Research

Scope and Content Note

Each voucher contains the affidavit of the master of a boat stating that he did not proceed to the point for which the original clearance was issued, and a receipt for amount of difference paid him.

Attached is a copy of the original clearance given by the toll collector, giving: name of boat; where from; where bound; nature, quantity, and weight of cargo; miles to travel; tolls due; and total charges. Special forms are used for cargoes of lumber and barrel staves; attached is a certificate that lumber inspected fell short of the declared weight. On the back of later clearances is a brief record of the dates the boat passed various points and of its weighings. Each voucher is numbered and dated on the back, and sometimes the name of the boat and name of boat inspector's office are given. A law of 1826, Ch. 360, authorized refund of tolls paid erroneously.