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Class. Book.

THE

EARLY RECORDS

OP^ THE

Town of Portsmouth

I

EDITED

IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RESOLUTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMIiLV

THE LIBRARIAN

RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PROVIDENCE, R. I.

E. L. FREEMAK .< bUNS, Si A J E TKlNTERS I9OI

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PREFACE.

This volume of Portsmouth Records is issued in accordance with a vote of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island, passed May 26, 1899, as follows:

'■'■Resolved, That the sum of one thousand dollars or so much thereof as may be necessary be and the same is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of indexing, printing, and binding five hundred copies of the early records of the town of Portsmouth, to be done under the direction of the librarian of the Rhode Island Historical Society; and the state auditor is hereby directed to draw his orders on the general treasurer for said sum or so much thereof as may be necessary, upon the presentation of vouchers approved by the secretary of state."

The movement to preserve in permanent form the earliest records of Portsmouth was started long before the passage of the General Assembly act. Nearly two years before, a request was made of the Portsmouth town council that the oldest book of records should be temporarily surrendered to the Rhode Island Historical Society, in order that an exact copy of the same might be made. On September 13, 1897, upon petition of Amos Perry, this request was granted. Within a few months a copy was made, and on May 26, 1899, the General Assembly recognized the value of the undertaking by authorizing the printing of five hundred copies of the volume.

[ iv]

This old book of records, in spite of its long period of useful- ness, is yet fairly well preserved. Its evident lack of covers during a part of its existence has permitted perhaps two dozen pages at each end of the book to become frayed and torn, some almost to the inner edge. The present substantial binding was put on during the term of Richard Sherman as town clerk. Since that time the volume has been carefully kept, although the age and brittleness of the paper have rendered it liable to con- stant danger. That a few of the leaves have become torn and lost, even since then, may be seen by comparing the present transcript with that made by John R. Bartlett in editing the Rhode Island Colonial Records. Mr. Bartlett, in transcribing a portion of the records from 1639 to 1646, evidently had access in 1856 to a somewhat less mutilated volume than the existing one. A careful comparison, however, will show that the tran- script in the Colonial Records is not at all to be relied upon for accuracy.

The volume, as it exists to-day, is one of great interest and local historical importance. Although the larger part of the book is taken up with the proceedings of the town council, there are also included hundreds of miscellaneous records — deeds, wills, inventories, powers of attorney, indentures, and ear-marks — all of additional value to the student of history and genealogy. The book was evidently used at the same time for different purposes. The council records begin with the year 1639 at one end of the volume and run until the year 1695, when they are met by mis- cellaneous records that had in the meantime been begun at the opposite end of the volume. The council's proceedings from 1695 to 1697 are scattered throughout the remainder of the book, wherever a blank space would permit. In one case an

[ v]

entry for the " 13th of the first month, 1697," '^^as made directly after an entry for the year 1642. (See page 19 of this volume.) But the word "1697" having become torn off, the record reads as if it had been entered under 1642. For convenience, therefore, in finding the proceedings of a certain town council, a chrono- logical table of town-meetings is annexed to this preface.

In transcribing the volume, the spelling, capitalization, and punctuation of the original have been rigidly adhered to. When the volume was first transmitted to the Historical Society, it was carefully repaged in red ink; and this pagination, which may now be deemed the original pagination, is indicated in the pres- ent text by heavy type within brackets. The dates at the upper corners of the pages are inserted merely for convenience in refer- ence. The signs and abbreviations used mostly explain them- selves. Brackets enclosing a blank space are used whenever the text is torn or illegible. The "marks" of persons unable to write, are reproduced as far as practicable in fac-simile. The reproduction of a circle, with the word "seal" inside, does not mean that the seal itself is in the text, but that the town clerk thus indicated what he himself had seen upon the original docu- ment that he copied. Certain signs, like |p for the syllable con- taining the letters pr with a vowel, and m for mm, have been preserved. The reader should constantly remember the facts about double-dating and the change in the calendar. According to the Julian calendar, the year began on March 25. March was the first month and February the last month of the year. But since January was historically, if not legally, the first month of the year, all dates falling between January i and March 24, in- clusive, were double-dated. February 14, 1675, was written February 14, 1674/75. Upon the introduction of the Gregorian

[vi]

calendar in 1752, January became legally the first month of the year, and double-dating ceased.

As I write the closing words of this preface, I realize that it has merely fallen to my lot to complete a task so well begun by others. To Hon. Amos Perry, my predecessor in the position of librarian of the Rhode Island Historical Society, is due a large portion of the credit of preserving this volume in its printed form. Through his own energy and enthusiasm he raised a sum sufficient to meet the expenses of the first transcript, and under his able supervision the book was planned and begun. But scarcely had the printing commenced when death intervened and he was called away. During the interval preceding the choice of his successor, the volume was edited under the direction of the members of the library committee — William D. Ely and Henry R. Chace. Soon after my entrance upon the duties of librarian, a great calamity occurred, and the volume, which was confidently expected to appear in the spring of 1900, was delayed for nearly a year. All the signatures as far as page 257, which were stored at the state bindery, were consumed in the Snow & Farnham fire of January, 1900. Fortunately a duplicate set of signatures had been preserved, and after the state had made an appropriation to reprint the thousands of burned documents and reports, the work was begun all over again in May, 1 900. Several changes, made possible by the complete reprinting of the volume, were introduced, but the original plan has been generally ad- hered to.

The labor of transcribing the volume has been entrusted to Katharine H. Austin. Her skill in deciphering ancient records, and her natural carefulness and discernment, have rendered her

[ vii ]

exceptionally well qualified for the task. The state is fortunate, indeed, in having been able to obtain the services of one so pains- taking and accurate.

Thanks are due to William D. Ely and to Henry R. Chace, for the efficient manner in which they directed the printing of the book just after Mr. Perry's death, and especially to the latter gentleman for his kind offices in originally procuring for us the ancient volume. Acknowledgment should also be made to Edward Field, for many helpful suggestions; to William F. Brayton, the present town clerk of Portsmouth, for his forbear- ance in allowing the volume out of his custody during the process of reading the proof ; to the Portsmouth town council, for their courtesy and interest in the matter; and to E. L. Free- man & Sons, the state printers, for the typographical excellence of the book.

In conclusion, I would call attention to the almost imperative duty of preserving in permanent form the oldest records of our towns. The fading of the ink, the crumbling of the paper, and the ever present danger of fire are inevitable barriers to the extreme longevity of any manuscript volume. Indeed, the loss of public records from this last cause alone, considered in the aggregate throughout the whole country, is little short of appal- ling. If but one copy of a volume exists, then its life hangs upon a single thread. The only way in which effectually to preserve the volume for present and future generations is to multiply the number of copies, and this the many improvements in the art of printing have enabled us to do at a comparatively low cost. In this state of Rhode Island, the matter is of especial importance. The peculiar structure of government of our colony, in its earliest days, has made the records of the towns the chief, and often the

[ viii ]

only source for a study of the history of the colony. Of our four earliest towns, the records of Providence have been published, those of Portsmouth are now in print, and those of Newport are irrevocably lost. The records of Warwick alone remain. The oldest manuscript volume in the possession of that town is less known to the historical student than any other of our earliest town records. While certain portions of it have never as yet been deciphered, the historical importance of the volume is un- questioned. It is certainly the duty of the people of this state to see to it that the contents of this valuable Warwick volume should be preserved in permanent form before it is too late.

CLARENCE S. BRIGHAM,

Librarian R. I. Historical Society. Providence, March 25, 1901.

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF TOWN MEETINGS.

1639, 1639 1639 1639 1639, 1639 1639 1639 1639 1639 1639 1640 1640; 1640: 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640, 1641 1641 1642 1642 1643 1643 1643 1643 1644 1644

April 30 page

July.

October. . .

November. December.

January

February 10 .

March

May 26

June ,

July

September 7 . September 23,

October

November 1 . December 3..

January

February 4. . , November 1 .

February 25 .

29....

October 15. . November 28.

March

April 10

ige 3	1644,
4	1644,
4	1644,
4	1644,
6	1646,
5	1647,
" 5	1647,
5	1647,
5	1647,
5	1647,
7	1647,
6	1647,
8	1648,
13	1648,
14	1648,
14	1648,
15	1648,
15	1649,
16	1649,
16	1649,
18	1649,
18	1649,
18	1649,
19	1649,
10	1650,
11	1650,
19	1650,
20	1650,
21	1650,
22	1651,
24	1651,
27	1651,

May 27 page 27

August 29 " 29

November 14 " 30

December 23 " 31

November 28 " 32

February 4 " 32

June " 34

June 21 " 34

July 6 " 35

August 26 " 35

September 28 " 36

November 25 " 36

January 27 " 36

May 9 " 37

July 10 " 37

September 4 " 38

December 28 " 39

January 25 " 39

February 22 " 40

May 15 " 40

June " 40

July 16 " 41

October 16 " 43

November 21 " 43

April 29 " 44

June ** 45

July 8 " 46

July 16 " 46

November 12 " 47

February 19 " 47

March 4 " 48

May 10 " 49

[x]

1651 1651 1651 1651 1652 1652 1652 1652 1653 1653 1653 1654 1654 1654 1654 1654 1654 1654, 1655 1655 1655 1655 1655 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1656 1657 1657 1657 1657 1657 1657 1657

June 3. . . . June 13.. . June 16... August 25. January 19. January 26. February 2 June 9. . . .

April 1

June

June 20.. .

May 10

June 5

June 17

August 21 ... , September 11, November 13, January 23. . ,

March 3

May 5

June 4

June 30

January 3 . . February 14

April 8

May 14

June

June 3

July 3

August 11. . . October 4 . . . December 8 . December 13.

March 3

April 16

May 29

June 1

June 8

July 31

August 31. , .

age 50	1657,
51	1657,
52	1657,
53	1658,
57	1658,
57	1658,
57	1658,
58	1658,
59	1658,
59	1658,
60	1658,
61	1659,
61	1659,
62	1659,
63	1659,
64	1659,
64	1659,
65	1660,
66	1660,
66	1660,
66	1660,
67	1660,
68	1660,
69	1661,
69	1661,
70	1661,
70	1661,
71	1661,
71	1661,
72	1661,
72	1662,
73	1662,
74	1662,
74	1662,
74	1662,
75	1662,
75	1662,
75	1662,
76	1663,
76	1663,
77	1663,

November 19 page

November 20

November 30

January 6

March 2

May 11

June 7

June 8

October 6

October 27 ,

November 22

February 16

May 12

June 6

August 6

September 15

December 21 ,

March 7

May 9

June 4

July 9

September 29

December 27

January 5

January 12

March 2

May 11

June 3

August 24 ... . October 1 . . . , February 24 . ,

May 12

June 2

July 7

August 25. . . , September 29, December 3 . . December 19 ,

February

March 16

May 5

78

79

80

81

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

94

96

97

98

100

102

103

105

107

108

109

111

112

113

114

116

117

[xi ]

lf)63, June 1 page

1003, June 24

1G63, November 7

1GG3, November 17

1(J63, December 23

1664, February 17

1GG4, April 27

1GG4, August 25

1GG4, October 12

1GG5, February 21

16G5, May 1

1665, June 5

1GG5, October 13

16GG, February 22

16GG, March 21

16GG, April 25

1G6G, June 4

166G, August 27

1G66, October 10

1GG7, January 5

1GG7, April 23

1667, June 3

1667, June 26

1667, October 17

16G8, April 28

1668, June 1

1668, October 16

1669, February 27

1669, March 8

16G9, March 29

1669, April 28

1669, June 7

16G9, October IG

1670, March 17

1670, April 27

1670, April 28

1G70, June 6

1670, June 27

1670, October 5

1670, November 23

1670, December 3

ige 118	1671,
" 120	1671,
" 120	1671,
•' 121	1671,
" 122	1671,
" 123	1672,
" 124	1672,
•' 125	1672,
" 126	1672,
" 126	1672,
" 127	1672,
" 129	1673,
' 130	1673,
•' 131	1673,
" 132	1673,
" 132	1674,
" 133	1674,
" 134	1674,
" 135	1675,
" 136	1675,
" 136	1675,
'• 137	1675,
" 138	1675,
" 139	1676,
" 139	1676,
" 141	1676,
" 143	1676,
" 144	1676,
" 144	1677,
" 145	1677,
•' 146	1677,
" 148	1677,
" 150	1678,
" 151	1678,
' 151	1678,
" 152	1678,
" 152	1678,
" 154	1679,
" 155	1679,
" 156	1679,
" 157	1G79,

April 26

June 5 ,

July 6

September 22, October 14. . .

March 2

March 14

April 25

June 3

October 14. . , December 6.. .

April 29

June 2

October 10. .. November 28.

April 21

June 1

October 10. . .

April 9

June 7. ..... .

July 16

October 12. . . December 8., , January 14. ,

March 8

April 21

June 5

October 7. . . .

April 14

June 4

October 2

December 27.

April 23

June 3

August 5

October 11. . . December 31 . May 3

page

June 2. . . , June 23... August 18.

158 161 163 166 166 174 167 168 169 171 173 175 175 177 178 179 180 ISl 182 183 185 186 187 187 188 189 190 191 192 192 193 195 195 196 197 197 197 198 199 200 286

[ xii ]

1679, October 15 page 201

1680, February 14 '' 202

1680, April 19 " 202

1680, June 7 " 204

1680, August 30 " 206

1680, November 12 " 207

1680, December 27 " 207

1681, January 21 " 208

1681, March 14 " 209

1681, June 6 " 210

1681, July 9 " 212

1681, August 29 " 212

1682, March 6 " 213

1682, June 5 " 214

1682, August 28 " 216

1683, February 19 " 216

1683, June 4 " 218

1683, August 14 " 219

1684, January 4 " 220

1684, January 18 " 221

1684, March 10 '* 221

1684, June 2 " 223

1684, August 15 " 224

1684, December 12 " 225

1685, March 16 " 226

1685, June 1 " 227

1685, August 14 " 229

1685, November 30 " 230

1686, March 19 " 230

1686, April 9 " 231

1686, April 20 " 232

1686, June 7 " 232

1686, August 20 " 234

1687, January 14 " 234

1687, April 7 " 235

1687, July 29 •' 235

1687, August 12 " 236

1687, September 24 " 237

1688, January 10 " 237

1688, March 2 " 238

1688

1689

1690^

1690

1691

1692

1693

1694,

1694

1695

1696

1696,

1697,

March 26 page

May 21 "

August 9 "

February 13 "

March 31 "

June 2 "

July 2 "

August 22 "

October 14 "

March 30 "

June 1 "

February 8 "

March 28 "

June 6 "

August 22 "

March 10 "

April 12 "

June 20 "

November 10 "

January 12 "

February 22 "

June 4 "

August 17 "

January 17 "

March 8 "

May 24 "

June 3 "

August 13 "

November 25 "

December 2 "

a u

June 1 "

August 19 "

January 14 "

March 13 "

April 16 "

May 21 "

June 7 "

238 239 240 240 241 241 243 243 244 245 245 246 247 247 249 249 250 250 251 252 253 255 256 256 250 248 287 292 363 363 260 260 260 292 363 193 19 309 308 306

[ I ] 1639.

Here is written in later] style of figures, 1639 ]

[Y] Aprill. 30. i6

We whose names are vnderw our selues the Loyall subie King Charles, and in his na

into a Civill body Politicke : a

selues^vvnto his lawes according matters of Justice:

Willm Hutchinson.

Samuell Gorton

Samuell Hutchinson

John Wickes

Richarde Maggson.

Thomas Spiser, '^■William Acpinwall •^WiUm Haulc.

John Roome, p^ t John Sloffe +■ ■"'

mark

Thomas Beddar \v. mark

Erasmus Bullocke Sampson Shotten

* See Arnold's History of R. I., Vol. I. p. 133, foot-note. f See R. I. Historical Society's Quarterly, Vol. VI, p. 85.

i639- [ 2 ]

Ralph Earle

Robert Potter

Nathanyell Potter |^« mark

George Potter f mark

*w'" Heauens. \Jt^ /-/- "'^'^

* George Cleare. ^y ") George Lawton

Anthony Paine i^^^ his mark

Jobe Haukins f^

Richarde Awards *John More A/

Nicholas Brownes (^y^

William Richardson | John Trippe Thomas Layton I

Robert Stainton his ^ mark

John BriggeS his f marke

James Davice fif his mark

mark

his mark

mark

his mark

* See R. I. Historical Society's Quarterly, Vol. VI, p.

[ 3 ] 1639.

[9] Aprill. 3&]' i_

According to the true intent of whose names ar aboue perticularly joyntly or by the maior Voice, to Ruler or Judge amongst vs in for the space & tearme of one behauing himself according to the t

We have freely made Choice of to be ruler or Judg Among

We have also for the helpe & ease publique businesse & affaires for for one yeare also, Chosen Vnto him William Balston, John Porter, Jo William Freeborne, John Wal Phillipe Shermon, as also w'll lay out landes as they sh

We haue also made Choice of amongst Vs for this yeare en

It is appoynted y' theire shalbe

yeare, evry quarter one for

to doe right betwixt man &

Jury of. 12 men, as also it is

the Eight men chosen v

meeting amongst themsel

as also to put an end to any controver

if it amount not to the Valine of fo

the Judge w'h the rest of the eight

it brought to y" pubike court

i639- [ 4 ]

The quarter courts ar to bee the next, the second, the first thursd the first thursday in decembe day of Election of new officer in March.

And for the Monthly courts to in the month.

[11] ^t a Monthly meeting y^

1639 Job Haukins was granted one House y"" west side of the swampe to buld on be forfitt at y^ yeares end It It is ordered y' the meddowes a laid out according to ech mans |^p *

At a Monthly meeting the last th It is ordered that no man shall sell his lott or offer it to y"' boddy heare in Portsmouth

It is ordered y' John Porter & Tho: Spiser inhabitants of y" laitly purchased meddo theire monyes for this yeare & bring it

It is agreed vpon y^ theire shalbe tend Joyning w'h him to putt our matters o 2 among themselues, & we tow amo ende it, to referr it to 4 men of [rjigh tow, they other tow,

It is ordered that w™. ffreeborne & R about the corne ffeilds of both sid

* Undoubtedly an abbreviation for "proportion."

[ 5 ] 1639.

man to maintaine his owne ffeii to be maintained by y'' whole feilde, the owners theirof are to pay the d

At a Monthly meet pealed >■= Jt is ordered v' no man shall g-

i of 1 2 mo. -' _ *^

139 shall loase his lott heare, ti

At a Mont To John Alborah wa Condition of bulding To John Vane one

[12] ting y*" last thursday in y^ 8^'' m°.

3? one House lott next John Vane vpon y*^ said tear y' w'h was George Gardiners grownd in the ow more next it, vpon y*-' vew of | S'^\ Balston &

in the said North feild to plow/

land at y" Comon seller on y" neck from w'"

tchinsons lott

eeting y*" last thursday in 9 M°.

ted 6 ac of planting ground at his Meddow where

next John Motts vpon y' former condition of bulding

meeting y'" 10 m". 1639 house lotte next beyond m'' Cowland on y^ y" former condition of bulding w'hin

tow house lotts of y'" east side of the swampe next y'' Coupers vpon Condition of & selling the 3^^ lott bought of Anthony good behauiour/

i639- [ 6 ]

ng y*" Ii m". 1639

baue bene divers times trobled w'h Claimes

ing an equall right w'h y'' purchasers to

tion, w'^h is contrary to what is declared

at our entrance into this combination

tuall peace, y' all such Claimes should

haue his lands layed out to him as vppon y' receite of theire monyes

[13] At a quarter meeting the

y' 5'*' m°. 1639. these th

That evry man that hath a house shall bulde vpon the same w'hin on he loaseth it

m' Thomas Spicer & Robert Potter ar chosen Surveyers for y" hie wayes, &: come in, tow, foure, or sixe dales a this & y*" 29 of 7 m°. next, & if the nece as he cannot come or pcure a man, he day to y' surveyers & the surveyers y'^ Court at y^ yea res end It is agreed vpon to Call this towne

To Richard Haukins is granted one ho

one yeare or to be forfitt,

To Thomas Slaid is granted one house lo

upon y" said tearmes

To Tho: Waite one house lott next m""

To Edward ffisher one house lott next

[ 7 ] 1639.

At a quarter Meeting y" first Thursd 1639 Nicholas Browne doth dismisse himself of [hi] the govourment heare/

[14] [^] Meddowes formerly granted

ie way adioyninng to m' Coddingtons garden him w'h y° littl marsh w^hout y*" Comon fenc nex y* xt vnto him

next vnto him next vnto him

next him & one at y"" end of his lott on y'^ neck t m' wilbore

en y'' salt Crick & his lotte Cricke ge (4 Rood left for a hie way to y'' spring) Tow acre him i Ac. halfe next vnto him xt vnto him tow Ac next to him next to them, vnto him halfe next vnto him, beyond y^ hieway. t to him

halfe next to him eorg Layton & Tho Laiton to ech halfe an ac next him e of y" ponde ne Ac next next his house tton i Ac next to him i Acr next to him i Ac next to him next to him

[ 8 ]

& [a] halfe next to him at y^ ponds mouth next y*" North sea eddow of y"" Norwest side of y'' Hand Towne end of y^ meddow 2 Ac of vpland nto h[im] 3 Ac of meddow, ac of Meddow, t to him xt to them xt to them xt to him meddow, w'h an addition of vpland to o y^ Meddowe estward beyond y*" long Meddow, from y*" sea

eddow ;

[1.&] -^t ^ meeting the 10''' of y^ 12 m"*. 163

& further confirmed y'^ 1 8 of y'^ said

It is Mutually agreed by the p

that these quanteties of grow

in these places following.

William Hutchinson ffour Hundreth

North side of y*" salt Crick at Sachua East, & bo

on y" west & soe to ronne Northward,

John Sanforde Tow hundreth & ffourtie Acre

William Aspinwall Tow hundreth Acres ab

Sandy poynte of the same side to pay

Philip Shermon Tow Hundreth Acres ab

from the Towne of y' same side

Of the west side William ffreeborne One hundreth & ffortie Acr at his little Meddow & soe sowth west,

r 9 1

John Walker one hundreth Acres ne

40 William Balston Tow hundreth Acr

brooke on y" North East end of his Mcddow

40 John Porter Tow Hundreth Acres Edwarde Hutchinson Tow Hundret & if theire be noe Meddowes wiMiin hi of Tow Acres he is to haue Tow Porters Meddow,

30 Richard Carder Thirtie Ac next It is also ordered y' the afforsaid the one halfe of theire lande re2:arde of theire first advento Also it is ordered y' Robt Potter sha som losses he had by y*" heard Adam Mote fower scoere and Brooke next m' William B ward

[Page 16 is blank]

[17] The 22 of decem[ber]

It was ordered att a publikc mee that where as there was an ord pence the acker: should be payd layd out the land: it is now ord former order is disanulld: and foreward to be layd out freely: o laye out the land shalbe payd in to there laboure and paines:

it is granted at a publike mettinge of Portsmouth that there is H for men to gett a shipp lood of & pipe stauffes & clabboard boults Juridicktions of the twone of por that thouse men wch doe proc shall bringe in the comodities vnt and that they shall part with wch the exchange for the stuff shuch pay as men are able to or goats or hogges or other ca they sayd men shall gett noe t of the sayd towne of portsmout to goe to gett plankes & crookes

i day of of november 1642

first it is ordered that whosover s

of land wherevppon Tho: Gorton hath

house shall keepe the ferric

alsoe it is ordered that the t necke of land where vppon his vnto him by the towne

the first of December i

It is ordered att a publike mee m"" Willm Brenton Dept with the towne of nuport of that debtt which the & to prop[o]use land for th

[ II J 1642.

r-i tt] [D]arHnge & Lamboth woodered

en lyinge beyound good k| Jrells fell it the after the falle of

England hath 2 ackers graunted nto him wch was orraunted

&

man bourden that hee hath liber ght aboue his hedge

1642

e it was ordered that there

of land orranted to the vnder

at is to saye what can be

about the mill with 40

other syde of the great

n Randall Houldinge great

ds att the forther end

more or lesse lyinge be

me and to m' Huchinsons

Vnto george Parker & ther of them a lott if it iam England one dwell

to william Chatbourne that

tweene m' Parker and

and alsoe he hath

him to make vse of

1642. [ 12 ]

er which was aunted vnto er to be satisfied d

morris nY Samuell

or an}^ 3 of them

& present them

[19] Foi" ye corne

hadd of m"" malborne att a towne meetinge the 26 of Aprill The deptie governor he will lend [in] one yearelinge steere m' Portter hee will lend one yearelin m"" Baulston one caulfe Raphe keared one yearelinge g Adam mott one yearlinge goat Richard Borden one yearlinge go Raphe *Cowland one yearlinge John Briges one shote Thomas Gorton one bushell of William ffreeborne one bushell m' Cornell one ijoat

It is ordered & agreed that the fe feilds ar to be mad vpp by the io

It is ordered that all the hogges awaye out of the corne lotts by & for every hogge that is found in

♦Apparently "k" was first written instead of "C."

[ -3 J

after the i of marcl"! to paye hogge

It is ordered that the land that the mill it Is agreed of that betweene Rand[le] Hoiddinge great lott[s| is graunted vnto and m' Samuell welboure: lesse is graunted vnto the paying vnto m"^ John Portter of it lyinge beyound the m*^ Hutchinsons land and height that m' Hutch

[20] he first Month 1640

Aqueidneck Hand

day to send euery man that hath

man to make a hedoe &'"* grate fro

s corner to mr Samford's hedge

bee ouerseer of the worke M'' Samford

men or some three of them adioyned

seauerall men in the North feild

for their planting or plowinge

o have two pence an acre fo' their

oube/

en is assigned ioo Acres on y'' North Side

ned 050 acres on y"" North Side

is assigned — 060 acres on the North Side

ned 060 acres on the North Side

assigned — 020 acres on the North Side is graunted oio acres of timber ayers thinke fo' these./

1640. [ 14 ]

n that if m' Hollyman doe not pay the Mill that he shall bee satisfied by y" bodye nted./

Shermon & Richarde Burden are the Meddow grounds to each man yond the water.

the 26th of the third Month 1640

is graunted to Ralphe Earle as

the ponde side 3. acres of land

his makeing & maintayninge

the next fence adioyning to the Lotte

in & to bee layed oute as the/

/

this day admitted an Inhabitaunt raunted vnto him three hundred egyn at the brooke next beyonde the towards Sachueast./

the greene ouer against Leftenant o his close.

f the 4th Month 1640

unted to him one hundrede or 200 hundrede acres if it ers./

& Henry Town son are s./ Spicer shall see that the oute the Comon charge of the

r 15 ] 1640.

h day of this 4th Month

south syde the Hand/ de

5th Month 1640

e lott on the hillside yde ill syde 11 syde

[21] To Phillip Sherman one house lott on

Sargean Hutchinsonnes/

To m' Wilboare 4 acres at the discretion

The 7th of the 7th Month i640

It is ordered that theise 4 men with Leftena Samfoard, Samuell Wilboare & Adam Mott needfuU for the setting forward of the worke & ment euery man shall send in a man 2 :or. 3 to carrye an end of the worke & what materialls a supplye of, w'h what conuenient speede may b It is ordered that euery man shall make a con before his lot betwixt this & the 12"" of the next M Month Suruayers of the hyewaies Liftenant

M-" Wildeboare & Adam Mott Thomas Gorton is Chosen fferriman & is t irises of at the discretion of m' Porter Leitenant ereydge his rates bcc 6d a man, & 3'' if aboue three at once goates & Kine 4"* & he is to builde w'h what conve the meaentime to hyer when neede is. /

1640. [ I6 ]

Itt is ordered that vrhen the ferrie boate be built to the Maine land w'h anie Canooe, in paine of Theise \2 men following weare appoynted to f — i — J Concerninge the death of George Potter. Thomas Spicer Willia ffreeborn

Adam Mott Thomas Hazard[e j

Randall Houlden Ric: Awards

Richard Burden Ric: Carder

The 23th of the 7th Month i640 nV Hailes & hath a lott graunted hym to be next Rufus Itt is ordered that he y' stayeth one owe the drum shall forfeit to the Treasure he goe away w'houte leaue *ii s vi d w'hou Itt is left to the discretion of the lotters to oiue of his Medowe adioyninge. /

Willia Woodwarde is graunted a howse Lott Att A publick meeting the 23th of the 7th Mon

m' Willia Collins was admitted I

graunted him next on the south side

at the discretion of the Att a Publique meeting the first of the 8 Capt. Richard Morris was Admitted In graunted him next to John Briggs on the

at the discretion of the Richard Smythe Admitted Inhabitant o lott graunted to be laied forth at the d

Att a Monthly Meeting the 4th Thomas Attkinson late of Plymoth Marke Mendloue late of the same

Itt is ordered that the lotters that

of landes abroade shall haue

haue the lands soe laied out

* Doubtless intended for 2s. 6d.

[ 17 ] 1640.

Itt is ordered that the Deputye m' Sa fifty Acres of land at a place

6th 1657 -^ _ _ _ V

ordered to vppoii vicw thiiikc it iio | way |

-lased by the that

jnsent of the j . , , rT-xr'M

rties & order It IS Ordered rr/ A\ ilboare '^'^'='"""^- jQ AcroG noKt on thic cido

[22] yonde Phillip Shermons

house lott next beyonde good. Greenill

50 acres next beyonde m' vSpicer

acres next beyonde Richard Awards

side

20 Acres next on this m"^ Wilboare

'ns 20 acres next on this side Thomas Emings

Nicholas Browne io acres next on this side Hawkin

ores on this side Nicholas Browne

on this side John More

Layton to each of them 20 Acres apeece

oodall io Acres of lande /

m' Brenton Deputy shall in Hew of his ground

hueast have the Meddowes & land on the North side

e to run fro the Rayles at the Cartway by a

great watring place to cut through the midest

by a straite lyne to the Coue at Samfords Hand

des to the Treasurye the waterside being free

rding to former order/

Smythe is graunted one howse lott

an is graunted one howse lott

Willson is granted one howse lott

all is granted one howse lott

12 ■??■ & the charges about the Mill shall be borne

the Treasurie

Plantiue in an action of the Case against John Phillips

11 Holman declares against John Phillips that he

1640. [ i8 ]

■ ilde hym a mill according as he hath declared to the Jury

Thomas Emings / John Brig-gs

/ J n° Walker Phillip Sherman

Willia ffreeborne / Richard Borden

Ralphe Cowland Ric : Awards /

fo^ the Plan tiff e

lowe to nV Holliman v ss a weake fo' his dyett

m"^ Holliman since he came to the Mill further he

12 ss for his man George this is to be paid by 8 ss

es as he hath wrought wth him according to the

& both theise somes of i2 ss p weake & 8 ss ^f] weake

oUiman by the aforenamed John weake. ,

fist of the 9th Month 1640

Phillips shall have i4 workeing dales alowed he doe not perfectly expect it to grynde sufBcient o Referr hym selfe to the Townes pleasure, the third of the ioth Month 1640 n Inhabitant & hath a lott graunted hym/ habitant & hath a lott graunted hym/ bitant & hath a lott graunted hym/ Inhabitant & hath a lott graunted hym/ abitant & hath a lott graunted hym/ bitant & hath a lott graunted hym the 1 1 th Month i640 Towne of Portsmouth / George Pa'ker

th side of John Briggs his Lott, & it is

bee any more howse lotts beyond ytt

nes was Admitted an Inhabitant

south side all haue some planting land him

I 19 ]

[23] ^^t A meeting the 4th day of the i2th It is ordered that m' Porter & m'' to la)^ oute for m' Samuell Hutch in the South East neck in the Comon vnto them both Ruphus Barton to haue m' Sanuiell Hutchinson to lye next of seauen Acres in Poe Chasset fei It is further ordered that m"" Samuell W Hand in consideration of six acres he should ha Leiftenant Balstons. /

Itt is ordered that m' Balston m"" Cornell & a peece of Meddow in the Cornon fence on the s they fence it in at their owne cost. /

Itt is further ordered that oulde m"" Barton sh on the I I |land a peece of Meadowe fo' the takei &: fensing yt from the sea.

Itt is further ordered that Henry Bull sha North feild & that Goodman Burden shall h plant on where m"" Porter & Leiftenant Ba

Itt is ordered that Leiftenant Baulston

a millwright to builde a Mill whose Charge

Treasury.

The 25"' of ffebrvary 1642

At a towne meettinge William Chatbourn admitted inhabitant of the the towne of p And James Badcocke is admitted inhabi

At A meeting of the free inhabitants Portsmouth the 13''' of the first month at the house of William Ccry

[ 2o]

voted Joseph Sheffield chosen moderator

voted Daniel Wilcocke ) ,

, , , „ , V are chosen to

and John borden j

Inquest at newport'

voted Thomas manchester )

„ , . ^ J ^I'e chos

Tobias Brown and ,- ^ .

T^ 1 TT 1 i^ext Jury

Robert Hodgson j

voted This meeting: is Dissolved

'241 eetinge of the towne 29'^' of

cy

1643: rt

& perpetuated r-'

agreed & votted f^ all land that ^ what soever that the line laid out B

CJ

and man is equally to bee bourne by -^

ay the one partie the one halfe •:=,

partie the other, and if any shall ^

againe the Comon then when W

es to bee laid out to any man "§

then that man to bear halfe that -^

hat lyes in the line betweene them .c

to this order: that provided that ?::

petchment to that coustome in oj

fenced in with a generall fence o

id fences bee maintained by the o

dinge vnto proportion agreed vntill

perticuler: /

o

o ^

at william ffreebourne is to haue

meddow 13'inge betweene his

and the hio;h wav that 2;oes downe

provied that '^goodman holy

[ 21 ] i643-

any holdinge or intrest vnto

n holyman is to satisfie

what charges hee hath

inge and maintainge thereof

Judge provided that when

or a high way vnto the springe

[25] ^5^^^ ^^ October 1643

It is ordered at a towne Richard Morise & James Badcok vp all the Armes in the Towne the month aboue writ & that & John Brigs shal goe to euery what armes ar defectiue & that th the men whose the armes is, to in to be mended by the time abou if the armes be not brout in timly to forfit 5^

[ I Inhabitant*

It is further ordered that euery man 4' of shote lying by them & two poun & to haue it in a redines by the 24 of It is further ordered tliat vpon the 24 ther be a genrall trayning of the & that euery man be in a redines beat of the drum.

It is ordered further that the lot lai to Robert Bellow at the first brook shal inioy it: he vsing his trade for the the towne

It is orderd further that 5 acres laied out to John Porter next round the swamp downe to the sea on th

*This line is written eitlier with pencil or with very pale ink.

highway

1643. [ 22 ]

in satisfaction for 10 acers of land in the land ^ranted to william \Vi Itt is orderd that 10 Acers of land out to jams Badcoke at the first bro foot path estward leuing ten rod next for a hie v.' ay

It is orderd that Thomas fish shal Acers of land at the first brook lai Jams i^adcokes toward the head It is orderd that ther shalle noe laide out next the first brook It is orderd that Jams Sands j^ {mainder of the land not gra Round midowe & the end 'ij'uided ther be a hie way lef John Porter: to the sea It is further orderd th euery night & those th

t the watch [26] ^o leuie the goods of the ptie

satisfaction if they refuse to

t Richard Burding shal at the

fense next John Anthony

into the coj m jon to straiten

28 day of november 1643

20 ackes of land that was dman Emins is granted vnto

liaue J.

that Thomas Emings shall 6 ackes morris fence & that good man

land 4 ackers added vnto his great 2 ackers goodman Emins had

[ 23 ] 1643.

ered that wilHam freeborne shall added vnto his great lott in lew oodman Emins had of him:

t all theye that want plantinge

be acomodated in the Comon fence

hey make vpp that fence sufficiently

ene m' Eastons Coue & to the

the north sid and what land

vnto men they shall inioye

ne propriitie

ackers John fford 8 ackers

ackers m' Almy 8 ackers

ackers m' Cornell io ackers

ackers John greene| man | 5 ackers

ackers Thomas [J]enings 8 ackers

ckers John Cranson 8 acker

ckers will England 8 ackers

s Richard Haulkins 8 ackers George Parker | 6j ackers

[^T 1 Thomas Cooke is receiued inhabitant & hath

ingagmcnt vnto the goverment

ffrancis Braitton is receiued inhabitant

giuen ingagment vnto the goverment

Thomas Jeninge is received inhabitan

giuen ingagment vnto the goverment

Thomas Cooke hath propownded for a lott ffrancis Braitton hath propownded for a lott

It is ordered that the lott that was o-ranted

1643-

[ 24 ]

goodman holyman is forfetted vnto the towne by reson there was an order that men sh build vppon their lotts by such a tynie which he hath not done & therefore the towne dispouse of it as the see good provided that there bee anything about it that vse full hee is to be satisfied for it:

It is ordered that m' Baulston & m' welbo Chousen by the towne to veiw the fenc it shall rune and that the see it do ciently

It is ordered that m' Portter is Chousen to nuport men that the would be pleased to c noe intrest nor tytle in that ioo ackers that they vnto the dept: for the towne to accomodat him with as much conveniency f[ ]rme as maye bee

It is ordered that noe cattle sh Common fence after the be ber []

i [ ]f march i643

a generall towne meetinge

way that was to rune betweene

ston & m' welboure is to bee

m"" welboure & his heires

from the new banke as it is bounded

ided that m'^ welboure alow

the watter side for the

[ 25 ] i643-

landinge of goods: on the

his Hous

the now bankc new mad vnto

lay out! and after there be a

thenn the towne dwellers shall pay

a load: [ ] t load

ordered and the towne hath chousen

er m' welboure & m' Hutchinson

e accounts of the treasurie:

ordered that the high waye that went

Brenttons & Richard maxsons is

vnto m' will'" Brentton & his heires

dered and the towne hath choussen

Samuell

Brentton Dept: and m' Porttor

Gorton hath disired goodman

Samuell welboure to Judge

etweene man and man for my

d fencinge Cleeringe and

of o-rownd: to be valewed

ood and what pay the said

haue and when it shalbe payd

found by them betweene this

march next: and theire arbi

vnder theire hands: & the

vvillinge to give their tyme untill the rovided the put an issue betweene their*

ton acknoledgeth that the

land that I bought of

20 of Richard Carder

vnto them by the towne

said m' will"" Brenton

* These lines, writtten in paler ink, are crowded between the neighboring paragraphs. 4

i643- [ 26 ]

igne the full intrest m' Thomas Bourton

[29] for him to inioye & his heires for

It is further ordered that wh The ther was land granted to °^to Browne aboute the towne Brown othcrwise dissposed of, it is to hime to haue twenty ac at the head of goodman motts lotte or there aboute.

It is forder Orderred that Gorton haue 10 Akers of la ted vnto hime on the other the brouck Right agaynst J badcocks to be layd out the dec of the lotters in Case goodma Emines be still vnwilling that the sayd thomas gorton shaull injo the 20 Akers that was ffo his and if Goodman Emings w haue the ten Akers then thomas gorton is to haue the 20 A

It is forder Orderred that John

granted

T[rip] have thr[e] Akers of 1 Joyning vnto Thomas Gorto Ether syd of him as shaull Judged mett by the lotters that is to say of th which is granted vnto thomas gorton or to goodman Emanes wh of them injoys it.

[ 27 ]

It is forder Ordered that those la orders about traynings and for man to haue so much pouder so manny bulletts and so the same for waching is to stand still in and also that Euuery man do Co med vnto the mettings vpon first day

The io of Aprill i64 It is ordered & the towne ha Dept: m^ will™Brenton & to order the dayes of tranings Judge to be the convenient t

[30]

1643.

t m' will'" Baulston & Captaine

abroad to every inhabitant in

ee whether every one of them

a powder & what bullets ca[n]

ith in io dayes of the date here

m"" will'" Baulston & Captaine

abroad to every one of them

notis to be provided every one

defectiue is to forfeit 5^

r ordered that the Constable wach

i5 of this month & that every man

armes with them vnto the meetinge

daye :

her ordered that if there be any Indians

Sculkinge about in any part of the Hand

thought to be suspicious the magistrats

er to send forth a man & ryde with

them before them:/

s metting this 27 of may i644

1644- [ 28 ]

s Gortten ha[ ] giue liberty Adbetraters that is to Judg Howse and lands vntil the 27 next

dered by the towne that there shall

[waye] rune downe one the south sid

n Emins hedge downe vnto Captaine

3 rode wide & vnto John Briges

dered and graunted vnto George ckers of land lyinge next vnto

that the towne hath

dered 2 ackers of

nto George Parker land

[31] ^t is forther ordered and the towne hath

vnto John Briges 3 ackers of land lyinge vpper end of his House lotte

John sand hath 3 or 4 ackers graunted vnto hi[ ] lyinge att ye head of John Briges lott or att ye disckretion of the lotters

^his the tovv^ne desires ooodman mott Leeiftenant Samfford and

order *=*

isrepeid goodmau Bourdeu or any tow of them* to accomodate Adam mott at the vpper end of his fathers lott and Samuell wilson at ye vpper end of his owne

The towne hath granted Vnto Edward ffisher and Thomas peJd Weight & Thomas Brookes and good man Haukins an adition of land att the vpper end of theire lotts what the lotters seeth Convenient And John Roome

*Oii the right margin, in different ink, is written Lo . . — part of the word torn off [" Lotts" probably.]

[ 29 ] i644-

The tovvne hath graunted Vnto WilHam Hall & Th[ | Jenings that persell land that lyes betvveene m' [Bour ] lott & that vvch was Ruff us Bartton to be equall devi[ ] betwene them:/

corner

it is ordered that Pienry •knowles shall cut his lott^shortter att ye discretion of Leeiftenant Samfford & goodman Bourden & goodman mott

lighwa) Xhe tovvne hath orraunted vnto william England f 1 william Havens 4 acckers apeece lyuige [ J next vnto Henery Knowles provided it doth [ ] ye high way vnto ye mill

[Page 32 is blank.]

[33] Affter publike nottis to all the free men at A towns meetting this 29th: of August 1644

It was ordered that the Deputie Governor and on of the Assistans shall apoint the Towns ^^' meettings./ *

It is firther ordered that at which meettings that the free men Cp'

^ . John P

there Asembled shall haue full power to transact all such busi- ihomas nes as shall be presantd to them and the sam to stand as fermly as if all wer presante they all hauing lawfull warning and |-'"ans whoom so ever shall not mak his Apeerans w'hin halfe an Hie hower after the time Apointed shall forfitt 2 shillings/. t

It is firther ordered that Osemakin with 10 men shall haue leav to kill 10 deare vpon the Hand within the libertie of portch- mothe and the fore named dear that they shall bring them to the Town to mr Breentton and m' Baulston and they to vew them and neither Osemakine nor any of his men shall Carry any dear or skine of from the Hand but at the town of portchmoth and to departt from of the Hand with in 5 days

*0n the torn margin are several fragments of words less legible than these.

1644. [ 30 ]

It is firther ordered that 01' Baiilston haue 9 pound A year for John moatt and Diet and what beding and C shall wante shall by the Tow

^h?fiS It is firther ordered that ond day \^ ^\^q town shall deoar

in June _ _ ' ,

1649 to Hue in the woods witho vpon pain of forfiting o

It is firther ordered th shall hav 35 shillings expenses in[toJ the B pownde./

Richard Reedman is Re and gaue ingagme

[34] [ ] sam Towns meeting firther ordered that M' Brenton Mfpomer

[ ]: Baulston M!" Cornell./ is to vew A persell of land buting M?wmbo"e"

vpon mr porters round medow and if the aforenamed three men R^chard^Born

do Aproue of it then jams sans is to have 10 Acers of land for- Adam moatt(

1 1 1 • i 1 1 11-, , . Ralph Cowlal

merly granted to hmi by the towne. there to be laid out to hmie- John Roome

John Athony Thomas Gor

At A generall Towns meetting of the free men this 14th of i°n"am1rcJb november 1644 It is ordered that M' Brenton and M' porter is Richard Awa

• ' ^ ■ _ ' ^ George rarkt

to Apoint the Towns meettings from tim to tim it is ordered John briggs that m' Balston is [ ] tresuerer./ i

t is firther ordered that william Alimy

*The names on the margin are written with the same ink used for the record of pro- ceedings for "14th of November."

[ 31 ] 1644-

John [Roome] John Anthony is to haue land at wading Riuer

propounded that m] portter to haue ment at the round medow/

pounded by m' Cornell to haue 12 Ac: place if it be there to be found

ther ordered that John Anthony shall from Richard Borden's fence straite line so fare as his land

ordered that Richard Reeman

ranted vnto him 10 Acres of

fence beyound the medow

ndeth prounded for

beyound william

to be found.

the town meeting being the 21th

B[ ]ks [ ]eth it can be found

[35] ^^ ^ publike Towne metting

off freemen 23 December 1644

wil

Samue

Tho

Richa

wheirat the maior pt of fremen was psent at which metting it }^^^^^ was muttually Agreed that the Right and privilledges of the land John vndisspossed of Remaines in the bodye of freemen as it was john muttually agreed at a publike metting {4 November last past his -i m that the freemen which are the porchassers have onlye power to ,riii«-

1644. [ 32 ]

am Raph

dissposs of the land that is to be disspossed off And vvhoe euer ^^ shall Allter this Agreement we shall pffesse Ao^ainst them win

[is]

It is ffurther ordered by A mutuall Consent that noe more lands shall be layd out w^hin the bounds of the C[ ] as namely the Common fenc soe called and ffrom John Briggs to the first broke one the south-east side soe from the broke to the great swampe. that is to say the mille swamp foot path soe to Robert ballars broke from thenc to the Round- medowe and soe to John Tripps and from Robert ballars to John Halls and all the Common About the towne vndispossed at this [day] soe to Remaineing to the towne fo' euer It is ordered that the Armes beloung[ ] to the body of fremen shal Remai[ ] in the hands of m' boston and m' willbore Vntill further order be [ ]

[36] [ ]t is agreed at a meetinge Nouember the 28"" 1646

That the towne shall haue lawfuU warninge to towns metings, &

then if thay Come not aboue nine, those nine shall haue power

to transacte & doe such busines as then is to be done

It is further ordered that the businesse of such metinge dayes

shalbe specified in the warant of warninge to the metinge

It is further agreed that noe Person or persons shall be

aCounted & inhabitant unlesse hee bee lawfully receiued by the

towne aCCordinge to former order:

At a metinge febrewary the fouerth 1646 it is agreed to Con- Curr with newport in an order that ther shalbe noe shootinge of deere for the space of two months and if any shall shoote he shall forfitt 5 pounds halfe to him that sueth & the other halfe to the tresserie: the [ ]sen of this order is that the wolues the more Radely Come to bayte that thay may be Catcht for the generall good of the Hand

20 Acres granted to

[ 33 ] 1646.

At the same meting it is granted to M' Thomas Cornell a tho- Cornells hundered acres of lande to beginne at the further side of wadinge 100 Acres Riuer and so runne from the Riuer towards that lande that was layed out to Edward Hutchesun.

At the same meting it is granted that Nicolas Browne shall haue twentie acrs added to his other twentie aioyning to it Nic",' Brown

further ordered that ther shalbe

way layed out at the hedd of will-

nes lott from the sea to Nuport

further ordered that that the line 1 runn straight from the Corner of

G[ Jrtens lotte to the Corener of m Englands lot at the hed of thos betwene

[37] Febrewary the 4"^ i6[46] *

Memorandum that whearas Nicolas Wyle the father inlaw of

Abell Potter hath Placed the saide Abell Potter with M"" William

Boston for the terme of Eightene yeares with the Concent of the

the saied Abell for the better seCuritie of M' Boston the towne

Conseenteth here in and aproueth thereof

It is ordered at the same metinge that Samuell Wilbore Junior:

his

shall runn his fence streight at the uper end of lots: It is ordered that the wolfe Catcher shall be payed out of the tresuery & that he that Cilleth a wolfe shall Come to m' Boston & m' Sandford for ther pay ^^^^^

It is further ordered that Nuport shall pay thro pounds for the Cillinge of a woulfe and Portsmouth twenty shillings it is ordered that m' Sandford and Richard bordin shall Con- tinue to lay out such lands as are giuen by the towne

It is ordered that Gorge Parker shalbe quitted of the tresury

*As page 3S of the original record is clearly a continuation of this entry, the date at the head of that page must be a repetition of this which is torn.

es

1646. [ 34 ]

pay for his land for his servise in his ofifice to this day (being for 30 acres of land)

It is further ordered that there shalbe noe shootinge of deere from the first of May tell the first of Nouember & if any shall shoot a deere with in that tyme he shall forfit 5 pounds one half to him that sueth and the other to the tresury i 38] febrewary the 4th 1646

Mr. Porter & m' Sandford are Chosen to propound to the Generall Cort that the line may be viwed & layed out betwene Nuport and this towne

It is granted that Thomas weio^ht & Edward fisher shall haue

of land

30 acres a pece twixt the hether hed of wadinge riuer & & Nuport path

June the first: 1647 At a towne metinge it is ordered that the towne Councell shall Capittulate with Thomas Gorton aboute the ferrie & order the rates and all things aboute it either with hime or some other man if he refuse.

The 2i of June i647 It is ordered and agreed by the towne Counsell accordinge vnto ye order of ye towne m' Samfford haueinge taken ye ferrie fereyg ye [ | Ordered as thus followeth that is to say if one

man 4d if more 3d apeece for ever horse & great beast 8d apeece for every sheepe goate & hogge & Caulfe 2d apeece and alsoe it is ordered that a boat nV Sannfford shall provide for ye ferrie with in 15 dayes after ye date hereof & alsoe in convenient tyme to provide aboat suflfitient boat for Cattell & •alsoe it is ordered that if any man carry any cattell over ye watter to ye mattatu[uth]es bay over ye ferry they shall pay a peny a head every head soe carryed oor to any [39] place that waye:

forfit for

cominge

o town a

metings

[ 35 ] 1647.

July the 6th 1647

At a towne metinge it is ordered y' thear shall be a moonthly towne metinge which shalbe upon the last thursday of euery month of which every townsman is to take notice, with out any further warninge

it is further ordered that such as Come not to such metinees shall send worde by ther neighbour that thay will stand to what those that meete Conclude of, which if thay doe not thay shall forfeite = 2^-6"^

It was Concluded by voate that the president sayed at our town metinge that their sixe men were not then Chosen & M' Porter is Chosen to write to the President to informe hime of this voate in the name of the towne

It is further voated & Concluded that m' Sandford m"" Boston & m' Porter shall giue this answer to Nuport Messingers that if thay will Joyn with us to act acording to the General 1 Corte Order for this yeare we are redie thear to, if not we must helpe our selfs by the Cort order

m' luker retorned to vs 24 Votes of ther toune that was to Act Alone

James Rogger retorned to vs 41 Votes from ther toune to act Joyntly

August the 26 1647

at a town metinge it was Voated that the grounds presented were not suffissient for a Generall Asembly to be Called & therfore voated to haue none

if it be agreed by the Collynie that ther shall be generall Asembly then it is voated by our towne that it may be at ports- mouth

[40] August the 26 1647

It is ordered that thear shalbe two InCepers Chosen for this towne

Chatbourn;

1647. [ 36 ]

^° Ralph Erie is Chosen to Ceepe an Inne to sell beer & wine &

ings

n to intertayn strangers

m M' Boston is Chosen to Ceepe an Inne to sell beer & wine & ^H to intertayne strangers

[] "'"s September the 28'^= 1647

ke At a towne metinge it was Concluded that wheareas theare was a parcell of land Conditionly granted to goodman Chat- Porter borne it beinge granted to m"" Porter before & he not Consent- inge it is Concluded that Thomas Hassarde° Whome m' Porter hath resignede it, shall [ ]oye it :

It is further Ordered That the layers out shall lay out the hun- !

dered acres granted to m"" Thomas Cornell begininge at the the tho^ Corni wadinge Riuer and goinge on to Nuporte warde

November the 25''' = 1647 At a towne metinge it was voated and Concluded that the

measuer that Came from prouedence shalbe the standart f[or]

the present untill further order be taken aboute it

It is further ordered that the penie loafe shall way 8 ounces

and the two penie loafe shall way 16 ounces

Janiwari the 27"' — 1647 It was Voated and Concluded that our towne shall pay thirty shillings of the charges of greffen about Tue [4:1] Thomas Stafford being apoynted by th to sell bred and beare and acording to a Court order thomas Stafford do aknowledg h to be indebted to king and parllement the som ten pound that he shaul kepp good orders house and Capting Richard morris and John br do aknowledg them sellus indetted the som of five pound a peace to king and parll to for the tru parformenc of the same ther to se

[ ?>7 ] 1647.

good orders kept wittnes our hand this 27 of Jenuary 1647 the marcke of Q thomas Saford Richard Morris/ John bridgs [_ marck

Janiwarie the 27''' = 1647 It was Voated and by the Voate concluded unanimusly by the townse men of Portsmouth that thay would act apart by them- selfs & not Joyntly with Nuport and be as fre in ther transactions as anie of the other townse in the Colinie

At a metinge May the 9''' It was voated an^by the voate Con- cluded that the town Clarke should informe the towne Clarke of Nuport what was concluded by the towne concerninge actinge aparte with out nuporte

1648 July the lo"" At a towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of Ports- mouth it was Concluded that George Parker shall haue thre pounds giuen him out of the tresury by M' Boston in full dis- charge of all demandes from the towne

It is Concluded by this present metinge that theare shall shalbe a demurr of an answer to the letter sent from Newport to voate the opinion of the legallitie of the Corte & orders therof held at Pro[ ]

[42] July the lo'" 1648

Samuell Jenne M' Tho Cornell

Cornelius Joanes Captin morris

Mathu Grenell Richard Bordin

John Parker Jeames Badcock

Thomas Bordin Thomas Brookes

John Cooke John Roome

1648. [ 38 ]

Icabod Sheffell william Hall

ffrancis Bordin John Brigs

lohn Woode chosen for the Committe

for the tryall of the generall officers

theas whose names are aboue written are received fremen of the town of Portsmouth in the Choyce of theare oiHcers and in the government and haue giuen theare ingagement: M' Boston is Chosen treasurer for this yeare M' Boston is Chosen Collector for the pore Thomas Brownell is Chosen water baylyefe

It is ordered that Richard Haukens and Phillip Shearman are Chosen to viwe the Cattell that are sould uppon the Hand before thay be transported of the Hand

[]648 September the 4'^ at a towne metinge it is granted unto thomas Cooke senior to haue thirtie acrs of lande at the heade of his howse lott and to Run towards m' Burtuns ferrie it is granted unto thomas Cooke Junior to haue thirtie acres by that

and Geyles Slocum and John cranston thirtye acrs a peice by that

m"^ Boston John Roome and william Hall are apoynted to viw and apoynt ffrancis Brayten twelve acrs of land in th swompe at the hed of m' Bostons farme so that it may not hinder the town Cattell from water

[43] 1648

September the 4th it is further ordered that nV Boston and John Briggs shall viw that parcell of land that Phillip Shearman desiers at his farme

Thomas Cooke Senior is apoynted to fetch away such timber trees as are fallen in our bounds on that side of the Hand by Newport men

r 39 1 1648.

It is granted to John briggs to Runn his fence straight at the hed of his land next the towne swompe

December the 28'^ 1648

At a tounse metinge it is granted to Jeames Badcocke to haue 4 acrs added to his hovvse lott out of Tho fish his lott and it is granted to Tho fish to haue 4 acrs out of the Common south- ward insteade theareof

It is granted to m' Cornell to haue the grass of the Hand Dyers i Called diers Hand

J an i wary the 25 th 1648 It is Voated and Concluded that ould John Mott shall be pro- vided for of meate drinke & lodging & washing by George Parker at his howse and Georg Parker shall haue 5" a weeke payd him monthly out of the tresurie by m' Boston so farr as the tresurie will goe Thomas flfish hath 4 acrs granted to him at the side of his lott

[441 ^t is granted to William Woadell to haue 30 acres of lande at the south East end of Thomas Lawtons far lott by the huntinge swampe

It is granted that george lawton shall haue 40 acrs of lande nere his brother Thomas at the huntinge swampe when he haue bult a sufifissient Mill at m' Bostons farme

It is granted to wnlliam havens and william Hall to haue that land that was hassards leaveinge that to goodman Rome from the marked beech tree which was granted to gooman Rome out out of the sayed parcell provided that the hy way in to y" woods and farmes be nott hindered It is granted to thomas brookes and thomas Gorton to haue 30

1648. [40]

acrs of land apeice aboue the wading River by the round swompe It is granted to Thomas Jeninges to haue 20 acrs of land wheare m' Almies [ ] penn was beyond George parkers greate lott

It is granted to John Briggs to haue a Rod Broad out of the Common at his house end that he had of John hall as farr as his orchard

[4:5] ffebrewarie the 22'''= 1648

At a towns metinge that land that lyeth at the hedd of Phillip

Shermans farme betwene Newport path and his farme is giuen

to Phillip Shearman to goe as the line goe betwene m' Almie

and Phillip Shearman till he Come to Newport Path lea[v]inge

twoo Rodd betwene the sayd path ad the sayd parcell of land

now giuen

It is Concluded by Voat that the towne shall pay the Constabl

John Brigs for the yrons for the stockes

May the 1$'^ 1649 At a towne meetinge m' Balstone gave in his aCo[m]pt of tresurership from the 12''' of march 1643 to this. 4th of may 1649 which acompt was accepted and theare rest due to m' Balstone ;

1 s d

12 : 13 — 1 1

[46] ^t a towne metinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth the first second day in June (1649) Adam mott haveinge offered a Cowe for ever and 5 bushels of Corne by the yeare so longe as the ould man shall live, towards his mayntenance that so he might be dischardged from any further Chardge : the towne every man that was free therto; settinge downe what Corne thay would give for this present yeare made up that 5 bushels 40 bushels and so it was Concluded that m' William Balston should have the 40 bushels of Corne, and the use of the aforenamed

[ 41 ]

1649.

Cowe this present yeare for which m"^ Balstone undertake to keep ould father mott this present yeare and alowe him house rome dyate lodging and washinge

M"" Balston received the Cowe above named the 13''' of June

At a meetinge of the Councell of the towne of Portsmou'^ the 16'^ of July (1649)

It is ordered that the Plantife shall file his declaration in the town Clarkes oiHce within two dayes after the deffendants bond be returnd into the saide office

It is ordered that the deffend: shall put in his ansswer in to the said office: 5 dayes before the Court to which it belonge

Towne Clerkes ffees

o

d

writ & action . — i — 6

filing the bond |

for aperance j

filing the anser — o — 6

filing the declar — o — 6

for a Copie of a dec : i — o

Copie of the ans: — i — o

entering the 1

Verdict j

Judgment |

[and isshu] j

the jury alowed — o — 12 — for every action thay bring in a verdict upon

Sargiants ffees

for Serving a writt j.

02

Serving a writt off execution

o

atending the Jury — i — o

[47] At a towns metinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth the first second day in June Anno=:i649) acordinge to the particler Charter granted unto them for Choosinge theare towne ofiicers

flSrst it was Voated and Concluded that he that is Chosen to the office of a towne magistrate and shall refuse the place shall pay a fine of five pounds and he that is Chosen to an inferiour office

1 649- [ 42 ]

and refuse shall pay a fine of fiftie shillings and he that hath

next unto him that refuseth

most voats shall supply the place of him that refuseth

m' William Balstone is Chosen towne magistrate for this next yeare insewinge= Elected and Ingaged

m' John Porter is Chosen towne magistrate for this next yeare insewinge= Elected and Ingaged

The forme of the ingagement agreed uppon for the towne ofBcers viz you A: B: beinge Called and Chosen by the fre voate of the inhabitants of Portsmouth unto the oflfice of a towne

in his magesties mame and

magistrate ^ doe in this present assemblie ingage youer selfe faithfully to execute the oi^[ ] of a Justice of the peace in the due execution of Justice in this towne accordinge to the Lawes estableshed unto us by our: Picler: Charter accordinge to the best of youer unders[ Jdinge

in his magesties name

The towne reciprocally ingage themselfes to maintain[ ] you

youer

thom in the Just execution of thoiy ofifice accordinge to the best of theire understandinge

Phillip Shearman is Chosen Towne Clerke for this next yeare insewinge

Raph Erie is Chosen Treasurer for this next yeare insewinge & also over seer for the Poore

Raph Cowland is Chosen Constable for this next yeare in- sewinge Elected & ingaged Thomas Gorton is Chosen towne Sargiant Elected & in( ]

gef 1

It is Voated and Concluded that Thomas Gorton shall also supply the office of a Water Bayly Elected & ingaged

FASI m' Thomas Cornell ) ^, .

"- -^ T^. , 1 T^ T are Chosen to make

Richard Dordm }■ ^ /- n

T^, .„. c^i \ up the towne Counsell

Phillip Shearman ) ^

[ 43 ] 1649.

It is ordered that the towne Counsell shall apoynt the towne

Courts wheither monthly or quarterly

John Briggs is authorized to keepe and ordinary to sell beere

and wine and to intertaine strangers

It is ordered that the Towne Clark shall grant such writts as

Concerne actions to be tr3'^ed at towne Courts

It is ordered that the towne Counsell shall order all the feese

that Concerne officers for the towne Court

John Albro and Thomas Brookes are Chosen to Veiw the

Cattell that are Carried of the Hand

John Albro is Chosen to be Clerke of the Waights & measuers

At a towne meetinge of Portsmouth Octo the: 16 i649 m John Sanford is Chosen to lay out a small screed of land unto Phillip Shearman on the south side of his farme at the nyer Corner so as may be least preiudiciall unto m Almie

Grande Jurie men for the Generall Court next in suinge

M Richard Smith )	Pettii	(	John Rome
Richard Bordin >	Jurii	)	William Havens
William ffreborne )	men	i	John Tripe

At A Townes metinge November the 2i''' (1649) Jury men Chosen for present Cort apoynted to be to morrow the same Jury is apoynted for next tuesday Court

Richard Morris ^ Thomas Layton \

John Brigs I Thomas Stafford 1 John Albro is

John Albro ( John Anthonie I Chosen Sarjant

ffrancis Brayton ( Richard Haukens ) in Thomas Gortons

Jeames BadCock \ Samuell Wilbore I Place

John Roome / ffrancis Matingly ]

Thomas ffish /

1 649- [ 44 ]

[49] It is ordered that those that ocation a me[ ] to be

Caled for Choosinge of Jurymen for a Co[ ] of tryals shall pay the Charges for warninge of the Towne meetinge & allso for warning of the Jury six shillings is alowed for Boath: John Roome WiUiam Hall and William Havens are apoynted to Veiw the prisson & remove it if thay thinke it fitt to be done and place it sum wheare upon the greene wheare thay thinke fitt and and build a Chimny in it

At a towne Meetinge Aprill the 29: 1650

Richard Smith Senior

Thomas Cornell Senior

William Almy are Chosen for Jurymen for the Generall

Courte at Newport in May next ffor the Committe for the Generall Assemblie at Newport in may next

Richard Smith Senior . William ffreborne

Thomas Cornell Senior . John Roome

william Almy . Ralph Earle

Richard Bulgar is received an inhabitant in to this towne

It is ordered that the Scale for the waights and measuers of this towne shalbe P and M:

John Lightfoote is released of his Recognesance none Come- ing in against him

John Albro being Clarke of the waights and measuers is authorizid to Call in the townes men betwene this and the last of June next to bringe in theare waights and measuers to be Sealed & Cut. if not. fit with the Standart and he shall haue 6'^ for Cutting & Sealinge a measuer and 2'^ for Sealing if not Cut and he that shall sell by a measuer or waight on Sealed after the Sarjant warns theL ] to bringe them in shall forfeit io^ to the [ ]

the Sarjant shall destrai[ ]

[ 45 ] i^50-

[50] Aprill the 29"' 1650

Will

It is granted unto m' Almy to haue that land that lyeth at the hed of his farme to Come to the Same height that Phillip Shearman his land now runeth viz to leaue too Rod betweene Newport path and the Sayed land

Gregorie Coale hath 2 acrs of land granted to him next the land he liveth upon

henery Eues hath an acr of land granted to him next Gregorie Coale

At a towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of the towne of Ports-

mouth the first Second day of June Anno (1650 according to

ther particular Charter for thear Choosing of thear towne officers

IVr Will Baulston is Chosen towne Magistrate for this yeare

insuinge

M John Sanford is Chosen towne Magistrate for this yeare

insuinge & ingaged

Philip Shearman is Chosen Towne Clarke for this year ensew-

inge & Ingaged

M"^ William Baulston is Chosen treasurer for the towne for this

yeare insuinge & Ingaged and also over Seer for the poore

John Briggs is Chosen Constable for this yeare insuinge Ingag*^

Georg Parker is Chosen Towne Sarjant for this year insuing &

Inoraoed

John Briggs is authorized to repaier the Stocks Sufficiently that

thay may bee an Ensigne of Justice amongst us

it is ordered that this day fortnight shalbe the Coise of the

militari officers

Richard Bulgar is admitted a freeman of this towne

John Albro is Chosen Clarke of the waights and measuers and

Ingaged

John albro and ffrancis mattingly are Chosen to Veiwe the

Cattell that are to be transported of the Ilande according to the

order

1650. [ 46 ]

George Parker is Chosen Water Bayleife

The Waights that John trippe presented to the towne are by the

towne apoynted to be the Standart for the waights for the Towne

[51] The filirst Second day of June (i65o)

m' Will Baulston . Chosen for the

m"^ John Sanford . Towne Councel

m' John Porter

Tho Cornell Seni .

John Roome

Philip Shearman . It is ordered that ould John mott shalbee Provided for by the overseer of the poore

It is ordered that such monyes as are due to the tresurie shalbe demaunded by the treasurer of our towne and upon refusall to pay the tresurer shall send out his warant to destraine it

At a towne meeting July the 8^^ (1650 It is ordered that he that is Chosen for a Jury man to any Town Cort of this Towne and haue lawfull warning therto and performe not that servise he shall forfeit 5 shillings for every default which shalbe taken by destraint by the hed officer of the towne & if the hed oifi[ ] of the towne neglect to take it he shall forfeit the same sum to the towne

Jurymen Chosen for to attend the towne Corte to be houlden upon the 16 day of July being of this present month

will Almy . Rich'' Haukens . John Albro.

Edward ffisher John Tripe . Tho Lawton

Samuell wilbur Sam, Jene . Tho Stafford

John Antony Tho waight . Henry knowles

[52] ^^ ^^^ towne Court houlden at Portsmouth the 16''' of July (i650 in the action of slander depending between m' John

[ 47 ] 1650.

Sanford PI & Captin Richard moris deffendant, Captaine Richard moris Came in to the Court aboue sayed and acknovvleded that he had not nor Could not Charge m' John Sanford to bee a theif in any Pticuler, and further sayd that if any words passed from him, at Which Jeames Badcock tooke offence the Said Captaine professed he knew not that he did speake any such words nether would he deny that he did but said if he did speake any such words it was in a passion and desiered m' Sanford to passe it by, upon which profession and acknowledgment m' John Sanford declared him selfe in the Court publikly, that he was satisfied: wittness Philip Shearman Town Clerke

At a towne meeting November the i2''' (1650. It was agreed by Voate that too men shalbe Chosen out of this present meeting to speake with the rest of the Inhabitants of this towne of Portsmouth who are not present and receive there Voates concerning the lawes presented to the towne in case thay dislike any and the sayed too that are Chosen shall return the sayed Voates in to the office forth with

It is Voated & granted that Ralph Erls house wherein he now dwelleth bee Recorded & Inn in the Roome of the former Voat that he was made Innkeeper

William hall and William Woadell are Chosen to gather up the Voates of the Inhabitants Concerning the lawes and that thay shalbee payed for ther payenes

ffebrewary the ig^^ (1650) it is ordered that all generall fences about the towne shalbe sufficiently made up by the 20''' day of march next and he that shall haue any fence that is not sufficiently made up by the tyme afore named shall forfeit 5 shillings a Rode John brigs survayer for his side feild Jeames sandes for his feild and Edward ffisher survayer for the Comon feild in which hes land lieth

i6[5o]. [ 48 ]

[53] ^t ^ Towne meetinge Febrewary the 19'^ [ ] a Rate jt ^^s agreed that a rate of fiftie pounds shall forth[ ] ^°' be made for the payment of m' Williams and the [ ] fraying the Charge of m' Chapman & other things th[ ] the towne are in debted,

This Rate is ordered to be levied upon Catell Richard Bulgar is Chosen and also Jeames badcocke to take the number of the Catell that are in this towne and then to giue notice to m' Sanford m' Balston John briggs & John Rome who are Chosen with them to make and proportion the aforesayed rate and Richard Bulgar & Jeames badcock are apoynted to gather up the aforesayed rate and bringe it in to the tresury of the towne

It is ordered that the first tuesday in march next thear shalbe a Court houlden for the towne of portsm[ J

It is ordered that those that haue licence to sell victuals beere wine or liquors shall returne the[ ] lisence into the courte

thay

It is ordered that the courte shall authorize them that sh[ ] lisence to sell wine victuals and beere and that none els shall sell but those that the court shall lisen[ ]

At a towne Court march the 4"' It is ordered that the Clarke shall Rite the lisences of selling beere victuals and wine and that the ffee for writing such a lisence shalbe i2'^ for Taking bond 12^ m' William Balston bein lisensed to sell Wine here & victuals, doe acknowled him selfe acording to the tenor of the law to be

for every defect

bound in the some of tenn shillings, to keepe good orders in his howse, and m' John Porter and Richard Bordin according to the tenor of the law stand bound for m' bostons keeping good orders, in his howse: in the sum of 10 shillings apeece for every defect: taken in Court P me

Philip Shearman Towne Cler[ ]

[ 49 ] 1650.

[54] March the 4"^ (1650)

John Anthony being hcensed to sell breade & beere doe acknowledg him selfe acording to the Courte order to be bound in the summ of 10' (for every defect) to keepe good orders in his howse, Samuell Wilbore and John Briggs doe acknowledg them selfs according to the tenor of the Court order to bee bound in the some of 10' a peice (for everie defect) that John anthony shall keepe good order in his house

Taken in Courte p me Philip Shearman Towne Clarke

Thomas Stafford being licensed to sell breade & beare doe acknowledg him selfe according to the Courte order to be bound in the sum of 10' (for every defect) to keepe good orders in his howse, Samuel willson & Thomas ffish doe acknowledg them selfs accordino^ to the tenor of the Law to be bounde in the some of 10' a peice (for every defect) that Tho: Stafford shall keepe good orders in his howse

Taken in Courte P me Phillip Shearman Towne Clerke

At a towne meetinge the 16'"' of May i65i m' John Porter m' William Balston m' John Sanford Captaine Richard moris Thomas Layton Jeames weeden are Chosen for a Commite for the Generall Corte next in suinge

William frebor| nje Thomas Brookes John Anthony are Chosen for Jury men

It is ordered that Phillip Shearman Shall haue 5' pounds for his 5 years Service of Clarke ship

it is ordered that the is' that is due to Philp Shearma from the Towne for writing out the Gen: Corte orders for the towne viz: warick Cort orders and nuport Corte orders: is set of for the screede of land layed oute to philip Shearman at the heade of His farme

It is ordered that a distress shall be sent out upon there goods (that refuse to pay that which thay are Rated

1651. [ 50 ]

[55] ^t a towne meetinge June the 3"^ (165!)

M' John Sanford is Chosen Hed magistr[ ] for this towne of

Portsmouth for this yeare insuinge :

M' WilHam Balstone is Chosen towne magistrate for this yeare

insuinge:

Ralph Earle is Chosen towne tresurer for this yeare insuinge:

Philip Shearman is Chosen towne Clerke for this yeare insuinge

John Briggs is Chosen Constable for this yeare insuinge:

George Parker is Chosen towne Sarjant for this yeare insuinge

It is Voated that the towne tresurer shalbe overseer for the

Poore for this yeare

George Parker is Chosen water Bayleife for this yeare insuinge:

John Tripe is Chosen Clerke of the wayghts and measuers

white

It is ordered that the two peny loafe shall way i6 ounces and that those that sell beere shall not sell less than a quarte for two pence

William ffreeborne is Chosen to veiwe the Cattell that are trans- ported of the Hand Neere the Mell and John Trippe is Chosen to veiwe the Cattel that are transported of the Hand neere his howse

M' John Sanford and ffrancis Brayten are Chosen to veiwe the Cattell that are transported of the Hand at the fferry

[56] -^t ^ towne meetinge June the 3'' (i65i)

It is ordered that the Clarke of the measuers shall goe once a month to those places in this towne wher breade and beere are soulde, to see that the to peny white loafe way i6 ownces and beere bee sould for two pence a quarte and those that transgress the lawe in those Cases by selling bread that is not wayt and beere Contrary to order shal forfeit 10' for every defect which shall bee taken by destraynt by the Sarjant by a warrant from the heade officer of the towne

It is ordered that the G Recorder Shall giue the ingagement

[ 51 ] '651.

to the towne officers at this time in the absence of the Generall officer in the towne

It is ordered that the foote way through John brigs yardc is dissanuld and ordered to be at the end of John Brigs his Barne where the sayd John is to make a Convenient Style

At a Towne meetinge June the 13'^ (i^si) It is voated and Concluded that m' Williams shalbe payed out of this rate that is gathered

It is ordered that the towne shall Choose one man (With nV W^illiams man) to set the prise of the goodes taken upon the rate at which pise m"" Williams agree to take them, m' Williams hath made Choyse of m' Will Almy for his man to prise the goodes aforesayed

The Towne hath made Choyse of m' Samuel Hutchinson to be their man to prise the goodes aforesayed

It is voated that the Sarjant shall demande one peny of every man he warne to a towne meetinge which peny shalbe his satisfactio[ ] for w^arning that meetinge .

[5T] ^'^^ ^ towne meetinge June the {3''' (1651) the towne by houlding up their hands in the meeting did acknowledg them selfes indebted unto these men undernamed the sum undernamed to be payed forthwith by the towne to the undernamed

m' John Sanford 2 — o — o

m' Samuel 2 — o — o

Thomas Layton 2 — o — o

Philip Shearman i — o — o

William Woadell 2 — 4 — 8

It is ordered that next Secbd day by 8 of the Clock in the morn- ing there shalbe a towne meeting And that then all those to whome the towne are indebted shall bringe in theire bills in to the meeting that the towne may Concider of them and take order for the payment of such debts as are due debts

i65i- [ 52 I

At a towne meetinge June the i6 (165!) it was Voated that Thomas vvaight and Edward fisher shalbe satisfied for the 5 fox heads thay brou[ ] in before the order was NuHfied the order now to be of no longer force:

m"" Bostons bils of acount presented this day were accepted and there rest due to the tresurer 1 ^ ^

m"^ Balstone from the towne of Portsmoth — 16 — 12 — i.

it is ordered that m' Chapmans Bond shalbe keept by m' Balstone untill the towne take further order about it: Bills of the townes debts j j

Georg Parkers bill acsepted — i — i8 — 6 —

John Albro his bill acsepted — 00 — 08 — 00

The towne acsept m"" Parkers

bill of 3' he undertaking to — 03 — 00 — co —

aquitt the towne of any further demaunds from earle Goncearning the charge of that Gomitte

It is Voated that m' Porter's further demands of monyes put in to the tresurie is demurred untill a Gonvenient tyme then to be atended unto

Richard Peirs his bill accepted — 00 — i5 — 00 —

Jeames badcock his bill accepted — 00 — io — 04 —

Ralph Earls bill is not accepted 0000: ^

Philip Shearman's bill is acsepted — 02 — 15 — i[ ]

adam mots senior his bill for his 00 — 16 — [ j

Jorney to providence accepted

09 — o[ ]

[58] June the i6 (i65i)

At a townes meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth. Rate It is ordered that a Rate of 30' shall be levied of the inhabitants of this towne to pay the debts of this towne this rate is ordered to be levied upon all Gattell from the greatest to least sucking pigs exsepted w'^'' Gattell are to be estimated by the raters according to the worth of them as thay passe amongst

[ 53 ] '651.

us and such as haue litl Catl and great estates the raters shall rate them according to their estates

this Rate is to bee made within foreteme dayes and it is ordered that the Constable shalbe the Colecter of this rate and if any refuse to pay the Constabl is hereby authorized by Vertu of a warrant from the Hed officer of the towne to destrayne the sayed rate of those that refuse and the sayd Constabl is here by ordered to pay such debts as the towne hath acknowledged in this meting) upon demand when it is come in to his hands)

Robert Denis is received inhabitant amongst us and hath giuen his ingagement

Richard Sissun is received inhabitant amongst us and hath giuen his ingagement

m"" Thomas Cornell John Albro Will Hall and Philip Shear- man are Chosen to make the Rate aboue named, or the major parte of those 4

the Sarjant is ordered to warne all the Inhabitants of this towne to giue in the number of all there Cattell exsept sucking pigs to the raters within a weeke and such as giue not in their number of Cattell to the sarjant nor send it not in to the raters within a week after the date here of the raters are authorizid to rate them according to what their estate or cattell is estemed to bee by the raters :

it is ordered that the tresurer shall demand such monyes as are due to the tresury and in Cace any refuse to pay upon the tresurers Complaint the towne magistrates shall giue out ther warant to destraine it

it is ordered that m' Balston shall first be payed out of those monyes that Come in

[59] Portsmouth, this 25. of August: (i65i)

It is agreed and confirmed by this present writing betwixt Ralph

[ J Senior &: John trip: both of this towne: that ffirst Con-

1651. [ 54 ]

cerning a ff [ ] of Sixty Rod long on the north side of John trips house Lott bet\vix| | it & the sayd Earls lots the aforesayed Earl shall make fforty Rod of stone wall, and the sayd Trip shall make Twenty rod. of wall, all of the sixty rod to be as good & answerabl to such as the sayed. Jo. Tri[ ] hath allredy made. & to be sett in y^ line betwixt the sayd lotts afores[ ] and the said Jo. trip to doe his part of the sayed wall at the East end together, and the sayed ffence thay both engage to fiftnish by the fifteenth day of march next ensuing & if either of them haue ocasion for stones out of the others Ground he shall alow the other as many (for the sayd wall meaning) out of his gro[ ] as convenient if they be so to be had. Secondly it is agreed that wher as the sayd Earl hath Land on the south Sid (also) of the sayd Trip [ ] said Lot adjoyneing, they agree & hereby Engage, that from yeare to yeare so longe as those sayd lots ly open together Earls to Tripps aforenamed, that they will not on either of those sd lotts damnify each other by Cattell there put by their order &c: & therfore agree that, thay will neither of them haue any one or more Catl on the said land, from the ffirst of march untill the is"" of October, and also at the sayd is''' of October, to put in catl Pportionabl to each Pties quantitie of land. & the Pportion to bee one cow or ox. &c: to an acre of land, or of other beasts as swine Horses &c: Equiuolent according as thay ar[ ] Ppor- tioned for feeding, acordinge to the Custome of the towne. & further s[ ] longe as the said land lyeth open as aforesayed together, the sayed Earl shall Pmitt and giue the sayd Tripp ffree leaue for his own ocations on the sayd lande, to come & goe, or driue in or out Catl or Cart at the sayd Earls gate or way that he sayd Earl shall make on the sayd Earls land: & further the sayd Earl hereby giues the sayd Trip leaue to take of the loose stones on the sayd Earls sayed land of the nearest to trips house to make about eight Rod of such aforesayed wall, on the south side of the sayd trips house or yard next the sayed Earls lande, further thay agree that the sayed Trip shall haue noe Pvilidg in

[ 55 ] 1651.

the forsayed gate or way longer then untill the sayd Earl makes a fence in the line betwixt his & y^ sayed Trips lott aforesayed on the south side of the sayed lott, which fence beinge made by the sayed Earle in the whole sayed lyne y's yet to doe. will secuer the sayed Trip & make their sayed landes severall to each of their Pvate uses. & the sayed fence to bee sett up when the sayd Earl see Cause, & not els but haueing sett it up, he y' sayd Earle is to maintaine it sufficient &c: to the true Pformance of all the foresayed Pticulers the Ptics. namely the sayd Earl & Trip doe each of them for themselves, heiersl i: enq;aci^e each Ptie to Pforme their forsayed Engagement, in the some & on the forfeit of twenty pound sterling payed by the Ptie defectiue, unto the other Ptie ingaged herein, and in wittnes of this their agreement, the Pties aforesayd haue hereto sett their hands & Scales the day and yeare first aboue written memorandum: before the Sealing of this writing the sayd Earl giues or alows the said Trip twenty shillings, and the sayd Trip therfore releassets the loose stones aboue sayd. which he was to haue had for eight Rod of wall

Signed & Sealed ( Thomas newton Ralph Earle in the Psents of ( Benedict Arnold John Trip

A true Copii of the originall P me Philip Shearman

ReCorder

160] ^ ^^'^ic Copy of the Original Deed* of the purchase of Rhode Island &c

The 24"^ of the first month called March in the year so com- monly called 1637-'-

Memorandum That WE Cononicus & Miantonomy the Chief Sachems of the Naragansetts, By virtue of YE Gentlemen Com"^ and of this

♦See R. I. Colonial Records, Vol. I., page 45, for better reading of this deed.

'637-

[ 56]

Bay, as also the particulars subjecting of the dead Sachems of Aquidnic and Kittackquamuckquiet themselves and lands unto us, have sold unto M.' William Coddington and his friends united unto him. The Great Island of Aquidneck lying from hence Eastward in this Bay as also the marsh and grass upon Quononogut and the rest of the Islands in the Bay, Excepting Chibachuesta formerly sold unto M' Winthrop now Governor of the Massachusetts and M- Williams of Providence as also the grass upon the Rivers & coves about Kittackquamuckopette and from thence to Pumposquatick for the full payment of forty fathom of white beads to be equally divided by us, In witness whereof WE have subscribed.

Item, That giving by Miantinomys hands ten Coats and twenty Hoes to the Inhabitants, they shall remove themselves off the Island before next Winter

In the presence of us

The mark (iCl) of Yotach Rogger Williams

Randall H olden • The mark y^—^ of Assotomuit

Witness Our hands

the I ^ mark

of Cononicus

the I mark of Miantinomy

The mark of

Neshanmah Connoicuses son

A true Copy of a Copy of the Original deed of the purchase of Rhode Island from the Narragansetts Sachems

and recorded by me this 20"^ day of April, i8^[] Richn Sherman Town Clerk

I 57 ] 1651.

[61] ^t a townes meetinge the ig'"' of Januwary (165!) It is ordered that Henery eves shall haue two acres of lande adjoyninge to thomas ffish his land in lue of that lande that was given to the saide Henery: by the towne formerly:

At this present meetinge the Towne hath giuen 6 acres of land to John Albro in the swampe belowe William Bakars fence in lue of what the Towne oweth the saide John

It is ordered that William Redfin shall Haue io' alowed him from the towne for to looke to John mott & glueing him meat & drinke 8c lodging and washing and for Cloathes for this present yeare untill the first munday in June next Insuing Lake is received an Inhabitant

Ralph Earle Senior William ffreborne Philip Shearma and John Briggs are Chosen to Proportion everie mans Some (in the towne) what thay Shall Paye to make up the Some aboue sayed for the use abouesayed

At a Towne Meetinge January the 26"' (165!) It is agreed that Philip Shearman shalbe Continued Recorder It is agreed that Edward Andros shall runn 4 Rodd wider at the uper end of his lott next Clement weaver

At a Towne meetinge Febreuary the 2'' (i65i) It is Consented unto by the Inhabitants of Portsmouth that those men that are the desposers of lande in the sayd Towne viz: m' Will: Balston m' John Porter m' John Sanford Will: freborne: Philip shearman: Adam mott. Tho: Hazard: John Roome: George Parker: Richard Burden: Thomas Waite: John Briggs Ralph Cowland: John Anthonie: Captin moris: shall acomidate the inhabitants of the sayd towne (with land) which want or haue had a legall grant of land formerly, and that 200 acrs of land shalbe set aPt by thee sayd desposers for the acomidating any desierabl Ptie or Pties that may be inhabitants

i65i. [ 58 ]

amongst us heer after, and that then all the remainder of lande unaPPated shalbe bounded Common to the Inhabitants of this towne and their heiers for ever,: and not to bee dissposed of wthout the consent of all the Inhabitants of the sayd towne It is also agreed by the aforesayed desposers and by this writinge Confirmed that all the Peels of lande formerly layed out to PticLiler Psons shall stand good to the Psons to whom thay are lavd out and to their heiers for ever

It is further ordered that the Psent inhabitants of this towne of Portsmoth that want land or haue hadd a legall grant of land and haue not hadd it, shalbe acomidated by the first of may next Insuinge

m'-^°'Porter and m' John Sanford are Chosen to treate with Nuport and to Psent the busines about the Line between Nuport & ower towne of Portsmoth and to doe it by the first of March next Insuinge.

William Shearman is admitted an Inhabitant amongst us with this Pviso Consented unto by him, not to expect any lande to be giuen him by the desposers of land.

At a Towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth in June

9'' 52:

Richard Burdin & ralph Couland are Chosen overseers &

colectors for the pore

it is agreed to giue william Redfin, 11' and the 5 bushels of corne & the use of the Cowe this yeare for to keepe ould -^^'mott this yeare insuing

it is further agreed that there shalbe a stone house built for the more Comfortabl beinge of ould John mott in the winter for the effectinge there of the townes men doe here promise that upon the Call of the overseers aforesayed, thay will Come in and helpe forward the worke

[ 59 J 1653.

[63] ^^ ^ Towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmoth in Road Hand Aprill the first (i653)

It is ordered that the present overseers for the poore are authorizid to gather that which is behinde of the last rate and to destraine the goods of any that doe refuse to pay

the ffree Inhabitants of this towne in this Psent metinge did dechire by the usuall signe of houlding up their hands that thay owne m' Sanford m' Balstone and m' John porter Conservators of the peace imthis towne untill nue be chosen

It is agreed that the generall Court of election at the usuall time bee heeld at Nuport the first tuesday after thee fifteen of may next

It is ordered that the military officers that were last Chosen shall stand till nue be chosen

It is ordered that m' Sanford m' Boston m' porter Captin moris lieftenant albro Ensigne wilbur and Philip Shearman or any fower of them Consenting shall Consult and determine all matters for defence or offence. | Goodman Sissun] | ] Edward ffiahor is Chosen Constabl for this towne and John Roome also is Chosen Constabl for this towne untill nue be Chosen and ingaged

It is ordered that Richard Bordin and m' Cowl and are Chosen to gather up what is behind e^ unpayde of ''^'former rates exsept the last and are authorizid to destraine upon the goods of those that refuse

-44--is ordered-that the order Cons^yfii-agG watGhi-R-gs4s to bee ContinuQd- and obocrved till further-Qr-der-be-t-akcii about it:-

[64] ^^t a Towne meetinge the first seconde day in June(i653 m' Balston is Chosen magistrate for the Towne of Portsmoth for this yeare insuinge

John Roome is Chosen magistrate for the Towne of Portsmouth for this yeare insuinge & ingaged

1653. [ 6o ]

Philip Shearman is Chosen Towne Clarke for this yeare insuinge

Samuel Willson is Chosen Constall for this yeare insuinge &

In gaged

William Wodell is Chosen Constabl for the South side of the

Hand within the boundes of this towne of Portsmouth for this

yeare & Ingaged

William ffreeborne is Chosen Constabl for mill end for this

yeare and ingaged

George Parker is Chosen Towne Sargiant for this yeare Ingaged

Jeames Weeden Chosen Jurymen for the next

Edward ffisher Generall Court

Jeames Badcock

Thomas Brownell: Jeames Sands John Tripp: John Antonij; Thomas layton John briggs are Chosen Jurymen for the next quarter Court by the distinct places of the thre Constabl is not intended to restraine ay of the thre in any P^ of the bounds of the towne from executing there office if need requier or Called therto a Rate of j^ jg ordered that a rate of twelve pounds be made for the satisfiing georg parker six pound upon his takeing ould mot to keepe this year for the first payment and to Cloath ould mott

fower men are Chosen to make this rate viz: Thomas Layton will: Wodell Philip Shearman ffrancis Braiten

It is ordered that the thre Constabls shall gather this Rate and also that which is behinde of the other rates.

[65] -^^ ^ Towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmo[ ] June the 20"' (i653)

John Briggs is Chosen towne magistrate for this year and (by the voate of the Inhabitants) presently ingaged

It is ordered that the Towne magistrates shall giue forth a generall warrant to the thre Constables Samuel Wilson to

12

[ 6i J i6

:)o-

destrayne of the goods of such as shall refuse to pay what thay are rated either to the former rates or that rate which is to bee made for ould mott: and the rate to be satisfied and the over- plusse to bee returned:

Thomas Layton and William Wodell are Chosen over seers for the Poore for this yeare insuing

it is ordered that the over seers aboue sayed are authorizide to bargin with any man whom thay thinke htt for thee keeping ould John mott this yeare upon the Tovvnes Charge

John Koome :

m' John Sanford Richard Bordin: John Brigs Philip Shear- man and william wodell are Chosen for a Councell for the Towne

It is ordered that the order Concerning watchinge is Con- tinued and to bee observed till further order be taken

At a Towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmoth 1654 Henery Persi receiued an Inhabitant Will: Charles demured till the next meetinge Tho: Stud well demurred &c.

John Brent and Jerimie Nueland voated not to abide in this Towne any longer then 6 weekes and to forfeit 5 pound for euery month that he or either of them shall stay longer then the 6 weeks alowed. with out the aprobation of the Towne

John Gorum hath libcrtie to take his Cropp

It is ordered that no Inhabitant shall intertaine any sojorner aboue one month with out the aprobation of the Towne upon the penaltie of the forfituer of fine poundes for every month so offending and the magistrat of the towne to giue licence until! a towne meetinge bee

[66] may the io'" (1654)

At a Towne meetinsfe of the ffree Inhabitants of Portsmoth it is

agreed by Voate to sende a Committe of six men for this Towne

1654. [ 62 ]

unto the General! Court to bee held at Warwick this present month of may ,,5^,^,.^

M"" Rich: Bordin & nY Bordin

those fine under rrJ John R.oome

writt are Chosen m"^ John Briggs

for a Committe Tho: Lawton

for the Generall Edward Andros

Courte John Anthony

Samuel Wilson Thomas Lawton Edward Andros John Anthony Chosen for Jury men for the Generall Court of tryals It is ordered that the Committe aboue named are autorized to act in in All such matters as shalbe presented as thay shall Judg to bee for the good of the Collonie with as full power as if the towne were present

Will: hall is Chosen to be Joynde with m' Bordin to lay out such land as haue been legally granted in the Towne

[6*7] ^t -^ meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth in

Roade Hand June the fifth (165

William Cadman is receiued an inhabitant in the towne

This present day beinge the first second day of June (1654) the

day of Election for towne officers

M' William Balston is Chosen hed officer for the towne for this

yeare or till a nue be Chosen: Ingaged

M' John Roome is Chosen towne magistrate for this yeare or

till a nue be Chosen: Ino^ao-ed

Philip Shearman is Chosen towne Clarke: Ingaged

Samuel wilson Chosen Constabl for this yeare or till a nu bee

Chosen: Ingaged

Thomas Lawton Chosen Constabl for this yeare or till a nue be

Chosen: Ingasfed

[ 63 ] 1654.

Jeames Sands Chosen Constabl for this yeare or till a nuc bee Chosen: Ingaged

George Parker towne Sarjant & water bayleif for this yeare or till a nue bee Chosen InQ:a2:ed

m"^ John Porter, John Briggs Philip Shearman are added to the generall officer and to the two towne magistrats for to bee the towne Councell

the Commission granted to Captin moris by the Councell of warr is Voated to be nuld & of no longer force

It is Granted unto Richard Bulgar to haue license to sell beere vituals and licquors to Strangers that passe the fferrie or to any persons that shall bee [ |mployed about the transportation of Cattell or trauelers that are passing to or from the Hand

[68] ^t ^ meetinge of the Inhabitants of the towne of Ports- moth on Roade Hand June the 17"' (i654

It is ordered that the Copiis of the Generall orders sent to this towne by the Generall Recorder shalbe payd out of of that stock which is in the overseers handes:

It is ordered that William ffreeborne shall haue tenn pounds for this yeare insuinge to keepc ould mott to bee payde at the Rate of silver pay besides the Cowe and the fiue bushels of Corne, for which he is to Diet wash lodge and looke to the sayd old mott

It is ordered that a Rate be made for the raysinge of this Rate of rnony for the payment of william freeborn and Cloathing ould mott by the discetio of such men as shalbe Chosen therto: according to mens estates, the some to bee thirty poundes for the discharge of the former busines for ould mott and some other debts the towne owe: the men Chosen Jeames Weeden William freeborne William Woddell Edward ffisher Philip Shearman to make this Rate:

1654. [ 64 ]

William ffreeborne and Thomas Cornell Junior are chosen overseers & colectors for the poore for this yeare insuinge

Thomas Lawton is Chosen to geether with the two overseers to gather this rate aboue named

Bartholomew West is propounded for an Inhabitant amongst us.

It is ordered that the militia shalbe ordered by the towne Councell

[69] August the 2i'^ (1654)

At a meetin2:e of the Inhabitants of Portsmoth it is Voated that Ossamequin shall haue his Coate payd him forthwith for his rent of the medows on the maine land on the North side of Roade Hand:

It is Voated & Concluded that all the affayers of Generall Court shalbe transacted b)^ a Committe of six men Choocn of ech towne Chosen to that end: exsept elextion

M' William Baulston John Roome Richard Bordin Thomas Cornell Senior John Briggs William Hall

It is ordered that that this Committe aboue named are auth- orized to meete at W^arwick with the rest of ^'townes Committies at the day nuport neighbors shall apoint: with as full power to act as if the towne were present

It is ordered that the former order Concerning takeing what men are rated of such as refuse is orderd to be of force

It is ordered that a doppinge stoole shalbe made in this toowne and sett at the water side by the po[ ]de

Thomas Jenings acknowledg himselfe bound to the state of England the some of tenn pounds the Condition is to be of a peaceable behauiour to wars his wife and all the leage people of the state of England in this Hand

At a Towne meetinge the 11^^ of September Anno (1654

[ 65 ] i654-

It is ordered that prison shalbee built in this towne upon some Convenient place nere the Stockes

It is ordered that a Rate shalbe made of threscore pounds for the buildinge of of a prison in this towne

It is ordered that the thre Constabls and thomas Cornell Junior shall make this Rate and to gather it

John Tripp is Chosen Committe man for the Generall Court in the Roume of william Hall

It is ordered that those that are imployed as Commissioners for the generall shall haue there Charges borne from this day forward

[70] ^t ^s ordered that Ralph Erie Senior and Thomas Cornell Junior are Chosen to overse the worke of the prison and Sett men a worke and pay them there wages

it is ordered that Ralph Earle and John Anthonij shall keepe a howse of Intertainment for strangers

It is ordered that m' Bastone shall keepe a house of intertain- ment to intertaine Strangers

Nouember the 13"' (i654 At a Towne meetinsfe of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth

o

(1654) Nouember the 13"'

John Sandford ffrancis Brayton and Lott Strange are Chosen for Commissioners to Joyne with m' Bordin & John Roome and John Briggs to meet the rest of the Commissiners of the Colonie at Nuport the i4 of this instant month

It is ordered that m' Bordin and William Hall who are Chosen to be the layers out of land in this towne, shall with in this eight dayes or with all Convenient speede; lay out a hie way to y" springe by the line that m'^^'Sandford layd out to Philip Shear- man, on the south side of the sayd line according to former agreement of the towne and also to lay out the adition of land granted to m"" Almy at the Hedd of his farme. Jeames Sands

1654. [ 66 ]

and George Parker are Chosen by the towne to goe alonge with the layers out when thay lay out the aforesayd hie way and land

January the 23"' (i654) At a townes meeting it is Voated for this towne to Joyne with Nuport in the purchase of Cunnuniquut Hand and william Almy and Thomas Lawton are Chosn to goe to Nuport to treate with them aboute the Joyninge with them in the purchase of the aforesayd Hand and Dutch Hand with it

John Tyler is receiued an Tnhabitante this day

Jerit Borne is receiued an Inhabitant this day

It is agreed that the towne wilbee at the Charge to pay ould John motts passage to the Barbades Hand and back againe if he Cannot be receiued there, if he Hue to it, if the Shipp owners will carrie him

[71] ^t ^ towne meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth march the third (1654)

In respect of severall inconueniences that haue hapined in this towne It is ordered that no man signe any writinge as a bill of diuorce unlesse the seperation be alowed by the Collonie he that shall offend in this cace shall forfeit tenn pounds Sterling; and any that shall sett to there hand as wittness to any writinge of this natuer not alowed by the Colonic shall forfeit tenn pounds Sterlinge

It is further ordered that no man shall detaine or harbor another mans wife after warninge forbiding he that shall offend in this respect shall forfeit fine pound Sterlinge for euery night of offendinge: euery forfetuer in these respects aforesayed shalbe taken by the Sargiant of the towne

May the 5''^ (i655) At a Towne Meeting of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth Bartholomew West Receiued Inhabitant Thomas Studwell Receiued Inhabitant

[ 6; ] 1655.

M' Balston m'' Jo: Porter m' Tho: Cornell Sen: are Chosen to treate with Nuport about that debt thay demanded formerly of our towne: and about the land thay haue taken from us and to perfect the laying out of the lyne for the boundes betwixt the Townse of Portsmouth and Nuport and to forewarn Nuport inhabitants for falling any timber in ower towne boundes

Commissioners Chosen for to meet with the rest of the Com- missioners of the Colony to transact the busines of the Generall Court to be held at Prouidence at the usuall tyme With as full Power as if the town were present viz: m' will: Balston: m'

John 'Ii'ipp

John Roome m' Pi.ichard Burden : John Briggs: Thomas Lawton m' Thomas Brownell

Jurymen Chosen for the Generall Court of tryals to be held at Prouidence m' John Sanford Ralph Earl Sen: ffrances Brayden

[72] "^ay the 5th [iGss

it is ordered that a rate shalbe made for the defraying the Charge of those men that the town shall send forth upon the towne seruis

it is ordered that a Rate of tenn pounds shalbe forthwith made and gathered by Samuel wilson and Sarjant Parker between this and the Courte for the discharging of the towne debts of those thay haue sent forth upon the towne seruis

At a meeting of thee Toune Councell of Portsmouth June the 4''' (1655) William Hall hath libertie Granted him to try his Cace presented betwixt Richard Bordin and him selfe at the next Generall Court of tryalls to bee held at Portsmouth for the Collonie of Prouidence Plantations

[73] June the 4''' (1655) being the day for Election of toune officers: the inhabitants of the toune of Portsmouth being mett this present day aboue writt have Chosen m' Will Balston

1655. [ 68 ]

magistrate for this toune for this present yeare and ingaged

toun

m' John Sandford Chosen magistrat and Ingaged for this year

PhiHp Shearman Chosen Toune Clarke Ingaged

George Parker Chosen toune Sergant and and water Bayleife

for this year Jngaged

John Briggs and William ffreeborne and Philip Shearman ar

Chosen to make up the toune Councell

m' John Sanford is Chosen tresurer for thee towne

Edward ffisher is Chosen Constable for this yeare insuing and

Ingaged

Thomas Brownell is Chosen Constabl for this toune for this

year insuinge and Ingaged

Richard Sisson is Chosen Constabl for this yeare insuing and

Ingaged

Jeames Weeden is Chosen Jury man for the Generall Court of

tryals to bee houlden at Portsmouth the last tuesday of this

present month of June

Jeritt Borne is Chosen Jury man: for the Court

Joshewaye Coxall Chosen Jury man: abouesayd

The bill presented by George parker to the toune for seruis done for the toune of Portsmouth amounting to 2' — 13 shillings it is ordered that it shall bee putt in to thee rate to bee made for A generall use by the Generall Court order and payd to George parker after the rate is gathered upon demand bringing in his bill:

M' John Sanford William Woodell & Philip Shearman are Chosen to take the accompts of such men as haue formerly been Chosen to gather rates and there acompts haue not bene receiued by the towne

["74:] ^^ ^ meeting of thee towne of Portsmouth June the 30'''

(1655) 1 s d

The accompts of thee Rate of 52 — 6 — 6 given in by m' Brlston

[ 69 ] i655-

are accepted and there rest due to the towne out of the rate —

s d

9 — lo: ungathered

January the 3'' (1655 A Towne meeting of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth goodman Parent propounded himself for inhabitant as also John Lewis [ and Philip Tabor

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth ffebrewary the

i4"'(i655)

m' William Balstone is Chosen moderator for this meeting

Philip Tabor is receiued an inhabitant and taken his ingage- ment to the state of England and gouernment of this place : and hath equall right of Comonage with the rest of the inhabitants of this towne

m"" William Balston m"^ John Porter m*" Thomas Cornell Senior are Chosen by the towne to meete with the three men that the towne of Nuport haue Chosen: about a debt and the lyne between the tw^o townes

It is ordered that the thre men Chosen by our towne are authorized by the towne w'ith full power to end the aforenamed difference with the aforenamed men of Nuport Concering a debt and the lyne betwen the two tounes : either in a peaceabl frindly way by agetation : or otherwise legally if thay Cannot end it by agetation.

it is ordered that thee expenses of the aforenamed thre men about the aforenamed busines shalbe borne by the toune

Will

m' Almy John Briggs and Samuell Wilbur are Chosen for Jury men for the next generall Court to be held at Warwick

[75] John Lewis is admitted and inhabita[ ] and hath giuen his ingagement to the state of England and to the gouernment of this Collonie

1656. [ 7o ]

The 7"" of Aprill (1656 (a letter beinge sent from Nuport to the maeistrats of Portsmouth to desier ConCurrence of our towne with theres for the preseruation of the Hand our towne Chose m"" WilHam balston Captin Richard Morris and leif[]tenant Albro to meete with Nuports thre men as aforesayd

At a meetinge of the towne Portsmouth Aprill the 8'*' (i656) the Choyce of the thre men aboue named is owned by the towne and what thay agreed upon and presented to the towne is acsepted by the towne of portsmouth and hereby Confermed

M'' Will Balston Captin Richard Morris Captin Thomas Cooke leiftenant Wilbur Jeames BadCock William Woodell ffrancis Brayton are Chosen to goe ouer to the mayne to treate with the Indian Sachems to informe them of the mynd of the towne that thay Come not upon the Hand but accordinge to order giuen

It is agreed that a publicke watch shall be ordered by the Comissioners for the towne and the towne Councell in ti.e pre- cincts of the towne

It is ordered that the Constable and the Clarke of the band shall oroe from howse to howse and take thee number of the armes extent and to Case them to be repayerd that are not fixt, and to giue in the number of armes fixt and it is also ordered that where thay find armes to spare thay shall haue power to presse them for the use of the towne ingageing the returne of such armes in as good order as taken or Just and Sutabl Satisfaction

[Y6] May the 14"' (1656 At a meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth m' John Roome Chosen moderator for this present meetinge

Comissioners Chosen for the next Generall Court to bee held at Portsmouth: ^'^ m' William Balston m' Jo: Sanford Philip Shearman: William Woodell m"" John Roome m*^ Richard Bordin

[ 71 ] 1656.

to meete with the Commissioners of the rest of the townes of the Collonie to act with as full power as if the towne were present

At a meeting of the free Inhabitants of Portsmouth the first

second day in June (i656)

Philip Shearman Chosen Towne magistrate for this yeare and

Ingaged

m' John Briggs Chosen Towne magistrate for this year and

Ingaged

Philip Shearman Chosen Towne Clarke and Ingaged william woddell Chosen one of the towne Councell John Albro Chosen one of the towne Councell m' John Porter Chosen one of the towne Councell m' william Balston tresurer for the towne Richard Sisson Chosen Constable Ingaged Ralph Cowland Chosen Constable Ingaged Thomas Lawton Chosen Constable Ingaged George Parker Chosen toune Sargiant and Ingaged

[TT] ^t a toune meetinge of the Inhabitants of Portsmo| ] June the third (i656) It is ordered that no Pson or persons in this toune of Portsmouth nor any that shall Come amongst us shall sell any liquors stronge beer or any wines to any Indian directly nor indirectly with in the bounds of this toune and any Pson or Psons that shall offend in this Cace shall forfeit three ^ poundes for euery default one thirde shalbe to him that finde it out, and a third to the Constable and his aide and a third to the tounetresury

It is also ordered that it shalbe lawfull for any Pson or Psons of thee Inhabitants of this toune if thay meete any Indian within the bounds of this toune with any of the aforesayed prohibited liquors stronge beer or wines to take it from them and to Call ayde if neede bee, and thay that take from the Indians any such

1656. [ 72 ]

liquors beer or Wines with in the bounds of this toune shall haue it for ther paynes

M"" Richard Burdin & Jeames Sands & Captin Cooke are Chosen Jury men for the next gen' Court of Tryals held at Prouidence

M"" Wilham Baulston Philip Shearman & m' Richard Bulgar are Chosen to audit & take the accompts of the tresurer for the last year John Sanford as also to perfitt the accompts of the ould rates upon Saterday next

voated that the tresurer for the last year shall deliuer the monies belonging to the towne unto the tresurer nY William Baulston

[T8] ^^ ^ meeting of the Inhabitants of the towne of Ports- mouth July the third (i656)

Lott Strange and good man John Antony haue libertie granted them to digg a ditch seuen or nyne foote wide from the pond to thee dry land before goodman stranges house for the bringing up any goods the more Conveniently j it is ordered that John Teft shall haue 13 — 6 — 8 — peage 6 P

white

penny or black 3 P penny to keepe ould John mott this yeare for dyat lodging washing and looking to besyde the Cowe and the Corne that the ould mans son adam is ingaged to giue

m' Balston is ordered to pay John Teft fower pounds nyne shillings out of the tresury mony when it Come in to his hand which is due to John Teft for part of the last years pay for keepinge ould John mott

m"" Balston is ordered to by ould John mott Cloathing out of the tresury mony that Come in to his hand according as m*" Balston seeth fitt

it is voated by the towne that John Albro shall haue his gunn agayne and be aquitted of his rate for service done for the towne

August the ii'*' (1656 At a toune meeting m' Richard Bulgar Thomas Cornell Junior John Trip and wilHam hall are Chosen

[ 7Z ] 1656.

to SLirvaie and view all Cattcll that shalbe hence forth transported

to

of the Hand and take the names of all such as transport Cattell the day of the month when, the number of the Generall Cattell with there seuerall car marks and if any haue Cattel that haue not ther oun ear niarke or that haue other marke or markes then ther owen the suruayers ar hereby required to make stopp of them unless thay giue satisfaction to the suruayers howe thay Cam by those Cattell so differently marked and the survayers shall haue for ther payns according to former order and [TO] and the suruayers ar to se the Cattell boated and if any Cary Cattell of the Hand in the night though suruayed before shall haue a suruayer to see them at ther going of shore or shall forfeit tenn pounds and stand to further sensuer of the toune

m' Brentons letter was redd in the toune meeting and m' Ballston and m' Thomas Cornell were Chosen to meet with two of Nuport to answer the letter and the toune promise to stand to what our two men agree unto therin:

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth October the 4''' (i656) Comitioners Chosen for to meet with the Comitioners of the other townes the next thursday before the next Generall Court of tryals to bee houlden at Portsmouth to Consult and determin of such things as shalbe presented for the Justis and peace of the Collonie viz: m"" william Balston: will: woddell Jeames Badcock: John Briggs will: Hall: m' Richard Bordin:

Jury men Chosen for the Generall Court of tryals to be houlden at Portsmouth this instant month of October: Jeames Weeden William ffreeborne Jeames Badcock

Richard Bulgar is Chosen toune Sargiant for this yeare and Ingaged

Thomas Wood propounded to be receiued an Inhabitant

1656. [ 74 ]

[80] ^t a meeting of the tonne of Portsmouth december the 8"' 0656) It is ordered that m' John Sanford, m' John Briggs and Thomas Lawton are authorized to procuer the pouder & shott that is ordered by the generall Court for this toune, by makeing suteabl pay to m' Roger WilHams and it is to bee for the tounes use prouided the town doe make the same pay to the aforenamed men as the generall Court expresse within one month after the aforenamed men haue procured the sayed pouder & shott and in Case it Come to any Causealtie after the sayd proCuering before the month bee expiered then the toune to bare the losse as also the Charge of procuering it is to bee borne by the toune and if the toune doe not make pay as aforesayed to the aforesayed men within the time afore sayed then the sayed pouder and shott to bee at the disposing of the afore sayed men as their proper goods

the toune Clarke is ordered to wright to m' Roger williams to signifie the tounes minde to him Concerning the pouder and shott

It is ordered to haue a toune meeting upon Saturday next without any further warning only those that are present doe promise to giue notice to those that are absent:

[81] ^^ ^ meeting of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth decem- ber the if' (1656)

It is ordered that the tresurer m' William Balston shall

redeeme the pouder and shott belonging to the toune out of

the tresury if sutabl pay Come in to his hand within the time

prefixed

20' for It is further ordered that the tresurer shall pay the 20 poundes

y' P"s^°" for the prison

to nuport out of the tresury if sutabl pay Come in to his handes

At a m.eeting of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth March the third (1656) Jury men Chosen for the Generall Court of tryals to bee held at Nuport the tenth day of this instant month [viz] —

[ 75 ] 1656.

Senior

IMiilip Tabor: Thomas Cooke: Thomas Cornell Junior John mose is lisenced to soiornc in this tounc *'Sam"''' Sanford is receiued an Inhabitant of this toune Steuen Wilcockes is receiued an Inhabitant of this toune

At a toune meeting April! the i6 (1657)

it is Consented unto by Voate that Thomas sshreiff hath Hbertie to sitt doune for the present upon that house plott that John Porter hath giuen him libert| ] to sitt doune upon for present: upon his wifes peacabl and good behauiour towards hir neigh- bours: untill he Can more Conuenicntly prouide for himself or the toune take further order Concerning them :

m' William Balston Philip Shearman and m"" John Hriggs are apoynted to speake With shreifs wife and William Charles and George Lawtons Wife and to giue them the best advise and Warning for ther own peace and the peace of the place

W'illiam Core is receiued a Tounesman amongst us: Richard Bordin william Almy John Porter william ff reborn John San- ford Jeames Sands are Chosen Commitioners for this toune to meet with th[ J Commitioners of the rest of tounes of the Collonie

[821 -^t a meeting of the towne of Portsmouth on Road Hand may the 29"' (i657)

it was ageed to meet with out any further warning the first day of June which wilbe next munday by six of the Clock in the morning to Choose toune officers for this year insuing:

At a meeting of the towne of Portsmouth the first day of June

(1657) being munday

m"" John Briggs is chosen head Warden and ingadged

m"" William ffreborne deputy Warden and ingadged

* Evidently _/■'//;; was written iirst instead of Samuel, and was changed with the pale inlc used at the next nioctini''.

1657- [ 76 ]

John Sanford is chosen Town Clarke & ingadged m"" Richard Bulgar is chosen Towne Serjant & ingadged John Tripp Thomas Layton and Samuell Wilson are chosen Cunstables

m' William Baulston chosen Towne Treasurer m' phillip Sheareman John Albro and William Woadell ar chosen, three of the Towne Councell :

It is agreed that there shall be a towne meeteinge one miinday next at the house of m"" John Briggs

Att A meetinge of the townes men of portsmouth on Rhoad Island the 8"' of June 1657

ordered that this meeting shall voat for A moderator m"" phillip Sheareman is chosen Moderator for this dale Voated that the towne shall choose new Comitioners for the next gen' Court of Comitioneres to be held at warwicke the fourth day of July next

m"" Richard Burdin John Sanford: m"^ John porter m"" John Briggs James Sands and Richard Sison are chosen Comitioners for this towne to meet with the Comitioners of the other townes the 4"' day of July next at warwicke

nV John porter Richard Sison and James Sands are chosen juriemen for the next generall Court of Tryals held at warwicke the last Tuseday in this instant month, Thomas Wood is Received an inhabitant of this towne Daniell Grenell is Rec'' an inhabitant of this towne John Sanford and Richard pearce are chosen Survaiers to uew the markes of all Cattell that G:oe from this towne Ordered that m*" Baulston shall agree with goodman Teift for the keepeinge of ould mott for this yeare insueinge and to pay him out of The Treasury

I S3 J ^^tt A Towne Meetinge of the fremen of Portsm" held the 31 : of July: 1657

[ n ] 1657.

John Sanford chosen Moderator for this day m"" Richard Hulgar Towne serjant haveinge presented his acco"^ for servis Done for the towne, The Towne have Axcepted the acco'^ and owne them selves indebted to the serjant tlie sum": of one pownd thirteene shills six pence to be payd out of The Towne Treasury

It is ordered that there shall be A Towne Meetinge upon the last day of August next it beinge Munday at the house of w\' Brigs, Which shall concerne the Deliveringe the Records papers or writtings which belonge to the towne and Towne clarks ofKce (from m' Shearman unto the Towne clarke) and to putt an Issue to the Difference concerninge the layinge out of land, with what other Nessesary occations may present and that Each man may give Notice hereof to his Neighbour without ffurther warneinge

Att : A : Towne Meetinge held ^ the freemen of portsmouth the 31 :of August 1657 beinge munday

m' William Baulston is chosen Modderator for this day ordered that the agreement betwene William ffreeborne and James Weeden shall be Recorded in the towne booke : which is as followith:

William ffreborne and James Weeden Sen'. Did in the publique towne metinge Declare that it is theire ffree and mutuall agree- men that the Trees which Mathew Greenell i^arked & soe to the markt tree in or by the swampc shall l^c the line betweene William ffreebornes land and the Comon & shall be the utmost bounds of the sayd William ffrecborns land William ffoster is admitted & Received A ffreeman Whereas there hath beine orrcat Differencis Concerninfje land about the layinge out of lands in this towne of portsmouth in Rhoad Island and there beinge Certaine men upon Record in the Towne booke to be Desposers of land in the towne and thay

1657. [ 78 ]

haveinge taken paynes to satisfy the towne in this Respect and therefore have Declared theire minds in that Respect what quantities of lande shall be layd out and to whome, And this not giveinge satisfaction. It is therefore agreed for peace & vnion that this abatement be made and some New supply (that is to say) that those that should have had by the aforesayd Dis- posers agreement thirty acres are Contented to take twenty acres, and those that should upon that accompt have had above thirty acres shall abate one halfe of theire quantity, and the

quantities under thirty to Stand good And two hundered

acres more is Consented unto to be Desposed of by the towne unto those that have most neede and the remainder of land then undesposed of to be a perpetuall Comon to the towne fforEver Never to be layd out and upon this agreement we doe unani- mously Consent to asuer Each man in theire lawfull Rights to our power

It is ordered that m"" John porter nf John Brigs James Bad- cocke and John Sanford are chosen and Authorized to meet with the townesmen of Newport or Whome thay shall apoynt & Authorize: Concerninge Differencis in accompts and the line betwene the two townes, and to put an End or Issue to the Sayd Differencis Either in a peaceable ffreindly waie, (or other-waies Leagaly) if thay Cannot End it by adjetation

It is ordered that there shall be A Towne Meetinfje on the 29''' of I Se ] next at the house of m' Brigs there to choose

jurry-men and Comissio| | if need be, and to Consider of other nessesary bussinis that may pre[ ] and Each man to give notice to his neighbour without ffurther [ ]

I 841 ^ Towne Meetinge of the ffree Inhabitants of ports- mouth NovemI the 19':'' 1657

It is ordered that m' Baulston and m' Brios are Desired and Requested to treat with Captt Morris, that he would take Some

[ 79 ] 1657.

Cource to Discharge the towne, accordinge to his promis, from all charge that may Arise by A Dutch Woman whome the S'^ Captt Morris hath intcrtained in his house this last Sumer/

Voated that this Meettinge is adjourned till tomorrow Morne- inge at Eight of the Clocke

Novemer the 20'''

M' John Brigs chosen Moderator for this Day

It is ordered that whereas there is due from the towne to m"" Roger Williams the Sum? of fforty shills : it shall be payd to the Sd m' Williams out of the Towne Treasury — ^^ i^^^^j

It is ordered that William Woodell hath tenn Acres, £j:raun ted him in lewe of an old graunt, to be laied out at the land of Georfje layton or about that Swampe to be laied out at the discrestion of the lotters

It is ordered that Leivt" John Albro shall have his graunt of

and old [ hard]

land layd out at the head of m' porters ffarme ^ it beinge thirty two acres

It is ordered that Thomas Cooke Sen' hath Ei<'ht Acres of land graunted in lewe of 8 acres formerly graunted in the Comon ffence to be layd out on the south Side of the swamp called Brigis swampe, below Newport path fformer

It is ordered that m' Richard Bulgar shall have his ^graunt of six acres layd out to him in the Coiiion ffence adjoyneinge to his land there

— Jt i^ ordere4-tJ^at-J-ebfi-Sa^.ford shall have twenty f.vj. Acres of land to begin at the Brooke in— the Swampe calcd Brigcs •Swa^.pQ, and to lie on the South Side of tho S '' Broolic above ■Nev.'port path-o^ly the head of the Springe is to bo left- out fo-r A walt-Qtmg-place-

It is ordered, that whereas the abov-Sayd graunt of land to John Sanford at Briges Swampe, was A pcell of land formerly graunted to m' phillip Shearman, It is there-for ordered that in

i657. [ 80 ]

lewe thereof John Sanford [851 Shall have twenty five Acres of land laied out unto him next adjoyneinge to the Side of the land of ni"" Brigs at the Mill Swampe and the afore-Sayd order is herby Null, & is ordered to be Rased

Whereas Daniell Wilcocke had 15 Acres of land graunted by the Disposers of land: It is now ordered that he hath 15 acres of land more graunted to him to make it up thirty Acres, to be laid out at the Discrestion of the lotters

It is ordered that there shall be A towne Meettinge on the

last day of this instant month: beinge munday at the house of

m' Brigs at 8 a clocke in the morneinge, Concerninge the Dis-

poseinge of the 200 acres of land to those that want, & to take

iSafd Cource to maintaine theire Rights in hoge Island:

Att A Meettinge of the Inhabitants of portsm° November the

30^!^ 1657

m"" William Baulston is chosen Moderator for this day.

It is ordered that A Comittee of fiive: men shall be chosen And Authorized to Dispose of the 200 acres of land to those inhabitants of the towne that want land, Whoe are viz" m' William Baulston m' John porter m' John Brigs m"" John Roome and James Badcocke

It is ordered that tenn men shall be Suplied with plantin land on hoge Island & to injoy it for seven yeares viz" Edward ffisher Richard Sison John Tripp John Anthony ffrancis Brayton Thomas Ginings Ralph Earll: jun'; John Archar Samuell Wilson & John Baslie

It is ordered that William Corrie and John Teifft shall be suppled with plantinge land on hoge Hand & to injoy it the tearme afore-s"*

It is ordered that m' William Baulston m"" John porter and m' John Briges are chosen and Authorized to Dispute with any aposers to maintaine the townes Right in hoge Hand

[ 8i ] 1657.

It is ordered that Leivtt" John Albro is added to Richard Burdin and WilHam Hall in the layinge out of land in this towne of portsm"

It is ordered that Henry Lake is graunted to make use of three acres of land at the head of his lot and the Widdow parkers and to make use of it Seven yeares and at the End of the time to Sow the S'^ land with English hay-seed & to lay it downe to the Comon againe

It is vnanimosly agreed that there shall be one hundred acres of land more aded to the two hundred acres to inlarge, the Suply of those that want which in Respect of the largeness of their ffamelies and the Smalnes of what will Com to their parts in the 200 acres will not Suffitiantly Supply their nesesities to be dis- posed of by the afore-sd Comitte

It is ordered that the two Coates payd to Osameakin for the Cuttinge of the Grase this yeare at the maine shall be payd out of the Treasury

It is ordered that there shall be A towne meettinge at the house of m"" Brigs on the Six' day of January beinge Wcdensday & Each man to give Notice to his Neighbour without ffurther Warneinge

[86] Att: A Meettinge of the Inhabitants of portsm" the 6"^

of January 1657

M' WilHam Baulston is chosen Moderator for this day It is ordered that thcr shall be A Towne MettinQ-e held on the first Tuseday in march next it beinge the Second day of that m[ I then to choose jurry:men for the next gen' Court, as

also to choose Comitioners if occation be, with other Nessesary matters that may present

It is ordered that those that were fformerly chosen to meett &: Teat with Newport men viz'' m' John porter nV John Brigs

1657. [ 82 ]

James Badcocke & John Sanford are againe Authorised to me with Newpt men according to former order

It is ordered that wheras ther is one pownds five shills & Eight pence due to Will Lytherland for Coppies of Court orders Delivered to the towne in the time of his beinge Gen"" Recorder, the Sayd Sum Shall be payd out of the Towne Treasury

It is ordered that wheras ther is due to m' Brigs for Service done by himselfe and his boate for Carieinge Comitioners & other Service for the towne the Suni: of One pownd five Shills the Sayd Suni Shall be payd out of the towne Treasury^

It is ordered that the Treaserer shall pay m' Brigs for the use of his boate to Providence at the last Gen' Court of Tryalls held there —

It is ordered that m' Brigs shall have the Cow belonging to the Towne in the Custody of John Teifft, in Lew whereof the Sayd m' Brigs doth ingadge to deliver to the Towne Treserer A heiffer of two this Next Springe, to be delivered on the last of Aprill next —

It is ordered that wheras m' Richard Bulgar did present his accompts for warneinge two meettings & thre jurry-men, twelve shilP & Six pence shall be payd by the towne Treasury:

It is ordered that the Treasurer m' Will Baulston shall pay goodman Teift what is due to him for keepinge ould mott, with what other just demaunds is due to the sayd Teift about old mott:

It is ordered that the Treasurer m' Will Baulston Shall pay m' Room the Sum of thirty Shills for the Stocks and whiping post:

It is ordered, with the Consent of Samuell Wilbore and phillip Shearman that the order made the 7"' of the 7 m° 1640 viz" that m'^ Wilbore shall have 40 Acres out of phillip shearmans lott, shall be Rased

It is ordered that the towne Clarke Shall write to Newport to inform them, that we haue information of A woolfe beinge on

[ «3 ] 1657.

the Island, and to desire their helps to drive the Island, one munday Next if it be fayre wether, & if not then on the Next fay re day

[8T] ^tt A Meettinge of the Inhabitants of portsmouth

March the 2: 1657

M' William : Baulston chossen Moderator for this Day Ordered that m' John Brigs haveinge pettitioned to the towne to Borrow Sorri mony.: it is agreed that he shall have what mony ther:can be Sparred out of the towne Treasury, he giveinge in bond for the payment ther-of to the Treasury againe on the 29"' of Sept[ in the yeare (1658) or Sooner if the towne have occation to macke use of it

It is ordered that the Widdow haukins shall have her graunt of Eight Acres of land, ffree, without payinge the Treasury

It is ordered that m' William Baulston m"" John Brigs m"" phillip Shearman William W^oadell and John Sanford are chossen and Authorized to Examain and Audit Ralph Earlls accompts of what the towne is indebted unto him and what thay shall fifind the towne to be in his debt shall be payd to the Sayd Earll : by the towne Treasurer,

That w^her-as ther is due to Goodman Trip twelve Shill' for goinge in to the Bay it is ordered that the Sayd Sum: shall be payd by the Towne Treasurer

John Almy is Admitted an Inhabitant amongst us

m' William Baulston nV John porter, m' Thomas Layton John Sanford James Badcocke And m' Samuell W^ilbore are chosen Comissioners to meet with the Comissioners of the other townes on the Second Wedens-day in this instant month march : at this towne Portsmouth: M' Thomas Layton James Badcocke and Capt" Thomas Cooke

1658. [ 84 ]

are chossen jurymen to atend the Gen' Court of Tryalls the Second Tuse-day in this instant month at portsmouth

It is ordered that m' WiUiam Baulston is chossen and aded to the former men formerly chossen to treate and adjetate with Newport men Concerninge the differences Betwene ouer towne and Newport, and is Authorized to act with the Sayd fower:men formerly chosen,

It is graunted to Thomas Ginings to have liberty to sell beere

[88] ^tt A Meettinge of the Inhabitants of portsm° the 1 1"^ of may 1658 beinge Tuseday

M"" William Baulston is chossen Moderator for this day

Christopher Almy is Reed A free-man of this towne

John Reed is Reed a free-man of this towne

William Earll is Reed A free-man of this towne

William Wood is Reed A free-man of this towne

Ralph Earll : jun' is Reed A free-man of this towne

Thomas Kent is Reed A free-man of this Towne

m' William Baulston, m*^ John porter, m' John Brigs, m' John

Roome, m' Thomas Layton, and John Sanford are Chossen

Comissioners to meett & Act with the Comissioners of the other

townes at the next Gen'' Court of Election held at warwicke in

this instant may on the Nintenth day thereof

ffrancis Brayton and m' Henry percy are chosen to search & take Care & acompt of what liq's & wines are brought in & landed within the precincts or bownds of this towne

Ordered that Ralph Earll jun' shall be payd Eleven shillings after the the Rate of Eight white peages '^ peny, by the Treasurer

Ordered that there shall be A towne meettinge on the Second Tuseday June next at the howse of m' Will Baulston Concern- inge Sten tinge the Coiiions & other nesisary bussines that may present

[ 85 ] 1658.

Att A Meetting of the free Inhabitants of the Towne of ports- mouth June the 7"' 1658 beinge moonday

m' John Brigs chossen hed Warden of this Towne m"^ John

porter next

m'' John porter chossen deputy Warden m' John Roome next

John Sanford Towne Clarke Tho Cornell next

m' Richard Bulgar chossen Tow Sergant James Badcocke next

m' William Baulston chossen Treasurer

Leivt" John Alsbro chosen one of The Towne Councell & m'

Samuell Wilbore & John Sanford are chossen to make up the

Towne Councell

Edward fifisher Samuell Wilson & Thomas Wayte are chosen

Cunstables

John Sanford and Richard pearce are chossen Survayers for

this yeare

Thomas Cornell Towne Clarke Ingaged:

Att A meetting of the free Inhabitants of the Towne of Ports- mouth June the 8"' 1658 being Tewsday

m' william Balston is Chosen moderator for this day

order'' that the acountes being recaiued and Excibeded of the

Treshur by the Towne

Ordered that Richard knijt shall be payd ffive poundes fHve

shilnes by the Treasurer

Lott Straing William Earle william woodel are chosen Jeuery men to atenend the Generel court of Tryeles at newport vpon The last Tesewday of this instant mounth

Ordered that Ralph Earll Junor shall be payd two shillenes for muny that he payd for his fferigg gooing to plimoth: [89]

Orederd that m' william Boston and m' John Briges are to end the acountes betvvne the Towne and Philip Sharman and the said Philip is to be satisfijed by the Treshauer

1658. [ 86 ]

Orederd that hee that is chosen to the place of the a Towne Shargen[] shall be wattur baijle allsoo for y' yeare:

Orederd that Thomas Jenines shall be payd fine shilenes by y^ Trushu[ ]

oredred that from henece forth noe Pearson shall Presume to Cattiii Trance Port any Cattell from off this Hand from any Partes orted within the liberties or Precincth of this Towne Except he or thay breinge A noote subsuribed by the Party of whome he boueht such Cattell of the sortes of the Cattell and the number and how marked of or otherwise giue A note vnde| ] his hand accordingly that such Cattell are his oune by breed or otherwise bought which noate shall be delivered vpon the veiw of the said Cattel vnto those who are by the Towne apoynted suruayeres and if any shall act Contrary to this order thay shall forfite and loose the sayd Cattell or the worth of them :

It is orderd that wheras Captn John Cranston had A grant of Eight acres of land in the Coiiion ffence the sayd Eight acres is now ordered to be layd out to the said Captain at the discreshon of the overseers m' william Baulston and m"^ John Porter by the lotters :

John Hauenes recaiued a free-man of this Towne Ebner Sharman recaiued a free man of this Towne Thomas Flendely recaiued a free man of this Towne: Richard Hart reciaiued a free man of this Towne

Oredered that the sekond Tuseday of Junly is to be a Towne metin[ J for to agatateing shuch thinges as may fall in

Orderd that m' Baston shall recaiue thre gunnes of william Earle at feftey shilenes in case thay be scaruiscabel for the Towne:

Samuel Willson Chosen Cunstable and Ingaged for this yeare

Thomas Wait Chosen Cunstable and ingaged

Edward fifisher Chosen Cunstable and Ingaged

[I'age QO is blank]

[91] ^t a metting of the free Inhabitants of Portsmouth this 6"> of Octobar 1658

[ S7 ] 1658.

m' William Balston is Chosen modratar for this clay:

it is ordred that Roger vvilliames shall haue librety of the Towne for to liue in william vvoodel house till the 5"' of nouem- bar in-seuen the date heare of: and no longer by the Towne order

Nathel Brouing Thomas Hasard Joshawa Coggeshall Chosen Jurey men to atend the saruis of the Genrel Cort of Triels held at vvorwick being the 12"' of this instant munth of Octtobar

Ordred that a boot shall be hijerd for to Carey the magstrate and Jurey men to the Court at worwick and shall be paiid out of the Trcshey

ordred that goodman Trip shall be payd by the Tresey for Careying the Cummishenors to y'' Court in may last

Orderd that those fiue men Chosen before to Trete with New-

Autorethy

port men are now made Choyse of againe and the former order is Confermed vpon them againe and is aThorised to met with Them vpon the 20"' of this instant mounth of Octobar

At a metting of the free Inhabitants of Forth mouth this 2f^ of Octobar 1658

m' William Baulston is Chosen modrator for this day

orderd that those men which wheare formerly Chosen haue

librctey for to apoijnt the Time and the day for to Trette with

newport men about the difrance and the line and to write to

them Concaring the Time

ordred that wheare as newport men haue scent to this Towne

Concaring keping Co[ ]ts by Themscelues and with considra-

sho| I Think it not Conueniant sooe for to dooe

m' william Baulston m' John Sanford m' Adam Moot Scenor

John Trip Hendrey Percy John Almy are Chosen Commishonors

to mett at worick to actt with the other Commishonors one the

Second of nouembar

Giden ffreborne recaiued a freeman of this Towne

1658. [ 88 ]

Orderd that goodman Trip shall Caray the Coummishoners and be payed out of the Treshey

[Page g2 is blank.]

[93] ^t ^ meting of the ffre habtitants of Portsmouth this 22 of Nouembar 1658:

M' William Baulston is Chosen modratur for this day: Orderd that m' Richard Bulgar shall be paiid by the Treshuer for five billes thre of them for woring Towne metings and one of them for worine Commishonors and one of them for worins: Jurimen:

At a meting of the ffre habtitants of Portsmouth this 16: of ffebruary 1658

M"" John Porter is Chosen Modratur for this day: William Cadman Hugh Parsons Richard Sisi[ ]n Chosen Jury men for to Tend the Generell Corurt of Triels helld at Proui- denc the Sekond Tewseday in march insewing: wheras there is presented to this pressent meeting A lickelyhood of Charge that my fall on the Towne, by A child which is said by the mother of it beinge mathew Greenell wife to be Jacob Mots Chyld, vpon which occassion this meeteinge wass Called and is mett togather: vppon the afore=said bussnis the Towne doe juge that the officers haue not acted according to ther Com- ision and Authority, to keepe the towne from charge Therfore the town doe order and declare their Result, which is that thay are noe way ingadged, to be at any charge on the account of that chyld which is to say mathew Greenells wife chyld afore- sayd :

Orderd that m' william Baulston shall pay to John Sanford out of the Treshery feftey shelnes and tenn pence

[Page 94 is blank.]

[ 89 ] 1659

[95] ^t ^ meting of the free inhabtaints of the Towne of Portsmouth this 12 of may 1659

m' John Briges Chosen moderator for this day: m' Baulston m' Sanford m"^ Thomas Layton m"" wilbore Goerg Layton m' Almy Chosen Commishniors for to Tend the Court at Prouidenc

Voted Robrt west Recaiued an Inhabetant anongest vs Voted If Samuel wilbour Can not gooe to the Court m' Baulston is to heyer his boat or Soum other wheare he can to be paid out of the Tresury

Voted m"" Briges hath the tresury Cow with all hir increase for thre years with all hir profits to the thirds and at the three yeres End he is to deliuer vp the Said Cow with two parts of hir increace to the Tresurer and the Remaineur to be for John Briges more ouer he is to let a Calfe belong to the Towne to run in his pastur at the maine this Sumer

At A meting of the free inhabtants of the Towne of Portsmouth

this 6 of June 1649 1659*

m' William Baulston Chosen moderator for this day

m"" John Brigges Chosen head warden and Ingaged

m' John Roome Chosen deptey warden and Ingaged

Thomas Cornell Chosen Towne Clarke and Ingaged

m' Hendery Percey and John Tiler Chosen Cunstables and

Ingaged

Samuel Wilison Chosen Cunstable

Richard Bulger Chosen Town Seargent and Ingaged

m' Sanford and John Albro and Thomas Lawton are Chosen to

make vp the Towne Councell with the thre magistras for this

ye are

m' percey and ffrancis Brayton are Chosen to tacke vp acompt

of what Lickres Coum in to this Towne

*The date 1659 is written in dilTerent ink.

1659. [ 90 ]

m' william Baulston Chosen Treshuer for this yeare

Voted that m' Richard Bulger shall be payd Twentey and five

shilens for Six biles out of the Treshrey:

Voted and recaiued the Treshuer accomptes of the Treshuer by

the Tovvne in the meeting

[Page 96 is blank ]

[9*7] At A metting of the ffree inhabitaints of Potsmouth this 8 of August 1659

m"" william Baulston Chousen Modrator for this day

m"" Baulston m'' Pourtor m' Roome m*" Briges Jeames Badcocke

m"" Sanford Chosen Commishniors to atend the Court held at

Portsmouth the three and twenty day of this instant mounth

August

Ordred that Jeames Badcooke shall be paid nine shilenes and

six penc out of the Treshrey for Charges in the Case of Nicholas

Browne

Ordred that the Towne Councel and nV Porter m'' Sharman m''

Barden m' moot William woodel are requested for to meet the

ffirst mundey in Scptembar next for to Trete about the ripeng

and the best Course for the recording and conferming Euery

mans land vpon him

At A towne metinge of y'' free Inhabtants of Portsmoth this 15"' of Septembar 1659

1 M' william Boulston is Chozen modrator for this day

2 Richard Bulgar Chosen by Vote to suply y"' absents of the towne Clarke for this day

3 the Genorall Court order made y*" 23 of August 1659 publeshed and Reed

4 it is Ordred & Votted that A Rate is to be made of 50' in

[ 91 ] i659-

wompom at 6 ''(^ peny or othar pay Equiuelent there Vnto: to be gathred in betwen the day of y*" date here of and y'' 29"' of this Instant month Septenibar

5 it is Ordred that this Rate is to be gathred in Equaly accordinge to Eury mans Estate

6 it is Ordred that m' John Briggs m' John Sanford m' wilHani Ahiiy and m' Thomas Laiton is Chozen to make the afore said Rate

7 it is ordred that the Genorall Recordar is to be paid out of y* tresury for the two Last Genorall Court Copies in wompom 8 '^

1 - sh - d

peny 01 10 o| |

8 m"". Thomas Brownill Thomas Kent frances Braiton Chosen Jury men to same Vpon the Next Court in Octobar

[08] ^I'd that Thomas Ginings is to be paid out of the tresury seuen shilings for searuis don

Att A Townes meting of y' ffree Ihabtaints of Portsmouth this 21"' of Decembar 1659

M' John Porter Chosen Modderator for this day

It is ordred that the ratte shall be readd in the mettino:

It is Ordered that Prudecenc shall pay according as thay be

Ratted in this Towne ratte

itt is orderd that m' John Briges and m' John Sanford ffrancies

Brayton and Thomas Cornell is to gather vp the ratte:

itt is orderd that the Towne Sargent shall gooe to preudence

and gather vp the rate

At A Townes meting of the ffree Ihabtants of Portsmouth tliis 7"' of march 1659 or 60:

m"" william Almy Chosen modderator for this day

nV John Porter Roubart Hazard Jarrad Borne are Chosen

i66o. [ 92 ]

Jeurey men for to Tend the next Court held at Newport the 13*'' of this instant month march:

It is Orderd that m'' Richard Bulgar shall be bayd thirtey shilens out of the Treshery by the Tresher for Seuen beiles for woring of Towne mettings and Juery men and Commishonors

Orderd A Letter scent from m' Brinton is to be reed in the Towne

Orderd that m' will Baulston hath liberty to provid a horse and to Satiesfiy for him out of the treshery and his Charges vpon his Jorny to Tanton to meett with plimoth Commishonors

It is orderd that m' william Almy william Hall Thomas Cornell is to vew the reck[ ]rds to see wether thay Can find any forther right to the land then wee can find at this prescent and to draw vp a letter to scend vp to m' william Brenton and prescent it to the Towne

[99] ^tt A meettinge of the Townes men of Portsmouth held the 9"' of may: 1660.

m' william Baulston Chosen moderator for this day

m' John Porter william Hall John Sanford m' Samuell willbore

Edward fisher John Albro are Chosen Commishioners for the

next Gen'' Court of Election to be held the 22''' of this instant

month in this Towne of Portsmouth then and theare to mett

and act with the Commisioners of the other Townes, as A Law

mackinge Asemebly,

william williams is admitted A f^reeman of this Towne

Thomas Butts is admitted A ffreeman of this Towne

Att A meettinge of the Townes men of Portsmouth held the 4''' of June 1660

m' William Baulston Chosen moderator for this day

[ 93 ] i66o.

nV John Roome Chosen hed warden m"' Ahiiy next

m' William Almy deptey warden m' Porter next

m' Ricard Bulgar Towne Clarke: Thomas Cornell next

m'' John Sanford Chosen one Towne Coiincell j m' John Tripe Chosen one Towne Councell j m'' John Albro Chosen one Towne Councell

m'' William I^aulston Chosen Tresher for this Towne

Thomas Kent Chosen Towne Sar^-ent

Henderey Pearcy Chosen Constables

Richard Sision Chosen Cunstables

James Badcocke Chosen Cunstables

Voted that a Chalinge from m' william Dyar of Newport to m' John Portar of portsmoth about y"" proporiety of our lands and libarties of y'' people with in the Juriousdiction of prouidenc plantations be publickly Red in this x^ssembly to be Answred in writinge May 28 1660 Subscribed William Dyar

m' John portar Accapts of it and is Resolued to Answer it in writinge,

/otcd and Ordred that the ordar made the 8 of August 1659 that the men there in Nominated with the towne Counsill for the Ripninge and treatinge of a way and Course for the Recordinge and Con- firminge Eury mans Land vpon him is Reuiued and the same men Nominated in that ordar are apointed to mette Vpon the

I 25''" day of this Instant month Jun to Effect the same [100]

rdred that 4 men be Jojned with y" towne Councell and the Rest to treat and Assist them in the manedginge of the former ordar Namly m' John Brigs william Hall James Badcock and Thomas Cornille

rdred that Richard Bulgar shall be paid 20 shillings out of the towne tresurey for searus don for the towne fine bills 01-00-00

i66o. [ 94 ]

At a Metinge of y*" free Inhabetants of portsmoth, July y" 9^'' 1660

1 Votted M' John porter Chosen modarator for this day

2 a papar of the towne Councills Result for the Evedencinge of lands presented & Reed, which is as followeth Viztt

first wee haueinge perused the booke Called the State booke doe there finde absolute order that Each towne shall procure a towne booke to Record and Evidence Each mans land in, there- fore wee agree that the New booke lately bought, shall be Kept for that Vse only

Also we findinge Seuerall Records in the Said State booke, Concearninge the Tenure of Lands and Euidenceinge there of, we Conceiue it Necesary and doe desire John Sanford to Copie out all the said orders, and Record them in the New booke

wee also Agree that A Clarke be Chosen by the towne to haue the Keepinge of this booke, who Shall Record, and Eui- dence the lands there in, and that the said Clarke shall be the Recorder of the towne Courts if occation bee,

wee Agree that all high waies and drift waies be laid out and bounded and that thay be Recorded with there bownds in the New booke

The Ressult of the free inhabetents of portsmoth

vpon the town Councills ordars

aboue writen

Votted ffirst where as wee the Inhabitants of the towne of portsmoth haue had many and Searious debates, and adietations, about the particular Euidenceinge of Each mans land, Either graunted him by the towne, or purchased from others to whom the towne did graunt them, in our said towne, and findinge that we haue absolut authority granted by the Authority of the Island when thay Acted Joyntly, as by there order Recorded in the booke Called the state booke apeares, therefore we Resolue to act by

[ 95 ] i66o.

Authority of the said order which was made at a Genorall Court of Election held at this towne of portsmoth the i6"' of march 1 64 1 a Copie where of is viztt It is ordered that Each towne shall prouide a towne booke, where in thay shall Record the Eui- dences of the lands by them Impropriated, and shall also haue power to give forth a Copie there of, which shall be A Cleere Euidence for them and theris to whom it is so granted,

Secondly it is further ordered that Each towne shall provide A jlvotted Towne booke wherein thay shall Record the Euidences, of the lands by them Imjoropriatcd and shall also haue power to giue forth a Copie there of, which shall be a Cleere Evidence for them and theirs to whome it is so graunted [101]

thirdly It is further Ordred that where as there is a booke alredy Votted procured which we Now Caule by the Name of the booke of land Evidences, the said booke shall be Kept only for that Vse, for Euidenceinge of lands there in, and that those ordars in the state book, Concerninge the Tenuer and Evidcncinge of lands shall be also Recorded there in,

"ourthiy And for as much as there may be an aperance of daingar of Votted hauinge the said booke lost by hauinge it kept in a Remote place, and for the preuention of which daingar it is also Ordred that the saide booke Caled the booke of land Euidences is left to be Kept at the howse of m' william Baulston Vntell the towne take further order about it

fifthly Richard Bulgar is Chosen Recordar to Entare and

Votted Record mens lands in the booke of land Euidences for this yere,

and is to haue a peny an Acre for Recordinge mens lands and

giuinge forth Copies of grants out of the said booke or may

Compound if he pleaseth for halfe a crown a deede

i66o. [ 96 ]

sixthly and for as much as wee the free Inhabitants of y*" Towne of portsmoth hauinge dewly waied and well Considred that there may be sum grants or Copies of land brought to the Recorder not dewly deriued or not legaly purchesed which in time may Occation troubles and Needles or Vnnesacary suts in law betwen man and man, for the preuention of such disorders, it is further ordred that there shall be a Comitee of 4 men who are Chosen to vew all such Copies or deeds of land as are to be Entred in to the booke of land Euidences, and if thay be found to stand good accordinge to law and order, then thay are to be Recorded, if not then such Copies or deeds to be suspended vntell further order, or tell there title be bettar Clered

The Comite Chosen m'' william Baulston m" philep Sherman william Hall and Richard Bulgar who are to meet at the howse of m' william Baulston vpon monday Next beinge the 16^'' day of this Instant month July 1660 and so sucksesiuly as occation shall present

the Comite Assembled at time & place Accordinge to order

At A Metinge of y" free Inhabitants of portsmoth Septembar y"" 29''' 1660

IVr william Baulston Chosen Modrator for this day

M' william Baulston M' John portar m'' philip tabor M' John

Sanford M' Thomas Laiton m' James Sands are Chosen Comi-

tionars for y'' Next Court at worwick

James Sands Thomas Laiton & philip Tabor are Chosen Jury

at

men to same -v-p-9-i?-^ y*" Court of tryalls

Anthony Emery william Stanyard & John Brigs Junyor are Receued free Inhabitants of this towne

[102] Charles the second by y' Grace of god Kinge of Eng- land Scotland France & lorland and the Dominyons there of:

[ 97 ] i66o.

wos in a most sollem maner proclaimed in the towne of ports- mouth: vpon the 24"' clay of Octobar and in the 12"' yere of his Magesties Raine

God Saue the Kinge

At A towne Metinge of the free inhabetants of portsmoth hilld the 27"' of Decembar 1660

M"" William Baulston is chosen Moderator for that day

Votted that a Lettar shall be Reed sent from william Hall about

the Comons

Voted It is further ordered that the highway betwen portsmoth and rhway Newport shall be of the same bredth that it is so fare as our towne Limets Extendeth only a Narrow place betwen the land of Heaber Sherman and philep Tabor is to be inlearged if the Inhabitants Can preuaile with the said Hebar, he beinge in Learged anothere way for the same

Voted Ordred that the highway goinge downe by Captin Morris his ?hway Land shall be Remoued, and Laid betwen the land which petar taulmond bought of Danill Willcock and Lott Strainge his land three poul broud and the said petar Taulmond is to maintaine for Euer halfe Lott Strainge his side fence against the highway So that the towns men may haue free Egres and Regres vpon all occations

Voted Ordred that James Rogares Genorall Seargant shall be paid twenty fower shillings out of the towne tresury by the Tresurar

snorall argant

Voted Ordred that M"" John Roome M' John Brigs Leftenant John ghway Albrow Franccs Braiton and James badcock are Chosen to Meet

vpon the third day of Janeuary Next v/ho are to Order all the

high way es and to see them Recorded

i66o. [ 98 ]

Voted Ordred that the presedent Shall haue two thousand of Railes Raiies wliich are Cleft out for him with in this township as a gratuety from our towne

At a Meetinge of the free inhabetants of portsmoth Janeuary the s'^ 1660

Votted M' william Baulston is Chosen Modrator for that day, M' John

Orderinge BHgs Next in Voat

highwayes for as much as there wos fiue men Chosen at a Meetinge y"" 27^^ of Decembar who were to order all y*" highwayes belonginge to y'^ towne of portsmoth and to see them all Recorded, it is furthar Ordred at this meetinge that all or so many of the afore said fiue men which shall performe that searuice shall be paid three shillinge a day apece for Eury day thay are vpon that searuice to be paid by the tresurar out of the towne tresury when the worke is don

Ordered that the Genorall Court orderes Made at worwicke 1660 shall not be publeshed in this Assembly becaus thay were not Legaly presented to the townes men

Votted Ordered that there shall be An assembly of the free inhabe- []eeting tauts of this towue vpon y^ 12'^ day of this instant Month of Janeuary to take an accoumpt of whot our suruayors haue don about our highways and our line betwen Newport towne & portsmoth, who are to bringe there Result vndar there hands y' it may be Recorded

Votted foi* as Much as there hath bin of Late sum Inthrution vpon part of our towneship by sum of Newport men who have altred our line and laid out an othere Contrary to whot is spesefied vpon Records betwen both townes and our free inhabetants of our towne of portsmoth hauinge taken Speshall Notes there of,

[ 99 ] i66o.

I

' for the presaruation of peace and the Romouall of disorder haue Chosen and ordred M' william Baulston M'" John portar Captin Thomas Cooke Lefftenant John Albrow M' John Sanford M' Line phlUp Sherman william wodall and william Hall who are to Meet vpon the lo"' day of this Instant month Janeuary by Eight of the Clock in the mornini^e at the howse of Bartholmew west and then to Reuiue the ould Line and to Run it as it is Recorded bcUven both y' townes and to bringe to the Next towne meetinge

j whot thay haue don which metinge is to be vpon the Satarday followinge that so it may be Recorded

lotted Ordred that the towne Clarke shall write a lettar and send it to the head warden of the towne of Newport to intreat him to signiiie vnto there towne the Intention of the towne of ports-

uttar moth that thay arc Resolued to Renew there owld line betwen both townes vpon thirsday Next beinge the tenth day of Janeuary and if they pleas som of them may giue vs a Meetinge vpon that day at the place apointed

i

dotted £for as much as there wos sum diffrence betwen Hugh parsons

and sum otheres about a highway it beinge brought to the free

inhabetants for them to determin it is by them ordred that there

ghway shall bc a highway fower Rood wide on the south Laid out to

Captin John Cranston Joyninge vpon John wods his land, and all

so a highway of fower Rood wide betwen the land of Thomas

Layton and the said Land and Hugh parsons is to haue that

land lyinge betwen the land of Thomas Kent and the said Land

laid out to Captin John Cranston in full Satisfaction for the

highway and this is to be dun by the ouar seeares with Hugh

parsons and to Returne it to the towne vndar there hands to be

Recorded

Voted ffor as much as there hath bin seurall Complaints by diners of the free inhabetants of the towne of portsmoth for that there

i66o. [ lOO ]

timbar hath bill veiTy great distruction of timbar vpon the Comon and that diuars haue sould and Conuayed the same to othere parts out of this towneship to the great Ruens of the Comons the free inhabetants of this towne hauinge taken it in to there Serious Considration and findinge it to be Repugnant to the freedoms and Comon Right of the inhabetants of this towne of portsmoth haue by voat

Ordred that no parson or parsons whot so Euer inhabitant or fariner shall Directly or indirectly fell or Cans to be felled or Cut downe any timbar for buldinge fencinge or firinge vpon the Comon to transport to any othere place out of this towneship of portsmoth and he that shall Cut or transport or Caus the same to be don shall forfit to the towne tresuerej ] for Eury tree or part of a tree fine pounds

it is ordered that y"" highway goinge downe by Captine morris his land shall be Remoued and laid out betwen the land which m"" Talman bought of Daniell wilcocks and Lott Strainge his land three poll wide and the said peter Talman is to mainetaine for Euer halfe lot Strainge his side fence against the high way that y" towns men may haue free Egres and Regres to the water side vpon all occations

[1041 -^t ^ Meetinge of y*" free inhabitants of y'' towne of portsmoth Janauery y*" 12"' 1660

M' John Room is Chosen Moderator for that day

Vottcd fo^" ^s much as that there wos graunted to m' Thomas Cornell

Dyers Scuyor the grass of that Island Comonly Cauled by the Name

Island of Dycrs Island the said Thomas Cornill beinge desseased the

said graunt is made voyde and that the grass of the said Hand

is graunted vnto John Albrow and william Corry for y'' yeare

inshuinge

[ loi ] 1660.

Joseph Martin & George Tvvte are Admited inhabitants amongst vs

Votted ffor as Much as that there wos Conditionly graunted to m"" land is Thomas Cornell senyor a small parcill of land next to m'' william

- , or land

Baulstons Garden^ on the Northwest End tell he or som othere showld sett up a brew howse or backe howse vpon the same, the said thomas Cornell Senyor not parforminge the said Conditions, but beino;e desseaced the said orraunt is forfitted and the said land is to be Rezincd vp to the townes vse by the 25"' day of march Next inshuinge the date here of

Votted ffor as much as that there is a highway in Closed betwen m' ghway william Baulstons medow and william freeborns medow so that Cattill are depriued of the benifit of that springe the towne hath ordred the said highw^ay to be laid open fower Rood wide downe to the Ditch

'Votted It is Ordred that Captin Thomas Cooke Lef tenant John Line Albrow william vvodall & william Hall are apointed to survay all our land about our line which Newport men posseses and to straighten y*" line, and to bringe in there accoumpt to the towne whot thay have don for which searuice thay are to be paid 3 shillings aday apece out of the towne Tresury

1105 I William Baker did Exhibit a pettion to the free in- habitants that thay would be pleased to take his sheep in to there owne hands as there owne, and that thay w^ould be pleased to Contrebute to his Nesesaty for that his owne abillety failes him Janeuary y'^ William Baker

12"' 1660 '^ wTi ^^^^ towne haue Axcapted the pettion of william Baker, and I Baker hauc agreed with Hinory Pearcey to keep the said william for on

i66o. [ I02 ]

yeare and the said Hinory percey is to be paid Eight pounds after the Rats of wompom 8 'p peny for vviUiam Bakers diat & lodgin for the said yeare

Votted Vpon y*" afore said Accoumpt the free inhabitants thought good to Constetute william wodall to Receue those sheep which sheep ^Qs wilHam Bakers and allso the free Contrebution of the towns- men and to dispose of y^ same for the painge of Hinory perceye or othere wayes as he shall see Cous for y"' good of the said william baker

It is Ordred that y*" towne Clarke shall write a lettar to signifie to Newport men that it is our intention to straighten our line and to dessire them to send some of there men to giue vs a meetinge vpon monday Come fortnight folloinge

At a Meetinge of y^ free inhabatants of portsmoth y'' second day of march 1660

M"" william Baulston Chosen Moderator for y' day

M' william Almy M' philip Sherman m' Richard Burden are

Chosen Graun Jury men to sarue at the Genorall Court of tryalls

at providence

m*" Thomas Layton Edward fishar & John Tilar are Chosen to

searue vpon y*" petty Jury at the same Court |

[ ]dward ffishar M' Johu portar and william Hall are ordred to signifie to Edward ffishar that the Inhabitants of this towne are offended for that he hath taken in som land belonoino;e to the Common

Voted . . . . ^ ^

to lay and to Require him to lay it downe againe to the Common, thay downe ^rc to spcakc with him with in 14 dayes after the date here of and to Returne his Answer at the Next assembly of the free Inhabittants of this towne

[ I03 ] i66o.

'homas ffor as much as that there is an Ordar bearinge date Janeuary zorneii c j 2"^, 1660 that a Condishoiiall sjraunt of a small pece of land

land is ■' ^ -nti r-n- ii-i

orfited beinge west or North west of m' william baulstons land in the towne beinge graunted to m"" Thomas Cornell deceased should be surrendred to the towns vse by the 25^'' day of march inshuinge which ordar wos not performed by his sonne Thomas Cornell in whous possesion the said land wos, there fore it is ordred by this asembly that m"" Richard burden Leftenant John Albro & william Hall shall with in 14 dayes afare the date of this ordar speake with Thomas Cornell Junyor and Requiar him to lay open the said land to the Comon, and to Retorne his answer at the Next assembly of the free inhabitants of this towne which land is laid open as Comon to y*" towns vse

More ouar at the same Assembly it is ordred that the afore said m'" Burden Leftenant Albro & william Hall are apointed to signifie with in 14 dayes to philep Tabor Thomas Cooke senyor

Votted Thomas Cooke Junyor and Thomas Cornell that thay shall not injoy that parcill of land that is betwen m' Brentons land and there land with out thay will lay downe so much of there owne land at the vpar End of there lotts and the afore said m' Burden with Leftenant Albro and william hall are ordred to lay it out if the said Thomas Cooke philip tabor and the Rest be willin othere wise thay are to Returne there answer at the next assem- bly of the free inhabitants of this towne

ghway and that it is the minde of the ffree inhabitants of this towne

aimy that there shall be a way betwene william Almy his land &

philip Shermans to the springe: and the said lotters are ordred

; to speake with m' Almy about it and to bringe his Answer to

the townsmen

[10*7] At a towne meetinge of y*" free Inhabitants of y*" towne of portsmoth May y'' ii"\ 1661

1 66 1. [ 104 ]

M*" william baulston is Chosen Moderator for this day M"" John Portar M'' John Albro nV Edward ffisher M"" Samwell wildbore M' wilHam Hall m' John Sanford are Chosen Condi- tioners for this towne of portsmoth to searue vpon y^ Next Comi- tion Court

Votted that vpon y"" Complaint of m'' Thomas Brownell at the towne meetinge afore said against m' John Portar about a small parcell of land which wos in diffrance betwen them it is Ordred that M' John Roome M' John Sanford M' John Brigs James badcocke ffrances Braiton all fine or any three of them are by veartew of a towne ordar bearinge date y*" 11''' of may 1661 to meet and to make an End of y*" diffrance which is betwen m' John portar and m"" Thomas Brownell about there line which is in Controvercy or othere bounds of land which is in Question betwen them, accord- inge to y'' Records, and not only for them, but for all othere diffrences of the like Nature betwen man & man amongst vs, and that these fine or any three of them shall Ishew y" Cause and bringe there Result to y'^ towne

The Result

[1.0 S.l Wee whose Names are here vnder subscribed beinge Chosen and Authorized by y"' Townsmen of portsmoth, at there Lawfull meetinge, to Straighten the line, and Sett the trew bownds betwene the land of m'' John Porter, & the land of m"" Thomas Brownell, Latly Richard Carders, & to straighten the Rest of the said line aboue m' porters land at Round meddow There fore wee hauinge well veiwed the Line & seriously Con- sidred y" Records there abouts, haue Accordinge to the best of Porters Qur Judgments & Vndarstandings impartialy Run the said Line as followeth Viz Next y'^ sea it is bownded by A stake Standinge on the East side of m'' Brownells now Standinge fence, the second marke is anothere stake standinge allso on the Eastward or meddow side of the now standinge fence, the third is about

farm

[ I05 ] i66i.

three foout on the Eastward or meddow side of A dead Snag- wood tree, the forth is A maple tree standinge on the Eastward side of the fence, the fifth marke is a beach tree standinge on the Eastward side of the fence and Neere m' porters head line, the Sixt Marke is an ould dead stump standing with in y" land which william wilbor Clames, the seuenth is a white Oake Standinge on the Comon side of william wilbors head line, the Eight and last is a winde falen birch tree which is the vpermost Corner, And to this aboue writen thay subscribe there Names the first of Octobar 1661

John Brigs John Sanford James Badcock frances Brayton

The same day Thomas Kent towne sargant presented seuen bills to the assembly who aproued of them and ordred the towne tresurer to pay him forty two shilings and six pence for warn- inge towne meetings and Comitioners and Jury men

[J 09] At a meetinge of the free inhabitants of portsmoth June the third 1661

M' william Baulston wos Chosen moderator that day

The Genorall Court orders Reed and publeshed

A lettar presented about sendinge an Agent to England

IVr John Room Chosen Towne warden for that ycare

m' John Briggs deputy warden for that yeare

Richard Bulgar Towne Clarke for that yeare

m"" william Baulston Towne tresurar for that yeare

Thomas Genengs towne Sargent for that yeare

Richard Sisan James Badcocke and Hinory percey are Chosen

Cunstables for that yeare and ingaged

m' william Baulston m' John Room m' John Briggs m' John

i66i. [ io6 ]

Sanford Leftenant John Albro m' John tripp are Chosen to be the towne Counsill for that yeare

ffor as much as that m'' John Sanford did Exhibet a bill of fine pound thirten shillings to this Assembly which wos dew to him for searuis don for this towne this Assembly hath ordred that he shall be paid by the towne tresurar out of the tresury mony

ffor as much as there wos a Rate made by order of the free inhabittants of this towne for the deffrainge of publick and Comon Charges and that sum haue paid in there mony and otheres haue not there fore it is ordred that Eury on that haue paid in there money shall haue it Returned to them againe and that anothere Rate is to be made

Vpon that day Richard Bulgar the towne Clarke did present to the free inhabitants of this towne then asembled a bill of twenty shillings for searuis don for the towne which bill wos aproued and there fore ordred that it should be paid by the towne tresurer out of the tresury

[110] ^^^^ same day m*" william Baulston Tresurar did Ex- hibet his Accounts to the Assembly thay Refer the Accounts to m"" John portar leftenant John albrow and william hall to be Audiated the Auditars doe finde the tresurs Accoumpt to be Just and trew accoumpts there fore the Assembly Acapts of them and the towne Remains debtor to the tresurer forty shillings

ffor as much as that all or most of the Records which are belonginge to this towne are at this presant time in the Custedy of m' Thomas Cornill late towne Clarke who is Remouinge out of this Colony with his family there fore we the free inhabitants now assembled doe order and by these presents Authorise Richard Bulgar towne Clarke to demaund and Receue all the

I [ 107 ] 1 66 1.

afore said writings and Records that are in the possetion of the said Thomas Cornill and to giue him a discharge for the same

M" Hinory Perccy and f ranees Braiton are Chosen Serchers for prohibcted wine and strong watars

Vpon the vntimly death of Richard Elles

Richard Elles beinge drounded and Cast vpon the shore on prudenc Hand Information beinge giuen to the magestrat the Crounars inquest beinge paneled thay made inquirey hou he Came by his death vpon the Eight day of August 1661 and the inquest found that he the said Richard Elles wos drounded by stres of wethar Axedentually

The Names of the Crouner and Inquest M' William Baulston Crouner M'' John Room foreman Anthony Emory

PvT John Briggs william Bellinge

IVT pettar Talmon Richard Bulgar

M' Lott Strainge Jariard Borden

M"' John Albrow Henory Lake

M' Samwell Sanford James Badcock

[1X1] ^^ ^ Metinge of the free inhabitants of the Towne of portsmoth vpon the twenty fourth day of August i66t

Vot'' ffor that day m' John Roome wos Chosen Moderator Vol'' The Sargents vvorent Reed in the Assembly and aproued of

Comitioners Chosen that day

M"' william Baulston, nY Peter Talman

Voted nV John Roome, m' John Brigs

m' Thomas Lawton, m' John Tripp, all

six Chozen to searue vpon a Court of Comitioners hilld at

portsmoth

i66i. [ io8 ]

At a mettinge of the ffree inhabitants of the Towne of ports- moth Octobar the first 1661

Votted M"" WilHam Baulston wos Chozen moderator for that day

Voted The Sargents worent Reed and aproued of by the Assembly Graun Jury men Chosen to searue vpon the Genorall Court of trialls to be hilld at portsmoth Votted M' John Porter, m' SamuU Wilbor ff ranees Braiton

pettey Jury men vpon the same Court Votted M' WiUiam Almy, m' Thomas Lawton James Badcock

That y' lotters are to Run the Hne at the vper End of that land

Votted which wos m' Aspenalls, but Now in the possesion of Edward

Hutchinsonn from Corner tree to Corner tree, to see if he hath

not intrenched or in Croched, vpon that land that wos laid out

to Ralph Couland for the vse of Sarah Grenman

The Towne did Order y" lotters that thay should see whot land Votted wos wontinge to Sarah Greenman and to make it vp in sum Conveinant place the highwaies only are to be Researued

[H2] ^t a Mettinge of y" ffree inhabitants of the towne of portsmoth ffeburary the 24'^' 1661

Votted M' william Baulston was Chosen moderator for y' day Vetted The Sargents worrent Reed in the Assembly y' day Votted Graune Jury men Chosen, Leff tenant John Albro

m'' Thomas Brownell Edward ffisher Votted pettey Jury men Chosen. m' John Porter

ffrances Braiton John Tripp

[ I09 ] i66i.

^^otted it is Ordred by this Assembly of the free inhabitants of ports- moth that a debt of sixten pounds ten shilHngs shall be paid to m"" Ben[ Jdick Arnall

^'otted it is Ordered that a debt of three pounds ten sliillings shall be paid to James Rogers Genarall Sargent

v'otted it is Ordered that m' Jolin Sanford is to be paid fiue pounds thirten shillings

^'otted it is Ordered that Richard Bulgar is to be paid twenty shillings

it is Ordered that Henery perceye is to be paid twelue pounds ^'otted for the keepinge of william Baker this Next yeare insueinge to be paid Quarterly in wompom at Eight ^p peney

Ordered that A Rate is to be made of forty fiue pounds, and m'

dotted william Baulston m"' Phillep Sherman m" John Sanford Lefftenant

late of John Albro, arc the men apointed to make the said Rate, vpon

"^5* land and Estats in the Equallest and Impartialles( way thay

Can, at the Rats of wompom Eight f? peney, phillip Tabar and

Thomas Ginengs is to gathar it in by the last of march Next

affter the date here of aboue writen

At A Meetinge of the ffree inhabitants of the Towne of Ports- moth may the twcluth 1662

Votted M'' William Baulston wos Chozen Moderator for that day

Votted The Towne sargents worrent Reed and aproved of by the

Assembly Votted the Genrall Sargants worent Reed that day and aproved of by

y'" Assembly Votted the Rate which wos Ordered to be made ffeburary the 24"' 1661

* The words "of 45" are in different iniv.

i662.

[ I'o]

is this clay ordered to be Reed to this Assembly, and by them it is Confirmed, and is to be gathred in by Thomas Ginienges Kate tovvne Sargent, and hugh Parsons, and to deliuer the said Rate in to the hands of m' vvilliam Baulston towne Tresurer betwen the day of the date aboue writen and the Next Towne meetinge, for which searues thay are to be paid thirty shillings by the towne Tresurer

Votted This day Thomas Durfey wos Admitted An Inhabitant of this towne

[113] ^t ^^'os Ordered by this Assembly that Henery Pearceye

1 sh

Votted is to be paid a bill of 04-11-00 out of the Rate, which mony is to be paid by the tresurer of this towne when the Rate mony Coms in to his hands, which bill is for Charges about william Baker

Votted It is ordered that for wotchinge with william Baker in the time of his sicknes John Tifft and John Basly is to be satisfied, with part of william Bakers Clothes, Accordinge to there owne Request

Votted

Captin John Sanford W Better Talman M'' John Porter M^ William Baulston M' Thomas Lawton M' Robart Hazard

are Chosen Comitioners to searue at the Court of Comi- tioners to be hilld at wor- wicke vpon the 20^'' day of this Instant month of may

It is Ordered that y'" Tresurer Shall hier a boat to Carie the , Comitioners to the Court to be hilld at worwicke, and to brino-e

Votted , . ^

them home againe and to pay for the boats hier out of the tresury mony

[ III ] 1662.

At a Meetlnge of the free inhabitants of the towne of Portsmoth Jun the second 1662 for Electinge of Towne Ofificers

M'' wilHam liaulston wos Chosen moderator for that day

The Sargcnts warent Reed and aproved of by the Assembly

]\r John Room wos Chosen head warden for that yeare

]Vr John Sanford wos Chosen Deputy warden for that yeare

Richard Bulgar wos Chosen towne Clarke for that yeare

M' william Baulston Chosen Tresurer for that yeare

Thomas Ginenges wos Chosen Towne Sargent for that yeare

IVr John Tripp )

M"' Lott Strainge • Added to the towne Counsell for that yeare

Leff^ John Albro

Henery Pearceye

Phillip Tabar - ware Chosen Constables for that yeare and

Hugh parsons ) Ingaged

vpon the same day m' Petter Talman and Edward Blunt were Admitted free inhabitants of this towne of portsmoth

M' John Sanford and ffrances Braton wos Chosen for that yeare to suruay all the Cattill that are to be transi)orted out of the presinques of this towne of portsmoth, Accordingc to a pre- cedent order

ordered that the towne Clarke is to be paid out of y'' Rate for

1 s d

searuis 01 — 00 — 00 that y'' Sargant is to be paid out of the Rate for 10 bills presented by him and aproved of by the

1 — s — el

Assembly 02 — 00 — 00

[114:] '^^ ^ meetinge-of the free inhabitants of the Towne of portsmoth July the y^^ 1662

l662. [ 112 ]

Votted M' John Sanford wos Chosen Moderator for that day The Sargents warent publeshed

The Genrall Court Orders publeshed and aproued of by the Assembly

It wos Ordered by voate of the free inhabitants of the towne

Votted of portsmoth that the Remainder of the last Rate which is vnpaid

Rate if it be denied by those that are to pay it, vpon the demaund of

the Constable, then the Constable is by veartew of a warent

vnder the magestrats hand to leuie it by distraint

Votted It wos Ordered by votte of the free inhabitants of the Towne Rate Qf portsmoth that 55 pound ten shillings, shall be gathred by the way of a Rate, Accordinge to the last Genrall Court order, for the suply of nV John Clarke our Agent in England,

more ovar it wos ordered and votted by the free inhabitants of y'' towne of portsmoth, that fine men should be Chosen to make to make the aforesaid Rate, and that thay or the mayger part of Votted them, shall make the said Rate Accordinge to the best of there Rate Judgments, vpon lands and Estats, and the said Rate is to be made with in one month after the date of this uresent meetin2;e, the men that are Chosen to make the afore said Rate are m' Phillip Sherman, m' John Sanford, Robart Hazard, Edward fisher and Phillip Tabar, and that these fine men or the maygor part of them shall take in to there Custedie the towne stock. Either Cattill or sheep and make saile of them, and deduct so much as thay amount vnto out of the Rate and make the Rate so much the less

At a meetinge of the free inhabitants of the towne of Portsmoth August the 25"" 1662

Votted ivp- John Sanford wos Chosen moderator for that day

[ 113 ] i662.

btted The Sargents warant Reed in the meetinge and aproued by the

Assembly 'otted The Towne Counsells lettar from Newport publickly Reed that

day in the Assembly

At a meetinge of the free inhabitants of the towne of Portsmoth Septembr the 29"' 1662

M' william Baulston wos Chosen Moderator for that day

The towne Sargents worant publickly Reed in the Assembly

that day

M' william Baulston \ were Chosen Conditioners

]\T John Brigs / to searue vpon the Next

[otted M' John Tripp ( Genorall Court of Comi-

M' Samuell wilbor ( tioners to be hilld at the

M' John Sanford j towne of worwicke

M' Thomas Brownell /

Graun