Mount Auburn Cemetery

Boston Aug. 25th '/72

[letterhead: JB embossed]

J.T. Bradlee Esq^re Chairman of Com. on Grounds And of Sub. Committee on Sphinx.

Dear Sir. I am much gratified to learn that the Sphinx Statue is safely in place, and the ground cleared up. I request and authorize you to adjust equitably any remaining details belonging to the above Committees

and report to the Trustees about the proper time I have arranged with Mr Milmore and Col. Folsom, to meet me at the Sphinx, tomorrow, (Monday) afternoon at five o'clock to settle a few things in regard to carving, grading, enclosing &c, and at the same time to uncover the Statue. I shall be gratified if you will assist us with your presence, and shall

also be glad to see any of the Trustees, but with no occasional ceremony. respectfully yours Jacob Bigelow ___

An account will be sent to the leading Newspapers for Tuesday morning

Boston July 23 '/72 [1872]

J.T. Bradlee Esq^r

Dear Sir

Mr Milmore the Sculptor, has informed me that the Sphinx Statue at Mount Auburn is now completed and ready to be placed upon its Pedestal. You and myself are a sub committee with power to direct the removal.

If you will write an order to Col. Folsom to execute this business, I will affix my signature to yours. Col. Folsom should confer fully with Mr Milmore and myself and you before putting it in motion.

Respectfully and truly yrs.

Jacob Bigelow

[letterhead: embossed]

Boston October 28^th1872

John T. Bradlee Esq^re Pres. Mnt Auburn Cemetery

Dear Sir. As winter is approaching and I do not often leave my house, I am anxious that my few remaining concerns with the Proprietors of Mnt. Auburn Cemetery should be duly settled-. I have desired the Secretary to draw a release to the Proprietors of Mnt Auburn of all my right and interest. in the Sphinx Monument at that place, of which I may still claim to be proprietor, never having yet signed or executed any transfer. If I recollect matters rightly, the Trustees referred the business

[in pencil] octo. 28. J. Bigelow

Nov. 1. Jacob Bigelow

Boston November 1 '/72 [1872] John T. Bradlee Esq Pres. Mount Auburn Cemetery

Dear Sir

After several days further consideration, I am unalterably opposed to the display of my name on the front of the Sphinx Pedestal for the same reasons as were assigned to you in my letter of October 20th.

My family also are unanimously averse to the conspicuous place which you have proposed.

As a member of the sub-committee I consent to the placing on the side of the Sphinx base an inscription in size and substance