1854-03-02 Letter: Superintendent Rufus Howe to the Trustees, 1831.018.001-010

Cambridge March 2 - 1854.

To the gentlement trustees of the Mount Auburn Cemetery}

You will recollect that Mr Hyde, our late gate keeper died last November. His salary was promptly paid at the end of each quarter, the last payment was up to Oct first; and now we owe his estate from that date to the day of his death. Shall any more then his regular wages, thirty dollars per month be paid? if so how much?

Mr Hyde, leaves a son of mature age, now employed in a book store, I understand at good wages.

One daughter, I think about eighteen years of age making all the family left.

Should you think proper to give any thing over his regular wages, would it not be well to give it to the daughter as the most needy.

Most of you, will recollect the commencement of my services here, Apl 1841, and the conditions, which I entered upon the duties of the situation; you also have been familliar, with the increase of proprietors from year to year, and the increased instrumentalities to be used, to meet all the wants of the place; you also are aware of the importance of having

all instrumentalities properly directed to accomplish the end for which they are used.

It has been made a part of my duty, under your supervision, and those constituting the board for the last thirteen years, to give direction to these instrumentalities in some measure; but as I propose leaving the place that I now occupy the coming April, I feel it a duty to make the fact known to you at this time, a season advantageous for you, to make such arangements as to secure the advancement of your plans, and the future prosperity of the Cemetery.

I shall render any service in my power most cheerfully, in transfering the duties required of me to other hands.

Most respectfully your Servant Rufus Howe Sup^t

Rufus Howe. March 2 1854.

Hyde died Nov. 8 -