[59] See the sketch of the town of Weymouth, written by Dr. Cotton Tufts, and printed in 1785 in _Topographical Descriptions of the Towns in the County of Suffolk, and of Charlestown in the County of Middlesex_. A manuscript copy of this sketch was very kindly placed at my disposal in the preparation of this address by J. J. Loud, Esq., of Weymouth, with other material for a history of Weymouth, which it is to be regretted Mr. Loud does not himself propose to prepare. A copy of the compilation of which Cotton Tufts’ sketch was a part is in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, bound with other documents under the title of “_Gookin and Geography_.” [60] See, also, a similar order of January 1, 1685. [61] There were thirteen Weymouth men in Captain Johnson’s company employed against the Indians in October, 1675. _Vinton Memorial_ (p. 50, n.). [62] Paul Torrey’s curious efforts at versification were printed in 1811, in the appendix to a discourse of the Rev. Jacob Norton. The author tells us that they were designed “to preserve the memory of these remarkable things to future posterity.” [63] Sketch of Weymouth, by Dr. Cotton Tufts. The usual death-rate was sixteen a year. [64] New English Canaan, p. 41. [65] “Whoever shall presume to fell or kill or top any tree or trees (after publication hereof or notice given) which growes before his owne or his neighbours Dore, or that stands in any place upon the commons or high-wayes which may be for the shaddow either of man or beast or shelter to any house or otherwise for any public use every person so offending shall be lyable to pay for every such tree so feld, topt, or kild 20s. to the Town’s use.” _Records, February 1st, 1867 (?)._ [66] Sketch of Weymouth, by Dr. Cotton Tufts. [67] This and some other facts I state on the authority of Mrs. Maria W. Chapman, of Weymouth, who very kindly furnished me with much local information which has not heretofore found its way into print. [68] Mrs. Chapman’s MS.; and see Savage’s Winthrop, v. 1, p. 286. [69] “The distance by land from Boston to the confines of the town is 14 miles.” _Sketch by Dr. Cotton Tufts._ [70] “At a Generall Town Meeting of the inhabitants of Weymouth the 24th of June, 1689.” “The Town past a vote that William Chard is to serve as Town Clerk.” “At a meeting of the Selectmen upon the first day of July 1689 Agreed with Mr. Chard to Ring the Bell & Sweep the Meeting-house to begin the 6th daye of July, and for the time that he performs that work he is to have after the rate of forty shillings a year in money or three pounds in town pay.” “At a Meeting of the freeholders of the town of Weymouth the 13th day of July 1694.” “The Towne past a vote they will have a publique School-master.”