Funding the fort was a challenge. Despite a 1699 tax on alcoholic beverages, a tax on outbound ships, and a 1759 lottery, complaints about payless paydays were a recurring theme.
“I have been in public service and not received any wages these fifteen months.”
– Petition to the Council from Castle Island, 1689
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- Alamy
- Deutsche Fotothek
- Digital Gallery NYPL
All the Comforts of Home
During the Civil War era officers had relatively comfortable quarters. Conditions were not as pleasant for men operating the fort’s artillery. A thin wooden partition separated sleeping quarters from heavy guns. A cast iron stove provided heat. Without adequate ventilation, the crew of 10 to 13 men frequently argued. Those closest to the stove wanted to open a vent for relief from the heat while those farther away closed it against the cold.
To Belcher
“That it is now about twenty months since your Memorialists have received any pay from this Government for their Service at the said Castle.” Families are “put to distressing difficulties (including) want of necessary clothing to cover them from the Severity of the weather now winter is approaching.”
- Massachusetts Archives
Income inequality
Interesting if not surprising, this document from July 10, 1749 lists annual pay rates for soldiers including Captain (210 pounds) Lieutenant (125 pounds) Chaplain (107 pounds) Gunner 100 pounds.) Drummers received 3 pounds 16 shillings per month. It also stipulates “that no Indian, Negro or Mulatto except one servant of the Captain be enlisted or retained.”
- Massachusetts Archives
Will Work for Tips
“It is Customary in All Forts or castles when vessels clear to give a small (amount) of mony to the Gunner when they bring them past. My humble request is that you would please consider me by Reason that I have…not received any wages these fifteen months.” July 12, 1689
- Massachusetts Archives