122 A PEN-RAMBLE 



" repaired to the several parishes, took a view of the sit- 

 uation and circumstances and heard the parishes con- 

 cerned," and submitted their report March 21, 1745, old 

 style. "In Council June 4, 1746, it was ordered that 

 the inhabitants and their effects by the report set off to- 

 gether with such other persons exempted as may join 

 them within twelve months, be and are hereby erected 

 into a distinct and separate precinct accordingly, and that 

 they do duty and receive privileges as other precincts 

 within the Province do or by law ought to enjoy, and that 

 the charge of the committee amounting to 9. 9s. 6p. be 

 paid by the petitioners." 



"Sent down for concurrence. 



" J. Willard, Sec'y. 

 " Keceived and concurred in. 



"J. Hutchiuson, Speaker. 

 " Consented to. 



W. Shirley. 

 " Copy examined , 



Pr Josiah Willard, Sec'y." 



The warrant for the first meeting was issued by " the 

 worshipful Jonathan Wade, one of his Majesty's Justices 

 of the Peace for the county of Essex." It was directed 

 to Abraham How, and he was requested "to notify and 

 warn the freeholders and other inhabitants of the precinct 

 qualified to vote in town affairs to assemble and meet at 

 the meeting-house in said parish, on Monday, the 7 th day 

 of July next, at one of the clock afternoon." It was 

 dated and signed : " Given under my hand and seal this 

 twelfth day of June in the twentieth year of his Majesty's 

 reign annoq : Domini 1746. Jonathan Wade Just c Pa- 

 cis." 



Mr. How made return of the warrant, and the first 

 parish meeting was held according to its precept. George 



