Cabildo Digest

City Archives
New Orleans Public Library

Digest of the Acts and Deliberations of the Cabildo
Lighting

Introduction to the Digest

Subject Book Volume Page Date Description

Lighting 1
85 1/10/1772 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time an account is presented by Don Juan Durel for cost of lighting the City Hall the three nights it was illuminated. Unzaga signs confirmation that he will do whatever is convenient in regard to the cost of illumination during the celebration of the birth of His Highness, the Prince.

Lighting 1
226 10/27/1775 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A memorandum is presented at this time of the expenses incurred in illuminating the government buildings on the occasion of the birth of the Infanta, daughter of the Prince and Princess of Austurias.

Lighting 2
210 1/30/1784 Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – An official document is read by the Secretary in which the Acting Governor sets a time for the illumination of the city to last three nights, and orders that the edict be posted in the accustomed places to inform the public; also that the “Te Deum” will be sung on Sunday after the parochial Mass in which the Cabildo must assist. – At the next meeting (page 211), a definite treaty of peace between Spain and England was read by the Secretary, and ordered filed in the Archives.

Lighting 3 III 24 10/5/1792 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time the Governor and President states that in spite of all precautions of the necessary squads (night Police) there are people of bad character who escape, due to the fact that the city is not properly lighted. He suggests that reflectors be placed on each corner; the property owners of the city to contribute to the annual expense. He also stated that these reflectors could be obtained at a reduced price to be paid on arrival. The Commissioners unanimously agreed to the purchase of the reflectors and all necessary fixtures, to be paid for out of the City Treasury. The Governor also suggested that it would be of benefit to the Royal Service to clear the wooded lands of the city for the better firing of the guns in the fortifications, using the proceeds of the sale (or rental) of these lands to buy the reflectors.

Lighting 3 III 128 4/25/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Governor and President informs the Cabildo that the street lamps which were ordered from Philadelphia, had arrived. Don Rudolph Joseph Ducros, one of the Commissioners was appointed to inspect the street lamps and report to the Cabildo.

Lighting 3 III 130 5/2/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Commissioner Ducros reports the receipt of eighty-six lamps, all being in good condition except eight, which were broken. The Commissioners decide on the manner of placing the lamps and appointed a master blacksmith named Brion to assist. They also discuss methods of taxing the inhabitants for the yearly upkeep of the lamps, etc. Commissioner Ducros was appointed to supervise the placing of the lamps, and also, with Don Carlos de la Chaise, to calculate the expense of the upkeep.

Lighting 3 III 136 5/23/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Commissioner Ducros presents an estimate of the cost of placing the lamps and recommends a method of placing them which was approved by the Commissioners. The Governor presented a statement from the Royal Internal Revenue Department showing duties owed to the Customs Department for the importation of the said lamps, which was ordered paid by the City Treasurer.

Lighting 3 III 140 6/20/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time, Roberto Amilton (later spelled Hametor) requested payment of fourteen Pesos for cleaning and repairing the street lamps.

Lighting 3 III 146 8/1/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Governor and President suggests that a tax on each chimney be ordered to take care of the lighting of the city; double chimneys to be taxed as two. His Lordship obtained information from the Ward Commissioners that there are three thousand chimneys, and by taxing nine reales per year on each chimney, the lighting system could be maintained.

Lighting 3 III 152 8/22/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time the Commissioners approved the rules made by the Governor concerning those who must take care of the street lamps; the rules to be printed and distributed to each Judge, to other individuals in charge of the police force and to those in charge of the lamps; the lamps to be lit on the 25th instant.

Lighting 3 III 155 9/12/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – A peitition is read presented by the master blacksmith, Don Juan Pedro Briot (also spelled Brion) enclosing a bill in the amount of 1,424 Pesos for placing eight-seven street lamps, making a step ladder fixed with iron and twelve cans in which to carry the oil.

Lighting 3 III 156 9/19/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – A bill is presented by Luis Ducho, printer, for printing fifty sheets containing the rules for the lamp keepers and the night police of the city. Another bill is presented by Roberto Hametor, (previously spelled Amilton) for repairs to the street lamps. – At this same time the Commissioners took under consideration the employment of a lantern maker to take charge of the repairs on a yearly contract.

Lighting 3 III 163 10/24/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time an official letter from the Governor and President is read, enclosing a bill for the street lamps and reflectors which were transported here from Philadelphia on the ship “La Victoria,” amounting to 626 Pesos, 5 reales, and 39 Maravedis. The Commissioners agreed to reimburse the Royal Treasury for this amount, obtaining the proper receipt. – Also Don Santiago Freret presents a bill for the cost and transportation from Philadelphia, of twenty-two barrels of grease, which was approved. Don Pedro Durel, Master Cooper, presents bill for work done in the warehouse to store the grease. Don Carlos de la Chaise was appointed to examine this work and have it appraised by the other coopers; he approved the work and the Commissioners agreed to pay the said Pedro Durel (page 173).

Lighting 4 I 23 5/9/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – A bill is presented by Don Juan Francisco Merieult covering a cargo of fish oil imported by order of the Governor, in the amount of 935 Pesos and 2-1/2 reales. The Commissioners agreed to pay this from the illumination funds. At the next meeting (page 24) the City Treasurer informed the Council that he had stopped payment on this oil because of four barrels of bad quality. It was resolved to have the entire shipment examined. On examination (page 27), seven barrels were rejected. The Commissioners being convinced that the said Merieult was not at fault, decided to give him a copy of the inspections in order that he might have recourse from the persons who shipped the oil from North America. At the next meeting (page 31) Merieult states that he cannot collect from his broker for the rejected oil as the oil was accepted before the inspection was made. The Commissioners rejected this statement, and the controversy continues on pages 33, 36, 38, and 41.

Lighting 4 I 25 5/16/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this meeting the Commissioners mentioned the advantage of obtaining the necessary oil through bids.

Lighting 4 I 26 5/22/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this meeting Almonaster reports that several neighbors are complaining that they are not on the tax list for more chimneys than they have, while others are on the list for less chimneys than they have. The Commissioners resolved that a new census be made specifying the exact number of chimneys.

Lighting 4 I 74 12/11/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer presents an estimate of the cost per month for wicks, cotton, sulphur and flint stones used by the lighting department, and asked the Cabildo to approve his action in placing Blas Puche, Corporal of Night Watchmen, in charge, and pay him 59 Pesos and 3 reales for 10 months’ service to 72 lamps in use at this time.

Lighting 4 I 76 12/18/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Almonaster certifies to the measurements of fish oil, stating that there are 972 cans, amounting to 303 Pesos and 6 reales. The Commissioners agreed to instruct the City Treasurer to pay this amount from the funds belonging to the lighting department.

Lighting 4 I 82 1/22/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer reports that the tinsmith, Francisco Chesse, proposed to solder all the lamps for one reale each, and to continue to solder them gratis during the year. This proposition was approved. The City Treasurer also reported that the fish oil in his charge contained lots of waste, and some which is not fit for use. The Commissioners appointed Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas to investigate.

Lighting 4 I 85 1/29/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer reports a small lot of oil being offerred at two reales per can by Don Daniel Clark. Don Andres Almonaster is commissioned to buy the lots if found of good quality. Don Andres reports (page 88) the difference in measurement in oil bought from the North). Don Andres reports the fish oil of Don Daniel Clark is of good quality, but he intends to deliver same according to the measurements of the North (Page 89).

Lighting 4 I 96 3/11/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Royal Ensign submits an estimate of the consumption of supplies used in the lighting department comprising oil, cotton, sulphur, wisks, flints and steel. (Estimate is shown on page 99).

Lighting 4 I 106 4/22/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The City Treasurer presents a document showing amounts he has supplied the lighting department in years 1794 and 1795, and asks for verification.

Lighting 4 I 115 5/13/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The City Treasurer reports the purchase of two large iron pots and three yards of thick flannel cloth for use of the night police in straining the oil used for lighting. Purchase approved.

Lighting 4 I 147 8/26/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - A lamp is ordered to be placed in the Plaza immediately in front of the Cathedral.

Lighting 4 II 93 12/7/1797 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer reports that grease in stock for the lighting department is sufficient for this month only. The Commissioners ordered an edict placed in the proper public places calling on persons having grease or fish oil to call upon the Governor, and quote price.

Lighting 4 II 107 2/14/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the Cabildo is called into extraordinary session to consider revenue to cover the expenses of the lighting department. The Governor informs the Council that the inhabitants having refused to pay the chimney tax, it is his opinion that they could not be compelled to do so because His Majesty had never been consulted in the matter. The Commissioners resolved to present a plan at the next meeting.

Lighting 4 II 111 2/23/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Commissioners discuss the fact that a lot of bear grease has arrived in the city and arrange for the purchase of a supply for the lighting department.

Lighting 4 II 122 4/16/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Cabildo is again called into extraordinary session by the Governor to provide means for establishing a lasting street lighting service, as the residents refuse to pay the tax on chimneys. It was suggested that they tax the butchers and the bakers on the meat and bread sold. At the next session (page 124), a letter from the Lieutenant Governor and Judge Advocate of War, Vidal, recommended that they accept the voluntary tax offered by the butchers and bakers. The Royal Ensign protested this tax until approved by the King, and the Attorney General supported him. A majority of the Commissioners, however, voted in favor of the tax, which was approved by the Governor.

Lighting 4 II 134 4/27/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Vacant – At this meeting the Governor states his opinion that the inhabitants of this city be notified through the Ward Commissioners that the tax on chimneys has been discontinued; the Ward Commissioners to collect the amounts due up to the end of March ultimo. – The City Treasurer suggested a proper document to show the amounts to be paid by the bakers.

Lighting 4 II 160 7/27/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer presents a report concerning the bear fat and pelican grease which he bought for the Lighting Department. The Commissioners agreed that he purchase all he can find, paying for it out of the lighting funds.

Lighting 4 II 171 9/14/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer presented two reports signed by the Ward Commissioners, showing those who have paid the chimney tax and those who have not. The Commissioners agreed to overlook those who have not paid and to consider this branch of the service abolished.

Lighting 4 II 175 10/19/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A Royal Decree is received in which His Majesty approves the Lighting Department and Night Police of this city, and orders that this service be taken care of by the chimney tax, and the distribution of three hundred tuesas of government or city land to be leased to the best bidders as truck farms, for the benefit of the Lighting Department. The Commissioners, having already submitted the other means of income to His Majesty, resolved to await further approval.

Lighting 4 III 10 1/30/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Commissioners discussed ways and means of collecting the established tax for the upkeep of the lighting department, stating they believed the method in actual use the proper one; although the bakers complained, they voluntarily imposed the tax upon themselves. They ordered the merchants to furnish a report showing the amount of flour sold each week, giving the name of each buyer. The buyer to furnish a similar report to the Commissioner.

Lighting 4 III 12 2/15/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Governor and President informed the Council that in a meeting held by the merchants of the city, they unanimously agreed to furnish a report of the quantity of flour sold. Also that the Attorney General has submitted rules concerning the collection of taxes on the flour consumed. (Pages 13, 14, 15, and 16).

Lighting 4 III 22 4/5/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time permits were ordered printed to be given individuals buying flour for their own use – as such flour will not be charged with the tax.

Lighting 4 III 25 4/19/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer submits reports on the amount of flour consumed during the months January, February, and March.

Lighting 4 III 31 5/17/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer presents a statement covering the funds he has had in his charge belonging to the Lighting Department during the years 1796, 1797, and 1798.

Lighting 4 III 70 9/13/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer calls attention to the fact that the bakers and merchants are not complying with the rules providing for a tax on flour. At the next meting, (page 72) the Commissioners resolved to warn the merchants that they must comply with the rules.

Lighting 4 III 160 3/21/1800 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The Commissioners, considering it necessary to provide arms to the Night Policemen, resolved that eight halberds with handles, be made – two for the Corporals and six for the Night Policemen.

Lighting 4 III 196 7/18/1800 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time a petition is presented by Juan Bautista Caraby, powder manufacturer, asking to be exempt from the tax on flour for the upkeep of the lighting department, as he uses flour of a very poor grade for the manufacturer of powder.

Lighting 4 III 216 8/22/1800 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The Secretary notified the mentioned powder manufactures, Caraby, Desaubry, Ricard, and Cassanard, that they may individually report the number of barrels of flour they have used in order that they may be taxed the four reales per barrel for the upkeep of the lighting department.

Lighting 4 IV 44 12/12/1800 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the City Treasurer is instructed to pay various bills for supplies furnished the Lighting Department during the year.

Lighting 4 IV 225 6/25/1802 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this meeting a Royal Edict is read in which His Majesty approves the establishment of the Lighting Department and the Night Police. He states that the Cabildo exceeded themselves in changing from the old tax on chimneys to the new tax on meats and flour without his approval, but orders that they investigate and find which tax yields the most income and apply whichever is most convenient or profitable to take care of the Lighting Department and Night Police.

Subject	Book	Volume	Page	Date	Description
Lighting	1		85	1/10/1772	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – At this time an account is presented by Don Juan Durel for cost of lighting the City Hall the three nights it was illuminated. Unzaga signs confirmation that he will do whatever is convenient in regard to the cost of illumination during the celebration of the birth of His Highness, the Prince.
Lighting	1		226	10/27/1775	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A memorandum is presented at this time of the expenses incurred in illuminating the government buildings on the occasion of the birth of the Infanta, daughter of the Prince and Princess of Austurias.
Lighting	2		210	1/30/1784	Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. – An official document is read by the Secretary in which the Acting Governor sets a time for the illumination of the city to last three nights, and orders that the edict be posted in the accustomed places to inform the public; also that the “Te Deum” will be sung on Sunday after the parochial Mass in which the Cabildo must assist. – At the next meeting (page 211), a definite treaty of peace between Spain and England was read by the Secretary, and ordered filed in the Archives.
Lighting	3	III	24	10/5/1792	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time the Governor and President states that in spite of all precautions of the necessary squads (night Police) there are people of bad character who escape, due to the fact that the city is not properly lighted. He suggests that reflectors be placed on each corner; the property owners of the city to contribute to the annual expense. He also stated that these reflectors could be obtained at a reduced price to be paid on arrival. The Commissioners unanimously agreed to the purchase of the reflectors and all necessary fixtures, to be paid for out of the City Treasury. The Governor also suggested that it would be of benefit to the Royal Service to clear the wooded lands of the city for the better firing of the guns in the fortifications, using the proceeds of the sale (or rental) of these lands to buy the reflectors.
Lighting	3	III	128	4/25/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Governor and President informs the Cabildo that the street lamps which were ordered from Philadelphia, had arrived. Don Rudolph Joseph Ducros, one of the Commissioners was appointed to inspect the street lamps and report to the Cabildo.
Lighting	3	III	130	5/2/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Commissioner Ducros reports the receipt of eighty-six lamps, all being in good condition except eight, which were broken. The Commissioners decide on the manner of placing the lamps and appointed a master blacksmith named Brion to assist. They also discuss methods of taxing the inhabitants for the yearly upkeep of the lamps, etc. Commissioner Ducros was appointed to supervise the placing of the lamps, and also, with Don Carlos de la Chaise, to calculate the expense of the upkeep.
Lighting	3	III	136	5/23/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Commissioner Ducros presents an estimate of the cost of placing the lamps and recommends a method of placing them which was approved by the Commissioners. The Governor presented a statement from the Royal Internal Revenue Department showing duties owed to the Customs Department for the importation of the said lamps, which was ordered paid by the City Treasurer.
Lighting	3	III	140	6/20/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time, Roberto Amilton (later spelled Hametor) requested payment of fourteen Pesos for cleaning and repairing the street lamps.
Lighting	3	III	146	8/1/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Governor and President suggests that a tax on each chimney be ordered to take care of the lighting of the city; double chimneys to be taxed as two. His Lordship obtained information from the Ward Commissioners that there are three thousand chimneys, and by taxing nine reales per year on each chimney, the lighting system could be maintained.
Lighting	3	III	152	8/22/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time the Commissioners approved the rules made by the Governor concerning those who must take care of the street lamps; the rules to be printed and distributed to each Judge, to other individuals in charge of the police force and to those in charge of the lamps; the lamps to be lit on the 25th instant.
Lighting	3	III	155	9/12/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – A peitition is read presented by the master blacksmith, Don Juan Pedro Briot (also spelled Brion) enclosing a bill in the amount of 1,424 Pesos for placing eight-seven street lamps, making a step ladder fixed with iron and twelve cans in which to carry the oil.
Lighting	3	III	156	9/19/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – A bill is presented by Luis Ducho, printer, for printing fifty sheets containing the rules for the lamp keepers and the night police of the city. Another bill is presented by Roberto Hametor, (previously spelled Amilton) for repairs to the street lamps. – At this same time the Commissioners took under consideration the employment of a lantern maker to take charge of the repairs on a yearly contract.
Lighting	3	III	163	10/24/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this time an official letter from the Governor and President is read, enclosing a bill for the street lamps and reflectors which were transported here from Philadelphia on the ship “La Victoria,” amounting to 626 Pesos, 5 reales, and 39 Maravedis. The Commissioners agreed to reimburse the Royal Treasury for this amount, obtaining the proper receipt. – Also Don Santiago Freret presents a bill for the cost and transportation from Philadelphia, of twenty-two barrels of grease, which was approved. Don Pedro Durel, Master Cooper, presents bill for work done in the warehouse to store the grease. Don Carlos de la Chaise was appointed to examine this work and have it appraised by the other coopers; he approved the work and the Commissioners agreed to pay the said Pedro Durel (page 173).
Lighting	4	I	23	5/9/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – A bill is presented by Don Juan Francisco Merieult covering a cargo of fish oil imported by order of the Governor, in the amount of 935 Pesos and 2-1/2 reales. The Commissioners agreed to pay this from the illumination funds. At the next meeting (page 24) the City Treasurer informed the Council that he had stopped payment on this oil because of four barrels of bad quality. It was resolved to have the entire shipment examined. On examination (page 27), seven barrels were rejected. The Commissioners being convinced that the said Merieult was not at fault, decided to give him a copy of the inspections in order that he might have recourse from the persons who shipped the oil from North America. At the next meeting (page 31) Merieult states that he cannot collect from his broker for the rejected oil as the oil was accepted before the inspection was made. The Commissioners rejected this statement, and the controversy continues on pages 33, 36, 38, and 41.
Lighting	4	I	25	5/16/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this meeting the Commissioners mentioned the advantage of obtaining the necessary oil through bids.
Lighting	4	I	26	5/22/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – At this meeting Almonaster reports that several neighbors are complaining that they are not on the tax list for more chimneys than they have, while others are on the list for less chimneys than they have. The Commissioners resolved that a new census be made specifying the exact number of chimneys.
Lighting	4	I	74	12/11/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer presents an estimate of the cost per month for wicks, cotton, sulphur and flint stones used by the lighting department, and asked the Cabildo to approve his action in placing Blas Puche, Corporal of Night Watchmen, in charge, and pay him 59 Pesos and 3 reales for 10 months’ service to 72 lamps in use at this time.
Lighting	4	I	76	12/18/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – Almonaster certifies to the measurements of fish oil, stating that there are 972 cans, amounting to 303 Pesos and 6 reales. The Commissioners agreed to instruct the City Treasurer to pay this amount from the funds belonging to the lighting department.
Lighting	4	I	82	1/22/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer reports that the tinsmith, Francisco Chesse, proposed to solder all the lamps for one reale each, and to continue to solder them gratis during the year. This proposition was approved. The City Treasurer also reported that the fish oil in his charge contained lots of waste, and some which is not fit for use. The Commissioners appointed Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas to investigate.
Lighting	4	I	85	1/29/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer reports a small lot of oil being offerred at two reales per can by Don Daniel Clark. Don Andres Almonaster is commissioned to buy the lots if found of good quality. Don Andres reports (page 88) the difference in measurement in oil bought from the North). Don Andres reports the fish oil of Don Daniel Clark is of good quality, but he intends to deliver same according to the measurements of the North (Page 89).
Lighting	4	I	96	3/11/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Royal Ensign submits an estimate of the consumption of supplies used in the lighting department comprising oil, cotton, sulphur, wisks, flints and steel. (Estimate is shown on page 99).
Lighting	4	I	106	4/22/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The City Treasurer presents a document showing amounts he has supplied the lighting department in years 1794 and 1795, and asks for verification.
Lighting	4	I	115	5/13/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The City Treasurer reports the purchase of two large iron pots and three yards of thick flannel cloth for use of the night police in straining the oil used for lighting. Purchase approved.
Lighting	4	I	147	8/26/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - A lamp is ordered to be placed in the Plaza immediately in front of the Cathedral.
Lighting	4	II	93	12/7/1797	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The City Treasurer reports that grease in stock for the lighting department is sufficient for this month only. The Commissioners ordered an edict placed in the proper public places calling on persons having grease or fish oil to call upon the Governor, and quote price.
Lighting	4	II	107	2/14/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the Cabildo is called into extraordinary session to consider revenue to cover the expenses of the lighting department. The Governor informs the Council that the inhabitants having refused to pay the chimney tax, it is his opinion that they could not be compelled to do so because His Majesty had never been consulted in the matter. The Commissioners resolved to present a plan at the next meeting.
Lighting	4	II	111	2/23/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Commissioners discuss the fact that a lot of bear grease has arrived in the city and arrange for the purchase of a supply for the lighting department.
Lighting	4	II	122	4/16/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster – The Cabildo is again called into extraordinary session by the Governor to provide means for establishing a lasting street lighting service, as the residents refuse to pay the tax on chimneys. It was suggested that they tax the butchers and the bakers on the meat and bread sold. At the next session (page 124), a letter from the Lieutenant Governor and Judge Advocate of War, Vidal, recommended that they accept the voluntary tax offered by the butchers and bakers. The Royal Ensign protested this tax until approved by the King, and the Attorney General supported him. A majority of the Commissioners, however, voted in favor of the tax, which was approved by the Governor.
Lighting	4	II	134	4/27/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Vacant – At this meeting the Governor states his opinion that the inhabitants of this city be notified through the Ward Commissioners that the tax on chimneys has been discontinued; the Ward Commissioners to collect the amounts due up to the end of March ultimo. – The City Treasurer suggested a proper document to show the amounts to be paid by the bakers.
Lighting	4	II	160	7/27/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer presents a report concerning the bear fat and pelican grease which he bought for the Lighting Department. The Commissioners agreed that he purchase all he can find, paying for it out of the lighting funds.
Lighting	4	II	171	9/14/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer presented two reports signed by the Ward Commissioners, showing those who have paid the chimney tax and those who have not. The Commissioners agreed to overlook those who have not paid and to consider this branch of the service abolished.
Lighting	4	II	175	10/19/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A Royal Decree is received in which His Majesty approves the Lighting Department and Night Police of this city, and orders that this service be taken care of by the chimney tax, and the distribution of three hundred tuesas of government or city land to be leased to the best bidders as truck farms, for the benefit of the Lighting Department. The Commissioners, having already submitted the other means of income to His Majesty, resolved to await further approval.
Lighting	4	III	10	1/30/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Commissioners discussed ways and means of collecting the established tax for the upkeep of the lighting department, stating they believed the method in actual use the proper one; although the bakers complained, they voluntarily imposed the tax upon themselves. They ordered the merchants to furnish a report showing the amount of flour sold each week, giving the name of each buyer. The buyer to furnish a similar report to the Commissioner.
Lighting	4	III	12	2/15/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the Governor and President informed the Council that in a meeting held by the merchants of the city, they unanimously agreed to furnish a report of the quantity of flour sold. Also that the Attorney General has submitted rules concerning the collection of taxes on the flour consumed. (Pages 13, 14, 15, and 16).
Lighting	4	III	22	4/5/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time permits were ordered printed to be given individuals buying flour for their own use – as such flour will not be charged with the tax.
Lighting	4	III	25	4/19/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer submits reports on the amount of flour consumed during the months January, February, and March.
Lighting	4	III	31	5/17/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer presents a statement covering the funds he has had in his charge belonging to the Lighting Department during the years 1796, 1797, and 1798.
Lighting	4	III	70	9/13/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The City Treasurer calls attention to the fact that the bakers and merchants are not complying with the rules providing for a tax on flour. At the next meting, (page 72) the Commissioners resolved to warn the merchants that they must comply with the rules.
Lighting	4	III	160	3/21/1800	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The Commissioners, considering it necessary to provide arms to the Night Policemen, resolved that eight halberds with handles, be made – two for the Corporals and six for the Night Policemen.
Lighting	4	III	196	7/18/1800	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time a petition is presented by Juan Bautista Caraby, powder manufacturer, asking to be exempt from the tax on flour for the upkeep of the lighting department, as he uses flour of a very poor grade for the manufacturer of powder.
Lighting	4	III	216	8/22/1800	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – The Secretary notified the mentioned powder manufactures, Caraby, Desaubry, Ricard, and Cassanard, that they may individually report the number of barrels of flour they have used in order that they may be taxed the four reales per barrel for the upkeep of the lighting department.
Lighting	4	IV	44	12/12/1800	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this time the City Treasurer is instructed to pay various bills for supplies furnished the Lighting Department during the year.
Lighting	4	IV	225	6/25/1802	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde – At this meeting a Royal Edict is read in which His Majesty approves the establishment of the Lighting Department and the Night Police. He states that the Cabildo exceeded themselves in changing from the old tax on chimneys to the new tax on meats and flour without his approval, but orders that they investigate and find which tax yields the most income and apply whichever is most convenient or profitable to take care of the Lighting Department and Night Police.

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