At a Council held at the Town Hall on Thursday the 22nd of January, 1807
Present
Charles L Carter, Mayor
Geo W B Spooner, Alderman
James Brown, Alderman
Godlove Heiskell, Common Councilman
Jos Walker, Common Councilman
William Pearson, Common Councilman
James Newby, Common Councilman
The office of Recorder being vacated by the removal of Thomas Green, This board proceeded by ballot to the election of a Recorder out of the select number of aldermen when Geo W B Spooner was duly Elected, who qualified accordingly and John Lewis one of the common council who has the greatest number of votes having refused to act as an aldermen, Godlove Heiskell is duly appointed an Alderman to supply the said vacancy who qualified accordingly, The board then proceeded to the election of two Councilmen to supply the vacancies occasioned by the elected James Brown & Godlove Heiskell as Aldermen, when Thos S Johnston & Alexander Walker were unanimously Elected & thereupon the sd Thomas L Johnston qualified accordingly
On motion made & seconded It is ordered that the Trustees of the Markett House do collect immediately the rents of the markett house property & pay the same into the hands of the Chamberlain
Signed
Charles L Carter
[Page 74]
At a Council held at the town hall on Wednesday the 4th of March, 1807
Present
Charles L Carter, Mayor
Geo W B Spooner, Recorder
Thomas Cochran, Alderman
James Brown, Alderman
Godlove Heiskell, Alderman
William Pearson, Common Councilman
Jos Walker, Common Councilman
James Newby, Common Councilman
Thos S Johnston, Common Councilman
Alexander Walker who is elected a Common Councilmen qualified accordingly
Present Alex'r Walker
On motion made & seconded Resolved that the persons entitled to vote at the Mch election for Magistrates & Common Councilmen in this Corporation shall insert in one tickett the names of eight persons to serve as magistrate and also the names of 12 persons to serve as councilmen designation the magistrates and also the names of 12 persons to serve as Common Councilmen, designating the magistrates from the common councilmen, Ordered that the foregoing resolution be published in the Virginia Herald
On motion made & seconded Resolved that no persons but freeholders and housekeepers (commonly called pot-boilers) being inhabitants three months preceding the Election shall be intitled to vote at the ensuing election for Magistrates & Common Councilmen in this Corporation Ordered that this resolution be published in the Virginia Herald
Charles L Carter
March 16th 1807
This being the day appointed by Law for the Election of eight persons to act as magistrates in the Corporation of Fredericksburg during good behavior, and also for the election of twelve persons to serve the Corporation as Mayor, Recorder & Common Councilmen for one year, The freeholders and house keepers being notified thereof met at the Town Hall and having deposited their ballots in the ballot box, upon examination thereof, the greatest number of votes were found to be in favour of the following persons viz.
as magistrates
| Charles L Carter | 168 |
| Thos Goodwin | 161 |
| Wm Porter | 97 |
| [Page 75] | |
| George French | 95 |
| James Brown | 92 |
| James Newby | 91 |
| Geo W B Spooner | 86 |
| Godlove Heiskell | 85 |
As councilmen
| Joseph Walker | 154 |
| Wm Pearson | 153 |
| Alex'r Walker | 151 |
| Thos L Johnson | 136 |
| Wm Smock | 125 |
| Walker R Carter | 123 |
| Zach'y Lucas | 114 |
| John Taliaferro | 93 |
| David Almond | 92 |
| Charles Brown | 92 |
| Richard Johnson | 85 |
| Charles Wardell | 77 |
Which persons are duly elected
Adj'd till 9 o'clock tomorrow
Charles L Carter
March 17th 1807
The council met according to adjournment proceeded to the qualification of the magistrates whereupon Wm Porter James Brown, James Newby, George W B Spooner, Godlove Heiskell, Thos Goodwin & Geo French took the oath of fidelity to the Commonwealth, the oath of justice of the Court of Hustings in Chancery & the oath to support the Constitution of the United States & The following persons to wit Jos Walker, Wm Pearson, Alex Walker, Wm Smock, Walker R Carter, Zacariah Lucas, John Taliaferro, David Almond, Chs Brown, R'd Johnston, Charles Wardell & Ths S Johnston who were elected Common Council men qualified according to law, They then proceeded to the choice of Mayor when Wm Smock was duly elected and qualified accordingly
They then proceeded to the choice to Recorder when Zach'y Lucas was duly elected and qualified accordingly
[Page 76]
Thomas S Johnston was balloted for and elected Chamberlain
Robert S Chew was unanimously elected Clerk of the board who qualified accordingly
Thomas Legg is elected Vendue Master & ordered that he give bond at the next court
Adam Darby is appointed Guager in this Corpo the present year
Barth'o Fuller is appointed Geographer in this corpo the present year
Leonard Adams is elected Clerk of the Market the present year & also as manager of the Hay scales who qualified accordingly
John Taliaferro, Chs Wardell & Wm Pearson are appointed trustees of the Market House the present year who are also appointed to rent out the county warf
Alexander Walker, Jos Walker, & Chs Brown are appointed to superintend the pumps and contract with some person to keep in repair for one year
Walker R Carter, Wm Pearson, R'd Johnson, & Ths S Johnston or any three of them are appointed a Committee to examine the accounts of the Chamberlain the Sergeant & the Trustees of the market house and make report to the council
Timothy Green is reappointed printer for the board for the purpose of printing the Orders &c of this board for which he is to receive the sum of $12 pr annum
Benjamin Hazelgrove is appointed measurer of coal for the present year who qualified accordingly
Signed
Wm Smock
[Page 77]
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Thursday the 26th of March 1807
Present
Wm Smock, Mayor
Zach'y Lucas, Recorder
Joseph Walker
Walker R Carter
Jno Taliaferro
David Almond
Thos S Johnston
William Pearson
Alexander Waller [Walker?]
Rich'd Johnston
Chs Wardell
The board then proceeded to examine & allow the following claims against the corporation vizt,
| To Benj Day pr a/c | $2.80 |
| To George Rothrock pr a/c | 1.50 |
| To Wm Jackson pr a/c | 4.89 |
| To Richard Johnston pr a/c (Delivered to Chs Johnston) | 15.00 |
| To Wm David, Constable pr a/c | 30.00 |
| To Ger'd McKenny pr a/c to be paid to G W B Spooner | 47.75 |
| To Peter Word pr a/c | 51.05 |
| To John Chewning pr a/c | 28.25 |
| To Geo W B Spooner pr a/c | 1.67 |
| To Benj Hazelgrove pr a/c | 67.30 |
| To Robt S Chew, Clerk pr a/c | 111.26 |
| To Robt Henning all'o for salary | 66.67 |
| To Timo Green this sum allowed him annually for printing &c | 12.00 |
| To Timo Green for extra services | 12.00 |
| $489.14 | |
| To Bartho Fuller for services this sum allowed him last year and not paid | 80.00 |
| [Total] | $569.14 |
The committee appointed to examine the Chamberlains Account returned the same which is ord'd to be Recorded by which it appears the [Page 78] Sum of £5.16.6 is due the corpo Ord'd that John Lewis the former Chamberlain pay the said balance to Thos S Johnston the present Chamberlain
| Dr The Mayor & Commonalty of the Corpo of Fred'g with J Lewis Chamberlain | |||||
| 1806 | |||||
| May | 17 | To balance then due the Chamberlain | £30.03.06 | ||
| 21 | This sum pd the bank discount on the Mayor & Chamberlain note for $150 borrowed for poor house | 0.09.7½ | |||
| 28 | Pd Mr J F Gaullier on a/c of poor house | No 1 | 3.00.00 | ||
| Apr | 14 | Pd Mr J F Gaullier on a/c of poor house | 2 | 3.00.00 | |
| 17 | Duncan McVicar (order trustees of poor) | 3 | 2.02.00 | ||
| Pd Clerk of Court of Chancery fee bill | 0.06.06 | ||||
| 28 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 4 | 1.10.00 | ||
| May | 01 | Mr Mastin Clerk of the Markett | 5 | 4.01.00 | |
| 09 | J F Gaullier a/c poor house | 6 | 1.10.00 | ||
| 10 | Wm Taylor a/c poor house | 7 | 9.00.00 | ||
| Ger'd McKenny by order the mayor | 8 | 1.01.00 | |||
| 23 | Pd Bank for discounting Mayor & Chamberlain note | 0.09.7½ | |||
| 29 | Rd Johnston acc't for poor house | 9 | 45.00.00 | ||
| Hy Ensor by order overseers of the pumps | 10 | 12.09.00 | |||
| 30 | Jas Beck by order Council | 11 | 6.00.00 | ||
| 31 | Wm Davis by order Council | 12 | 14.07.02 | ||
| Peter Smock 1/c poor house | 13 | 6.19.06 | |||
| June | 02 | Mord Mastin Clerk of the Market | 15 | 6.14.04 | |
| J F Gaullier order overseers of the poor | 14 | 6.00.00 | |||
| 04 | Wm Jackson by order Council | 16 | 7.10.09 | ||
| Jno Mundell a/c poor house | 17 | 7.10.00 | |||
| Jas Beck repairing fire engine | 18 | 4.10.00 | |||
| 09 | Doct Walker by order Council | 20 | 9.00.00 | ||
| Robert S Chew a/c Jno Chew dec'd | 21 | 12.01.06 | |||
| Henry Ensor order Council | 22 | 18.00.00 | |||
| Jno Lewis by order Council | 6.00.00 | ||||
| 10 | G W B Spooner by order Council | 23 | 11.16.01 | ||
| 13 | Wm Taylor order Superintendant of poor | 24 | 7.09.4½ | ||
| Rich'd Coyle | 25 | 12.08.03 | |||
| Robert Coupar | 26 | 8.02.00 | |||
| Peter Hord | 27 | 14.10.06 | |||
| 24 | Geo W B Spooner order Council | 28 | 6.00.00 | ||
| R S Chew Exor Jno Chew dec'd part his claim | 29 | 6.16.06 | |||
| Hy Ensor by order Jas Brown, Jos Walker | 30 | 18.00.00 | |||
| 28 | Hy Ensor by order Jos Walker & G Heiskell | 31 | 4.10.00 | ||
| Geo French by order Council | 32 | 14.16.09 | |||
| Henry Ensor by order Council | 33 | 13.19.00 | |||
| Thos Newton order of Council | 34 | 9.10.06 | |||
| July | 09 | Wm Taylor a/c poor house | 35 | 6.00.00 | |
| 12 | Morgan Fletcher order of Wm Pearson & G Heiskell | 36 | 0.04.06 | ||
| Robert Walker for hay scale beam | 37 | 15.09.00 | |||
| 17 | B Fuller £3 also 39/ order Council | 38 | 4.19.00 | ||
| 25 | Bank discount on Mayor & Chamberlain note | 0.9.7½ | |||
| Aug't | 08 | Bearer, Wm Taylor & J Scott order P H | 39 | 1.07.00 | |
| Mr Gaullier for poor house | 40 | 0.12.00 | |||
| 15 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 41 | 0.18.00 | ||
| 23 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 42 | 1.10.00 | ||
| 26 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 43 | 1.04.00 | ||
| Sept | 04 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 44 | 1.10.00 | |
| 08 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 45 | 3.00.00 | ||
| Bank [?] borrowed | 45.00.00 | ||||
| 07 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 46 | 3.00.00 | ||
| 27 | Maj'r Day for coals poor house | 47 | 11.17.7½ | ||
| Geo Richardson order council | 48 | 14.08.00 | |||
| 30 | Mr Gaullier order Trustees poor house | 49 | 27.19.06 | ||
| T Green by order Council | 50 | 3.12.00 | |||
| M Reader order overseers pumps | 51 | 2.05.00 | |||
| Oct | 01 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 52 | 1.10.00 | |
| 11 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 53 | 1.10.00 | ||
| 20 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 54 | 6.00.00 | ||
| 23 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 55 | 1.10.00 | ||
| [Page 79] | |||||
| Robert S Chew by order Council (omitted in 19th Journal) | 3.00.00 | ||||
| Nov | 13 | Bearer, order Mr Botts a/c poor house | 57 | 1.10.00 | |
| 25 | Mann Page order trustees poor house | 58 | 4.00.00 | ||
| Dec | 13 | Mr Gaullier poor house | 59 | 1.10.00 | |
| 18 | C Helmstetter order overseer poor | 60 | 3.02.06 | ||
| 22 | Mr Gaullier for the poor house | 61 | 4.10.00 | ||
| 1807 | [Carried forward] | 530.02.02½ | |||
| Jan'y | 02 | M Reader order directors pumps | 62 | 7.11.06 | |
| 07 | Mr Gallier order superintendents poor house | 63 | 9.00.00 | ||
| 15 | Mr Gaullier use of the poor house | 64 | 3.00.00 | ||
| 16 | Mann Page wood for poor house | 65 | 4.00.00 | ||
| Clerk of Spotsylv'a fee bill | 00.17.0¾ | ||||
| 22 | Negro Zachary Coffin for one of the poor | 66 | 1.04.00 | ||
| 23 | Bearer, digging grave for one of the poor | 67 | 00.06.00 | ||
| Feb'y | 04 | R S Chew bal due Jno Chew dec'd | 68 | 15.00.7½ | |
| 09 | Mr Gaullier for the poor | 69 | 3.00.00 | ||
| 14 | M Reader coffin for one of the poor | 70 | 1.04.00 | ||
| 19 | Mr Jones order trustees of ye poor | 71 | 00.03.09 | ||
| Drayage coal to the poor house | 72 | 00.16.06 | |||
| pd Jno Scott (a/c poor) in Oct & [?] | 34.13.1½ | ||||
| Mr Heiskell order Trustees of the Poor omitted 28th Nov'r | 73 | 5.14.0½ | |||
| Feb | 26 | Mr Gaullier for poor house | 74 | 1.10.00 | |
| Mr Gaullier order Mr Botts for wood for poor house | 75 | 1.10.00 | |||
| Mr Gaullier order Mr Smock for beef for poor house | 76 | 1.10.00 | |||
| Mr Gaullier cash | 77 | 0.18.00 | |||
| Mar | 04 | Bearer, order overseers poor | 78 | 0.09.00 | |
| Mr Botts | 79 | 1.10.00 | |||
| Mann Page | 80 | 4.00.00 | |||
| 17 | Mich'l Reader | 81 | 4.10.00 | ||
| J F Gaullier | 82 | 2.08.00 | |||
| A Burden order Council (omitted in Journal) | 83 | 3.00.00 | |||
| 25 | Mr Johnston, man digging grave for poor woman | 84 | 0.06.00 | ||
| Mich'l Reader, coffin for one of the poor | 85 | 1.04.00 | |||
| 639.07.9¾ | |||||
| Commission on £683.17.00 say | 34.03.00 | ||||
| To bal due the Corporation | 10.06.06 | ||||
| £683.17.03 | |||||
| Pd Henry Ensor (pd S Winchester) | 4.10.00 | ||||
| By balance due the Corpo | 5.16.06 | ||||
| £10.06.06 |
| The Mayor & Commonalty of the Corpo of Fred'g with J Lewis Chamberlain Cr | |||
| 1806 | |||
| Mar | 23 | By this sum of Mr Darby | £15.00.00 |
| May | 01 | Clerk of the Markett | 4.01.00 |
| 06 | Mr Geo Baggott a/c Markett house paid | 21.00.00 | |
| 28 | Serg't of Corpo | 36.00.00 | |
| 29 | Serg't of Corpo | 35.14.00 | |
| 31 | Serg't of Corpo | 33.12.00 | |
| June | Clerk of the Markett | 6.14.04 | |
| 04 | Serg't of Corpo | 31.10.09 | |
| 07 | Serg't of Corpo | 21.00.00 | |
| 09 | Serg't of Corpo | 42.01.06 | |
| 13 | Serg't of Corpo | 33.09.7½ | |
| 17 | Serg't of Corpo | 18.10.06 | |
| 24 | Serg't of Corpo | 22.15.1½ | |
| July | 01 | Clerk of Market | 3.04.02 |
| Rec'd of Serg't of the Corpo | 42.11.8½ | ||
| 08 | Rec'd of Serg't of the Corpo | 19.04.00 | |
| 14 | Rec'd of Serg't of the Corpo | 19.01.00 | |
| Augt | 02 | Rec'd of Serg't of the Corpo | 23.14.00 |
| 05 | Rec'd of Maj'r B Day balance of watch tax | 0.14.06 | |
| Sep | 02 | Serg't of the Corpo | 14.08.09 |
| 05 | Serg't of the Corpo | 36.00.00 | |
| Aug't | 04 | Clerk of the Markett | 4.07.06 |
| Oct | 29 | Serg't of the Corpo for play house | 17.02.00 |
| Serg't of the Corpo for play house | 27.07.06 | ||
| Nov'r | 03 | Clerk of the Markett | 7.15.2½ |
| Dec'r | 10 | Serg't of the Corpo | 19.15.2½ |
| By Clerk of the Markett ommitted 5th Sept | 00.00.00 | ||
| Carr'd up | |||
| [Page 79] | |||
| 1807 | |||
| Feb | 13 | By Serg't of Corporation | 69.15.4½ |
| Mar | 19 | By Serg't of Corporation | 31.17.0¼ |
| Clerk of the Markett ommitted 5 Sept | 4.06.06 | ||
| 25 | Clerk of the Markett | 4.14.2½ | |
| By the Sergeant | 16.10.00 | ||
| £683.17.¾ | |||
| By balance as pr contra | £10.06.06 | ||
| By balance due the Corpo | £5.16.06 |
In obedience to an order of Council to us directed, we have examined the acc't of the Chamberlain John Lewis esq'r as stated in this acc't & find that the many charges as respects the Chamberlain are supported by proper vouchers
Signed
W R Carter
Wm Pearson
Thos S Johnston
[Page 80]
Ordered that Mordecai Mastin, former Clerk of hte Markett and Manager of the Hay scales pay to the Chamberlain $68.81 which appears to be the balance due the Corpo after deducting his salary and Commissions.
George W B Spooner and Robert S Chew are appointed a Committee to revise the bye Laws of this Corporation and report the same to this board for their Consideration
The Commissioner of the Revenue in this Corpo to be appointed by the next Court of Hustings, is appointed to take the list of taxable property in this Corporation the present year, and ordered that he receive the sum of $20 for his Services.
Signed
Wm Smock
[see boundary map inserted in Council Minute Book] At the request of a majority of the Committee appointed by the present members of the Corporation of the Town of Fredericksburg for regulating the same, I have ascertained the boundary lines thereof as follows. Beginning at A on the River Bank at a Ditch made by Donnelson between his lott and the lower line of the Town from thence South 62 degrees West 100 poles and 12 feet to B a stake driven in Joseph Christys meadow from thence North 28 degrees West 357-1/3 poles to C, a stone driven in Seth Bartons field and from thence north 62 degrees East 96 poles to D, a stake driven in on the river bank.
B. A was ascertained by beginning at the meeting or intersection of George Street with the back line of the Town, being found by several trials to be more correct than any of the streets in the old Town
9th Sept'r 1805
Bartholomew Fuller
[Page 82]
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday the 13th day of April 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Joseph Walker
John Taliaferro
Charles Brown
Rich'd Johnston
David Almond
Charles Wardell
Alexander Walker
On motion made and Seconded It is Ordered that the Present Trustees of the Markett house, do wait on the Trustees for the last year and obtain frmo them a Statement of their accounts as Trustees of the Markett house
On motion made and Seconded, It is Ordered that Mrs Berry do pay the sum of Twenty Dollars pr annum commencing the 1st day of March last as ground rent for the house she at present occupies & it is ordered that the Sergeant do collect the same quarterly
On motion made and Seconded, It is Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to James Beck the sum of Twenty Dollars for keeping the engine in Order the last year, out of any money he may have in his hands
James Beck is asppointed to take care of the engine and to keep it in compleat order for one year, for which he is to receive the sum of Twenty Dollars
On motion made and seconded, It is Ordered that William Pearson Richard Johnston and Charles Brown be appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of the Street between Mrs Hardia's and Hugh Mercers and report the same to the next Council
Ordered that the Mayor do affix the Assize of bread in this Corporation from time to time as he shall see cause
Signed
Wm Smock
Attest:
R S Chew C C
[Page 83]
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday the 25th day of May 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Zach'y Lucas, Recorder
Wm Pearson, Council
Joseph Walker, Council
Alexander Walker, Council
John Taliaferro, Council
David Almond, Council
Rich'd Johnston, Council
Charles Brown, Council
Charles Wardell, Council
It is ordered that the sum of $865.11 cents be levied upon the inhabitants of the Town of Fred'g to be paid into the hands of the Chamberlain for the use of the poor establishment and that the same shall be subject to the order of the Inspectors of the poor establishment from time to time to be drawn in favor of the Steward or of poor persons
R'd R Farish is appointed to superintend the working of the Streets from the upper end of the Town to Hendersons Corner. William Jackson from Hendersons Corner to Goodwins Corner. William Pearson from Goodwins Corner to Newbys corner & Alex'r Walker from Newby's corner to the lower end of the town. & It is ordered that the sum of $600 be subject to their order, to be drawn for severally upon the Chamberlain from time to time as they shall see cause.
Ordered that Leonard Adams, Clerk of the Markett & Manager of the Hay Scales receive the sum of $100 & 10 pr cent upon all sums of money received by Virtue of his office, for his services the present year
An ordinance of the Corpo of Fred'g, to amend the several ordinances prescribing the mode of ascertaining the Taxable property within the Corpo [Page 84] and collecting the same.
1st Be it ordained by the mayor Recorder & Common Council men of the Corporation of Fred'g, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, that the Comr of the Revenue annually appointed by the Court of Hustings of this Corpo to act as Commissioner for the State in this District, shall act & he is hereby appointed to act as Com'r for the Corpo of Fredericksburg for the purposes hereafter mentioned
2nd The Clerk of the Court shall certify to the Commissioner his appointment without delay, who shall immediately after qualifying as prescribedf by the laws of the State, proceed to perform the following duties for the Corporation, He shall in the first place, make out a correct list of all the improved lots within the Corpo numbered agreable to the Platt of hte Town, the owner & Ocupier's names, what they rent for where actually rented & where either untenanted or occupied by the owner, there and in that case to ascertain the rent as prescribed by the laws of the state, and extend the tax payable thereon to the Corporation
3rd The said Commissioner shall on the 10th day of March Annually begin & proceed without delay through the Town within the limits of the same as established and enlarged by the several acts of the legislature of Virginia and call upon every perserson [sic] subject to taxation or having propertyin his or her possession or care on which any tax is imposed for a written list thereof, which list being corrected if necessary, and distinctly read over to the person delivering the same he or she shall then make oath or affirmation that such list contains a just & true account of all persons & of every species of property in his or her possession or care (lands only excepted) within the Corpo subject to taxation on the 9th day of March the next preceding and that no contracts change or removal [Page 85] of property has been made or entered into or other removed[?] devised practiced or used in order to evade the payment of taxes
4th The Commissioner shall after collecting the lists of property from the inhabitants of the Corpo make three general lists therefrom, shewing in Columns the date when each list was received, the persons names chargeable with the tax or taxes, and the number or quantity of every species of property subject to tax, which list shall be kept and delivered in the following manner. The Commissioner shall retain one of those lists in his own possession so long as he shall continue in office, afterwards to be delivered to his successors & one other of the lists, together with the list taken from individually shall be returned to the Clerk, who shall examine the same and if found to be erroneous either in addition or otherwise correct the same and then Certify them to be true [?]ices. The lists in the Clerks office shall serve the Council for laying the taxes, and be subject to the inspection of every person who my chare to examine the same provided they be not taken out of the Clerks possession one other of the said lists after being Certified by the Clerk shall be delivered by the Commissioner to the sergeant of the Corpo as his guide to collect the taxes and the remaining list after being certified by the Clerk shall be delivered by the Commissioner to the Chamberlain of the Corpo, there to be minutely examined and be produced by him and admitted as evidence for the amount of taxes charged the Sergeant. All which lists it is hereby declared to be the duty of hte Com'r to deliver on or before the 10th Day of June annually.
5th In case any person appointed to the office of Commissioner shall refuse to serve, not having a reasonable excuse in the opinion of the Court, he shall forfeit and pay one hundred dollars [Page 86] to the use of the Corporation provided nevertheless that no person who has served one year shall be again Compelled to serve
6th the Council shall make such allowance annually to the Clerk and Commissioner for their services under this ordinance as they shall think reasonable which shall be paid by the Chamberlain
7th On complaint made to the Corpo Court that the Commissioner neglects or abuses the trust hereby vested in him it shall be lawful for said Court to order or summons to issue, requiring the said Commissioner to appear before them at their next suceeding court which being served on him or a copy thereof left his usual place of abode, ten day at least before the return day thereof, the Court may proceed to hear and determine the complaint may remove him from office, if it shall appear to them that the sd Complaint is well founded.
8th If any person within the Corpo shall give or deliver to a Commission a falce or fraudulent list of persons or property subject to taxation or shall refuse to give a list on oath or affirmation which requiredc by the Com'r the person or persons so refusing shall be liable to a fine of $15 and the Com'r shall proceed to list such persons property agreeable to the best information he can proceive, and all such property is assertained shall moreover be subject to a triple tax to be collected and distrained by the Sergeant, as in other cases and in case of an imperfect or fraudulent list the person giving the same shall be subject to pay a fine of $15 and the property subject to a triple tax, which fine and triple tas, which fine and triple taxes shall be recoverable in the Corporation Court by the following mode of proceeding [Page 87] And applied as herein after directed
9th The Com'r shall give information thereof personally, or if unable to attend, in writing under his hand to the next Court held for this Corporation which Court shall forthwith direct the clerk to issue summons requiring the party to appear at the next Court to be holden for the Corporation to shew cause if any he can why he should not be fined and triple taxed, for giving an imperfect or fraudulent list of taxables, or for neglecting to give a list of his taxab le property upon oath or affirmation when thereunto required by the Commissioner, and the person or persons upon being served therewith by the sergeant, and appearing, shall immediately plead to issue and the matter thereof shall be inquired into by a Jury, or the Court, at the defendants option, and on conviction, or the person failing to appear on being summoned, the fine and triple tax shall be established by the Judgment of the Court, who unless good cause shewn at the next succeeding Court, for such failure, shall award execution, for the fine and costs, and certify the amount of the tax to the sherif for collection, and to the Chamberlain of the Corporation, the amount of which fine after deducting thereout such allowance as the Court may think reasonable to make the Commissioner for his extraordinary trouble on the occasion, shall be applied to the use of the corporation, and the triple tax shall be charged to the sheriff, and accounted for in the manner as the other taxes.
10th In case any person shall be absent from his or her place of residence at the time the Commissioner calls to receive the list, and it should appear to the commissioner that such absence was not intended or done with the view of avoiding the delivery of such list, it shall be lawfull for the Com'r to require the attendance of such absent person, with his or her list, at any time and place within the Corporation provided such person tenders his list to the Com'r and makes oath or affirmation to the Justness of it on or before the first day of June annually, and in case of failure the Com'r shall proceed in like manner as is before directed in cases of refusal to give in lists, and the Court shall deetermine upon the circumstances of the case, whether to impose or remit the fine and triple taxes
11th The taxes on lots slaves and other property shall hereafter become due on the 10th day of June in every years, may be distraind for on the 10th day of July succeeding, and shall be collected, accounted for, and paid to the Chamberlain from time to time as collected and finally [Page 88] Settle his collection on or before the twentieth day of October next thereafter
12th When the serjant or collector of taxes shall have good cause to suspect that any person means to remove his or her property without the limits of his jurisdiction so that in his oppinion there may be a probability that the taxes with which such person is cheargable being lost by the Corporation it shall and may be lawfull for such serjant or collector on making oath before a majestrate, and receiving a certificate of such oath to lay distress on the goods and chattels of such person for the amount of taxes with which he or she is then chargable any time before the tenth day of July, any thing in this ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding
13th It shall and may be lawfull for such serjant or collector to collect and make distress for any taxes that may be due at any time within two years after such tax became due
14th It shall be lawfull for the Court of this Corporation and said Court is hereby authorized to qualify any person or persons for the purpose of compleating the collection of taxes in the Corpo in case of the death of any serjant before such collection shall be compleated, and such person or persons after having giving bond and security to the executor or Administrator of such serjant to be approved of by the Court for the faithfull performance of his office shall have the power in all respects for collecting such arears as the former serjant would have had, But the acting executor or administrator of such serjant if any such there be, at the time of such appointmenbt shall be summonded by order of said Court to shew cause if any he can against the person whom the said Court shall nominate
15th The person or persons so appointed shall in all respects be subject to the same penalties for any neglects of duty or failing to account for and pay to the person or persons authorized to receive the money by him collected as the former serjant, In case paymenbt be not made by any person chargable with any tax levy forfeiture amendment the Sergeant shall have power distrain the Slaves, Goods or Chattels which shall be found upon the premises or in the possession of the person so indebted or failing notwithstanding such Slaves goods or Chattles shall be comprised in any Deed or Mortgage
[16th is not used]
17th and if the owner thereof shall not pay such tax, fine forfeiture or amendment within five [Page 89] days after such distress such Sergeant or collector shall and is hereby authorized to sell the same or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to discharge the said Taxes and the charges of distress and sale for ready money, agreeable to the laws of the state
18th a list of all the Insolvenets shall be annually returned on oath to the council of this corporation by the Serjiant or collector shall have credit for such insolvents is his account with the corporation in settlement with the Chamberlain thereof unless certified by the clerk of this board to have been allowed by ye Council
19th all and Ordinance and Ordinances, Clauses and parts of Ordinances, containing any thing within the purview of this ordinance shall be and the same are hereby repealed, provided always that nothing herein contained shall prevent the collection and recovery of any arrearages of Taxes due before the commencement of this ordinance, but such arrearages shall be collected, paid and destrained for and recovery had against all delinquents and the damages on failure thereof shall be the same as if this ordinance had not be made
20th This ordinance shall commence for and after the passing thereof.
Resolves that the following taxes be paid by the inhabitants of this Corporation and others owning property within the limits of the same to wit One all improved lotts 3 pr cent, on the rents thereof on all free males above the age of 16 and on all Slaves above the age of 12 years $1.25 cts each. on all dray or carts owned and worked within the Corporation $5 each, on all waggons owned & worked within the same $8 each, on all pleasure Carriages $1 pr wheel. On all Horses, mares, mules & colts $1 each, all person carrying on or exercising the trade or occupation of auctioneer within the limits of this Corporation shall pay 5 pr cent to this Corporation on the amount of their Commission [Page 90] on all sales made at public auction for which purpose they shall render a statement of their Commissions to this board when thereunto required. All exhibitters of Theatrical performances Rope dancers &c who shall or may be authorized to exibit within this Corporation shall pay to the Chamberlain $5 for each night they exhibit.
Adjourned
Wm Smock
At a council held at the Town Hall on Tuesday the 23 June 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Zach'h Lucas, Recorder
Wm Pearson, Councilman
John Taliaferro, Councilman
Charles Wardell, Councilman
David Almond, Councilman
Rich'd Johnston, Councilman
Jos Walker, Councilman
Wm R Carter, Councilman
Thomas S Johnston, Councilman
Resolved that Zachariah Lucas Joseph Walker David Almond & Richard Johnston be appointed a Committee to Examine the different wards in this Corporation & apporte[?] on the money that will be necessary to expend on each
On Motion made & Seconded, It is Ordered that so much of the Resolution, taxing private Carts & Waggons in this Corporation be rescinded Provided they are not used in hauling merchandize to & form the different landings & in that case such waggons & carts shall be taxed agreeable to the aforesaid Resolution.
[Page 91]
On Motion made & Seconded, It is ordered that the Constables sell the watch houses in this Corporation for ready money & account with the Chamberlain for the same
On Motion made & Seconded, It is Ordered that the sum of $20 be allowed each of the Constables for their public Services in this Corporation from this time to the 10th of March next and it shall be the duty of the Inspectors of each ward to see that they do their duty
On Motion made & Seconded, Resolved that all Hoggs runing at large in this Corporation Shall be liable to be taken up by the Constables & Sold publickly at the Markett house for Cash On half to be paid into the hadns of hte Chamberlain for the use of the Corporation & the other half to the use of hte Constables, & it is Ordered that the Ordinance authorizing the Shooting of Hoggs be repealed
Ordered that the foregoing Resolutions be published in the Virginia Herald
Resolved that in future it shall be the duty of the Inspectors of the different wards to prevent any obstructions or enchroachments on the public Streets
Signed
Wm Smock
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Friday the 21st day of August 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Zachariah Lucas, Recorder
William Pearson, Councilman
John Taliaferro, Councilman
Thomas S Johnston, Councilman
Richard Johnston, Councilman
Charles Wardell, Councilman
David Almond, Councilman
Alexander Walker, Councilman
[Page 92]
John Chewning a Constable in this Corporation made return that he had sold the Watch houses for $1.75 cents which is paid to the Chamberlain
The office of Measurer of coals in this Corporation having become vacated by the indisposition of Benjamin Hazlegrove, Benjamin Hooten is appointed in his room for the remainder of the year who qualified according to law
Benjamin Hooten is appointed Clerk of the Markett & manager of the Hay Scales for the remainder of the year in the room of Leonard Adams resigned.
Ordered that Leonard Adams former Clerk of hte Markett & Manager of the Hay Scales state and settle with the Chamberlaine on account the monies received by him by virue of his office, and if a balance be found in his favour It is Ordered that the Chamberlain pay the same.
Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to R S Chew 6/9 for a minutt book purchased for the use of the Court of Hustings
Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to David Almond $4 pr his account this day allowed (del'd himself)
Ordered that Thomas Cochran deliver to the Clerk of the Markett the standand Gallon measure now in his possession belonging to the Corpo (copied)
Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Richard R Farish £6.4.0 pr his account this day allowed for Tools furnished for the use of the Corporation (del'd himself)
A motion made & Seconded It is ordered that all persons who violate the ordinance respecting the sale of meal in this Corporation shall forfeit and pay five dollars for every offence, one half to the use of the informer and the other half to the use of the Corporation.
Wm Smock
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday the 28th day of September 1807
[Page 93]
Present
Zachariah Lucas, Recorder
Wm Pearson, Councilman
Jno Taliaferro, Councilman
Thomas S Johnston, Councilman
Charles Wardell, Councilman
John Walker, Councilman
On motion made & Seconded, It is ordered that unless James Young & Co do put in repair water Street & the Cross Street between Colo John Mercers & the Estate of John Hardia dec'd on or before the 8th day of October next agreeable to their engagement with the Council on the 14th day of January 1806 that the same be repaired at the expence of the Corporation and that suit be immediately thereafter Commenced (if advisable) against them for the Expense as incurred thereby. It is further ordered they be served with a copy of this order
On motion made & Seconded, It is ordered that the Clerk of the Markett receive his salary Quarterly
On motion made & Seconded, It is ordered that Godlove Heiskell George W B Spooner & Thomas Cochran be appointed a Committee any two of whom may act to employ Council to prosecute, the Indictments against sundry persons for obstructing the Streets in this Corporation which were removed to the H Court & the said Committy are hereby authorized to draw on the Chamberlain for the amount of the fee (copied0
Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to George W B Spooner, Commissioner of the Revenue the sum of $30 for his services
The Committee appointed to revise the laws in this Corpo this day made their report in these words "In Obedience &c" which was unanimously approved by the Council & Ordered to be published in the Virginia Herald
(The above ordinance recorded in folio 1260
Z Lucas
[Page 94]
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday the 5th day of October 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Zachariah Lucas, Recorder
William Pearson, Councilman
Thomas S Johnston, Councilman
Charles Wardell, Councilman
Joseph Walker, Councilman
Walker R Carter, Councilman
On motion made and Seconded, It is Ordered that William Jackson be imployed to repair the street between Colo John Mercers and Mrs Hardias and to Convey the Water any way so that it shall not injure a private property within this Corporation and that only $30 be appropriated to the mending thereof if required and that all other orders concerning the same be repealed
Ordered that Zachariah Lucas, Thomas S Johnston be appointed a Commilly to superintend the repairs of the Cross Street between Colo Mercers and Mrs Hardia
adj'd
Wm Smock
At a Council held at the Town Hall on Wednesday the 21st day of October 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Zachariah Lucas, Recorder
Thomas S Johnston, Common Council
Richard Johnston, Common Council
David Almond, Common Council
Charles Wardell, Common Council
William Pearson, Common Council
On motion made & Seconded, It is ordered that Richard Johnston be appointed in the room of Goldlove Hieskell dec'd who was appointed oneof the Committy to employ Council to prosecute the Indictments against sundry persons for obstructing [Page 95] the Streets of Fred'g and the said Committee are further authorized to draw on the Chamberlain for any money they may think necessary for that purpose.
The Council taking into consideration the present state of the Town do impower and direct the following persons to extinguish all the fires in the different wards for which they are appointed & which have been burnt; to examine into the state of all the fires in the respective houses to recommend to the inhabitants in their respective wards to sweep their chimnies; to visit all suspected places and in all respects to act according to the direction of the Magistrate under whom they are placed, who are authorized to call out such patrole as they think necessary to provide for the security of the Town, Viz
Thomas Goodwin, Wm James & Wm Smock from Lears corner to Robert Walkers corner
James Newby, John Mundell & Charles Wardell from Mrs Fishers to John Scotts corner
Geo W B Spooner, Richard R Farish & S Winchester from Julians corner to Rosses corner
David Almond, Charles L Carter & Joseph Walker from Rosses corner to the upper end of the Town
James Brown, Richard Johnston, William Pearson & Thomas S Johnston from Goodwins to Alexander Walkers corner
George French, Phillip Terrier, Hugh Mercer & Alex'r Walker from Newbys corner to the lower end of the Town
Adjourned
Wm Smock
Page 96
At a Council at the Town Hall on Wednesday the 28th day of October 1807
Present
William Smock, Mayor
Zach'y Lucas, Recorder
Alexander Walker, Council
John Taliaferro, Council
Walker R Carter, Council
David Almond, Council
Charles Wardell, Council
Thomas S Johnston, Council
The Council taking into consideration the present situation of the Town & the report of a Ciommittee appointed by a General meeting of the inhabitants in these words
At an adjourned meeting of the inhabitants of Fred'g at Wm Herndons Tavern on the 27th October 1807
The William Smock Chairman
Robert S Chew Secretary
The Committee appointed for that purpose reported certain resolutions providing for the safety of the Town which were read and approved of by the meeting
On motion made & Seconded, Resolved that the superintendants of each square present a list of four men residing in their square to patrole their respective squares during the night
On motion made & Seconded, Resolved that the superintendants of each square examine into the state of all chimnies in their squares and report their situation to the Council tomorrow morning
On motion made & Seconded, Resolved that it be recommended to the Council to provide four tons to be placed at the Market House and that a premium be given to the first drayman who shall produce them filled with water at the place they are wanting
[Page 97]
On motion made & Seconded, Resolved that it be recommended to the Mayor to make himself acquainted with those people of color who have been most active in extinquishing the late fires & also recommend to the Council to give them some reward for their services
On motion made & Seconded, Resolved that it be recommended to the Council to have a medal prepared & presented to Edward Cox for his extraordinary exertions in extinquishing the late fire
Ordered that the foregoing resolutions be published in hand bills for the use of the inhabitants
R S Chew, Secretary
W W Smock, Chair
At a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town on 27th October 1807 at the Market house Gerit Minor in the Chair.
Mr Smock, Mayor
Mr Botts
Mr Spooner
Mr Goodwin
Mr Winchester
Mr Mundell
Mr Henderson
Mr Chrisie
Were appointed a Committ to frame and [blank] resolutions to be submitted to the consideration of the meeting of the inhabitants appointed for 4 oclk this evening at Wm Herndons Tavern for the purpose of securing the Town against the dangers of fire
The Council reported to the adjourned meeting the following resolutions
Resolved that the Town be divided into districts by squares to be under the car of the following superintendants
Doctor Carter & David Almond for the squares above Zachariah Lucas's corner including all frmo the river to the back line of the Town
Mr Chew & Mr Spooner for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Fielding Lucas's & James Rosses inclusive extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Mr Winchester & Mr Patton for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Rosses and Julians corner and extending from the river to the back line of the Town
[Page 98]
Mr Henderson & Mr Mundell for the district to comprehend at that part of the Town which lies between Henderson and Duncans corner & extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Mr Goodwin & Mr Christie for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Goodwins & Farish's corner & extending from the river to the back line of the Town
George Norwood & Mr Richard Johnston for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Baggots & Greens corner & extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Mr Alexander Walker & Mr Wm Herndon for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Herndons & Walkers Corner & extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Mr Newby & Mr Shuletice for the district comprehending all that part of the Town which lies between Newbys & Shuletices corners & extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Doctor French & Mr Botts for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Victors & the lower corner of Dixons lot & extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Mr Terrier and Ensign Carter for the balance of the Town below Dixons lot
Resolved that it be the duty of the superintendants to proceed forthwith through the several Districts to have all chimnies swept as high as possible with mop brooms where the chimnies cannot be swept throughout to have the fires extinguished as generally as the necessities of families will admit of during the present dry and windy season; To have as many hogsheads and barrels as can be procured set at convenient places before the houses & kept filled with water & to recommend it to the several inhabitants to keep all their kitchen vessels constantly filled with water & for each family to keep an ax at some convenient part of the lot to be taken by the proprietor with his Buckett or other water vessel to the place of danger in case of any further alarms
[Page 99]
Resolved that Robert Patton Thomas Goodwin or in their absence John Mundell & Wm S Stone be a committee to inspect and receive the engine now under repair together with the axes & fire hooks directed by the body Corporate to be procured & see that the usual room in the Market House be in a fit state for their same keeping
Resolved that Mr Patton & Mr Goodwin be appointed to kee p the engine fire hooks, fire axes & ladders & that it be recommended to the inhabitants to obey the directions of those persons in case of a future danger from fire & each individual of this meeting pledges himself to be obedient to those directions
Mr Stone & Mr Hening for the district to comprehend all that part of the Town which lies between Stones corner & Browns and extending from the river to the back line of the Town
Resolved that it be recommended to the Common Council of the Town to provide for the expence of carrying the foregoing resolutions into effect
Do approve off and ratify the same and it be ordered that the expence of carrying the said resolutions into effect be defrayed by the Corporation
Ordered that each individual in this Corporation furnish himself with ladders to their respective houses in the course of one month & all those failing to comply with this order shall forfeit and pay the sum of $8 to be recovered by warrent before a single Magistrate to be appropriated towards furnishing ladders for the use of the Corporation
The board taking into consideration the several reports of the superintendants relative to the situation of Chimnies in the Corporation do authorize & impower the said superintendants to apply to the different proprietors of the housees reported to be dangerous & request repair the same in a reasonable time and if they fail to do so they authorize either to pull down or repair the said houses and Chimnies as they may think fit the expence of which is to be paid by the proprietor and they are also authorized to pull down immediately all Stoves that do not immediately enter into a Chimney or that may think dangerous
Ordered that David Almond be appointed to provide four Hhds to be placed at the market house that a premium of $4 be given to teh first drayman who shall produce a [Page 100] Hhd of water at the place it is wanting $3 to second $2 to the third & $1 to the fourth
Ordered that the Mayor make himself acquainted with those poor persons who have been most active in extinguishing the late fires and give them some reward for their services
Ordered that John Taliaferro Benjamin John Minor Thomas S Johnston & Zachariah Lucas be appointed a Committee to have a medal prepared and presented to Edward Cox for his extraordinary services in extinguishing the late fire.
W W Smock
