1882-03-17 Letter: Samuel Bragg, Superintendent of Mount Hope Cemetery to J. W. Lovering, "'act' about depth of burials," 2014.020.006-003

Subject: "Act" about depth of burials [in pencil]

Mount Hope Cemetery.

Belonging to the CITY OF BOSTON, and situated in the DORCHESTER DISTRICT. TRUSTEES' OFFICE, AT THE CITY REGISTRAR'S OFFICE, CITY HALL, BOSTON.

Post-Office address of the Superintendent, MATTAPAN, Mass.

March 17, 1882

J.W. Lovering Esq. Supt. M^t^ Auburn Cem.

Dear Sir.

The enclosed "Act", now before the Legislature explains itself. In our Cemetery and Forest Hills the lots and single graves are trenches six feet deep with a view of buring two grown persons in a grave, if the owners wish to, and have three feet of earth over the second interment.

I presume about the same thing is done at M^t^ Auburn and all other cemeteries near Boston. If this "Act" becomes the law it will be impossible to make a second interment

in graves now occupied without lowering the bodies, and in most cases that would be impossible for many of our lots are on the ledge and that is blasted out only six feet deep. To bury two bodies in a grave would require at least seven feet in depth if four feet below the level of the ground. We believe it useless to require the bodies to be four feet deep. No odor can get through three feet of earth. It would ^be^ a hardship to the poorer class who have not the means to buy land enough at present prices to put only one body in a grave. It would also greatly increase our own expenses if this Act becomes a law.

I have seen Mr. Moulton

of Forest Hills and the Supt. of Calvary Cemetery and they take the same view of the matter that I do, and think we had better try and defeat the Bill in the House.

I have also written to the Supt. of Woodlawn calling his attention to the matter. If you are disposed to give us your cooperation see your Representatives and explain to them the effect of such a law.

I should be glad to know your opinion of the matter.

Truly Yours

Saml. A.B. Bragg Supt.