from
History of Providence County, Rhode Island
Edited by Richard M. Bayles.
In two volumes, illustrated. Vol. I.
New York: W. W. Preston & Co., 1891.
pp. 382 - 405. (part 8)
" At the October session in 1736, Alexander Thorp and Isaac Cushno
petitioned and were granted the exclusive right to run a stage to
Massachusetts. The record does not show the precise points to and from
which it was to run. The following copy of the record in regard to it will
be read with interest:
'Whereas, Alexander Thorp, livery stable keeper, and Isaac Cusno [sic],
saddler, both of Boston, within the Province of Massachusetts Bay, by
petition to this Assembly, did set forth that the petitioners, being about
to set up the business of keeping stage coaches for the transporting of
passengers and goods to and from this colony and the Massachusetts
government, which would tend to the great advantage of the inhabitants of
both governments; and as the petitioners must be put to great expense and
cost in procuring coaches, with horses and other conveniences for the
purpose aforesaid, humbly requested that they might have the liberty and
license to keep two stage coaches for the service aforesaid, and of
improving the same for the space of ten years, in regard of the great
charge and expense they must be at, as aforesaid, that all and every person
and persons might be debarred from the like liberty or license during said
term: --
'All which, being considered, it is enacted by the General Assembly, that
the petitioners' request is granted for keeping and improving two stage
coaches for the space of seven years, upon such terms and conditions as
shall be agreed on between the petitioner and Samuel Vernon, William
Coddington and Joseph Whipple, Esqs., who are appointed a committee to
enter into articles on behalf of this colony, with the petitioners, who are
to give bond for the performance of their part of said articles; and the
whole charge thereof to be paid by the petitioners.' "
continued in part 9.