Saturday, January 8th 1828
[Page 404]
The Council met at the Mayor's Office agreeably to a call by the Mayor at 6 O'clock P M
Present
R Lewis, Mayor
G Cox, Recorder
P Harrison
Wm A Knox
Thos H Botts
B R Wellford
Geo Rothrock
Geo Ellis
Absent
Wm Browne
Jno Roy
Jno Hart
J B Hall
R Johnston
Mr Cox, from the Committee appointed to enquire and report how far it will be advisable to extend the limits of the Town, reported a plat showing the proposed extension which it was recommended to the council to ask for
On Motion of Mr Knox, the said Report & plat were laid on the Table
Ordered, that J Goolrick's account for making the above named plat, amount $25.00 be paid by the Chamberlain
Rob't Lewis, Mayor
Wm F Gray, C C
Monday January 21, 1828
This being the day for the regular monthly meeting of the Council the following gentlemen me at the Mayor's office, Viz;
R. Lewis, Mayor
Thos H Botts
Wm Browne
B R Wellford
Absent
R Johnston
Geo Cox
Geo Ellis
Wm A Knox
John Roy
John Hart
Geo Rothrock
John B Hall
P Harrison
[Page 405]
There being no quorum the gentlemen present waited until 7 O'clock and then adjourned
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Wm F Gray, C C
March 8th 1828
The Council me at the Mayor's office agreeably to a notice by the Mayor published in the Newspapers
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Geo Cox, Recorder
Geo Ellis
B R Wellford
Wm Browne
John Hart
John B Hall
John Roy
Absent
Rich'd Johnston
Wm A Knox
T H Botts
Geo Rothrock
Phil Harrison
Ordered that the Sergeant have credit in his account of taxes assessed for 1827 for $2, Poll Tax assessed upon John Lewis, a free man of colour, who by reason of personal infirmaties has become unable to pay it
Present Wm A Knox
Absent B R Wellford
Ordered that the following accounts be passed and paid by the Chamberlain
| J Gore's account for |
| $2.75 |
| J D Hamers account for |
| 7.58 |
Present Richard Johnston
Ordered that the following accounts be paid by the Chamberlain
| Wm B Peake's account | $20.95 |
| Lindsay Pullen's account | 20.80 |
Present Thomas H Botts
Ordered that John M Shepherd's account for $64.30 be paid by the Chamberlain
Mess'rs Knox, Cox, and Hart, were appointed a committee to examine and settle the accounts of the Serjeant and Chamberlain
Ordered that the account of J Minor for $6.33 be paid
Ordered that the Mayor do call on the representative of R S Chew, late Chamberlain of this Corporation and make a preemptory demand [Page 406] of the balance due the Corporation from his Testator as Chamberlain aforesaid; and if payment be not made, nor satisfactory security given for payment in a reasonable time, with interest, that then the Mayor be, and he hereby is instructed to take the proper measures to coerce payment without further delay
And then the Council adjourned
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Wm F Gray, C C
Monday March 17th 1828
The Council met at the Mayor's office at 10 O'clock A M
Present
R Lewis, Mayor
Geo Cox, Recorder
B R Wellford
Geo Rothrock
John Roy
Wm Browne
Geo Ellis
Thos H Botts
Absent
P Harrison
R Johnston
Wm A Knox
J Hart
J B Hall
Geo Cox from the Committee appointed to settle the accounts of the Serjeant and Chamberlain reported that the same were found correctly stated and supported by proper vouchers; That there is a balance due the Chamberlain of $227.52 cents and that there is of the Taxes of last year $28.72; and of the rents $43; the collection of which has been necessarily defered; Ordered that the same be approved
Ordered that the Mayor, in his official character do give the Chamberlain a negotiable note at 60 days with interest added on, for the balance due him from the Corporation
Present Philip Harrison
Ordered that the accounts of R Lewis, Mayor for Fuel, Inquests &c amount $34.80 be allowed & that the same be paid by the Chamberlain
Ordered that the following accounts be allowed and that the same be paid by the Chamberlain
| Daniel G Redds account | $1.87½ |
| James West | 4.50 |
[Page 407]
The Mayor presented a statement of his receipts during the past year for affixing the seal of the Corporation, amounting to $10.50
Ordered that he account for the same with the Chamberlain
The Chamberlain presented an abstract statement of the Revenue and expenditures of the Corporation from Mach 19th 1827 to March 17th 1828, prepared in pursuance of an ordinance of Council
Ordered tha the same be published for the information of the public
This being the day appointed by law for the election for a Common Council for the ensuing year, a poll was opened for that purpose, and the free-holders and house keepers being notified thereof met at the Mayors Office and having deposited their ballots, upon examination thereof, the greatest number of votes were found to be favour of the following persons to wit
| 1 | Robert Lewis | 111 |
| 2 | Wm A Knox | 111 |
| 3 | Geo Ellis | 99 |
| 4 | Geo Rothrock | 98 |
| 5 | John Goolrick | 87 |
| 6 | H T Philips | 85 |
| 7 | J H Wallace | 84 |
| 8 | Wm Harvey | 81 |
| 9 | John S Caldwell | 75 |
| 10 | Robert Dickey | 74 |
| 11 | Fayette Johnston | 72 |
| 12 | Geo Cox | 67 |
| 13 | John Roy | 63 |
| 14 | John Hart | 38 |
| 15 | Peter Hord | 39 |
| 16 | B R Wellford | 38 |
The first named twelve were accordingly duly elected and proclaimed as such
Ordered that the Council meet tomorrow morning at 10 O'clock, and then the council adjourned
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Wm F Gray, C C
[Page 408]
Tuesday, March 18th 1828
The Council met at the Mayor's office according to adjournment
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Geo Cox, Recorder
Geo Rothrock
Fayette Johnston
John S Caldwell
H T Philips
Robert Dickey
Wm Harvey
John H Wallace
The gentlemen present were qualified by the Mayor, and took their seats accordingly, Mr Lewis in the Chair
On motion of Dr Wallace it was
Resolved, that the Salary of the Mayor for the ensuing year be fixed at $500.00
The Ayes and Noes having been ordered, those who voted in the affirmative were Mess'rs Philips, Cox, Harvey, Wallace, Rothrock and Caldwell, 6; Thos who voted in the Negative were Mess'rs Johnston and Dickey, 2
The Council then proceeded to the election of a Mayor for the ensuing year when Robert Lewis was duly elected
A letter from Wm A Knox, declining the office of a councilman to which he has been elected, was received and read; on motion of Mr Caldwell it ordered that the same be accepted
The Council then proceeded to the election of a member to supply the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of the Mayor, when James Murphy was duly elected
The Council then proceeded to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Wm A Knox, when Stephen J Blaydes was duly elected
Mr Blaydes appeared, was qualified and took his seat
Mr Murphy appeared, and asked to be excused from serving, on motion of [Page 409] Dr Wallace it was ordered that Mr Murphy be excused
The Council then proceeded to ballot for a member to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr Murphy when Mr J Hart was duly elected
The Council then ballotted for a Recorder when George Cox was duly elected
The Messenger of the Council announced that he had informed Mr J Hart of his election, and that Mr Hart begged to be excused from serving, ordered that he be excused
Ordered that the Council do now adjourn until 6 O'clock P M this day
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Wm F Gray, C C
Tuesday Evening, 6 O'clock
The Council met according to adjournment
Present
R Lewis, Mayor
Wm Harvey
H T Philips
J S Caldwell
F Johnston
Robert Dickey
S J Blaydes
George Rothrock
John Goolrick
Geo Cox, Recorder
John H Wallace
The Council then proceeded to supply the vacancy in the Council occasioned by the refusal of Mr Hart, when Anthony Kale was duly elected
The Messenger of the Council announced that he had waited on Mr Kale and informed him of his election and that he declined serving, ordered that Mr Kale be excused
On Balloting for a member to supply the vacancy occasioned thereby Mr William Warren was duly elected
Mr Warren appeared, was qualified and took his seat
Ordered that the following sums be [Page 410] and they are hereby allowed to the several officers of the Corporation as their salaries for the ensuing year viz;
| To the Chamberlain | 75.00 |
| To the Clerk of Council | 75.00 |
| To the Clerk of the Market | 120.00 |
| Police Officer and Messenger to the Council | 150.00 |
| 2 Constables, each $150 | 300.00 |
| Jailor in addition to the allowance that may be made by the Hustings Ct | 50.00 |
| Superintendants of the Pumps | 90.00 |
The Council then proceeded to ballot for a Clerk of hte Council when Wm Gordon was duly elected.
Mr Gordon was in like manner elected Chamberlain
John M Shepherd was elected Clerk of the Market
John M Shepherd was in like manner elected Police Officer and Messenger of the Council
Robert Parrott was duly elected Guager
John Goolrick was duly elected Surveyor
Samuel Philips was duly elected Measurer of coal, salt and Grains sold at the wharves
John Terrier was duly elected measurer and Inspector of lumber arriving at the Wharves
On motion it was ordered that the standing Committees be appointed by the Mayor. The following were accordingly appointed
Committee for renting Market stalls, hay scales and public wharf
Fayette Johnston
Geo Ellis
J H Wallace
Robert Dickey
Committee for Superintending Streets
Geo Rothrock
Wm Harvey
Geo Cox
J S Caldwell
[Page 411]
Pump Committee
H T Philips
S J Blaydes
Wm Warren
John Goolrick
Jacob Gore was duly elected superintendant of the Pumps
On motion of Mr Johnston seconded by Dr Wallace it was Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed who shall make application to the Trustees of the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches in the Town for the use of one or other of their Bells to be rung at night at such hour as the Mayor may direct; and also on the days that the Hustings Court hold their sittings, and further that they make report of their proceedings to the next regular meeting of the Council
Committee were accordingly appointed consisting of Mr Johnston, Dr Wallace and M Stevenson
John M Shepherd was duly qualified as Superintendant of Police and Clerk of the Market
And then the Council Adjourned
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Wm F Gray, C C
[Page 412]
March 20th 1828
The Council met at the Mayor's office pursuant to a summons from the Mayor
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
George Cox, Recorder
Jno H Wallace, Common Council man
Jno Goolrick, Common Council man
Geo Rothrock, Common Council man
Stephen J Blaydes, Common Council man
William Warren, Common Council man
Robert Dickey, Common Council man
William Harvey, Common Council man
Fayette Johnston, Common Council man
William Gordon, who had been duly elected the Clerk of the Council and Chamberlain of the Corporation appeared, was qualified by the Mayor and entered upon the duties of his office
On Motion made and seconded it was ordered that the Commissioner of the Revenue be allowed the same compensation as heretofore
Ordered, that the sum of one dollar & fifty cents be refunded and paid to William Waring, the same being for an overcharge in his tax account
Mr George Ellis appeared, was qualified and took his seat at the Council board
On motion, made and seconded, it was ordered that a sum not exceeding fifty dollars be, and the same is, hereby appropriated to defray the expense of having the Bell rung at night, and on the days that the Hustings Court hold their sessions
On motion of Jno H Wallace, the yeas and Nays were ordered to be taken on the foregoing, those voting in the affirmative were Geo Rothrock, S J Blaydes, William Warren, Robert Dickey, Wm Harvey & F Johnston; those voting in the Negation were George Cox, Jno H Wallace, J Goolrick, H T Phillips & Geo Ellis
Resolved, that the Commissioner of the Revenue be requested to take a list of the owners and harbourers of Dogs within the Corporation, distinguishing the male and female kind
Ordered, that the Council do now adjourn
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
[Page 413]
May 3rd 1828
The Council met at the Mayor's office in accordance with his summons
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Henry T Phillips, Common Council man
John S Caldwell, Common Council man
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Wm Harvey, Common Council man
George Ellis, Common Council man
Jno Goolrick, Common Council man
Wm Warren, Common Council man
The Commissioner of the Revenue returned an account of the Taxable property and amount of rents in this Corporation as follows, Viz't
| Amount of Rents | $45,291 |
| White Persons above 16 years of age | 337 |
| Slaves above 16 years of age | 593 |
| Free Males, Negroes & Mulattoes | 48 |
| Free Females, Negroes & Mulattoes | 82 |
| Horses | 120 |
The following Preamble and Resolution was submitted and adopted, Viz;
Whereas, Robert Lewis, Mayor and George Cox, Recorder, in their official capacities have had a note of $573.50 discounted at the Farmers Bank of Virginia for the purpose of paying certain debts due by the Corporation to that amount, Resolved therefore that the Common Council approve and ratify the same and the Mayor and Recorder be, and they are hereby authorised to execute other notes for the purpose of renewing and continuing said debt so long as they may deem it necessary
Ordered that the Council do now adjourn until Tuesday next at 6 O'clock P M
Rob't Lewis, Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
May 7th 1828
The Council met at the Mayors office according to the order of adjournment
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Geo Cox, Recorder
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Jno S Caldwell, Common Council man
George Rothrock, Common Council man
George Ellis, Common Council man
Robert Dickey, Common Council man
H T Phillips, Common Council man
F Johnston, Common Council man
Wm Harvey, Common Council man
Wm Warren, Common Council man
A Petition from Sundry draymen for a reduction of their licence was presented and read
On Motion, Ordered that the consideration of the same be [Page 414] postponed indefinitely
The Chamberlain submitted an estimate of the expenditures of the Corporation for the current year, Whereupon it was
Resolved, that the Taxes for the present year be as follows, Viz't
| On the amount of Rents of Real Estate | 3½ pr cent |
| On all white males, slaves above twelve years of age, and on all horses | $1.50 each |
| On all free Male Negroes and Mulattoes | 2.00 each |
| On all free female Negroes and Mulattoes | 1.50 each |
| On all four wheeled riding Carriages (except Park Pheatons, Carryalls and Jersey Waggons) of two hundred dollars value and under | 2.00 |
| On all such Carriages above two hundred dollar values | 1 pr cent on value thereof |
| On all Gigs and chairs, Park Pheatons, Jersey Waggons and Carryalls of $100 dollars value and under | 1.00 each |
| on all such over the value of $100 | 1 pr cent value thereof |
On Motion made and seconded, it was Resolved that the ordinance passed by the Common Council on the 13th day of May 1826, in relation to Dogs be and the same is hereby repealed
Ordered that the Clerk of the Council prepare and submit Ordinances on the subject of Dogs going at large, and concerning the regulation of Carriages, Drays, Carts, Waggons & Horses
Ordered that the Council do now adjourn
Rob't Lewis, Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
[Page 415]
June 3d 1828
The Council met at the Mayors Office in pursuance of his summons
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
Geo Cox, Recorder
Fayette Johnston, Common Council man
George Ellis, Common Council man
H T Phillips, Common Council man
Robert Dickey, Common Council man
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Geo Rothrock, Common Council man
Wm Harvey, Common Council man
Jno Goolrick, Common Council man
It being represented to the Council by Mr F Johnston that Saml Gordon and others required of the Council an appropriation of the sum of dollars for the purpose of clearing out the Canal in the Rear of the Town, Thereupon, it was ordered that the Street Committee or any two of them be requested to examine the said Canal and if in their opinion such an appropriation be considered necessary they are authorised to draw on the Chamberlain for any sum not exceeding twenty dollars
Ordered that the account of Wm F Gray for Stationary &c amounting to $7.87½ be paid
In obedience to the order of the Council of the 7th May last the Clerk of the Council reported the two following ordinances, which being approved were ordered to be passed and to be published in the Virginia Herald, to wit;
Ordinance Concerning Dogs
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Commonalty of the Town of Fredericksburg, and it is hereby Ordained by the authority of the same, that it shall be the duty of the Constables of the Corporation, and they are hereby empowered and enjoined to perform the same, to kill all Dogs going at large within the limits of the Corporation between the 12th day of June and the first day of October in the present year; And be it further Ordained that it shall be the duty of said Constables to cause the Dogs so killed to be immediately removed without the limits of the Corporation and buried or so disposed of, as not to become a nuisance, and such Constables shall have and receive the sum of fifty cents as full compensation for each and every Dog so Killed by them when satisfactory evidence is produced to the Council of the number killed
Ordinance respecting Cart, Drays, Waggons, Carriages &c
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Commonalty of the Town of Fredericksburg, and it is hereby Ordained by the authority of the same, that no driver of dray, Cart or Waggon, shall drive his Horse or Horses within the limits of the Corporation faster than a walk; any free person offending herein, shall upon conviction before a Magistrate forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar for [Page 416] every such offence; and every slave offending in like manner shall up like conviction be subject to like penalty, which if not paid by himself, his owner, or employer, he shall receive ten lashes at the public whipping post
Be it further Ordained by the authority aforesaid that no person shall driver or cause to be driven, any carriage, gig, Chair, or Carryall, within the limits of the Corporation, faster than an ordinary travelling gait, or gallop or otherwise force any horse out of such ordinary traveling gait; nor shall any person within the limits aforesaid, ride or take any horse through the streets without a Bridle or halter attached thereto; any free person offending herein shall upon conviction before a Magistrate, forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar for every such offence, and every slave offending in like manner shall upon like conviction, be subject to like penalty, which if not paid by himself, his owner, or employer, he shall receive ten lashes at the public whipping post
This ordinance shall be in force from and after the publication thereof,
On Motion the Council then adjourned
Rob't Lewis Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
August 7th 1828
The Council met at the Mayors office agreeably to a summons from the Mayor
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
George Cox, Recorder
Jno Goolrick, Common Council man
Geo Rothrock, Common Council man
Fay't Johnston, Common Council man
Rob't Dickey, Common Council man
William Warren, Common Council man
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Wm Harvey, Common Council man
A Petition from the Butchers of the Corporation was presented and read, after duly considering the same, it was, on motion, Resolved, that the Petitioners have leave to withdraw their Petition
Ordered, that the following accounts be passed and paid, Viz't
| Jacob Gores a/c up to 10th June 1828 | $17.67½ |
| Geo Rothrocks being J Gores order on him for pump work | 3.00 |
| Jno Terriers a/c for 1827 | 2.00 |
| Jno Terriers a/c for 1828 | 5.49 |
[Page 417]
Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to the following named persons the sum of one dollar and fifty cents each being for taxes improperly assessed against them, Viz't; Rich'd Williams, Hough & Tunis, and George Cox
Ordered that the sum of Thirty dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose of repairing the streets, drains &c; to be expended under the directions of the Street Committee, and that the Chamberlain pay the amount of the said appropriation to the order of the said street Committee, or a majority of the same
On motion, the Council then adjourned
Rob't Lewis, Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
October 8th 1828
The Council met at the Mayors office pursuant to notice
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
George Cox, Recorder
Fayette Johnston, Common Council man
H T Phillips, Common Council man
Wm Harvey, Common Council man
Jno S Caldwell, Common Council man
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Wm Warren, Common Council man
Robert Dickey, Common Council man
Ordered that the following accounts be passed & paid, Viz't
| Jno Terriers account of 8th Octo'r | $4.41 2/3 |
| Michael Ames account of 8th Octo'r | $5.25 |
A communication from Mr Silas Wood of New York to the Recorder, was presented and read, wherein Mr Wood generously tenders as a present to the Citizens of Fredericksburg a suitable bell for the public use; Whereupon the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to examine & recommend a suitable seite for erecting the same, and to consult some known architects on the subject; Viz, Geo Cox, F Johnston, H T Phillips, Wm Harvey and Robert Lewis, Mayor, and were instructed to report thereon at the next meeting of the Council
Ordered that the sum of seven dollars & forty four cents be paid to John M Shepherd, Sergeant the same having been paid by him [Page 418] for the hire of hands employed to fill up the Tan vats in F Lucas's Tan yard
Ordered that the Council do now adjourn until Monday the 13th Inst at 5 O'clock P M
Rob't Lewis, Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
October 15th 1828
The Council not having met according to the order of adjournment were convened this day pursuant to a summons from the Mayor
Present
Robert Lewis, Mayor
George Cox, Recorder
Henry T Phillips, Common Council man
Fayette Johnston, Common Council man
William Warren, Common Council man
Jno H Wallace, Common Council man
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Robert Dickey, Common Council man
Jno S Caldwell, Common Council man
The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Council on the subject of the erection of a Town Bell &c not being prepared to report fully on the subject submitted to them, It was ordered that the said Committee be allowed until Monday next the 20th Inst to complete their report
Ordered, that the account of Benj'n Clark of 3d July last be passed and paid
Ordered, that the Council adjourn until Monday the 20th Inst at 5 O'clock P M
Rob't Lewis, Mayor
Wm Gordon, C C
October 21st 1828
The council not having met according to the last order of adjournment, convened at the Mayors office this day pursuant to a summons from the Mayor
Present
George Cox, Recorder, Presiding
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
Geo Rothrock, Common Council man
Robert Dickey, Common Council man
William Warren, Common Council man
Fayette Johnston, Common Council man
Jno H Wallace, Common Council man
Geo Ellis, Common Council man
On Motion of Mr F Johnston, seconded by Dr J H Wallace it was Resolved that Geo Cox, Wm Harvey, Geo Rothrock, Geo Ellis and [Page 419] John H Wallace be, and they are hereby appointed a Committee to superintend the repairs and alterations of the Court House and the erection of a Cupola thereon and that they proceed forthwith to have the work placed under contract; and that the Mayor & Recorder be and they are hereby authorised to negotiate a loan from either of the Banks with the Corporation for such sum as may be necessary (in addition to the amount of the Subscription, made by the Citizens) to defray the expences attending said work
On Motion of John H Wallace, Fayette Johnston was added to the aforesaid Committee
On motion, the Council then adjourned
George Cox, Recorder
W Gordon, C C
December 29th 1828
The Council met at the Mayors office pursuant to a summons from the Recorder
Present
George Cox, Recorder, Presiding
Fayette Johnston, Common Council man
S J Blaydes, Common Council man
William Warren, Common Council man
Jno S Caldwell, Common Council man
Rob't Dickey, Common Council man
William Harvey, Common Council man
A letter from Mr Silas Wood of N York addressed to the Mayor and presented to the Council by the Recorder, was read; it contained the information that he had forwarded the Bell he had heretofore promised to the Citizens of this Corporation, also, instructions and directions for the hanging and management of the same
Whereupon the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted, Viz't
It having been heretofore stated to this Council that our late townsman, and worthy fellow citizen, Mr Silas Wood of New York intended, in consideration of his respect and attachment to the Citizens of Fredericksburg to present them with a suitable Bell for the public use
The intention of Mr Wood being amply fullfilled by the receipt this day of his promised donation; Be it therefore Resolved that this Council acting on behalf, and respecting the feelings and sentiments of the Citizens of this Corporation, view this mark of Favour to them on the part of Mr Wood as the emanation of a generous and liberal mind, highly flattering [Page 420] to our Citizens and honourable to himself, and moreover as a delicate and handsome acknowledgment of the respect and hospitality always awarded by our Citizens to wroth and integrity
Be it further Resolved, that a committee consisting of Mess'rs Jno S Caldwell, Fayette Johnston, John H Wallace, William Warren, and George Cox, be, and they are hereby requested to address a letter to Mr Silas Wood, expressive of the high sense entertained by this Council and the Citizens of Fredericksburg, for the very handsome and useful present made them; and that they annex to their communication a copy of the proceedings of this council upon the subject
On motion the Council then adjourned
Geo Cox, Recorder
Wm Gordon, C C