken
chairs, and some old torn garments scattered about
the floor ; but no one seemed to be present. On
approaching the bed, however, I there discovered
the veritable John himself, but apparently sound
asleep. On speaking to him he roused up, and
wanted to know what I wanted. I said, to see
him, and asked him to get up. He got out and
sat upon the side of the bed, having on his usual
clothing except his shoes, but pretended to be
entirely unaware that any difficulty had occurred.
I asked him what caused the appearance of the'
room, and where his wife was. He said it was
none of my d — nd business ; that he was in his
own house, and if I valued my life much, I had
better leave soon.
Welch was a powerful man, in the prime of life,
and weighing nearly two hundred pounds, and not
132 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
so drunk as I had expected to find him. I had
measured strength with him before, and although
he was much stronger than myself, I could move
much quicker than he, and I did not fear him,
although I had been told that he had said he
would never be again arrested by me alive. I did
not doubt but a calm, decided course would subdue
him.
I finally told him calmly that I was sorry he had
been having trouble again ; that his wife was out
in the street badly hurt, and I wanted him to put
on his shoes and go out with me and see to her.
He finally said he supposed he might as well go,
and asked me to reach him his shoes, just under
the foot of the bed, near where I was standing. I
stooped down for the shoes, not taking my eye off
him, when, as quick as thought, he drew from be-
neath the head of the bed a round stick of wood
about four feet long and perhaps an inch and a
half in .diameter, and sprang at me with the fury
of a madman. I straightened up, and jumped
backwards just in time to be beyond the reach of a
blow that would have split my head from crown to
shoulder, the sharp end of his club coming down
in front of me, and near enough to tear open my
vest. The second blow, with a " G — d d — mn
you," quickly followed, my back now being so
near the side of the room that I was obliged to
jump sideways ; but he was too near, and I caught
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 133
the blow slantingly on my left arm. It took cloth-
ing, hide and all. Before he had time to recover
for the third blow, my club, which I drew from a
pocket under my left arm with my right hand, met
his head) and he fell senseless to the floor. For a
moment I was relieved ; but the next came the
fearful thought, " I have killed him ! " I had struck
him with a heavy lignum-vitse billy, with all my
power. I had hit him on the head ; the blow
must have broken his skull. I had only acted in
self-defence ; his next blow would have laid me
lifeless at his feet. He had missed his aim, and I,
to save myself, had killed him. But I had killed
a man in that ill-lighted chamber, and no mortal
eye was there to witness my extremity. My God !
I would have given worlds to have exchanged
places with him that moment. My club dropped
from my hands, and I stood aghast.
But it was too late : the deed was done. I
knelt down over my victim, and laid my trembling
hand first on his temple and then on his heart.
Gracious Heaven! he was not dead; the pulsa-
tions of his heart were as firm and as regular as
my own. Was it so, — was he not dead? I felt
again and again, and then with some of the rags
that he had torn from the person of his wife, I
wiped the volume of blood which had saturated his
thick curly hah', and vainly searched for the hole
in his skull which I supposed my club had made ;
12
134 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
but it was not there. I then wiped the blood from
his face, and soon found where my blow had taken
effect ; it was on the point of the left chSek bone ;
the flesh was mangled, but the blow being a down-
ward one no bone was broken. He was still alive,
and to my unspeakable joy not fatally injured.
The reaction of feeling was almost too much for
me. I could have hugged the dirty rascal, so
overjoyed was I to think I had not killed him. I
washed the blood from his face as well as I could
with some dirty water I found in a pail in one
corner, and laid him on the bed, where he soon
began to revive. I picked up a part of my club,
which, although a very solid one, was now in two
pieces, and put it in my pocket.
Welch finally recovered, so as to sit up, and said
it was no use ; he would go with me peaceably
now, and would never attempt to fight me again.
We got ready and started to go down stairs ; he
pretended to be weak, and leaned on me for sup-
port. We passed through the entry to the head
of the stairs, and as I stepped down on the first
stair, leaving him somewhat over me, he sprang
for my throat with both hands, with a power I
little thought he possessed. I knocked up his
hand a little as he grabbed for me, so that he only
got hold of my collar and a part of my throat, and
we both went tumbling to the bottom of the stairs
together. As we reached the bottom he broke his
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 135
hold, and springing for my life, I cleared myself
from him and leaped through the open outside
door into the yard, well knowing that he was an
overmatch for me, and would certainly kill me in
close quarters, but still feeling that I was his equal
while I could keep him at arms' length. But I
had no time to lose, for he was upon me in a
moment. As he neared me with an uplifted arm, I
drew what I had left of my club, and again wielded
it with all the power I possessed. The sharp edge
of the broken club hit his arm, and it fell useless
by his side. This time no head or cheek-bone
was injured, but both bones of his arm just above
the wrist were broken.
My fight with John Welch was ended. I took
him to jail, where the bones were set and proper
care taken of him ; and when he was sufficiently
recovered, the court awarded him two years in the
House of Correction for cruelty to his wife.
That portion of the club that did me such
faithful service may now be seen in my cabinet of
Police relics at my house. I have no doubt it
saved my life in the fight with John Welch ; but
never shall I forget the awful sensation I expe-
rienced when I thought I had killed him.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.
During the fall of 1856, a train of circumstances
came under my notice that were calculated not only
to reach the deepest sympathies of the heart, but
they most strikingly illustrate the fact that circum-
stances apparently trivial in themselves, are often
of the most vital importance as they are interwoven
in the great web of human events, and that circum-
stantial evidence, in some cases, may be even more
reliable and decisive than direct testimony.
In October of this year, the habitation of a highly
respectable family at the north part of Boston was
made desolate by the death of two beautiful chil-
dren, the only surviving offspring of the heart-
stricken parents, and their bodies were borne far
away to be buried in a little green spot on the
south shore of " the deep blue sea," the place of
nativity of the father.
A few weeks after these sad ceremonies, the
father, having prepared some little tombstones,
again took passage on the steamboat for the purpose
of placing them to mark the spot whe^re these
loved ones lay. He had already nearly reached his
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 137
point of destination, and leaving the steamer with
his, burden in a skiff, made for the shore ; but before
reaching land the frail bark upset, and the husband
and father there found a watery grave.
The body was soon recovered, and the sad intelli-
gence conveyed to the childless, heart-broken widow
at home ; and she immediately repaired to this scene
of renewed anguish, leaving her home in charge of
several friends, most of whom had long been inmates
of the family.
After paying the last sad tribute of respect to
those so near and dear, the widow returned to her
desolate home to find that, during her absence, her
house had been robbed of some five hundred dollars
in money, the savings of her late husband's many
hard days' toil, and all the available funds left her
in her lonely and forlorn condition.
Information of the robbery was immediately com-
municated to me at the Station House, and with a
deep sympathy and all the energy I possessed, I at
once entered on an investigation.
On visiting the house with one of my officers, I
learned that the money had been taken from an
inside drawer of a desk or secretary standing in the
sitting-room, and consisted of bankbills, silver, and
several pieces of gold of different value.
The lid of the desk on the outside had been un-
locked by the robber, probably with the key belong-
ing to the desk, but the inside drawer had been
12*
138 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
forced. On inquiry, I found the key to the outside
had been kept on a shelf in the upper part of -the
secretary, and another key was lying by the side of
it. I proceeded carefully, so as to give the persons
around me no idea of my thoughts ; but I soon
learned that the other key wound the clock, and
the clock required winding every twenty-four hours.
Any one using that clock key would naturally
notice the desk key ; no stranger would find either.
Who wound the clock? The widow always
when at home, the servant-girl in her absence.
But the servant-girl was low of stature ; she could
not reach the clock, and had used a chair. She
wound it the last thing before going to bed, and on
one occasion, when her mistress was last absent,
she had stepped into the chair without the key, and
asked one of the gentlemen boarders to hand her
the key from the secretary. The girl herself seemed
to dislike to be questioned, but I could detect no
mark of guilt on her.
Who were the boarders in the house ? I asked
many questions about each, and finally drew out,
unnoticed, that the young man who handed the
clock key to the servant-girl was a painter, that had
been a boarder some time ; that he worked by the
week, very steadily, as was supposed ; that he was
in arrears for board, but had paid up since the
widow returned from the funeral of her husband. In
passing through therooms of the boarders, I learned
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 139
that this young man was not at work to-day, for I
saw his working-clothes in his chamber, although
they told me he was at work. I then left the house
for the purpose of making outside inquiries about
the young painter. On visiting his employer, I
found the young man received but seven dollars a
week when he worked, which was but part of the
time ; that he had neither worked nor received pay
for the last three weeks ; that he frequented bil-
liard rooms, and was sometimes seen in bad com-
pany. The next object was to see the young man
himself, and in a few hours he came to the Station
House in custody of one of our officers. He was
dressed in a new suit of clothes throughout, had
some seventy dollars about his person, and was
highly indignant at being invited to the Station
House.
On being told that he was suspected of the
robbery, he denied all knowledge of the affair ;
told a plausible story of his circumstances; ex-
pressed great sympathy for the widow ; and hinted
at my own responsibility in the course I had taken.
The money he had was unlike any that was taken.
I did not know his story to be false. I had no
direct evidence of his guilt, but I believed I should
yet find it, and I locked him up.
We again visited the house where the robbery
was committed, and asked permission to look at
the room where our painter slept. We searched
1-10 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
every inch of the room, furniture, and bedding, but
found nothing. The last article for examination
was an old checked vest, that hung behind a door.
This was the painter's vest, as it plainly showed
the marks of his trade, (his room-mate being a
carpenter,) and besides it was known to be the one
usually worn by the painter when at work. In
one corner of a pocket in this vest was a small wad
of paper, a little larger than a good-sized pea. On
unfolding it carefully, it was apparently a torn-off
corner of an old letter, and on it appeared the
letters Ci Pro" evidently part of a word written
before the corner was torn off. Nor was this all ;
on further inspection, it appeared to have been
wrapped about some round, hard substance, about
the size of a five-cent piece. It seemed to be
worth preserving ; and as nothing else that gave
any light on the subject was to be found, we again
repaired to the sitting-room to further examine the
secretary, and the widow showed me how the
money was placed in the drawer. The bills, she
said, were laid lengthwise in a long pocket-book ;
the pocket-book was left, and nothing missing from
it but the money. The silver was in a steel purse ;
the silver had been emptied from the purse and
taken, but the purse was left. The gold was
wrapped up in an old letter written on a half sheet
of note paper ; the gold was gone, but the letter
still remained in the drawer. I took up the letter,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 141
which was much wabbled up, and on straightening
it out, found the upper left-hand corner torn off,
and asked the widow if she recollected about it.
On reflecting a moment she said, yes ; when her
husband was putting away this money she was
present, and counted the gold, and did it up in this
old letter ; among the gold was a dollar gold-piece,
and she tore off a corner of the .letter, folded it
about the gold dollar, and wrapped it up in the
rest of the letter with the other gold. I drew out
my bit of paper found in the painter's pocket, and
it fitted the corner of the torn letter exactly, and
the letters " Pro " on the small piece, were fol-
lowed by the letters "vincetown" on the large one,
which made the word complete when the two parts
were joined. The evidence was circumstantial,
but, with what facts were before known, rather
conclusive. All were satisfied that w r e had discov-
ered the thief; and to me this was not the only
gratification. The discovery would not only place
the guilt where it properly belonged, but it served
to remove a most cruel suspicion on the character
of an innocent and unprotected servant-girl, that
might have thrown her out of employment, and
marked her with disgrace for life.
We returned to the Station House, and our suc-
cess was frankly explained to the prisoner. He
was not an old criminal, and when he saw the
weight of evidence against him he could hold out
142 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
no longer, but frankly confessed his guilt. ThG
money was nearly all recovered, and restored to
the widow ; the prisoner was remanded to court,
but there admitted to bail. When the day of trial
came, he forfeited his bonds by not appearing, and
I have never seen him since.
WATCHMAN'S EATTLE.
The Watchman's Rattle was first provided for
the use of the guardians of the night long be-
fore Boston was incorporated a city, and has been
in constant use ever since. I am informed by old
watchmen that the original was quite similar to
that now in use, although much larger. From
what cause its peculiar form was conceived, or who
was its ingenious inventor, the record saith not ;
but it is believed to be the only police appendage
that has not undergone a variety of changes, and is
an article seldom if ever found in other cities.
If there is any one thing that will infuse life or
anxiety, or energy, into the heart or heels of a
policeman, it is the sound of the watchman's rattle
in the night time. I can hardly tell how or where
I acquired this feeling, but I have never heard a
sound beating the air, so fraught with a spirit of
trouble and need of assistance, as the sharp crack
of the watchman's rattle reverberating in the street
at the dead hour of night. Its peculiar tone is
different from anything I ever heard, and the sen-
sation is as peculiarly novel and exciting.
114 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
On the morning of the 17th of October, 185-1,
a circumstance occurred which served to strengthen
the impressions already somewhat acquired by the
exciting echoes of the rattle. I was walking alone
down Hanover Street, on the way from the Station
House to my home, about half past one o'clock on
the morning in question, and when near Richmond
Street I heard the sharp crack of the rattle, which
seemed to be cut short before it was fairly through.
That denoted hand-to-hand work, and I well knew
that some of my boys were in trouble. The air
that morning was thick and heavy, and the sound
seemed to fill the entire space around me ; in fact
it seemed to come from directly overhead. T cast
a hasty glance up and around, but discovering
nothing, ran immediately to the corner of Rich-
mond Street. On reaching that point my ear
again caught the sound ; but still; I could not fix
the direction, and thinking it most likely to come
from North Street, I made hasty tracks in that
direction. As I neared North Street there came
a third alarm, evidently in the direction of Brick
Alley. I hastened on, and, arriving at that point,
by the aid of the lamp-light on the corner, I caught
sight of the object of my search. It was in a
man's hand, which was thrust through a pane of
glass up one flight, and was twirling out its notes
of distress in quick succession.
I was not a stranger in that locality, and soon
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 145
found my way up an outside stairway in the direc-
tion of the room ; but the door was fastened. I
stepped back a pace, and then sprang forward with
my shoulder against the door with all the force I
could command, and the next moment found my-
self at full length on the broken door in the entry.
I was not long in reaching the farther end of the
entry, where I found another door fastened also,
and which was as soon opened the same way.
On entering the room, I there found one of my
boys — and as good a fellow as ever broke bread
— in what seemed to me to be rather a tight
place, although in physical power and courage he
was a match for two common men. He had hardly
a rag of clothing left on his person, was all covered
with blood, and had a man nearly his own size by
the throat with one hand, and his bloody arm
thrust through the window springing his rattle
with the other, while three others were lying about
the floor in the same room, under the influence of
the muscle in his powerful arm. He had had a
hard fight against fearful odds, but he was master
of the field when I arrived. He had followed a
burglar with his plunder into this den, where he
was set upon by these four ruffians, who, after
fastening the door, probably intended to make an
end of him ; but his strong arm and indomitable
courage saved his life, and he was only calling for
help to carry off his game.
13
14:6 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
The four men (three of them brothers) were
taken to the Station House, and each subsequently
took a lesson of Captain Robbins ; but the inci-
dents of that night to me added a new sensation to
the echoes of the Watchman's Rattle.
THE JOKING LIEUTENANT.
Fun-loving policemen (for there are some jolly
fellows among the craft) have some rare opportu-
nities for gratifying that passion among the numer-
ous specimens of human oddities that fall in their
way while in discharge of their official duties, and,
like the ingenious sculptor who sees symmetry and
beauty in the rough block, these fellows are often
successful in drawing out a comical figure to suit
their taste, even from the most uncouth specimens
that fall in their way.
I had a little Lieutenant with me many years,
who was one of those clever, innocent jokers above
alluded to ; and although he was one of the most
kind-hearted and humane men I ever knew, yet
whatever case came up he was bound to have his
fun out of it, if there was any in it ; and many
were the side-aching jokes I have witnessed of his
getting up at the expense of some unlucky wight,
and now and then have I witnessed one at his own
expense, — for he sometimes found his match.
148 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
One evening two intoxicated men were brought
into the Station House by different officers at about
the same time. One was dead drunk, and on
searching his person, as was the rule, a pint flask
abouf half full of " Medford " was found in his
pocket. The other inebriate, whose Christian
name was Morrill, who was well known at the
house, and whose legs were much more drunk
than his head, (which was usually the case with
him when he got tight,) stood hanging on to the
rail, silently witnessing the searching operation.
When the ullage bottle of " Medford " made its
appearance, the eye of Morrill rested thereon* with
wistful glances. No remark, however, escaped his
lips, and both he and the stranger were assisted to
the Lockup, to remain till sober next morning.
On the next morning it came the little Lieuten-
ant's turn to let out the prisoners, and Morrill was
let out with the rest. But there seemed to be
some weighty matter on his mind, and he hung
about the house after all others had left.
As soon as Morrill had an opportunity, he took
the Lieutenant one side, and the following colloquy
ensued. By the way, Morrill had an unfortunate
impediment in his speech, but his earnest manner
made up the deficiency on that point.
" Nu-nu-now, Lieutenant," said Morrill, " yu-yu
you know that I'm a real good fell-1-feller, and
o-only been on a little s-p-r-e-c — nnd I-I'm going
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 149
to have the ho-horrors, sure, nu-now. The h-a-i-r
of the same dog, you know, Lieutenant. Yo-you
just let me have the bottle that lo-lo-loafer left last
night, and I-I 'm all right, sir. I-I-I wont tell,
p-p-p-pon honor."
" Upon your honor \ " said the Lieutenant, look-
ing seriously.
" Ton the honor of a gentleman," said Morrill,
without stuttering a syllable.
" You just stop outside, so as not to be seen by
any of the officers," said the Lieutenant, " and I'll
meet you in the entry in a moment."
Morrill readily went out. The Lieutenant took
the bottle, emptied the contents into the sink, and
replaced about the same quantity from a pail of
dirty water ; then stepped into the entry, where
Morrill was anxiously waiting, and slipped the
bottle into his hand, saying —
" Just step over into the alley-way yonder and
take a snifter, and bring me back the bottle ; the
owner may call for it."
" All r-r-r-right," said Morrill, and he made for
the alley-way.
He had no sooner reached his retreat than the
bottle was wrong end up, over his mouth, where it
remained till completely empty, the simple liquid
not penetrating the thick coating in his mouth to
impart the taste till it was too late ; but the con-
tents of the bottle seemingly was as much disgusted
13*
150 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
with its new quarters as was Morrill at the joke,
for it came rushing back out of his mouth with as
much dispatch as it had entered. As soon as
Morrill could get breath he looked up, and there,
just across the street, stood the rascally Lieutenant,
laughing as if to split his sides. Morrill hurled
the empty bottle at his tormentor, but luckily it
passed by and landed in fragments on the sidewalk.
The last seen of Morrill, he was wending his way
down street with both hands on his stomach, and
it was confidently asserted by his friends that he
was not drunk again for three weeks.
One summer day when the Lieutenant was at the
desk, there came in, arm-in-arm, a couple of young
sprouts apparently from uppcr-tendom, perfectly
oblivious to all surrounding circumstances and sub-
jects save the one idea of a gin cock-tail. They
staggered up to the rail, and with much sang froid
one of them peremptorily demanded the aforesaid
luxury.
" Sh ! " said the Lieutenant : " don't talk so
loud. I see you are posted, gents ; you know where
to. come for a good thing. But we have to be a
little careful, you know ; police are on the watch.
We keep nothing at this bar, you see ; but just step
into the basement, where 'tis cool, take a private
box, and I will accommodate you with the genuine
article. This way, gents. Sh ! don't talk so loud.
This way, — this way, gents."
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 151
And down stairs they went, taking a seat in the
first box (cell), with much apparent satisfaction and
high anticipation. The Lieutenant quietly locked
the cell door, and stood a little one side to await
the result. They sat silent some time. At length
says one —
"Bill, — I say, Bill, aint that waiter — hie —
gone — hie — a darned long while I "
"So I 'm thinking," said the other. " Why don't
you pull the bell ? "
The first speaker, with some difficulty, rose to
his feet and began searching for the bell-rope, and
on coming to the iron-grated door he found it fast.
This seemed to impart a new idea, and he began
looking about the cell, till all at once the truth
seemed to burst on his benighted mind, and he sang
out —
" Bill, — Bill ; I say, Bill, we are in the watch-
house, sure as hie ! "
Bill had careened over on the bench, and was
fast forgetting his troubles, and his companion find-
ing his egress essentially impeded, soon availed
himself of the same accommodation.
The pair were discharged when sober ; but on
leaving the house one of them dryly remarked, that
he be darned if he ever again called at a watch-house
for refreshments.
At some seasons of the year we had more appli-
cants for lodging than we could accommodate, and
152 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
were often obliged to send some to other stations.
On these occasions the Lieutenant used sometimes
to amuse himself in testing his customers a little,
and selecting those most in need for his own house.
When an applicant came in, the Lieutenant would
take his name and description, and propound a few
questions : —
" Can you work, Mr. Smith ? "
" Yes, sir, if I could get it to do."
" Can you saw wood 1 "
" Yes, sir."
" Well, sir, it is the rule at this house for all
male lodgers to saw wood one hour, in payment
for bread and cheese and lodging."
This would touch some loafers in a tender spot,
and I have seen them leave the Station House in
high dudgeon. Others would gladly accept the
opportunity, and start off for the basement with a
beam of satisfaction resting on their countenance,
in anticipation of honestly rendering an equivalent
for what they were so much in need. However,
none of them ever sawed any wood, for the very
good reason that there was none to saw ; but such
always got the best place we had, and the bread
and cheese to boot.
But I have said that the Lieutenant sometimes
found his match, and among others I will note one
case.
As he was letting out the prisoners one morning,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 153
(by the way, a favorite job with him,) among the
rest he espied a young scapegrace of a boot-black,
who had taken up his quarters there. Now the
Lieutenant was a perfect gentleman, and withal
very neat in person and dress. Above all, he ad-
mired to see an elegant, genteel boot, and the
thought instantly occurred to him that Shiner should
be required to pay for his lodging.
" Hallo, Shiner," said the Lieutenant, what, you
here 1 Why, you don't expect to come here and
Lodge without pay, do you ? You earn too much
money for that now, my lad. You just unshoulder
that machine of yours, and give my boots a tip-top
shine, and we will be even. That lodging-house
over in Union Street charges ninepence ; 't is but
half-price here, and better doings at that. Come,
come, Shiner ; no loafers about here. Come, out
with your tools.
" I have got no brush, sir," said Shiner.
" What ! " said the Lieutenant, no brush 1 "
" No, sir. I lost it in a row last night."
" Never mind," said the Lieutenant ; I have a
nice one up stairs, so come right up."
And up they went. The Lieutenant went to his
desk and drew out a nice clothes-brush, that cost
him one dollar and a half.
" There," said he, " that is none too good to
brush my boots with. Now polish 'em up, my lad,
while I go down and finish up below."
154 TOLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" All right," said Shiner ; and at it he went.
When the Lieutenant came up he found one boot
partly blacked ; but Shiner or the new brush were
never seen afterwards.
JAKE AND HIS BOYS.
On the 3d day of April, 1857, there came an
order from the Central Police Office, to repair
thither at five o'clock precisely. The order was
promptly obeyed ; and when there, appearances
indicated something np, as the captains of several
other stations made their appearance at the same
time and place. Very little was said, however, on
our arrival, but certain suspicious-looking slips of
paper were placed in the hands of each captain,
with an order to execute, simultaneously, at precisely
ten o'clock that evening. The document placed in
my hand said something about No Street,
and although it was not within the limits of my
district, I asked no questions ; for as bad a reputa-
tion as we enjoyed at the North End, up town could
beat us on faro, roulette, and dead props, and give us
many points the start.
Well, as if nothing had transpired, the arrange-
ments were all completed at eight o'clock, and
fourteen bunkum boys, with brave hearts and
strong arms, were ready for the fray at our station.
156 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
During the evening the captain had deployed him-
self as a skirmisher, and made a very valuable
reconnoissance ; he learned where the main force
of the enemy were encamped, and the exact local-
ity of his head-quarters and his supply trains. We
also obtained information of the exact position of
his outposts, and, very fortunately, the password
for the night.
The most important move on the onset, seemed
to be to secure the outside picket, who was patrol-
ling up and down the sidewalk, ready to give the
alarm to the garrison at the very approach of
danger.
However, the plan of attack was matured, and
a few moments before ten, the storming party were
at their posts, at several points, in near proximity
to the enemy's camp. As the clock was chiming
ten, two stalwart fellows passed down the sidewalk,
and as they were seemingly about to pass the
enemy's picket, from some unexplained cause the
said picket passed down with them, as quietly as if
nothing had happened, and all three were out of
sight round a corner, quicker than it takes to tell
this part of the story. The guard was disposed of,
and now was the time for action. Our whole
storming party were in line, ready to mount the
enemy's breast-works at the word. " Rap-rap,"
came a sound on the outside of the outer door.
14 Rap," was the answer inside.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 157
" Jake and the boys," said a voice outside.
(Jake was the pass.)
Open came the door. " Up one flight," said
the waiter ; and up went Jake and the boys, with-
out exciting the least suspicion.
On arriving at the second room, up one flight,
Jake beheld the coveted prize, consisting of about
twenty personages, seated about a long table, on
which appeared certain curious little boxes, with
square pieces of pasteboard, numberless little
pieces of ivory, about the size of a half dollar, of
various colors, snail-shells, money, and various
other articles too numerous to mention, which en-
gaged the attention of those seated at the table so
closely, that the presence of any new visitors was
not noticed. Jake gave a circular motion of his
arm, which seemed to be well understood by his
boys, who immediately commenced forming a circle
about the board, and Jake, with one spring, landed
with both feet on the very centre of the table at
the same time taking at one grasp most of the
stakes ; and before one of the party had time to
rise from his chair, Jake proclaimed —
" Hold on, — hold on, gentlemen ; I take this
trick in the name of the Commonwealth. Keep
perfectly quiet, gentlemen. You shall all be well
treated, but you will be under the necessity of
accompanying me to the office of the Chief of
Police, where, I presume, all things will be made
satisfactory."
u
158 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
The crowd seemed thunderstruck, and most of
them were shackled by the boys, two together,
before they rose from the table, so complete was
the surprise. In a short time the spoils were
gathered up, and the whole party and property
were on the way to the Tombs.
On arriving at our head-quarters, the names of
the captured party were taken, and, strange to say,
judging from the names, they seemed to belong to
the same family, or to two families, at most, as
they were nearly all Smiths and Jones. Jake,
however, took them at their word, without asking
any further questions, only remarking as he took
the last, " Gentlemen will please recollect the names
they gave when they appear in Court to-morrow morn-
ing, to save mistakes" One among the number,
who was said to hold some office in a neighboring
town, wrote his name in the lining of his hat, for
fear of an error.
However, it was soon apparent that if we had
the whole family of Smiths and Jones in custody,
there were kindred and friends outside, for several
gentlemen soon appeared and offered to go bail for
the whole party, some of them holding real estate
in Boston valued at least at fifty thousand dollars.
This course seemed to have an indication in the
premises ; at any rate, the commissioner soon made
his appearance, and the whole party were bailed
The next day all appeared at court, plead guilty,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 159
and were fined, except the keeper of the house,
whose case was sent up to a higher court ; but
that party probably have not forgotten Jake and
his boys to the present day.
EAT PITS.
A rat pit is one of those under-ground novelties
occasionally seen in Boston by gaslight. The
whereabouts, however, is not always exactly known
to the uninitiated, the proprietors generally not
choosing to either advertise or hang out a shingle
to indicate the locality where the elephant is to be
seen ; nor when found is the establishment such as*
would be likely to impress the mind with an idea
of grandeur or sublimity ; at least, such has been
the condition of those that I have seen.
For many years one of these subterranean estab-
lishments was kept at " North End," which I have
sometimes been called on to visit in my official ca-
pacity. The establishment consisted of a bar-room
on the first floor from the street, not wide but deep,
the counter running the whole length on one side.
Behind this counter stood females, with vermilion
cheeks and low-necked dresses, ready to deal out
New York gin and cabbage-leaf cigars to all who
had the dosh. At the lower end of the counter, or
bar, stood a low-sized, haggard-looking cockney,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 161
anxiously waiting for an order to serve up a raw
from a heap of rough shells before him, — the only
way of dressing the bivalves known here. A bench,
a few stools, and a half dozen dirty, uncouth pic-
tures about the walls, completed the furniture of
that room.
In passing through this room, (which was gen-
erally filled with pickpockets, petty knucks, fumes
of tobacco, smoke and bad gin,) at the further end
you find a trap-door leading down a flight of stairs
to the rat pit below.
The pit consists of a board crib of octagon form
in the centre of the cellar, about eight feet in diam-
eter and three and one half feet high, tightly se-
cured at the sides. On three sides of the cellar are
rows of board seats, rising one above the other, for
the accommodation of spectators. On the other
side, stands the proprietor and his assistant and an
empty flour barrel, only it is half full of live rats,
which are kept in their prison-house by a wire net-
ting over the top of the cask. The amphitheatre
is lighted with oil lamps or candles, with a potatoe,
a turnip, or an empty bottle for a candlestick. Spec-
tators are admitted at twenty-five cents a head, and
take their seats, when preparations for the even-
ing's entertainment commence. The proprietor
carefully lifts the edge of the wire netting over the
rat barrel, and with an instrument looking much
like a pair of curling tongs, he begins fishing out
14*
162 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
his game, rat by rat, depositing each carefully in-
side the pit until the requisite number are pitted.
The assistant has brought in the dog, Flora, a fa-
vorite ratter, which he is obliged to hold fast by the
nape of the neck, so eager is she for the fray.
Then commences the betting, which runs high or
low according to the amount of funds in the hands
of the sports.
" A dollar. She kills twenty rats in twelve sec-
onds ! " " I take that ! " " Half a dollar on the
rats ! " " Don't put in them small rats ! " " Two
dollars on Flora in fifteen seconds ! " " Done, at
fourteen ! " " No, you don't ! " " Don't put in all
your big rats at once ! " " Five dollars on the rats
in ten seconds ! " (no takers.)
The betting all seems to be well understood, but
it would puzzle an outsider to tell whether there
were really any genuine bets or not.
The bets having been arranged, time is called,
and Flora is dropped into the ring. Flora evidently
understands that her credit is at stake ; but the
growling, and champing, and squealing, and scratch-
ing is soon over, and the twenty rats lie lifeless at
the feet of the bloodthirsty Flora, when time is
again called, and the bets decided, and all hands
go up and liquor. This exhibition is repeated sev-
eral times, with different dogs, and lasts as long
as the live rats hold out.
After the rat game is up, the proprietor generally
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 163
gets up the Chuck game, or something similar, for
an afterpiece. The Chuck game is on this wise :
a box some three or four feet long and one foot
square, closed at one end, is placed in the pit, and
a woodchuck or a coon is put in, who immediately
burroughs in the box. Bose then enters the ring,
and being a dog of good blood, he immediately sets
about pulling Chuck out of his house ; and when
Bose crawls in, Chuck gives him battle, and being
well armed, Bose generally gets a black eye and a
bloody nose before his task is accomplished ; and
sometimes he backs out altogether, and loses his
reputation, when some other misguided cur, greedy
for the prize, renews the attack on poor Chuck to
lose or win, as the case may be. During the -fight
bets run high, and the spectators are excited
almost to frenzy. One who never witnessed one of
these exhibitions can have no conception of the
scene.
The hooting, cheering, groaning, shouting,
screeching, swearing, and stamping, accompanied
with ten thousand grotesque gestures of the crowd,
as seen and heard by the dim light in that subter-
ranean dungeon, beggars description, and would
put to blush a pandemonium of the first water.
After the entertainment of the evening is over,
which is generally at a late hour, — unless the
exhibition is wound up with a fight, which is not
unfrequent, — all hands adjourn to the bar to take
lGi POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
a parting drink. Those too leg-weary to walk,
lounge down in a corner, some go to a lodging-
room, and others, who have no place or money, go
out prospecting to obtain means to purchase their
grub and rum for the next day.
The rat pit of which I have been speaking is
now closed, the proprietor having been stabbed
through the heart with a knife in the hand of one
of his own pupils, in a drunken fight at a North
Street bar-room.
I never objected to the matter of destroying any
quantity of rats, but the ceremonies attending these
rat -pit exhibitions most surely tend to cultivate and
nurse the evils, vices, and crime to which the pro-
prietors of this pit fell a victim.
While this rat-hole was in its glory, I was walk-
ing down Salem Street quite late one evening, and
just before reaching Richmond Street I saw a man
dodge round the corner with a bag on his back.
Supposing it some thief with his booty, I put after
him in double-quick; but on coming up I recognized
in the supposed burglar a clever old darkie, famil-
iarly known as Jum. Thinking I would give
honest old Jum a little surprise as he was quietly
trudging along, I suddenly laid my hand on his
shoulder and sang out, " Noiv, old covey, I have got
you!"
The poor fellow jumped more than twice his
length, and as he came to a stand he was facing
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. lfio
me, one hand still hold of the mouth of the bag as
it lay on the sidewalk.
" O-o-o-a-a-a-r-r-r-umph ! " cried Jum, as he
brought up, — " O-o-wha-wha-wha O, golla massa,
what ye want o' me I " gazing at me in perfect
horror, each eye having the appearance of the sur-
face of a tub of lard with a boy's marble in the
centre.
" Ah, Jum," said I, " what have you got in that
bag?"
" Wha-wha-a-o-o-u-u-o-o-a, — oh, dat you, Massa
Capen % n O Lordy, Lordy, Capen, Ize tot Ize a
goner ! "
" Well, well," said I, " but what's in the bag,
Jum % "
" In de bag, — in de bag ! why, wh-why, Massa
Capen, dem's rats, — rats, dey is, — rats, noffin
else, noffin else. Golly, — golly, Capen, t'out Ize
a goner dat time, sure. Look out, — look out dare,
Capen ; dem fellers bite rite frough de bag." And
sure enough poor Jum had a bag half full of live
rats.
After Jum had got a little over his scare, he
explained to me how and where he caught the
rats. His custom was to go down to the stables in
Medford Street, where horses were fed with oats
or meal, after dark, and with a lantern in one
hand, a bag under his arm, and a pah' of curling
tongs in the other hand, Jum quietly bags his game.
166 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
and relieves the poor donkeys of a very trouble-
some intruder.
" An' I picks dem out pretty fast," said he.
" De teamsters all like to see dis rat-catcher come ;
de hosses gets more meal."
" Pretty good, Jum," said I, " and you are all
right. But what are you going to do with those
rats ; do you drown them 1 "
" Drown em ! Lord bress you, Capen, guess not,
— guess not ! Dis darkey get shillin , apiece, —
shillin' apiece for dem rats ; Massa Barney give
shillin' apiece. Rats scarce now, — get shillin'
piece, sure."
" How many have you, Jum % "
" Well, spose dare am t'irty, — full t'irty rats in
dat bag, sure, and big ones, too."
" Thirty rats at a shilling apiece, amount to five
dollars," said I. "A pretty good evenings work.
Well, Jum, you re a good fellow ; good-night, and
good luck."
" Tank ye, t'ank ye, Capen," said Jum, as he
swung the bag over his shoulder and walked off,
muttering to himself, " scare colored man to deff.
Tink dis chile tief, I spose ! "
DEATH OF A FIREMAN.
During my service for the city I have usually
been in the habit of being present at any consider-
able fire that might occur, especially in the night
time.
On the evening of July 11, 1862, having had a
hard day's work, I was about to retire to my bed
at an early hour, when the bells sounded the alarm
of fire, in District No. 1. On throwing open the
window-blinds of my house, which was in Charter
Street, L saw that the heavens were lighted up by
a fire apparently somewhere near Haymarket
Square. I immediately threw on an old fire suit,
and started out. On reaching Haymarket, I found
the Square and adjoining streets filled with people ;
but the fire was further on up Sudbury Street, and
consuming several wood buildings on the north
side of Sudbury, between Adams and Hawkins
Streets.
I elbowed my way through the crowd till I
reached the fire, where I found the people so
densely huddled together that it was necessary to
shut off the streets.
168 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
An additional force of police, with ropes, were
soon on the ground, and the spectators were forced
back sufficiently far to give the firemen room to
work.
The police had hardly accomplished their task,
when a chimney near the corner of Adams and
Sudbury Street, losing the support of surrounding
timbers, fell upon the front wood walls, which
were still standing, and the whole burning mass
came tumbling into Sudbury Street, burying sev-
eral firemen under the rubbish on the very place
where a large number of spectators had so lately
stood, and where I stood myself but a moment be-
fore.
A number of men rushed to the spot to remove
the rubbish and extricate the poor fellows that lay
buried beneath. There were seven in all, more or
less injured, some being carried to one place and
some to another, to have their wounds dressed ; all
but one escaped without fatal injury, and he was
struck on the temple with a heavy stick of timber,
that broke his skull, and he died in a few moments
after, we had carried him into a shop on the
opposite side of the street. He was a member of
Engine Company No. 7, about thirty-five years of
age, a worthy man and a good fireman, and had a
wife and three small children dependent on his
labors for support.
We procured a litter, and his body was conveyed
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 1C9
to the Station House in Court Square by his sor-
rowing comrades.
Then the melancholy tidings must be conveyed
to his family, — to his poor wife, who, with her
little ones, were patiently waiting the father's
return after the fire. But the stout hearts of those
brave men, who couM meet death in any form
without a tremor, shrank from the task of convey-
ing the sad news to the wife. No one felt that he
could go. Finally, at the earnest solicitation of
the engineers and some of the members of his
company, — with his employer and one other
gentleman, I started off on the melancholy errand.
We reached the house about 11 o'clock at night,
and on entering found the widowed mother with
her children drawn closely around her, as if
expecting some fearful visitation. We told our
sad tale as best we could ; but the scene there pre-
sented I cannot describe, neither can I recall it to
memory without a most painful emotion. Her
neighbors and friends gathered about her, and
there was no dry eye in that sad group. The
wife was calm, but a picture of despair, and spoke
of her husband and her children with a depth of
feeling most touching.
She had a little son about three years old, a
bright, flaxen-haired child. She said when the
father left the house at seven o'clock in the morn-
ing, (he had not been home since,) the child* foi-
ls
170 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
lowed him out the door, hanging on to his coat,
and crying, " Pa pa, don't go ; pa pa, don't go ! " as
if his little heart would break. The circumstance
was unusual, and produced a foreboding on the
mind of the mother throughout the day. " Poor
child," said she, " he will never again meet the
smile nor enjoy the parting fciss of that fond father,
who now sleeps in death."
We left the poor heart-broken widow in care of
a few kind friends, and after rendering what fur-
ther assistance I could, in caring for the body of
the deceased fireman, long after midnight I found
myself, almost exhausted, wending my way alone
through the deserted streets, to my own home, with
a heart deeply depressed at the melancholy scenes
I had so lately witnessed, yet grateful to Him who
holdeth the lives of men in the hollow of his hand
that I was spared to yet be the guardian of my own
dear wife and child.
THE OUTCAST.
When I had charge of Station One, on a certain
New Year's Eve I had taken a stroll over the dis-
trict, and on coming to the Station House two of
the officers were helping a poor creature into the
house apparently some intoxicated, and almost per-
ished with cold.
The person was a female, about twenty years
old, tall and slim, with deep black eyes, pale, hag-
gard countenance, and black, dishevelled hair.
She was thinly but decently dressed, and had un-
questionably seen better days, not a long time
since. She was taken in by the fire, wrapped in
blankets, hot drinks administered, and with a little
attention soon revived.
During my Police life I have had many hun-
dreds of these poor outcasts in my custody, and
few, very few have I seen that had no claim for
sympathy. Many an hour have I sat at the cell
door and listened to their tales of woe, and often
have I been led to believe that these poor crea-
172 TOLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
tures are frequently more " sinned against than
sinning."
A false step, perhaps, at the beginning, and the
tide of adversity has borne them onward and down-
ward. Former friends forsake them, strangers
ridicule and despise them, no helping hand is out-
stretched to save, and the victim, writhing under a
sense of its wrongs, seeks refuge in the haunts of
dissipation and licentiousness, and perishes in mis-
ery and degradation, uncared for and unknown.
I never could turn a deaf ear to these tales of
woe ; for well do I remember how near the brink
of ruin I myself have been, when borne down by
the weight of poverty and misfortune.
Good treatment, and a few kind words, seemed
to give assurance to our new guest that she was in
the care of those who would do her no harm, and
little by little I drew out her history.
She was of highly respectable family, in mod-
erate circumstances, residing in a neighboring
State ; had left her home and come to the city but
a short time since, and her brief history is told in
the following lines. They are supposed to be ad-
dressed to her mother, the night she spent at the
Station House : —
" And is this New Year's Eve, mother? Oh, mother, can
it be !
Oh what a sad, sad change, mother, this year hath
wrought in me !
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 173
Last year there was no lighter step, there was no brighter
eye,
There was no merrier heart than mine, — now mother,
what am I ?
" A theme for every idle jest, sunk lower than the slave,
With blighted name and broken heart, and very near my
grave ;
For I feel my days are numbered, my life is waning
fast,
And the thought is strong within me, that this night will
be my last.
" 'Tis just two years ago to-day, since Mary Ann was
laid,
Amid the tears of young and old, within the church-
yard shade ;
How sad we thought the fate was, for one so young and
gay,
To die thus in the morn of life, upon her marriage day.
* * But now I envy her the doom ; what joy for you and me
If I had died then, mother, when innocent and free,
Ere I became what I am now, the saddest thing in life,
Fallen, — deserted, — and betrayed, — A mother, not a
wife!"
"Of a group of lads and lasses, methinks I caught a
glance ;
My old companions are they all, just hieing to the dance :
And they will pass the night away in noisy mirth and glee,
While the shelter of a prison-house alone remains for me.
15*
174: POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
' * I remember last year's sleighride over the frozen snow,
And how we danced till daylight, and the skies were in
a glow ;
I was the lightest-hearted one of all the merry throng,
And he was by my side that night whom I had loved so
long.
" Yes I was very fond of him, he seemed so far above
The other youths, and all the girls were envious of his
love ;
And I was young and guileless, and how could I believe
That when he spoke of love to me, he meant but to
deceive ?
" I think I was bewitched, mother, by the light of those
dark eyes, —
By the murmured vows of tenderness, and all those flat-
tering lies ;
I had scorn enough for others, who sought to win my love,
But he seemed to my unpractised eye as guileless as a
dove.
" And even now I cannot think so ill of him as you ;
I cannot think his heart so bad as many others do :
I know he's done me cruel wrong, and bowed my
head with shame,
And yet the fault was not all his ; I might have been to
blame.
" I know how oft you warned me, mother; you told me
oft the truth,
That village girls were seldom wed by high and wealthy
youth ;
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 175
But I thought of many tales I 'd read, and of the song3
I 'd sung,
How noble men loved lowly maids, if beautiful and
young.
' « But judge him not too harshly, mother, though I so sad
beguiled,
Though now he strives to blight my name ; and will not
own his child;
But time may come when he will feel his need to be
forgiven,
And you '11 forgive him for my sake, when I am gone to
heaven.
' ' Some there may be who '11 not regret that I am brought
so low,
As I was proud and haughty then ; but I am humbled
now :
I prized too much my beauty, which so fully proved my
bane,
As I scorned the honest and the true that offered me
their name.
" And now they will not speak to me, they think I am so
vile,
But pass me with a scornful, look or with a meaning
smile ;
'T is very hard, perhaps 't is right, but still I think I
know *
If they had borne what I have borne, I could not treat
them so.
176 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" But you have been so kind, mother, though I've dis-
graced your name ;
You soothed me in my sorrow, nor spoke a word of
blame :
I should have been a solace, mother, in your declining
years ;
I should have brought you comfort, — I have only
brought you tears.
"I never can repay you, mother, for your patience and
your love,
But your kindness and your tenderness are registered
above ;
And He will sure reward you, who said to one of yore,
* Neither do I condemn thee, daughter ; go and sin no
more.'
" Oh, how we mourned when father died ; but now tis well
tis so ;
He never could have borne with me — as you have done,
I know :
lie was so just, so good himself, he could not understand
The temptations that beset the weak ; the snares on every
hand.
" But now he sees more clearly, in that blest home above,
And he will judge more mildly, and welcome me with
love,
"When I leave this weary world to find a heavenly home,
Where sinful souls are purified, and sorrows cannot
come.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. ITT
"But you will keep my babe, mother, and rear her aa
your own ;
May she repay you better, mother, than ever I have
done :
Poor babe, she has her father's smile, his bright and
beaming eye ;
Had she a right to bear his name, how peaceful could I
die.
" If she is mild and gentle, and easily controlled, —
Unlike her hapless mother, — Oh, let her not be told, —
Oh, never let her hear her wretched mother's name,
To sadden her young spirit, and flush her cheek with
shame.
" But if she 's like her mother, as wayward and as wild,
Though 'tis a painful legacy to leave a guiltless child,
Then tell her all my story, though she thinks of me with
hate ;
■
Better to scorn her mother's name, than share her mother's
fate.
11 And now good night, dear mother; I hope that ere the
sun
Sheds its first ray to-morrow morn, my troubles will be
done :
And do not weep for me, mother ; when I have left you
here,
Within a peaceful dwelling-place, will dawn my next
New Year."
I sat long that evening listening to the tale of
this poor maniac, for I soon saw that reason, if not
178 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
bereft, was trembling on its throne. The next
morning the necessary means were taken to send
her to her mother, and we had the satisfaction of
knowing that she reached her home in safety.
But I learned that her story was but too true, and
a few weeks after I read an account of her death
in a newspaper.
The seducer now moves in the higher circles of
society in this city. I know him well, and have
often watched him when he little thought that the
eye of one who knew the secret of his guilt rested
on him. He is wealthy, proud, and haughty ;
but I believe the dregs of remorse and bitterness
are in his cup ; and, if I am not mistaken, that
ever-restless eye and nervous demeanor indicate
a worm at the heart.
MARIA WHIPPLE.
In the fall of 1857, numerous reports of house
robberies were made to the Police, perpetrated in
various parts of the city. These robberies were
mostly committed at noonday, and generally con-
sisted of ladies' clothing. At length these com-
plaints became so numerous, it was thought there
must be an organized gang perambulating the city,
and the whole police force were on the alert.
Descriptions were given, by the various sufferers, of
a girl that applied for board, on whom suspicions
rested. Some said she was tall, slim, and good-
looking ; others, that she was rather short and or-
dinary. One thought her thick-set and ruddy ;
another, that she was medium size. Now, she had
a full, round face and pug nose ; then thin-favored,
with nose aquiline. In fact, no two described the
supposed thief alike at all, with the exception of
one feature, — all agreed that she had red hair.
The police finally arrived at the conclusion that
there were either a whole family of red-headed
thieves, or else one very busy individual, who had
180 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
miraculous powers of ubiquity. Accordingly, red-
headed ladies were objects of much interest to our
department, and many and laughable were the jokes
cracked at their expense, and almost any officer
would readily affirm that at least every other head
seen in the street had at least an auburn hah*. Per-
haps those who are unpractised in our line might
think it a little odd, but, to solve the problem, let
him take a walk up Hanover or Washington Street
some fine afternoon, and undertake to look up some
individual in a particular dress ; for instance, he
wants to find a boy about seventeen, dressed in short
jacket, and a close-fitting, gray, round-top cap, or a
lady in a black dress, with auburn curls and pink
bonnet ; and if he don't come in within an hour
ready to swear that there are a thousand on the
street of either kind, I am mistaken.
At last one of our officers got a little additional
description, on which, he thought he could rely, and
a part of his beat being on Hanover Street, where
many ladies pass, he resolved to capture one of the
red-heads , at any rate. It was not many days before
he encountered a young lady on the street who had
the required description, and, in addition, a nice
bundle in her arms. He followed her along till
opposite the Station House, and politely tapping
her on the shoulder invited her in. She appeared
very modest, said her name was Maria Whipple,
was a vestmakcr, and the bundle contained her
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 181
work, which she was taking to the shop. On ex-
amination, however, the bundle contained one silk
dress, one fur victorine, one lady's mantilla, one
child's apron and hood, and one checked shawl.
This was rather uncommon work for a vestmaker's
establishment to- put out, and as none of the cloth-
ing seemed to be a fit for herself, it was thought
prudent to investigate further ; and on several
persons who had suffered by the red-headed girl
being sent for, she was identified, beyond dispute.
When the girl became satisfied that she was de-
tected, she said if we would not be hard with her she
would tell all, and do all she could to recover the
property she had taken ; but the effort proved a
heavy tax on her memory, for she alone comprised
the whole red-headed family we had been seeking
for. The next day, her arrest having been made
known, some forty victims called to see her, the esti-
mate of their losses in the aggregate amounting to
over one thousand dollars. Of this amount the
officers recovered in value some eight hundred
dollars. Maria was taken before the court, and al-
though her offences might have sent her to prison
a lifetime, she was sentenced but two years.
Maria's story (although that was an assumed
name) was soon told. She was about twenty years
old, and having no friends to care for her, she came
to Boston from a neighboring State to seek employ-
ment as a vestmaker, having learned that trade at
16
182 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
home. She engaged board with a respectable
widow lady at the South End, and went out in search
of work ; but being a stranger, with no one to rec-
ommend her, she travelled about day after day with-
out meeting with any success. In a short time her
board-bill exceeded the small amount of funds she
possessed, and one morning the landlady demanded
payment. She paid all she had, and again put on
her things and went out, to renew her efforts for
work ; but in vain. She felt she could not go back
without any prospect of paying her board to ask for
another meal, and the thought struck her that she
must get a new boarding-place at once. She wan-
dered about, she hardly knew where, and coming
to a house where " Boarding" was on the door, she
summoned courage to make an application. The
people in the house turned her coldly away. As she
passed out through the entry, an opportunity offered,
and in a fit of desperation she took a lady's cloak
and made her escape. The cloak was carried to a
broker, and pawned for enough to liquidate her
board-bill, which was immediately carried home and
appropriated to that purpose.
Said she, " I consoled myself on this, my first theft,
that my necessity was an excuse for the act, but it
paved the way for my ruin. I began to feel that
there was but two ways for me ; one was to steal,
the other, to abandon myself to the town. Of the two
evils, I thought I chose the least." She had stolen
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 183
probably twelve hundred dollars in value, sold it
all to the brokers, and for the whole had received
less than one hundred dollars.
I envy not the purchasers their ill-gotten gains
had no owner appeared ; but, as it proved, the spec-
ulation for most of them was not very profitable.
When Maria's term of service expired, she came
out of prison with the good wishes of all her over-
seers, and was sent to the kind-hearted matron of
the Home in Kneeland Street, who soon procured
her a situation in a family in a neighboring city. I
have no doubt her story was true ; but she had
been in prison, was disgraced in the eyes of the
world, and had lost her own self-respect. She
stole no more, but she was soon an inmate of. a
mad-house.
BEGGARS.
I never was very partial to beggars, although I
believe a hungry woman or child never went away
from my door empty ; but the bloated, red-nosed
beggar, whose breath smells like a cask of decayed
onions, never met with a very hearty welcome
with me. But, opposed to the practice as I am, I
one day found myself very deeply engaged in the
same occupation ; and although I never took much
pride in relating my own exploits, yet I believe on
that day I performed a feat of begging that will
not find a parallel in Boston.
The cause that gave rise to the course I pursued
was this. In the year 1856, when I had charge
of Police Station No. 1, a few days before Thanks-
giving, a poor woman came into my office and in-
quired if I could give her some work. I had no
work for her ; but her thin, pale face and a long-
drawn sigh as she turned to go away, somehow
made me feel kind of bad under my waistcoat,
although accustomed daily as I was to witness
cases of poverty and want. I called her back, and
told her if she would leave her name and residence
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 185
I would try and find some work for her. To this
she gladly assented. She told me where she lived,
and that she had three small children, her husband
having been dead about a year, leaving her desti-
tute and in poor health. Said she, " When Wil-
liam was alive we were poor, but comfortable ; we
always had enough to eat, and something nice for
Thanksgiving ; but if I cannot get some work, we
shall have to go without this year." I gave her a
little change, and she went away wiping the tears
from her eyes. As the poor woman left my office,
I resolved that she should not go without a supper
for herself and little ones on Thanksgiving Day ;
and as I sat thinking of the privations and sorrows
that must weigh down the heart of that poor
widow, it occurred to me that this was but one
case of many that existed on my own Station, and
within my own knowledge, where rigid necessity
would allow but a scanty meal even on Thanks-
giving Day.
But what could I do ? I had not the means to
furnish them all with a supper. But I did not feel
satisfied with that argument ; could not I do some-
thing ] I knew plenty of people, many of whom,
perhaps, would give something for such a purpose;
but could I go out and beg ] I could hardly beg
for myself, were I ever so needy ; but this would
be begging for the needy. I would get laughed at
for my pains. " Don't care ; that wont hurt me ;
16*
186 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
the object is worth an effort, at least ; " and my
resolution was soon formed. I had no time to
lose, and commenced on my new plan at once by
drawing up the following document : —
" We, the undersigned, respectively contribute
the sum of one dollar each, to be expended by
Captain for the purpose of furnishing a
Thanksgiving supper for destitute widows and
orphans residing on Police Station No. One."
On the following day, at ten o'clock A. M. pre-
cisely, with my credentials in hand as above drawn,
and with all the cheek I could summon, I sallied
forth to try my luck. I took the precaution to
secure a few names at the head of the list that
were favorably known among the tradesmen on
Hanover and Blackstone streets, and my work
was well begun.
Having for several years been in a position to
be pretty well known to the business people at the
North End, and asking for but one dollar of any
one for an object that commended itself to every
generous impulse of the heart, I met with much
better success than I had anticipated. My cause
was so good, my encouragement so nattering, and
I entered into the spirit of my business so deeply,
that I forgot my own dinner, and continued my
efforts till five o'clock: P. M., when I repaired to
my Station House to get breath, and take an ac-
count of stock ; and I must acknowledge I felt not
only a little proud, but somewhat surprised at my
rOLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 187
success, for till then I had not the least idea how
much I had received. On counting my money, I
found I had collected one hundred and thirty-nine
dollars, of one hundred and thirty-nine persons, in
seven consecutive hours, averaging one dollar in
about every three minutes. (I would like to shake
hands with the man that can beat that begging.)
The next day I made a handsome addition to the
fund, and the proceeds were appropriated to the
purchase of such articles of provision as was
thought would be most valuable and acceptable to
those for whom they were designed.
In the mean time, my officers had assisted me in
completing a list of those persons thought to be most
needy and worthy, and the day before Thanksgiv-
ing, I had the pleasure of leaving at the door of
over one hundred tenements (not forgetting the
widow whose sorrowful story had given me the first
impulse to beg) ample means to satisfy the hunger
and gladden the hearts of those dwelling therein,
for one day at least.
If those generous hearts who furnished the means
for those little blessings, could have on that day
witnessed what I witnessed, and enjoyed the pleas-
ure of giving, as w r ell as I did in distributing their
generous liberality, I feel sure they would have
thought it a good investment.
I have carefully preserved their names on that
subscription list, but their deeds are written in a
book that will last longer than mine.
A CHAPTER ON HATS.
Who that has enjoyed the advantages of dwell-
ing in civilized society, that does not realize the
importance attached to a fashionable, genteel hat.
It has been the pride and the ornament of the
lords of creation from time immemorial. Long and
lond, by legend and lyric, have its praises been said
and sung, by rich and poor, old and young, bond
and free, while its elegant figure has undergone
every transformation that human ingenuity could
invent; first assuming the form of a triangular
cone, — then the shape of a genteel sugar-loaf, —
next of an inverted dinner-bell ; now it steps forth
in the shape of an oyster keg, — next, the pattern
of a brown-bread loaf, — next, perhaps, the copy of
a pyramid, and then the fac-simile of a cheese-box, —
or, mayhap, a thing without comparison in shape, yet
still imparting spirit and life to its possessor, and
still the admiration of all.
Neither has the character and position of this
strange object been less varied than its form. First,
it graces the head of a monarch, — then it is the
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 189
habitation of a nest of young rats in a garret ; to-day,
the pride of an admiring multitude, — to-morrow,
floating in a frog-pond, a roost for tadpoles, or lying
hid in the depths of an ash barrel. Such has been
its history in all ages of the world, and such its
fate ; and yet it has been but a prototype of its
possessor.
No wonder, then, that an article which has at-
tracted such universal attention of nations and com-
munities in all ages of the world, should occasion-
ally become an object of individual interest in our
own day ; and such was actually the case a few
days since.
For many years past a highly respectable firm of
hat manufacturers, " not a thousand miles from "
the State of Massachusetts, have occupied an estab-
lishment where a salesroom was conspicuous on the
ground floor, while the manufacturing rooms were
in the stories above.
Of late one of the younger members of the firm,
who has the supervision of the manufacturing
branch, has on several occasions missed a specimen
of his handiwork in the night-time, and thought
the circumstances most singular ; but being a pru-
dent man he kept the matter to himself, and resolved
to watch.
A few evenings since, at the close of work, a hat
of peculiar beauty having been finished all but ad
justing the lining, was left on the bench to receive
190 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
a finishing touch the next morning. When the
man opened his shop the hat was gone, and know-
ing that none but members of the firm had keys, he
at once concluded that some burglar with false keys
had entered the shop. He immediately reported
his loss to the Police, and an officer was detailed to
investigate the case.
Early in the afternoon of the next day, the young
hatter came into the office quite out of breath, say-
ing he had discovered his hat on the head of a man
in the street, and had followed and saw the man
enter a certain house. An officer went with him
to the house, where the man and hat were found
without difficulty. The man, who did not seem
disposed to say how he came by the hat, was locked
up for a thief, and the hat was retained for evi-
dence, — the hatter declaring that he would swear
to his property on a stack of bibles, and pointed
out his marks, so that no one doubted his correct-
ness.
After the prisoner had been in custody a short
time a lady called to see him, and on being told
why he was detained, she said the man was no
thief, and was held wrongfully, for she herself had
that day made him a present of that hat ; and if
anybody was accused of stealing it, she would
frankly tell how she came by it. At her earnest so-
licitation the young hatter was sent for. He came,
but he was not the man she desired to see.
TOLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 191
" Is there not," said she, " another gentleman
in your firm, that has grayish hair, and sometimes
walks with a cane ? "
" Yes," said the young hatter.
" Well, send for him," said she ; " he is the man
that I want to see."
There w T as some hesitation on the part of the
young hatter ; hut the case began to grow interest-
ing, and an officer went for the gentleman, who
soon made his appearance.
" There," said the lady, " that is the gentleman,
and this is my story. As I was taking a walk on
last Friday evening, I fell in company with this
gentleman. He bade me good-evening, and we
passed on conversing, together. When we got
opposite a certain block, he said he had got to go
in there a moment, and if I would w T ait, he would
be my company further on. He took out his keys,
opened the door, and started upstairs. I saw he
was somewhat lame, and offered to assist him up ;
and, at his consent, I did so. When he came out,
he took this hat from a bench and gave it me; I
thought no harm, and carried it home, and to-
day gave it to my friend who is now locked up for
stealing it. Is my story correct, sir ? " said she to
the senior partner.
The gentleman, who had stood transfixed while
she was telling her story, turned indignantly on
his heel and walked out of the office without say-
192 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
ing a word. The lady then turned to the young
hatter, and demanded her hat and the release of
her friend. The hatter thought it rather steep,
but, on a little reflection, he said —
" I don't care to go to court, and, Mr. Officer, if
you please you may discharge the prisoner and
give her the hat."
A CONFIDENCE MAN.
The detectives celebrated All Fools Day in the
year 1862, by cribbing and showing up a celebrated
rascal who has been both a rogue and a fool all
the days of his life.
Chauncey LarJcin, who has followed his trade
under the name of Colonel Gorman, Colonel
Dupont, Colonel Dudley, and Lieutenant Smith,
having arrived at the Winthrop House last evening,
and being wanted by the police in New York, was
arrested by our police, and brought into the Office.
When brought in he was dressed in a colonel's
uniform, and was quite indignant, and said some
big words ; but on being confronted with some old
acquaintances (for he had been here before), he
caved in, and acknowledged that the day was pro-
pitious to his case.
In his possession were found various interesting
papers from distinguished personages. One pur-
porting to be from Mr. Johnson, United States
Marshal for Kentucky, calling the attention of
Governor Buell to the Henry Rifle Manufacturing
17
194 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Company in New Haven, Conn., as suitable for a
regiment of cavalry raised by Colonel Dudley. A
second was from General Buell, directing Colonel
Dudley to proceed to New Haven, and make arrange-
ments for procuring rifles for his regiment. Of
course these papers were all forgeries, to aid him in
raising the wind. However, he contracted with the
New Haven Company for one thousand rifles, but
had obtained only a single pan, when his prog-
ress was arrested.
He had also several letters of a sentimental
character, among which was one from the young
ladies of a seminary in Brooklyn, N. Y., thanking
him for a visit to their institution under the name
of Colonel Dupont, and for his autograph, kindly
written with his hand in a sling, which he pre-
tended had been wounded in a late battle.
A few days previous to his visit at New Haven,
he visited a celebrated military establishment in
New York City, representing himself as Colonel
*Dupont, or rather Commodore Dupont, dressed in
a colonel's uniform complete, excepting a sword
and sash. He said he was commissioned by the
War Department to select a model sword, and was
fortunate enough to find one that exactly suited
him. The firm felt highly flattered with his
favors, and while in the store having casually re-
marked that he was to dine with General Scott
that day, he was urged to accept the loan of the
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 195
sword, and also of a beautiful silk sash, for the
inspection of the brave old general and General
Anderson, who was likewise to be a guest. He
carried off the goods, and forgot to return them.
The same gentleman operated in Boston some
dozen years ago on quite an extensive scale, under
the name of Lieutenant Hunter, and at that time
produced quite a sensation.
He purchased real estate, ships, merchandise,
coal, produce, &c. &c, in large quantities, but did
not take possession, although in most cases he man-
aged to raise a little ready money by the opera-
tion. It was said that he went into one speculation
in fancy stock that was not made public at the
time, on this wise : A landlord who had just fitted
up a crack hotel in the city, had been at consider-
able expense in furnishing a suit of rooms for bridal
chambers, and which really presented a striking
feature in the establishment. At the time the
dashing Lieutenant flourished in this locality, these
rooms had just been completed, but had not been
occupied. Tins coming to the knowledge of Lieu-
tenant Hunter, he at once conceived the happy idea
of giving them a christening. Accordingly the
dashing Lieutenant with his wife, one bright moon-
light evening, jumped into the nearest hack, drove
to the aforesaid hotel, reported himself as bride-
groom and lady, just arrived from Providence ;
engaged the bridal rooms, ordered a splendid
196 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
supper, and, with the exception of some round
swearing, because the extra carriage with his ser-
vants and baggage did not arrive, all things went
smoothly on. However, he consoled himself and
his worthy host with the idea that by mistake these
had gone to some other hotel, and, as it was quite
late, he would let the matter rest till morning. As
the couple were somewhat weary with their journey t
they retired to their splendidly-furnished chambers
to forget the cares of life in general, and the per-
plexities of travelling with baggage and careless
attendants in particular.
On repairing to the chambers at a late hour the
next morning, to his great surprise and chagrin,
our host found them vacant.
The next seen of Lieutenant Hunter was at City
Marshal Tukey's Office, under arrest for swindling
a merchant on one of the wharves out of three hun-
dred dollars. For this he was sent to the State's
Prison at Charlestown for three years.
After serving out his time in Charlestown he
went to New York, where he was again caught at
his old tricks, and sent to Sing Sing, where . he
served four years more. Where he has since been
is not quite certain, but he now turns up again,
" the same old coon."
Larkin is still a young-looking man, and is very
active, although he must be rising forty. He will
be sent to New York, where the courts will proba-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 197
bly give him a little of tlie " sword " exercise, and
send him again to his old home at Sing Sing.
When he rose to depart I saw the tears standing in
his eyes, and as he took a very gentlemanly leave of
those in the office, he remarked, " This is All-FooVs
day, and I am a large stockholder."
17*
THIEVES WITH A BAG.
" He was a thief, and had the bag," was an
epithet applied to one in olden time, and his name
has come down to us in disgrace.
A thief is a thief, in any age of the world ; but
whether the bag and the way of carrying it is of
modern invention, or patented by the old thief
aforesaid, is not quite clear.
Be that as it may, the fact is evident that we
have thieves amongst us at the present day who
carry bags, and very big bags too, and female
thieves at that ; and honest shopkeepers in Boston
(it is supposed there are some) are hardly aware
to what extent they are fleeced by the walking
warehouses that promenade our streets.
In most of the retail dry goods stores the method
of showing goods to customers results in piling
them up promiscuously hi large quantities on the
counters, and several pieces might not be missed
till night nor even then, and it is more than prob-
able that the footing up of the year s profit in many
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 199
cases is seriously affected by the divers appropria-
tions made by the bagging fraternity to the utter
astonishment of the proprietor, and leaving per-
haps a most cruel and unjust suspicion on some
innocent clerk or salesman.
These female bag thieves — for they are mostly
females — generally " go shopping" in pairs. One
prices the goods, and while she engages the atten-
tion of the salesman, the other bags whatever she
can lay her hands on.
The thief-bag is no great curiosity in itself, but,
like most good things, is very simple and useful.
It generally consists of about two yards of cotton
cloth, doubled and sewed up at the sides, with a
strong cord about the top, to fasten about the
waist under the dress, with a pocket hole on one
side. This, when well filled, answers all the pur-
poses of the most approved" balmoral. I have
known a woman to secrete and carry off a whole
web of cotton cloth in one of these bags.
In the summer of 1862, one of the officers
brought in one of the professors of the art, who
carried a bag, and it was well filled, too ; but the
bag was a little different from those above de-
scribed. She wore a Florence silk dress of a costly
pattern ; the dress was made with a stout lining,
forming a bag of the whole front part, which
would hold at least six bushels. She was making
her morning calls when arrested, but had succeeded
200 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
in bagging about sixty dollars worth of ribbons,
and a lot of laces, gloves, hosiery, &c., amounting
in value to over one hundred dollars. These had
all been taken at one store, and were not missed
by the proprietor^ What amount she would have
bagged in the course of the day, had not her prog-
ress been arrested, it is impossible to say, but she
had made a fair beginning. It was subsequently
ascertained that she kept a variety store at the
South End, and was retailing goods very cheap, —
in fact, sometimes much cheaper than could be
purchased of the importer or manufacturer, and no
doubt she realized good profits at that.
This is by no means a solitary instance that
came to the knowledge of the police, as numerous
cases of the same nature occur every year.
The light-fingered gentry that carry the bag, as
I have already said, are mostly females, who op-
erate on dry goods stores ; but cases among the
other sex are sometimes detected, where overcoats
with tremendous big pockets in the inside of the
skirt, serve for the bag ; and in relation to the
dry goods trade, also, the rule, like all others, has
its exceptions, as this class sometimes engage in the
grocery and provision business to some extent.
I recollect a case that occurred on the 23d day
of February, 1860. One Margaret (I will not
mention the other name) was brought into the
Station House by some citizens. She had got a
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 201
little top-heavy, and fell in Blackstone Street.
When brought in, her appearance looked a little
suspicious, and on examination disclosed one of the
cotton bags, worn as usual, containing the follow-
ing schedule of contents, viz : One bottle cham-
paigne, two glass tumblers (one broken), two
earthen plates, two oranges, one apple, three boiled
eggs, one pound of butter, one pound of sugar
(loose), a double handful of black tea, five seed-
cakes, two doughnuts, one pepper-box, one mus-
tard spoon, part of a boiled potato, and two un-
cooked onions. Unaccountable as this may seem,
it is true to the letter ; but how or where she
obtained them, I never could learn. She had
probably made a grab in every grocery and pro-
vision shop and every saloon she had entered ; but
no one would claim any of the property, and she
was discharged from custody when she became
sober, saying, " it was a shame that a dacent
woman cannot go out shopping jist without being
insulted by the Perlice."
A TRIP AMONG THE SNOWBANKS.
Having occasion to make a short tour into the
country, partly on business connected with my de-
partment and partly to visit some friends, I sallied
forth one winter morning with valise in hand, and
proceeded to the Fitchburg Railroad Depot. On
arriving at the depot, just as the cars were about to
start, I took a seat in a dingy yellow car, marked
Cheshire R. R., and soon found my cage in motion.
In a few minutes the bridge railings over Charles
River, and the numerous shops and buildings in
our sister city of pigs and pigeons, were receding
from view with true railroad speed.
After indulging in a passing glance at the figures
of some score of human beings that had taken up
their temporary habitation in our flying house, some
of whom were eagerly devouring the morning news,
while others seemed deeply engaged in communion
with their own thoughts, and seeing nothing that
was likely to break the monotony of a quiet ride, I
nestled myself into one corner of a double seat, so
as to get as good a view as possible of external cir-
cumstances through a frosty pane of glass, and
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 203
calmly resigned myself to the elements that had
been brought into requisition for the benefit of
myself and companions on this occasion.
The morning was cold, but beautifully fine, and the
large fleece of snow that had so recently spread its
white mantle over the landscape, had here entirely
disappeared, and every object that from my isolated
corner could reach the eye, seemed to indicate the
early approach of Spring.
We hurried on apace, our iron-horse seeming to
gain increased vigor as he puffed and snuffed the
fresh north breeze, while I sat quietly indulging in
the anticipations of sweet flowers and singing birds.
After passing the good old town of Concord, some
twenty miles on our journey, ever and anon there
began to appear long, narrow, white banks, half
hidden from view by the field fence, or gracefully
encircling the woodland skirt, as if stern old Winter
was still lingering, quite unwilling to take his final
farewell.
As we passed further on, the white banks became
more frequent, and of increased magnitude, till only
here and there were to be seen small hillocks,
occasionally peeping from their winter bed, looking
for all the world like so many little islands dotting
the broad expanse of ocean.
When we had proceeded so far northward as to
bring to view the venerated Monadnoc, all vestige
of earth had disappeared, and we were literally out
204 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
of sight of land. However, nothing daunted, we
ploughed our way along through the banks of snow
until we arrived safely at the quiet little village of
Bellows Falls, Vermont, at about half past twelve
o'clock p. m., at which place my car ride was at an
end.
This village, which lies just above Walpole,
N. H., on the Vermont side of the Connecticut
River, and which was named partly from an old
Indian hunter, who flourished among the early set-
tlers of Walpole, and partly from the beautiful falls
in the river at that point, was some ye#rs ago se-
lected as a site for an extensive cotton manufactory ;
but in consequence of unforeseen reverses, which
occurred soon after, the enterprise was abandoned,
and the large foundations then commenced still
remain uncovered.
The falls in the river when the water is high,
present a scene of much grandeur and interest;
but at the time of my visit, the water being low,
little was to be seen but a mass of ragged rocks
partially covered with snow and ice.
At this place I took some refreshments with the
obliging landlord of the Island House, and made
preparations to take the stage for a nice snug
village up among the hills about twelve miles to the
eastward.
" Stage ready" said a sharp but good-natured
voice ; and fearing T was about to lose my chance,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 205
I dove through the open door of the hotel, from
whence the voice came, and was speedily ushered
aboard the aforesaid ready vehicle before I was
fully aware of my exact whereabouts.
On looking about me to define my position (as
politicians would say), I found myself not a lone
tenant of the vehicle, three ladies having secured
preemption rights before my arrival. One was a
lady of mature age, small stature, thin face, sharp
nose, and gold-bowed spectacles. The second was
a small woman, in dark dress, but so closely veiled
I could not distinguish her features. The third was
a large-featured, blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked lass of
some twenty summers, with a fine pearly set of
teeth, looking as if she could enjoy life in the fresh
air, and apparently as full of fun as an egg is of
meat. The rest of our freight consisted of some
kegs of oysters, boxes, trunks, bundles, bandboxes,
a bag of oats, buffalo robes, blankets and straw.
And then the stage, — none but a backwoodsman
would have recognized the thing by the name ; and,
familiar as I once was with country travelling, under
any other circumstances, I should have been puz-
zled to know if I were not in the wrong box.
The stage consisted of two strips of timber about
ten feet long, turned up at the front end. These
runners were about four feet apart, and connected
by strong wood beams, the ends projecting outside
the runners, and fastened at each end by strong
18
206 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
oak pins. On top of these beams was a stout
board box, about eight feet long by four feet wide,
and two feet deep, and secured by stakes inserted
in the ends of the projecting beams, the stakes
reaching about four inches above the top edge of
the box. There were two old-fashioned high-back
chairs in the hind part of the box, and two other
seats consisting of strips of board laid crosswise
with a hole at either end to receive the projecting
stakes.
The team attached to the stage was a fine pair
of bay horses, hitched on tandem, or one before the
other, — and our stage was complete. I have
been thus particular in giving a description, as it
was an institution to which I was about to submit
my life, if not my fortune and sacred honor. My
observations were made while the driver was
politely arranging the buffaloes and blankets for
the comfort of the ladies.
" Driver," said I, " will you please give me an
outside seat ? Inside of a stage makes me sick ;
't is a very unpleasant sensation, you know ? "
" Certainly, certainly ; take your choice of seats,
sir ; only accommodate the ladies."
" Thank you, sir," said I. And as the rear seats
were occupied by the two elderly ladies, the next
by the fair-cheeked funny damsel, whose ponderous
hoop-skirt projected on either side the stage, and
the only remaining seat seeming to be reserved for
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 207
the driver, I thought my best chance was on the
bag of oats just under the lee of the hoop-skirt,
and there I resolved to make my debut in the com-
ing performance.
" All aboard ! " cried the driver (although there
was no other person in sight) ; and springing
on to the front seat, with reins in hand, he twirled
around and above his head a long heavy whip
which ended in a crack, that not only hoisted me
four inches from my bag of oats, but also every
foot of the fine bay ponies from their underpinning.
The sudden start elicited a groan from the ladies
on the rear seat, a tee-he from her in the big hoops,
and we were off at a speed that would have done
credit to the most approved locomotive.
I believe I have given a pretty correct account
of our travelling establishment, all but the super-
intendent, and I now had a chance to look at him.
He was no inconsiderable personage in our enter-
prise, as the safety of our whole corporation was
entrusted to his hands.
Well, he was a man about fifty years of age,
medium size, broad shoulders, large head, covered
with a profusion of bushy red hair, whiskers of the
same color, with a peculiar formed nose, and
mouth that seemed to indicate that his eye-teeth
had been cut. His broad, good-natured face was
well covered with freckles, and his twinkling gray
eye denoted much good humor.
208 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" Driver," said I, " you need not hold in them
animals on our account. I reckon we can ride as
fast as you can drive."
" I think so too," said the passenger on the mid-
dle seat.
"Don't be too confident," said the driver. "Dis-
appointment lurks in many a prize." And his
prediction proved but too true, for we had pro-
ceeded but a few hundred yards before we got
spilled out, and left some distance behind.
Our road lay through a hollow, winding about
between high hills on either side, and consisted
mostly of a narrow canal dug out through ponder-
ous banks of snow, shoulder high in many places.
This canal was only wide enough for one team to
pass, which made turning out very difficult. In
some places it was necessary to dig into the deep
banks at the side, where one team could switch off
for another to pass, and sometimes advantage could
be taken of a little rise where the snow was not
so deep ; but in all directions the crust on the top
of the snow was of sufficient strength to bear a
man.
It was at one of these turn-outs that our accident
occurred, and to us it proved a turn-out in a double
sense.
Our driver, on arriving at one of these points,
had availed himself of the opportunity to let another
team pass, and our tandem team being in high life,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 209
and not easily managed, sprang back npon the
main track in such a manner as to separate our
stagebox from the running part, and in the twink-
ling of an eye we found ourselves in an inverted
position. To add to our misfortune, this turn-out
had been chosen on the top of a little rise, where the
snow was not so deep ; it was also just at the turn
of the road, and the consequence was, that we
inside passengers, found ourselves with any quantity
of lumber, baggage, and straw, making rapid prog-
ress down a little precipice, and all at once and
all together bringing up against a fence at the foot,
one mixed, heterogeneous mass. By hokey ! what a
mess ! True to nature, my first thought was for
myself, and after several severe struggles I found
myself right end up, unhurt. Next for the ladies.
The first two who sat upon the back seat had at
first start toppled over backwards, and lay kicking
among the blankets and buffalo robes wrapped
about them. But where was the lady in hoops?
Under the ruins, surely, and I dove for the pile ;
but before proceeding far in my efforts, I espied on
the further side from me something in the form of
a huge umbrella, that had been turned inside out
by a gust of wind, and was swinging to and fro in
the breeze like an inflated balloon endeavoring to
escape from its moorings. I sprang to the spot,
and peeped in at the top. Gracious heavens !
there was a head in it ! As I was about to reach
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210 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
in and part the ringlets that hid the features, a
small voice saluted my ear, saying, " Help me out! "
This was one end of our rosy-cheeked passenger ;
the rest was under the rubbish, and with some diffi-
culty she was at length rescued from her unpleas-
ant position.
After a few inquiries, we passenger^, to our
inexpressible joy, found we were all present and
uninjured. But where was the team and the
driver ? Not in sight. However, in a few moments
both made their appearance, together with the run-
ning part of our stage. When the stage-box, with
its contents, had left its foundation, our driver with
the team and what of the stage remained attached
to the horses, had disappeared around a curve in
the road.
" Well," said he, " thought you could ride as
fast as I could drive."
" Blast your red whiskers ! " said I, half inclined
to think it was no accident. The lady in hoops
nodded assent.
After some delay, we succeeded in arranging our
furniture ; and our stage again being ready, and we
" all aboard," we again took a fresh start on our
journey.
The lady passengers all left at the next village,
and I being the only inside passenger, had ample
time to reflect on the uncertainty of all sublunary
things in general, and of tandem- team staging in
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 211
particular. However, we pursued our journey
without further accident, and about sunset we
reached a thriving little village up among the hills
of New Hampshire, where lies the homestead of
my good old father, and where I was greeted with
a hearty welcome.
After enjoying a night of refreshing sleep I
arose with the sun, and sallied out to get a snuff
of the fresh country air and take a look. I had
not visited my native hills in winter for twenty
years, and the scene now presented to my view
was novel and interesting in the extreme. On
every side, and at every point, as far as the eye
could reach, the surrounding landscape was en-
shrouded in one continued sheet of everlasting
snow. No fence appeared to mark the boundaries
of the numerous fields that lay hidden beneath the
frosty deep, and nought but an occasional interven-
ing woodland, and now and then a human dwell-
ing, appeared to break the sameness of this
immense transparent sheet.
The bright, warm sun was shedding its rays
obliquely on this earth-bound crest, imparting to
the broad expanse the appearance of one endless
ocean of glittering diamonds. Who could look
upon that scene without experiencing emotions of
admiration and devotion? My early days were
passed here ; then a like exhibition of Nature's
handiwork would have passed my notice as com-
212 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
monplace. Then, at the return of each season I
witnessed their beauties and enjoyed their sports
with my companions ; but a lapse of twenty years
had wrought a change, not in the landscape, but
in me.
Those who were my companions then, — where
are they % Some are scattered to the four quarters
of the globe, and many are sleeping in the tomb.
I myself am an old man, and another generation
now occupy the places once occupied by me and
my companions, and I am a stranger in my native
village.
Yet, standing here, with this familiar scene
spread before me, brings to my heart the fond
recollections of my boyhood, so deep, so real, and
they come rushing back so powerfully as to fill the
depths of my inmost soul with all their freshness
and vigor.
" Am I not a boy again ? " I asked myself, as I
found the tears stealing down my care-worn cheeks.
" These very tears bear me witness that I am yet a
child. True, my old playmates are not here, but
the hills, the valleys, the river, the woodland, the
glittering silver landscape are here as they were,
and the beautiful sun is still shining brightly down
on them all ; and although twenty years have
passed since I last stood here, it seems but yester-
day."
I trust I never was prone to murmur at the in-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 213
scrutable ways of Divine Providence, but have ever
felt it a duty, as well as a privilege, to improve and
enjoy the blessings so bountifully bestowed upon
us by that infinite Source of all good. And as I
stood gazing upon the summit of the crest-bound
hill on the opposite side of the river, the field of
many a day's sport when I was young, I involunta-
rily exclaimed, " Young or old, if I live, I '11 have
a coast."
I prolonged my morning walk till a late hour,
and returned with a keen appetite, and fancy that
I did ample justice to a bountifully-spread table in
the breakfast-room of my good old father.
After arranging some business I had in the vil-
lage, I wended my way up a steep hillside, on the
summit of which stood a venerable farmhouse,
for the double purpose of shaking hands with
some old acquaintances I thought I might find
there, and also to find some one to assist me in
carrying out my morning's resolution. -Nor was I
disappointed in my calculations, for on entering
the door of that familiar old dwelling, " the latch-
string of which was ever on the outside," I was
greeted with the smiles of a dozen familiar faces,
who with open hearts and extended hands bade me
welcome.
" Just in time," said half-a-dozen voices ; and so
indeed I was just in time to make one of a most
happy and interesting maple-sugar party, known
214 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
only to those localities where the sugar maple-tree
grows. And a glorious time we had of it too, — a
time that I had coveted on many a returning
spring since I had left my native hills, but a luxury
that had this time escaped my anticipations, so
intent had I been in the thought of a boyish coast.
After we had enjoyed a feast of warm maple
sugar, and I had been asked and answered ten
thousand questions, I carelessly remarked what an
excellent opportunity the young people in the
country have for coasting, adding, that where I lived,
such chances would afford rare sport for young
and old of both sexes. This was enough ; the bait
had taken beyond my highest expectations ; and
before I had time to put a serious face on the
matter, I had received half a dozen challenges from
as many roguish little nymphs to go out and slide.
One little minx, not yet out of her teens, came for-
ward and said, " I gueth you dathent ride with me,
thir, down that stheep hill by the suthgar houth."
This was a challenge I did not feel at liberty to
refuse, and I said I dared to ride anywhere that
any young lady dared to ride, and I would, too, if
it broke my neck, — although, I must confess, I
had my misgivings.
In a short time all the available rolling stock of
the coasting company was in readiness, and all the
stockholders and their guests were off to the coast-
ing grounds, for a trial of speed.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 215
Reader, did you ever participate in a regular
country coasting expedition, Where the hillsides
descend at an angle of forty-five degrees, and as
much steeper as you desire, all covered with the
pure white snow, the surface hard enough to bear
up an ox team, and as smooth and as slippery as
the purest of glass 1 — where you can select a track
of any length you choose, on which you can skim
off with lightning speed into the long, deep valley
a mile away ; or where, by a circuitous course, you
can wind around among the hills with your wooden
horse, carefully guided by first one foot, then the
other, till you arrive back almost to your first start-
ing-point, where you can again commence the jour-
ney anew 1 — where red noses, rosy cheeks, bright,
roguish eyes, and long flowing ringlets dot the hil-
locks as plenty as blackberries in August 1 — where
little wooden clippers, whose capacity is extended
by the addition of a board projecting behind,
loaded to their utmost with merry life, are shooting
down the giddy steep with the swiftness of- an
arrow, perhaps occasionally dropping a little lump
of humanity, that, in spite of itself, tips end over
end till it brings up at some convenient stopping-
place ] — or, mayhap, the bark, misguided by some
inexperienced foot, leaps over some miniature preci-
pice and lands its precious burden at the bottom ? —
where calico, satinet, caps, hoods, mufflers, shawls,
tidies, leggings, cloaks, ringlets, big boots, heads,
216 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
arras, feet, shins, and bodies are completely mixed
up in the most incomprehensible and ludicrous
confusion % — where the loud, merry laugh rings
out from a score of healthy lungs from amid the
throng of reckless adventurers ?
Reader, did I hear you say that you had partici-
pated in these invigorating, soul-stirring exercises ?
If you have, I need not attempt to picture to you
the pleasures and enjoyments of my coasting ex-
perience on that day. If you have not, any attempt
of mine to enlighten you on the subject will be
fruitless, for pen, language, or imagination, even, is
quite incompetent to the task.
After enjoying my coast and completing my busi-
ness transactions, I took leave of my friends and
returned to my family and business in the city ;
and if I am really no younger or better, I fully be-
lieve I am, at least, no worse for my trip among the
snowbanks.
COMMERCIAL STREET FIRE,
The 24th of February, 1862, was one of the
most remarkable days occurring in our latitude,
and one long to be remembered as the event of
Commercial Street fire, which in a few hours
swept away several millions of property.
In the morning came a thick mist, with snow
and sleet, which, about noon, was followed with
heavy rain. Early in the afternoon the clouds
broke away, and it was quite warm ; but later the
heavens again became uncommonly dark, the air
exceedingly close, and in a short time a most ter-
rific thunder-storm burst upon the city and coun-
try for many miles around. The electric fluid in
many places destroyed considerable property, and
in several instances animal and human life. Just
at sundown the shower ceased, and a most brilliant
rainbow appeared in the east.
Early in the evening the wind shifted to the
northwest, and blew a gale, and the snow and hail
fell in avalanches ; the wind strewed the streets
with signs and window-blinds ; chimneys and
19
218 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
church steeples were blown down, and in several
instances buildings were unroofed and much dam-
aged.
About ten o'clock in the evening, while the
elements seemed to be struggling in the wildest com-
motion, all at once the w T hole heavens were lighted
up in one lurid glare. In a few moments the
alarm-bells added their doleful notes, and gave
warning that the dread Fire King was abroad on
the wings of the storm.
The scene was the most sublime, the most fear-
fully imposing, my eyes ever beheld. A fire had
broke out in the upper story of Mathews block, a
large four-story brick and stone building, facing on
North, Clark, and Commercial streets. This build-
ing, in the upper stories, was occupied for the
storage of cotton, for sailmaker's goods and other
combustible materials, and in a few moments the
whole block at the top was wrapped in one sheet
of flame. The firemen and a large force of police
were soon on the ground, the former to extinguish
the flames, and the latter to preserve life and
property ; but amid this terrible wreck of elements
human power and greatness sank into insignificance.
The block was so high that the most powerful
engine could not throw water to the top, and the
weather had become exceedingly cold, the mercury
falling from twenty-eight above to as low as zero,
in about two hours. Under these difficulties, little
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 219
or nothing could be done to arrest the flames in
the block, and, in about half an hour from the dis-
covery of the fire, the walls of the building came
tumbling into the street.
The police had shut off the streets with ropes,
and forced back the great numbers of persons w T ho
had collected in close proximity to the building,
and, unquestionably, saved many lives.
The terrible wind, which seemed to gain new
strength as the fire increased, drove the flames
across Commercial Street into a stone block front-
ing on Eastern Avenue. These stores were also
occupied mostly by combustible material, among
the rest an extensive linseed oil mill, which burnt
with terrific fury, and this whole block was
soon a heap of ruins. A portion of the block on
the south side of the Avenue, containing a large
quantity of grain, was likewise destroyed.
The wind continued to blow a hurricane ; snow
was falling in an avalanche ; boards, shingles, and
cinders were flying in every direction ; tremen-
dous volumes of flame and smoke, swayed hither
and thither by the tempest, now covered the ad-
joining building, and then, swaying over in an
opposite direction, would seem to swallow up the
sea of spectators that filled the streets, to witness
the scene ; red-hot columns of granite were
tumbling into the street, hissing like serpents
as they fell into the water, that was nearly knee
220. POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
deep. The loud cries of the firemen, the puffing
and shrieking of the engines, and the crashing of
falling timbers, all combined to form a tableau
rarely witnessed.
More than ten hundred thousand dollars worth
of property was destroyed. Some forty families
were turned homeless into the street, two brave
firemen fell victims to their fearful duties, and
the morning light presented to the view one vast
heap of smouldering ruins.
WOMAN'S KEVENGE.
One evening in September, 1858, an intelligent-
looking young lady came into the Station House,
saying that she had shot a man in North Street,
and, she supposed, had killed him ; desired to give
herself up to the officers, and very calmly seated
herself and told me the circumstances.
Her story was the oft-repeated tale of seduction
and desertion. The man she had shot had long
been her suitor, and, under a solemn promise of
marriage, had accomplished her ruin, and in her
misfortune had abandoned her. In a fit of desper-
ation- she had procured a double-barrelled pistol,
which she had loaded, both barrels, with powder and
ball to the muzzle, one of which she designed for her
seducer, and the other for herself. She had this
evening crossed his path, and as he passed her she
shot him in the back. The charge was so heavy
that the woodwork of the pistol was shattered in
splinters, and flew from her hand ; she searched for
it, and as people came running to the spot where
the wounded man lay, she felt that she would soon
19*
222 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
be arrested, and hastened to the Station House, that
the officers of the law might now do that which
she had intended to do herself had she retained the
other barrel of the pistol. She was fearfully calm,
apparently rational, and her 'simple narrative bore
the evidence of truth, and excited the sympathy of
those that heard it.
When she first came in, officers were sent to in-
vestigate, and in a short time the wounded man was
brought in, faint and bloody, and physicians im-
mediately summoned. The ball was found to have
entered the back, just under the left shoulder-blade,
proceeding upward, so that it had not reached the
vitals. The pistol was discharged just as he was
stepping from the crossing on to the sidewalk ; he
was stooping a little as he raised himself up, which
probably saved his life. The ball could not be ex-
tracted, but his wound was dressed, and he was
conveyed home. The pistol was found, and is now
in my cabinet.
When the case came before the Grand Jury, I
took good care that all the facts of the case were
made known. The jury found no bill, and the
poor girl was discharged. She, with her offspring,
are now sheltered by the roof of a kind father, and
the wounded author of her sorrow now moves in
respectable society ; but he will carry that leaden
memento of his perfidy with him to his grave.
MECHANICAL BAKERY FIRE.
On the night of February 5, 1859, at 11 o'clock,
a fire occurred on Commercial, between Bat-
tery and Salutation streets, entirely destroying a
large building recently erected and furnished for
a Mechanical Steam Bakery. The building was of
brick, with a granite front, six stories high, and
extending back from Commercial Street some one
hundred and twenty feet in depth, the front ex-
tending the entire length from Battery to Saluta-
tion Street, having been furnished with the most
complete apparatus sufficient to make five hundred
barrels of flour into bread daily. This establish-
ment, together with several dwellings on Battery
and on Salutation Street, was totally destroyed.
Several persons were severely injured by the
falling of the crumbling walls of the bakery, before
they could escape from their dwelling. One old
man, who was too infirm to walk, was buried in
the ruins of his house, but was finally rescued by
the police and citizens, and conveyed to the hos-
pital. Several were forcibly removed from their
dwellings on Commercial Street, a captain of police
224 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
actually carryingout by main strength an old lady
weighing near two hundred pounds, very much
against her will. She had barricaded her door on
the inside, to keep the thieves from carrying off
her little stock of furniture, and when told that her
life was in danger, she replied, " It is all bosh that
ye tell me ; has not me landlord repeatedly told
me that the house was insured % " But before she
had been three minutes from beneath the roof, a
falling wall from the bakery levelled every timber
to the foundation.
The front granite wall of the bakery remained
standing till the end walls had mostly crumbled
down, when the police made an effort to clear the
Square in front. This was not accomplished till
we procured two long ropes, well manned, and
commencing in the centre, we forced back the
crowd each way, both down and up Commercial
Street, which, amid loud oaths and imprecations
from the spectators, was accomplished with no
little difficulty. The Square, however, had not
been cleared ten minutes, when the whole six-
story stone front fell broadside into the street, and
the space which was now covered with a huge
mass of. broken granite, ten minutes before was
occupied by at least five hundred human beings,
who, had they not been removed, would have been
crushed to atoms. As it was, no one was injured,
save one man, who had his leg broken by a stone,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 225
while standing on the opposite side of the street at
Battery wharf.
After the fall of this wall, no more complaint
was heard about the interference of the police.
It would be well for spectators at a fire to re-
member that the falling of a stone wall of a burn-
ing building is very different from a brick one ; the
latter comes crumbling down, while the former
almost invariably falls by a broadside, like a plank
reared on one end, and a respectful distance is
much the safer place.
The loss by the Mechanical Bakery fire was es-
timated at $100,000 ; but the limits of devastation
were most efficiently prescribed by the brave fire-
men, and many lives were saved by the prompt
and energetic action of the police.
THE LOST TREASURE.
One day in July, 1858, an interesting, dark-eyed
girl of some fifteen summers came into the Station
House, inquired for me, and told me her story.
Her father was a mechanic, and had resided at the
North End many years ; his business becoming
dull, he was unable to get employment, and, as a
last resort, he had enlisted in the Navy, to obtain
means to keep his wife and family from the alms-
house. He had been gone eight months, leaving
his family in a small tenement in a place leading
out of Snowhill Street.
A few days since, he sent home a draft on a firm
in the city for his wages, and to-day, herself and
little brother procured a check and drew from one
of the banks in the city, some ninety dollars. They
took the money, and with light steps and merry
hearts started for home with their treasure, to pay
up their bills and to procure the necessaries of life for
themselves and their mother, she being confined to
a bed of sickness, from which it was then probable
she would never rise.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 227
On arriving home the money was missing ; it
had been lost on the way, and it was their all.
The children immediately retraced their steps, and
made diligent search ; bnt the money could not be
found. They were advised to come to the Station
House, and report the loss. When she had told
her story, the big tears came stealing down her
cheeks, and with a tone of anguish that would
have reached harder hearts than mine, she ex-
claimed : —
" Oh, my poor mother ! Can you, sir, do any-
thing for us % "
I said I would try. I immediately sent out two
trusty officers, with directions to make every effort
within their reach to recover the money ; but their
most untiring efforts were fruitless. I next pro-
ceeded to Court Square, where, on the first corner,
I found a group of good-fellows, familiarly known
as Reporters \ whose ears are ever open for an item,
and whose hearts are ever alive with interest and
sympathy for the unfortunate, and to them related
the story. With the characteristic generosity of
the crafty there came out in the evening papers a
prominent notice of the loss.
About half an hour after the five o'clock edition
had been circulated about the city, an Irish gentle-
man came into the Station House with paper in
hand, and pointing to the notice, he said, " I have
found that money, and here it is. Will you please
228 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
take care of it, sir ? " placing a roll of bills in my
hand.
I looked at the money, and it was all there. It
had been dropped on Salem Street, and picked np
by this honest, kind-hearted gentleman, and was
safe. We immediately proceeded to the residence
of its owner ; there, on the fourth floor of a ten-
.ement, in a small but neat room, we found the
sick mother, pale and haggard ; and there, too,
were her children gathered about her. When we
entered not a word was spoken, but sorrow and
disappointment marked every feature in that little
group. I went to the bedside of the mother, and
told her that her treasure had been found by the
gentleman with me, and we had brought it to her.
She reached forth her emaciated hand and took it
from mine, and the little ones drew closer about
her bedside. Not a word was yet spoken by
them, but the moistened eyelids and expressions of
thankfulness resting upon the countenances of that
little party, spoke in volumes that words could not
impart.
For many years I had been accustomed to wit-
ness scenes of misery in almost every form, and I
had supposed my own heart had become hardened
by the frequent repetition ; but I came away from
that house involuntarily wiping the tears from my
own eyes.
AIY OLD GRAY CAT.
I find the following among my records of Police
Recollections. It is, perhaps, a little out of place,
but it is so true, and it calls up in my heart the
recollections of other days in such deep emotion,
that I hope to be pardoned for recording it here.
June 17, 1864. I have a pet cat, who has eaten
of the crumbs of my table, this day, seventeen
years. He is an old fellow, — not a tooth in his
head this many a year, — yet he is as fat and sleek,
as lively and playful, as when a kitten. He is, in
fact, rather a curious old fellow for a cat, and I
often think that he really knows more than he will
teU.
After the close of my day's labor, no sooner does
my footstep reach the threshold, than he is at the
door to welcome my entrance with a pert or a mew.
If I am in the house, he is uneasy unless he is with
me, and hardly any closed door is proof against
his handy paws till he reaches me ; and then the
antics and pranks that he will cut are anything but
what would be expected of an old cat.
2Q
230 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
I sometimes think that many of his notions
appear more like calculation than instinct. Often,
when about to leave the house, have I found his
long crooked claws inserted in my coat-tail, or
deeply imbedded in the leg of my pants, endeav-
oring with all his might to prevent my egress, as
if to say, " Dorit go yet"
He is but an old gray cat, but he has followed
me, and shared my varied fortunes, for seventeen
years. He is but an old gray cat, but he was a
special favorite with dear and loved ones who now
lie mouldering in the tomb. In his early life his
friends were my friends ; but among them there are
now none left, — no, not one ! He seems to be the
only living link that binds me so tenderly to those
who have left me to battle the ills of life alone ;
and often, while looking at him, I find the big hot
tears stealing unwittingly down my furrowed
cheeks, as memory wanders o'er the scenes of other
days.
He is but an old gray cat, but why should I not
care for him in the wane of life 1 He will die one
of these days, — and so shall L
CHUECH KOBBERY.
As I was about to leave the Office one evening,
a gentleman came in and inquired for an officer.
He was a tall, straight, well-built man, with a
large round head, the moral and intellectual well
developed, rather sharp features, quick, pleasant
eye, that did not seem to evade your own; his
hands and countenance indicating an indoor life, his
whole bearing bespeaking the perfect gentleman.
I at once saw that he was no ordinary customer,
so I invited him to take a seat, and gave him my
whole attention. After looking at me a moment
in quite a familiar, but rather ludicrous manner, he
laughed, without uttering a word. Was the man
insane 1 No ; the intelligence and self-possession
shining out in that blue eye could not be mistaken ;
he was not insane, neither was he a rogue nor a fool.
After waiting what seemed to me a long time,
(each of us looking the other square in the face,)
finding he still hesitated, at last I said —
" Well, sir, what can I do for you % "
232 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" Well, sir," said he, in a rich, mellow voice, " I
have called on rather a curious errand. I am
Mr. , the Rector of Church, and
to-day being Good Friday, a collection was taken
up for charitable purposes in my church, which
probably amounted to some two hundred dollars,
for my people are wealthy and liberal. That
money, sir, has been stolen from us, and in a man-
ner which appears so ludicrous — (and the novelty
of the thing getting the advantage of his dignity,
he laughed outright,) — excuse me," said he, " but
the thing is so queer ! "
"A till thief, of the first water," thought I, run-
ning over in my mind the whole catalogue of that
branch of the profession, wondering who among
them all was mean enough to rob a contribution-box.
u Please tell me all the circumstances," said I.
" I can tell you very little of my own knowl-
edge," said he, " except that the mone'y was col-
lected, and is gone ; but, as I have it from my
people, it was this way : As usual, on Good Fri-
day, the collection was taken up by six messengers.
After passing through the house, the boxes con-
taining the contributions were placed on the
chancel rail till the close of the service, all but the
one passed by the messenger in the gallery. At
the close of the meeting, while all were busily
engaged, some in making their egress from the
house, and others in stopping a moment to speak
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 233
with a friend, some one walked up to the chancel
rail and deliberately emptied the contents of the
boxes into his own pocket. I was in the robe-
room at the time," said he, " and distinctly recol-
lect hearing the change chink as it w T as turned out
of the boxes. The young sexton came down from
the gallery at the time, and having no suspicion of
wrong, also emptied his box into the same pocket
with the rest ; and just as our new treasurer turned
to walk off, an old gentleman of the congregation
stepped up and remarked that he had not given
what he intended, and wished to add another five-
dollar bill, which was politely accepted, »and the
newiy-installed official walked quietly away, before
any of the proper officers had noticed what was
going on. Did you ever hear of anything so su-
premely ridiculous \ " said he ; and he again
showed a fine set of white teeth. " I really think
the rascal is deserving some credit for his impu-
dence, but I would like to recover the money, if
possible," said he. " But I do not wish to make
the matter public ; I desire you not to publish the
robbery in the papers."
I said the case should be managed as he desired,
and calling one of the officers, gave him instruc-
tions relative to the matter, and the reverend gen-
tleman departed
Next morning the gentleman sent me word that
the whole suspicion was a mistake, — that the
20*
234: POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
money was taken by one of their own people, and
it was all safe. Then it was my turn to laugh,
and I really wished the good man who gave me
the case the evening before had been present for
my benefit. But I was heartily glad it turned out
to be a mistake, and that I had the opportunity to
make the acquaintance of a highly-accomplished
and respectable gentleman under no worse cir-
cumstances.
PICKPOCKETS.
Of all the thieves that disgrace the name of man,
the pickpocket is the meanest. Yet mean as he is,
it is not uncommon to hear members of the craft
boasting of their skill. In former times this class
of thieves were comparatively small and included
active young men only. I recollect reading an ac-
count of a pickpocket operation at Faneuil Hall
many years ago when Town Meetings were held
there. A young fellow was caught in the act, beat
almost to death by the bystanders, and afterwards
sent to the Penitentiary. The crime was looked
upon with great disgust then, and pity we have not
a little of their discipline now. But picking
pockets has since become a profession and includes
not only active young men but males and females too
of every age, sex, and color, from the boy and girl
of eight years to the man and woman of sixty.
Some officers seem to think it prudent to give
notice when a pickpocket is seen in a crowd, and
immediately cry out " Pickpockets, look out for
your wallets ! " &e. ; but this is the very thing he
236 police recollecti5ns.
should not do, for no sooner comes such word of
caution than every man's hand almost involuntarily
goes to his wallet, indicating to the wily thief
(who stands by unknown to all but the officer) just
where the coveted treasure lies, and really saves a
good deal of his valuable time which would other-
wise be consumed in sounding.
I have said that the profession now includes
almost every age, sex, and color. A few months
since, our fellows brought in two girls, well-dressed
and sprightly, aged thirteen and fourteen years only,
who were as busy as bees in rifling the pockets of a
crowd of ladies who were standing about Scollay's
Building awaiting the cars ; and a short time since
the police arrested some dozen boys all in round
caps, who had a regular organization for pocket
picking. They were from eight to fifteen years
old, and one of the number, aged but ten years,
made his boast in the Police Office, that he had gone
down twenty-five pockets in less than six weeks, — and
he probably told the truth.
The place selected by these juvenile operators
is generally some crowded thoroughfare, the vicin-
'ity of a fire, and places where a crowd may be
found in a street.
Another class of the profession, consisting of
well-dressed females, may be found any pleasant
afternoon in popular retail salesrooms, places
of amusement, and horse-car offices, while others
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 237
frequent omnibuses, horse-car platforms, and every
other place affording opportunity.
A crowd and a lot of tobacco-smokers on the plat-
form of a horse-car offer peculiar facilities for losing
watches, wallets, and breastpins ; the smoker and
picker working together most admirably ; the for-
mer stops your breath and closes your eyes with
his fumigations, while the latter helps himself to
whatever you may carry about your person, with
perfect impunity. And I confess that I never see
a thing in pants, puffing his nauseating fumes (from
a receptacle for aught that is known coated with
some loathsome disease) into the face of every lady
and gentleman within his reach, without thinking
the pickpocket's assistant is at hand, and people
will do well to look to their wallets.
One day in March, 1862, a lady from out of
town went into an auction store on Federal Street
to make purchases, and while there missed her
wallet, containing about thirty-five dollars. She
suspected a' man who had stood near her, but he
was not to be found ; and, like a sensible woman,
she came immediately to the Police Office, made
known her loss, and gave a description of the sus-
pected thief.
A detective immediately started out, and was for-
tunate enough to get the trail, — followed it up, and
found his game in his own room on the third floor
of a house in Purchase Street, just as the old thief
238 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
had replenished his stove with the stolen wallet.
The wallet was secured and the money found on
his person, and when taken before the lady both
he and the wallet were fully identified.
The old thief, for he was a man above sixty,
stoutly denied the charge, or that he was at the
auction store, but the evidence was too positive to
admit of a doubt. He said he was a German by
birth, but his name plainly indicated another na-
tionality and was probably a borrowed one at that,
for on investigation it seemed to be impossible for
him to tell the truth.
He was small in stature, very dirty and ragged,
and looked much more like a rag than a pocket
picker, and would no doubt have been discarded by
the more genteel members of the profession,
although he operated with good success.
Michael, for that was the name he gave, wound
up his career with a round turn. At eleven
o'clock he sustained a good character ; at twelve
arrested for pocket picking ; at one locked up in
City Prison ; at three tried and convicted of lar-
ceny, and at four serving out a six months' term
at the House of Correction.
One afternoon an old lady came to the Office
with a sad countenance, and told her story. She
was apparently sixty-five years old, looked tidy but
careworn and feeble. She said she was formerly
a resident of Boston, but for several years past had
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 239
lived at Lynn ; the family consisting only of her-
self and maiden daughter, who had a long time
been an invalid. Her husband had been dead
many years, and her only means of support were
what little labor she could perform ; and, said she,
" You don't know how hard it is for us to get
along."
In consequence of her unfortunate condition, an
old friend of her husband had interested himself
in her behalf, and secured for her the benefit of
the Pemberton fund, which is raised by a legacy in
the will of a gentleman of that name for the benefit
of indigent widows, amounting to ten dollars semi-
annually.
She had come to Boston to-day and drawn her
money, and after securing her treasure had stepped
into the horse-car office at Scollay's Building and
took a seat on a settee to await the cars for
home. While there she had her pocket picked of
all her money arid was left penniless.
Like reports often come to the Office, but this
case seemed peculiarly painful. True the sum was
small, — only ten dollars, — but it was all the old
lady had. Its receipt had been anticipated by
numerous little wants — those bills must be met,
and the loss of the money sank deep in the poor
old widow's heart, and all hands in the Office were
deeply interested.
On investigation, it appeared that the old lady
240 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
thought she had kept her hand continually on her
pocket while in the car office ; nor could she
hardly be made to believe that she had removed it
at all while there, although she undoubtedly did, as
will appear.
When she took a seat on the settee in the car
office, two other ladies, one about her own age and
one much younger, took a seat beside her on the
right. While sitting there, she noticed a spool of
cotton on the floor rolling along and unwinding at
her feet, and, woman-like, she stooped, picked it
up, rewound it (which of course took both hands)
and passed it to the lady next her on the right,
supposing it hers. No, it was not hers. She then
passed it to her companion, but it was not hers
either, and as there seemed to be no owner the old
lady put it in her pocket and thought no more
of the matter, not once dreaming of the opportu-
nity she had given the pickpocket beside her while
winding up the thread.
In a few moments " Cars for Prattville " was an-
nounced, and the two ladies hurried away. Soon
the cars for Lynn also were at the door, and the
old lady arose to go, when she -discovered her loss,
which she immediately made known in the office,
but no trace of the missing money was to be found.
She had exchanged her treasure for a spool of cot-
ton, without the least idea of the trick that had
been played upon her with such skill and success.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 241
The lady pickpockets were never detected, but
the old lady did not go away from our Office pen-
niless.
In the summer of 1862, several ladies who lost
then portemonnaies on Washington Street, reported
noticing an elderly female well-dressed and wear-
ing gold-howed specs , who abruptly jostled them
on the sidewalk. Indeed, so common were these
complaints, that the officers gave the unknown
the name of Madam Specs, and made it a special-
ty to look her up ; and one afternoon two of them
who were on Washington Street tumbled to the
veritable old lady herself.
The officers represented her as being one of the
most industrious and reckless pickers they ever
saw. She would stop at a window apparently for
the purpose of looking at the goods inside, but
really to watch every one that passed. When an
old lady came along (she seemed partial to ladies
of her own age) she would break for her some-
times in a smart run, get alongside and immedi-
ately commence on the pocket as they walked on.
Some would notice her and edge off. If so, she
would again stop at the first window and watch
the next chance, all the while appearing as care-
less and as eager in her labors as if they were ever
so legitimate.
21
242 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
She was not, however, very successful in her
work on the day in question, having in the course
of half an hour made some dozen attempts and
securing but one wallet containing but about five
dollars for all her trouble, and no sooner had she
done this than she found herself in custody.
The old lady wore a new black silk dress with a
profusion of flounces, a nice straw bonnet and veil,
carried a parasol and large reticule, wore a black
kid glove on her right hand, the left, with which
she operated, being bare. Ladies usually wear
their pockets on the right side, I believe, making
it necessary for the pickpocket to use the left hand,
and the old woman well understood the theory of
" handling her work without mittens."
When at the Office, old woman as she was, for
she must have been near sixty, she showed the
most shrewdness of any thief I ever saw. When
asked, she would not even give her name, nor
could you draw a direct answer to any question
whatever. Thieves, shrewd as many of them are,
generally talk too much for their own good, often
dropping a word that eventually leads to their own
conviction, and it is a tough customer that will sit
quietly under the inquisition of a shrewd officer
without lessening his chances of escape if really
guilty. But not so with Madam Specs. Not the
movement of a muscle, or a sound could be drawn
from her.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 243
In her possession was found a few trifling arti-
cles such as a spool of cotton, a few pearl buttons,
and the stolen purse which she had taken the last
grab. If she had raised anything more on that
day, she had an accomplice to receive the funds,
but probably she had none.
Madam Specs was locked up for the night and
shown up at the Office next morning, but no one
knew her. At the close of which she quietly
said, " What do you expect to make out of all
this % " which was the only remark she was heard
to make while in custody.
The lady who owned the purse refused to ap-
pear in court against the old thief, and the officer
who had charge of the case very reluctantly suf-
fered her to go. I am not aware that she has
since been seen in Boston.
A CHAEM GAME.
A well-known legal gentleman came into the
Office one day, and requested me to render some
assistance in ferreting out a lady rogue, who had
been playing a deep-laid game on a highly respect-
able lady in a neighboring city.
It seems that a lady of wealth and the highest
respectability, had formed a matrimonial connec-
tion with a gentleman every way her equal, and
considerably younger than herself. After a time,
although everything passed on smoothly, the lady
began to have misgivings that the disparity in their
ages might prove a source of inconstancy on the
part of her liege lord ; and the germ of distrust
once having taken root, soon branched forth with
amazing rapidity, and notwithstanding no earthly
cause could be assigned in her own mind, the
thought soon became insupportable. The lady
was naturally of a marvellous turn, and she soon
formed a resolution to apply to a certain female
fortune-teller of considerable notoriety, who, Madam
Rumor said, dealt in charms.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 245
Well, to the fortune-teller she went, and opened
her case, which was entered into with much spirit
and interest.
The fortune-teller, after a long consultation and
a frequent recurrence to the cards, finally decided
that although the case was peculiar and extremely
difficult, yet it was, if carefully managed, perfectly
practicable and sure of success, and, notwithstand-
ing the seeming disparity in age, that the affinity
of spirit might be formed without a blemish, if the
lady herself would keep the charm. They were to
form a profound secret, to which of course the lady
so deeply interested yielded a ready assent.
Then for the process : the lady applicant must
carefully collect together anything valuable belong-
ing to her husband, the smaller in compass and the
higher in value the better, especially if ever worn
by him or carried near his person, — watch, jew-
elry, money, or anything valuable. " Keep them
closely near your person for a few hours, and then
send me word, and I will come to you. You must
keep them near you, but I, being the medium,
must touch them, and then I will instruct you what
to do."
The deluded lady treasured up every word, as if
they had fallen from the lips of an angel, promised
the strictest secrecy, and hastened home to make
preparation. Before many hours she had collected
gold watch, jewelry, money and keepsakes amount-
21*
248 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
ing in value to something, over two thousand dol-
lars, and the charm queen was forthwith informed,
and made her appearance, bringing with her a
nicely-wrought little box, in which to deposit the
treasure.
The property was carefully placed in this box,
the charmer being particular to touch each piece.
The box was then locked, and a peculiar seal set
thereon, so that it could not be opened without
breaking the seal, the lady owner placing the box
carefully in her own trunk, where no hand must
pollute it for three weeks ; and during that time
the charmer was to retain the key. At the close
of the specified time the charm queen was to
return and deliver up the key, when the charm
would be complete. The charmer departed, and
the lady rested in peace.
At the expiration of three weeks, the fortune-
teller did not make her appearance. The lady
began to grow a little uneasy, and made inquiries,
but could learn no tidings of her friend ; but hav-
ing carefully examined the box, and finding the
seal unbroken, she felt no alarm for the safety of
her property. As time rolled on and no charm
queen appeared, and feeling that she had faithfully
kept her secret and performed all that was re-
quired, she thought she might as well open the
box, and replace the money, jewelry, &c., in their
accustomed places, before the husband missed them.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 247
She accordingly proceeded to break the seal,
and, as she had not the possession of the key, to
pry open the box ; but ' on doing so — oh ! horror
of horrors ! the valuables were gone, and in their
place she beheld a box of pebbles. The charm
game was at once apparent; she had been most
cruelly duped, and her treasure was gone. The
wily charmer had brought two boxes, and had
managed to place in the hand of her confiding cus-
tomer the box of pebbles, while she had walked
off with the box of jewels, having ample time to
gather up her traps and remove to parts unknown.
The lady, of course, was in a dilemma, and she
could not long conceal the circumstances from her
husband; but how the case became fully devel-
oped, the deponent saith not.
However^ diligent search has been made for the
charm- worker, as yet without success. If she
manages as shrewdly in avoiding detection as she
did in securing her booty, she will not soon be
brought to justice.
While in the act of making a record of this
transaction some months after its occurrence, a
gentleman and lady, both of prepossessing appear-
ance, walked into the Office and inquired for me,
and gave me their names. I had never seen them
before, but they were the duped parties of whom I
had been writing. They came to make inquiries
of what had been done relative to their loss ; but
248 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
our efforts having been closely limited by their
counsel, for fear of exposure, and the guilty party
not having come to our city, we had done very
little in the case.
The people did not appear like persons likely to
be easily imposed upon, yet so it was, and appar-
ently very mortifying too. The gentleman seemed
to take the matter very coolly, and remarked that
misery loves company, and it was some consolation
to know that his family were not the only fools at
his own place of residence, " for," said he " ours is
not a solitary case, nor the most provoking one of
the kind that has occurred in our own immediate
neighborhood."
LIQUOR LAW DISCLOSURES.
Of the many evils that have taxed the ingenuity
and the patience of the philanthropist and the
legislator, the manufacture and sale of liquor has
not been among the least. The liquor law has
been enacted, established, amended, reenacted, re-
established, modified, remodelled, suspended, and
reconstructed, from time immemorial.
The present law, which, from its similarity to
one made for the Pine-Tree State, is called the
" Maine Law," was passed in Massachusetts in
1855, and was then supposed by its friends to be
the best that could be made. At the time of its
passage, the question assumed somewhat a political
character, and some are so ungenerous as to hint
that the spirit still enters into the canvass of our
municipal matters ; but as the temperance people
hardly ever have an exclusively separate candidate,
the idea may be erroneous.
However, when the Maine Law came in force in
1855, the order from the City Government to the
Police, went forth to execute , — not the liquor, but
250 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
the law. Nevertheless, I believe there was some
of the liquor worthy of condemnation, and some
men probably punished a good deal of the article.
Well, when the order came, Geevus (poor
burgher), loaded down with instructions, struck out
to perform his duty, — and an up-hill business he
found it. The opponents of the law (and they
were a majority in Boston), of course, threw every
possible obstacle in the way, and those in favor of
it, I must say, seemed not over-anxious to aid us
and " come up to the help of the " police against
the mighty. This made our progress, to say the
least, a little slow. However, in a few weeks many
good cases were presented for the investigation of
the Grand Jury; the police, in all cases, making
themselves witnesses, and there their powers
ended. The result is not yet forgotten.
Notwithstanding the serious necessity of some
method to regulate the great evil, or of the grave
character of our work, circumstances would occa-
sionally grow out of our attempts to execute the
law, in themselves the most ludicrous and annoying.
One provision of the law makes it the duty of
an officer, if he finds a person intoxicated in a
public place, to take him to some proper place to
be kept till sober ; from thence to be taken before
the Police Court and complained of. Further pro-
vision is made, that if such person shall then and
there fully disclose the name of the person who
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 251
sold him the liquor, and all the facts relative
thereto, said defendant shall be discharged, &c.
Well, one day, while one of our officers was
perambulating North Street, he found a poor body
lying drunk in a public place, contrary to law, and,
faithful officer as he was, he commenced the per-
formance of his duty. Next morning poor Pat
found himself at the bar of justice, — and he was
not alone in his dilemma, by a long chalk.
The practice of the clerk then was to first read
the complaint for being drunk by the voluntary use
of intoxicating liquor, and then pertinently inquire
of the poor culprit if he wished to disclose. Very
few ever responded to this invitation in the affirm-
ative, and, on the morning in question, not one
seemed to be willing to place his fault at another's
doer. Pat anxiously watched them, one by one,
as they were fined three dollars and cost, and
trotted off to the Tombs below. When his name
was called by the worthy clerk, he sprang from
the prisoner's stand with the agility of a cat, and
sang out at the top of his voice —
" Hauld on, hauld on, misther Consthable ! Ye
grady spalpeen, don't let me hear another word
from your mug at all, at all ; it is meself that will
disclose to the jidge, his Honor. And now will
yer Honor hear me, Misther Jidge? Didn't I
mate Dennie, me first cousin, jist come out from
the auld counthry, Mr. Jidge ? And when I
252 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
was so glad to see him, did n't lie come along wid
me to the warehouse, Misther Jidge, and by the
help of Masther Walker's gimlet and a fine bit of
sthraw, did n't we take a wee drop of the crather
free gratis, Misther Jidge ! And now, Misther
Jidge, I am not like the spalpeens just here who
gets drunk on three cent liquor, Misther Jidge.
And now have I not disclosed according to law,
sir ; and if ye plase, Misther Jidge, I '11 be going
jist."
The venerable magistrate could not see the
point, and poor Pat was fined three dollars and
cost, and sent down with the rest.
Another case, that will serve to illustrate, and
also to show the „ ingenuity of an old rogue when
half-seas-over in an attempt to free himself from
limbo, may be seen in the following : —
An old fellow, whose Christian name was Uriah,
and who had been up for almost every offence
known in the catalogue of crime, was seen by an
officer early one morning seemingly inclined with
a very prying curiosity, at the door of a dry goods
store in Hanover Street; but being a little top-
heavy, he made but poor progress. After watch-
ing his movements awhile, the officer brought
him in.
" Well, Uriah," said I, " you did not meet with
much success this morning, I learn ; from present
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 253
appearances it must be in consequence of that arti-
cle you have in your hat."
" In my hat ! " said Uriah, starting up from the
railing on which he was leaning. " What is in
my hat 1 "
" A brick," said I.
fc < You mean I 'm drunk," said he, apparently
quite willing I should take that view of his case.
" Well," said he, shutting up one eye and squint-
ing at me with the other in a most comical man-
ner, " I admit — I admit 'tis the thing in my hat,
and if I disclose, will ye let me up ; it 's the law,
sir, an' I know ye will. Well, sir, I have been
down to the Home, you know, and one of the good
people there, no doubt meaning well, gave me
something that is the cause of all this trouble.
Yes, it is in my hat, as you say, sure enough ; but
I will disclose, and then I am free — 'tis the law.
I will disclose, and here it is," staggering back,
pulling off his hat, and drawing therefrom a copy
of the Maine Liquor Law in pamphlet form.
"That's the thing," said he, — "that's what used
me up ; and now I 've disclosed, you '11 let me go.
It 's the law ; " and over he tumbled upon the
floor, but not half as drunk as he pretended. He
was, however, put in the cell, and kept till he was
quite sober.
22
POLICE DESCENTS.
All communities may be said to have their
peculiar standard of morals, and there must, of
necessity, be different classes in the scale, as the
higher, middling, and lower, and in speaking of
either we have a comparative reference to the
others. If we say a man is good, we mean that he
is up to the standard, which, in fact, only means
that he is better than many others — for no man
is good, " no, not one ; " and, on the other hand, if
we say a man is bad, we still speak comparatively,
meaning that his character is below the average.
If there was nothing wherewith to form a compar-
ison, there could hardly be an appreciation of
either good or evil, and a good man once said,
" Were it not for the evil, I had not known the
good."
It has also been said, that the standard of morals
is. lower in large cities than in the country, where
the population is more sparse, and that the stand-
ard depreciates as the population increases. I can
hardly believe this, however, for such doctrine
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 255
would tend directly to encourage a life of celibacy
and hermitage, where morals would hardly be
counted as valuables ; and if it is said, also, that
there are not as good men, and women too, in
cities as there are in towns, I shall demur to this
whole batch of opinions.
However, it cannot be denied that a spirit of.
licentiousness is spread abroad through all large
cities, where influence for evil keeps pace in a great
degree with the increase of population, and which,
like a lingering humor, often concentrates and
breaks out at different points in the system.* Or,
if it is smothered by conservative treatment, it may
for a time disappear from the surface, yet ever
ready again to break forth anew in a different
locality. Nor has our own city been an exception
to the general rule.
Some people seem to think that licentiousness is
almost a necessary evil, and argue that a house-
hold, or a community, who would preserve a
healthy condition, must have their sink, or their
cesspool, and some cities in the old world have
adopted this principle, and attempt to regulate by
license what they say they cannot prohibit, and
when we come to look about us in relation to these
matters, we can hardly see that the execution of
our own laws of prohibition fully accomplishes the
desired result.
In early times, the laws of our Puritan Fathers
256 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
were very severe on the licentious and vicious. So
much so as to appear to us in some instances quite
ridiculous: but that such evils did exist, even
among the Puritans , is evident from the faet that
it became necessary to make laws in relation to
them, and more than that, the record reveals that
' there must have been a very curious standard
of morals in Boston at these times. The time was,
when, if a gentleman kissed a lady, he subjected
himself to a fine of three pence at least (provided
always that the offence be proved), it is presumed
that this law did not prove prohibitory. Or, if a
woman was suspected of any little improprieties,
she was liable to be set high up on a stool in the
broad aisle of the church on Sunday, there exposed
to the gaze and derision of the whole congrega-
tion ; if this were the universal practice at the pres-
ent day, should we not require large churches and
very broad aisles 1
Since Boston became a city, the evils of licen-
tiousness have sometimes shown themselves in
such formidable array as to set at nought, for a
time, the powers of the executive ; and, in some
instances, the evils have become so obnoxious that
the better portion of the citizens have felt com-
pelled to take the matter into their own hands.
The demonstrations on what was called " The
Hill" at the West part of the town, the Tin Pot, and
The Beehive at the North End, were of this nature.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 257
In demonstrations of public displeasure, it was
not the practice for those engaged in them to make
any arrest, but the executors generally amused
themselves by pulling down shanties, and breaking
up furniture, and allowing the tenants to " flee
with their lives."
Since better Police Regulations have been in-
augurated, these extreme measures have not
been deemed necessary, or, if they were, parties
have been careful not to carry them into execution.
But yet, evil has not been entirely suppressed,
as the records of Ann Street and some other local-
ities bear abundant testimony.
In the year 1851, the purlieus of Ann Street had
become so notorious and troublesome, that the City
Government found it necessary to adopt some
measure to work a reform, and, under the direction
of City Marshal Tukey, a new plan was set on foot
to"" spring a mine."
About this time, for several weeks, might be
seen the forms of two stalwart fellows (with neither
badge nor baton) continually passing up and down
the sidewalks in Ann Street, peering into dance-
halls and cellars, and carefully taking notes of the
various passing transactions ; and on the evening
of the 23d of April, the grand finale was brought
out by a tremendous Police Descent.
The police officers who were detailed for this
important duty, had been at work accumulating
258 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
evidence against the numerous disturbers of the
public peace, and violators of law, and had pro-
cured warrants for the arrest of some two hundred
persons. At nine o'clock in the evening of this
day, the whole police force, consisting of some fifty
men, and about the same number of the watch
department, started out from the Watch House on
Hanover Street, and proceeded directly to Ann
Street, where each had his work assigned. In
about half an hour one hundred and sixty-five per-
sons, of all ages, sexes, nations, and colors, were in
custody in the Watch House for the various crimes
of piping, fiddling, dancing, drinking, and all
their attendant vices, — and from thence were
marched off in pairs to the Leverett Street Jail.
The next day, this horde of depraved humanity
was before the Police Court, and sentenced for
their crimes. Some three, some four, and some
six months, to the various Reformatory Institu-
tions.
For many weeks afterwards, the great reform in
Ann Street, and the efficient and well-judged
action of the police, was spoken of with admiration
and praise. But the poor miserable victims of
vice and misfortune, who had been taken from the
street and sent to prison, were yet alive, and when
their sentences had expired and they were set at
liberty, they must go somewhere ; they dare not
go home, to their respectable friends in or out of
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 259
the city ; they had been in felon's cells, and would
not be received and aided to reform where they
were known. They dare not go back to Ann
Street ; the eagle eye of justice was there watch-
ing their return ; they must go somewhere where
they were not known, and a few weeks afterward
they were scattered as domestics in the families of
respectable citizens throughout the. city and its
suburbs. They had not reformed. During their
confinement they had not the time nor opportunity
for that great and important work. But they
necessarily carried with them, more or less, the
tastes and the feelings that they had acquired in
Ann Street ; and I firmly believe, that many a
Christian father, and pious mother, has shed the
bitter tears of grief over a fallen son or daughter
who was little aware how or when the first seeds
of immorality were sown in the heart of their child.
What else could be the result of such family asso-
ciations? At any rate, the house robberies and
burglaries for a period of time directly after, in-
creased to a most alarming extent, and those even
who at first were the admirers of the grand Police
Descent, began to speak in doubt of the propriety
or benefit of such measures. That was the end
of Police Descents of a similar character for many
years.
In the fall of 1858, the writer was entrusted
with the supervision of another Descent in Ann
/
260 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Street, on a little different principle from that in
the year 1851, and it is hoped with better results.
During the time the Station House was un-
dergoing repairs, in Hanover Street, in the sum-
mer and fall of that year, the nymphs of Ann
Street had been gaining ground both in spirit and
numbers, and the officers thought they could count
fifty or sixty new faces on the street, and the old
stock had not diminished. Many of the new arri-
vals were young, and quite a number had been
taken from these haunts of vice, and sent home to
their friends in the country. But most of such
were soon back again, and it was evident that
something more potent than moral suasion was
necessary to convince them of the error of their
ways. After consulting with the kind-hearted
Judge Wells, of the Police Court, and taking in-
structions from the Chief of Police, the officers at
Station No. 1 were set at work to look up the evi-
dence, and in a few days fifty-four warrants were
obtained for as many of the poor deluded spec-
imens of female humanity dwelling in Ann Street.
On the evening of the 2 2d of October, as the
clock on the old Cockerel Church struck nine,
forty policemen without uniform quietly left the
Station House by different routes, and in less than
thirty minutes there were fifty-one women in
custody in our guardroom. Such a sight, uudcr
such circumstances, it was most painful to behold.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 261
These girls were mostly young, and many of them
had been in the city but a few months. Most of
them were good looking, and under other circum-
stances would be considered handsome. They
were taken in custody at a time when they had but
just completed their toilet (the best they could
raise) for the evening dance and debauch. To an
unpractised eye they might have been mistaken for
an assembly of beautiful and accomplished young
ladies, for they were now quite sober and reserved,
rum not having had time on that night to accom-
plish its accursed work.
But to one who had often been an eye-witness
to their lewd and wanton behavior, and who well
knew their loathsome haunts of filth and vice, the
scene was heart-sickening indeed.
I spoke to them separately of their home and
friends, to learn something of their history, and
then told them collectively my design.
The next morning the fifty-one were at court,
most of them having realized the sweets of a prison
for the first night. On the opening of the court,
the good judge was informed of the nature of their
case, and was asked if not inconsistent with the
requirements of justice, to give all who were found
guilty of the charges preferred against them, a
good smart sentence, with a suspension, to en-
able them to leave the city for their parents and
home. To this the kind-hearted judge readily
262 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
assented, and forty-seven of the number gladly
accepted the opportunity.
With the aid of the officers, I believe they all
fulfilled their agreement, and it is sincerely hoped
that most of them left these dens of infamy forever.
I never had cause to regret the course I pursued
in assisting to execute this Police Descent.
CHOLERA IN 1854.
In the summer of 1854, the city of Boston was
visited by that dreadful scourge the Asiatic cholera ;
and although our northern climate is not so con-
genial to the fearful malady as more Southern cities,
yet its ravages here were amply sufficient to carry
terror and dismay to every household.
The New Police Organization had gone into op-
eration in May of that year, and having the charge
of the North Station, it fell to my lot to be much
amongst the disease, and a most unpleasant, not to
say dangerous, duty it was. I hope never to pass
through like scenes again.
At the first appearance of the disease, fear
seemed to seize almost every heart, and the Police
were expected to do what no one else cared to do.
I cannot say that I was free from a lingering
dread myself, but I formed a resolution that, come
what would, I would not neglect my duty to the
poor suffering beings about me, nor would I ask a
subordinate officer to go where I dare not go, or do
264: POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
what I dare not do myself ; and I assisted with my
own hands in removing more than fifty bodies, of the
dead and dying, where necessity for the safety of
others required it. In some instances, where life
had departed but a few hours, the corpse would be so
swollen, that the largest coffin could not contain it ;
in others the flesh would actually fall to pieces, a pu-
trefied mass, before it could be properly laid out, the
stench arising therefrom being almost suffocating.
Most of the sickness occurred in filthy or over-
crowded localities, yet the disease found its victims
in all parts of the city.
In looking over my memorandum, made at the
time, I find the following, in substance, omitting
names.
The first case that occurred was on Sunday, June
11, in rear of what was then No. 6 Fleet Street.
Hearing that a man had died there very suddenly,
after making examination, I called the city physi-
cian.
The man was lying dead in the yard ; had been
sick about eight hours, — and another man was
dying in the room from which the first had been
removed. The physician immediately pronounced
these marked cases of cholera. The second man
died while we were there, and a woman was also
taken sick. The room where these men died was
over a shed, low posted, poorly ventilated, and oc-
cupied by thirteen persons.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
265
By direction of the physician we summoned help
and removed the last body from the room ; it
being so much swollen, that we had to put it in a
box and take it out of a window ; the bodies of
the two men were immediately buried, the people
removed, and the room closed. The day was ex-
tremely hot and muggy, and our work was any-
thing but desirable.
These cases aroused the city authorities to action,
and preparations were immediately made to remove
and accommodate the sick at a hospital on Fort
Hill, and the most stringent sanitary regulations
were adopted.
The next day the weather became cooler, and
for a few days no more cases occurred, but in
about two weeks the weather became sultry again,
and the disease broke out anew.
June 25. A laborer died in Keith's Alley, after
an illness of eight hours ; his body was too much
swollen to put in a coffin, and was buried immedi-
ately.
June 26. A sailor on board the schooner " Cos-
sack," at Lewis wharf, was attacked and removed
to the hospital. The city had now provided a
team with a spring wagon and bed, for the removal
of the sick, which was driven by a faithful and
efficient man. The same day, a woman and child
died in Keith's Alley, and were removed immedi-
ately, and the house was cleansed and closed.
23
2G6 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
June 27. A woman died at 41 Portland Street,
and the body was removed immediately.
A laborer was cut down in Mechanic Street,
was carried home to Causeway Street, where he
died in about six hours, and was buried immedi-
ately.
June 28. Several cases of smallpox occur. A
woman in Arch Place is taken sick and cared for.
July 1. A woman died in Keith's Alley, sick
but six hours, body putrid before we could remove
* it. Several others being sick in the house, the
occupants were removed to the hospital. One
poor woman died in the carriage on the way. The
house was cleansed by fumigation and closed.
July 3. A child at No. 150 Canal Street, died
this morning, sick but ten hours, and in the even-
ing the mother was cut down and died in six
hours ; we removed these bodies to the Dead House
in the night, and smoked the rooms.
July 5. The weather was very hot and damp, and
to add to the general gloom, several cases of sun-
stroke occurred at the North End. One man fell in
the street and was brought into the Station House
apparently dead. Three others were also struck
down and brought into the Station House in
the course of the day. In each case medical
attendance was procured, and the sufferers were
carried home or otherwise provided for. Fear
seemed to act as an auxiliary to the contagion, and
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 267
when these people fell in the street, it was sup-
posed to be an attack of the dreadful scourge ; but
the cases mentioned were decided by the physi-
cians to be sun-stroke, ^he city physician and
Superintendent of Health were in constant attend-
ance, and with great care and skill, rendered the
most important services in their profession. Their
duties were highly responsible, and we took our
directions from them.
At this time our Station House had more the
appearance of a hospital than a prison. Several
of those brought in on that day, died.
July 6, two women were taken down with chol-
era at 231 North Street; one died in six hours,
and the other was removed to the hospital, where
she lived but a few hours. We removed the body
of the first, and cleansed and closed the house.
A woman died at 212 North Street, sick but Hxe
hours ; while we were removing the body a woman
named Mary McGuire, aged fifty years, in a fit of
delirium tremens, jumped from the chamber-
window to the ground, a distance of twenty feet ;
we took her up for dead, and carried her to the
Station House, but she recovered, not being seri-
ously injured.
A laborer died at No. 6 Battery Street; this
evening we removed the body. I shall long
remember the sad work of those two days.
July 7. A man was brought into the Station
268 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
House from Mechanic Street, insensible ; it proved
to be sun-stroke — he recovered in a few hours.
A man died of cholera at No. 10 Hanover
Avenue — sick twelve hours — his wife was sick in
the same house — his body was removed. The
house being neat, and no others sick there, she was
not removed.
July 9. A woman, at 231 Hanover Street, died
to-day after an illness of twelve hours ; assistance
was rendered, but the body was buried by the
friends.
July 13. A child at the Beehive in Endicott
Street died, being sick fifteen hours. The father
died the same evening, after an illness of ten
hours. The wife was alsp taken about the time
the husband died. The bodies of the father and
child decayed very fast, and were removed by us
that night, and the mother was removed to the
hospital.
The Beehive consists of two blocks of wooden
buildings, end to the street, separated by a narrow
passage, each block containing twenty-four rooms.
There are, in these forty-eight rooms, forty-eight
families, and two hundred and eight persons.
By the direction of the Board of Health, we re-
moved the families in one block.
July 14. A man died at No. 116 Friend Street
— sick ten hours — the body commenced to putrefy
immediately ; we carried him to the Dead House.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. „ 269
July 15. A report came that there was cholera
at No. 92 Endicott Street. On going there, I
found no cholera, but something that required my
attention. A woman was lying on the floor dead
drunk, and beside the drunken mother lay an in-
fant child nearly naked of clothing, but half cov-
ered with lice. Another woman was lying drunk
in the room, which was filthy in the extreme. I
learned that the family consisted of the mother,
six children, and three boarders, and they all occu-
pied but two rooms. "Why the cholera had not
found them I am at a loss to know. The whole
were however removed ; the mother to the House
of Industry, where the father had already gone, the
children to the Almshouse, leaving the boarders
to select new quarters.
A man was taken with cholera at 406 Commer-
cial Street ; we removed him to the hospital, where
he died next day.
A man died at 155 Charlestown Street — sick
fifteen hours — we removed his body. A woman
died at No. 119 Friend Street — sick but ten
hours — body immediately became black and pu-
trid, was very difficult to remove. A man was
brought to the Station House intoxicated, attacked
with cholera while there, removed to the hospital,
and died in a few hours.
From this date, up to about the first of August,
the weather became cooler, the atmosphere more
23* .
270 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
clear, and the disease seemed to abate. There
were several cases of smallpox, and some deaths
by ship fever, bnt these diseases, fatal as they are,
had lost their terrors during the prevalence of the
cholera.
August 2. The weather again became sultry,
and cholera began again to appear. A woman
died at No. 18 North Bennet Street, — sick six-
teen hours, — she was buried by friends. A
woman was removed from Jefferson's Block to the
hospital. A member of our own Police Station
died at his residence, No. 1 Bennet Avenue, after
a most distressing illness of twelve hours ; his
body turned black immediately after death, and it
was necessary to bury it without delay. We also
removed a woman in a dying condition from No.
554 Commercial Street.
August 7. A case occurred this morning which
tended to add to the horror of our duties. An old
man, who occupied a room on the second floor,
No. 84 Cross Street, had been absent from his
room some eight days ; this was not particularly
noticed by the other occupants, as he was fre-
quently absent some days at a time. For a day
or two prior to this day, the people in the house
had noticed an offensive smell ; this morning it
was found to come from this man's room ; his
door was tried, but found fastened, and notice was
given at the Station House. I went down and
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 271
procured a ladder, which I placed on the outside
and went up and raised the window to the room,
but a stench met me that I could not withstand,
and I came near falling from the ladder. After
the foul, confined air had somewhat escaped from
the room, I entered the window. I there found
near one corner of the room a man standing erect,
leaning backward a little with one foot on the
round of a chair standing near, with a rope about
his neck attached to a hook overhead. He was
as stiff as a bronze statue, and his features were
so blackened and decayed that no one could recog-
nize them, yet I knew from the figure and dress
that it was the body of the missing man. He
had in all probability hung himself and remained
in that position about eight days. My eyes never
beheld such a sight, — I hope never to see such
another. The coroner was called, who took charge
of the body.
August 8. A woman died of cholera at No. 131
Charlestown Street. We removed the body and
cleansed the room.
August 11. A man died at No. 129 Charles-
town Street — sick twelve hours — body decayed
so as to make the burial of immediate necessity.
A man died at 163 Charlestown Street — sick but
ten hours — body so swollen we could not put it
in the coffin, and removed it in a' box.
August 14. A man came to the Station House
272 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
for lodging, while there he was attacked with
cholera, and taken to the hospital.
A woman at No. 1 Crescent Place, and two
others at No. 6 Battery Street, were removed to the
hospital.
August 17. We removed a man from Page's
yard to the hospital.
August 21. Several persons were sick at a
place called the Platform, in Causeway Street,
many of them having gone there to be sick with
their friends, rather than go the hospital. We
commenced an investigation, found twenty-nine
families huddled together in a very small place,
and as filthy a place as I ever saw. I was an un-
welcome visitor, and the occupants would have
driven me out had they dared. I found several
persons sick, and by direction of the Board of
Health removed, five persons and a child to the
hospital. The people there were very determined,
and the sick were removed with much difficulty.
The next day the Board of Health passed a special
order to clear the premises, which was accom-
plished with great difficulty, some of the occupants
making a strong resistance. True, it seemed a
hard case, but no one who saw the premises could
doubt the necessity.
There were many cases of a less serious charac-
ter taking place xm our Station, which are not
copied in this account, in which it became my duty
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 273
to lend a hand, but these last mentioned were
about the last cases of cholera occurring in Boston
this year.
During the prevalence of this dreadful malady
nearly the whole police force on my district were
continually employed in caring for the sick and dy-
ing, and removing the dead, and on no occasion do I
believe that any man shrank from his task. These
noble fellows, many days in the discharge of their
fearful duties, were meeting death face to face in
its most fearful form, and the disinterested sacrifice
offered up by them is worthy of a lasting remem-
brance.
In pursuing my own duties through this ordeal
of disease and terror, I could take little precaution.
I sometimes took a few cloves in my mouth, and
sometimes after being a long time exposed to the
most insupportable stench, and experiencing a
dizzy nausea, I have taken a few drops of laudanum
in a spoonful of brandy, but I ate no green thing.
No one could go where I went and see what I saw
without dread. I knew by sad experience the in-
describable suffering attending this fearful disease,
having had an attack that nearly cost me my life a
few years previous. The Cholera — no pen, no
tongue, no thought, no imagination can depict its
terrors. 'T is death and desolation stalking abroad
at noonday.
SMALL MATTEES.
One afternoon in the month of January, 1856, a
man who enjoyed the reputation of being a well-to-
do and respectable citizen, came to the Station and
required the services of an officer in ferreting out
some thieving operations that had been consum-
mated in his house, freely expressing the opinion
that the theft could be readily traced to Bridget,
the domestic.
As such cases were not uncommon, an officer
was detailed to accompany the gentleman to his
house to make the necessary investigation. On
arriving at the house and instituting an inquiry,
the officer found that the lady of the house had
been out to the provision store and purchased two
quarts of small apples, which were placed in the
hands of Bridget to prepare for pies. Bridget had
paired and sliced them carefully, and made them
into two pies, having two apples left. This was
not satisfactory to the mistress, and Jerry, the half-
grown son, gave it as his decided opinion that two
quarts of apples would make at least three pies,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 275
and Mrs. thought so too. In talking the matter
over in the family, although this was the first sus-
picion, yet it was carried hy a majority that in this
case at least, Bridget must have been dishonest.
After settling that point satisfactorily, it was
further decided that if Bridget was so dishonest as
to pilfer pie apples she would take something else,
which she certainly had many an opportunity to
do, although nothing had been missed ; but when
it was recollected that Bridget had in her chamber
a large, suspicious-looking trunk, the inside of
which had been seen by none .of the family, and
when in consequence of all these circumstances,
Bridget's room had been quietly visited, and that
trunk was found to be locked, the landlady de-
clared she could stand such "carryings on " no
longer, and on consulting the husband they con-
cluded to call in the officer.
The whole case was explained to the officer in
presence of Bridget and the whole family, and
ended by a demand to have a search instituted
inside of that suspicious trunk. It would have
been hard to tell which was the most astonished at
the proceedings, Bridget or the officer.
But Bridget, who, by the way, was neither a
thief nor a fool, scanned the features of the officer
for a moment, and detecting nothing malicious
there, but rather perhaps an indication of contempt
for her accusers, and an expression of sympathy
276 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
for her, in her unprotected condition, she promptly
said, " Come up to me room," and up went the
whole injured family followed by the officer.
On reaching her room Bridget threw open her
trunk, exclaiming, " we hear enough. Now there,
mem, ye may sarch me ould duds an ye will, and
much may ye find among 'em; but I tell ye,
mem, two quarts of yer little pesky wormy apples
wont make more than two pies any way."
The injured family appeared satisfied, and the
officer quietly retired from the house, and in a few
days the honest, hard-working Bridget found a
better place at better pay.
VALUE OF CHARACTER.
There are seemingly many people plodding
their way along through life without any just com-
prehension of the value of a good character. The
rich can live without it, hut it is the poor man's
capital, and by him, above all others, it should be
held and cherished as a jewel above price.
Although this feeling, or rather want of it, is
much too common among mankind, yet I am happy
to know that it is by no means universal, and I
have seen some laughable, as well as grave instan-
ces, plainly indicating that the value of a good
name is often well understood in the very hum-
blest walks of life.
On a certain occasion, an honest laborer came
to the Station House and requested me to take
charge of a trunk which he said belonged to one
Kitty Quadd. It had been left with him while Kitty
was absent in the country. He was about to move,
and the trunk was a burden, and he wished to
leave it with me for safe keeping till Kitty's return.
To accommodate him I took the name of the
24
278 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
owner, made a schedule of the few articles in the
trunk, and set it away in the property room for
safety.
About two months after, a buxom Irish girl
called at the Station House, saying that her name
was Kitty Quadd, and she was told that I had her
trunk. After asking her some questions, to see if
it was right, the trunk was brought out and deliv-
ered.
Kitty's eyes glistened with joy as she beheld her
treasure, but said she, " It 's not the value of me
clothing, sir, but it 's me character that 's there, me
character it is." And hurrying her hand into the
pocket of an old dress as she lifted it from the
trunk, she drew forth a dirty piece of paper with
much apparent satisfaction. " This is it, an sure
enough it 's safe it is, and it 's yerself that shall
read it too, for yer kindness," said she.
I unfolded the paper and read as follows : —
" This certifies that Kitty Quadd is a good domestic,
capable of doing all kinds of work, but she will get drunk
when opportunity offers." (Signed) Mrs. S — ."
i
" Pretty good, Kitty," said I.
" Pretty good ; and well ye may say that," said
she, folding the paper and placing it carefully in
her bosom. " Pretty good it is ; it is me character
sir, and 't is well earned too ; but it is well worn,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 279
and I am going to get Biddy Harrigan, me first
cousin, to copy it ; " and she marched off with her
trunk and her character, as happy as a queen.
A WEDDING IN THE TOMBS.
It is generally known to the citizens of Boston,
that there are numerous small-sized, convenient
little rooms in the basement of the Court House on
the easterly side, with brick walls and iron-grated
doors, with a bunk, a pail, and a tin cup for furni-
ture, where persons of almost every age, sex, and
color find entertainment, in consequence of a neg-
lect to conform to the various rules and regulations
established by the usages and customs of the
society in which they dwell. These various apart-
ments constitute what are familiarly known as the
Tombs ; and although the name might impress a
stranger with grave sensations, yet there are times
when the name would hardly be suspected from
the character of the tenants. For although the
name might seem to indicate to the contrary, it is
nevertheless inhabited by live men and women,
where coffee and white bread are plentifully served
out every morning for breakfast, and I have even
seen it turned into the drawing-room of a bridal
party. The circumstance was on this wise.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 281
In the summer of 1861, it happened that a lad
who we will call Arthur Clarke, and a lady we
will call Johanna Hickey, were quite intimate.
Johanna at first thought it was only between herself
and Arthur, but by and by there began to be indi-
cations that there might erelong be a third party
in interest.
Johanna began to be fidgety, but Arthur was in
no hurry to marry. Johanna did not feel inclined
to pocket the insult, and at her suggestion Arthur
one morning waked up in the Tombs. On a little
reflection, Arthur concluded he was ready to marry,
and Johanna being nothing loth, there seemed to
be no obstacle to interpose. A certificate of inten-
tion was procured by some friend of the parties,
and precisely at twelve o'clock noon, Arthur and
Johanna met by appointment in the superintend-
ent's office. The good-natured Esquire Beal vol-
unteered his services, and in presence of several
witnesses the ceremonies commenced. The bride
and groom were placed side by side, fronting the
desk, which was occupied by the worthy Justice,
who, with certificate of intention in hand, and un-
covered head proclaimed, " Has any person aught
to say why Arthur Clarke and Johanna Hickey
should not be joined in wedlock, let him say it now
or ever hold his peace hereafter." All were silent.
" Do you, Arthur Clarke, take this woman to be your
lawful wedded wife." Arthur winked. " And do
24*
282 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
you, Johanna Hickey, take this man to be your law-
ful wedded husband." Johanna smacked her lips.
" If you mutually assent," said the Justice, " you
will take each other by the right hand." Johanna
stuck out a paw, but Arthur had no right hand,
that was gone, but he presented his left, which
seemed to answer the purpose. And now said
the Justice, " By virtue of the power vested in me
by the Commonwealth, I pronounce you man and
wife, and what God hath joined together let no man put
asunder' 1 Arthur and Johanna looked at each other
as if they did not quite understand the last sentence,
but neither attempted to make any inquiries in
relation to the subject, but remained motionless, to
see what came next.
After a while Arthur began to examine his
locomotive apparatus, as if to satisfy himself of the
power of the new shackles with which he had
been bound, and whether they were as potent as
those he had left ' at the cell, and apparently
becoming satisfied on that point, he took a bee line
for the door. Johanna soon followed in his wake
and both disappeared, leaving the spectators
gaping at the door that closed behind them.
That proceeding may have vindicated the maj-
esty of the law, but whether Esquire BeaFs last
remark was correct, I was always in doubt.
OLD BUILDINGS.
During the summer of 1859, the City Govern-
ment widened North Street, by removing some
buildings and cutting off others on one or the
other side of nearly the whole length of that an-
cient thoroughfare.
Many of these old houses, for most of the build-
ings were dwellings, were objects of much interest,
as they were one after another about to disappear,
both on account of their peculiar structure and
apparent great age.
Having considerable extra police duty in that
locality, on accoimt of the work of widening, in
common with others I took much interest in the
history of these ancient relics and old landmarks,
as they were disappearing forever, and during the
progress of their removal I made some observa-
tions which I thought might be worthy of note.
Although many of the houses bear the marks
of great age, yet to fix the date of the building of
most of them with any degree of certainty was
quite impossible. Deeds can be traced back,
284 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
showing the locality and names of owners of most
of the estates to an early date, but when build-
ings now standing were erected is quite another
affair. Most of the older class of buildings were
built one or one and a half stories high, with vari-
ous additions to one end or the other, and at top
in after time, but often the addition will show
greater marks of decay than the original, and the
age of either is an equal uncertainty.
By close observation, however, it is evident that
something may be gathered from the kind of.
material used, the style in architecture, and man-
ner of building at different periods, to indicate
the age of both wood and brick buildings.
The former, the low-studded, two-story struc-
tures with heavy oak timbers, the second story
projecting far over the sidewalk, with Lutheran
windows, oak clapboards, and triangular floor tim-
bers, denote the greater age of this class of build-
ings. Specimens of this style are still to be seen
at Nos. 19 and 27 North Square, corner of Moon
and Sun Court Streets, Salem, opposite Cooper
Street, and in some other localities in the city.
Something a little more definite, however, may, I
believe, be gained relative to the age of brick
buildings, not only from their peculiar structure
and style of architecture, but from the size of the
bricks, the composition of the mortar, and the dif-
ferent styles of the walls at different periods of
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
285
time. The first walls laid in Boston were in
clay mortar, mixed with a lime made by burn-
ing shells, which can at this late day be easily
detected by close observation. Specimens can be
seen at the " Deacon Phillips's Old Stone House,"
Cross Street, " Noah's Ark," corner North and
Clark Street, " Old Province House," Province
House Court, " Old Reed Store," Change Avenue
and Basement, " Old Feather Store," Dock Square.
The first brick houses also were built of im-
ported bricks, which are somewhat larger and
thicker than those first made in New England.
There have been several different styles of laying
brick walls since the first settlement of Boston,
which more clearly indicate the age of brick build-
ings. These styles are called bonds, and consist
in laying " headers " and " stretchers " alternately,
as they appear in the outer surface of the wall, a
" header " being the end of the brick appearing on
the face of the wall, and a " stretcher " the edge.
The styles consist in laying the headers and stretch-
ers in different form, and have been known* to
masons at different periods as the "English Bond,"
"Promiscuous Bond," "Flemish Bond," "Tile
Bond," and " Modern Flemish Bond," each of which
was the style of laying brick walls in buildings
at different periods.
These styles may be better understood by the
following table, which shows the front in the dif-
ferent Bonds in brick walls : —
286
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
ENGLISH BOND.
This style consists of a course of stretchers and a course
of headers alternately, and was in use from 1647 to about
1723.
I I I I
I I I I
PROMISCUOUS BONDS.
The Promiscuous Bond consisted of a course of headers,
and from three to eight courses of stretchers, according to
the fancy of the builder, and was in use from about 1720
to 3770.
Mill
FLEMISH BOND.
The Flemish Bond is a header and stretcher laid alter-
nately in the same course, each course being laid alike, and
was in use from about 1770 to 1810.
I II II II II
~M M M M I
J I I I ' J I I L
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
287
TILE BOND.
Tile Bond every course alike at the surface, laying a tile
or eight-inch square brick in place of a header, in use from
about 1820 to 1855.
MODERN FLEMISH BOND.
The Modern Flemish Bond consists of a header and a
stretcher alternately in one course, and the next eight or
ten courses being wholly stretchers, when a header and
stretcher are again laid. This style has been in use since
about 1855.
II II II II 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
1 II"
1 1 1
II II-
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 . 1 II
1 1 1
The following table shows the style of bond and
the date of erecting the buildings named : —
ENGLISH BOND.
1647, Noah's Ark, corner North and Clark streets.
1679, Old Province House (Ordway Hall).
1680, Basement Old Feather Store, Dock Square.
288 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
1687, Old Reed Store, 'Change Avenue.
1712, Part of Old Town House, head of State Street.
1723, Christ Church, Salem Street.
PROMISCUOUS BOND.
1720 No. 6 Margaret St., Nos. 21-3 Richmond St.
to Nos. 21, 23-73 Charter St., Nos. 125-148 Prince
1770, Street.
FLEMISH BOND.
1773, Brattle Street Church.
1782, Old South Church.
1795, Old Part State House.
1804, Parkman Church.
1806, Lynde Street, Chambers Street, and Belknap Street
churches.
1809-10, Park Street and Baldwin Place churches.
TDLE, OR IRON BOND.
1822, Old Hancock Schoolhouse.
1824, Charles Street Church.
1826, Green Street Church.
1828, Bennet and Salem Street churches.
1835-6, Merrimac and Pitts Street churches.
1838, Streeter's Church.
1843,5, Canal Block and Maine Depot.
1848,9, New Hancock Schoolhouse, &c. &c.
MODERN FLEMISH BOND.
See buildings since 1855.
From the commencement of building brick
buildings in Boston to about the year 1710 to 1720,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 289
there seems, so far as can be known, to have been
but one style of laying bricks ; that style is called
the English Bond, and was laid so as to show on
the face a course of headers and a course of
stretchers laid alternately throughout the building.
Although several specimens of this bond are
shown in the table, yet I know of but two build-
ings now left standing entire, viz : the old Town
House, built in 1712, and partly destroyed by fire,
and rebuilt, preserving the same style, in 1745 ;
the other, Christ Church, in Salem Street, built
1723. A part of the walls only of the others in
the table are to be seen ; there were many to be
seen in North Street before the street was widened.
The Promiscuous Bond, which was in use from
about 1720 to 1770, consisting of a course of
headers and three, four, five, six, or seven course
of stretchers, are met with much more frequently
than the old English Bond, but yet the buildings
have a very aged appearance.
The Flemish Bond in use from about 1770 to
1810, are much more common, being seen in
nearly all the principal streets. The Tile, or Iron
Bond, from 1820 to 1850, came in use about
the time faced bricks were first manufactured.
This bond has the appearance of continued courses
of stretchers, the bond being formed by laying in a
flat piece of iron between the courses, which are
not seen on the outer surface or by the use of
25
290 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
square tiles, being the same as two bricks struck
together.
A building which was removed near the foot of
North Street, in the course of widening that street,
attracted much attention in consequence of having
circular openings through the outer walls, and by
some was thought to have been some military forti-
fication in former times. The building was but
eighteen by twenty-seven feet in size, three stories
high, and the walls but one foot thick, and seemed
much better adapted to use as a dwelling-house
than a fortification. The circular windows are no
bar to this opinion, as such may still be seen at
numerous churches and stores both of ancient and
modern date
DEACON PHILLIPS'S OLD STONE HOUSE.
The Old Stone House, which for more than two
centuries has nobly withstood the ravages of time,
has at length disappeared. It stood on the east
side of Cross Street, about half way between North
and Hanover streets, and when removed was one
of the oldest buildings in Boston.
By whom this venerable pile was erected is now
unknown, but old Deacon Phillips, of the Second
Church, dwelt within these strong walls many
years. Mr. Phillips died Dec. 22, 1682, at the
good old age of seventy-seven years, leaving his
lands and other worldly estate to his grandchildren,
making reservation for Sarah, " the wife of his old
age," and for his only daughter, Mary, the wife of
George Mountjoy, of Piscataqua.
The estate passed down in the possession of the
Mountjoys and other descendants of the deacon,
until it came to Edward Proctor and others. In
the year 1793, William Williams became the
owner, who sold it to Thomas Williams in 1810,
and Thomas sold it to John Sullivan in 1816, since
292 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
which time the history of the estate is well known.
The estate has been leased to Mr. John Cochran,
and by him underlet to various Irish families, for
more than thirty years.
When Goodman Phillips resided here, his neigh-
bor toward Middle Street was Mr. John Turell ;
on the north was George Burrill; he had no
neighbor on the east, his estate extending to Fish
Street by the sea.
A short time before Deacon Phillips died, he sold
from his estate a houselot just southeast of his
stone house, to Mr. Christopher Clarke, and other
portions of the estate have subsequently been sold
off on North Street.
Some of the owners of the Old Stone House in
more modern times have made an addition of a
third story, consisting mostly of brick, and also
changed the external appearance by covering
nearly the whole of it with boards, clapboards, and
shingles.
Credulous persons have been willing to believe
that the old mansion was once used as a prison,
and many have called it the Old Jail, but there is
no evidence that it was ever used for that purpose.
On the contrary, from the time of Deacon Phillips
down, nearly all the tenants are known. The
locality of the jail also, from early date, is shown
to have been in Prison Lane.
Although no evidence does exist that the Old
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 293
Stone House was ever used either as a jail or for-
tress, yet in raising such a formidable and costly
structure as this must have been for that day, it
would seem that the proprietor intended something
more than a mere dwelling-house. It will not be
forgotten that the early settlers of Boston, from the
commencement, in 1630, to the termination of King
Philip's war, in 1676, were in constant dread of
attacks from the French and Indians. So much
were the people in fear, that beacons, batteries,
and fortifications, were thrown up and maintained
for the protection of the colony.
The Indians, who generally made their depreda-
tions under cover of darkness by stealth, quietly
landing from their canoes, performing their mis-
sions of plunder and murder on private families,
and as quietly retiring, were the especial dread of
the inhabitants, long before the war of extermi-
nation was commenced with the Wampanoag
Indians. •
At the time of the erection of the Old Stone
House, it is quite probable that neighbors were not
so plenty as at subsequent periods ; the house was
also located near a convenient landing-place for a
hostile foe of the character most to be dreaded ;
and it may not be an improbable supposition, that
the construction of these strong walls was a result
growing out of these circumstances, although per-
haps never used for the purpose for which they
were in part originally fitted.
25*
294: POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
After the death of Mr. Elisha Goodnow, who
was owner of the estate for many years, it
was conveyed by his executor to the city of Boston
as a legacy in Mr. Goodnow's will ; and in the
month of April, 1864, the estate was sold at auc-
tion for the benefit of the city, and the Old Stone
House was removed, not leaving one stone upon
another.
The removal offered a good opportunity to ex-
amine the character and material of the original
building.
The Old Stone House at first consisted of two
wings of uniform size, joining each other and
forming a right angle. Each wing was forty feet
long, twenty feet wide, and two stories high, the
wings fronting the south and west. There was
one door in the end of each wing On the first
story, and a single circular window in the second
story over the doors ; there were also two circular
windows in each story of each wing in front, but
neither door nor window in either wing in the
rear. The foundation walls were four feet thick,
or more ; the walls above ground were two feet in
thickness, and built entirely of small quarried
stones unlike anything to be seen in this neighbor-
hood, and were probably brought as ballast from
some part of Europe. They were laid in clay
mortar throughout.
The timbers were of live oak, sixteen inches
square, and are in a good state of preservation.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 295
The upper story, which was added, was built of
English brick, and laid in lime mortar, and some
of the circular windows had also been filled with
the same material, new doors and windows having
been opened through the thick stone wall.
But the Old Stone House has disappeared, and
another of the very few ancient landmarks of old
Boston will be seen no more forever.
The stone which formed the walls of the Old
Stone House, of which there is a large quantity, is
being removed to form the underpinning of a new
Methodist Church on Saratoga Street, East Boston.
NOAH'S AKK.
This ancient building, which may now (1860)
be seen at the southwest corner of North and
Clark streets, claims to be a rival in antiquity
with the Old Feather Store in Dock Square, the
Old Deacon Phillips's Stone House in Cross Street,
and even the Old Hewes House in Washington
Street.
It is believed that this brick house, which for
many years was known as Noah's Ark, was built
in the year 1647, and if so, it has now been stand-
ing two hundred and thirteen years. It is quite
certain that it was built previous to 1650, and was
in possession of a widow as administratrix, her
husband having died in 1648, leaving her in care
of this estate and a family of five children ; and it
will be hardly supposed she would undertake to
build a house of this magnitude within two years
of her husband's death, and that, too, before the
estate was divided.
Again, the house was built by a way, of a rod
wide, which had not been fully completed, early
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 207
in 1646, Walter Merry being ordered to build his
part near the Battery, before the loth of May of
that year, nnder a penalty of twenty shillings.
The owner of this building improved a shipyard
on his estate in 1646, and was familiarly known
among his contemporaries as Captain Thomas
Hawkins. He was a man of wealth and enter-
prise, and an extensive shipbuilder and owner for
those days.
In 1643, Capt. Hawkins with one Captain Gib-
bons, fitted out four ships with sixty-eight men, for
the celebrated DeLatour expedition against D'Aul-
nay. The ships were the Seabridge, Philip, Mary
Increase, and Greyhound, which sailed from Long
Island, July 14, and it was said " that no ships
of like burden had gone out before."
In 1645, Captain Hawkins built the Seafort, a
beautiful ship of four hundred tons burden, and
himself went master in her to the coast of Spain,
where he was wrecked, losing part of his crew ;
he sold what was saved of the wreck to the Span-
iards, and returned home.
In 1646, Captain Hawkins once more visited
the coast of Spain, and was again cast away, but
escaped with his life, and returned home, where
he remained with his family during the year 1647,
at which time, it is believed, he built this brick
mansion-house, importing the bricks from London
in his own good ship the Greyhound.
298 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
1648. The restless spirit of Captain Hawkins
again carried him to sea this year, when he was
again cast away, and lost his life. (See Winthrop.
by Savage, voL 2, page 357.)
Captain Hawkins left a widow, Mary, four
daughters, and one son, viz : Elizabeth, Abigail,
Hannah, Sarah, and Thomas. Mary, the widow,
was married twice afterward, first to % Mr. Robert
Fenn, who died, and she again married Henry
Shrimpton. Elizabeth married first to Adam Win-
throp (who died) ; then to John Richards. Ab-
igail was married first to Thomas Kellond, and
again to John Foster. Hannah married Elisha
Flutchinson, and Sarah married James Allen.
Thomas is said to have come to an untimely end.
In 1645, " Edward Bendall granted to Captain
Thomas Hawkins, shipwright, a certain parcel of
land situated in Boston, the bounds thereof begin-
ning forty feet to the northward, from the lot
which was Mr. Robert Thompson's, and so by
Major Nehemiah Bourn's lot, running with a
straight line, according to Major Bourn's pales, run
from the seashore toward the east, and unto the
railes of Christopher Stanley towards the west, the
south side running nearly parallel to this." Dated
30, 11, 1645. (See Book-possessions, page 23.)
The above-described lot of land contained all the
territory now bounded by a line commencing at
the south end of Dr. Charles French's apothecary
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 299
shop, No. 367 Hanover Street, thence easterly, by
the south line of said shop across North Street,
through Mathews Block to the water on the
south, by Bartlett Street on the north, by Hanover
Street on the west, and by the water on the east.
North Street was then " the way of a rod in
breadth," from Gallop's point to the Battery. It
was afterward known as Fore Street, and changed
successively to " Ship Street," " Anne Street,"
" Ann Street," and " North Street."
Clark Street was an eleven feet passage-way left
between Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Richards in
1682, to accommodate Thomas Kellond, and it
was then known as " Kellond's Passage," then
" Shrimp ton's Passage," " Hawkins's Lane," " Fos-
ter's Lane," " Clark Lane," and " Clark Street."
Bartlett Street was opened at a later date, and
was first called " White Bread Alley," from a
bakery located there.
As has been shown, Captain Hawkins probably
built his brick house in 1647, and his widow is
found in possession in 1650. On the 12th day
of April 1650, the selectmen ordered that the
way of a rod in breadth, formerly granted, from
Gallop's Point to the Battery (by the water side),
being intercepted by widow Hawkins, her brick
house, it shall turn up from the water side through
Mrs. Hawkins, her garden, and so by Mr. Win-
throp's house, between Major Bourn's house and
300 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
his garden, before Mr. Holyhoke's to the Battery."
(See Town Records, vol. 1, page 89.)
The way did so turn up, and the western line
" of the way" of the part that turned up, and the
east wall of Mrs. Hawkins's house was within ten
feet of said way. (See Fleet's plan, drawn in
1663, on which this brick house is designated.)
Mr. Fleet's plan of the premises was found among
papers of the late James Ivers, formerly warden
of King's Chapel, among other old papers that
came into his possession from early proprietors of
the Hawkins estate.
It is probable that this " turn up of the way,"
as ordered by the selectmen, was in part for the
accommodation of Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Bourn, and
Mr. Holyhoke's houses, which were built just
below, but stood a little further west than Mr.
Hawkins's house. It is believed that a part of Mr.
Winthrop's house is still standing in the rear of
344 North Street.
1653. Mary Fenn, formerly widow of Captain
Thomas Hawkins, and his administratrix, returns
an inventory of her late husband's estate, including
" the brick house and lands in Boston, and asking
for a division of the estate ; which request was
granted in 1654, she receiving for her share the
house and lands in Boston." (See Probate Records,
vol. 3, page 101.)
1655, April 9. John Aylet conveys by mort-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 301
gage to William Hudson, vintner, " all that house
and wharf belonging to the same, which is com-
monly called or known by the name or sign of
Noalis Ark, situated, lying and being, at the
north part of Boston, late the inheritance of Cap-
tain Thomas Hawkins, but now in possession (or
occupancy) of John Viall." (See Reg. Deeds, vol.
2, page 244.) There must have been a convey-
ance of this estate by Mrs. Fenn to John Aylet,
between the years 1653 and 1655, but as no
record is found, however, the identification is beyond
dispute. Thus, as early as 1655, the brick house
of Captain Hawkins is occupied by John Viall,
who kept an ordinary, or inn, as it was known by
the name of Noah's Ark.
In early times, places of business were known
by the peculiarity of signs, rather than by numbers
of the street. In this case, the proprietor had
placed over his door for a sign, the model of a
ship ; but people said the model looked more like
an old ark than a ship ; hence the name. This
was still occupied as a noted cake and beer saloon,
and known as the Ark or Ship Tavern within the
memory of some now living.
1656, May 6. William Hudson conveyed by
mortgage his interest in the " Noah's Ark " estate,
to William Phillips, described in the mortgage of
Aylet to Hudson, which was not redeemed. (See
Reg. Deeds, vol. 2, page 289.)
26
302 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
1657, June 1. William Hudson, holding a right
by Aylet's forfeiture, in conjunction with William
Phillips, who held the mortgage from Hudson,
conveyed by Deed to Mary Fenn, " All that gar-
den, dwelling-house, and wharf, commonly known
by the name or sign of Noah's Ark, formerly
the inheritance of Captain Thomas Hawkins, since
of John Aylet of Boston, by him mortgaged to
William Hudson, and by him to William Phillips."
(See Reg. Deeds, vol. 3, page 86.)
1657, July 1. Mary Fenn conveyed by deed
to George Mountjoy (Mariner,) " All that parcel
of land situated in Boston, butting on the sea on
the east, by Alexander Adams on the west, and by
land of said Mary on the south, and on the south,
being at the water side forty-three feet in breadth,
and at the upper end above the highway thirty-five
feet, and, in length from the water side to the land
of Alexander Adams, on the west, with the dwell-
ing-house thereon, commonly called or known by
the name of Noalis Ark." (See Reg. Deeds, vol.
3, page 88.)
This is the first division of the Hawkins estate
found on the records, in which the bounds of the
house lot is well defined.
1663, July 24. George Mountjoy conveyed by
deed to John Viall (vintner), " All that mes-
suage, dwelling-house, garden, and wharf com-
monly called or known by the name or sign of
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 303
Noatis Ark, bounded by the sea forty-three feet,
at the upper end above the highway thirty-five feet,
and extending from the sea to Alexander Adams
on the west." (See Reg. Deeds, vol. 4, page 272.)
1682, May 19, in deed of Elisha Hutchinson to
John Richards, the brick house of John Viall is
mentioned as one of the boundary lines to an ad-
joining estate. (See Reg. Deeds vol. 12, page 185.)
1688, July 17. John Viall mortgaged to Abigail
Kellond"All his tenement at the north part of
Boston called Ship Tavern, bounded North by
building yard formerly of Thomas Hawkins, now
of John Richards, south by land of Abigail Kel-
lond, east by the sea, west by land of Abigail
Kellond, measuring in breadth at the sea forty-three
feet, at the upper end above the highway, thirty-five
feet &c." (See Reg. Deeds, vol. 15, page 30.)
1695. John Viall conveys by mortgage to John
Foster and wife, " All his tenement at the north
part of Boston called the Ship Tavern (bounded
and described as heretofore), and being in breadth
forty-three feet at the sea, at the upper end above
the highway thirty-five feet, &c." (See Reg. Deeds,
vol. 17, page 148.)
1713, May 14. John Viall and wife conveyed
to Thomas Hutchinson (the governor's father) by
deed, as follows : " This indenture, made the 14th
day of May, Anno Domini, 1713, in the 12th year
of our Sovereign Lady Anne of Great Britain,
304 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
France, and Scotland, Defender of the Faith, be-
tween John Viall of Boston, within the county of
Suffolk and Province of Massachusetts Bay in New
England, Taverner, and Mary his wife on the one
part, and Thomas Hutchinson of Boston, aforesaid
merchant, on the other part. That the said John
Viall, for divers reasons him thereto moving, and
more especially for the sum of nine hundred and fifty
founds of lawful money to him paid, conveys (&c.)
All that certain messuage or tenement commonly
called or known by the name of the Ship Tavern ,
heretofore as Noah's Ark, containing a large brick
dwelling-house (&c. Sec.) , lying at the north part
of Boston, a part above and a part below the high-
way or street called Ship Street, and bounded
west by land of Thomas Hutchinson, formerly
Alexander Adams, thirty-five feet extending east-
erly across the street, being forty-three feet in
breadth at the water side. (See Reg. Deeds, vol.
34, page 80.)
1714. Thomas Hutchinson had a permit from
the selectmen, to build a dwelling-house on that
part of the John Viall estate formerly occupied by
him as a brewhouse. This old brewhouse was
the one in which Mr. John Viall brewed his beer,
which was then of world-wide reputation. (See
Town' Eecords, vol. 2, page 280.) Matthews'
Block at the corner of North and Clark Street, now
covers the ground where the old brewhouse stood,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 305
the new building having been erected in 1853.
It was burnt down and again built in 1861. The
dock had been filled in, and that part of Clark
Street was opened in 1714. The building below
Clark Street was never known as Noah's Ark, as
some have supposed.
1739, Oct. 10. "In the 13th year of King
George III., Thomas Hutchinson (father of the
Governor) made his will, dividing his large estate
between his two sons, Thomas and Foster, and
four daughters. Sarah Welsteed, wife of Rev.
William Welsteed ; Abigail Davenport, widow ;
Hannah Mather, wife of Rev. Samuel Mather, and
Lydia Rogers, giving his wife Sarah the income of
most of his real estate during her life. In this
will is found the following —
" Item. I give and devise to my daughter Han-
nah Mather, wife of Rev. Samuel Mather, her
heirs forever, my brick house and land in Ship
Street, which is now rented to Thomas Warbeat
and Thomas Power, the income whereof I have
given to my wife during her natural life. (See
Reg. Probate, vol. 34, page 261.)
Mr. Hutchinson owned the brick house called
the Ship Tavern, and from the wording in the will
" my brick house," it would appear that he owned
no other of that description. Warbeat and Power
also occupied the Ship Tavern.
1785, May 24. Rev. Samuel Mather makes his
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306 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
will, in which he makes mention of his wife Han-
nah, his three daughters, Elizabeth Mather, Sarah
Shaw, and Hannah Crocker, his little granddaugh-
ter Hannah Mather Crocker, and a son in England,
who appears to be disfranchised (probably in con-
sequence of Revolutionary troubles). (See Reg.
Probate, vol. 84, page 235.) This reference is
important only in showing the heirs of Hannah
Mather, who are interested afterward in the brick
house in Ship Street, given them by their grand-
father, Thomas Hutchinson.
1788, March 22. Elizabeth Mather, single
woman, makes her will, in which she bequeaths to
her sister, Hannah Crocker, wife of Joseph Crock-
er, " All my right, title, and interest, in all the
property, real and personal, which I have received
from my father, Rev. Samuel Mather, my mother,
Hannah Mather, my aunt Sarah Welsteed, and my
cousins Nathaniel and Sarah Rogers, all late de-
ceased. (See Reg. Probate, vol. 87, page 221.)
This will included her share of the brick house
in Ship Street. It is said that the other sister,
Sarah Shaw, died without issue, and her share of
her grandfather's gift, reverted to the surviving
heirs of her mother, Hannah Mather, the son
being in England and disfranchised. By Eliz-
abeth's will, Hannah Crocker became the sole
owner of the estate called the Ship Tavern.
1794, Dec. 9. Hannah Crocker (widow) con-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 307
veys by deed to Benjamin James (brewer), " AH
that dwelling-hou&e and land thereto belonging,
situated in the north part of Boston at the corner
of Ship and Clark streets, so called, and bounded
as follows : From Ship Street, thence running
west on Clark Street, eighty-two feet; thence
southerly on land of Messrs. Dolbeare & Lavis,
forty-six feet four inches ; thence easterly on land
of Mr. Tate fifty feet ; thence northerly by Tate's
land, two feet four inches ; thence easterly on said
Tate's land, forty-five feet six inches to Ship
Street; thence on Ship Street to the first-men-
tioned bound." (See Reg. Deeds, vol. 189, page 2.)
This conveyance includes more than the original
Noah's Ark estate above the street. That estate
and much more of the adjoining land, it will be
recollected, formerly belonged to Thomas Hutchin-
son; since his purchase of John Viall, in 1713,
all the territory mentioned in this deed was
undoubtedly included in his bequest to his daugh-
ter Hannah and her heirs in 1739.
From the date of Benjamin James's purchase of
the Noah's Ark estate of Hannah Crocker, in the
year 1794, to the present time, 1860, it has been
in possession of him and his heirs, being now in
care of John W. James, Esq., of this city, who is a
son of Benjamin, and joint heir to the estate.
This estate, which is now known as the James
Estate, was for many years a keepsake in the
308 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
family of Hannah Crocker, as a gift from their
Grandfather Hutchinson, and many interesting
incidents connected with the place were communi-
cated by her to persons now living. The Old
House is still standing. It was at first but two
stories high, the additional story having been built
by Mr. James. It was built of the large English
brick, with shell and clay mortar, and the bricks
were laid in the old English Bond style, the first
style of laying brick walls in New England. The 1
house had Lutheran attic windows, deep project-
ing eaving, low-arched wall windows with sliding
sash, triangular flooring timbers, and finished in
the heavy style of the times when it was built,
although the interior has undergone repeated
alterations, yet the walls probably preserve nearly
their original appearance.
The original building was thirty-two feet front,
4£ on the way of a rod in breadth," now North
Street, and twenty-eight feet wide on Clark Street;
but in widening North Street in 1855, a part of
the first wall was removed. Before widening the
street a large crack was to be seen in the front
wall, which — tradition handed down from John
Viall through Hannah Crocker, says — was caused
by an " earthquake in 1663, which made all New
England tremble." Mr. Viall occupied the house,
and history records the event of the earthquake
that year. Mrs. Crocker used to say, that her
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 309
grandfather Hutchinson spoke of a casket of
papers, that was said to be placed under the
corner-stone of this house when built. If so, they
would no doubt be extremely interesting at this
day ; but I never could learn that any such papers
were ever found.
Mr. Samuel Yendell and Mr. John Childs, highly-
respectable citizens, and always residents of the
North End, the former ninety-one and the latter
about eighty years of age, say that Noah's Ark is
among their earliest recollections. Mr. Yendell
remembers this house eighty-five years distinctly,
and says it is the same, and looked as old then as
now.
Although many generations of men have passed
away, and change has placed its mark on all sur-
rounding objects since Noah's Ark first rested on
Boston soil, yet the venerable relic still remains a
monument of olden time, and its identity is beyond
dispute.
There is something deeply interesting associated
in the memory of these old houses ; they were the
homes of our ancestors, and that thought alone
makes them sacred. They are mouldering links
that connect us wim the past. Our fathers, —
where are they? Their memory, even, is fast
fading away.
I have been thus particular in tracing the
records of this old building, because there are
310
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
several others, for each of which it is claimed that
it is the oldest in the city. This brick house,
with the peculiar name by which it was so early
and so long known, affords facilities for tracing its
identity enjoyed by none other ; and I think I have
shown beyond question that Noah's Ark was built
in the year 1647, seventeen years after the settle-
ment of Boston. Show me a building in Boston
built earlier.
A STAMPEDE.
In the month of October, 1855, rumors were in
circulation that in the witching hour of night,
something was to be seen, somewhere. Young men
and middle aged, old men and gray, knownoth-
ings and knowsome things, were on tiptoe. The
countenances of some wore a broad grin ; that of
others indicated anxiety and caution. Some, who
seemed to rank with the knowing ones, were ob-
served with thumb to nose, the digits of the same
hand performing certain ominous gyrations ; and
some even were overheard to utter the unintelligi-
ble word Moakus.
Geevus, who had both an eye and ear to busi-
ness, and is ever ready for the chances, in this
case was not idle, and one of them, a little more
curious than the rest, was out several nights pros-
pecting, and with a little strategy and disguise, he
had the good fortune to see and hear even more
than he had anticipated. In consequence, arrange-
ments were made for a reconnoissance in force the
next Saturday night.
312 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Well, the next Saturday night came, and with
it a most powerful rain-storm, the water pouring
down in torrents, which, however, only tended to
favor the design of the expedition.
About nine o'clock on the aforesaid Saturday
evening, just as the church bells were chiming the
hour, a figure closely wrapped in a dark cloak,
who had for^i short time occupied a deep door-
way, noiselessly and unobserved mingled with a
crowd of some dozen young gentlemen as they
came round the corner of Cooper and North Mar-
gin streets. The party were from a highly-re-
spectable public house up-town, and evidently on
an errand of some interest, but seemed to care very
little to attract particular notice.
The whole party hurried noiselessly down North
Margin Street a few rods, when all hands disap-
peared round a corner down a dark alley, which
was entered by a flight of old wooden steps.
Rap, rap, rap, sounded the knuckles of some
one of the party on a rickety old door, the first on
the right. Up came a window in the second story,
and out popped a woolly head, just discernible
from below, that seemed of itself to make darkness
visible.
" Wlwse dar ? " said a gruff, ^female voice.
" Moakiis" said one of the party below.
" Yah, yah, yah," said the voice, " dat you — dot
you. Jus stop dar one minute — I'ze dar jus one
minute ; " and down went the window again.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 313
In a few moments the portals of the establish-
ment, which were secured with a large wooden
wedge, were thrown open, and the whole party
entered. Inside the darkness was intense ; but
the guide that opened the door piloted the party
up the winding stairway, till all arrived safely in
the reception-room on the third floor.
" Dis way — dis way, gemmen ; dis de 'ception-
room. Walk right in — done be 'fraid; walk
right in ; " and in they all hustled.
The room was a large, square one, neither
ceiled or plastered, with little furniture, lighted
with two old oil lamps, and looked about as dark
as the proprietor.
" Gemmen, all in — all in," said the proprietor,
14 dat 's right — dat's right ; " and taking the hat
of one, she began collecting the admission fee.
"Only quarter dollar, gemmen — jest quarter
apiece. Put it right in de hat — dat's right, put it
right in de hat ; " and the gents shelled out their
quarters without hesitation.
When this operation was in progress; the figure
in the cloak, which had attracted no attention, slid
quietly out the door, down the stairway, and un-
bolted the outside door (which had been carefully
fastened after the party entered), passed outside
and took a convenient position for further obser-
vation.
As the figure in the cloak passed out of the
establishment, two other portly individuals, who
27
314 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
seemed to be in waiting, stepped in and passed
quietly up the stairway into the reception-room,
without attracting notice, the company inside being
too intent on witnessing the exhibition to trouble
themselves about external circumstances.
When the performance was well in progress,
the countenances of the whole party having been
well observed, a tremendous foot-stamp on the
floor attracted the attention of all present, and
mantles falling from the shoulders of the two indi-
viduals revealed the forms of two stalwart fellows
dressed in blue frock coat and bright buttons,
standing in their midst, one of whom proclaimed,
in a plain, clear voice, that the performance of the
evening was now closed.
A clap of thunder in a clear sky, or the ghost
of Hamlet's father in corduroys, would hardly
have produced a greater surprise on our little
party of sportsmen. For a moment silence reigned
supreme ; and then commenced a retreat, a stam-
pede, — and such a stampede as is rarely wit-
nessed. Such a scratching, snatching, scrabbling,
puffing, hunching, punching, rolling, jumping,
tumbling, " Such a getting down stairs," and out
of doors and windows, never entered into the
fruitful imagination of the author of " Paradise
Lost."
Those who were the innocent cause of this tre-
mendous fright, stood looking calmly on until the
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 315
last coat-tail had snapped round the corner, and
the sound of retreating footsteps was lost in the
distance, and then two very sable individuals were
carefully conveyed to the Lockup.
GIVING A DESCRIPTION.
One of the greatest perplexities*encountered by
the Detective Police Officer, arises in consequence
of the vague and erroneous description given of
persons who it is desirable to find. Descriptions
are often given, that are no more like the persons
intended, than Cleopatra was like an Orang Outang,
or the great#American traveller is like the celebrated
Big Dick.
Descriptions are not unfrequently given by dif-
ferent individuals, of some intimate missing friend,
so different from each other, as to cause delays and
mistakes enough to provoke the most cool and self-
possessed officer. In fact, it is but too well under-
stood by every detective, that he will hardly find
two persons that will describe the figure of a
stranger alike, although seen at the same time,
and under the same circumstances.
My own observation leads me to believe that but
comparatively few persons can give a good general
description of others, unless led to make observa-
tions for that purpose by occupation or profession ;
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 317
and then, when an officer once gets a good de-
scription, the difficulty of picking up your man
among the tens of thousands of persons that throng
the streets is no easy matter, even if you have the
good fortune to get in sight of the right one.
I recollect one time of being sent out by my su-
perior officer, to hunt up a pickpocket ; a general
description was given of him, which would answer
for half the men in the streets, but the mark that
was to fix the fellow, was a round top gray cap, a
very uncommon article, it was said.
I started out, with all the confidence I could
summons, to find that gray cap, with the roguer
under it; but before I had proceeded half the
length of Hanover Street, I was completely dis-
couraged, and I soon returned to the Office, ready
to swear on a stack of Bibles, that, of all the men I
met, one in every ten wore that same style of cap.
But to the Descriptions. I recollect a case which,-
although literally true, may yet be thought a rather
tall illustration of my subject. One day in the
summer of 1862, there came a tall, careworn-look-
ing lady into the Office where I was in charge,
and proceeding cautiously up to my desk, asked in
a loud whisper' if I was the man. I quietly nodded
assent, and she took a seat at my elbow ; and after
carefully adjusting the folds of her dress and bon-
net strings, she remarked that she had called on
very important business, and desired the strictest
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318
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
secrecy. After being assured that her confidence
would not be betrayed, she proceeded.
" Well, sir," said she, " I have lost my son ; "
and she covered her face with a clean white hand-
kerchief.
"Indeed, madam," said I, at once touched by
the apparent depth of her grief. " Pray, madam,
what were the circumstances attending his death?"
" Dead ! " said she, springing to her feet, " you
don t tell me he is dead."
" Oh no, no, madam," said I, " but I understood
you to say you had lost a son."
" Well, so I have," said she, resuming her seat ;
" but he aint dead ; I should feel better, though, to
follow him to his grave, than to have him run
away, as he has, and leave his poor heart-broken
mother. Oh dear, dear ! for one so young and so
tender to be sacrificed so soon ! "
• " Well, madam," said I, " what can I do for
you?"
" Oh, sir, you can take his description, and hunt
him up for me. They told me if I left his descrip-
tion, you would surely get him for me. He is
surely in some recruiting office."
" Well, madam, give me the description," said
I, " and we will try. What is his name 1 "
" Timothy Browning," said she. " But he en-
listed by another name."
"How old V
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 319
" Fourteen."
« How tall ? "
" Eight feet five inches" said she.
" Eight feet five," said I. "Do n't you mean
five feet eight inches, and that would be extremely
tall of his age."
" Do you think I don't know my own son better
than a stranger ? " said she, apparently a little
vexed.
" Certainly, certainly, madam," said I. " Well,
fourteen years old, eight feet five inches high.
What complexion ? n
" Light hair and black eyes.
" Rather uncommon," said I. Well, is he slim?"
" No, he is thick-set and full face, and he wears
a No. 9 Boot, a cap, and gray coat and pants,"
said she. " But he is not dressed so now, for he
was seen coming out of the Recruiting Office yes-
terday with some other boys about his size, and
dressed in military uniform."
" Any other peculiarity? " said I.
" That's all," replied the lady.
" Well, let us see if I have it correct," I said.
"Missing Timothy Browning, (has taken
some other name,) age fourteen, eight feet Hve
inches high, thick-set, full face ; was seen coming
out of a recruiting office yesterday in military
uniform, with several other boys about his size ;
wore a No. 9 Boot."
320
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" That 's correct," said the lady. Any one would
know him by that description." I thought so too,
and I promised her my best efforts ; but I never
found him.
TOUGH CUSTOMERS.
During my police life I have had many thou-
sands of persons in my custody, the books at Sta-
tion No. One alone showing a record of some sixty
thousand names, during the seven years I had
charge there ; and it may readily be supposed that
among so large a number, we found some very
tough customers. Tough they were, many of them,
and I know no reason why they might not be
called customers, for they have done a good deal of
business in our line, — called often at our place of
business, and we furnished them with a good deal
of what they very much deserved. Among the
many I will name a few.
One day an officer found a man lying insensible
in Haverhill Street, procured a carriage and
brought him to the Station House, apparently in a
dying condition. A physician was immediately
sent for, who at once commenced applying restor-
atives. First, he let a stream of cold water fall
some distance upon his temples ; no movement
was produced. Next, he applied a sponge sat-
322 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
urated with hartshorn to his nostrils ; not a muscle
was seen to stir. The doctor looked puzzled, but
after carefully feeling his pulse, he said there was
life, and he would try the lancet. Accordingly he
drew forth a sharp-pointed instrument, and open-
ing a vein, the red fluid flowed quite freely.
At this stage of the proceedings the dying man
sprang to his feet, and swore with a terrible oath
that he would stand this nonsense no longer, and
he pitched into the kind-hearted doctor right and
left.
He said, he did n't care a fig for the water, or
the smelling-drops ; but when they came to butch-
er a fellow in the cellar of a watch-house, it was
more than he could stand, and he believed the
rascals would soon had the knife in his throat,
and he would have been a dead carcase in the
medical college.
The fellow was hurried into a cell for the safety
of the doctor. After being there a few moments,
he very calmly requested to be let out, that he
might give the doctor what he deserved ; and, said
he, " If I am not let out immediately, I '11 be shot
if I come out till I get ready."
He came very near being as good as his word,
for we did not get rid of him for two days, in
which time he neither ate nor drank, and then he
was only taken off by force, on virtue of a warrant
charging him with being a vagabond.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 323
Dick O'Brien was not one of the very worst of
roughs, if you could catch him sober. Some one
has said, " when wine is in, wit is out." If he had
said, " when Medford rum is in, Dick is a quarrel-
some blackguard," it would apply better to his case.
Dick had taken lessons in the manly art, and by
some means had acquired the title of " The Irish
Pet," of which name he was very proud, and allu-
sions to it in a tone of disrespect has caused more
than one row in North Street. Sometimes, too,
when Dick had indulged pretty freely in his favor-
ite beverage, without any provocation, he was in-
clined to indulge in his favorite sport, to the great
annoyance of all peaceably disposed persons.
One evening in September, 1855, the Pet had
been tasting rather heavily, and getting a little
out of sorts because he could not get more without
money, he posted himself at the corner of Rich-
mond and North streets, evidently intent on mis-
chief;, and by way of opening the ball, he at first
selected a young darkey who came up street, and
gave him a tremendous punch in the head. The
blow was a severe one, but the darkey seemed to
think it all a joke, and went off grinning, while
Dick stood rubbing his knuckles with pain.
Dick's next attempt was on a country looking
chap, who came round the corner, who, when he
saw Dick's well-aimed blow nearing his knowledge-
box, just threw up his arm, and Dick's fist passed
324 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
harmlessly by ; but at the same time he laid his
open hand on Dick's cheek with such force, that
his heels were noticed high in the air.
When Dick regained his feet, the countryman
was nowhere to be seen, and Dick went back to
his corner swearing vengeance against all mankind
in general, and any that might approach him in
particular. In a few moments after Dick had
again taken his position, peaceable and unsuspect-
ing John Bigney came along, and caught a terrible
blow from Dick's fist, which laid him senseless in
the street with a broken shoulder, and a stranger
who hastened up to see what was the matter, got
a sidewinder, which only left life enough in him to
cry watch, and the cry being repeated by several
others in the neighborhood, soon brought up two
of the guardians.
Dick was too proud to run, and too well-garri-
soned to be taken without a siege ; but he was
eventually obliged to surrender in disgrace, and
carried into the enemy's camp minus every rag of
regimentals.
Next day Dick was sent to the House of Correc-
tion one year, for a felonious assault.
One evening a little old colored woman came
into the Station House, and very politely asked for
a night's lodging. On being questioned in relation
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 325
to her name, age, and residence, she said she was
a citizen of the world, was nine hundred and
eighty years old, and her name was Kill Time.
She was evidently old and tough, but very
smart and lively, and was neither drunk nor crazy ;
so she was taken at her word, and the record made
on the books. After being furnished with some
bread and cheese, she took her lodging-room in the
basement, for which she expressed her thanks, and
seemed to enjoy herself remarkably well.
When she turned out next morning, she was as
bright and as chipper as a school girl, and when
about leaving the house was again asked her age.
" Nine hundred and eighty," said she.
" And what is your right name 1 " said one of
the officers.
" Kill Time" sir, was the reply ; and she de-
parted with a low courtesy.
Early one morning in the month of December,
1855, one of the officers heard the cry of " watch,"
apparently in a stifled voice, emanating from a
yard in rear of a lodging-house on Union Street,
and hastened in that direction. On reaching the
spot, the officer found the cry came from the lungs
of one John Diver, a big lump of a drunken loafer,
28
326 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
who had come over from Cambridge the night pre-
vious, and whose head held more rum than brains.
John had taken lodging in the house at a late
hour, and after retiring, " the spirits " or some
other power, suggested to him that he was in a
very bad locality, and dangerous withal ; and, to
add a peculiar interest to the case, John imagined
• he saw myriads of hideous monsters, who, with
enormous horns, protruding eyeballs, and extended
jaws, were about to put an end to his corporeal
identity, uncooked and unseasoned.
John at once resolved not to surrender without
an effort, and following up his resolution, he per-
formed some feats that highly illustrated his name,
and which would have done honor to the veritable
Sam Patch himself, although Sam, very unlike
John, always kept right end up.
At first, John dove out of bed, — then, down two
flight of stairs, — then, through a glass window in
the upper part of a door into the street, — next,
through the panel of a gate into the back yard,
every jump head foremost ; and, last of all, he
jumped his head into a swill barrel, where the
officer found him kicking and struggling with all
his might to make further headway.
Why John had not beat out what brains he had
left is more than can be well accounted for, yet he
was not materially injured. When rescued by the
officer, he entertained the idea that he had barely
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 327
managed to escape from Purgator^, and walked
off to the Station House with his new guide with
a very good grace.
One evening a neighboring shopman came rush-
ing into the Station House in breathless haste,
demanding the immediate assistance of an officer,
saying that a terrible customer had just entered his
store with a loaded pistol in hand, and threatened
to shoot every one within his reach. Said he,
" myself and clerk have barely escaped with our
lives."
An officer was on the way at once, and soon re-
turned with the would-be assassin in custody,
closely followed by the affrighted shopman and
several neighbors.
The desperado was a little drunk, but not turbu-
lent, and submitted to be searched without a
murmur. After carefully examining his pockets,
the officer drew from the one under the left arm,
the supposed deadly weapon. As it came in sight
a shudder seemed to run through the crowd of by-
standers, and the shopman exclaimed, " That's it;
look out, it 's loaded ! "
On examination, however, the weapon proved to
be but a sweet potato, about the size and some-
thing in the form of a small pocket-pistol, but cer-
tainly possessing none of its deadly qualities. The
328 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
rascal of a prisoner stood grinning as we examined
the weapon, and when I turned to speak to the
shopman, he had gone, and his friends were retir-
ing one by one.
I have in my mind a pair, one of each sex, who
dwelt together for some years, who would not
suffer in comparison with the toughest set I ever
saw, especially the female specimen, for she was
the tougher of the two.
It was shortly after the great Police Descent in
Ann Street, and a large number of the same class
hsidi fled from the wrath in that street, and taken up
quarters at North End block. There were at this
time some fifty rooms in this block, occupied by as
many different families, if you could call them
such, and they were made up of the very toughest
class of human beings I ever met. Add to this the
numerous roughs visiting every night from other
localities, and the crews of two men-of-war's men,
whose vessels lay in the harbor, and who were not
slow in prospecting about this locality, and it made
up one of the most interesting little colonies ever
known in the puritan city of Boston.
Well, Shoddy, as he was called, and Mary Lovi-
na, were perfectly. at home here, especially as far
as rum and fight was in the play ; and it was said
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 329
that when outsiders were a little scarce, Shoddy
and Lovina would occasionally get up a brush be-
tween themselves, just to keep the hand in.
In these family exercises, the drunker of the
two generally got the worst of it, although they
contrived to keep the account along about even.
In fact, the pair were so troublesome, that, strange
as it may seem, they really annoyed the neighbor-
hood, bad as it was, and it became necessary to
make an example of both Shoddy and his wife.
One night two of us went down with Constable
Stratton, who was armed with a warrant to make
the arrest. We went to Shoddy's room and made
known our errand, and both he and the wife being
somewhat accustomed to similar visits, took it all
as a matter of course, and although both were
pretty drunk, they immediately began to prepare.
Mary Lovina, during her preparation, stepped into
a small side-room. While thus engaged, all at
once Shoddy cried out, " She 's gone," his eyes
sticking out most wonderfully as he gazed at an
open window that led from the side-room down
into the street. I looked just in time to see Mary
Lovina's hands slip from the window-sill. I
sprang to the window, but she had gone, sure
enough, out of the window down to the sidewalk,
a distance of twenty-two feet, having fallen partly
into an open cellar-way, her body lying across the
sharp edge of the cap timber, partly on the side-
28*
330 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
walk and partly down the stairway, and appar-
ently a lifeless corpse.
We hurried down as quickly as possible, took her
up and carried her into the house for dead ; but
on feeling her pulse it was found she still had life.
A physician was sent for, and after a while she
began to revive, and, strange to say, not a bone
had been broken. She finally so far recovered,
that, at the physician's suggestion, she was con-
veyed to the hospital at South Boston, although it
was supposed that she had received internal inju-
ries, indicated by volumes of blood from the mouth,
and could not live. But Lovina did live, and in
about ten days so far recovered as to be brought
over to the Police Court, and sentenced to the
House of Correction six months for common
drunkenness.
Lovina was placed under the kind care of Cap-
tain Robbins, and took her post among his pupils ;
but before ten days had elapsed she had eluded
the eye of her overseer*, crawled over a board fence
ten feet high, and made her escape, — after which
I heard no more of Shoddy or Mary Lovina for
some years.
However, in the year 1858, some six years after,
the pair turned up again in an alley-way leading
out of Friend Street, as purely Shoddy and Mary
Lovina as ever, and at their old tricks, — getting
drunk and pummelling each other as in former
days.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 331
But poor human nature cannot always bear up
against the storms of adversity, and Lovina, getting
a little tired of life, one day went down to the
Boston and Maine railroad wharf and jumped over-
board. She was so ugly she could not sink, but
floated off upon the water as buoyant as an old
bonnet. She was picked up by a boatman and set
ashore, swearing vengeance upon the poor boat-
man and her ill luck, and steaming up the wharf
in a paroxysm of rage. I have never seen her
since, but, in her prime, I think she stood at the
head of her class.
John Brown, unlike him of song, was a character
of very little note, were it not for his big burly
head and ill temper. John was a rough, however,
of considerable muscular power, and was always
to be found at a cock or dog fight, or a bar-room
brawl, and he not only dealt out many hard
knocks, but now and then he managed to get one
himself.
One evening John kicked up a row in the pit at
the National Theatre, and got put out. He imme-
diately made his way up to the third circle, and
demanded admittance there. Just at that time I
was passing the theatre, and thought I would step
up and see if there were any new faces among the
profession , as there were usually a good delegation
332 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
of that class to be found in the third circle. As I
came up the stairs to the door, John was making
preparation to pitch into the doorkeeper for refus-
ing to admit him without a ticket, and seeing there
was likely to be trouble if John remained, I turned
my back to him (he had not noticed me), and
taking a good hold with each hand on the bottom
of each leg of his pantaloons I started down stairs.
From indications behind me, I came to the conclu-
sion that John's underpinning had given way, and
that he was playing the part of a boy coasting belly
bump, only he was " advancing backwards " at a tre-
mendous speed ; however, I kept steadily on, with-
out once relinquishing my hold of the pants, down
one flight of stairs, and then another, till I fairly
reached the sidewalk, when I suddenly released
my hold, sprang across the street to the opposite
sidewalk, and turnedlround to see the result, leaving
John sprawling, face downward, looking very much
like a frog on dry land in hot sunshine. The
officer in the lower part of the theatre, who had
put John out of the pit, hearing the racket, ran
out upon the sidewalk to see what was the matter,
and reached the spot where John had lain just as
he had regained his feet. John, supposing poor
Geevus (who was the first man he saw) to be the
cause of all his trouble, pitched into him and made
the claret fly at short notice. Geevus, who was
not a cripple, returned the compliment in fine
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 333
style, and with the butt end of a heavy cane he
floored poor John instanter, and with help ready at
hand lugged him off to the Station House. I fol-
lowed on to see* bow matters progressed, but
nothing further interesting coming up, I quietly
went my way, and next day I saw in the papers
that John was sent to the House of Correction six
months for an assault on an officer in the discharge
of his duty.
THE OLD ELM ON THE COMMON.
This venerable representative of olden time,
which has lived to witness the rise and fall of
empires ; the birth, progress, and decay of nations ;
which has withstood the fury of the storm and the
ravages of time for many generations " still lives."
Its widely extended roots still grapple with mother
earth, in all the tenacity and vigor of manhood.
Its massive trunk, supported by iron strengthening-
bands, still stands firm and erect, and its numerous
branches, with here and there the stump of an
amputated arm, are still stretched forth toward
heaven, as if in supplication to the Father of Life,
and in veneration of the handiwork of the great
Creator.
Although the old tree bears unmistakable marks
of great age, yet the exact date of its origin is now
unknown. In the year 1854, Dr. Smith, then
Mayor of Boston, caused a fence to be erected,
enclosing and protecting the Old Elm.
This fence is of octagon form, made of cast iron,
and is one hundred and twenty feet in circumfer-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 335
ence, although it falls far short of enclosing the
area shadowed by the branches of the tiee. On
the iron gate at the entrance of the enclosure, is a
tablet containing a short history of the tree, in
raised letters, as follows : —
« ^ftr — >»,
THE OLD ELM.
This Tree has been standing
here for an unknown period. it is
believed to have existed before the
settlement of boston, being fully
grown in 1722, exhibited marks of old
age in 1792, and was nearly destroyed
by a storm in 1832. protected by an
iron enclosure in 1854.
J. V. C. SMITH, Mayor.
Although the foregoing account of the supposed
age of the tree is entitled to great credit, yet the
Hancock family, who have always had a deep in-
terest in its history, have a tradition that differ?
somewhat from that upon the iron tablet.
I have seen an affadavit of Madame Scott, for-
merly the widow of Governor Hancock, which
says : —
" Mrs. Hancock, the wife of Thomas, who was
uncle to the Governor, has often told me that her
grandfather, Hezekiah Henchman, when a boy,
transplanted the great elm from the North End to
where it now stands. Mrs. Hancock has often
pointed at the old tree, and spoken of the circum-
stance, and it was a matter of notoriety in our
family."
Mrs. Hancock used to say that she could re-
member when the tree was not fully grown.
336 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Madam Scott was said to be a highly educated
and accomplished lady, and was living in about the
year 1818, being then nearly eighty years of age.
Mr. Thomas Hancock, uncle of the Governor,
was a bookbinder and bookseller, served his time
with Colonel Daniel Henchman, and married his
daughter Lydia. Mr. Hancock lived in Queen
Street, in the house afterwards occupied as the
Brattle Street Church Parsonage, which was given
that Society by his widow. Mr. Thomas Hancock
was the patron of the Governor, who inherited a
large portion of his estate.
Colonel Daniel Henchman, the father of Mrs.
Thomas Hancock, established the first paper-mill
in New England, at Quincy, Mass. He was the
son of Hezekiah Henchman, the boy who is said
to have transplanted the tree.
Hezekiah was the son of Captain Daniel Hench-
man, the emigrant, and was probably born about
the year 1658. The family removed to Worcester
in the year 1674, and, if the tradition is correct,
young Hezekiah probably transplanted the elm
previously to the removal to Worcester. Which
account of the origin of the Old Elm is correct, or
either, I shall not attempt to determine.
The old tree is said to be a native elm, whose
roots extend much further and deeper, and lives
much longer, than the English elm, many of which
have been blown down or decayed while standing
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 337
on the adjoining malls, while the native of the soil
remains unharmed and thrifty.
The combination of incidents and memories, in
ten thousand ways associated in the history of the
venerable old tree for the past two hundred years,
would fill a volume of the deepest interest.
29
IMPERTINENT POLICEMEN.
Policemen are often funny fellows, and not only
so, but they sometimes have the faculty of asking
some very impertinent questions ; nor is this fault
confined to patrolmen alone, but is sometimes in-
dulged in by officers of higher rank. Instances of
this character from any source were always annoy-
ing to me, especially where the subject relates to
matters of a grave nature, or are designed to call
in question the official integrity of the officer of
any other department, as I think the interest of
the public is best subserved by each department
confining itself to its own legitimate duties.
However, we should not look for perfection
among men ; but I am willing to confess, I should
commence in the Police Department to take the
first look.
One bright winter afternoon, when for once the
sleighing was fine in Boston, one of the Captains
of Police had the impudence to send me the fol-
lowing: communication.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 339
Mr.
Dear Sir : Having a leisure hour, £ have taken
the liberty to send you an account of my doings in one of
the courts this forenoon, and in return desire you to send
me your opinion of my success.
I had four cases in court, of a nature and result as
follows, viz : No. 1. A thief stole four pair of boots,
valued at sixteen dollars. Plead guilty to the charge,
fined eight dollars without costs. No. 2. A young boy,
but an old thief, stole ^ve dollars from a money-drawer.
Caught in the act. Boy said he was coasting on the Com-
mon at the time, — pretty sister swore he was in the
house all day. Conflicting testimony, — boy discharged.
No. #. Till-tappers accomplice, — no warrant. No. 4.
Brutal fight, — broken heads, — mutual assault, and mu-
tual damage. One fined six dollars and costs, the other
discharged.
In my perplexity and chagrin at the Captain's
impudence I returned him the following answer.
" Dear Captain, in your note this day,
A leisure hour to while away, —
You gave a sample of your readings
In our Court of special pleadings;
Where, in his glory and alone,
Sat Justice, smiling on the throne.
"In No. 1, for stealing leather,
Admit without proceeding further,
* 1 did it, 9 pays one half the debt,
The balance cash, eight dollars net.
340 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" Then No. 2, < the noted thief,'
^ihat if he steals cash, bread, or beef;
Pray, has he not good claims on grace,
With a pretty sister in the case?
" Now tell me plainly, as your friend,
What right have you down at North End,
To pick up strangers, just for sport,
To worry and perplex the court;
Should you not strive its cares to lighten,
When sleighing 's tip top out to Brighton ?
Despise not honors, fame, or pelf,
For you may yet be Judge yourself."
The Captain sent me no more communications
of a like nature.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG POLICEMAN.
My Friend : You have recently been appoint-
ed, and are about to assume the responsibilities,
of an office the duties of which are much more
varied and difficult, and the trust of which is of
much more importance to the public and to your-
self, than is generally admitted.
You are to assume the duties of an executive
officer of criminal law, of the ordinances of a great
commercial city, and as a conservator of the public
peace. Your acts will at all times be subject to
the observation and the animadversion of the
public, and on the stand-point where you com-
mence, and the course which you pursue, depends
not only much of the welfare of the community in
which -you move, but the credit of the department
to which you belong, and your own success as an
officer and a man.
At the commencement, do not forget that in this
business your character is your capital. Deal hon-
orably with all persons, and hold your word sacred,
no matter when, where, or to whom given. If
342 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
you are entrusted with the care of a beat, do not
play the loafer on it by lounging in doorways or
on corners, or leaning against lamp-posts, but
patrol your district continually ; make it your busi-
ness to know what is doing on every part of it, as
far as practicable, without unnecessary interfer-
ence ; let no person or circumstance escape your
notice, and be able at all times to give information
respecting any circumstance of importance occur-
ring thereon. Learn the people residing or doing
business on your beat; protect their property;
make yourself useful, and aid them in all their
lawful pursuits, and by an upright and straight-
forward course, and a close attention to duty, en-
deavor to merit the good will of all good citizens.
You know not how soon you may need their aid,
and their favor will add much to your power and
influence to do good. But in the pursuance of
your duties, as much as possible avoid laying your-
self under special obligation to any one ; let your
services rather place others under an obligation to
you. You know not how soon your duties m%
peremptorily demand that you act in opposition to
some individual interest.
Lend a willing ear to all complaints made to you
in your official capacity ; the most unworthy have
a right to be heard, and a word of comfort to the
afflicted, or of advice to the erring, costs you
nothing, and may do much good.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 343
In ordinary cases, if you find yourself in a posi-
tion not knowing exactly what to do, better do too
little than too much ; it is easier to excuse a mod-
erate course than an overt act. But if an act of
great violence has been committed, secure the
offender the first possible moment ; delay increases
his chance of escape ; there are always plenty of
willing hands to care for the party he may have
injured.
Whenever it is necessary to make an arrest, and
you attempt to do it, don't fail ; but use no more
force than is necessary to protect yourself and
secure your man.
If you have a prisoner in custody, keep him before
you, do not trust him behind ; he might escape, or
he might injure you, and, besides, bystanders
might mistake you for the criminal, being in his
place. If an arrest is necessary, so is care and
caution.
A warrant directed to the Police Officers of the
City of Boston, may be executed by you, none other.
Such a warrant legally carries you through any
door within your precinct where the offender may
really be ; but before executing any warrant, read
it, and see what are its directions and require-
ments ; and when executed, have your prisoner at
court at its first sitting, never omitting to make
your return on your warrant over your own official
signature, else you have made a false arrest, and
may be held liable.
344
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
The offences for which persons may be legally
arrested without a warrant, are, felony (crime pun-
ishable in State's Prison), assault and battery in
your presence , persisting in disturbing the peace,
and drunkenness. Simple larceny is not included
in the statute, but common practice will, I think,
justify an officer in taking a person charged with
that crime to the Station House, for the direction
of his captain. Other cases may occur, which will
require much good judgment and discretion to
determine what is proper.
If you are called to the witness-stand, give in
your evidence clearly and distinctly, but as briefly
as the whole facts can be stated. On no account
let any personal feeling creep into your testimony,
nor ever disgrace yourself in the eyes of the court,
or prejudice your case, by a show of malice, or an
attempt to color the facts ; and never give as one
reason that you made an arrest, that " he was saucy"
No officer can be successful or efficient in the
execution of his duties, unless he understands the
requirements of the laws and ordinances. Spare
no pains in posting yourself in these matters ; rec-
ollect that by virtue of your police warrant, you
can only serve a criminal process. Every Police
Officer should be familiar with the law or ordi-
nance he is to execute, and he should also know
enough of the civil law to distinguish between the
two.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 345
Visit the courts as often as practicable, and make
yourself familiar with their rules and practices,
that when called as a witness, you may not appear
a stranger.
Carry with you at all times a memorandum-book,
and let it contain some record relative to your
duties every day; it will be of great value as a
reference.
Let promptness mark all your acts ; don't be the
last man at roll-call, or at your post of duty, nor
leave your post without orders ; and never keep a
person waiting for you one moment after the ap-
pointed time.
In whatever duty you engage, set your mind and
your face to the work, and while on duty, never
suffer yourself to appear like an idle spectator.
Make promptness a rule for yourself, and require
it of others.
School yourself on all occasions to keep 'perfect!})
cool ; maintain a perfect control of temper, come
what will : one that can govern himself, can con-
trol others. Never degrade your position by plac-
ing yourself on a level with a drunken man or a
man in a passion, by suffering his abuse to get you
in a passion also.
Remember that in your official duties, you are
continually and eminently exposed to the ten thou-
sand snares and temptations in city life. I charge
you, as you value the character of the Department
i
346
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
to which you belong, as you value your own char-
acter and happiness, and the fondest hopes of your
friends, beware, be ever on your guard ; "be not de-
ceived, nor led into temptation." Select your
associates with care. " A man is known by the
company he keeps ; " you will learn to so judge
others, and others will so judge you.
Treat all persons kindly ; avoid discussion in
politics ; pay your honest debts, and lay uj) what
you can spare for a sick-day. And, finally, in
whatever duties you engage, either in public or
private life, let all your acts be guided by a
common-sense view of men and things that sur-
round you.
I might say more, but should I, you would still
have to go out and learn your duty.
CONSCRIPTION RIOT.
The opening of the spring of 1863 witnafcsed
the renewal of hostilities between the loyal and the
seceding States with redoubled vigor. The last
session of the Congress of the United States, in
anticipation of this event, had clothed President
Lincoln with extraordinary powers to meet the
emergency by passing the so-called Conscription
Act, for drafting men for three years or during the
war.
Early in June, under this law, the President
issued his proclamation, calling for three hundred
thousand men. The enro]ment was to consist of
two classes, — first, those between the ages of
eighteen and . thirty-five, and all unmarried men
between thirty-five and forty-five ; the second class
comprised all married men between the ages of
thirty-five and forty-five, — the first class to be ex-
hausted by the draft before the second were to be
drawn.
In this law various exemption clauses were pro-
vided, among which was the commutation fee,
348 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
whereby the drafted man was entitled to exemption
on the payment of three hundred dollars.
It has ever been a difficult task to please every-
body where life or money is at stake ; and where
partisanship is in any way involved in the case, the
undertaking is much more difficult ; but whether
this was a case in point, I shall not stop to argue.
One fact is patent, however, there was much oppo-
sitic% to the draft even in Massachusetts, and the
three hundred dollar commutation clause was a
theme for many an eloquent animadversion.
. However, Provost Marshals were appointed in
the several congressional districts in all the loyal
States, who, with their assistants, were to supervise
and execute the enrolment and draft under the
direction of a Provost Marshal General.
The quota of Massachusetts amounted to some-
thing over eighteen thousand men, of which Boston
was to furnish about thirty-three hundred. The
head-quarters of the Provost Marshal, comprising
the southern wards, Roxbury, and Brookline, was
at No. 22 Summer Street, and that of the northern
wards, Cambridge, Chelsea, and Winthrop, were
at No. 106 Sudbury Street. At the former, Mar-
shal George A. Shaw ; at the latter, Marshal
William G. Howe.
The marshals immediately commenced to canvass
their districts, and on the eighth day of July fol-
lowing the enrolment was completed, and drafting
commenced in Boston.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 349
The names and residence of those belonging to
the first class were'placed in an octagonal, or cir-
cular globe, revolving by a crank.
After several revolutions of the wheel by one of
the assistants, another, who stood by blindfolded,
thrust his hand into a slide door at the top of the
wheel and drew forth one ticket, which he held
up and passed to another assistant, who, after read-
ing the name aloud, passed it over to the clerk,
when the name and residence were recorded, and
the man whose name was on the card was elected.
In this manner the draft was proceeded with
day after day, till, as was supposed, a sufficient
number of names had been drawn to fill the quota,
allowing an excess of fifty per cent to make up
exemptions.
Many spectators were present, all seemingly
deeply interested in this new kind of lottery ; and
when one who was present chanced to draw some-
thing more than a blank, he would immediately
receive the hearty cheers of the bystanders, and
start off, if not quite satisfied, yet apparently con-
vinced that life is a lottery, and it is not always the
most fortunate that draws the prize.
So far as Boston was concerned, there was yet
no indication of a design to interfere with the
draft, although some persons in high places spoke
of the conscription as unconstitutional, unjust, and
oppressive, and others avowed their determination,
30
350
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
if drafted, to neither go, pay, nor furnish a sub-
stitute.
On the 14th of July, the draft for the Boston
districts was completed, and the assistants were
sent out to notify those whose names had been
drawn to appear at the Marshal's Office and un-
dergo the surgical examination.
At this time, and for about two days previous, a
most fearful riot had been raging in New York
city, got up and carried on by those opposed to the
draft in that locality, with a most fearful sacrifice
of life and property ; and there began to appear
certain indications that the same dreadful contagion
lay hidden beneath the surface in our own city.
The fact that the mob were in the ascendent in
New York, which was loudly heralded through
the streets in the hourly newspaper issues, by no
means served to allay the turbulent spirit here,
which was fast ripening for action.
About one o'clock in the afternoon of this day,
two assistant Provost Marshals from the Fourth
District were distributing their notices in Prince
Street near the Gas Works, and went into a house
to serve a notice. The woman supposing they had
come to take her husband away, followed the
marshals into the street, hurling at their heads
every article within her reach, and screeching like
a raving maniac. In an instant the street was
filled with infuriated men and women, each vieing
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 351
with the other in revenging their imaginary
wrongs. The two officers were set npon, bruised
and beaten in a most inhuman manner, barely es-
caping with their lives. Several citizens, also,
who attempted to reason with the mob, were badly
injured, and a store at the junction of Endicott and
Charlestown streets, through which the assistant
marshals succeeded in making their escape, was
damaged and robbeH.
This was the commencement of a scene such as
has not been witnessed in Boston since it became
a city. At the first alarm several policemen, who
were on duty on their respective beats in the
neighborhood, immediately hurried to the scene of
disorder ; but their presence only excited the mob,
who immediately commenced an onslaught, and
the officers, being but few in number, and arriving
at opposite points, made but a sorry show with the
several hundred madmen that filled the streets.
Several officers from Stations No. One and No.
Two were struck down, and so severely hurt that
for many days their lives were despaired of, and
others were materially injured ; in fact, all the
officers present only escaped death on the spot in
consequence of the anxiety of the mob on the out-
side to press into the centre, literally forcing away
those who were dealing death-blows on their fallen
victims, thereby themselves defeating their own
object, and giving the officers an opportunity to
352 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
crawl away with what little of life remained, the
enraged mass in their progress overrunning and
trampling under foot many of their own number,
without regard to age or sex.
When the rioters had lost sight of the officers,
they ran howling through the streets like so many
demons, in quest of some object on which to vent
their fury, and meeting with nothing seemingly
worthy their notice, a large number headed for the
Hanover Street Station House, and in a few mo-
ments a mass of many hundreds were crowded
together in that locality ; but as no one was in
custody, and nothing appearing there to furnish
fuel for the flame, they offered no violence. The
violent exercise so lately indulged in, the day being
hot, might also have had its influence in cooling
their ardor.
The whole transaction as above narrated prob-
ably occupied not more than twenty minutes, and
word immediately came to the Central Office of
what had transpired.
The news was not wholly unexpected, but it
was not looked for so soon ; anticipation of trouble
had been entertained when arrests began to be
made of conscripts for non-appearance after being
duly notified ; but we had not got to that. How-
ever, the moment the news came, an order calling
together the police of the Second Station was '
given, and the writer, who was at the time in
POLICE KECOLLECTIONS. 353
charge of the Central Office, started for the North
End. On reaching the Station House in Hanover
Street, he found a collection of some two thousand
persons, of all ages and sexes, standing in the
streets, but they were perfectly quiet, strikingly so.
There were some dozen officers at the Station
House, but no person had been arrested, neither
was there any apparent cause for the gathering.
The writer had been in charge of that Station for
several years, and the crowd being principally
North End people, he was probably known to a
greater part of those present, and he took the op-
portunity to go out upon the steps and say to those
present that no one was in custody at that House ;
there was no cause for excitement or alarm, and
earnestly begged of them to retire quietly to
their homes or places of business. But it was
like talking to trees ; the crowd listened in silence,
and some near by would step back a few paces,
but it did not number one less, while the indication
of those upturned faces seemed to forebode no
good.
The writer then left the steps and passed quietly
among the people, speaking with many that he
knew ; but he soon learned for a fact, what he had
before suspected, that very many were armed with
various weapons. This, together with the general
appearance of the crowd, what they had already
done, with now and then a suppressed threat that
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154
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
met the ear, but too plainly indicated that there
was " mischief in the meal" and there was no time
to lose in preparing for it. To attempt to clear
the streets with the force at hand was worse than
useless ; ten or twelve men could not control the
hundreds there collected, with the temper they
plainly possessed, and to attempt and fail, would
likely be a signal for a general outbreak ; we were
not ready for that. If there was no excuse offered
the outbreak would not likely occur till favored by
the darkness of night ; that would give time to pre-
pare. But should the Police suffer that crowd to have
exclusive possession of the streets that afternoon with-
out an effort? After consulting with the captain
of the Station, the writer started for Station No.
2, in Court Square, for more officers, with a deter-
mination to clear those streets at all hazards. But
he was not to go alone, and at least fifteen hundred
of every age and sex {there was little diversity of
color) formed a most uncouth escort up Hanover
Street, without, however, offering any abuse save a
continued round of shouts, half complimentary and
half defiant.
The company was none too pleasant, but it
effected a most desirable object little calculated on
at the start, namely, successfully removing the
crowd from the Hanover Street Station House,
and which superseded the necessity of returning
with a force from Station No. 2. The mob,
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 355
however, or at least a part of them, followed to
Court Square ; but that locality soon grew a little
uncomfortable for them, and quiet was restored
for the time.
It was now nearly two o'clock. His Honor the
Mayor, the Chief of Police, and members of the
City Government were at once fully aware of the
responsibilities resting on them, and from that mo-
ment no one was idle. It was well known that a
lawless mob were at that moment bidding defiance
to law and order in the city of New York. Were
we to have its counterpart in our own city, and
not be prepared to meet it 1
Our Police force were immediately prepared for
their work, and armed with weapons suitable for
the occasion. Fire-alarm bell signals were so
arranged as to call the whole Police force, or any
part thereof, to either part of the city ; sentinels
were placed at various points, and scouts to all
parts of the city were passing to and fro from the
Central Office. Officers were patrolling every part
of the city, ready to pass the word if any disturb-
ance occurred, and the whole force were ready for
duty. Nor was this deemed sufficient. Orders
were immediately issued by the Mayor to call out
the State Military, who were ordered to be in
readiness at their Armories without delay, and a
detachment of Regulars, numbering about one hun-
dred and seventy-five men, were also sent up from
Fort Warren.
356 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
It was nearly three o'clock p. m. when the first
step of preparation was taken ; at six o'clock the
authorities were ready for any emergency.
The crowd of persons that gathered at the north
part of the city early in the afternoon, did not en-
tirely disperse after leaving the Hanover Street
Station House, but were seen in squads at different
points in that part of the city ; but no further out-
break occurred during the afternoon.
No arrests had been made of those engaged in
the riot in Prince or Endicott Street, for the reason
that no identification of the guilty parties could
then be made, the officers being too seriously in-
jured to leave their beds, and citizens who knew,
not daring to open their lips.
At six o'clock the military companies of the city
had quietly repaired to their respective Armories,
one by one, and every Police officer was at his post.
It was the design of the City Government to
make no unnecessary display, and to pursue no
course that could be construed into a menace
which might add fuel to the flame, but to be pre-
pared to crush at a blow any demonstration that
could be made, no matter at what point or how
formidable ; but they were prepared none too well
or too soon, as the sequel will show.
About seven o'clock in the evening, the Regulars
from Fort Warren came down Hanover Street,
leaving a detachment at the Armory in Marshal
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 357
Street, and passed with the remainder down Salem
and Cooper Street, without music, so as not to
attract a crowd. On their arrival at Cooper, that
street was densely filled with an excited mob,
armed with pistols, clubs, paving-stones, bricks,
and other missiles ; but the military steadily pro-
ceeded to the Gunhouse, where a Battery was
already in quarters.
The Regulars had hardly reached the Gun-
house, when a perfect shower of missiles were
hurled at them and the building. Sidewalks were
torn up by the rod by women and children, and
carried forward to men and boys in front, and the
mob commenced a siege in good earnest. Various
persons in the streets who had been attracted by
the tumult, were knocked down and severely
beaten, the Rioters seeming to be determined that
rfione but their own gang should remain in the
neighborhood. A Lieutenant of the Battery, who
arrived alone just after the Regulars had entered
the Gunhouse, was struck down, trampled under
foot, and dragged out towards Endicott Street for
dead.
When the Battery entered the Gunhouse,
which was as early as six o'clock, the commander
had requested a Police officer of the First Station,
who lived near by, to stand at the North Margin
Street door of the Gunhouse, which was open, and
allow no citizen to pass. The officer remained at
358 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
this door till about the time of the assault on the
Lieutenant of the Battery. The mob having col-
lected on the Cooper Street side, where the Reg-
ulars entered, when the Lieutenant was attacked,
some one informed the Police officer, and he
communicated the information to the military
commander inside the Armory, who immediately
dispatched a Lieutenant with a file of men to go
out and rescue the Lieutenant. About this time
the outside on North Margin Street began to grow
a little warm, and the Police officer, with his
father, an elderly gentleman, who had been stand-
ing near, both stepped inside the Gunhouse. The
Lieutenant and his command at once left the
house, by the North Margin Street door, and
charged round into Cooper towards Endicott Street,
where they found the Lieutenant of the Battery
lying senseless in the gutter. They took him ur^
and attempted to return ; but the mob had filled
in the rear so densely and determined, that the sol-
diers were obliged to charge on them with fixed
bayonets, to again reach North Margin Street, on
their way back to the Gunhouse. As the military
filed into North Margin Street, the mob made a
furious attack on the rear with bricks, stones,
clubs, and a plentiful discharge of pistols. The
attack was so furious that the Lieutenant ordered
his men to wheel and fire, to preserve their own
safety. This only seemed to increase the fury of
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 359
the assailants, and they being apparently well
armed, and vastly superior in numbers, the Lieu-
tenant thought prudent to retire inside the Gun-
house as soon as possible.
As soon as the military were under cover, the
mob seemed to feel that they had gained the
ascendency, and renewed the attack on the Gun-
house, on the Cooper Street side, with redoubled
fury. Every window and some of the doors in the
lower part of the house were soon broken, and the
mob were improving all opportunities to fire upon
those inside, through the broken doors and win-
dows ; but there were preparations made by the
military that the assailants outside had not counted
on. These were held in reserve till urged forward
by the most pressing necessity. When the com-
mand of the Lieutenant retired inside, two brass
field-pieces were brought forward and manned,
one at the Cooper Street door, which was closed
and barred, the other at the North Margin Street
door, which was still open. Both were charged to
meet any emergency, and flanked by the infantry,
with loaded Springfields. In a few moments the
Rioters had demolished all but the double door on
the Cooper Street side, and those heavy oak doors
were fast giving way. It was supposed to be the
intention of the mob to storm the house, secure
the firearms, and turn them upon whoever might
interfere with their progress. In that emergency
360 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
there seemed to be but one course for the military
to pursue ; at any rate self-defence was justifiable,
and at this moment this was the only question at
issue, and that, to be effectual, must be acted upon
without delay. The commander was not long in
forming a determination, and just as the Cooper
Street door was giving way, the order was given to
the Artillery men to fire, and a brass cannon swept
all before it. The mass of human beings outside
surged back ; but they soon recovered, and came
rushing forward again; but they were promptly
met by powder and minnie ball in such profusion
that they again fell back, and sullenly retired from
the near locality of the door for the time. At the
time the Police officer and his father retired inside
the Gunhouse, they both stood for a moment near
the North Margin Street door ; but as soon as the
cannon were placed in position, by the advice of
his son, the old gentleman went over upon the
back or west side of the room, where some soldiers
were standing, as a place of safety. His son last
saw him, alive, standing there ; he was on the left
of three soldiers, facing the Cooper Street door,
and was noticed and spoken to by one of them.
He was unwittingly standing just in range of a
front window and side door, both of which had
been broken in, and at that point he was shot by a
ball entering his body near the left breast and
coming out under and just back of his right arm.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 361
He fell dead at the feet of the soldiers. This
was a few moments before the cannon were dis-
charged.
The dead man was immediately taken up by the
soldiers, and removed upstairs, with others who
had been wounded in the fray, where he was rec-
ognized by his son.
Word was immediately conveyed by a messenger
to the Central Office, but the extent of the difficulty
was not then fully known. A posse of Police,
however, were forthwith sent to Cooper Street,
under the charge of a competent officer; but on
arriving in the neighborhood, and learning the true
state of affairs, he reported back to the Central
Office. While making his report, a scout arrived
bringing intelligence that the cannon had been dis-
charged in Cooper Street, and the mob were head-
ing up town. While he was speaking, a second
messenger reported the mob rushing up Salem
and Endicott Street, crying out, " To Dock Square,
boys — to Read's Store ! We 11 give 'em New York! "
&c. The idea at once occurred that they were
rushing to the hardware stores, for firearms and
ammunition. The officer who was first sent out
was ordered to proceed at once, with all the Police
force at hand, and clear Dock Square at all haz-
ards ; and then came the ominous sound of the
alarm bells throughout the city, eleven strokes
three times repeated. At seven o'clock the assault
31
362
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
on the Cooper Street Armory was commenced by
the Rioters ; at eight o'clock the field-piece was
discharged ; at fifteen minntes past eight the signal
alarm was given ; and in less than fifteen minntes
more Mayor Lincoln, at the head of the Cavalry
and Infantry, was on his way from Conrt Square to
the scene of disorder.
The Police who had been sent to Dock Square
were doing their work nobly; they reached the
Square before the Rioters had much time to secure
arms or ammunition. For a time they were strug-
gling against fearful odds in numbers, but the alarm
bells brought reinforcements in a few moments.
The Rioters had reached several stores in Dock
Square, where they demolished doors and windows,
and secured a small quantity of firearms ; but they
were rushed upon by the Police, who were well
armed, and driven from the stores.
Another gang had attacked a store in Faneuil
Hall Square, where a large quantity of arms was
known to be kept; but here they met with no
better success, being there also furiously attacked
by the Police. Although most of the mob beat a
retreat when they were met with powder and ball,
yet there were some master spirits who stood their
ground, and fought desperately. One man, who
had a musket, cried out to his fellows, " Don't run,
like cowards, but let us give the dam' Yankees
hell ! " He discharged his piece at one of the
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 363
officers, and then with his musket clubbed, rushed
upon him. He however missed his aim, and broke
the breach of his piece on the sidewalk ; he struck
again, and bent the barrel of his piece over the
officer's head. He received one bullet in his arm,
and another in his head, before he was arrested,
and fought desperately after that. He was after-
wards recognized as a ringleader at Charlestown,
Endicott, and Prince Streets, early in the afternoon,
and also at Cooper Street, in the early part of the
evening.
Another ringleader was also arrested near Dock
Square, about the same time, who was brandishing
a large knife, and boasting of his daring deeds
during the evening. But few arrests, however,
were made at that time, the Rioters being so
strong in numbers that the Police could hardly
afford to diminish their own force to carry off
prisoners.
The military force, headed by the Mayor and
Chief of Police, reached Dock and Faneuil Hall
squares soon after the affray between the Police
and the mOT, and the Rioters were driven from
that locality, the military holding possession till
next day.
At about half past twelve o'clock, a fire alarm was
sounded in District No. One, — the Cooper Street
Armory had been fired. Previous to this, the
military from this place had removed their arm-
364 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
ament to Dock Square ; the dead and wounded
had been removed to more convenient and proper
places, and the house had been closed; but the
incendiary had applied his torch in the rear of the
building, and the names were beginning to make
headway. Four Police officers, however, were
immediately on the spot, broke in at the door of
the Armory, and commenced to extinguish the
flames. They were immediately attacked with
bricks, stones, and pistol-shots by those still lurk-
ing in the neighborhood ; but these compliments
were returned with such promptness and vigor
that the assailants, who were not now in large
numbers, and who had been treated to a like enter-
tainment on the same ground earlier in the eve-
ning, thought it prudent to retire, leaving the
officers to turn their attention to the fire, which
they kept in check till the fire department arrived.
The names of these brave and determined men,
who, at the risk of their lives, prevented a confla-
gration on that already fearful night, should be
given here ; but where so many offices merit so
much as was really due them for that night's ser-
vice, the names of all cannot be given, and justice
seems to forbid a distinction.
Although the organization, if there was one, had
been substantially broken at Dock Square and
elsewhere during the evening, yet fragments were
still lurking about the streets, evidently bent on
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 365
mischief, and the Police and military were con-
stantly on the alert.
About two o'clock in the morning, word came
to the Central Office that an attack was to be made
on the property of a worthy citizen at the extreme
north part of the city. Although these reports
were numerous during the night, it was deemed
prudent that none of them be unheeded, and in
this case a squad of Police was despatched to that
point. They arrived none too soon to prevent the
mischief intended ; the attempt was made, but the
military soon reinforced the Police, and the attack
resulted in breaking a few panes of glass, the
waste of a few rounds of ammunition, a few broken
heads, and the arrest of another ringleader. This
was the last effort made by that mob, so powerful
in numbers, so determined in its action, so fear-
ful in its intentions.
Among the many who were on that night, and
subsequently, arrested for participating in the riot,
were five ringleaders, who were charged with the
murder of a citizen at the Cooper Street Armory,
on the well-established principle of law, that where
persons acting in concert commit a crime, each is
responsible for the act committed by either of the
others. These five were held for trial without
bail; their names are a matter of record in the
courts, and I have no desire to harrow up the- feel-
ings of their friends by repeating them here.
31*
366 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Taking into account the great number of persons
engaged in this riot, the fury and determination
that seemed at all points to pervade their ranks,
the amount of property destroyed was compar-
atively small, but the sacrifice of life was much
more fearful.
Of those who suffered in defending life and
property, and in the preservation of the peace,
were two men in the service of the General Gov-
ernment, seven in the service of the city, two or
three of the military ; and a number of unoffend-
ing citizens were severely beaten and otherwise
seriously injured, and one quiet, worthy old man
was shot dead. But the destruction of life among
the Rioters will ever remain shrouded in mystery ;
the public journals subsequently made mention of
eight that were killed, but it is believed that many
of the dead were hurried away by their friends,
whose untimely end was not made known to the
public ; and it is said by those who had good op-
portunities to form an estimate, that many more
than is generally supposed fell victims to their
own imprudence and folly on that fearful night.
One instance, which may serve to show the
spirit of the mob, even before the military had
shown them any resistance at Cooper Street, is
worthy of note.
A gentleman who is universally known in Ward
One, and who, perhaps, possesses as much influ-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 367
ence with a majority of the inhabitants there as
any other one man, was lying on a sick-bed at the
time the riot commenced in Cooper Street. His
anxiety was so great that he called his carriage
and hurried there. On arriving at the Armory he
was set upon, his carriage upset, himself thrown
out, and with some difficulty he made his escape
around the nearest corner.
Had the authorities known the precise time and
place the attack was to be made, they might, per-
haps, have been better prepared to prevent so
great a sacrifice of life ; but this it was impossible
to know. Rumors were rife in the afternoon that
demonstrations were to be made at the Provost
Marshal's head-quarters at East and at South
Boston, and at various other places. It seemed
necessary to be prepared to meet the emergency at
all points. The Mayor was early at the scene of
disorder, but the disturbance was so great that he
coidd not for one moment be heard, and was
obliged to give way to save himself from harm.
The conquest of a mob is ever without limit ; the
destruction of life and property, fire, pillage, and
carnage, are its legitimate work. The Conscrip-
tion Riot in the city of New York is an example.
Nothing but force, and that of the most powerful
character, can arrest and stay its progress. Too
much credit cannot be awarded to the Mayor of
our city, who so promptly prepared to meet the
368 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
crisis, and to the Chief of Police and others who
planned, and the men who executed their impor-
tant trusts on that eventful night. Had either de-
layed, or faltered in their duties, who can count
the cost, — who can foretell the consequences ?
They are, indeed, too fearful for contemplation.
A confidence in the loyalty and law-abiding
character of the Boston people might have justified
an opinion that the unprecedented preparation made
the afternoon preceding the riot was unnecessary
and uncalled for ; but the events of the evening
but too well justified the fears entertained by the
most timid.
And if there is anything wanting to show the
estimation entertained by the citizens of Boston
towards the worthy Chief Magistrate who so nobly
stepped forth to protect their lives and property,
and to preserve the good name of our city in that
trying hour, I would point to the succeeding mu-
nicipal Election, in which those very acts of his on
that occasion were made an issue, and where on
that issue the people rebuked his opponents . by
giving him a majority of their suffrages, too over-
whelming to be misunderstood.
Whether the Conscription Riot in Boston was
the result of a regular and extensive organization,
reaching far beyond the limits of our own city or
State, for the purpose of aiding the Rebellion, or
whether it was only composed of a combination of
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 369
men limited within the hounds of Boston and the
suburban towns, or whether it was only a sponta-
neous outbreak, which is at any time liable to
happen in all thickly populated places, is a ques-
tion not well understood.
Each position has its advocates, and neither,
perhaps, are without reasons to sustain their the-
ory. Without attempting to offer my own views
on the subject, it may not be irrelevant to inquire,
Why was it that fire, rapine, and murder, were on
that day laying desolate the hearths and homes of
peaceable and unoffending citizens in the city of
New York 1 Who were the fiends in human form
whose hands were then reeking in the blood of
innocent women and children, while the hitherto
strong arm of the law was powerless to save or
protect ?
And who is responsible for these deeds of
wholesale carnage and murder? Have not the
same poisonous seeds been strewn broadcast
throughout the length and breadth of our land,
and by the self-same hand ? and what would have
been the result in our own beloved city, had not
those turbulent spirits been crushed at a blow?
The subject is too painful for contemplation.
For several days succeeding the Riot, great fears
were entertained by many of the citizens that a
concentrated demonstration would be made at
some point by the Rioters, and preparations were
370
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
kept up not only in Boston, but also in many of
the adjoining towns to meet the emergency, should
one arise ; but no further outbreaks occurred,
and for some months Boston was never more quiet
and orderly.
THE DEAFT.
Early in the summer of 1863, much interest
and no little excitement was manifest throughout
the Loyal States, in consequence of the Conscrip-
tion, or Military Draft, which our Government
found it necessary to resort to in order to fill up
the thinned ranks of our army.
But even in good old Massachusetts, there were
those who so far forgot their duty as men, and
their loyalty as citizens^ as to openly denounce
the act which was forced upon the Government,
as unjust, unconstitutional, and uncalled for ; thus
lending their aid and influence in opposition to the
measure, and the means of sustaining our cause,
and putting down the Rebellion.
This course, so persistently pursued by some of
our people, naturally produced much discussion
and no little ill-feeling among those whose interests
certainly were, and whose principles ought to be
the same ; and it is a matter of no surprise that he
who was so hardy as to boldly denounce the Draft,
should be looked upon with suspicion and distrust
by all loyal men.
372
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
" Hang the Draft," said I, as I one day emerged
from my house, with swollen eyes, flushed face,
and an empty stomach.
" There is secession for you in good earnest,"
said a large, portly gentleman, who was passing
my door at the moment, and who stopped and
gazed me square in the face just as I had relieved
myself of the odious sentiment.
He was a man apparently fifty years of age (so
old as not to be mistaken for under forty-five), and
the contempt got up in his countenance, for my
especial benefit, I must .confess took me a little
aback.
" I have heard," said he, " that we had seces-
sionists in our midst, but little did I think to meet
with so flagrant a specimen of disloyalty in open
day. Do you know," said he, " that this very
"Draft of which you speak so disgracefully, is what
has become eminently necessary to save our beloved
country from desolation and ruin ? Do you know,
sir, that this measure has become the last resort
of the good and true men who hold the destinies
of our Government, to raise troops to put down
this cursed Rebellion ? Do you know, sir, that /
(and here he straightened himself up to his full
height) would sacrifice my life, my fortune, and my
sacred honor, in this the cause of my country, and
that he who is not with us is against us, and that
you, sir, and all like you, who are not only traitors
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 373
at heart, but stand here and boldly proclaim your
disloyalty, should ere now have been inmates of
the prison at Fort Warren, with an Ex-Mayor
Brown and a Marshal Kane 1 Indeed, sir, I can
but hope that this very Draft may bring forth your
own name as a conscript in the cause of which you
speak so contemptuously."
" Stop, stop, stop, for heaven's sake, my good
friend ! " said I, imploringly. " Don't, for pity
sake, annihilate me, and send me to endless perdi-
tion, without judge, jury, or benefit of clergy; and
don't, don't for mercy's sake, sacrifice your own
valuable life ; for you, as well as I, are too old to he
drafted. Sacrifice your property, sir, if you please,
but be careful of your honor, sir, for that is an
article so rare and valuable, that its possessor
ought not to relinquish it without an equivalent.
But, sir, as you seem to take a deep interest in my
case, I presume you will do me the justice to listen
a moment to my side of the question, and if you
don't eventually come to my way of thinking, I
will be your willing disciple ever after."
" Convert me to disloyalty, sir ! " said he, with
disdain. # " No, sir, never ! "
"Hold, hold" said I; "not too fast; wait a
moment, and hear me ; don't condemn me without
an audience. Perhaps, sir, I am not so disloyal as
you imagine. People who think alike, sometimes
quarrel by misunderstanding terms. Now, sir,
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374 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
please for one moment listen to my case. Yon
see, sir, I live here in this house, and generally
succeed in living quite comfortable. I have a nice
little family of a good-natured wife, a fine fat baby,
and an excellent cook, and we usually find some-
thing wholesome to eat. This day, sir, I came
home to dine rather late, with a keen appetite and
in fond anticipation of masticating a portion of a
rib of roast beef. Well, sir, on arriving home,
imagine my disappointment and chagrin at finding
babe in convulsions, wife in tears, — cook skedad-
dled, house full of smoke, and no dinner ; and all
in consequence of the inefficiency of a new thirty-
dollar stove I had set up in the morning, the flue
of which persistently refused to draw. And now,
sir, if any moral man, or devoted Christian, can
conscientiously console himself under such circum-
stances without emphatically denouncing that drafts
he is a more loyal man than I am."
The portly gentleman turned on his heel, and
walked hurriedly down the street.
THOMAS SEMMES.
Under the administration of City Marshal Tu-
key, who was truly one of the smartest executive
officers I ever knew, the Police were not usually
overstocked with information in relation to his
intended movements. Shrewd and sly in his
nature, his plans were deep laid and secret. If he
gloried in any one thing, it was in getting up a
surprise, which usually proved a surprise, in fact,
not only to some unlucky offender, but to the
public also ; and to his tact in planning, and not
less to the secrecy with which he managed his
plans, may be attributed most of his success.
When Marshal Tukey gave an order, it was
short, tart, and to the point; every man knew what
it meant, and no questions were asked. If any
officer did not obey, it was but a word and a blow,
and the blow usually took off the delinquent's head.
If an officer obeyed orders, be they ever so reck-
less or at fault, no matter ; the Marshal would back
him up to his utmost.
In the year 1851, the day Police under the Mar-
376
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
shal numbered about forty men ; we reported to
him at his office at eight o'clock a. m. and two
o'clock p. m. ; from thence we separated to cover
our respective beats throughout the city.
When we assembled at the Office, little Johnny
Crocker, the clerk, called over our names, and read
to us any orders or notices there might be. We
did not usually see the Marshal, who was in an
adjoining office, unless we had a question to ask,
or he a special order to give.
When he had something to say to us, you could
see his office-door open slowly just before Crocker
had finished the call, and then that peculiar Roman
nose and keen black eye of the Marshal's would
make its appearance. Then came the order, short
and quick, and he was gone, — and so were we too,
very shortly. There are yet a few who will recol-
lect this picture, but very few of that forty are
Policemen now.
One morning in the month of March this year,
the Marshal made his appearance at the door, and
in a low voice gave the following order: " Officers
north of City Hall, will pass the north end of the Court
House every hour while on duty ; officers south, will
pass through School Street same ; no questions asked
or answered ; " — and the Police dispersed. The
nearest part of my beat was a mile from the Court
House, and the twelve hours which we were on
duty made me twenty-four miles travel. The
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 377
reader can judge how much time I spent on the
beat, for if I had been within reach of a " crock of
gold," I should have left it to conform to the order.
Day after day I travelled the ground over till I
was actually ashamed to be seen, and I went every
different route that was open till I felt that I had
worn them all out. I often met and passed my
brother officers, who were on the same mysterious
errand, and I could read in their eye what seemed
to say, what the d — 1 does all this mean ; but we
all remembered the order, " no questions asked or
answered," so we passed each other in silence.
Some two weeks passed away without any coun-
termand, and we began to think this was to be
regular duty, when one morning (it was the third
day of April), I came, by the north end of the
Court House, as usual, where I was met by a smart,
good-natured little fellow, who belonged to the
Office, and who the Marshal familiarly called Es-
quire. He told me to go quietly to the Office, at
which place the whole force congregated within
the hour, and where the long pent-up secret was
soon disclosed.
Thomas Semmes, a colored man, was in custody
at the Court House, and was to be tried on charge
of being a fugitive slave, belonging to a Mr. Potter,
in Savannah, Georgia.
This was a new order of things to us, and
although the whole military force was at the com-
32*
:78
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
mand of the Government, it was deemed expedient
to substitute the Police for guarding the prisoner
and preserving the peace.
Semmes had been arrested by two officers of our
department the night previous in Cooper Street,
and had made rather careless use of a very ugly
looking knife which he carried, and he gave one
of the officers rather an ugly looking mark in the
hip ; but he was in safe quarters now. Semmes
was about twenty-two years old, medium size, and
black as ebony. His master had taught him the
brickmaker's trade, and had (it was said) made
provisions for him to purchase his freedom, which
his brother had already done, and which he could
do in about two years ; but, like some men of
different color, Tom was* reckless, and took to
gaming and strong drink, and besides, he had an
idea that he had as good a right to himself as any-
body, and so ran away, came to Boston, and took
up quarters in Richmond Street.
Here Tom took up his old trade of gambling
and drinking, got into a quarrel with another
darkie about a white woman, who gave information
to his master, and poor Tom got arrested. While
in charge of the officers during trial, which lasted
nine days, he proved himself worthy the reputation
he had gained in Richmond Street, for he could
smoke and drink his keepers blind drunk (of
course, I do not mean to say he did that) ; but it
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 379
was hinted that Tom had plenty of small hits of
change, which he obtained by some process with
cards, and one day I saw him take three dollars on
a bet that he could take a man's vest off from
under the coat and leave the coat on. However,
we green hands had little chance to lose our money
with him, as we were posted outside. I, for one,
stood on a flat rock at the north end of the Court
House twelve hours a day, and on the same sub-
stance inside six hours a night, each twenty-four
hours, and slept on the soft side of a pine board
the other six, for nine days. I wished the black
rascal had stayed at home, or kept dark in Richmond
Street; and I have since sometimes wished that
some fellows who have obtained Police appoint-
ments on account of ill health or laziness, had the
chance I then enjoyed.
Well, after it became pretty certain that Semmes
was to be sent back, the Police began to drill for
the expected occasion. As good luck would have
it, we had one man in the Department who "un-
derstood military." He was a tall, athletic fellow,
familiarly known as " Captain Sam," and when
standing at the head of his Battalion of Police
braves, with his hat a little on one side, a big quid
in his jaws, " eyes right ; " thunder, was n't hflfcthe
beau ideal of bravery. Then to make the thing
more imposing, each officer was furnished with a
mariner's cutlass, and after we had taken a march
180
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
through Pemherton Square, and a dog trot three
times around the Court House, our discipline was
considered perfect, and we were ready for the fray.
At length all necessary arrangements were com-
plete, and on the twelfth day of April, about four
o'clock in the morning, Semmes, in the centre of a
hollow square of armed Police, hailed by shouts
from numerous boys, and groans from various
other sources, was marched unmolested down State
Street to the foot of Long Wharf, where he em-
barked on board of the Schooner Acron, Captain
Coombs, for his native home in Savannah.
The Police, like true citizen soldiers, surren-
dered up the sword — for the rattan, and quietly
returned to duty on their beats, wondering, in the
innocence of their hearts, how one man could own
another.
A KID GAME.
Those who made a practice of visiting our crim-
inal courts for several years previous to the year
1857, will well recollect a slender-formed, thin-
faced, gray-haired man who was in almost daily
attendance about the prisoners' dock, apparently
quite busy in endeavoring to aid and assist some
poor unfortunate man, or woman whose misfor-
tunes or mistakes had led them into the meshes of
the law.
Indeed, so common were this gentleman's visits
in the courts, that he came to be considered almost
one of the fixtures ; and as the higher law had set
the example of providing a scapegoat for a cer-
tain class of offenders, our courts were sometimes
thought inclined to imitate that precedent by admit-
ting criminals to bail, occasionally taking this gen-
tleman as surety for their reappearance. It was
sometimes called straw bail.
This course was pursued by our friend, till at
length he became universally known as a philan-
thropist, and generous individuals frequently fur-
382
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
nished him with means wherewith to aid the erring
and unfortunate, and also placed at his disposal a
fine horse and chaise for his accommodation on
numerous errands about the city and vicinity.
Who that does not remember to have seen his
sleek bay horse and silver-mounted chaise and
harness, standing by the curbstone in front of the
dwelling of some unfortunate brother or sister,
while he was inside on some errand of business or
mercy %
Some evil-disposed persons might have said that
his visits were sometimes prolonged to an unneces-
sary length, and others that he bailed out the
victims of dissipation and licentiousness, for a con-
sideration ; but what man ever lived whose good
acts and kind motives were not misconstrued or
misrepresented % However, it was all the same to
him, and, happen what would, he still pursued the
even tenor of his way.
Our friend must have seen much of the shady
side of life, and he was a pretty close observer of
human nature. He also had a little brass in his
composition, and was one of the coolest men under
adverse circumstances in court or out of it, that I
ever saw.
I recollect a circumstance that seemed to me a
test of this characteristic of the man.
I was one day called, in my official capacity, to go
into a house not particularly noted for respectabil-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 383
ity, where I found my friend the worthy philanthro-
pist, most patiently submitting to the most intermin-
able kissing by one of the frail sisters, that my eyes
ever beheld ; and that, too, with the fortitude of a
martyr. I remained silent till the scene was ended,
and then ventured to inquire of him if he was aware
how disgracefully he had been insulted. He looked
up very calmly, it being the first he was aware of
my presence, and meekly replied, " Certainly I am ;
but it did not hurt me." And, upon my soul, I
could not see that it did. It was his way ; and
although he might sometimes have been imprudent
in view of jealous eyes, yet I really think he did
some good, and I never knew of his doing any
hurt. He has gone to his long home some years
since, and I really wish there were no worse men
than he.
"When he was alive, he used to tell me some
queer stories of what he had seen and heard, and
the following is one which I shall denominate a
" kid game," for the reason that a certain class of
professional gentlemen call a babe a kid. The trans-
action, so far as he was concerned, took place but
a short time before his death.
It so happened that a man and wife who were re-
siding in Boston, and who at the time were in com-
fortable circumstances, were childless. This, to
them, was a matter of much regret, especially on
the part of the husband ; and in course of time his
184 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
dissatisfaction became so great, that the spouse was
constrained to put her woman's wits to work to
remedy the evil ; and in her extremity she decided
to call in the aid of our philanthropist, whose in-
genuity and shrewdness was a match for almost any
emergency.
Accordingly plans were concocted, and in the
course of a few months preparations were made in
the aforesaid family for a coming event. At length
the plan was fully matured, and one day when the
husband chanced to. be absent, the lady was taken
conveniently ill ; a physician (in the secret) was sent
for, but before he arrived a covered carriage drove
up to the door of the sick lady, and a person closely
enveloped in a cloak alighted and entered the house,
but immediately returned, reentered the carriage,,
and hurried away. The physician soon came, ap-
parently attended to his professional duties, and all
things progressed favorably.
When the husband came home at night, he found
himself not only a husband, but the father (as he
believed) of a most beautiful little cherub, " the very
picture of its papa" as all the attendants said.
Of course the event was not altogether unex-
pected, and the father was one of the happiest of
men ; and if to lend a hand in making a fellow-
mortal most innocently happy is worthy of praise,
no doubt in this case our philanthropist is entitled
to his full share. Nor was this all ; a certain un-
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 385
married, unfortunate young lady of highly respect-
able connections, and heretofore unblemished char-
acter, was relieved of a serious responsibility not
conveniently accounted or provided for, and our
friend had added new laurels to his already deeply
bedecked brow.
The only difficulty that seemed to arise in the
whole transaction, was the want of the fount of life
for the little stranger ; but as that deficiency was
nothing uncommon, and was readily provided for
by artificial means, no serious difficulty ensued.
This was the happy terminus in the matter, so
far as our friend was concerned ; he did not live to
witness the sequel, and little did he then know of
the true character of the party he had so ingeniously
befriended.
The lady whom he had so successfully aided might
have had quite a reasonable excuse for the little
deception practised upon her liege lord ; but if so,
this transgression only paved the way for a higher
and a bolder stroke.
It seems that the would-be mother, whose moral
principles proved not to be of the highest order,
when the child, which was a boy, was but a few
weeks old, concocted a plan for a further family
benefit. Accordingly a secret message was trans-
mitted to a certain professional gentleman in a neigh-
boring town, requesting an interview without delay.
That gentleman, as it proved, being rather an inti-
♦33
386 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
mate acquaintance, immediately obeyed the sum-
mons ; but the result of the interview is not on the
records ; but rumor had it that a plea of poverty,
and an additional responsibility to provide for, to-
gether with a threat of exposure, brought out a
handsome accommodation of about fifteen hundred
dollars, which made matters satisfactory.
As time rolled on, the babe became a sprightly
child ; but the wife, who had taken so exclusive a
part in the increase of the family, eventually took
to her cups, to which the husband also was some-
what addicted, which did not add to the prosperity
or the peace of the family.
One day as she was attempting to correct the
child, who was now large enough to wear panta-
lets, the husband interfered ; in the melee the wife
became highly exasperated, and in her passion she
boldly declared to the husband that in this child, the
idol of his heart, not one drop of blood circulating
in its veins ever belonged to him. Murder will
out, although the whole truth was not out yet.
The husband was thunderstruck ; yet little did he
then think, that the wife was no nearer akin than
himself.
As may be readily supposed, from this day hence-
forth, the prospects of the family did not improve,
the wife persistingly declaring to the husband that
the professional gentleman was the real father of
the boy.
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 387
The subsequent condition of the family, and the
ill-usage of the child, coming to the knowledge of
a person who knew the real mother, was the cause
of an afterpiece in the drama.
It appears that the mother of the child, who, as
has before been stated, was of highly respectable
family, and without a blemish of character herself
except this unfortunate affair, had emigrated to the
far West, and there became acquainted with and
married a wealthy young farmer, after having in-
formed him of the true state of the case in relation
to this child, as far as she knew ; and the marriage,
so far as is known, was a happy one.
But a message from a lady of intimate acquaint-
ance in Boston, setting forth the condition of the
child, and that there was a probability that it must
be sent to the almshouse, set the mother's heart on
fire : and, as she was otherwise childless, with the
consent of her husband she was soon on her way to
Boston. *,
On arriving in the city, with the aid of her
friend, the mother sought out the parents by adop-
tion ; but on learning her errand, they thought
they saw another opening to make money, and
laid their plans accordingly. Although they had
threatened the friend of the mother to turn the
child over to the overseer of the poor, if the real
mother did not come and take him away, now they
could not think of parting with the little fellow
388 POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
without the payment of a large sum. The mother
had not come prepared for this, but she was willing
to part with anything, yes, everything she had.
An agreement was finally made that the child
should be given up to the mother, and she in
return was to pay all the money she could raise,
together with all of her jewelry, a gold watch, and
some other articles of wearing apparel, everything
that she could possibly spare. She was to be at
the house where the child was, at an early hour
in the evening, the woman pretending that her
husband was not at home, and that the bargain
must not be known to him till after it was com-
pleted and the exchange made.
At the time appointed the mother repaired to
the house, with all the valuables she could here
command, to give in exchange for her child. The
woman received the consideration, and stooped to
kiss her little protege as he was about to depart,
when she gave a loud shriek. The husband im-
mediately rushed into the room, seized both the
child and the property, and thrust the frightened
mother into the street.
In her distress she came to the police. An
investigation led to the arrest and detention of the
guilty parties, and a subsequent examination before
a legal tribunal. After a careful examination, the
mother was awarded the custody of her child, and
with apparently a light heart departed with him for
her home in the West.
NEW CITY HALL. — A DEEAM:
For the last half century the government of the
town and city of Boston have made an occasional
effort to build a City Hall, for the want of which
officials have been accommodated first at Faneuil
Hall, next at the old Town House , and then at the
Old Court House, and various hired offices in the
neighborhood of Court Square.
At length, in the summer of 1862, the Hon.
Joseph M. Wightman being Mayor, with his accus-
tomed energy took the matter in hand, and the
subject-matter of building a new Hall was fully
investigated. It was said a New Hall, of sufficient
magnitude to accommodate all the city officials,
could be built for one hundred and sixty thousand
dollars, the interest of which would amount to a
less sum than that now paid for outside office hire,
and a vote passed both branches of the City Gov-
ernment to build. Under the direction of an ap-
propriate committee, plans and specifications were
drawn, contracts entered into, and on the morning
of the twenty-ninth of September, ground was
33*
390
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
broken directly under the office window of the
writer.
The New Hall is rectangular in form, one
hundred and thirty-eight feet long on the south
and north facades, and ninety feet wide on the east
and west facades respectively, having a central
projection on the south fifty-one and one half feet
in length, and fourteen and one half feet from
the wings on* a line of the facades ; this brings
the front up to within seven feet of the pedestal
on which stands the life-size bronze figure of the
venerated Franklin.
The Hall is four stories high on School Street,
and five on Court Square, with a French roof,
or Mansard story, the height of the stories being
from eleven to fourteen and one half feet high,
the ceiling to the common council chamber carried
up in the centre to the height of twenty-three
and one fourth feet. An attic story of square
form covers the centre projection, forty-three feet
square and fourteen and one half feet high, and
on this attic rises a dome thirty-eight feet from
the top of the mosaic cornice of the building.
The exterior walls are of granite, and lined
up with brick work, and the dome iron work
throughout. (Such was the plan of the build-
ing, and it was said it would be completed
during the year 1863 ; but men are mortal, and 'tis
human to err.)
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 391
At one time a religious society in a country
village desired to build a new meeting-house, the
old one having become dilapidated. After mature
deliberation, the society, at a meeting called for the
purpose, adopted the following resolutions : —
" First Resolved, That we will build a new
house.
" Second. ResoWed, That we will build the new
house on the site of the old one.
" Thwd. Resolved, That we will use the mate-
rial of the old house in building the new one.
" Fourth. Resolved, That we will occupy the
old house till the new one is completed."
The City Hall Committee virtually followed the
rules above in the first and second resolutions, and
the third also, as far as the material would go.
But they furnished most excellent quarters for the
removed City Officials at Mechanics Hall, with
few exceptions, and these might as well have re-
mained under the Fourth Resolve of the meeting-
house committee.
I have said that the workmen broke ground
September 29. The genteel iron fence in front of
the Old Hall, next School Street, and the flowers
and shrubbery it inclosed, disappeared in a few
hours, and the whole beautiful little square and
392
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
garden plat were soon one heap of rocks, broken
bricks, mud, and dirt.
During the progress of the excavation, many
things to remind one of other days were brought
to light; and as the laborers continued their work,
old wells, water cisterns, cellar walls, chimney
foundations, and other relics of antiquity came in
view.
Just in front of the south entrance of the east
wing of the Old Hall appeared a deep well,
which was safely covered over, for the pfotection
of the tens of thousands who yearly passed over it.
"When or by whom it was built, no one seems to
know. At the southeast corner, near Niles' Block,
was an old cistern some fourteen feet deep, appar-
ently built of brick, the mason work of which
crumbled to dust on being exposed to air. On the
opposite corner was another, not so deep or old as
the first. Here was the foundation of an old engine
house, and there of what was once Barristers 7
Block. On the western side, in an embankment,
was seen the projecting edges of an innumer-
able number of stones ; they were the outside walls
of the dwellings of the dead, who lived two hundred
years ago.
A large sidewalk committee were present daily
to offer their remarks and suggestions free of
charge, and to see that all things were properly
done. One day I noticed a venerable-looking old
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 393
gentleman standing near my window, with his
ardent gaze fixed intently on a point further
towards School Street.
" There," said he, with an energy much beyond
his years, " on that spot stood my old schoolhouse,
and there I went to school, seventy-two years ago ;
and just over there, it is said, stood the first Boston
schoolhouse, where Philemon Pormont taught the
young Boston idea how to shoot, two hundred and
twenty-eight years ago."
Up to Thanksgiving Day, which was on the 2 7th
of November, the excavations were continued as
far as practicable, and the foundation, preparatory
to placing the corner-stone, which was to be laid on
Forefathers' Day, had progressed without cessation
or accident, and in a manner that seemed intended
to bid defiance to the hand of Time.
On the afternoon of Thanksgiving Day, business
was dull, and being alone in the office,. I seated
myself in a chair, and placing my feet on the
window-sill, where I could have a good view of
the spot which has so long been of so much inter-
est to every Bostonian, I prepared myself to enjoy
a little meditation.
" Mr. Officer," said a voice at my elbow.
Supposing I was alone, I turned suddenly in the
direction from whence the voice came, and to my
great astonishment beheld at my side the figure of
a most venerable personage, with his deep, dark,
394
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
sunken eyes fixed intently on me. He was of
medium stature, and his snow-white beard fell
gracefully on his breast. His dress was neat, but
very ancient, such as I had never seen. His coun-
tenance was grave, and unearthly in expression,
and although I sat paralyzed beneath his look, yet
the sensation was not painful.
" Mr. Officer," said he, with a familiarity that
puzzled me, " why sittest thou here, gazing out
upon the ruins before thee, as though it were sacri-
lege to remove these beautiful handiworks of olden
time ] Knowest thou not that change is engraven
on all the works of earth ? Knowest thou not that
these beautiful structures, about being removed,
were built upon the ruins of other structures, per-
haps as beautiful, ornamental, and useful as them-
selves, and that they in turn were reared upon the
ruins of still others of an earlier date, each in turn
being the pride and glory of their age? Seest
thou not these new foundations springing up on
these ruins of ruins, to make room for which even
the venerated form of him who tamed the storm
and made the lightning of heaven subservient to
his will is set aside, and wise men of the age may
yet wrangle where his pedestal shall rest ? Hath
it not been so in all
ages
? And is it not so
in the moral, religious, and political, as well as the
material world'?
" Am I not the spirit of Philemon Pormort, the
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS. 395
first Boston schoolmaster, who dwelt and taught on
this consecrated ground more than two hundred
years ago, and have I not long witnessed the
doings of men] Hast thou not read how that
those who entrusted me with the instruction of
their children one day, banished me from my home
the next, because I claimed justice for my friend the
good Mr. Wheelwright, who could not embrace all
the superstitions of his townsmen \
" Hast thou not read how that the people of Bos-
ton, in my day, tied men and women to the cart- tail,
and whipped them through the town on account
of their belief? And how they hanged their
fellow-men on the limbs of trees on Boston
Common, and when dead cast their naked bodies
into the Frog Pond, to become food for dogs and
vultures, because they were Quakers ? Such were
the men who built themselves on the ruined hopes
and fortunes of Philemon Pormort."
Seeing I was about to attempt a reply, he slowly
raised his withered finger, and continued : —
" Mr. Officer, art not thou in thy profession a
servant of servants, and is not thy head ever subject
to the whim or caprice of a master? Then let
energy with prudence guide thee in duty, — but
let thy tongue be silent."
At this moment most unearthly sounds greeted
my ear, and darkness seemed inclosing the land ;
cannon were booming, — drums beating, — bells
396
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
tolling, — strange lights were flickering hither and
thither, and the elements even seemed to join in
one general commotion ; but Philemon Pormort
stood unmoved. At length in a calm, prophetic
voice, he said : —
" Mr. Officer, hearest thou not this din of ap-
proaching contention? Knowest thou not that the
hand of man is against his brother \ Sir, a crisis
is approaching, and fearful events are in the future,
— but the home of Philemon Pormort is with the
just ; " and he vanished from my sight.
In my eagerness to catch his last words, I sprang
from my chair but to realize that I had been
dreaming.
LITTLE RAGGED NELL.
When on duty at the North End, I knew a
bright-eyed, barefooted, ragged little orphan girl,
who lived with some people in an alley-way near
the Old Cockerel Church, whom we used to call
Little Ragged Nell. Her pitiable story is told in
the following lines ; would to Heaven it was a
solitary case.
Adown the narrow alley- way,
Where sun doth never shine,
Where poverty is doomed to dwell,
And babes grow up in crime ;
Where drunken mothers, wantons, thieves,
These dens of darkness swell ;
And where, in sorrow and in tears,
Lives little ragged Nell.
No father, mother, kin, or friend ;
Not one that Nellie knows,
Will speak a word, or lend a hand,
To stay the outcast's blows.
The homeless children, weak and lone,
To shame and crime they sell ;
When buds the flower, the buyers come
For little ragged Nell.
on
398
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Fair jewels, soon, and gaudy silk,
Will deck fair Nellie's form ;
In gilded halls and mazy dance,
She mingles with the throng.
Where vice, enshrined in mellow light,
Tempting the young and fair,
Bewitching cheat — heartless deceit,
Wooing but to ensnare.
Near by this narrow alley-way,
Where little Nell was born,
A church-spire rears in proud display ;
And on each Sabbath morn,
The rich meet here to worship God,
Who " doeth all things well ; "
But no one feels, or cares, to pray
For little ragged Nell.
Oh, would that Christians could but learn
To labor, well as pray,
That kindness teaches to return
Back from the sinful way.
Oh, if our preachers all would teach
The people how to live ;
And to the vile and suffering preach,
And words of comfort give,
Then might the earth see less of strife ;
And dens, where sorrow dwells,
Be filled with joy, and hope, and life,
And happy little Nells.
MY FATHER'S LIKENESS.
Oh, that those lips had language ;
Then would my longing ear
The soothing tones of purest love
And fond affection hear.
Then would a whispered blessing
Rest on my soul like dew ;
And tender words of sympathy
Breathe low, and soft, and true.
In vain ; those lips are silent ;
But in those thoughtful eyes,
So meekly on me beaming,
What hidden treasure lies.
Father, these looks are bringing
Visions of days long past ;
And sad, yet pleasing memories
About my soul are cast.
Thoughts of my own beloved home,
Of friends that dwelt with thee,
Those dear familiar faces,
With smiles to welcome me ;
400
POLICE RECOLLECTIONS.
Though years of care and sorrow,
Have vanished in the past, —
Yet still, methinks I see them now,
As when I saw them last.
Dear father, thou art now at rest ;
Thy spirit wanders free ;
Thy memory be a living light,
A guiding star to me.
THAT LITTLE CURL.
I kissed that lovely brow in death,
Cold as the winter's clay,
Ere the murmur of the parting breath
Passed from the lips away ;
And that bright, golden curl I shred
From the bright tresses of the dead.
That little curl ! my hand had brushed
Its ruffled gloss full oft,
As the sweet prattler's cries I hushed,
With carol low and soft ;
And, as he sank to silent rest,
That curl lay gleaming on my breast.
Dear child, it was no lightsome thing
To watch thy spirit's flight,
To mark its struggling ushering
To heaven's own world of light.
We bowed our weary heads to pray,
And angels bore our babe away.
I could not leave that lock to mould
Within the lonely tomb ;
That quenchless spark of living gold,
To light so drear a gloom ;
And now with mournful hearts we kiss
That Little Curl, that once was his.
MY MOTHER'S GRAVE.
I AM standing by thy grave, mother,
And an autumn's sun has set,
But its purple rays, its golden light,
Is lingering o'er me yet.
No murmur stirreth in the trees,
No whisper on the hill ;
The very air grows like my heart,
So heavy, and so chill.
I am standing by thy grave, mother,
But memory wanders free ;
Fond recollections ! happy hours,
My childhood knew with thee.
But she who watched my youthful steps,
Who shared each smile, each tear,
Lies cold and lifeless in the tomb,
Mother, so loved, so dear !
I am standing by thy grave, mother,
'Neath the cold, unfeeling sod,
And can I wish to call thee back ?
Thy dwelling is with God ;
And when is past this wearied life,
This pilgrimage of mine,
May I sleep then by thy side, mother,
And my spirit blend with thine I
TESTIMONIALS.
Boston Saturday Evening Gazette,
September 11, 1865
'1
Chronological History of the Boston Watch and Police. — This is
the title of a small volume, the sheets of which are now upon our
table, and which will be published in a short time. The book is, as it
purports to be, an account of the Watch and Police Departments of
Boston, from the earliest days of the town to the present time, the
facts being arranged in the form of Annals. To the Annals are
appended a series of chapters, containing Recollections of the author,
during the past fifteen years of his service in the Department, as Patrol-
man, Captain, and Deputy Chief, — these Recollections containing many
interesting occurrences in the performance of his duties, and graphic
descriptions of some of the most important mobs and riots which have
happened in the city. A few notices of the old buildings at the North
End, some of which have been demolished within a short time, are of
much value.
In the early part of his life as a policeman, Mr. Edward H. Savage,
Deputy Chief of Police, the author, was called upon to frequent the
purlieus of the North End notable places ; and, consequently, famil-
iarized himself with their appearances, and became acquainted with
their history. Having obtained so much information, he was urged
by those who knew of his acquirements, to prepare an account of the
Town and City Police, which, it was believed, he could do under
peculiar advantages. This, after persuasion, he has done, and well
performed, and deserves the thanks of those who have not the oppor-
tunities to do what he has done so well for them. In the preparation
of his Annals, Mr. Savage has spent many hours, when those who
will read his book have been sleeping, he taking the hours of night,
when his official labors were ended, in looking over files of news-
papers, — the most tedious of all historical labors ; and from these and
various records, he has collected a large number of facts, such as are
daily asked for by the inquiring, and which, in the form presented,
will be of easy reference. We hope Mr. Savage will not let his
labors end here, but that he will prosecute his inquiries further, and
soon add another volume of important material towards the history
of Boston.
404 TESTIMONIALS.
Boston Journal. October 14, 1865.
Police Records and Recollections from 1631 to 1865. By Edward
H. Savage. — This work includes a Chronological History of the
Boston Watch and Police within the period specified in the title,
together with the Recollections of the writer during his fifteen years
in active police service in this city. The chronological details are
very interesting, are not confined exclusively to police matters, and
give brief sketches of the state of society and of the leading public
events which have marked our local history since 1631. The Recol-
lections are very happily written, and are of great statistical and
historical value in many instances. Mr. Savage wields a ready and
graceful pen, and demonstrates much care in collating his information,
and great chastity of style in his descriptions. His book will
undoubtedly prove a popular one, as it well deserves to be.
Boston Courier, October 12, 1865.
Police Records and Recollections. — Mr. Edward H. Savage, who
has been in the service of the city as a police officer for the last fifteen
years, has published a very curious and interesting volume, in which
he furnishes a Chronological History of the Boston - Watch and Police
from 1631 to 1865, together with the Recollections of a Boston Police
Officer, or Boston, by Daylight and Gaslight, drawn from his Diary.
The history and chronological view are remarkably interesting.
The Recollections disclose many quaint, stirring, thrilling, and
comical situations, told in a taking and pleasing way. Altogether, the
book is one of the most interesting contributions to the history of
Boston that has been published. Copies can be obtained of the
author at the office of the Chief of Police, City Hall.
Boston I^orning Post, October 13, 1865.
Boston Watch and Police. — Mr. Edward H. Savage, well known
to our citizens as the Deputy Chief of Police, has just published a
work of 396 pages, the title of which is " A Chronological History
of the Boston Watch and Police from 1631 to 1865 ; together with the
Recollections of a Boston Police Officer, or Boston by Gaslight and
Daylight. From the Diary of an Officer Fifteen Years in the Service."
The title sufficiently explains the scope and nature of the work. A
TESTIMONIALS. 405
more interesting volume of its nature has not been published in our
recollection, and it is fortunate that one so qualified undertook the
labor it involves. Mr. Savage is an observing, shrewd, methodical
man, and commands a good pen. He has evidently had a heart in his
task, and as a consequence the public is presented with a readable
book, in which is contained much interesting as well as valuable
information. We presume that our citizens generally will want the
book, and we will only add that it can be obtained of the author, at
the office of the Chief of Police, City Hall.
Boston Evening Voice, )
October 14, 1865. J
Boston Watch and Police. — We are indebted to the author for a
copy of a volume of much interest to a Bostonian, entitled " A Chro-
nological History of the Boston Watch and Police, from 1631 to 1865 ;
together with the Recollections of a Boston Police Officer, or Boston
by Daylight and Gaslight, from the Diary of an Officer Fifteen Years
in the Service." The work contains 396 pages octavo, and is pub-
lished and sold by the author, Edward H. Savage, Deputy Chief of
Police, at the office of the Chief of Police, City Hall. It seems al-
most superfluous to add another word. The title of the book is suffi-
cient recommendation. It cannot fail to sell in Boston, and would
be found of interest to readers farther away from the "hub." The
reader will find in the " Recollections," many an amusing incident,
and entertaining story. Every citizen of Boston should have a copy.
Boston Express, October 20, 1865.
The Police of Boston. — Capt. Savage, the Deputy Chief of Boston,
has published a handsome volume, in which, in addition to a history
of the Police and Watch Department of Boston, he gives very inter-
esting sketches of some of the occurrences he has seen in the fifteen
years of his experience as a police officer. The historical part has
been prepared with care, and is the result of careful and diligent re-
search. The stories are well told, and well illustrates, not only the
ordinary and extraordinary phases in the life of a policeman, but they
show, also, the characteristics of the kind-hearted, persevering, coura-
geous, honorable, modest, and meritorious officer, who relates them.
It is a volume worthy of extensive sale, and we hope to learn that
406 TESTIMONIALS.
Capt. Savage, who is his own publisher, will rapidly dispose of the
whole edition. The book is for sale at the office of the Chief of
Police.
The Commonwealth, October 21 , 1865.
A Chronological History of the Boston Watch and Police : With
the Recollections of a Boston Police Officer. By Edward H. Savage.
— A contribution to local history, -at once original, curious, and di-
verting. Every Bostonian will here find something to interest him.
The narrative runs back to 1631, and every incident pertaining to
our local constabulary, worthy of record, is faithfully given. Added
to these, are the "Recollections" of the author, who has been fifteen
years in the police service of the city, which are narrated in a pleasing
manner, and embody several incidents of unusual interest. The au-
thor is now Deputy Chief of Police of Boston, and has had excellent
facilities for his work, copies of which can now be procured of him, at
his office in the new City Hall.
Daily Evening Traveller,
October 17, 1865
:!-
The Police of Boston. — Deputy Chief of Police Savage has just
published " A Chronological History of the Boston Watch and Police,
from 1631 to 1865 ; together with the Recollections of a Boston Po-
lice Officer, or Boston by Daylight and Gaslight." There is no man
in Boston so well qualified to write a history of this character as Capt.
Savage. He has a taste for antiquarian research, and has found time,
notwithstanding his many official duties, to collect a large amount o f
information respecting the early history of Boston. This part of his
work has been done thoroughly and well. His duties as a policeman
have brought him into contact with all classes of people, and made him
the witness of many strange scenes. His " Recollections " will be
read with interest, and those who know the author will believe his
declaration that every word he writes is true. Copies of this interest-
ing book can be had of the author, at the office of the Chief of Police,
City Hall.
TESTIMONIALS. 407
The American Union, )
Boston, November 4, 1865. j
A Chronological History of the Boston Watch and Police, from 1631
to 1865 ; together with the Recollections of a Boston Police Officer, or,
Boston by Gaslight and Daylight. From the Diary of an Officer
fifteen years in the Service. — We have received from Mr. Edward H.
Savage, the author, a copy of the above work. It is neatly gotten
up, and is altogether one of the most interesting books, relative to
police matters, that we have seen. The incidents having occurred in
Boston, the book is full of attraction to every citizen, and will, we
think, meet with a ready encouragement. It is published by the
author, and copies may be obtained from him at the office of Chief
of Police in the City Hall.
Springfield Republican, October 19, 1865.
The Boston Police Department has won a literary status. Its chron-
ological history for two hundred and thirty-four years has been
prepared by Edward H. Savage, who has had fifteen years' experience
in the service. Mr. Savage is shrewd and witty, and with his facts
and Recollections, has produced a valuable and entertaining book.
Boston Evening Transcript, October 16, 1865.
Police Records and Recollections. — Deputy-Chief-of -Police Savage
has published a volume of 396 pages, containing a chronological
history of the Boston Watch and Police from 1631 to 1865, together
with many interesting reminiscences of his own experience of fifteen
years in the service. The work furnishes an admirably condensed
description of the striking events in the history of Boston, from its
settlement to the present time, as these are connected, in a greater or
less degree, with the consummation of measures to maintain the public
peace. As a record of such occurrences the publication has much
value. But the general reader will find the personal sketches,
wherein the writer depicts incidents in which he was a prominent
actor, or cognizant of the facts which he relates, as possessing the
most attraction. The author of the interesting narratives undertakes
no fine writing, but some of his " plain, unvarnished" tales have a
graphic freshness about them rarely excelled by the efforts of prac-
408 TESTIMONIALS.
tised literary men. The light in which they present the Deputy Chief
is creditable to him both as a citizen and an officer. It is evident
enough that he knows how to- extract the poetry from his profession,
and while dealing out justice never forgets the claims of mercy. The
enlarged and enlightened views which he takes of his calling are
worthy of being copied by all engaged in administering the police
system of Boston. His present contribution to the current literature
of the day shows that the knowledge of and power to use good
rhetoric does not incapacitate a man from being an excellent officer
of the law. The book can be obtained of the author, who is his own
publisher.
Boston Daily Evening Traveller,
:■
The Police Recollections . — We are pleased to announce that the
new book of Captain Savage, the Deputy Chief of Police, has met
with a very large sale, and the first edition is nearly exhausted. It
is very highly spoken of by all who have read it. The book can
be obtained of the author, at the City Hall ; price $1.50.
The following testimonial was kindly contributed by Dr. Shurtleff,
who probably knows more of the history of Boston than any other
one man now living.
Boston, October 12, 1865.
My dear Sir : —
Accept my thanks for a copy of your interesting volume of facts.
It will fill a space which has long, too long, been vacant upon the
book-shelves of persons interested in good old Boston.
I hope the sale will prove so large as to induce you to print another
edition, greatly enlarged, from the memorandum which you must have
taken in obtaining what you have already reduced to form. Ques-
tions, every day asked, can be answered by your present volume ;
but these questions and answers will give rise to other inquiries, which
must be met by some one ; and by whom, I ask, better than by your-
self. I shall often recur to your pages in my own inquiries, and have
no doubt but that I shall be amply repaid for so doing,
Truly yours,
Nathaniel B. Shurtlei f.
E. II. Savage Esq., City Hall.
14 DAY USE
RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED
LOAN DEPT.
This book is due on the last date stamped below,
or on the date to which renewed. Renewals only:
Tel. No. 642-3405
Renewals may be made 4 days prior to date due.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.
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