Appendix A
Act of Incorporation
of the
Portland Marine Society
Commonwealth of Massachusettes
In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six
An Act to incorporate John Thorlo and others into a Society by the name of the Portland Marine Society.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same; That John Thorlo, Samuel Robinson, Lemuel Moody, William Lowell, Collin Campbell, Stephen Ham, John McLellan, Joshua Waite, George Waite and David Alden, together with all others who shall become members thereof, be, and they hereby are elected into and made a body politic and corporate forever, by the name of the Portland Marine Society.
And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That said corporation is hereby declared, and made capable in law, of having, purchasing and holding in fee simple, or any less estate, by gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, any lands, tenements, or other estate, real or personal, provided that the annual income of the same shall not exceed the sum of six thousand dollars. And also to sell, alien or dispose of the same.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the said corporation shall have full power and authority to make, have and use a common seal, and the same to break, alter and renew at pleasure. That it shall be capable in law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, defend and be defended, in all courts and places whatsoever, in all actions real, personal and mixed, and to do and execute all and singular other matters and things, that to them shall and may appertain to do.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That said corporation may make, establish, and put in execution such laws and regulations as may be necessary for the government of said corporation; provided that in no case the same shall be repugnant to the laws and constitution of the commonwealth. And for the well-governing of said corporation, they shall have power to elect such officers as they shall hereafter think proper.