Council Minutes
City of Fredericksburg, Virginia
1783

[Page 39 cont.]

At a Common Council for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg the eighth day of January One thousand seven hundred and eighty three

Present
Charles Mortimer James Taylor )
William McWilliams George Weedon ) Gent.
James Somerville Thomas Brumfield & )
Samuel Roddey Thomas Miller )

A Vacancy by the Death of Charles Dick Gent. of an Alderman on examining the Poll of the General Election, tis found that James Taylor Gent. had the greatest number of Votes of the now common Council Men and he is hereby elected as Alderman -

A Vacancy of a Common Councilman the Council proceeded to the election of a Councilman, and the Ballot being examined John Lewis is unanimously elected a Common Council Man for this Corporation - -

Ordered that William McWilliams, James Somerville, James Taylor, Samuel Roddey, George Weedon and Thomas Miller or any three of them are appointed to draw a Sett of Articles for a Fire Company -

The Minutes of the preceding Orders were signed by
Charles Mortimer Mayr.
Test
Henry Armistead Clk

[Page 40]

At a Common Council for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg the fifth day of February One thousand seven hundred and eighty three

Present

Charles Mortimer George Weedon )
William McWilliams Thomas Brumfield )
James Somerville Thomas Miller & ) Gent.
John Julian John Welch )

John Lewis Gent. being heretofore elected a Common Councilman, this day the Oath for the execution of his duty was Administered - Present John Lewis Gent.

Be it Ordained that if any person hereafter shall presume to purchase in the Market any Article to sell again the purchaser of such Articles shall forfeit the sum of Ten pounds one half to the informer and the other half to the use of the Town - - -

1782 An Account was presented by John Ferneyhough for dressing of Posts -

June 18 To Trimming & dressing the heads of 196 Posts 1/- £9 16 0
Nov 21 To Trimming & dressing 138 Posts @ 1/- 6 18 0
16 14 0
By M. Ths. Brown Acct. Street Taxes 7 10 0
By Messrs. Richards & Jarvis Acct. do 1 10 0
£9 0 0
Ballc. Due J.F 7 14 0
£16 14 0

The Committee to whom was referred a proposition for establishing a Fire Company reported - -

The Committee appointed by Council to form Rules and Orders for establishing a Fire company in the Town of Fredericksburg having this day met came to the following Resolutions - - -

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1st That the Fire Engine be immediately repaired at the expence of this Corporation, and a sufficient Number of Bucketts provided -

2d That the Subscribers to the Rules and Orders of the Fire Company be advertised to attend at the Market House on Tuesday the eleventh day of February then and there to elect by Ballot Seven directors, who shall be Stiled Directors of the Fredericksburg Fire Company, and have power to appoint One captain and six inferior officers, who shall from time to time Receive and execute such Orders as the Directors may think necessary to give them respecting the Advantage of the Engine and fire Company, and also to appoint a person to Act as a Clerk and Treasurer, whose business shall be to keep a fair record of the Transactions of the Society, receive all fines, donations, and Collections, and to keep a fair and just Account thereof which Account shall be examined by the directors at each Quarterly meeting.

3rd That the inhabitants of the Town of Fredericksburg do on the aforesaid eleventh day of February, Produce at the Market House all the leather Buckets belonging to the Fire Engine that they may have in possession and deliver them to the persons elected directors, to be safely kept by them until, a Number can be procured sufficient to Work the Engine - The directors are also to take notice of those persons who received Buckets on a former association, and cannot properly account for them and demand payment agreeable to Articles they then signed - It is also the Opinion of this committee that the directors shall be impower to demand from the subscribers of the former association, the several sums of Money due from them which money when received shall be applied towards the repairs of the Engine in such Manner as they may judge necessary - -

4th That eleven ladders, eleven Fire Hooks, eleven Axes, with twenty four Bags and twenty four Baskets be provided at the expence of the Corporation to be made and disposed of in such manner as the directors shall think proper - -

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5th That four directors shall at any time constitute a Body to transact any business relating to the Fire Company, but that no resolve of theirs shall be valid unless the four are unanimous -

On mature consideration, Ordered that the same be Recorded.

Charles Mortimer & John Lewis Gent. are appointed to assess the property Houses and Lotts in this Town and report to this Council -

Ordered that all persons having received Public Money as collectors or Overseers of the Roads of this Corporation appear before the next Council with their Accounts of Expenditures of the Moneys so received to be delivered into the Chamberlain

The Minutes of the preceding Orders were Signed by
Charles Mortimer
Test
Henry Armistead Clk.

At a Common Council for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg, held the fourteenth day of February, One thousand seven hundred and eighty three

Present
Charles Mortimer George Weedon )
William McWilliams Thomas Miller )
James Somerville George French )
John Julian & ) Gent.
Samuel Roddey John Lewis )

Charles Mortimer, & John Lewis Gent. having made a return of the Value of the Houses and Lotts in this Town

Name Lotts improv. unimpr. £ s
James Allen 2 £180 0
Henry Armistead 1 30 0
John Atkinson pt of a lott impd. 135 0
345 0
Thomas Brown 2 300 0
William Blyth 1 129 0
Mrs. Baggott ½ of 2 375 0
804 0
[Page 42]
Lotts improv. unimpr. £ s
Amount brought up 1149 0
John Baylor 4 487 10
John Benson 1 90 0
Presson Bowdoin 1 300 0
Bowdoin & Hunter Brewery 600 0
William Brown 1 15 0
James Cunningham 1 17 10
Landon Carter 1 15 0
Nell McCoul 1 15 0
Edward Carter 4 8 1500
Col. Richd. Corbin 1 37 10
Maximilian Calvert 4½ 90 0
Mrs. Lucy Dixon 4 16½ 750 0
Roger Dixons Estate 2 180 0
Alexander Dick 6 Acres Land 5 1 750 0
James Duncanson 4 1005 0
Philip Evans 1 75 0
Doctor George French 1 1/5 309 0
Major Forsyth 2 4 380 0
Forsyth & Legg 2 150 0
William Fitzhugh 2 53 0
Samuel Fox 1 150 0
William Fleet ½ 9
John Ferneyhough 1 300 0
David Galloway 1 150 0
Mrs. Gibbs 1 120 0
John Glassell 1¾ 1000 0
Muscon Garnet 1 47 0
John Haslegroves Estate 2/3 of 2 300 0
James Heath 1/3 of 1 45 0
James Hunter Jr. Lotts & improvmts. 900 0
James Hackley ¾ of 1 264 0
Mrs. Susanna Heath 2 2 800 0
James Hunter Sr. Lotts & Improvmts. 475 0
George Hill Estate 1 30 0
Godlove Heiskill part of 1 300 0
Adam Hunter 1/6 9 0
John Hardia 2 225 0
William Jackson Lotts & impments & land 1000 0
Doctor John Julian 3 750 0
£1484 30
Amount brought up
John Jamerson 2 30 0
William Jackson (Mason) ¼ 90 0
Callender & Henderson Tax paid by Henry Armistead 2 750 0
Richard Kenney 2 180 0
John Lewis 3 31 400 0
William Lewis 1 150 0
Philip Lipscomb 2 4 390 0
Mrs. Betty Lewis 1/8 300 0
Zachariah Lucas ½ 225 0
Mrs. Lucas 1 150 0
Lacoste & Brumfield 2 637 10
Mrs. Isabel Mercer 2 2 315 0
Colo. McWilliams 2 675 0
Thomas Miller 1/3 240 0
James Mercer 10 750 0
Doctor Charles Mortimer 6 750 0
William Neils Estate 1 15 0
Daniel Payne 1 90 0
Mann Page 8 120 0
John Roots 1 15 0
Phill Roots 3 45 0
Mrs. Roots Estate 1 15 0
Roddey & Taylor 5 750 0
Michael Robinson 2 300 0
Capt. Edward Ross 2 45 0
Colo. John Rose 1 22 10
John Royal 1 15 0
Jesse Slaven 1/3 of 2 150 0
Edward Simpson ½ of 1 345 0
William Smith 2 450 0
James Somerville 2½ & 1/5 460 0
Mrs. Mary Sullivan 4 750 0
Samuel Seldon 2 30 0
Colo. John Taylors Estate 3 1 2850 0
William Thompson (N K) 1 30 0
Capt. Larkin Smith 2 1 480 0
Revd. John Thompsons Est. 2 45 0
Thomas Turner 1 52 0
£25990 0
[Page 44]
Amount brought over £25990 0
Thomas Walker 2 2 375 0
John Wigglesworth 7/9 of 2 300 0
Mr. Ward 2 300 0
Jacob Whitler 2 600 0
Mrs. Mary Washington 2 300 0
Majr. George Washington 3 inst. 2½ 400 0
Genl. George Weedon 2 3½ 800 0
James Williams 1 45 0
Jacob Wray 1 15 0
William Wiatt 2/5 180 0
John Welch 4 1 1035 0
£30340 0
Amount brought up £30340 0
Robert Walker 4 270 0
John Waller 2 30 0
Colo. Lewis Willis as land 19 80 0
Doctor Thomas Walker 1 15 0
Anthony Walke 1 15 0
Major Williams 1 15 0
W. Charles Yates 18½ & imp. 1200 0
Benjamin Johnston 1 15 0
William Smith a House & pt of a lott 150 0
Capt. Vowles 2 240 0
£32370 0

It is the opinion of this Council that a Tax of one half p cent be collected on such Valuation, It is Ordered that the Sergeant collect of each person the same and account with the Chamberlain for such Collection

Ordered that a Tax of three Shillings on all Male Tithables be Collected by the Sergeant and Accounted for to the Chamberlain - -

An Ordinance for fixing a Tax on the retailers of Goods as followeth, Whereas there are sundry inhabitants of this Town who enjoy the advantages generally with the Other Citizens, and from their situation pay no tax being not possessed of any Taxable property of Houses or Lotts, and are retailers of Merchandize whereby they are enabled from such business, to pay equally with others.

Be It Ordained by this Council that the Sergeant demand and receive of such as come within this description the sum of forty eight shillings, provided that they have been resident within this Town three months-

George Weedon & Thomas Miller Gent. are appointed to visit the inhabitants of this Town and present them with the Rules of the Fire Company, and request them to Sign the same and that they request the inhabitants to attend at the Market House at 10 O'Clock on Saturday Morning to elect seven directors.

The Minutes of the preceding Orders were signed by
Charles Mortimer
Test
Henry Armistead Clk

[Page 45]

At a Common Council for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg held the twelfth day of March One thousand Seven hundred and eighty three -

Present
Charles Mortimer George Weedon )
William McWilliams Thomas Brumfield )
James Somerville Thomas Miller )
James Taylor & ) Gent.
Samuel Roddey George French )

George Weedon, Thomas Brumfield, Thomas Miller, George French and John Lewis, Gent. are appointed to examine the Clerks Records of this Council -

The Council proceeded to Settle the claims against the Corporation -

To Richard Kenney
To House Rent from March 1782 to March 1783 a 18/ p month £10 16 0
To 1 Law Book containing Sundry Acts of Assembly for this state in folio 1 0 0
To 1 Testament 6 0
£12 2 0

E Excepted
Richard & Thos. Kenney
February 16, 1783

To James Jarvis Constable p Acct.
Fredericksburg Corporation
To James Jarvis Dr
1782 lbs Tobo
11 May To Summoning Aldermen & Council 10
To Summoning 5 Guards over the Buckets @ 5 25
To Whipping ditto[?]10 To Whipg French John 10 20
5 June To Summoning Aldermen & Council 10
To Summoning 4 Witnesses vs Banks on Market Acct. 20
To Whipg White man p order Colo. McWilliams 10
at 12/6 95 £0 11 10¾
3 0
To cash for Cow Hide 14 10¾

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To John Richards p Account Fredericksburg Corporation

1782
11 Augst To Serving a Warrant £0 1 8
To Whiping a British Prisoner 1 3
Octob 24 To serving a warrant 1 8
To whiping a Mulatto 1 3
5 10
To Henry Armistead for his Services as Clerk £15 0
To John Legg for his services as Sergeant £6 0

Ordered that the Clerk apply to the late Clerk of the Feeoffees of the Town of Fredericksburg for the Records of that Body -

It is requested that James Somerville Gent. Chamberlain demand payment. of all Balances that may appear due on the Books of the Feeoffees of this Town to this corporation - - -

Ordered that John Atkinson be summoned to appear at the next Court of This Corporation to show cause why he has not furnished the Sergeant with a list of defaulters of Work on the Streets - - -

Ordered that the Sergeant summon all those who have not paid their Fines to appear at Kenneys Room on Saturday 10 O'Clock at which time their Excuses will be heard - - -

George Weedon Gent. delivered to this Board a certificate from the Quarter Master General T. Pickering for fifteen hundred and twenty three dollars allowed this Corporation for damage done the Market House No. 4145 dated the 10th of September One thousand Seven hundred and eighty two, payable the first of January One thousand Seven hundred and eighty three which is Ordered to be lodged with the Chamberlain.

The preceding Orders were Signed by
Charles Mortimer
Test
Henry Armistead Clk.

[Page 47]

At a Common Council for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg held the Seventeenth day of March One thousand seven hundred & Eighty three

Present
Charles Mortimer George Weedon )
William McWilliams Thom. Brumfield )
James Taylor Thom. Miller )
John Julian & )Gent.
Samuel Roddy John Lewis )

A report of the State of the Clerks Books and records of this Board being returned and is as follows - In Pursuance of An Order of Council we have this day examined the Records of the Clerk and find them to be drawn and fairly recorded from the Minutes. Witness Our hands this fifteenth day of March One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three
George Weedon
Thomas Brumfield
John Lewis
Geo. French.

The Council then proceeded (the House Keepers having been duly notified) to the Conducting of the General Election for the appointment of members for the Corporation the ensuing term. The Ballotts were received and examined and they were as follows- For James Somerville Seventy nine - Charles Mortimer Seventy Eight - William McWilliams Seventy five John Julian seventy five - George Weedon Sixty nine - James Taylor Sixty Six -Thomas Miller fifty Six - Michael Robinson fifty Two - George French fifty one - Thomas Brumfield Fifty

[Page 48]

John Lewis Thirty nine - Samuel Roddy thirty Seven - who agreeable to Act of Assembly are accordingly elected members of the Corporation for the ensuing term -

Present
James Somerville Thom. Miller )
Charles Mortimer M. Robinson )
William McWilliams Tho. Brumfield )
John Julian John Lewis )
George Weedon & ) Gent.
James Taylor Sam Roddy )

The members agreeable to Act of Assembly proceeded to Elect from their Number a Mayor, Recorder and four Aldermen on examining the Ballotts it appeared that a majority was in favor of William McWilliams to the Office of Mayor, James Somerville, to the Office of Recorder, George Weedon, Charles Mortimer, James Taylor & John Julian to the Office of Aldermen. -

The Oaths of Fidelity and of a Justice for the Common Wealth of Virginia were administered by Charles Mortimer Gent. Late Mayor to William McWilliams, Gent. Whereupon he assumed the character of his Office -

The Oaths of Fidelity and of a Justice for the Common Wealth of Virginia were administered, by William McWilliams Gent. Mayor to James Somerville as Recorder, George Weedon Charles Mortimer James Taylor & John Julian as Aldermen whereupon they assumd the character of their several offices. -

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The Oaths of Fidelity to the Common Wealth and for the Execution of the Office as Common Councilmen were administered by William McWilliams Gent. Mayor to Thomas Miller, Michl. Robinson Thomas Brumfield, John Lewis & Samuel Roddy Gent. Whereupon they assumed the Character of their said offices

The Council then proceeded to the Election of a Clerk to their Board when M. Henry Armistead was unanimously elected the Oaths of fidelity and for the execution of his Office were administered to him by William McWilliams Gent. Mayor -

The Minutes of the preceeding business were signed by
William McWilliams, Mayor
Attest
Henry Armistead Clerk

At a Common Council held for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg held the Eighth Day if July One thousand seven hundred and Eighty three

Present
William McWilliams Thoms. Miller )
James Somerville George French )
James Taylor Michl. Robinson )
Thomas Brumfield and )Gent.
Saml. Roddy )

[Page 50]

This Board having heard the report of the State of the Records of the Council do approve of the Clerks Conduct and are of opinion that every Act & thing of the late Council of this Town should stand good and valid and will by this Council be carried into effect.

On the Petition of James Brown for leave to open George Street to the River to be accessable for wagons & praying the use of the Earth and Stone that it may be necessary to remove (to effect the same) to erect a Wharf. It is the opinion of this Board that the said Petition & prayer is reasonable & he is hereby invested with the Privileges claimed. Thomas Miller and Michael Robinson are requested and appointed to attend to the same and see that no injury is done by the said Jas Brown to the public or individuals.

Ordered that the Sergeant pay unto Thoms. Miller Gent. Twenty pounds four shillings and three pence out of the public moneys in his hands furnished for the Fire Engine for repairs & sundrys paid & done by him to the said Fire Engine.

Charles Yates moved this board praying their opinion respecting his situation - whether the place on which he lives is within the limits of this Town, Ordered that the same be hereafter Considered and until the determination of the Council, that the Sergeant

[Page 51]

delay his Collection of the said Yates for so much of his Taxes as arises within the place called Allen Town

An Ordinance for establishing a public vendue read, Considered, Approved & Ordered to be Recorded in the Words following -

An Ordinance appointing a Vendue -

Be it Ordained, by the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen & Common Councilmen of the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg And it is Ordained by the Authority of the same that the Court of Hustings be and are hereby authorized and impowered to appoint some able and discreet person to act as Vendue Master in the said Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg, who shall Continue in Office during pleasure of said Court, and in case of the death or removal of office of said Vendue Master the Court of Hustings shall at their next meeting appoint some other person to fill the said office -

And be it further Ordained that the said Vendue master before he enters on the business of his Office take the oaths of fidelity to the State and for the due and faithful for all sales by him made and enter into Bond payable to the Mayor for the time being and his successors in such sum as the Court may adjudge necessary with two sufficient securities -

And be it farther Ordained, that the Vendue master shall and is hereby required to receive all and every kind of property meant or intended to be sold within the limits of this Corporation and that no person whatever shall presume to sell any Article or Articles at public sale with

[page 52]

without first obtaining leave of the vendue master for the time being or acting immediately under his direction, every person or persons offending therein shall forfeit double the commission allowed by this act, on such sales which shall be recovered by Bill, plaint, or Information before the Court of Hustings within this Corporation, One half shall be to the person suing for the same and the other moiety to the use of the Corporation.

And be it farther Ordained that on Receipt of any property whatsoever by the Vendue master he is hereby required to grant receipt to the person or persons delivering the same, obliging the Payment of the Amount such Goods may sell for within three days after the day of sale thereof deducting commissions and other necessary charges which said owner or owners demanding and the said Vendue master neglecting or refusing to pay the same shall be deemed as a breach of trust and for which such Vendue master shall be removed from his office, moreover the owner on giving ten days notice to said Vendue master and securities before the next Court to be held for the Corporation may move the said Court of Hustings for Judgment against such Vendue master and securitys and the Court is hereby impowered to grant Judgment thereon and award execution against the goods and Chattels of such Defendants -

And be it farther Ordained that no sale shall be without previous notice given of the same by some act of notoriety which the Vendue Master for the time being is hereby required to perform by advertisement and proclamation thro the streets

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streets of said Town - And be it farther Ordained that the Vendue master shall receive on all Sales made by him to be taken from the amount of such sales the following commissions to wit a Commission of five per Cent on the first one hundred pounds and two per Cent on all greater sums on all dry goods a Commission of Two and a half per Cent on the first One hundred Pounds and One per Cent on all greater sums on all west India goods - a Commission of Two and a half per Cent on all Horses - a Commission of Two per Cent on the first One hundred Pounds and One per Cent on all greater sums on Negroes - a Commission of One per Cent, on Houses, Lotts, & Vessels. If any Vendue master shall demand or, receive a higher Commission than is hereby allowed he shall forfeit the Commission allowed by this Act and moreover be removed from his Office -

And be it farther Ordained that the Vendue master shall keep a fair Record of all his proceedings and twice in every year make a return to the Court of Hustings of all Sales made by him which Returns shall be made On the Court days in August and February -

The Minutes of the proceeding Orders were Signed by
Will. McWilliams, Mayor
Attest
Henry Armistead Clk.

[Page 54]

At a Council held for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg the Twenty second Day of. August One thousand and seven hundred and Eighty three -

Present
Will. McWilliams Thom. Brumfield )
James Somerville George French )
George Weedon John Lewis )
James Taylor and ) Gent.
John Julian Samuel Roddy )
Thomas Miller )

The Corporation of Fredericksburg Dr. To Edward Simpson
1783 To 70 Leather Bucketts for the fire Engine @ 12/6 £42 0 0
The above amount was presented by Edward Simpson. This Board on examining the same are of opinion that the same is reasonable. It is therefore Ordered that the sergeant out of the fund raised, pay him the said Edward Simpson the sum of Forty two pounds Current money -

It is the opinion of this Board that a watch is absolutely necessary for the support of good Order and the safety of the Town and that the same should consist of the Number of Eight two of which shall survey the Streets of this Town every Night. Ordered that Geo. Weedon Gent. agree with such persons as he thinks proper on the most reasonable terms not

[Page 55]

exceeding fifteen pounds a year and to assure the persons that the the Council of this Corporation will see that they be paid such sums as he, may agree & that the same shall be divided into quarterly payments and paid to them punctually every quarter that the persons employed shall be subject to such Order or Orders as may be given them by the Council -

Ordered that Jacob Whitler & John Richards Overseers of the Streets call on M. John Legg Sergeant to furnish them with a list of delinquents who have not paid up their fines assesd for work done by them to the Streets and that they summon such to send their hands to work & with such that they repair the main street from Edward Carters Corner to Johnsons tenement, that they fill up also the front of Majr. Robert Forsyths Lott and Continue the Posts on a line with those already sett on the main Street & call on two members of the Council to wit George Weedon, and Saml. Roddy Gent. who will direct them from whence they are to gather Earth -

The Minutes of the proceeding Orders were. Signed by
William McWilliams Mayor
Attest
Henry Armistead Clerk

[Page 56]

To the Honorable Major Gen'l Green, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America in the Southern Department. - Sir- We the Inhabitants of the Town of Fredericksburg impressed with just sentiments of the Importance of your singular services rendered our Country as Commander of the Armies of the united States in the Southern Department cannot omit rendering you our acknowledgments as a grateful tho. small tribute so justly due to your distinguished character as a Soldier, a Gentlemen, and friend to American Liberty - We lament that the absence of the Mayor and other officers of the Corporation deprives us of the opportunity of rendering you this token of gratitude in the stile of a Corporation, but we trust Sir that your own Consciousment will give us Credit, when we assure you that we now present you the united thanks of this City for your zealous important and successful services in recovering the Southern States from our Cruel Enemy, & restoring peace liberty & safety to so great a part of our Country-

We cannot express Sir Our great joy in seeing you once more among us & language is too faint to paint the Contrast in the Cause of liberty since you passed us to take the Command of the Southern Army, permit us therefore to pass over the then gloomy moment and to participate in the pleasure you now enjoy

[Page 57]

in the possession of the American Laurel a Crown as splendid as all honors of a Roman Triumph.

We also beg leave to follow you with our best wishes into Domestic life may you long enjoy uninterrupted under your vine all the happiness of that Peace, Liberty, & Safety, for which you and your Gallant officers and Soldiers have so nobly fought and greatly conquered -

We have the honor to be with every sentiment of respect your most ob & very hb Servant
Signed by Order of the Inhabitants
Charles Mortimer Chairmn
Septr. 12th. 1783

To the Inhabitants of the City of Fredericksburg -

Gentlemen -
Highly flattered by your address and no less honored by your sentiments, how shall I acknowledge fully your generosity in either - From your hearty welcome to this City, and your good wishes for my future welfare, I feel the overflowings of a grateful mind - the noblest reward for the best of services is the favorable opinion of our fellow citizens - Happy in your assurances I shall feel myself amply rewarded, if I have but the good wishes of my Country - I have the honor to be Gentlemen
Your most ob Hb Servant
Nathaniel Green -
Septr. 12th. 1783

[Page 58]

At a Council held for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg the Seventeenth day of October One thousand seven hundred and Eighty three

Present
Will. McWilliams Michl. Robinson )
Jas. Somerville George French )
George Weedon John Lewis )
Thomas Miller and )
The. Brumfield Saml Roddy ) Gent.

The Corporation of Fredericksburg - Dr.

1783 To Godlove Heiskill -
May 20th To Repairs to the Goal £0 9 0
26nd To 2 pair Hobbles 10/ 1 0 0
To 2 Chains sad Staples 14/6 1 9 0
To 2 pr Hand Cuffs 5/ 0 10 0
To 886/2 lb. Wrought Iron @ 10d 36 18 9
£40 6 9

The above account was presented to this Board by Godlove Heiskill, It is their opinion that the same is Just. Therefore Ordered that the Sergeant Out of the funds of this Corporation pay unto the said Godlove Heiskill the sum of Forty Pounds Six Shillings & nine pence Current Money.

The Corporation of Fredericksburg Dr.
1783 To James Fraser -
Oct. 13th To 9 Days Work of a Carpenter puttg. Strops, Barrs &c to the Goal @ 5 p Day £2 5 0
To 36 feet of thick 0ak Plank @ 3 d 9 0
To putting up Do. 5 0
£2 19 0

[Page 59]

The preceeding amount was presented by Jas. Frazer. This Board on considering the same are of Opinion that it is unreasonable and that he should not receive more than One Pound Nineteen Shillings.

Ordered that the Sergeant pay unto the said James Frazer the sum of One Pound Nineteen Shillings out of the funds in his hands belonging to this Corporation -

Ordered that Jacob Whitler & John Richards Overseers of the Streets proceed (as heretofore Ordered) with the Delinquents on Monday next to the repair of the main street and putting up the Posts that remain so far as they will go under the Direction of Thomas Miller, Michl. Robinson and Samuel Roddy Gent -

Ordered that any Inhabitant and House Keeper of this Town who suffers their Chimney to burn in fair and dry weather be subject to the penalty of Twenty Shillings, which the Sergeant is hereby commanded to demand and receive and on failure of payment the Sergeant shall apply for a warrant any Justice of the Corporation is hereby impowered to issue his warrant, hear and determine the same grant Judgment & award Execution for the same & Costs -

John Lewis and Thomas Brumfield Gent. are appointed to receive a list of each person the following property they possess in this Town to wit. Lotts - Free male Tythables - Negroes of every age and size - Riding Carriages - Drays - Horses - Cattle - and Dogs - Ordered that each

[Page 60]

each Inhabitant make a return of such on or before the Tenth Day of November next and that for any & every article they or either of them shall conceal by their return they forfeit the amount of five hundred pounds of Tobacco, to be recovered by Petition before the Court of Hastings of this Corporation -

Ordered that the Mayor of this Corporation employ Joseph Brock Gent. to survey this Town and ascertain the limits of its jurisdiction agreeable to Act of the General Assembly of this State and it is requested that five members of this council attend him during such survey and that the said Joseph Brock under their Inspection make a plan and report of such survey to this Board that they will provide for the payment of the fees & expences attending the same -

Ordered that if any Inhabitant of this Town from this date shall suffer from his Lott any Dung or other Filth to be put into the Streets he or she so offending shall forfeit and pay the sum of three shillings Current money, moreover the sum of three shillings for every hour it shall remain in the Street. Provided nevertheless that where any person is building they shall not be liable to the above forfeiture, but shall have a reasonable time for the removal of the Rubbish.

The Minutes of the preceeding Orders were Signed by
Will McWilliams Mayor
Attest
H Armistead Clk.

[Page 61]

At a Common Council held for the Town and Corporation of Fredericksburg the Ninth day of December One thousand seven hundred and Eighty three -

Present
Will. McWilliams George French )
James Somerville Michl. Robinson )
Charles Mortimer and ) Gent.
John Julian Saml. Roddy )
Thos. Miller )

It is the opinion of this Board that a Survey of this Town be made by Joseph Brock Gent, Surveyor of Spotsylvania County and that at the corner of each square their be planted a stone denoting the same - that James Somerville John Julian, Thomas Miller, & Michl. Robinson Gentlemen or any two of them attend him employing such aid & chain Carriers as is necessary - that the said Joseph Brook Gent be requested to furnish a plan of the Town describing each square for which this Board will provide payment.

The Minutes of the preceeding Orders were signed by
William McWilliams Mayor
Attest
Henry Armistead Clerk

[Page 62]

To his Excellency Genl. Washington late Commander in Chief of the Armies of America -

Sir - While applauding millions were offering you their warmest congratulations on the blessings of Peace and your safe return from the hazards of the field, We the Mayor and Commonalty of the Corporation of Fredericksburg were not wanting in attachmt. and wishes to have joined in public testimonies of our warmest gratitude and affection for your long and meritorious services in the cause of liberty, a cause Sir, in which by your examples and exertions with the aid of your Gallant army the virtuous citizens of this western world are secured in Freedom and Independence. And altho you have laid aside your official character, we cannot omit this first opportunity you have given us of presenting with unfeigned hearts our sincere congratulations on your returning in Safety from the noisy clashing of arms to the calm walks of Domestic ease; and it affords us great joy to see you once more at a place that claims the honor of your growing infancy the seat of your venerable parent and worthy relations - we want language to express the happiness we feel on this occasion which cannot be surpassed but by superior acts (if possible) of the Divine favour

[Page 63]

May the great and omnipotent Ruler of all human Events who in blessing America has conducted you thro so many dangers, continue his favor and protection thro the remainder of your life in the happy society of an affectionate and grateful people - I have the honor to be in behalf of the Corporation with every sentiment of Esteem and respect
Your Excelly most & mhl Sir
William McWilliams, Mayor

To the Worshipful the Mayor and Commonalty of the Corporation of Fredericksburg -

Gentlemen-
with the greatest pleasure I receive in the Character of a private Citizen the honor of your Address - To a benevolent Providence and the fortitude of a Brave and Victorious Army, supported by the general exertion of our Common Country, I stand indebted for the Plaudits you now bestow - The reflection however, of having met the congratulating smiles and approbation of my fellow Citizens, for the part I have acted in the Cause of Liberty and Independence, cannot fail of adding pleasure to the other sweets of Domestic life, and my sensibility of them is heightened, by their coming from the respectable Inhabitants of the place of my growing infancy and the

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honorable mention which is made of my revered mother, by whose maternal hand (early deprived of a Father) I was led to manhood.

For the expressions of personal affection and attachment and for your kind wishes for my future welfare, I offer grateful thanks and my sincere Prayers for the happiness and prosperity of the Corporate Town of Fredericksburg
Ge. Washington


Last Modified 14 May 2003