1678-07-08[Selectmen July 8,1678]
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At a meeting of the selectmen the 8 of July 1678 it is ordered by the said selectmen for
prevention of the spreading of the infectious disease of the small pox into our town from the towns
of Boston and Charlestown or any other town into which it hath pleased God to suffer the said
contagious diseases to spread: that no inhabitant of our town shall entertain any person or persons,
friend or stranger, that should come from any of the said town or any other person that shall be
suspected to carry the infection one night without approbation of the selectmen, or the major part of
them, under the penalty of twenty pounds and it is further ordered that the ordinary* keeper nor any
other shall not entertain any transient person coming from the towns aforesaid of Boston or
Charlestown, coming in boats for wood or otherwise pretending business not one hour nor at all
unless it before their necessary refreshments in extremity & that with great circumspection for
avoiding of danger under the penalty of five pounds.
*a tavern