Mount Auburn Cemetery

Boston Sept. 12. 1863

Chas. P. Curtis Esq Chairman Comm^ee on Lots

Dear Sir,

I enclosed the Supt^d Rep^t of present condition of lot no 1175, also of lots 1875 to 1878 inclusive for which latter a contract is sought to be made including all the lots in one sum.

You perceive Capt. Winsor's suggestion of 700 or 750 for the whole.-

The by-law (p. 48 of Catalogue sc.) now stands thus - "The Trustees may also guarantee the perpetual repair of lots containing 300 feet & upwards, on payment to the Treas^r of a sum not less than $300, and of lots containing less than 300 feet on the payment of a sum not less than $100."

Each of these four lots contains 300 feet.- hence the by-law would require $1200.-

For lots contiguous and in one enclosure, I am compelled to think the by-law is impracticable. As it stood at first, $300 was the least sum which could be accepted for the guaranty upon any lot. Then came applications for the perpetual care of small lots, lots on which very small expense would be required; and an amendment was tasked on Oct. 3. 1859, providing that for lots of ^^not less than 100 feet a sum not less than $100 should be required.

And now comes another case, where it is obvious that two, three, or more contiguous lots improved in the same manner, and at the same time, can be taken for a much less sum than if situated in different parts of the Cemetery.

The truth is that the number of square feet in a given lot, or enclosure containing two or more lots, is a very poor standard for fixing the requisite amount, because it may cost more to take care of one lot with 100 feet with its appurtenances, than another lot with 200 or 300 feet. Besides, the statement of a sum in the catalogue operates to mislead persons who do not read carefully. They come with $300 fixed in mind, and when $500 or $600 is asked, they appear to be greatly surprised and disappointed.

85

264

June 16, [186]5

Capt. D. L. Winsor

Dear Sir,

Since last October the following contract have been made for the perpetual repair of lot -- guaranteed.

726	Cedar Path	Catherine Peabody	June 6, 1865	450
{1250	Elm Path	Isaac Parker}
{1315	" "	Mary I. Parker}	Dec. 1. 1864	1000.
{1333	" "	Fanny C. Parker}
(1875	Hibiscus "	Nathan Webb)
(1876	" "	Charles Forster)	Jany. 25. 1865.	$1200.
(1877	" "	Jacob Forster)
(1878	" "	Edwin F. Adams)
2113	Lime Av.	Henry Gassett	Apr. 20. 1865.	600.–
2820	Lawn "	Deborah C. Powars	Oct. 21. 1864	200.–

The following is not guaranteed:

212	Beech Av.	Gurdon Steele	May 4. 1865.	100.–
659	Greenbrier P.	Otis Fairbanks	Nov. 21 "	100.

Very Resp. y Yours

A. J. Coolidge

95

1700 Edmund P. Dolbeare of Boston, son of Edmund P. Dolbeare, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 1700;

1709 Gilbert E. Pierce of Boston, son of Rebecca Pierce, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 1709;

1875 Sarah Lincoln of Charlestown, daughter of Nathan Webb, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 1875;

1876 Lydia W. Forster of Charlestown, daughter of Charles Forster, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 1876;

1999 Frederick W. Mozart, of Philadelphia, Pa. son-in-law of Jacob A. Johnson, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 1999;

2061 Maria A. Thayer of Salem, daughter of Elias B. Thayer, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 2061;

2170 Edward Fillebrown of Boston, son of Edward Fillebrown, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 2170;

2271 W^m T. Chandler of Boston, brother of Nathan B. Chandler, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 2271;

2279 Chas. E. Phillips of E. Somerville, son of Linus A. Phillips, dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 2279;

2447 Charles Sumner of Boston, son of Relief Sumner dec^d prop^r of lot numbered 2447;

119

Octo 17^th [18]81

E N. Coburn Esqr Charlestown Mass

Dear Sir

In regard to the interment in lot #4686 the signature of M^rs Mary A.C. Livermore 24 North Ave Cambridge is wanted. The signature of Sarah L. Edes will be sufficient for the removal from #1875.

Unless you propose paying in terms of note at head of interment orders, please have the full address of the parties ordering that the bill may be sent them.

Please bring the permit of which I wrote you some time ago.

Very respectfully James W Lovering pr J.C.S. Supt