Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

‘[p. 5] of the 3rd. month 1646. Ralph Sprague and Edward Converse are appointed to view tile bridge at Mistick, and what charge they conceive meet to be presently expended for the making it sufficient and prevent the ruin thereof, or by further delay to endanger it, by agreeing with workmen for the complete repairing thereof and to make their return to Mr. Willoughby and Mr. Russell and what they shall do herein to be satisfied out of the Treasury.’

March, 1647-8. ‘Capt. Ting, Mr. Glover, Lieft. Pendleton, Willie Parker and Edward Jackson are appointed a committee, they or any of them to view Mistick bridge, and certify to the next Court, the two first named to give notice and three days warning to the rest.’

Of the duties of this committee, or of their report, we can only judge by the action of the Court.

March, 1647-8. ‘It was voted by the whole Court that Mistick bridge, should be made and maintained by the County at the public charge.’

This action of the General Court, placing upon the County the charge of maintaining Mistick bridge, was not satisfactory to Mr. Cradock's agent, as will be shown by the following action of the Court:

Oct. 27, 1648. ‘In answer to the petition of Nic. Davidson in behalf of Mr. Cradock for the repairing and maintaining of Mistick bridge by the County, the said Mr. Davidson being sent for, the evidence he can give being heard and examined with the records of the General Court, it appears that the General Court did engage for an exemption from rates for that year, and finishing the same on their own charges, which accordingly hath been done.’

That the troubles of Mr. Cradock's agent in regard to a safe and convenient way across Mistick river did not cease by reason of his petition and the indefinite action of the Court thereon, can be inferred by the record five years later.