History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1691.] CAPT. COOK—TAXES—NEW CHARTER—SCHOOLS. 421
living in different sections of the town worked upon the
roadways in their immediate vicinity, and the amount was
allowed when the taxes were paid. This method proved
unsatisfactory, and a change was made in 1690, when the
town voted
"That all Towne highwaies should be carried on by way of Rate according
to p''sons And estats And if Any p''son doth not worke out his
share it shall be Added to their Towne Rate, Legall notice being given.
And in case Any Apprehend themselues [burdened] they shall Apply
themselvs to y" selectmen who Are hereby impowered to relieuethem."
Hatfield and ISTorthampton made use of the
Road to the Falls
to be repaired in
connection with
same highway for Cartage to the landing
, • ^^ j
i
-r. • Hatfield.
t i n
place Oil Conuecticut Kiver, and together
kept it in repair. The roadway, as well as
the bridge over Manhan River, were in need of repairs, and
in November, 1690, the town appointed a committee
" To treat with And Agree with Hatfeild men About the repairing
and maintaining of the bridge ouer munhan River And likewise the
highway Leading to it they also voted that on Reasonable Terms such
as the comittee should Agree with y"' vpon, they should haue Lib-
erty to cart through our Meadow And ouer that bridge."
Another Tax Levied. At the April session in 1691, the General
Court ordered that a tax of £:^1,000 should
be levied, to be paid in bills of credit, money or grain at
money price (those paying in grain to be responsible for
transportation). The tax was to be laid forthwith ; the
head money (poll tax) to be set as in the last twenty rates ;
one-half was to be paid by the first of September. Northampton
had a special grievance against this levy. Fair
treatment at least was demanded, and the town, by the following
vote, refused to pay the tax till the prices for grain
were made satisfactory. The vote was passed at the March
meeting, 169 J : —
" The Town Considering of their Inabillity to pay those great rates
w"^'' were made in order to paj-ing their part with y contry of twenty
and four thousand pound in money or provision at so Low A Rate as is
specified in the treasorors warrant the Towne did then desire the selectmen
not to deliver said rate to the Constable and did also ingage to
secure the selectmen from any damage for their not dellivering the same.
The whole Aboue voted Affirmitively."