1668-11-23[November 23rd, 1668]
Whereas we the inhabitants of Bass River and Cape Ann side after many agitations in public
meetings what might be for our more comfortable settling made choice of some amongst us to draw
up a writing, specifying our desires and deputing messengers to the General Court held at Boston the
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29 of April 1668 by petition to our governor & magistrates to invest them with power to choose
yearly a fit number of persons who might have power within themselves as selectmen have in other
places & so to act in the behalf of the place by employing others, officers or persons as the affairs of
the place may occasion.
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At the next general Court at Boston the 14 of October 1668, we received this answer; that
they judged mete that henceforth we should be a township of ourselves nominating it Beverly.
At a general meeting of the Inhabitants of Beverly this 23th November ‘68 selectmen were
nominated; and by vote five chosen to order the affairs and concernments of the town for this year.
Fol. Viz.
Capt. Thomas LathropWm. Dodge sen.Paul Thorndike
Wm. DixsyJohn West
It is ordered & agreed upon that the selectmen make the rate for Mr. Hale for his maintenance
for the year past: Samuel Corning sen. & Lott Conant chosen to see it brought in.
That the selectmen shall call in all old accounts and see them rectified. It is also agreed at this
present meeting that Capt. Lathrop, Wm. Dodge sen. John Rayment shall meet with our neighbors
of Salem to divide the ground between us in time convenient.
It is also ordered that John Hill continue out his year being Constable chosen before.
That the surveyors of highways being formerly chosen continue the year.