Council Minutes
City of Fredericksburg, Virginia
1813

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday January 11th 1813

Present
Charles L Carter, Mayor
George French, Recorder
Horace Marshall, Common Councilman
William Allen, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman
William Pearson, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman
John Mundell, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman
John Goolrick, Common Councilman

Upon the application of Robert Lewis for leave to build a bridge across the Rappahannock river and to make his abutment adjoining the County wharf, the Council upon mature consideration of the subject doth grant leave to the said Lewis to make his abutment at the place above mentioned upon condition that he does not in any manner obstruct the navigation of the said river

Charles L Carter, Mayor
Attest
R S Chew, C C

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Saturday the 6th day of February 1813

Present
George French, Recorder
John Scott, Common Councilman
John Mundell, Common Councilman
Horace Marshall, Common Councilman
William Allen, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman
John Goolrick, Common Councilman

[Page 176]

On Motion made & seconded resolved that the former order Directing the Trustees of the Market House to lease out the corner of the Markett House Lott at the intersection of William & Princess Ann Streets be rescinded and the Trustees are hereby authorised & Directed to advertise & lease out the said ground to the highest bidder, dividing the same into two or three lotts as may see to them proper. The lease the same for three lives or 24 years upon condition that the person or persons leasing the same shall build fire proof houses thereon two stories high; the whole of the ground leased to build upon

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to William Barton $6 for making two coffins

Geo French

At a council held at the Town Hall Saturday March 6th 1813

Present
George French, Recorder
John Mundell, Common Councilman
John Goolrick, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman
Joseph Walker, Common Councilman
John Scott, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman

The Council proceeded to examine & allow the following claims against the Corporation viz't

To Carter L Stevenson attorney for the Commonwealth	$66.67
To Timothy Green for printing (himself)	24.00
To James French salary as Physician to the poor	30.00
	$120.67
To George Baggott Serj't for public services	50.00
To Benjamin Day, Coroner for Inqt on wines	5.00
To Philip Terrier pr acc't	10.75
To Alex Walker pt acc't	3.00
To John Scott pr acc't	2.00
To John Goolrick pr acc't	3.00
To Cor'n R S Chew Clerk pr Acc't	129.10
To George as police officer to this day	50.00
To Charles Stewart Constable for Salary (himself)	90.00
To Charles Stewart Constable for extra services (himself)	10.00
To Gerard McKenney, Constable for salary (himself)	90.00
To Gerard McKenney, Constable for extra services (himself)	10.00
	$573.52

[Page 177]

John Mundell, John Goolrick & John Scott or any two of them are appointed to settle the accounts of Horace Marshall Chamberlain & George Baggott serjeant of this Corporation and make report thereupon to the next Council

Geo French

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Friday the 12th day of March 1813

Present
George French, Recorder
John Scott, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman
Joseph Walker, Common Councilman
Wm Pearson, Common Councilman
John Mundell, Common Councilman
William Allen, Common Councilman

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to James Diggs one dollar for digging a grave for Nancy Fortune

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Doct'r Geo French the sum of $5 for the use of Suckey Johnston a poor a poor person of colour, It appearing to the Council from the statement of Doctor French that the said Suckey Johnston cannot without endangering her life be removed to the poor house

Present, Alex'r Walker
Absent, John Scott
Present, John Goolrick

The Committee appointed to examine and settle the amount of Horace Marshall Chamberlain made their report that the said account is correctly stated & supported by proper vouchers and that the balance of $63.77½ cts is due to the Chamberlain. Order'd that the said account be Recorded and that an abstract thereof be published in the Virginia Herald (de'd recorded 182)

[Page 178]

The Committee appointed to examine and settle the account of George Baggott, Serjeant reported that the said account is correctly stated and balanced, ordered that the said account be recorded (acct recorded 181)

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to George Hammond $95 for digging and walling the well between Thomas R Rootes and John Mortimer

Geo French

March 15th 1813

This being the day appointed by Law for the Election of 12 persons to serve the Corporation of Fredericksburg as Mayor, Recorder and Common Council for one year. The Free holders and House keepers being notified thereof met at the Town Hall & having deposited their ballotts upon examination thereof the greatest number of votes were found to be in favour of the following persons Viz't

David Almond	66
George French	63
Chas L Carter	62
Horace Marshall	56
Alex'r Walker	54
Philip Terrier	51
Wm Pearson	50
Joseph Walker	49
John Scott	44
Robert Parrott	38
John Goolrick	37
Robert Mackay	36
John Mundell	35
Wm Allen	31
H White	31

The first named 12 persons were accordingly duly Elected

They then proceeded to the choice of Mayor when George French was duly elected & Qualified

Charles L Carter was duly elected & qualified as Recorder for the present year

[Page 179]

Horace Marshall is re-elected Chamberlain of this Corporation for the present year who qualified & Ordered that he give bond & security in the penalty of $5000 at the next Council & It is furthered that he receive $50 for this services

Robert S Chew is unanimously elected Clerk of this board the present year, who qualified accordingly

John Goolrick is reappointed Geographer in this Corporation the present year

Anderson McWilliams is reappointed Guager in this Corporation the present year who qualified accordingly

Roger Carey is reappointed measurer of Coal & Salt in this Corporation the present year who qualified accordingly

Mess'rs Green & Cady are reappointed printers for the purpose of printing the orders &c of this board & it is Ordered that they receive the sum of $24 for the same

Horace Marshall, Robert Mackay & Joseph Walker are appointed Trustees of the Markett house the present year & also to rent out the public wharf & to take care of the fire hooks, Ladders, & Engines & also rent out the hay scales

Alex Walker, Robert Parrott & David Almond are appointed to superintend the pumps the present year and they are authorized to draw upon the Chamberlain for such sums as may be necessary to keep them in order

Ordered that Mayor do affix the assize of bread in this Corporation from time to time as he shall see cause

Geo French
Attest
R S Chew, C C

[Page 180]

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday the 22nd of March 1813

Present
George French, Mayor
Chas L Carter, Recorder
David Almond, Common Councilman
Wm Pearson, Common Councilman
Joseph Walker, Common Councilman
John Scott, Common Councilman
Robert Parrott, Common Councilman
Robert Mackay, Common Councilman
Horace Marshall, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman

Horace Marshall entered into and acknowledged bond with security as Chamberlain in this Corporation for the present year

Roger Cary is unanimously elected Clerk of the Markett & Superintendant of the fire Engine and water hogsheads the present year

On Motion made and seconded resolved that David Almond, Robert Mackay, Joseph Walker & Robert Parrott do examine into the State of the fire Engines and hooks & buckets and report thereupon to the next council and also to direct all necessary repairs to be made to them immediately

Present, John Goolrick

On motion made and seconded, Resolved that a Committee be appointed to contract for the repairs of the 6 pounder & to mount the two pieces of cannon belonging to Cap't Hill & It is ordered that they solicit subscription to defray the expence & in case a sufficient sum be not raised for that purpose that the balance be paid out of the funds of the Corporation & Charles L Carter, John Goolrick, Robert Mackay & Alex'r Walker are appointed a Committee to carry this a solution into effect

George French
Attest
R S Chew, C C

[Page 181]

Dr Corporation of Fredericksburg in a/c with the Serjeant 1812 To James Newby for this sum remitted $5.00 To Fee bills 9.54 To Mrs Whitter error in Tax 1.00 To George French 30.00 To Timothy Green 24.00 To Wm Pearson & Philip Terrier 11.10 To Robert S Chew 28.95 To Cash paid Chamberlain 2160.53 To my salary as serjeant 50.00 To my salary as police officer 50.00 Summoning a Inqr on the dec'd Body of Wine a negro 3.15 To Wood furnished the Court Council 1.00 To Lemuel Thompson pr bill 5.72 To Am't Delinquent pr list 30.00 To my Commission $2537.76 at 5 pr ct 126.35 To Bal due the Corpo 33.82 To cash paid Chamberlain 33.82 Corporation of Fredericksburg in a/c with the Serjeant Cr 1812 By Amt Land Tax $1302.92 By amt property Tax 1230.50 By amt Dray tax pr bill Tendered Chamberlain 33.34 By Amt tax received of Vaning 1.00 By Amt received of McGhuhan 1.00 By Amt received of Mrs James French 1.00 By Balance pr Contra 33.82

$2569.76

$2568.76

$2569.76

Having according to order examined the annexed account we find it to be properly stated and supported by vouchers, and that the balance has been settled with the Chamberlain
John Scott
John Goolrick

[Page 182]

Dr The Corporation of Fredericksburg in account current with Horace Marshall

1812
April	02	To Cash paid W Jackson Com'r $113 5 pr cent		6.65
	03	To Cash paid W Jackson Com'r $15 5 pr cent		.75
May	01	To Cash paid Discount on $1300	1	13.87
June	27	To Cash paid Garrard MacKenny his salary as Constable	2	90.00
	27	To Cash paid Repairs of Pumps	3	6.42
	27	To Cash paid R S Chew 1/c by Council	4	81.41
	27	To Cash paid Repairs of Pumps say 41.74½	5	35.42
	27	To Cash paid for a coffin for a poor person	6	3.00
	27	To Cash paid Repairs of Markett House	7	67.90
	28	To Cash paid 1yrs Sallary of the Clerk of the Market	8	37.50
	29	To Cash paid John F Gaulier for use of the poor	9	150.00
	29	To Cash paid Rent for the poor house	10	110.00
	29	To Cash paid For Corporation Tools	11	12.00
	29	To Cash paid Discount in Bank on $1300	12	13.87
July	13	To Cash paid John Metcalf Com'r of the Revenue	13	40.00
	14	To Cash paid Repairs of Markett House	14	69.61
	25	To Cash paid Repairs of Caroline Street	15	88.00
	27	To Cash paid John W Green his sallary as attorney of the Commonwealth	16	66.67
Aug	01	To Cash paid repairs of Caroline Street	17	179.50
	04	To Cash paid repairing Corpo Tools	18	8.25
	04	To Cash paid Repairs of Pumps	19 & 20	9.50
	11	To Cash paid Repairs of Pumps	21	10.00
	11	To Cash paid Repairs of Pumps	22	31.91
	11	To Cash paid Mending ladders	23	1.00
	13	To Cash paid Repairing Markett House	24	43.22
	14	To Cash paid for a well rope	25	5.31
	14	To Cash paid repairs of pumps	26	15.00
	29	To Cash paid Inclosing Markett Square	27	66.69½
	29	To Cash paid Repairing Corporation Tools	28	5.50
Sept	01	To Cash paid Bricks for new wells	29	132.50
	04	To Cash paid Discounted in Bank on $1300	30	13.87
	05	To Cash paid Repairs of Caroline & Charles Streets	31	114.65
	05	To Cash paid Repairs Markett House	32	.83
	05	To Cash paid Repairs of Charles Street	33	18.65
		Amount carried forward		$1557.51½
		[Page 184]
Sept	17	To Cash Paid Repairs of Streets	34	174.85
	18	To Cash Paid Cleaning Markett Square		1.75
	29	To Cash Paid S Barton for Gravel	35	20.00
Oct'r	03	To Cash Paid Repairs of Pumps	36	45.38
	06	To Cash Paid Clerk of the Markett 1yrs salary	37	37.50
Nov'm	06	To Cash Paid Discount in Bank on $1300	38	13.87
	12	To Cash Paid Repairs of Charles Street	39	6.57
Jan'y	08	To Cash Paid Discount in Bank of $1300	40	13.87
	25	To Cash Paid Carrying Water Hhds to fire at Strebecks	41	5.00
Feb'y	16	To Cash Paid Carrying Water Hhds to fire at Jail	42	10.00
	25	To Cash Paid Making door for Clerks office	43	4.37½
Mar	04	To Cash Paid John Gaulier for the use of the poor	44	200.00
	04	To Cash Paid Chamberlain Salary		50.00
	04	To Cash Paid for 6 shovels for use Corporation		9.00
	04	To Cash Paid repairs Pumps	45	109.91
	04	To Cash Paid Balance due the Chamberlain settlement of amounts for 1811		38.52
	06	To Cash Paid Wm Jackson the first payment for improvements made by him on Court House Lot	46	150.00
	07	To Cash Paid Repairs of streets	47	4.18
	07	To Cash Paid John Metcalf for issuing Licences dray & carts	48	22.50
		To Cash Paid Repair of Pumps in Charge number	5	6.32½
	09	To Cash Paid Error in Commission returns of property tax $6 amount pr bills $9.54
		To Cash Paid P French Physician for the poor $30
		To Cash Paid T Green for printing $24
		To Cash Paid Repairing and making pumps		111.70
		To Cash Paid R S Chew part of his sallary as Clerk of the Council		28.95
		To Cash Paid George Baggott for attending Council $50, as police officer $50		100.00
		To Cash Paid George Baggott for summoning coroners inquest		3.15
		To Cash Paid George Baggott pr his a/c allowed by Commissioners		6.72
		To Cash Paid George Baggott pr his a/c for collecting tax		126.35
		To amount of Delinquents		39.00
		To this sum due by G Baggott Serjeant		33.82
				2997.39½
		To Balance due the Cham pr settlement		63.75½

The Corporation of Fredericksburg in account current with Horace Marshall

	[Page 183]
1811
April	02	By this sum rec'd from W Jackson on a/c Dray Tax		128.00
	22	By Amount of Land Tax	$1302.92
	22	By Amount of Property Tax	1230.50	2533.42
		Amount carried forward		$2661.42
		[Page 185]
1812
Mar	04	By Amount balance of dray tax		33.34
	04	By Amount of Rent M Square		177.00
	05	By Amount this sum received of constables for sales hogs $10.41
	05	By Amount this sum received draymen & waggoners for improper conduct in the streets $4.67
	05	By Amount this sum received from showmen exhibiting animals in this Corporation $10.00		25.08
				2896.84
		By Amount This sum rec'd from the sergeant addition property tax		3.00
		Balance due the Chamberlain		63.73½
		By Amount cash rec'd from G Baggott Sergeant		33.82

Having according to order examined the annexed am't we find it to be correctly stated & supported by proper vluchers having a balance due to the Chamberlain by the Corporation of sixty three dollars, seventy three and a half cents
John Scott
John Goolrick

[Page 186]

At a council held at the Town Hall on Saturday the 1st day of May 1813

Present
George French, Mayor
Chas L Carter, Recorder
Horace Marshall, Common Councilman
John Scott, Common Councilman
Robert Mackay, Common Councilman
Robert Parrott, Common Councilman
John Goolrick, Common Councilman
William Pearson, Common Councilman
Joseph Walker, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman

Philip Terrier qualified as a Common Councilman according to Law

The Commissioner of the Revenue returned an abstract of the property subject to taxation in this Corporation the present year as follows. Viz't

Free males above 16 years	396
Slaves above 16	585
Horses	168
Pleasure Carriage wheels	100

Resolved that the same species of Property and persons subjected to taxation the last year be again taxed at the same rates which were imposed the 26th of May last except that all free male Negroes shall pay 150 cents each & all free female negroes shall pay one dollar each

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Benjamin Clark £6.17.3 for repairs to Cannon

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to John Goolrick $6 pr his account this day allowed

Be it ordained that in addition to the taxes this day imposed all dogs in this Corporation on the 1st day of June next shall be subject to a tax of $1 each to be paid by the owner thereof, and it be ordained that the owners of dogs on or before the 1st day of June next shall put a collar made of metal on the neck of their dogs which collar shall be produced to the serjeant & be by him stamped with a stamp to be provided for the purpose on the receipt of the tax, It shall be the duty of the Serjeant to keep a register of the number of collars by him stamped with the names of the persons owning the same & furnish two copies thereof, one to the constables & the other [Page 187] to the Chamberlain and be it further ordained that it shall be the Duty of the Constables to shoot and bury any dogs they may find going at large without collars stamped as foresaid after the 10th day of June next. (Dogs following and belonging travellers only excepted) for which they shall be allowed the sum of 37½ center for each dog by them killed and buried under the ordinance & the Serjeant is hereby allowed the sum of $10 for his services; ordered to be published

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Robert Stanard $20 for his fee in the Supers[eadas] against Johnston & Young

Ordered that Horace Marshall, Robert Parrott, Robert Mackay & David Almond do examine into the situation of some corn said to be damaged and if damaged to ascertain the views of the owners thereof as to the disposition of it

On motion made and seconded. Resolved that the Trustees of the Market House do advertise & lease out that part of the Market House square commencing at the corner of the hosue now occupied by William Barker as a hatters shop thence with Caroline Street 24 feet thence at right angles with the said street 132 feet thence at right angles with last mentioned line towards the Church lott 24 feet, thence at right angles with last mentioned line 132 feet to the beginning which lott is to be leased out to the highest bidder for 3 lives or 21 years upon condition that the person leasing the same shall build a fire proof house two stories high covering the whole of the front on Caroline Street and shall not be permitted to have an outlet or door on the side next to the Market House

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Robert S Chew $6 for drawing two deeds of lease from the Corporation to Horace Marshall & Charles Austin

Ordered that the Council adjourn

Geo French
Attest
R S Chew

[Page 188]

At a council held at the Town Hall on Thursday the 13th of May 1813

Present
George French, Mayor
Chas L Carter, Recorder
David Almond, Common Councilman
Joseph Walker, Common Councilman
Robert Mackay, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman

The leasing of the Market house lott which was to take place on Saturday next is postponed until the 29th of the present month

Geo French

At a meeting of the Common Council of the Town of Fredericksburg convened at the Town Hall on the evening of Wednesday the 13th of May 1813 for the purpose of taking into consideration the present defenseless state of the Town under existing circumstances

Present
George French, Mayor
Chas L Carter, Recorder
David Almond, Common Councilman
Joseph Walker, Common Councilman
Robert Mackay, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman

Resolved that John Dawson, Esqr and Cap'n Wm F Gray be required to proceed immediately to Rich'nd & present to the Executive Council the memorial by the inhabitants generally of the Town expressive of their feelings & sentiments and that they endeavor to procure the aid and protection prayed for in the memorial or such other relief as the Council may think most proper and advisable.

Geo French
Attest
R S Chew, C C

[Page 189]

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Friday the 10th of Sept 1813

Present
Charles L Carter, Recorder
Horace Marshall, Common Councilman
John Goolrick, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman
Robert Parrott, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman

It being represented to this board by several Citizens of the Corpo that Garret Minor Esq'r was about to burn a brick kiln on a lott lately purchased by him bo William C Carter and that they will probably be subjected to much danger and inconvenience in consequence thereof

The board on a mature consideration of the subject doth grant permission to the said Garrit Minor to burn the said Kiln

Chas S Carter, Recorder

At a Council at the Town Hall on Monday the 18th day of October 1813

Present
George French, Mayor
Charles L Carter, Recorder
John Scott, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman
Wm Pearson, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman
Robert Parrott, Common Councilman

The mayor having represented to the board that he had called a Council at the request of many of the Citizens of the Corpo to take into consideration the propriety of recommending an illumination of the Town in manifestation of their joy at our late glorious success against the enemy; whereupon, Resolved unanimously that it be recommended to the Citizens to illuminate the front of their houses this evening commencing at dark and that the lights be extinguished at the hour of 9 o'clock which time [Page 190] time will be announced by the ringing of the Church Bell. Resolved the market house be illuminated at the expense of the Corporation under the Superintendance of Mess'rs Stewart and McKenney

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Charles Steward and Gerard McKenney £7.15.3 it being the amount of their account this day allowed for shooting dogs (delivered Chas Steward)

Geo French
Attest
R S Chew C C

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Tuesday the 9th day of November 1813

Present
George French, Mayor
Charles L Carter, Recorder
Horace Marshall, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman
John Scott, Common Councilman
Robert Mackay, Common Councilman
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman

The proceeding of the association for the purposes of establishing a patrol to guard the Town of Fredericksburg was presented to the board and approved off and it is ordered that the Church Bell be rung at ten o'clock insted of nine as recommended in the report

Ordered that all negroes and suspicious persons found going at large in the Streets after the ringing of the Bell be committed to Jail until the next morning when they shall be taken before a magistrate and upon examination of the matter the magistrate shall order him or her to receive not less than 10 nor more than 39 lashes at the public whipping post according to the circumstances of the case [Page 191] provided however that the owner of a slave may procure his discharge by the payment of two dollars to the use of the Corpo and a free person of colour by the payment of the like sum

Gerard McKinney is appointed to ring the Bell and Summon the guard to attend patrol for which he is to receive the sum of $30 pr annum

(Signed)
Geo French

At a Council held at the Town Hall on Monday the 15th of Nov'r 1813

Present
George French, Mayor
Charles L Carter, Recorder
Alex'r Walker, Common Councilman
Philip Terrier, Common Councilman
David Almond, Common Councilman
Robert Parrott, Common Councilman
Robert Mackay, Common Councilman
Jos Walker, Common Councilman

A memorial from a committee on the part of a number of young Gentlemen of this Town who have formed themselves into a Society under the appellation of the "Hope Fire Company" was presented to the board and read, and on Motion made & seconded

Resolved unanimously that this bo'rd do approve in toto of the Society, its principles, and the rules and regulations for its government and do earnestly recommend to the Citizens to give aid to the officers of said Society in extinguishing fires

Resolved that the Two Engines be put in good order under the superintendance of the Trustees of the Market House, and Silas Wood and William F Gray, two members of the "Hope Fire Company" and the officers of the said Company are hereby authorized to take choice of the said Engines and have control and management thereof

Ordered that the Chamberlain pay to Edwin Meredith $13.67 cents pr his ac't allowed for repairing pump

(Signed)
Geo French

[Page 192]