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

1T95.] ST. clair's defeat— post office— fire-engine. 567
tlie matter rested, and no further action was taken. Eventually
Mr. Clarke did erect such a monument, which may
still be seen in the Bridge Street cemetery.
A Jiemoriai from
the Minister.
Rev. Mr. WilHams presented a memorial to
i]jq towu coucemiug his financial affairs,
and the committee to whom it was referred,
reported that his debts amounted to £203. 1 9. 3^, and they
also stated : —
"That it is not in their power to point out any eligible plan by which
Mr. Williams can possibly discharge his existing Debts and that He is,
therefore, necessitated to throw himself on the mercy and generosity of
the town for relief, and should they withhold their needed aid, He must
be compelled to sell his little real Estate to pay his debts ; and then
starve before our eyes ; or else quit the Town in search of a happier
situation : and
whether it would comport with the feelings, the Hon-
our, or even the Interest of the Town to compel him to adopt either
alternative is left by the Committee to their serious consideration."
The town met this proposition in the following manner :
''After cool & candid consideration of the Subject, voted,
That there should be delivered to the Rev. Solomon Williams,
& for his use and benefit. Town notes, not appro-
priated, or in notes of the Town Treasurer, or both, to the
amount of £203.19.31, the transfer and delivery to be under
the direction of the selectmen." It was also voted to pay
him £30 per year instead of fire-wood. This last proposition
was afterwards accepted by Mr. Williams.