Mount Auburn Cemetery

(copy) Dr Jacob Bigelow to Dr S.G. Howe on Otis Statue Dec. 23. 1857

(Copy) Boston 42 Mount Vernon St

Dec 23. 1857.

S. G. Howe, Esq^re

Dear Sir

It is doubtless known to you that a statue of James Otis was contracted for and nearly completed by our friend the late Mr. Crawford, for the chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Of the price of this statue (which was $5000) one half or $2500, was paid to Mr. Crawford when last in Boston. The balance or $2500 will I presume be payable to his legal representatives on the delivery of the statue with its pedestal in Boston within the time of the contract.

The full sized model supposed

Louisa W. Crawford to Dr J. Bigelow Jany 13 1858 on Otis Statue

Bordentown N.J. Jany 13^th 1858.

Dear Sir

a day or two ago only, did I recieve from my brother in law Dr. Howe yr note to him, and now hasten to inform you that the statue of James Otis, modelled by Mr Crawford for the chapel at Mt Auburn, will be entirely completed by the end of this present month. and ready for forwarding from Rome so soon as a safe opportunity may occur. At least such is the intelligence with regard to the work contained in my last letters.

The original model, which you state was conveyed to the Corporation of Mt Auburn will also be duly forwarded.

Should no vessel be "up" for Boston is it your pleasure that the shipment be made to New York & thence to Boston, or would you prefer waiting the sailing of some bark more direct?

Never having seen the contract for the works, I am in some degree ignorant of the points agreed upon, such for instance as those agreed upon concerning the insurance charges for freight etc. Whether the corporation of Mt Auburn meet those expenses or if they are to be defrayed by Mr Crawford's estate. I should feel much obliged by any information from you on the subject. The contract if there was one drawn & signed is inaccessible to me,

being in Rome.

I thank you sincerely for the expressions of sympathy contained in yr note to Dr Howe. The sympathy of my husband's friends must ever be, to me, invaluable even though it reminds me of the bitterness of the loss.

I am dear Sir very truly yrs Louisa W. Crawford

My address is. "Care of A. Mailliard Esq. Bordentown. N.J."