Newport Barrack Lots
From the book of Joseph L Donnelly Volume II
From a book marked on cover "Title to Lots in Town of Newport KY 1831" Recently discovered by Mr. E C Perkins of Ft Thomas. On the first two pages the following is written in pencil.
The following is a true account & History of the manner in which the United States acquired Five acres & Six Square Poles of Ground which it holds as the Barracks.
1st-In the year 1803 General Henry Dearbon appointed General Charles Scott agent to secure the property The 5 acres & 6 poles embraces original Lots No 1, 2 & 3 fronting on the Esplannade or Common & lots No 34, 35 & 36 fronting on Taylor Street and an alley of 38 feet between said Lots-a portion of Isabella Street West of said Lots & Alley & a piece of Ground West of Isabella Street and Extending to Licking River. Lots No 3 & 34 having been previously sold to David Morton these lots were Purchased by General James Taylor under Direction of General Scott of said Morton & cost United States $200. and the Trustees of the Town of Newport on 28 July 1803 made a deed to the United States for the whole five acres & 6 square poles.
2nd-As Morton himself had a Deed from Trustees for Lot No 3 he also by separate deed 14 Feb 1806 conveyed this Lot No 3 to the United States & as the Title to Lot No 34 was in the Trustees for Lot 34 which said Morton only held by Title Bond, the Trustees of Newport also on 11 Feb 1806 conveyed this Lot & 38 feet of Alley to the United States as the Records of Campbell County will show. Lots No 1 & 2 & ? Lots No 35 & 36 and about one acre & a half West of Isabella Street & extending to Licking River was a Donation to the United States in consideration of their fixing the Barracks at Newport on the Part of General James Taylor.
3rd-As it was thought doubtful whether the Trustees had the Power under the Act of 14 December 1795 vesting the Title of the Lots & plat as made by John Roberts to convey the Alley & that Part of Isabella Street situate West of said Lots an Act of the Legislature was passed 24 December 1803 confirming the Title made to the United States & giving the US Jurisdiction over said ground see act.
4th-With the exception of Lots No 3 & 34 purchased of Morton & Paid for by the US the balance of the five acres & 6 square Poles was a donation on the Part of my father. Signed James Taylor 1 September 1880