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[153] in Medford on the first Sunday after its arrival. After this, the question of preparing and adopting a form of free, representative government came before every mind with deep impressiveness; and Sept. 20, 1776, found our fathers assembled to discuss it. They voted that they were “ready for a constitution and a form of government for the future.” That year, for the first and only time, two representatives were chosen,--Captain Thomas Brooks, and Mr. Stephen Hall, 3d. When towns were dissatisfied with any laws, it was usual to instruct their representative to “declare against them.” The expenses of war were borne without a murmur in Medford; and every person made a cheerful sacrifice of whatever was necessary to promote the cause of freedom. In 1776, the inhabitants tax themselves £ 226, in addition to the current expenses of the year. March 3, 1777: “Voted to raise our quota of men for the fifteen battalions for the Continental army.” Sept. 22, 1777: The town voted to raise £ 778. 4s. for the expenses of the war. During these hard times, Medford had two ministers to support, and Mr. Osgood asked for more salary. The town, March 2, 1778, granted him £ 100 as a gratuity. May 25, 1778: “Voted to pay each person six shillings per day who served under Capt. Blaney, as soldiers for Medford, last winter.” “Voted that the Selectmen be the Committee for supplying the families of the Continental soldiers.” May 28, 1778: “Voted to raise the sum of £ 1,400 towards defraying the charges of the town the ensuing year.” Nov. 30: “Voted to raise £ 1,600, in addition to the £ 1,400 voted last May.” 1779: William Earl, of Medford, was “powder-monkey” on board the ship-of-war Bon Homme Richard, Sept. 23, 1779, then commanded by Capt. Paul Jones. On that day, the captain encountered the British ship-of-war Serapis, greatly his superior in force; and, after a most desperate and bloody engagement off Flamborough Head, he captured her. Young Earl lost his leg in that battle, and afterwards received a pension. He pursued, in Medford, the trade of a tailor. He was a good citizen, and a good singer. 1779: Voted to raise £ 3,000 for current expenses, and to borrow $12,000 for three months.
John Wilson and son. 22 School Street. Boston. 1855.
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