1863-07-06 Trustee Committee on Grounds: Report on Watriss Lot Purchase, 1831.033.003-020

The committee on Grounds who were instructed to report on the expediency of purchasing the land now for sale on the westerly border of the Cemetery, and known as the "Watriss lot," &c.

Report. -- That the whole committee have visited and carefully examined this land and the adjacent tracts. They find that between the Road and the Catholic burying ground, there are several parcels of land belonging to various proprietors. 1. The "Watriss lot" next the road said to contain nearly seven acres, and offered for sale at $8.596. -- 2. A lot of several acres belonging to the heirs of Mr Chance, price unknkown. -- 3. -- An Irish village of about 25 houses, with numerous proprietors, and adjoining the Catholic burying ground. -- 4. -- Some lots belonging to Mr Bird and other parties.

The committee are ^unanimously of opinion that it is inexpedient to purchase this land, or any part of it, on behalf of the Proprietors of Mount Auburn, for the following reasons. -- 1. -- If used for burial purposes, it cannot be expected from the nature of its surroundings,

to ^{that it can} enjoy the degree of quiet which is desirable in cemeteries. -- 2. -- If purchased as an investment or financial speculation, it would require more money than Mount Auburn has now at its disposal, and in the opinion of the committee, ^it could not be soon resold, except in small lots to irresponsible purchasers

Jacob Bigelow James Cheever James Read Edward S. Rand Jacob Sleeper

Report of Com^ee on Grounds -- "Inexpedient to purchase Watriss Lot

Presented July 6, 1863 & ref^d to next meeting --

Aug. 3^d 1863 -- Ref^d to next meeting -- Sept. 7. 1863 -- Accepted

Attest A.J.C. Sec.y

1831.033.020