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Readers are -asked* to ifeport all cases of , books marited & muti- lated. ^^^ Jo not deface boolcs.by marks and writing.'*- Cornell University Library LD2152.F74 B9 Burning of Harvard Hall olin 1764 and its c 3 1924 030 616 233 BURNING OF HARVARD HALL 1764 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES BY FRANCIS APTHORP FOSTER Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030616233 With the Compliments of the Author (^'S^lr^ie-,i__£^ Qz:^ fd^kJTJi-^ hiA.:-/. BURNING OF HARVARD HALL 1764 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES BY FRANCIS APTHORP FOSTER REPRINTED FROM :> THE PUBLICATIONS OF ^}}Z Colonial Mxtcitt^ of ^n6Su\)viettt!i Vol. XIV CAMBRIDGE JOHN WILSON AND SON 1911 /. BURNING OF HARVARD HALL 1764 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES THE BURNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES On Monday the 16th of January, 1764, while the Massachusetts Legislature was in session at Boston, — Message to the Col° Clap and Others a Committee of the House of Governor ^^ , Representatives waited upon his Excellency acquainting him that as the House are apprehensive that the Small Pox will soon prevail in the Town, it being as they are informed by the Selectmen in seven or eight houses; and desiring that his Excellency would please to adjourn them to Cambridge. The Secretary delivered the following Message from his Excellency the Governor to the two Houses respec- tively viz'. Court adjourned Gentlemen, His Excellency directs that this Great to Cambndge and General Coiu't be adjourned to Cambridge, to meet at Harvard College on Wednesday next at 10 o'clock in the Forenoon. And declared the Great and General Court to be adjourned accordingly.* Towards midnight of Tuesday, the 24th, Harvard Hall, in which the General Court had been holding its sessions, caught fire and was wholly destroyed together with its contents,^ which consisted not only of the library and philosophical apparatus but the private prop- erty of such students and others as had chambers in the building. ' Records of the General Court, xxv. 130-131. Cf. House Journal, pp. 196-197. 2 Hutchinson in his History of Massachusetts, iii. 105 note, speaks rather disparagingly of the loss: The night after the 24th of January, the building called the old college was consumed by fire, which began in the library, the room where the council had sat the evenmg before. A very large collection of books, but the greatest part of them not very valuable, together with the apparatus for the use of the professor of natural and experimental philosophy, were wholly lost. A much better build- ing was erected at the charge of the province, planned by the governor, who was a very ingenious architect, and a much more valuable library and apparatus were supplied by pubUck and private donations. Cf. Publications of this Society, xi. 55; and below, p. 15. 1911] BtTRNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 3 The fullest description of the disaster is contained in President Holyoke's letter to the press/ which forms the basis of the accounts by Quincy,^ Peirce,* and Eliot.* There is little if anything to be added to what has been written of the occurrence/ but there are, 1 Massachusetts Gazette, 2 February, 1764, p. 2/1; quoted in Quincy and Peirce. It 'was reprinted as a broadside, probably for purposes of distribution. President Holyoke, in his Diary, now in the possession of Mr. Andrew Nichols of Hathome, mentions laconically, "Harvard Hall burnt," under date of 24 January, and " Finished raising roof of Harvard," under date of 29 September, 1764. I am indebted to Mr. Nichols for these two items. 2 History of Harvard University, ii. 112-116, 479^83; list of donations, ii. 484- 496; illustrations of the halls, i. 43, 347, and ii. 122, 483 note. ' Hisfory of Harvard University, pp. 281-299. * Sketch of the History of Harvard College, p. 75. ^ An interesting contemporary account of the conflagration appears in a letter dated 30 January,.1764, from which the following excerpts are taken, written by President Holyoke's daughter Margaret to her husband, John Mascarene, then in London. The letter is printed in full in Henry F. Waters's The College Fire in 1764 — A Contemporary Account, in the Harvard Register, iii. 294r-297: And now my Dear I shall begin with your matter of fact writing. First then our Friends are all well, our new College is Finished, and a Beautiful Building. The thirteenth of this month the General Court were invited to dine at College, at which time it was called HoUis Hall, in gratitude to the late and present worthy gentleman of that name — since that time the Small Pox has been in Boston in 20 familys which has drove a third almost of the people out of Boston, and the General Coiirt adjourned to the College, the Council to the Library, and the house to the Hall where they have met for the dispatch of Public Business till last Wednesday, for on Tuesday night about 12 o'clock, in the severest snow storm I ever remember I heard the cry of Fire, one moment brought me to the window, when [I] saw the old Harvard College on fire, and it was with the utmost diffi- culty they savd the other Buildings. Stoughton was on fire an Hour, Massachusetts catchd in three places, and Hollis Hall is burnt much, at the Southwest comer, there was nothing saved in old College, except a bed or two, the whole [ ] Library, except some Books lent out and Mr. HoUis's last donation, were demolished, [and] the whole apparatus. Mr. Hancock who lodgd out, on account of the storm lost everything except the cloths he had on, this is a most terrible accident, this Library in which were so many valuable Books, ancient manuscripts, the Labour of the Learned, and the work of ages, in a few hours tumd to ashes. Our College is now poorer than any on the Continent — we are all real mourners on this occasion and I doubt not your attachment to alma mater, will make you feel sorrowful upon this conflagration. As to Father he had very near lost his life on the occasion, the snow was in drifts in many places four and five feet high, papa went thro it all with nothing more upon him than he sits in the house, the President's house was in great danger [as] the wind was strong at N west the latter part of the time, and in short if Stoughton had gone all the houses in town to the Eastward of the College would have gone. I think I never saw so great a strife 4 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [APHIL, however, certain other sources of information which, though not unknown, have hitherto been ignored. It might be expected that the newspapers of the period would furnish something of value, but a careful search has failed to discover more than a few official notices. To be sure the tragedy did not go unsung, though it requires a stretch of the imagination to call the results poetry. The question of the stamp taxes was occupying the public mind at this time to the exclusion of all else, and it is, no doubt,, to this fact that the paucity of other material in the press is due. Even the laying of the corner stone of the new Harvard Hall, 26 June, 1764, is dismissed with a few lines and a copy of the inscription on the stone.^ of elements before, it is supposed the Fire began in the Beam under the hearth of the- Library, the Gov'r & a great number of the court assisted in extinguish- ing the Fire, it being vacation and no person in the college,' the fire was past stopping in Harvard before it was percievd. I hope the K . . g will give some- thing to repair the loss as he has never done anj^hing for this College yet, and my Dear (tho I would not dictate to you) I believe if you was to try among your acquaintances for some donations by way of Books, or mathematical instruments, it will be very acceptable. Mr. Winthrop thinks that 3 Hd pd sterl'g would buy a compleat apparatus, and there are Books which are of no great ac* in a private gentleman's Library, which are ornamental and useful to an ancient and Public one. Cahill is generous, and loves show. Suppose you was to ask him — if he gives anything worth while, he will have the Public thanks of the College, and his name will be enrolled among the worthy Benefactors to this Seminary, and will live when the Buildings themselves are crumbled into Dust, but I need say no more. I know you will want no stimulus in this affair, our Country men at the Coffee house I doubt not if properly applied to, would subscribe somthing Hansome. Any wealthy lady that is minded to make her Fame immortal cant have a more favorable opportunity, thus my Dear, I have given you as good an account as I can of this terrible afair which would have been nothing hardly il the Library and apparatus had been saved. If I can get a paper wherein the ac- count is ile send it to you — and now partly to soften your grief and alleviate your sorrow, lie tell you the proceeding of our worthy Court the next Day. the First vote that past was for rebiulding the College at the expence of the province Imediately, and two thousand lawful voted to begin with, and a sum to Mr. Hancock to repair his loss which with what of money Plate &c. they have found in the Ruins, I hope will make his loss Ught, £10 lawful apiece to those scholars who lost their Furniture, and £40 lawful to the Buttler, aU which is thot very handsome. ... I have begd last Monday's paper of Mr. Flucker, which I shall enclose as this ship goes directly for London, you will find an Inventory as near as they could remember, of the library and apparatus, to the end that those that are minded to give may know what — the College Bell also is gone, the vacation is lengthened out to I don't know what time. 1 For a copy of the inscription, see Quincy, History of Harvard University, ii. 496. ^-^■'^^^^ feAt^,.^ 1911] BURNING OP HAEVAKD HALL, 1764 5 In the State Archives, however, there is unpublished material of actual worth, not the least valuable part of which Ues in the inventories of losses filed with the Legislature by the students whose quarters had been destroyed. These lists throw an interesting light upon the personal belongings of college men of the time, besides compelling admiration for the feats of memory required in their making. President Holyoke's letter, already alluded to, was followed by this appeal by way of postscript: Cambridge, Jan. 26. 1764. As the General Assembly have this day chearfuUy and unanimously voted to rebuild Harvard-Hall, it encourages us to hope, that the Libeakt and Apparatus will also be repaired by the private munificence of those who wish well to America, have a re- gard for New-England, and know the importance of literature to the Church and State. The appended notices are a direct outcome of the fire, and concern the students, borrowers of books from the College library, and in- tending donors: "W Jf 7'HEREAS by the righteous Providence of GOD, the most antient M/l/^ of our Buildings is destroyed by Fire, and thereby the Hall and the Kitchen, as well as the Library and Apparatus, have been consumed ; and especially whereas the Small Pox is now in several Places at Boston, and it is apprehended will increase: Theeefoee the Students of Harvard College, (whose Return to the College should, but for the above Considerations, have been on Wednesday the 8th Instant) are hereby notified, not to return to the College at that Time, nor tUl they have Notice of a proper Time for it, by the President, in the pubUc News- Papers. In the mean Time we recommend it to them, that they diligently follow their Studies under the Influence and Direction of the Minister or Ministers of the several Towns to which they belong, or any other Gentlemen of Learning that they may converse with. EDW. HOLYOKE, President, In the Name of the President and Fellows of Harvard-College. Cambridge, February 1. 1764.' 1 Massachusetts Gazette, 2 February, 1764, p. 3/2. Cf. College Book No. 7, 112. 6 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OP MASSACHUSETTS [APKIL, A VOTE of the Corporation of HaTvard-College, February 1. 1764. THAT whosoever have in their keeping any of the Books belonging to the late Library of Harvard-College, do as soon as may be, make Return of them to the President; or at least an Account of every one of said Books, which they have in their Possession. Edwahd Holtoke, President. NOTICE is hereby given to such of the Students of Harvard-College as have a Desire to improve themselves in the Hebrew Language, during their Recess from the College, that they may have one of the new Hebrew Grammars ' by applying or sending to the President. Edward Holtoke, President. Cambridge, Feb. 2, 1764.2 WHEREAS the Honorable and Reverend the Board of Overseers of Habvabd-College have recommended it to the Corporation to appoint proper Persons to receive the Donations in Money or Books, of any Persons in America, who may be dispos'd to contribute to a new Library for the Colle6e, and that Notice be given in the public News- Papers, that such Persons are ready to receive such Donations; and that if any Person desires their Names may be concealed, and would signify any Mark or Word, by which they would have the Receipt 'of their Do- nations ascertained, such desires shou'd be comply'd with. Therefore in conformity to the above Recommendation, the Corpora- tion make it their earnest Request, That the Reverend Ministers of all Denominations in this and the neighbouring Governments, would under- take to be Receivers of such Donations, as may be made by pious and charitable Persons in their respective Parishes; And that they will be pleas'd to signify to their People (in such manner as their own Prudence shall direct) that they stand ready to receive such Donations : And that they will be further pleas'd in convenient Time, to Inform the President at Cambridge, or the Hon. Thomas Hubbard of Boston, Esq; the Treasurer of said College, what Donations may be deposited with them. And We humbly hope, that all who wish well to the Interests of Re- 1 These were Sewall's, printed from a font of Hebrew type presented by HoUia and preserved from destruction by being in Boston at the time. For this infor- mation, I am indebted to Mr. William C. Lane. ' Massachusetts Gazette, 9 February, 1764, p. 3/1. Cf. College Book No. 7, p. 113. 1911] BTJENING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 7 ligion and Learning, will compassionate our present destitute State (by which the Students are imder much Disadvantage, as to their Learning) and will have their Hearts and Hands opened to contribute liberally to the Reparation of the great Losses, both in the Library and Apparatus, which GOD in his holy Providence hath suSer'd to befall the Society under our Care. EDWARD HOLYOKE, President, in the Name of the Corporation. Cambridge, March 5, 1764.^ The first of the following two poems, which was given a place of honor on the front page of the Massachusetts Gazette of 2 Febru- ary, 1764, is aptly described by the author of the second poem as a " school Boy's Hexametric Toil." A third poem appearing in the press, called Harvardinum Restauratum, has. already been printed by this Society.^ — THRENODIA— In Conflagrationem Aulse Harvardinse Cantabrigise Nov-Anglorum die 24'° Jan'j 1764. QUIS lacryxaas retinere potest, dum fatur Amicus Harvardi veteris Fatum? Nutricis ut almee, Qud Juvenes dociles literatis artibus omnes Instructi bene sunt: sed nunc fundamine rasa Nobilis hsec domus est, flam m arum vi fxmata; — (Coctilibus Muris vim solum obstantibus ignis, Chasmata multa manent illis ut Fulmine fracta.) Terribilis fuit Eventus per Numinis Iram! — Quare Deus nobis voluit contendere tantis ^rumnis — Morbos varios rapidumque per Ignem,. Non decet ignarum, secretas dicere Causas — Hoc mihi sufficiat, talis Divina voluntas: — Hacce Domo cura, sumptilque Volumina multa Musarum, assiduo Juvenum Studio esse rep6sta: 1 Massachusetts Gazette, 8 March, 1764, 3/1. Cf. College Book No. 7, pp; 112-113, 114-115. 2 Publications, xi. 55-61. It appeared in the Boston Gazette of 7 April, 1764, p.l. I THE COLONIAL SOCIETT OF MASSACHTJSETTS [ApBIL, (Antiques, Scilicet/ literatos, atque modemos:) Unusquisque refert, simxil his consumtaque 3ammis: Heul dolor eventfl fatali corda Virorum AfEcit immodicus, Fautores qui literarum Semper erant opibus! Jam, jam radientur at Ipsi Splendore, ut Sphaeris distinctis Sidera Cseli. PHILOMUSUS. To the PRINTERS. You are requested, when you have Room, to give the following Lines Place in your valuable Gazette. SPQR. The LAMBasTTATioN 0/ HARVARD. ALASl how am I chang'd! Revolving Suns Through many a Period joyfully have smil'd. On my once happy Seat; where uncontroU'd I sat, the Mistress of this western World, And sent my learned Youth throughout the Land, To guide with happy Skill, both Church and State. Around my sacred, venerable Elm My frequent Buildings rose; whose ample Domes Inclos'd my fav'rite Sons,^ an happy Tribe On either Side th' Atlantic far renown'd. My Fame throughout the Land of Libeett Was circulated wide: Nor did I want Instructors of my own, to lead the Youth, Their younger Brethren, through the lovely Fields ^ Of Science, humane and divine; whose Paths Delightsome, Hand in Hand they trod apace With eager Steps, till at the sacred Shrine Of fair Philosophy arriv'd, they paid Their humblest Adoration at her Feet. > On p. 3/1 occurs this correction: " (In the first Column of this Paper, the 6t^ Line from the Bottom, the Word Scilicet, should be before Antiquos)." 2 For the history of the term "favorite son," of which this is an earlier ex- ample than has hitherto been known, see Publications of this Society, sdii. 100- 109. 1911] BTJENING OF HAEVAKD HALL, 1764 But now, how chang'd the Scene I behold the Walls, Not long ago the fam'd Repository Of solid Learning, levell'd to the Dust. Ye Flames, more merciless than the fell Hand Of all-devouring Time; more savage far Than Earthquake's horrid Shocks; * why did ye not Recoil with Shame, when near the sacred Volumes, Arrang'd with Care, your pointed Spires approach'd? Why could ye not, the fam'd Museum spare, Unrival'd in Columbia, where my Sons Beheld, unveil'd by Winthrop's ^ artful Hand, The Face of Nature, beautiful and fair? Ah fatal Night! why didst thou not remain Perpetual, and with dusky Pinions, veil These awful Ruins, Beauty laid in Dust? Where are my Comforters? where the whole Band Of laurell'd Bards, once nourish'd at my Breast, Who not long since condol'd Britannia's Loss When George the great resign'd his earthly Crown? Where is my Ch — ch, my L-w4l, H — -p — r, D — re,' 1 The ori^al Stoughton College, taken down in 1780, was injured in the earthquake of 1755. 2 Professor John Wmthrop. ' Positive identification of these four names seems unlikely, though it is fair to assume from the context that the author of the poem refers only to contribu- tors to Pietas et Gratulatio. Winsor's Pietas et Gratulatio: an Inquiry iato the Authorship of the several Pieces (iu Bulletin, Library of Harvard University, i. 305-308) shows "Ch-ch" to be Dr. Benjamin Church, " L-w-11," the Hon. John Lowell, and " D— n," the Rev. Samuel Deane. There was no contributor to whom " H— p— r" could refer, and I am led to think that the initial letter " H" is a mis- print for " C," and that the Rev. Samuel Cooper was intended. Dr. Benjamin Church, son of Benjamin (Edward, Benjamin, Richard), was bom at Boston in 1739; Harv. 1754; A.M. 1773; a student of medicine in London, returning to Boston about 1756 and becoming a successful practitioner; " physi- cian, essayist, and poet, — a man of glib and fervid expression, with numerous showy gifts, but shallow, volatile, false" (Tyler). For a sketch of his career, which ended in imprisonment for treason, followed by a grant of Uberty on account of bad health and a departure for the West Indies in a vessel which was never heard from, see Appletons' Cyclopaedia of American Biography, i. 612; Kettell, Speci- mens of American Poetry, i. 145; Tyler, Literary History of the American Revo- lution, i. 185; and for descent, History of the Church Family, p. 24. The Hon. John Lowell, son of the Rev. John (Ebenezer, John, John, Percival) and wife Sarah Champney, bom at Newburyport 17 June, 1743, Harv. 1760, and subsequently a fellow and the recipient of the degree of LL.D. in 1792, was 10 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [ApML, The Popes and Priors of our western World? Alas their Harps are on the Willows hung I Sated with Fame, and all the World's Applause, Their tuneful Pens lie dumb; not one of all Can " pay the grateful Tribute of a Song." || But should our Land again (which Heav'n forbid) Be call'd to mourn our happy Sov'reign's Death, Should golden Prizes, once more be propos'd; How would their Fancies take poetic Fire; How would they mount the Pegasaean Steed, And soar aloft, to gain immortal Fame? AvEi SACRA Fames I What base Ingratitude then, to neglect Their Alma Mater in her mourning Weeds! Ye sleeping Bards I hght up your wonted Fires, Let not the school Boy's Hexametrie Toil * Remain the only lasting Monument Of my sad Overthrow: But come my Bards Approach my awful Ruins, stand around Your once lov'd Nursery, behold my Woe, Gather my Ashes, and let that Reward Your pious Care to mitigate my Grief, And to perpetuate in elegiac Verse a noted lawyer, jurist, and statesman. He died at Roxbtuy 6 May, 1802. (Ap- pletons' Cyclopaedia of American Biography, iv. 42; Lowell, Historic Genealogy of the Lowells of America, pp. 34r-35.) The Rev. Samuel Cooper, son of the Rev. William (Thomas) of Boston and wife Judith Sewall, was bom at Boston 28 March, 1725; Harv. 1743; M.A. Yale, 1750; S.T.D. Edin. 1767; a noted divine, and pastor of the Church in Brattle Square from 1744 to the date of his death, 29 December, 1783; fellow of the American Academy. (Appletons' Cyclopsedia of American Biography, i. 733; Tuckerman, Thomas Cooper of Boston and his Descendants, pp. 5-7.) The Rev. Samuel Deane, son of Samuel (Samuel, John, John) and his second vsdfe Rachel Dwight, was bom at Dedham 30 August, 1733; Harv. 1760; tutor, 1763; settled at Falmouth (now Portland), Maiae, 1764; poet and author. " He was a man of good personal appearance, and of grave and dignified deportment, but in hours of relaxation he was fond of indulging in social conversation, which he enlivened with pleasantry and wit" (Willis). He married Eimice Pearson in 1766, and died 12 November, 1814. (Brief Memoirs of John and Walter Deane, pp. 12-13; Willis, History of Portland, ii. 232.) • All places mentioned in these notes are in Massachusetts, imless otherwise specified. 1911] BURNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 11 The sad Remembrance of that fatal Night, When Science fell a Victim to the Flames. II See Piet. & Gratulaf. N" VII. p. 20. * See the Massachusetts-Gazette of February 2. 1764, column l.i We now reach the records of legislative action. For the sake of convenience the material bearing upon the claims for losses has been kept together, though this necessitates a departure from strictly chronological order. [25 January, 1764] Sdr^ioms for'S Harvard College in which the Court held their Ses- Geni Court sions while at Cambridge having been consumed by Fire, since the Adjournment the last Evening, the Council met at the Governors Lodgings, a Committee of the House there waited on his Excellency to acquaint his E:^ellency and the Board that they had appointed three of their Members to look out for some convenient House in Cambridge, to met in during the rest of the Session; Whereupon Thomas Hubbard and John Choate Esq'^ two of the Members of the Board were appointed to look out for some convenient place to accomodate the Governor and Council.^ [26 January, 1764] tt^^iiea'S^lre ^^ *^® House of Representatives. Whereas the Files l"""* of the General Court, and the Minutes of Council for the present Session are consumed by Fire. Resolved That there be allowed to be paid out of the Public Treas- ury all such Grants and Allowances as shall appear upon the Journal of the House of Representatives to have been made by them before the 25"^ Instant, and which [shall] not appear to have been Nonconcurred by the Board, or refused by the Governor, and for which Warrants have not been already issued. Resolved also that the Records of the General Court for the time aforesaid be made from the said Journal, and laid before the General Court 1 Massachusetts Gazette, 26 April, 1764, p. 3/3. ^ Records of the General Court, xxv. 150^151. 12 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Apkil, at the next May Session for their Correction or Appro- bation. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ [26 January, 1764] Message from the The Secretary went down to the House of Representa- Governor tives with the following Message from his Excellency the Governor viz*: Gentlemen of the House of Representatives I heartily condole with you on the unfortunate Acci^ dent which has happened to the College, and We have been the melancholly Spectators of. As your Bounty has just now been largely extended to that Society, I should not so soon ask you to repeat it upon any common occasion: but as*this extraordinary Event has come whilst the Building was in your imme- diate Occupation, there seems to be an Obligation that you should replace it, However, whether it is considered as a Duty, or a fresh call for your benevolence, I shall be glad to join with you and the Coimcil, in proper measures to retrieve this Loss. Cambridge January 26: 17642 Era Bernard j [26 January, 1764] Se CoUege'*"''^ '^^ following Order passed on his Excellency's Mes- sage of this day viz* In the House of Representatives. Read and Re- solved unanimously that the College be rebuilt at the Charge of the Province. In Council Read and unanimously Concurred Consented to by the Governor 1 Records of the General Court, xxv. 1S2. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Ixxxviii. 416; House Journal, pp. 227-228; Province Laws, xvii. 469. • 2 Records of the General Court, xxv. 152. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 491-492, for the Governor's message in autograph, together with the action thereon; House Journal, pp. 228-229; Province Laws, xvii. 469. 1911] BUBNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 13 Committee to effect the same In the House of Representatives Resolved That M' Tyler, M' Otis, M' Gushing, M' Boardman and M' Trowbridge with Such as the honourable Board shall join be a Committee to begin and carry on the work of rebuilding the College; and that the Sum of Two thou- sand pounds be now granted them out of the Publick Treasury for that purpose. Resolved That the Committee abovenamed procure a Water Engine for the use of the College, not exceeding One hundred pounds In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor , Samuel Danforth, William Brattle, James Bowdoin, Thomas Hubbard and James Russell Esq''^; were on the part of the Board joined to the Committee abovementioned.^ Vote of Council bro't down [26 January, 1764] John Choate, Esq; bro't down a Vote of Council, viz. In Council, Jan. 26, 1764. Ordered, That the Com- mittee appointed to Rebuild Harvard-College he di- rected to take the most proper Measures immediately to remove the Rubbish from that part of the Building- where the Hall stood, in order to find the Province- Seal which was buried in the Ruins: And that they- employ some Persons of Credit to make diligent Search for the same, taking Care to set a trusty Watch on. the Place in the mean time. And all Persons whatsoever, excepting such as shaffi be eniployed or permitted by the said Committee, are prohibited entring upon the Ruins, until the said Com- mittee have finished their Search. Sent down for Conciurence. Read and Concur'd.'' [31 January, 1764] In the House of Representatives. Ordered That Cap* Henly be added to the Committee of both Houses appointed to rebuild Harvard College &c 1 Records of the General Court, xxv. 153. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, IviiL 492, 501, 501a; House Journal, p. 229; Provinee Laws, xvii. 470. 2 House Journal, p. 231. Com"" for rebuilds the College 14 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [April, Committee to view a com- modious Place for erecting a new College Grant of £2,000 for rebuilding H: College In Council Read and Concurred, and Ordered That M' President Holyoke be likewise added to said Com- mittee.^ [31 January, 1764] Ordered, That Mr. Speaker, Judge Russell, Major Livermore, Col. Bowers, Mr. Thacher, Col. Dwight, Mr. Trowbridge, Mr. Foster of Plymouth and Col. Gilbert, view the most comnjodious Place for erecting a new College, and Report.^ [3 November, 1764] In the House of Representatives Ordered' That the Sum of Two thousand pounds be paid out of the Public Treasiu-y to the Committee appointed to take care of the rebuilding Harvard College, to enable them to pro- ceed in that Affair. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor * [18 June, 1765] The Committee appointed to rebuild Harvard-College, in obedience to the order of the Honble House of Representatives of the thirty first of May A D 1765. " directing the committee to lay their proceedings in that affair, before the house " Humbly Shew. That the Great & General Court having in their Session at Cambridge in January 1764. Resolved " that Harvard College be rebuilt at the charge of the Province " — were pleased to order us to begin and carry on that work, without further ascertaining the dimensions or form of the building, or the place where it should be erected. That as the Hall and Library, the apparatus-room, and Hebrew- school, the Kitchen and Buttery were in the old house & were absolutely necessary for the college, it appeared to the committee that those rooms must be made a part of the new building, and that besides those, there ' Records of the General Court, xkv. 174. Cf. MassachusettB Archives, Iviii. 495; House Journal, pp. 247, 252. • ' House Journal, p. 248. ' Records of the General Court, xxv. 314. Cf. Masaaohuaetta Archives, Iviii, 523a; House Journal, p. 135; Province Laws, xvii. 574. 1911] BUENING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 15 cou'd not be half so many other rooms or chambers for schollars as were necessary for them, without making the building much larger than we supposed the Court ever intended or designed it should be. That as sufficient provision for the schollars could not be made in this building, and the having any chambers for the schollars therein would endanger the library, apparatus, &c. The Committee were of Opinion that if other provision cou'd be made for the schollars, it wou'd be best to have all the rooms for public use, and none other, in this building. That his Excellency the Governor was of the same Opinion and assured us that he wotild give his consent to an act for raising by Lottery a sum sufficient to build another college for the Schollars: and Cap* Thomas Dawes offered to build it upon the credit of such a lottery & to enter upon the work so soon as this College should be finished. That it appearing to the committee that in this Method of proceeding a sufficient number of rooms for public use and for the schollars to dwell in, might be procured with much less expence to the Government than it could in any other manner be done; and not doubting but that the other Branches of the Legislature, would readily agree with his Excellency in making such an act, the Committee concluded to have all the rooms for public use and none other in the college they were about to erect. That upon surveying the College ground, the Committee found that if this new building was erected North of HoUis-Hall, as was proposed by some, the next College, if set as a wing to answer Massachusetts- Hall, would extend to the middle of the highway, and Considering it would be most convenient that all the rooms for public use, and especially the Chapel & Hall should be as near the Centre as might be, the Committee were fully of Opinion that it would be best to set this building where old Harvard stood, and in order effectually to secure it from fire, in case of Stoughton or HoUis-Hall's being burnt, that the Cornishes under the Eves of the roof should be made of Stone & not of wood, as in Hollis- Hall. That the Committee being sensible of his Excellency's Superior knowl- edge in architecture,^ requested him to favor them with a plan of the > See p. 2 note 2, above. I am indebted to Mr. Albert Matthews for the following extract, which is taken from the Boston Gazette of 31 July, 1769, p. 3/1: HIS EXCELLENCY sir FRANCIS BERNARD, BARONET OF NET- TLEHAM IN LINCOLNSHIRE OLDENGLAND, sails for England the 16 THE COLONIAL SOCIETT OF MASSACHUSETTS [Aphil, proposed Building, & having examined & approved the same, They have ever since been carrying it into execution. That the building is one hundred and seven feet long — forty feet wide, & forty feet high — att the west end above the celler is the Chapel, and over that is the Library. At the east end is the Kitchen & Buttery, and over them is .the Hall & above that are the apparatus-room, & the Mathematical and Hebrew-schools. The walls of the house are of Brick & stone — and its cover'd with slate. The house is glazed and the outside of it finished — except the Cupola, the doors and steps leading to them. The Kitchen, Buttery, & Hall are nearly finish'd. The rough floors, throughout the house, are all laid — and the Masons and Carpenters are Now at work in finishing the Building. — and the Committee have expended & paid for Materials & Workmanship — three thousand six hundred forty two pounds thir- teen shillings and 2"* which is submitted E order Sam' Danforth [Endorsed] Report of the Comm'* for rebuilding Harvard College June 18 Read 1765 > [20 June, 1765] fhe°CoUegr— ^^ *^® House of Representatives, Resolved, That the Sum of One thousand pounds be paid out of the public Treasury to the Committee appointed to rebuild Har- vard College to enable them to proceed in that affair, they to be accountable. In Council, Read and Concurred. Consented to by the Governor.* first fair Wind. — Note, Nettleham is a poor obscure little Village, about as far from the City of Lincoln, as the Baronet's Tom Trott of a Country House at Jamaica- Pond is from Boston. The People of Nettleham subsist chiefly by carrying Garden Stuff to Lincoln: Here it may be presumed the Bart, learnt the little he knows of Gardening; but that he should also set himself up for an Architect and Politician, is altogether unaccountable. '■ Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 537-539. ' Records of the General Court, xxvi. 52. Cf. Massachusetts Arohivea, Iviii. 647;; House Journal, pp. 79, 82. 1911] BUENING or HAEVABD HALL, 1764 17 1765 — Province of Massachusetts Bay for Building Harvard College D' To Mess" Crafts and Tileston aoc" for the ) Carpenters work &c I" 2102 10 To Cap* Thomas Dawes for the Mason's work and > sundrys which he paid by order of the Committee j • • • • 2439 12 6 To Mess" Codner and Homer for the Stone work 695 12 5 To Mess" Waters & Crafts Painters 158 16 6 To M' W" Burbeck Carver ] \ 33 5 To the Hon'''' Samuel Danforth Esq' for sundrys paid ) gqq o qi by him as s acc» ) ' ' " » -^ »1 To the Hon'''' Tho= Hubbard Esq' as p aco" 284 3 11 To the Hon'''' Royall Tyler Esq' as $ acc° 100 4 8 6112 18 7i Supra Qt By Sundry Warrants on the Treasurer am° to £5000 Balance £1112 18 7i Errors excepted S: Danforth p order ^ [13 June, 1766] HarvMd , ^^ *^® House of Representatives. Resolved that the ^"''^^ Province Treasurer be, and hereby is directed to pay out of the public Treasury to the Committee appointed to rebuild Harvard College the Sum of Eleven hundred and twelve pounds eighteen shillings and seven pence halfpenny to enable them to pay the several balances now due to the Workmen &c which is in full for the charge and cost of rebuilding said College. In Council, Read and Concurred. Consented to by the Governor.^ This last resolve was the final grant for rebuilding Harvard Hall. What follows covers individual losses. [26 January, 1764] CoSSer the" Ordered, That Judge Ritssell, General Winslow, Mr. Sufferersb^ Trowhridge, Major Livermore and Major Morey, con- ^"■"*="- sider the state of the Sufferers by the late Fire at 1 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 640. 2 Records of the General Court, xxvi. 249. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 555a; House Journal, pp. 75, 77, 80-81. 2 18 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHTTSETTS [ApEir., Harvard-College, that so they may have a suitable Recompence, &c. and make Report.^ Allowance to M' Beloher Hancock [3 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives. It appearing to the House that M' Belcher Hancock* by the burning of Harvard College had wearing Apparrell, Household Goods and Books to the value of £88-11-2 consumed in that Fire, and that he had Silver Utensils to the Value of £30-2-8 melted, and Silver money to the value of £69-13-10)^ so much diminished and damnified as that but little if any of it, ought to pass as money, and that he also had Securities for money due to him burnt in the same fire. Resolved That the said Silver money and the melted Plate that is or may be found be delivered to the Province Treasurer to be by him disposied of to the use of the Province, and that the said Belcher Hancock be paid out of the Public Treasury the sam of £l88r-7-S}/2> and with regard to the Securities burnt, that the consid- eration thereof be referred to the next Session of the General Court. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ Allowancea to sundry Students [3 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives. It appearing to this House that several Students at Harvard College had Goods and Chatties destroyed and consumed by the burning of that College viz*: Timothy Langdon* ' House Journal, p. 238. " Son of Nathaniel' Hancock (Nathaniel, Nathaniel) of Cambridge and his wife Prudence Russell, was bom at Cambridge 24 April, 1709; Haxv. 1727; tutor, 1742-1767; fellow, 1760-1767; librarian; died unmarried at Cambridge 8 Novem- ber, 1771 (Paige, History of Cambridge, p. 572). ' Records of the General Court, xxv. 190. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 496; House Journal, pp. 266-267; Province Laws, xvii. 497. ^ Son of John Langdon (Edward, John) of Boston and wife Mary Greenough, was bom at Boston 7 Febmary, 1746-47; Harv. 1765; " studied law with Jere- miah Gridley. Commencing practice in that part of Pownalboro', Maine, which is now Wiscasset, he was appointed a Crown Lawyer before the Revolution; was a representative to the Provincial Congress in 1776; and in 1778 Admirajty Judge for 1911] BUKNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 19 Goods and Chatties to the value of £57-12- Samuel Faxrer ^ Goods and Chatties to the value of £15-6-8, Joseph Farrer* Goods and Chatties to the value of £13-4-6, Isaac Morrell ' Goods and Chatties to the value of £14-10-2 and Increase Sumner* Goods and Chatties to the value of £16-3-10 burnt and destroyed. Resolved That as all the said Sufferers are Infants, the aforesaid Value of the Goods and Chatties by the said Samuel Farrer and Joseph Farrer respectively lost, be paid out of the Public Treasury to Chambers Russell ' the Distriet of Maine. He was a man of brilliant talent, but of unstable character." He died in 1808. (Alger, Descendants of Philip and John Langdon, in New England Historical and Genealogical Register, xxx. 37.) I He ia not mentioned in the Quinquennial Catalogue or the Faculty Records. It has not been possible to identify him, though it seems likely that he and Joseph Farrar were related, as Judge Russell was to receive the money voted for their use. It is possible that Samuel is a clerical error for Timothy, who was graduated in 1767, the same class of which Joseph was a member. * Son of George Farrar (George, Jacob, Jacob) of Concord and wife Mary Barrett, was bom at Concord 30 June, 1744; A.M. Harv. 1767; ordained at Dublin, New Hampshire, when the church there was organized, 10 June, 1772; dismissed 7 June, 1776; married at Grafton, 28 July, 1779, Mary, daughter of Joel Broolcs; was installed at Dummerston, Vermont, 24 August, 1779; dismissed in 1783; was settled at Eden, Vermont, 15 December, 1812, to 14 December, 1815; removed to Petersham, where he died 5 April, 1816. He " was a man of great eccentricity, amounting occasionally to absolute derangement of mind. " (Farrar, Memoir of the Farrar Family, p. 12.) ' Possibly son of the Rev. Isaac Morrell (Isaac, Isaac, Abraham) of Wilmington and wife Dorothy , was bom at Wilmington 13 August, 1748; a physician; came to Natick in 1771; died at Needham about 1840. His name does not appear in the Quinquennial Catalogue. (Bacon, History of Natick, p. 135; Hoyt, Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury, i. 254, ii. 767.) * Son of Increase Sumner (Edward, George, William) of Roxbury and wife Sarah Sharp, was bom at Roxbury 27 November, 1746; Harv. 1767; studied law while teaching at Roxbury; admitted to the bar in 1770; representative, 1776- 1780; senator, 1780-1782; elected a member of Congress, 1782, but did not serve; associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, 1782-1797; governor, 1797-1799; a fellow of the American Academy. He married, 30 September, 1779, Elizabeth, daughter of William Hyslop; and died at Roxbury 7 June, 1799. (New England Historical and Genealogical Register, viii. 10&-128c, 128n.) 5 Son of the Hon. Daniel Russell (James, Richard) of Charlestown and wife Rebecca Chambers, was bom at Charlestown 4 July, 1713; Harv. 1731; married Mary, daughter of Francis Wauiwright; settled in that part of Concord which is now Lincoln; was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Middlesex, 1747; judge of Admiralty the same year; justice of the Superior Court of Judicature, 1752- 1766; councillor, 1759; died at Guilford, co. Surrey, England, 24 November, 1766. 20 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [April, Esq' for their use, and that the aforesaid value of the Goods and Chatties lost by the other Sufferers aforesaid be paid out of the Public Treasury to theu- respective Fathers or Guardians. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ Allowance to £b' Bradish [3 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives. Ordered That the Sum of Fourteen pounds three shillings and seven pence be granted out of the Publick Treasury to Ebenezer Bradish^ for House Rent and other Expences since the Sitting of the House of Representatives at his House. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ Allowance to Jon" Spiague [3 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives Ordered That the Sum of Nine pounds be granted out of the Public Treas- ury to Jonathan Sprague* for House Rent and other (Washburn, Judicial History of Massachusetts, pp. 299-300; Shattuck, History of Concord, p. 317.) 1 Records of the General Court, xxv. 190-191. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. SOOa; House Journal, pp. 233, 267; Province Laws, xvii. 498. ' Son of John Bradish (Joseph, Robert) of Cambridge and wife Hepzibah , was bom there 28 April, 1716, and died 17 October, 1785. He was a glazier by trade, and succeeded his father, who had been glazier to the College for forty years from 1701. On 26 January, 1749, " he bought the Blue Anchor Tavern, in Brighton [now Boylston] Street, where he continued through life. This house, under his direction, became very popular." It was situated " on the westerly side of Brighton Street, about midway between Harvard Square and Mount Auburn Street," and, no doubt, was the place of meeting of the House after the destruction of Harvard Hall. (Paige, History of Cambridge, pp. 225, 497.) ' Records of the General Court, xxv. 192. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, 1. 190; House Journal, pp. 268, 269; Province Laws, xvii. 501. * Son of Joseph Sprague (Jonathan, John, Ralph) of Cambridge and wife Sarah Stedman, a saddler by trade, like his father, was baptized 18 November, 1716; married at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 16 November, 1738, Hannah, daughter of Thomas Phipps; died 6 July, 1764, aged 48 years (gravestone, Cam- bridge). (Wyman, Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown, pp. 887-890; Sprague 1911] EUKNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 21 Expences since the Sitting of the hon'''° Board at his House In Council Read and Concurred — Consented to by the Governor '■ Allowance to W" Baker [3 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives; Ordered That the Sum of Four pounds, eighteen shilHngs be granted out of the PubUc Treasury to M': William Baker, Door- keeper, in consideration of his Goods & Chatties lost in the late Fire. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ A Mem° of Sundries w""^ I the Subscriber Lost in the late Fire at Harvard Colledge viz 1 New Beaver Hatt £1 16 1 d° Wigg 2 8 ; 1 p' black shoe Buckles & cap ... 4 Sundry other Articles 10 £4 18 gW" Baker « Allowance, to Mr An- drew Eliot [3 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives (Jan^^ 28) The House entered into the consideration of the State of the Suf- ferers by the late Fire at Harvard College, and particu- larly considering the Sufferings of M'' Andrew Eliot * the Butler: The following Resolve passed vizt: The Brothers Ralph and William Sprague and some of their Descendants, p. 9; Harris, Epitaphs from the Old Burying Ground, Cambridge, p. US.) 1 Records of the General Court, xxv. 192. Cf. House Journal, p. 269; Province Laws, xvii. 501. " Records of the General Court, xxv. 193. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 486a; House Journal, p. 270; Province Laws, xvii. 501. ' Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 486. * Son of the Rev. Andrew Eliot (Andrew, Andrew, Andrew) of Boston and wife Elizabeth Langdon, was bom at Boston 11 January, 1743; Harv. 1762, M.A. Yale, 1774; was butler of Harvard College shortly after his graduation, hbrarian, tutor (1768), and fellow (1773); was ordained 22 June, 1774, at Fair- field, Connecticut, where he remained until his death, 26 October, 1805; corre- 22 THK COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [APBIL, Resolved That the sum of Forty three pounds sixteen shillings and three pence be now allowed him out of the Public Treasury in consideration of the Loss of his Goods and Chatties. Also Resolved that the Loss which the said Eliot has sustained by his Account Book's being burnt, be referred for further consideration. In Council (Jan'^ 30) Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ To his Excellency Francis Bernard Esq' Governor & Commander in chief ovfer his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay The Honorable His Majesty's Council, and The Honorable House of Representatives The Petition of Andrew Eliot Bachelor of Arts Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner was Butler of the College when Harvard Hall was consumed by Fire, At which Time he lost Goods & Chattells to the Amount of 43^ 16' 3^ Which Sum the Honorable Court were pleased in their great Goodness to allow him out of the public Treasury — of which Kindness your Petitioner hopes he shall ever retain a grateful Remembrance. Your Petitioner when he gave in his other Account to the Committee of the late Honorable House, laid before them the Loss he was like to sustain by the Burning of his Accompt Book containing the Debts which the Scholars had contracted the last four Weeks they were together. The Quarter before amounted to one hundred & twenty five Pounds two Shillings & a penny. Your Petitioner has computed this Month at thirty three Pounds six shillings & eight Pence, which Computation is considerably short of what was contracted in any four Weeks of the former Quarter. Your Petitioner being willing rather to suffer Loss than desirous to be a Gainer by a Public Calamity. This Part of your Petitioner's Loss the Honorable House was pleased to refer to further Consideration in Order as your Petitioner was informed that he might know what he could obtain from those who were indebted to him — Your Petitioner has been able to collect only the sum of six sponding member of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He married Mary Pynchon. (Eliot, Eliot Family, pp. 41-42; 1 Massachusetts Historical Collec-* tions, X. 188-189.) 1 Records of the General Court, xxv. 193. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 495a; House Journal, p. 270; Province Laws, xvii. 501. 1911] BURNING OF HAEVARD HALL, 1764 23 Pounds ten shillings & six Pence halfpenny. Several Gentlemen have allowed him in Proportion to the former Quarter but the most were inclin'd to allow him little or Nothing — Your Petitioner begs leave to suggest that what is not paid of this Debt is as real a Loss to him, as is that of the Goods that were in his Possession & that unless this Honor- able Court grant him Relief he is like to be the only Sufferer of those who resided in the College at the Time when it was consumed. Your Petitioner begs Leave further to observe that he gave in his Account of his Loss within two Days after the Burning of Harvard College in which Account he believes the Honorable Court were fully satisfied his Goods & Chattells were valued at a very moderate Price. For want of further Time for Recollection he omitted several Articles to the Amount of £4 .. 18 .. 1 — As he thinks he can make evident to the Honorable Court — He therefore prays this Honorable Court to take his Case into their Consideration and grant such Relief as they in their great Wisdom shall see meet — And your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. Andrew Eliot.^ Fetition of And' Eliot i Order thereon [14 January, 1765] A Petition of Andrew Eliot A B. Butler of Harvard College Setting forth That the General Court have been pleased to allow him, upon his Petition, the Sum of £43.16.3 for the Loss he sustained by the burning of the said College; and were pleased to refer the consideration of the Loss he might sustain by the burning of his Books of Accounts, until he could more fully ascertain the same. That after receiving what he could of the several Scholars, he finds that according to the best computation he can make he is like to lose the Sum of £26.16.2 — besides the further Sum of £4.18.1 the Amount of sundry Goods omitted in his last Memorial. And praying allowance. In the House of Representatives. Read and Ordered That the prayer of this Petition be granted: and the Province Treasurer is hereby directed to pay the Peti- tioner the Sum of Thirty one pounds fourteen shillings and two pence half peny infull consideration for the Loss 1 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 529-530. 24 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [AfbiL, Allowance to Jon* Hastinga Allowance to Gid" White , sustained by him when Harvard College was consumed by Fire. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor.* [4 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives. It appearing to this House, That Jonathan Hastings ^ Esq' lost Goods and Chatties to the value of Thirteen pounds one shilling and six penqe in the blirning of Harvard College Resolved That the said Sum be paid him out of the Public Treasury. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor * [4 February, 1764] In the House of Representatives Ordered That the sum of Eight poimds be granted out of the Public Treas- ury to Captain Gideon White* in consideration of the Loss he sustained by exerting himself in an extraordinary manner for the preservation of Hollis Hall and Stoughton Hall in the late Fire. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ^ 1 Records of the General Court, xxv. 322. Cf . Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 531, giving the action of the House on January 12; House Journal, pp. 143, 150. * Son of Jonathan Hastings (Walter, John) of Cambridge and wife Sarah Phips, was bom at Cambridge 1 January, 1708-09; Harv. 1730; justice of the peace; steward of Harvard College, 1750-1779; married, 30 October, 1750, Elizabeth, daughter oi Rev. John Cotton of Newton; died at Cambridge 16 February, 1783. (Paige, History of Cambridge, p. 576; PubUcations of this Society, x. 55 note 2.) ' Records of the General Court, xxv. 194. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 600. Cf. House Journal, pp. 270-271; Province Laws, xvii. 502. * Son of Cornelius White (Daniel, Peregrine, William) of Marshfield and wife Hannah Randall, was bom at Marshfield 19 July, 1717; married, 1744, Joanna, daughter of Thomas Howland; suspected of being inimical to the United States, 11 Febmary, 1778; died at Plymouth 6 March, 1779. ([White,] Ancestral Chron- ological Record of the WiUiam White Family, p. 125; Davis, Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth, pp. 176, 283.) ^ Records of the General Court, xxv. 194-195. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, iviii. 497; House Journal, p. 272; Province Laws, xvii. 502. 1911] BUENING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 25 [22 May, 1768] To his excelency Francis Barnard Esq' Captain General and Govenor in chief in and over his Majestys provence of The Massachusetts bay. And to the Hon'''" his Majestys Council and House of Representatives now in General Coart at Boston assembled, — The petition of Gideon White of Plymouth humbly shews That at the Great fire at Cambridge in January 1765 [sic] Your petitioner ex- posed and exerted him self to such a degrie for the extinguishing thereof, and praservation of the Colleges that he thereby brought on himself a fit of Sickness which Confined him almost intirely to his house and the greater part of the time to his room, for two years and an halfe after- wards by which he was prevented from transacting, his Affairs and busi- ness, which has Greatly hurt and injiu-ed him in his Trade and intrest: has been put to great cost an charges for Doctors, Physicians and Nurses: and by reason of exposing himself, and the mannor he did, that night to fire and Cold, has intirely broke and ruined his constitution wherefore your petitioner humbly prays this hon*"'" Court would take his deplorable case into their wis consideration and make him such amends and satisfaction for the same, as they in their great judgment shall think proper and he as in duty bound shall ever pray — Gideon White Plimouth May 22"'« 1768. [Endorsed] Pet" Gideon White May 27 1768' [4 February, 1764] Allowance In the House of Representatives. Ordered That the toNath' , , Bond Sum of Eleven pounds fifteen shilhngs and ten pence be granted out of the Public Treasury to M'' Daniel Whit- ney for the use of Nathaniel Bond ^ in consideration of the Loss he sustained by the late Fire. In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor ' I 1 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 577. 2 Son of Amos Bond (Thomas, Thomas, William) of Watertown, and wife Hannah Bright, was bom at Watertowa 21 February, 1746-47; Harv. 1766; a physician; died in the army 7 March, 1777. (Bond, Watertown, second edition, p. 62.) ' Records of the General Court, xxv. 195. Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 498-499; House Journal, p. 273; Province Laws, xvii. 502. 26 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [APEIL, An Account of Furniture and Books Lost in the Late fire by Nathaniel Bond Student of College £ S D Three Locks 00 06 00 A Bed and Bedding 05 04 00 A chest CO 10 08 A Salver 00 02 00 A Toaster and Skillet 00 04 00 A Bopk Shelves and Lap [sic] 00 02 00 Sundries 00 01 08 Guthree on Tully 01 01 06 Trap on Virgil 00 12 00 Virgil 00 09 00 Tully 00 10 00 Caesars Commentaries 00 12 00 Lock on humane understanding .... 00 13 04 euclid . 00 06 00 greek and Latin gramars 00 04 00 bratles Logicks 00 01 06 A bible 00 03 06 Botles 00 10 08 Arasor 00 02 08 Total 11 15 10 [Endorsed] Nathaniel Bonds Accoimt of his Loss Allow* to Nath" Bond Feb" 4*'' 1764 ' Province of the Mass*' Bay ) To His Excellency Francis Bernard in New-England ) Esq' Captain Generall & Gover- nour in Chief in & over the Prov- ince aforesaid To the Honourable the Council & House of Representatives in Gen- eral! Court assembled at Boston the Eighteenth day of October A D 1764. H[umb]Iy Shew Stephen Hall." Joseph Lee.« Joseph Willard.* Nicholas Pike.^ Samuel Curtis.* Samuel Bar- > Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 498-499. The reverse of the account (p. 499) has, besides the endorsement, the action of House and Coimcil, and the consent of the Governor entered upon it. " Son of the Rev. Willard Hall (Stephen, Stephen, widow Mary) of Medford and wife Abigail Cotton, was bom at Medford 28 May, 1743; of Westford upon 1911] BURNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 27 nard ' — John Barrows.* Samuel Cheney.' Sil- vanus Ames.i" Nicholas Dudley." Moses Holt.'^ That your Petitioners at the burning of Harvard-College in Cambridge New-England, having Chambers in the sam[e] Building, suffered the entering college; Harv. 1765; tutor, 1771-1778; fellow; educated for the min- istry, but never settled; married, 1777 or 1778, Mary, widow of Moses Holt (see p. 28 note 12, below); removed to Portland, Maine, 1778; died 1795. (Hall, The HaUs of New England, p. 520.) ' Son of Dr. Joseph Lee (Joseph, Joseph, John) of Concord and wife Lucy Jones, was bom at Concord 12 May, 1742; Harv. 1765; B.A. (Hon.) Yale, 1765; ordained 19 October, 1768, at Royalston, where he remained until his death, 16 February, 1819. He was married three times. (Lee, John Leigh of Agawam . . . and his Descendants, pp. 190-196.) * There were two Joseph Willards in the Class of 1765. A comparison of this signature and that attached to his inventory with the autographs of President Joseph Willard helps to identify the sufferer as Joseph, son of Benjamin Willard (Joseph, Benjamin, Simon) of Grafton and wife Sarah Brooks, bom 7 January, 1741-42; Harv. 1765, B.A. Yale, 1765; successively minister at Mendon and Boxborough; died at Boxborough, September, 1828. (Willard, Willard Memorial, p. 433.) 5 Son of the Rev. James Pike (Joseph, Joseph, John, John) of Somersworth, New Hampshire, and wife Sarah Oilman, bom at Somersworth 17 October, 1742- 43; Harv. 1766; married at Newbury, 9 January 1779, Eunice, daughter of Sergeant Smith; published in 1788 the first edition of A New and Complete Sys- tem of Arithmetick, " which was long the standard manual in New England schools;" for many years principal of the grammar school at Newburjrport; town clerk; fellow of the American Academy; died at Newbuiyport 9 Decem- ber, 1819. (Tate's Diary, p. 92; Oilman, Oilman Family, pp. 58, 65; Hoyt, Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury, ii. 800; Allibone, Dictionary of Au- thors, ii. 1595/2; Littlefield, Early Schools and School-Books of New England, pp. 179-183.) ° Son of the Rev. Philip Curtis (Samuel, Isaac, William) of Sharon and wife Eliza Bass, was bom at Sharon 1 September, 1747; Harv. 1766; a physician at Marlborough, and surgeon on a privateer in the Revolution, 1777; married twice; died at Amherst, New Hampshire, 1 April, 1822. (Clarke, Records of some of the Descendants of William Cvirtis, p. 13.) ' Son of Joseph Barnard (Ebenezer, Joseph, Francis) of Deerfield and wife Thankful Sheldon, was bom at Deerfield 24 November, 1746; Harv. 1766; lawyer; delegate to the first Provincial Congress at Concord, 1774; practised law in Hamp- shire County imtil his removal to Montgomery, Vermont, in 1795; married at Brookfield, 3 October, 1770, Abigail (daughter of Dr. Jabez Upham of Brookfield), who survived him, he dying 2 April, 1819. (Sheldon, History of Deerfield, ii. pt. ii. pp. 70-71.) * Son of John Barrows (Benajah, John) of Attleborough and wife Priscilla Philbrook, was bom at Attleborough 24 August, 1736; Harv. 1766; for many years a schoolmaster; lived at Dighton; died at Wellington, Bristol County, 28 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OP MASSACHUSETTS [ApBIL, Loss of all their Goods & Chattels then & there being. Accounts of which they have already drawn up & Sworn to — And as many of your Peti- tioners stand in great need of some Assistance in order to enable them to purchase necessary Furnitm-e for their Chambers, & Books for the better & further prosecuting of their Studies at said College — And as they understand that many of the private Losses have already been made up to the Sufferers, agreable to a Vote of the Great & General! Assem- bly that was at that Time sitting, your Petitioners are very desirous that their Case might be taken into Consideration, & that a Committee may be appointed to Examine their severall Accounts, (or that any other Means that you in your great Wisdom may think proper, may be taken) & if they be just & honest the same may be speedily allowed And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &c j [Endorsed] Pe*" of Stephen Hall & others Oct' 24 1764 » Nov' 3 Rhode Island, 24 July, 1816. (Barrus, History of Goshen, p. 140; Attleborough Records; Julius H. Tuttle and Henry E. Woods.) ' Son of Lieut. Ebenezer Cheney (Thomas, Thomas, William) of Rdxbury ■and wife Elizabeth Palmer, was bom at Roxbury 25 December, 1746; Harv. 1767; studied medicine and practised at Walpole; served in the Revolution; master of the Boston South Writing School, 1785; married twice; died at Cambridgeport 13 November, 1820. (Pope, Cheney Genealogy, pp. 77-78. See Publications of this Society, vi. 119.) '» Son of Thomas Ames (Thomas, Thomas, John, William, Oliver) of West Bridgewater and wife Keziah Hayward, was bom at West Bridgewater 20 January, 1743-44; "tho' absent Sylvanus Ames allow'd his Bachel" Degree, being sick." 15 July, 1767, "being Comencem* Day;" Harv. 1767; died 1778. (Davis, Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth, p. 6; College Book No. 7, p. 112; Bridge- water records.) • " Son of Trueworthy Dudley (Nicholas, Stephen, Samuel, Thomas) of Brent- wood, New Hampshire, and wife Gordon, was bom at Epping, New Hamp- shire, 11 July, 1745; Harv. 1767; ordained at Townshend, Vermont, 28 June, 1777; removed to Ashford, Connecticut, where he married, 12 November, 1778, Priscilla Whiton. (Dudley, History of the Dudley Family, i. 447; Julius H. Tuttle.) '^ Son of Jonathan Holt (Oliver, Henry, Nicholas) of Andover and wife Lydia Blanchard, was bom at Andover 19 January, 1744; Harv. 1767; married, 1771, Mary, daughter of Deacon William Cotton of Portland, Maine, who married sec- ondly Stephen Hall (see p. 27 note 2, above); a lay preacher; also had charge of the Grammar School at Portland; died 9 January, 1772. (Durrie, Genealogical History of the Holt Family, p. 31.) ' Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 504. 1911] BUBNING OP HAEVABD HALL, 1764 29 Giant to divea Sufferers by the Fire at [3 November, 1764] Upon the Petitions of Stephen Hall & others the follow- ing Resolve passed viz'; In the House of Eepresentatives; Resolved That there be allowed and paid out of the Pubhc Treasury to the Petitioners, who were Sufferers at the late fire at Harvard College, as follows viz*. To Stephen Hal! . . £13 To Joseph Willard 20 10 To Sam' Curtis 14 15 To John Bartons . 8 IS To Sylvanus Ames . 7 5 To Moses Holt . . 14 10 To ]Sn£gfl. Maa ^ . 38 4 To Joseph Lee £10 ToNichTike 26 10 To Eb' 2 & Sam' Barnard . . 72 10 To Sam' Cheney 15 To Nicholas Dudley .... 11 To Silas Biglow' 15 4 In Council Read and Concurred Consented to by the Governor* ' Son of En^gn Man (Thomas, Richard) of Boston and vrife Tabitha ( ) Vinal, was bom at Scituate 15 July, 1740; Harv. 1764; a teacher at Lancaster, 1764, and at Petersliani, 1767; married, 19 Atigust, 1773, Alice, daughter of the Rev. Aaron Whitney of Petersham; died at Petersham 21 December, 1829. (Mann, Mann Memorial, pp. 80-83.) ' Brother of Samuel Barnard (see p. 27 note 7, above), was bom at Deer- field 30 April, 1745; Harv. 1766; studied medicine with his uncle Lemuel Barnard at Sheffield; practised at Deerfield; married, about 1772, Sally, daughter of David Ingersol! of Great Barrington, who survived him; died at Deerfield 14 April, 1790. (Sheldon, ESstory of Deerfield, ii. 68; McLean, Ingersoll, p. 6.) ' Son of Samuel Biglow (Samuel, Samuel, John) of Shrewsbury and wife Jedidah Hathom, was bom at Shrewsbury 10 October, 1739; Harv. 1765; ordained at Paxton 21 October, 1767; married Mrs. Sarah Hall of Sutton; died at Paxton 16 November, 1769. (How, Genealogy of the Bigelow Family of America, p. 105.) * Records of the General Court, xxv. 314 Cf. Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 622; House Journal, pp. 110, 133-134. 30 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [April, An Accompt of y° Things burnt in Harvard College belonging to Stephen Hall Under Bed £ Bedsted & Cord . . . jacket Beaver hat 10 lb of Sugar ) atllDlSElbj A stone Mug 19 Pictures at ) 9D E Picture ) Wig 1 Pair of hose Towel 2 Boxes 3 pewter Plates . . . 2 Tea Pots 1 lb of Candles . . . Candle-Stick .... Bottom of a Desk ) with a Draw ) Book-Shelves .... 3 Knifes & Forks . . . 2 Lock's . Rasor & Case Book-holder Tea Kanister ) with J lb of Tea j Grid-Iron 2 Chains A Beaker & 2 ) Wine Glasses J 'ARundlet IJ Load of Wood . . A Slate 2§ Dos of Bottles . . A Chafindish 12 11 10 12 9 4 2 18 14 3 12 5 4 8 3 8 8 3 8 2 5 2 4 8 2 11 19 2 5 11 1 1?6 10 8 2 £8270 [Endorsed] Stephen Hall's Acct. Ex.i e's) Trap's Translation ) of Virgil j 1»* Vol. of Locke on human Underst" Polyanthea 1=' Vol. of Pope' Homer 2'J Vol. of Tatler . Hebr. Grammar . Aristocles Sys* ) of Morality j 13 Maps 6 Plays Phamphlets Ink Pot Sundries £ 18 7 2 2 14 6 8 1 6 2 4 1 8 18 £ 5 14 2 2 8 2 7 £13 16 9 2 Stephen Hall. Allow'dia — * Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 518. 1911] BUBNING OP HARVARD HALL, 1764 31 2 Combs £0 2 2 Bottle of Oyl 10 Calte of ") 10 Chocolate j 2 Necks 1 ; 012 Riding Cap 008 2 Papers of ) 12 Tobacco j 2 Snuff-Boxes 030 Grater, Case ) 00 8 • & Nutmeg ) a Bowl 004 Whet-Stone 004 a File 12 an Hammer 010 Pair of Garters 008 2 Codlinea 020 a Paper of Ink \ 006 Powder j 1 q* of Rum 016 £0 18 0« An Account of what was lost by Joseph Lee, Student at the College, in the Burning of Harvard-Hall; January 1764 — f S D Ten Chairs 180 An Oval Table a £1. A common Table a 6/ 16 Tea Furniture 17 IJ 2 Candlesticks a Sd each. & Snuffers a 1/ 2 4 Andirons a 9/4. Shovel & Tongs a 8/ 17 4 1 Pair Bellows a 3/. Tinder Box & Steel a 1/4 4 4 2 Locks a 4/ each. 1 Lock a 2/8 10 8 Tea Kettle 109 1 poringer a 1/4. 2 spoons at 4d each 020 2 pewter Plates a 1/6 each. Knives & forks lOd 3 10 1 Brush a 1/6. 2 Bowls a. 1/7 each 048 3 wine Glasses a 6|d each. 1 Beker a 8d 2 3| • "That part of a garment which covers, or lies next, the neck" (Oxford English Dictionary). 2 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 508. Though this schedule precedes Stephen Hall's accoxmt of losses by ten pages, it evidently refers to his "Sundries . . 18 " 32 THE COLONIAL SOCIETT OP MASSACHX7SETTS [APBii., 9 glass Bottlea a 4d each 08 A Sett of Large Uafts a 14/5. other Cutts a 3/7 18 A writing Desk U 8 A pMr ol Dividers 02 Barnard's Senaom oa y* Imperfection of y* Creatxir© &e 6 8 Cooper's D° oa Titus. 2.6 Q 8J 2"* Volume of Locke on Hum: Understanding 8 8J Watts' LogJQ & Improvement of the Mind 2. Vokimes 16 8 New-England's Lamentations 009^ Owen on y^ Divine Original of the Sdriptuiea .......... 2 4i The Sin <& FoUy of unlawful Pleasures, A Sennon 2| Philosophic Solitude; a powo. l/2i. IJ quire of Pa^r 2/ . . . . S 2J Bayer's Presnch Grammer 02 6 Sundriea 012 F» Joseph Lea Total £1110 9| October 24»*' 1764 Joseph Le© Made Oath to y* Truth of y" Above Ace* Ccffam Edm Trowbcidga [Endorsed] Allow'd £10 — Joseph Le© Ex-> £ S D Crisping Irons 28 2 pencil Cases 20 hatchet 020 hammer 08 Tea-Kettle-holdCTS 10 Almanack 04 Pipes & Tobacco OS Spmts 14 Cork Screw 04 Sundries 10 12 file "i Box [• Is » Sugar 3 * Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 517. 2 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 508a. This evidently gives in detail the " Sundries . . . 12 0" of the preceding aocoimt, though separated from it. 1911] BUENING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 33 Joseph Willards account of Things supposed to be burnt in Harvard College. S D Baileys Dictionary 12 Coles Ditto 12 Hill's Lexicon 12 Virgil . 6 Lock on the human Understanding 15 Watt's Logick 8 Edwards on the Affections . . 5 4 Hebrew Psalter 6 Hebrew Grammar 2 5 Wolebius 4 4 Mason on self Knowledge ... 37 The Mariners Compass .... 28 Clark's Introduction 3 9 Two Exercises for making latin 3 Erskins Grospel Sonnits .... 3 Clarks Erasmus & a Bible . . 5 4 Greek Testament 4 5 latin Ditto 2 8 Greek Grammar 14 latin Ditto 2 5 two Psalm Books 3 6 Confutation of the Arians ... 2 An Essay on Prayer 6 three Coppy Books & an ) , , 3 g ordination Sermon J M'Flavils Method of Grace . . 12 1 Vol. of the Rambler .... 6 1 Vol. of Spectator 6 A Lexicon 6 Horace in 2 Volumns . . . . ■ 18 £8 18 4 A feather Bed ^ Under Bed, Blanket r . . and Coverled ) Six Chairs Two Tables A pair of handirons A tea Kettle A Chest and Trunck .... A Book Case Thhty Glass Bottles Three Maps & 10 picturs . . A pair of Bellows 5 Locks A Drinking jack & mugg . . A Set of Tea Dishes . . . . A Tea Pot and Plaits .... Three punch Bowls Two wine Glasses A Banyand ' Cloth for a jacoat Two pair or Wosted Stockings A Handkerchief A pair of Boots & Shoes . . A Hat Tea Shelves & Cubboard . . A Small Looking Glass . . . Some Tea & Sugar Sundry Small Articles .... A Quire of Writing paper - . . f SD 5 4 16 12 8 18 11 4 10 8 12 4 10 4 2 3 .4 2 4 6 15 6 2 8 6 4 1 2 1 4 Sum Total C to M' FlavUs method of Grace charged in Mans account . . . £15 12 4 8 18 4 £24 10 8 12 £23 IS 8 Errors excepted by me Joseph Willard. [Endorsed] AUow'd £20 10 Joseph Willards ace* sworn Ex. ' 1 "Banian, a loose gown, jacket, or shirt of flaimel, worn in India" (Oxford English Dictionary). 2 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 516. 3 34 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [ApBIL, An Acompt of the Loss y* Nicholas Pike, (an Inhabitant of Harvard College), sustain'd by the Consumption of the same by Fire. £ 8 D A Looking Glass 2 12 6 i Dozen Chairs 6 10 Sett of Maps, 1 Picture 6 10 3 Brushes, Pair of Tongs 1 18 6 2 Shovelsj.pair of Bellows . 3 10 Chiney & Earthen Ware 09000 Tea Shelves & Book D» 2 10 Case of Knives & Forks 2 15 Sugar Box & 7§ lb of Loaf Sugar 3000 1 H) of Chocolate, | lb of Tea, & a Canister' 2 6 6 2 lb of Candles 15 J of a Barrel of Cyder with y° Barrel 2 05 4 lb of Butter, 2 Iron Candlesticks . . • 1 15 6 a hammer, a Coat, 2 jackets, pair of Breeches 50 00 2 Linnen Shirts; 3 new Cotton T>° 27 09 6 Pair of Stockings, 3 Necks 14 10 Diotionarj' Latm, Eng. D° 2 Virgils 17 10 Traps Translation of Virgil 8000 Chest & 2 Double Locks, 2 Tables 15 10 i Cord of walnut Wood cut & carried in, 1 16 i Dozen of Bottles, a Spilter Box 5 50 a Work'd Pocket Book, Sunglass 5 12 6 Grid Iron, Chafendish, & Snuffers 2 15 Gordens Geographical Grammer 3 15 2 EucUds, a Tully & Greek Lexicon 13 00 Hebrew Psalter & Grammer D° 3 00 Hebrew Bucstorf, & Eng. Bible 6000 1 Greek Testament, 2 Latin D" 3 00 2 Greek Grammers 1 10 An Accidence & 3 Rhetoricks 1 15 Caesars Commentaries 4 10 Seneca's Morals & a Homer 4 10 Sermons on various Subjects 2 10 Wollebius 2 10 £239 15 6 Another Hebrew Grammar 2 5 Priz'd by Dooter Kneeland 241 10 6 Old Tenor and Lawf ull money 32 1 4 03 ~4 Attested to before M' Trowbridge. 1911] BURNING OF HAEVAED HALL, 1764 35 The Loss sustain'd by John Tompson in y° Consumption of H. College, other Things being sav'd A Bedstead & Cord 4 12 6 A Looking Glass 1 » 5 i of a Barrel of Cyder 15 [Endorsed] £6 12 6 Allow'd 26.10. Nich= Pike's Acco*, Here follows a List of Books and other Articles belonging to Curtice an Inhabitant of Harvard Hall which Articles were Burnt in said Hall. An English Bible 4'/ Vinsons Catechism 2/5 6 5 Spiritual Warfare a new Book 480 Quakerism display'd 100 Oldfield's Logick 6, 8 Ozels Logick 540 Wats's Astronomy 880 Gordons Grammar 9/4 Otis on Prosodia 3/ 12 4 A Small Number of Pampleta 300 Euclides Elements 8 Lattin Dictionary 80 TullyS/ Virgil 10/8 Lillies Grammar 1/4 15 Wolebius 3/ latin Testament 3/ 6 Clarkes Introduction 4/8 Dugards Rhetorick 1/ 5 8 Caesars Commentaries 10/8 Hedericua'es Lexicon 36/ 2 14 Greek Testament 6/ Homers Iliads 24/ 1 10 0' Greek Catechism 1/ Buxtorf Lexicon 13/4 14 4- Monies's Grammar 2/ Sewalls Grammar 3/ 5 0' Schiekards Graminar 3/ Hebrew Salter 6/ 9 0' Two black Walnut Tables 16/ Look^ Glass 8/ 14 0/ Shovel & Tongs 4/ '. 4 Bellows 4/8. Three Maps 6/ 10 8; Tea Shelves 3/ Tea furniture 1/6 4 6. 6 Chairs 30/ Chest 6/ 6 Bottles 2/ Cannester and Sugar Box with Sugar 2/8 2 8; Bookshelves & Flap 4/- An Old Hat 5/ 9 0) A Square Hatt 10/8 a Coat 1-6-8 1 17 4 To four Locks 12/ 12 A Hammar 1/ 10* 16 17 3 The Above Apprisement is just in the Judgement of 17 6 Us the Subscribers ■ Samuel Deai» Chiisto' Bridge Marshi Sam' Curtice. Son of Phillip Curtice of Stoughton Clerk. [Endorsed] Sam' Curtices Loss. . Allowd 14. 15. Ex 2 » Massachusetts Archives, Ivii. 507. » Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 519. 36 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [April, The following is a List of the Things belonging to Eben' and Sam. Barnard, y* were lost at y^ Burning of Harvard College, 1764. 2 Bibles 2 Greek Testaments 2 Latin D° .... 2 Greek Grammars . 2 Latin D° .... Hlderlcus's 1 Lexicon J • • • 3 Hill's D" 12 Cole's Dictionaries 2 Vlrglls 2 Tulleys S Setts ol Gutbrle's ) Translation ol D" | 2 Sett's of Trapp'B 1 Trans" of VlrgU ) 2 Setts of Precept . 2 Monls's Grammar. 2 Hebrew Psalters . 2 Watts'a Loglck . . Translation of Cicero ) de Oratore ) Homer 2 Vol' . . 2 Goi;don'3 Gram" . Milton's Paradise ) lost / RoUln's ancient ) History w*"^ Maps ) Rollln's Belles I Lettres I ' ' Florus Clark's Erasmus . . 2 Clark's Corderlus's 2 Observations on ) the Classlcks ) Life of Czar .... Johnson's English i Dictionary 2 VoP J Spectator Neat-hound Psalm I Book ) Fisher's Arlthmetlck Gentleman's Librae . 2 Clark's Introduction to nmklng Latin A small Virgil . . . Gentleman's Maga- ) zlne 4 Books J Eutroplus 16 8 5 4 3 4 3 8 1 13 4 1 i 4 2 4 4 13 4 15 e 8 2 13 4 3 1 8 2 8 10 6 E 6 S 4 3 4 4 The Cadet The Tea Table .... 2 Singing Books . . . Voleblus A Book concerning 1 Geography J ' Watt's on Geography ) & Astronomy J Cesar's Comentarles . Several small ) bound Tnng llah Books j A Bed: very neat, 1 Bedsted, Ticking i Cord, Screws, &c - &c J Very good Bed Quilt . 2 Blankltts .... 2 P' of Sheets . . . 2 Ft of Plllow-Cases 8 Towels 4 Shirts 22 Stocks 6 P" of Stockings . . 6 Sllk-Handkerchlefa a Silver-Neck- 1 Buckle J ■ * 2 Black Neckcloths . 2 Summer Gowns . . „ Black Broad-Cloth Jackets & Breeches A Snuft-colour'd ) Jacket J " 1 y^ of Russet . . . lyioi Pladd . . . A work'd Pocket-Book A Gold-bound Hat A Hat Girdle & Buckle A Prospective Glass 2 Chests . . . 2 Door-Locks. 1 large Padlock 6 Chairs . . . 1 Oval Table . 1 Square D° . A large looking-Glass a small D** 2S 5 4 [Endorsed] Eben' & Sam' Barnard's Ace* Ex 7 2 12 6 4 10 9 13 4 16 6 8 8 12 2 8 17 10 2 8 S 6 8 12 3 8 3 4 8 2 S 3 i 12 I 13 4 610 2 1 4 16 8 13 i 2 8 8 A Sett of Maps . . . 6 Glass'd Pictures . . a Tea Kittle 3 Black Tea Pota 7 China Tea Cups A Plates Punch Bowl, slop-Bowl sugar Dish &c 2 Canisters Some Tea 6 Silver 'Tea Spoons . . 2 P" Book Shelves w"" neat Cover'd Haps A Case for Bottles . . An angling Rod. . . . A p* of Shovel & ) Tongs. Bellows, J * ' iH Black- Sattln ) Ribbon i • • A Hat somewhat I wore I ' * SV at Hemp Gloves . a green Cloth to ) cover a Table J ' * A pT of polished ) Andirons J * ' A large Stone Jugg . . A Study Chair . . . 2 Ivory-Books .... Almost a Load of Wood Sundries 15 10 14 4 1 3 5 3 12 S 8 11 6 6 8 5 9 8 11 5 4 45 14 S 28 5 4 TotUS 85 5 2 Ebenezer Barnard Samuel Barnard 43 14 6 AUow^72 10 > An Account of my Books, that were burnt in Harvard College. Names Price ■'^■"^'^ •' ■ £ S D Hebrew Psalter 10 Bible 150 Psalm Book 126 Greek Lexicon 400 Greek Testament 1 10 Greek Grammar 7 Homer 18 Latin Testament . , 10 Virgil ■ . . . . . '. 3 10 '■ Massachusetts ArchiveSj Ivii. 520.^ 1911] BURNING OF, HARVAED HALLj 1764 37 Rhetorick 090 Caesar's Commentaries 4 TuUy 15 Trap's Translation of Virgil ... 300 Geography 200 Euclid 2 10 Logick 1 10 Logick 060 Accidence 6 Total £29 08 6 old Tenor Funuture 47 05 5 £ S D Sum Total 76 13 11 old Tenor per me John Barrows. LawfuU money 10 3 51 £ S D Book-Shelves . . T. ^ . . . . 12 6 AUow^ 8 16 Study-Lock 14 Jn° Barrows Acc'= Chest 6 15 Shovel & Tongs 2 5 Ex Andirons 1 10 Chairs 6 15 Table 4 10 Tea Kittle 4 10 Looking Glass 126 Teapot 1 10 Coffee pot 10 Quarter of a Ticket! 1 13 9 Cups and Saucers 11 3 Carriage 900 Spoons 050 Candlestick 076 pot & butter 15 Bottle & Glass 5 Razor & Soap 090 Mug 050 Almanack 2 11 Spoon & plate 030 Knife & fork 070 bellows 19 Snuff-box 076 Snuffers 076 Shoe brush 3 72 6 9 47 05 5 42 14 9 3 3 29 12 4 3 6 72 10 * 72 6 9 .^ 42 18 3^ 1 Doubtless a lottery ticket. 2 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 514-515. The various additions were cor- rected in the total and sum total. 38 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS (Apait,, Lost by Fire in Harvard Hall — Jan^ 24 — 1764 Dictionary 12 Lexicon 10 8 Trapps Virgil 18 Tully with Guthries Translation 1 12 Latin & Greek Testament 60 Latin & Greek Grammar 40 Hebrew Grammar 30 Exercise for making Latin 26 Eutropius 40 A Book by Mr Wigglesworth 30 Bible 60 Bed & bedding 10 6 8 Chest & Table 18 Two Jackets 80 Writing Instruments 60 Locks 20 Tea Dishes 24 Bowl 16 Curling Tongs 18 Half a Dozen Bottles 24 Total 17 9 8 Lawful Money By your Humble Servant Samuel Cheney Feb"' 6: 1764 Sworn to [Endorsedl Sam' Cheneys Ace* Allow'd 15£ Father is Eben' Cheney Ex-' Lost by Fire in Harvard Hall Jan^ 25 1764 £ Virgil 12 Tully 10 8 Lexicon 12 Guthries Translation 4 Vol 1 14 8 Greek & Latin Testaments 60 Greek & Latin Grammars 48 English Exercise 26 Nomen Clator 16 * Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 521. 1911] BUENING OP HARVARD HALL, 1764 39 Accidence 014 Cordery . . . . 20 Bible OeO Ctest 80 Bottles Inkhom & Ink ^•O Pewter crSO Toasting Iron 28 In Money 12 Hebrew Grammar 30 Two Razors 28 Total 6 8 8 Lawful Money All of which Is humbly offer'd by your humble Servant Silvanus Ames Feb'y 6* 1764 Sworn [Endorsed] Ames Acct Allow'd £7 5 Father Tho' Eames Sworn Ex Whereas the Exhibiting of my first Account being very Sudden, the following Articles Vera omitted by me: which I would Now Beg Leave to Offer f S D An English Dictionary 10 8 A Greek Catechism 00 8 A pair of gloves 02 Two pail of Shoes 08 A pail of Stockings 08 Two Earthem Pots 01 2 Total 1 10 6 Which are Humbly Offerred by youor Humble Servant Silvanus Ames Plymouth ss May 21 1764 The said silvanus Ames made oath to the Truth of the aboue account Before me Daniel Johnson Jus* of Peace [Endorsed] Allow^ £7 . 5 A Further account of Silvanus Ames > 1 Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 510-511. 40 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [ApEIt, Things left in my Chamber and study at the vacation An English Bible with silver clasp & comers 10 8 Coles dictionary 12/. Hebrew Bethny 8/ 1 00 Greek Lexicon 8/ Virgil in usum 8/ 16 Greek Testam* 4/. lattin testam* 3/4 07 4 Greek Grammar 2/4, lattin Grammar 2/4 04 8 Tate and Brady's psalms 2/8 Accedence /8 03 4 Rhetorick /9 two Greek Chatechisms 1/2 01 11 Clarks introduction 2/ 2 Asagathee>Coat21/4. a Rug 21/4 2 02 8 3 Garlich " shirts 18/. a Cloath Jacket 10/8 1 08 8 a Grogrum Jacket 6/. a pair of stockings 4/ 10 a pair leather Breeches 3/4. a hat 10/4 13 8 6 Chairs 16/. a tea Kettle 11/4 1 07 4 Hand Irons 5/4. Shovel & Tongues 4/8 10 a pair of Bellows 3/4. a looking Glass 5/4 08 08 ten pictures six of them glass ones 16/ 16 A door lock 6/8 a study lock 4/ 10 8 Book shelves and flap 7/4 07 4 A Chest and lock 6/8 a knife and Fork 1/ 07 8 A brass ink pot /ll a block tin tea pot 3/4 04 3 A puter plate 1/4. 2 glasses 1/4 02 8 £13 05 6 12 15 6 Errors excepted Nicholas Dudley Jn° Dudley is his Guardian [Endorsed] Nicho" Dudleys Ace* Allowd. 11£» The account of what I Left in My Chamber & Study at Vacation ^^ f £ S D A Bible 376"" T: «& B: Psahns 2/4 5 10 A Book Titled the Spiritual warfare 1 A Treatise of Guthree' 040 Virgil in usum 10/8 the Second Vol: of Traps Transl: 5/4 16 Greek Lexicon 9/4 Greek Catachism 1/ 10 4 Greek Testament 4/ Latin Testament 2/8 068 Guthree'TranslationofTuUy* Orations 3 Vol: 140 Latin Grammar 1/8 — an Accidence 1/ 2 8 Doc* Watses Logick 7/6 Brattles Logic 1/6 9 • Sagathy (origin unknown), a woollen stuff (Oxford English Dictionary). ^ One of the numerous misspellings of garlits, a kind of linen cloth; a cor- ruption of Gorlitz in Prussian Silesia, where there are linen manufactures (Oxford English Dictionary). ' Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 509. 1911] BUENING OF HARVAED HALL, 1764 An Hebrew Psalter 3/ two Hebrew Gram' 4/4 7 A Feather Bed Bolster & two Pillows & under Tick . 6 6 A Pair of Gotten Sheets \ \ 1 X2 Coverlet ] q j^ Two Bed Blankets ' ' q 14 Two Pillow Cases " o g Bed Stead q g Bed Cord 3 A Garment of wareing Apparrel 12 A Chest & Lock 10 A Pair of Worsted Hose 6 Half a Dozen of Glass Bottles 2 Half a Case of knives & fork 2 A Pewter Plate 1 A Lock to my Study Door 2 Sum Total 15 7 brought from backside 15 16 2 Moses Holt 41 4 8 8 4 8 6 4 [Endorsed] Moses Holts Loss by Spatterdashes. 3/ The Burning y° College 1 p' Book Shelves. 2/6 his Father is Jon'LHolt 2 lb Candles. 1/8 of Andover 1 lb sug^ Box. 8/ Ex 15 2> An Account of my Books, Apparel & Houshold-Furniture left in Har- vard : Hall y' begining of y° Vacancy 1764. & Burat with y" S^ Hall. £ S D Hill's greek Lexicon 12/ Greek Testament, 4/4 16 4 Two greek Grammars 4/ Greek Catechism 1/4 5 4 Hutchinson's Xenophontis de Cyri &c 9 4 Virgil's Works 12/ Coles Dictionary Lat & Eng 12/ .... 140 Lock on human Unders. 12/ Tully's Orations 4/4 16 4 Two Bibles (Eng.) 6/ WoUebius 4/4 10 4 Seven Quires of Paper 8/6. Heb. Psalter 5/4 Do. Grammar 2/ . 15 10 Gordon's Gram. 6/. mariners Compass 2/8 088 Eight Maps 9/4. Horace 12/. 2'' •&; S"* Vol' Sherlock's Serm 12/ 1 13 4 Maul's Sermon on moral Virtue, a Book against it & a I o 4 Vindication of Sa"^ Sermon / Clerks Introduction 3/. two latin Grammars 3/4 6 4 A Tea Kettle 20/. fire Shovel & Tongs 4/8 14 8 Table 5/4 Six Chairs 14/8 100 Bed-stead & Cord 9/. Looking Glass 6/ 15 > Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 513. 42 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [APEIL, Chest 2/8 Trunk & two Locks 4/4 Sieve Buttons 1/4 .. . 8 Rasor 1/4 Slate /8 Knife & Fork 1/ 3 Two Dozen Glass Bottles 8/ Cupboard 1/4 9 4 , A Set of Tea Dishes 2/. Coffe Pot 1/4 Book Shelves 3/ , . 6 4 Pair of Sizers /8 Tea Canester /^ \ 3 J Dozen of Pipes, - & writing flap 1/8 / A Coat 168 two Pillars 6/8. a WoUen Blanket 6/8 13 4 two Shirts 12/. Jacket 6/9 18 9 a black Gound & Hat 1 16 Errors Excep*<* £16 14 3 L. M,' Shrewsbury feb. 17. 1764 Silas Biglow £16 : 14 : 3 [Endorsed] Allow"* £15.4 SilaA Biglow Biggelow Ex ' Ace* of Books & Apparrell &c" belonging to, and in the possession of Ensign Man, and consum'd in the Chamber improv'd by him, & Timothy Langdon — Viz. a compleat Hebrew Bible, w*'' a Greek Testament at the End .... £ 1 4 Septuagint Translation of the Bible, compleat 2 Latin Bible 8vo. 8/2 Greek Testaments 10/. a Latin Testament 3/. . 11 Virgil Delp. 12/. Ovid Metamorph. 12/. de Tristibus 6/8 1 10 8 Homers Ilias 12/. Homer's Odyssey 5 Vol. by Pope 28/ 2 a Quarto Bible with a Concordance & annotations Com" prayer &c' . 1 12 a Small Bible 4/. Reusneri heroica Symbola 6/ 10 a Commentary on the Revelations FoI° 20/ Galen's Works 8/. . . . 18 Aristotle's Ethioks 8vo. 12/. Martin's Philosoph' Grammar 30/. ... 22 Hebrew Psalter & 3 Grammars by Robinson Mortis & Sewall 8/. . . . 8 Select Dialogues of Lucian by Dugard 5 2 Wollebius Compen^ 12/. Berry Street Sermons 17/ 19 Flavel's Method of Grace 4to 6 Justin's History by Clerk 12/. Seneca's Morals Englishd 8/ 1 Erasmus' Dialogues 8vo. 8/. Select Ditto by Clerk 3/ 11 2 Clerks introduction to the Latin Tongue 10/ Baileys Exercise 3/. . 13 Milner's Greek Grammar 10/8. Westminster Ditto 2/8 13 4 Greek Catechism, Tully's Epistles, Textor's D" . . 8 Boyle's Voyages 8vo. 12/. Italian Convert 3/ 15 Pasor's Lexicon in N" Test™ 6/. Book of Job in Greek heroic Verse 4/, 10 Littlton's Diction'' Eng. & Lat. 4to 18/. Coles Ditto 12/ 1 10 Castalio's Dial' & Select Fables of ^sop by Clerk 4 Lily's Grammar, English Prosodia, & Pomfrett's Poems 8 • Lawful money. ^ Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 512. 1911] BURNING OF HARVARD HALL, 1764 43 Various prospects of Mankind, Providence Ac' 8vo 9 Ward's Mathematicks 9/. Gravesand's Math' Elements 28/ 1 17 Horace Delp.' 12/. Cicero Delp.' 12/ 14 Travels of 14 Eng. Men to Jeru"" 6/. Drake's Voyages 2/ 8 Three clean paper Books, a Quire in Each 6 A parchm* cover'd Book 2/4. Tate & Brady's Psalms 4/ 6 4 Dares' Trojan War 4/. Guthrie's Tryal of Int. in X 3/ 7 King's Heathen God's, & Sylvanus' Homer 8 Duke of Buckingham's Works, & Doc' Chauncey's Dudleian Lectures 8 Carried over £28 11 4 Brought over £28 11 4 Mariners Compass new rectified 3/ Brattle & Burgers die' Logic 6/. . . 9 Famaby & Dugard's Rhetor" 3/. Livy's Roman History 2 Vol. 18/. . 1 1 Origin of Human Soul 3/. Whole Duty of Man 4/ 7 Kennett's Roman Antiquities 9 Smith's Theory of moral Sentiments 12 Freeholder 6/. Watts' Strenght & weakaess of hum" Reason 4/. . . 10 a Large Demy clean paper Book Cost 6 8 a Red Morocco pocket Case 8 Candlesticks Snuffers & ChafEngdish 6 a Small Round Table & 1 Chair 10 3 pewter plates & 2 Wine Glasses 6 a Small Looking Glass 6/. a Book Case 6/ 12 a Table Cloth, 3 Towells & a Good Hammer 8 An Exquisite Violin presented to me for its intrinsic Worth, with a Compleat Tutor for the Same 18 Apparel. 2 Shirts, 3 p' Hose, a black Gown & Hat, a plad and Calimanco Gown, a Coat, a Jacket, a pair Breeches, Shoes & night Cap 10 £46 04 Boston Feby 16* 1764. Errors excepted p' Ensign Man * [12 February, 1765] Petition of A Petition of Richard and Samuel Draper, Pinters, and Samud shewing That in January 1764, they had in the Hands of ™'"'" Mr. Andrew Eliot, Butler of Harvard-College, a number of Books particularly mentioned, which were consumed by Fire, for which they pray an Allowance of eleven Pounds fourteen Shillings, for the Reasons mentioned. Read and committed to Col. Nichols, Mr. Whitney, and Col. Ward, to consider and report.^ » Massachusetts Archives, Iviii. 505-506. * House Journal, p. 232. Apparently no further action was taken.