MASS. GEN. LAWS, no. 301 (John Baskett 1724) (Law Passed 1719).

"An Act in further Addition to an Act for Erecting a Powder-House in Boston.

    WHEREAS Gun-powder in great Quantities is imported and exported at the Port of Boston, and the Ships or Vessels, in which such Powder commonly is, lie at the Wharfs^[1] near to the Ware-houses and Dwelling-houses of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston aforesaid, being often grounded, whereby, in case of Fire, the Lives and Estates of His Majesty’s good Subjects are in great Danger, as well as able-bodied and well-disposed Persons discouraged and affrighted from giving their Assistance, and using any Endeavours for the Extinguishment thereof: Be it therefore Enacted by his Excellency the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That, from and after the Publication of this Act, no Gun-powder shall be kept on Board any Ship, or other Vessel, lying to or grounded at any Wharf^[2] within the Port of Boston. And if any Gun-powder shall be found on Board such Ship or Vessel lying aground, as aforesaid, such Powder shall be liable to Confiscation, and under the same Penalty, as if it were found lying in any House or Ware-house.
    And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That no Powder be carried through any Town upon Trucks, under the Penalty of Ten Shillings per Barrel for every Barrel of Powder so conveyed, and so proportionately for smaller Cask.
    And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That such Quantity of Gun-powder, as by Law is permitted and allowed to be kept in Shops for Retail, shall hereafter be kept in Brass or Tin Tunnels, and no otherwise, under the Penalty of forfeiting all such Gun-powder; one Moiety thereof to be to the Use of the Poor of the Town where such Powder shall be found, and the other Moiety to them that shall inform and sue for the same: And that the Fire-wards of the Town of Boston for the Time being, be and hereby are directed strictly to observe and put this Law in Execution; any Law, Usage or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding."