304 



History of Hingham. 



SOCIETY OF MUTUAL AID. 



Hiiebam ...Press ol J. FVraer IU1. 



Hults ano Regulations 



or THE 



SOCIETY OF MUTUAL AID 



worn 



DETECTING THIEVE! 



M U M Q U & 



FORMED "IN 1819. 



s, 



The illustration above is taken from the heading of a broadside, 

 which indicates the purpose for which the society was formed in 

 1819, but which is more fully explained in the preamble which 

 follows : — 



The practice of stealing has become so prevalent that it becomes 

 necessary for the well disposed to unite in the most effectual measures for 

 protecting their property against the depredations of the unprincipled, and 

 of mutually aiding each other in bringing such offenders to the punish- 

 ment they may deserve, and as provided by the just laws of our country. 



We, the subscribers, do therefore associate ourselves together, for the 

 above purpose, and also the more effectually to recover any property that 

 may at any time be stolen from a member of this Society ; and engage to 

 comply with the following Rules and Regulations. 



The Rules provide for the election of a Treasurer who should 

 also be Clerk, a Standing Committee, and a Pursuing Committee. 



In 1822, the society voted unanimously that the widows of de- 

 ceased members should be entitled to all privileges, and be con- 



