[409] Indian tribes. In Nov. 30, 1630, the same court levied a tax of sixty pounds, to pay the two public preachers, Rev. George Phillips and Rev. John Wilson; and the places and sums were as follow: “Boston, twenty pounds; Charlton, ten pounds; Rocksbury, six pounds; Meadford, three pounds; Winnett-semett, one pound.” Feb. 3, 1632, the same court levied a tax of sixty pounds, to make a palisade for the defence of Newton, that town having been chosen as the seat of government. To this tax, twelve towns contributed; and Meadford paid three pounds. In March 4, 1633, another levy was made to pay military teachers; and here Meadford again paid three pounds. Thus our town seems to have taken its place with contiguous plantations in bearing its proportion of the public burdens. The levy, in each place, was made by the officers of said plantation or town; and the following order, from the general government, attests to the ideas of right universally existing:--
1634, May 14: “It is further ordered, that, in all rates and public charges, the towns shall have respect to levy every man according to his estate, and with consideration of all other his abilities whatsoever, and not according to the number of his persons” [or the individuals of his family]. 1636, March 3: For explanation of an order made at the General Court, in May, 1634, it is ordered, that hereafter all men shall be rated, in all rates, for their whole ability, wheresoever it lies.In a general levy of £ 600, in 1634, Meadford paid £ 26; Charlestown, £ 45. In 1635, in a levy of £ 200, Meadford paid £ 10, and Charlestown £ 16. Keeping about these proportions, Medford paid its share as follows: In 1635, £ 19. 15s.; in 1636, £ 15; in 1637, £ 49. 12s.; in 1638, £ 59. 5s. 8d.; in 1639, '40, and '41, no record of tax; in 1642, £ 10; in 1643, £ 7. Winthrop tells us, that,--
Of a tax of £ 1,500, levied by the General Court in 1637, the proportion paid by Medford was £ 52. 10s.; by Boston, £ 233. 10s.; Ipswich, £ 180; Salem, £ 170. 10s.; Dorchester, £ 140; Charles-town, £ 138; Roxbury, £ 115; Watertown, £ 110; Newton, £ 106; Lynn, £ 105.Mr. Savage says of this time (1637), “Property and numbers, ”
