UC-NRLF Wm \J m &\. -i* V €*£* ^ ■ • Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 http://archive.org/details/chronologicalhisOOsavarich 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