Mount Auburn Cemetery

Boston March 24, 1862

E.L. Childs Esq. Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

I have just sent a line to Mr [Nahura?] Capen who is said to be in Washington, respecting the Larkin lot in Mt Auburn. Lest my note should not find him there, I will say that I have an appliciation to know the least sum the lot will be sold for (if still for sale) with the fund of $400 applied to both lots - 1806 & 1807. I think you named $500, and when I last saw you, I think you said the whole matter should be left in Mr Capen's hands.

The person inquiring, I believe, is a man of means, and will await your reply.

Very respy yours,

A.J. Coolidge

Boston April 16, 1862

Thos. C. Bacon Esq.

Dear Sir,

The Committee on Lots have considered your application to know for what sum this Corporation will assume the perpetual care of your lot and tomb; and have instructed me to notify you that they are ready to contract for the same on payment of the sum of ($400) four hundred dollars.

Ready to serve you & am

Very respy. yours

A.J. Coolidge Secretary Prop^rs Mt Auburn

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Boston April 7, 1862

E.L. Childs Esq. Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

Yours of March 26^th in reply to my inquiry about the Larkin lot was rec^d. I have shown your note to the gentleman who inquired about the lot. He has taken occasion to see Mr Wright, who, he says, is perfectly satisfied to have him for a co-tenant, & he seemed to be satisfied with Mr Wright.

He has instructed me to offer you $500 for the lot, if you will decide the matter yourself at once. If you decline to do this, and wish instructions from California, he withdraws this offer. In that case, he will give only $400. He is willing to make this difference for an immediate decision, as he has a body deposited in our Receiving Tomb and is anxious to make a removal soon to the lot which he may purchase. As you have the deed in your hands executed, and your authority to sell does not appear to have been revoked. I should think you ought to take the responsibility of a decision. There are few people; when looking for lots, that are willing to wave the uncertainties of California correspondence. In this case, inquirer is a gentleman of large means, I understand, and probably is willing to pay a premium for having his own wishes met. - I think this is really a good opportunity for the Larkin heirs. Hoping to hear what is your decision.

I am very respy yours

A.J Coolidge

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Boston April 28.1862

E.L. Childs Esq. Washington D.C.

Dear Sir, It is some two or three years since the lot of the late Thos. C. Larkin was mentioned to me by you as one for sale. We have had several letters pass on this subject & on the endowment, and I have made several efforts for the sale of it, and at last found a customer who has taken it at your price: and has paid over the $500 to Mr Erving and I suppose the money has reached you before this time.

As Mr Erving appeared to have no instructions but to deliver the deed, I said nothing to him about my services, and concluded it was best to suggest the matter directly to you only. If you are satisfied to pay me $5., I shall think, and hope it may so appear to you, that the fee was well earned.-

I urged the sale to Mr Pierce, because I believed it as much for the interest of the Larkin Estate as for him - for it would be seldom that I could find a man willing to pay $500 for a lot situated just as this one is. People do not like a double terrace, nor to occupy a lot in common with a stranger, and I have found most persons object to this lot for those reasons.

I find the deed antedates the contract for repair of lot, but as that cont. same with the lot, regardless of ownership, the date is immaterial. -

I have the honor to be Very respy. your Ob^nt Servant

A.J. Coolidge

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