The fortifying of the town-a subject which had constantly been brought up in the town meetings, and ever received the support of the prominent members of the Artillery Company was again brought up in March, 1741. It was desired to reduce the width of the channel below Castle William, to remove the encroachments on Fort Hill, and to repair the North and South batteries. The expense of the first was estimated at eighteen thousand two hundred pounds. The matter was kept before the town and the Legislature until the general government took charge of it, when the town was put in a good condition for defence, in 1741-4, by the combined efforts of the town and the province. Dea. Jonathan Williams (1711) was prominent in the above-mentioned work. May 22, 1741, Hon. Jacob Wendell (1733), Abiel Walley, Esq. (1710), and Hugh Hall, Esq., were appointed a committee "to protect such Coasters as may bring Provisions, Wood, &c. [to Boston] from being Impressed on board His Majesties Ships of War, lying in the Harbour."

A company of Cadets was organized, Oct. 16, 1741, of which Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Pollard (1726) was commissioned commander by Gov. William Shirley. The first mili

or

'In November, 1776, a petition was presented to the "Honorable Council and the Honorable the House of Representatives of said State [Massachusetts Bay] in General Court assembled," by a committee of the Boston Independent Military Company, consisting of John Barrett, William Gale, Henry Bromfield, Joseph Coolidge, and Benjamin Hammett, Jr., praying for an act of incorporation, "agreeably to the spirit and intention of the articles" regulations submitted with the petition. The prayer of the petitioners was granted by the General Court, Dec. 7, 1776, so far as to authorize the granting of commissions "to the gentlemen chosen by said Company," viz.: John Hancock, first officer; Henry Jackson, second officer; Benjamin Hichborn, third officer; Perez Morton, fourth officer, and John Steel Tyler, fifth officer.

The regulations presented to the court were signed by sixty-eight persons, of whom the following were, or became, members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company; viz., Samuel Gore (1786), William Cunningham (1786), Benjamin Edes (1760), John Boyle (1769), Elisha Sigourney (1788), Thomas Newell, Jr. (1786), John Wheelwright (1794).

In 1777, the above-named company, under command of its second officer, Lieut.-Col. Henry Jackson, went to Rhode Island, but soon returned, and was discharged from public service May 5, 1777. The company says in its original petition that it expects "to be marched into the field and ordered to such posts and stations as they may be most likely to answer the end of their association." The "usefulness of the design is the strongest argument for granting the prayer." Probably this company disbanded when the necessity of actual service ceased.

"Every friend in America will hear with pleasure that the spirit of emulation for perfection in military exercise which, prior to the late revolution, so nobly displayed itself throughout this State, and which gave the line of the army belonging to this Commonwealth a deserved prominence, begins to break forth. A company of Independent Cadets, composed principally of young gentlemen in the mercantile line, has been formed within these few

days in this town, and which is now in great forwardness."- Mass. Centinel, Aug. 3, 1785.

It is said that the above-mentioned organization was suggested in the month of July, 1785, when a number of young men formed a volunteer cavalcade to escort Gov. Bowdoin to Cambridge on commencement day, and to Boston on his return. While on this duty, it was suggested that a new company be organized which should serve as an escort to the governors or commanders-in-chief on public occasions.

"The committee for approbating members for the Corps of Cadets now raising will meet for that purpose at the Green Dragon to-morrow evening at seven o'clock."— Mass. Centinel, Oct. 5, 1785.

Nearly a year passed, when the following appeared: -

"Boston, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 1786. On Saturday morning last, the new raised company of Cadets went through the exercises and performed a number of military evolutions on the Common in this town. We are told that this Company intend honoring the 17th of October with their first public appearance in uniform." - Boston Newspaper.

In answer to the petition of Lieut.-Col. Samuel Bradford and his associates, the Legislature, on the 18th of October, 1786, passed resolves authcrizing and empowering the governor to commission the officers of the Independent Company of Cadets. On the following day the company had its first parade under this organization. The corps has continued until the present time. Its records from 1786 to 1795 were destroyed by fire, but it is supposed the corps did escort duty to the governors during those nine years. From 1795 to 1831, except in 1822, and from 1832 to 1872 inclusive, the corps performed that duty on the first Wednesday in January each year. It performed the same service in 1874, but it was omitted in 1873 and 1875.

It therefore appears that the original company of Cadets, chartered in 1741, disbanded in 1774; the Independent Company, chartered in 1776, disbanded when active service in the Revolution ceased; and the present corps of Cadets was chartered Oct. 18, 1786. ·

tary duty performed by this company was in 1741, when it escorted Gov. Shirley to the boundaries of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, being on his way to Rhode Island for the purpose of adjusting the boundary line between that colony and the colony of Plymouth, which had been annexed to Massachusetts. It is said that from 1741 until the summer of 1774 this company was recognized as the body-guard of the successive governors, and was detailed to perform escort duty.

Gov. Thomas Gage arrived in Boston and landed at Long Wharf, May 19, 1774, and was escorted to the Old State House by the Cadets, then under the command of Col. John Hancock. It was the custom for each successive governor to present to the company a standard having on one side the arms of the province and on the other the coat of arms of the donor. With this usage Gov. Gage complied. Col. Hancock was, a few months later, dismissed from his command by the governor in accordance with the following order:

"SIR, I am directed by his Excellency, the captain-general, to acquaint you that he has no further service for you, as captain of the governor's company of Cadets, and you are hereby dismissed from that command.

"I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

" (Signed) JNO. FLUCKER, Sec'y."

The Cadets were incensed at this summary proceeding, and a committee of the corps waited on the governor. The standard which he presented was returned, and they informed Gov. Gage that they considered the dismissal of their commander equivalent to the disbandment of the company. The governor received the standard, and merely remarked that had he known their intention he would have disbanded the corps himself. The removal was without doubt caused by Col. Hancock's refusal to concur in the political views and purposes of the governor. "On the dismissal of Col. Hancock, the company of Cadets was voluntarily disbanded." 2

The members of the Artillery Company recruited in 1741 were: John Dixwell, John Milliken, Thomas Snow.

John Dixwell (1741), hardware dealer, of Boston, son of John and Mary (Prout) Dixwell, and grandson of John Dixwell, alias James Davids, one of the regicides who settled in New Haven, was born in 1718. John Dixwell, the grandfather, flying from prosecution as one of the regicides, came to America in 1664, and some time after settled in New Haven, where he was known as James Davids. He confessed his true name at the time of his decease, March 18, 1689.3 His son John took his father's true name, removed to Boston, was a goldsmith, also ruling elder of the new North Church. He died April 2, 1725, leaving three children, John (1741) being seven years of age.

John Dixwell (1741) was elected scavenger in 1746, clerk of the market in 1747

John Dixwell (1741). AUTHORITY: New Eng. Hist. and Gen. Reg., 1861, 1878.

"Boston, Monday, June 6 [1768]. His Excellency the Governor hath appointed John Hancock, Esq., to be the first Major of the Independent Company of Cadets, and William Coffin, Jr., Esq.,

to be second Major of the said Company."- Boston Gazette.

2 Constitution and By Laws of the Independent Company of Cadets, 1854, p. 4.

Savage's Gen. Dict., Vol. II., p. 55.

and 1748, and was elected constable in 1747, but declined to serve. He was clerk of the Artillery Company in 1743 and 1744, and he died May 14, 1749.1

John Milliken (1741), merchant, of Boston, was the son of John and Elizabeth Milliken, of Boston.

John Melecan, Jr., was elected clerk of the market in 1731, and John Milliken (1741), doubtless the same person, was constable in 1735.

June 19, 1727, John Milliken, Sr., "in Hanover Street," advertised in the New England Weekly Journal “a young negro woman for sale.

Thomas Snow (1741), of Boston. Susanna, daughter of Thomas (1741) and Susanna Snow, was born in Boston, June 23, 1741.

Mr. Snow (1741) was elected a constable of Boston, May 19, 1742, and scavenger in 1753. He served as second sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1746.

The record of the Artillery Company for 1741 is as follows:

"April 10th, 1741. The Company, being under arms, made choice of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Phillips to preach the next Artillery sermon, and the present commission officers, with the field officers, be a committee to request it of him. Returned answer that it was accepted by him.

"June 1st. In the evening, after lodging the Colours; voted, that the present commission officers, with those of the last year, and the field officers of the Regiment of the town of Boston, be a committee to give the thanks of this Company to the Rev. Mr. Samuel Phillips for his sermon preached to them this day.

"Oct. 5th, 1741. Voted, that the report of the committee appointed by this Company to examine the accounts of the late Clerks be received and recorded by the present Clerk in the book of accounts, belonging to the Company. Voted, that the balance due from Mr. Bartholomew Gedney [1726] being fifty shillings and one pence, and from Mr. Thomas Simpkins [1727], five pounds, nineteen shillings, two former Clerks, be paid to the Treasurer of this Company. Voted, that the balance due to Mr. Nathaniel Thayer [1734] of fifty-four shillings and four pence, a former Clerk, be paid by the Treasurer of this Company. Voted, as there is a list, taken by the present Clerk, from the several former Clerks' lists, of what fines that are now due to the Company from the members, who now belong to the same, to the amount of £24. 7. 6d. it's desired that the present Clerk collect those fines; and he has full power to demand, or to excuse any that are in debt, as per this list, if there has been any mistake committed by the former Clerks, it appearing to the present Clerk's satisfaction; and to make report in April next. Voted, that the Treasurer's account be received; balance due the Company £96. 3. and be recorded by the Clerk in the Company's book of accounts. Also it is desired that the Treasurer, as soon as he has got as much of the Company's money as will make this sum £100. to let it out at interest for the use of the Company, and to take good security. Voted, that there be paid by the Treasurer to the present commission officers,

"On the 14th inst [May, 1749] died here much lamented, and on the 16th was decently interred, (the Gentlemen Cadets among whom he was an officer, attending the funeral), Mr. John Dixwell [1741] aged 31 years, a considerable dealer in the ironmongery way, a young gentleman exceedingly beloved and esteemed for his many good qualities

by all his acquaintance. He was son to Mr. John Dixwell, late of this place, and grandson of John Dixwell of the Priory of Folkstone in the County of Kent, England, who came over into New England about the year 1660 and settled at New Haven, Connecticut. He left one son and one daughter." - Independent Advertiser, May 22, 1749.

the sum of thirty pounds, in order to help them to defray the extraordinary charge they will be at in the entertaining the Company on the Election day, and the same to be paid yearly by the Treasurer to the commission officers, that shall be hereafter chosen to serve this Company, it being for the same end, and this to continue till it is revoked by the Company.

Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Andover, delivered the Artillery election sermon in 1741. He was the eldest child of Samuel and Mary (Emerson) Phillips, of Salem, and was born in that town Feb. 17, 1690. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Rowley, and his maternal grandfather Rev. John Emerson, of Gloucester. He graduated at Harvard College in 1708, taught school the following year at Chebacco, and the next year he began his theological study. He was invited to become the pastor of the South Parish Church, Andover, and began to preach there in April, 1710. He was ordained Oct. 17, 1711, on which occasion he preached the ordination sermon. He continued as pastor of this church for sixty-one years, and died June 5, 1771, in the eighty-second year of his age.

Mr. Phillips married, Jan. 7, 1712, Hannah White, of Haverhill. She died Jan. 11, 1773, aged eighty-two years. They had five children, three sons and two daughters. Their sons, John and Samuel, were noted for their liberality in educational work. Together they founded Phillips Academy in Andover, and John, in addition, established a professorship of divinity at Dartmouth College, and founded and endowed Phillips Academy of Exeter, N. H.

Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Andover, was a brother of Col. John Phillips, of Boston, who commanded the Artillery Company in 1747 and 1759.

1742.

The officers of the Artillery Company elected in 1742 were: Samuel Watts (1733), captain; Henry Berry (1733), lieutenant; Jonathan Williams, Jr. (1729), ensign. Nathaniel Thayer (1734) was first sergeant; Joseph Edwards (1738), second sergeant; Jacob Emmons (1738), third sergeant; Joseph Jackson (1738), fourth sergeant, and William Taylor (1738), clerk.

The erection of the market-house, donated to the town by Peter Faneuil, was begun Sept. 8, 1740, and completed Sept. 10, 1742. A meeting of the town was held Sept. 13, 1742, when Hon. Adam Winthrop (1692), Thomas Hutchinson, Esq. (1694), Hon. Edward Hutchinson (1702), Samuel Waldo, and Hon. Ezekiel Lewis (1707) were chosen a committee to draw up a vote of thanks to be given Peter Faneuil, Esq., "for his noble and generous benefaction." The committee reported at that meeting, concluding their report as follows: That "Hon. Thomas Cushing [1691], Hon. Adam Winthrop [1692], Edward Hutchinson [1702], Ezekiel Lewis [1707], Samuel Waldo, Thomas Hutchinson [1694], Esqs.; the selectmen and representatives of the town of Boston, Hon. Jacob Wendell [1733], James Bowdoin, Andrew Oliver, Esqs.; Capt. Nathaniel Cunninghanı [1720], Peter Chardon, Esq., and Mr. Charles Apthorp wait upon Peter Faneuil, Esq., in the name of the town, to render him their most hearty thanks for so bountiful a gift," etc. Thomas Hutchinson, Esq. (1694), then moved that, "in testimony of the town's

Rev. Samuel Phillips. AUTHORITIES: Abbot's Hist. of Andover; Sprague's Annals of American Pulpit, Vol. I., p. 273; Wisner's Sermon on the death of Hon. William Phillips, son of Rev. Samuel.

gratitude to the said Peter Faneuil, Esq., and to perpetuate his memory, the town would now pass a vote that the hall over the market-place be named Faneuil Hall,' and at all times hereafter be called and known by that name"; which motion was passed unanimously in the affirmative.

Sept. 17, 1742, Mr. Faneuil was requested by the town to nominate a clerk of the market, and he named Mr. Thomas Jackson (1716), merchant, who was unanimously chosen by the town.

His Excellency the Governor notified the selectmen that he had received from "my Lord Chamberlain" his Majesty's picture, a present to the town of Boston, to be hung up in Faneuil Hall. The town selected Hon. Adam Winthrop (1692), Samuel Waldo, and Ezekiel Lewis (1707), Esqs., to express its thanks to the governor for the present. The building, erected in 1740-2, was of brick, one hundred by forty feet. It was injured by fire in 1761, repaired by a lottery fund in 1763, and enlarged and completed in its present form March 10, 1806. Mr. Faneuil died March 3, 1742-3, aged forty years and about nine months. March 14, 1744, the town "voted to purchase the Faneuil Arms, elegantly carved and gilt by Moses Deshon [1737], to be fixed in the hall."

The journal of Benjamin Walker, Jr., thus refers to the death and burial of Peter Faneuil, the donor to Boston of Faneuil Hall, where the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company has for so many years had its headquarters : —

"Thursday 3 [March, 1743]. Peter Faneuil Esq', between 2 & 3 a clock in ye afternoon dyed of a dropsical complyca [tion], he was a fat, squat, Lame [man] hip short, went with high heeld shoe (In my opinion a great loss too This Town aged 42. 8 m.) & I think by what I have hear'd has done more Charitable deeds than any man yt ever liv'd in this Town & for whom I am very sorry.

"March 10. Peter Faneuil, Esq buried. Bearers, Mess" Tom. Lechmere, Josh Winslow, Jn Wheelwright, And. Oliver, Jno Gooch, Jno Wendall went round ye Town house.

"Thursda 10. Burried Peter Faneuil, Esq in 43a year of age, a fatt, corpulen, brown, squat man, hip short, lame frō childhood."

A manuscript note in William Nadir's almanac, under date of March 10, 1743, says: "Mr. Peter Faneuil, Esq' burried. a very large funeral went round ye Town house. gave us gloves at y funeral but sent ye gloves on y° 11 day. his Cofin cover[ed] wth black velvet, & plated with yellow plates."

The first meeting of the citizens of Boston held in Faneuil Hall, other than a town meeting, was held on Monday, March 14, 1742-3, when Mr. John Lovell, master of the South Grammar School, "made an handsome Oration on the Death of Peter Faneuil, Esq., to the great acceptance of the Town."1

The members of the Artillery Company recruited in 1742 were: Joseph Belknap, Nathan Blodgett, Joseph Butler, Benjamin Church, Thomas Johnson, Jr., Caleb Phillips.

Joseph Belknap (1742), leather dresser, of Boston, son of Jeremiah (1711), grandson of Joseph (1692), and great-grandson of Joseph (1658), was born in Boston, Feb. 22, 1716. His brother, Jeremiah, Jr., joined the Artillery Company in 1745. Lieut. Joseph (1742) married, July 31, 1741, Sarah, daughter of Rev. Mather Byles. Jeremy

Joseph Belknap (1742). AUTHORITY: BOSton Records.

The oration is printed in the Fourteenth Re

port of the Record Commissioners, Boston Records, 1742-1757, pp. 14-16.