History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

HISTORY OF AMESBURY. 239
bricks to stop the balls of the Indians. There were no win-
dows above, but boards to take down when needed. Its huge
chimney presented a faint attempt at ornamentation in the shape
of fluted work or imitation of pillars, which was something
unusual in those days. It had, no doubt, served the family for
several generations. The location was a very pleasant one,
affording a fine view of the surrounding country for many miles.
The old gentleman was somewhat peculiar, and at one time
entertained the singular notion that he was not taxed sufficiently,
and so informed the selectmen. He told them that he owned
a large tract of land running to the Powow river, and it was
undervalued. The result of the complaint is not known.
Ship building on the river was now an important branch of
business, and many of the small crafts were employed in fish-
ing at the eastward or trading in the West Indies. To show
the terms upon which hands were engaged, the following agree-
ment is inserted :
—
"Amesbury April 17 1766.
That Jona Bagley & Isaac Randall Doth hereby Agree with
and hir David Blasdell to goe a fishing voyage on the Schooner
Dolly & Ann at and for the wages of six Doller per Month
and Ten Dollar p r Each thousand of Coddfish caught by him
on the Outer banks and Ten Doller for every Twenty four quali-
ties caught Else where. Said Bagley & Randall to find said
Blasdell Boots Barrel Lines hooks Leads provisions &c and one
gal Rum Each fair.
Jona Bagley & Isaac Randall.
David Blasdell."
At the May meeting the old bone of contention was again
introduced, which had occasioned so much trouble with Capt.
Hook. A committee was chosen to inquire in regard to the
ferry.
At a meeting held in September, " it was voted that the town
would proceed to recover the Ferry at law ;" but the matter
was left without such action as would enforce its determination.
Dec. 1 st. A meeting was held for the special purpose of
choosing a committee "to proceed in the law for the recover-