Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

‘[p. 15] Ephraim Williams, Esqrs., be a committee to repair the bridge mentioned in presentment, view the circumstances, and state the divisional line; consider on which side of the line the defect is, and report to the Court at their adjournment, and that the bridge be forthwith repaired by Capt. Aaron Cleveland, and the charge borne as the Court shall order, and that the committee give reasonable notice of their coming. The committee report that the said bridge, except in one particular, in the hollow work, is in such circumstances as that his Majesties subjects may pass over the same with safety, and that the divisional line is, and ought to be, where the two spear or king posts stand, in about the middle of the hollow work or arch of the bridge, and that the defect is in the part that Charlestown ought to maintain, ordered: that the said town of Charlestown pay a fine of five shillings, and pay fees and costs taxed at thirteen pounds eight shillings, and two pence.’

In 1754, by the annexation of that part of Charlestown situated on the south side of the river to the town of Medford, the southerly half of Mistick bridge and the causey adjoining became a charge to the town of Medford (the town tried in vain to secure the help of other towns in caring for the said south part of said bridge), and Samuel Brooks, Esq., Lieut. Stephen Hall, Jr., and Joseph Tufts were chosen a committee to manage affairs relating to the said southerly half of Mistick bridge and the causey adjoining. Medford town records say that July 25, 1757,‘Samuel Brooks, Esq., Stephen Hall, Esq., and Capt. Caleb Brooks, be a committee to agree with suitable persons to rebuild the south side of Medford great bridge with wood or stone.’

We are now to consider the measures taken to place the whole charge of maintaining Mistick bridge upon the town of Medford, it being evident that the methods then existing were most unsatisfactory. At a town-meeting held in Woburn, July 21, 1760, a committee was chosen to agree with the town of Medford upon