Mount Auburn Cemetery

16 Pemberton Square

Jany, 28 [186]8

6

A. Winthrop Hastings Esq

Dear Sir: -

Your communication of Dec^r 21^st last, tendering to our Corporation, in behalf of the Spring Grove Cemetery, as I understand it, a pair of "American Trumpter Swans" was laid before the Trustees at their first subsequent meeting, on the 14^th inst.

And it was thereupon

Voted that the communication be referred to the Committee on Grounds. The Committee on Grounds through Dr Bigelow, the Chairman, have directed me to return the thanks of this Corporation to the donor, and state that they will be ready to receive them at the suitable season of the year, if you will give them notice a short time - say a day or two before hand.

They have no particular direction to give in the matter of transportation, and will be glad to leave that to you, the Corporation, of course paying charges. -

I suppose it will be best now to wait until Spring - will it not?

Whenever you may be ready, please address a note stating time, &c. to me at this place. -

Yours very Respectfully

A. J. Coolidge Sec.y

389

16 Pemberton Square

March 27 [186]8

Dear Sir,

In the confusion of removal to this place, your note was mislaid. You request a copy of our last report. I send a copy of the last Annual Report: but have some idea that you may have had in mind "the Catalogue of Lots & Prop^rs , Charter, By-laws, &c. &c. which is published once only in three, five, or six years, as may be needed. The last publication was in 1867 -- a duodecimo of 263 pages.

We have so many applications for this, that we have made it a rule to charge 50 cts a copy, unless by way of exchange. If you have a catalogue of your Cemetery, I shall be happy to forward a copy of ours in exchange.

Very Resp.y

Your Ob^t Serv^t

A.J. Coolidge Sec.y

J. W. Vosburgh Esq

16 Pemberton Square

Mar. 28 [186]8

A. Winthrop Hastings Esq

Dear Sir,

The Superintendent informs me that he can arrange for the reception of the Cincinnati Swans whenever it is thought best to send them on. --

Will you please give us a few days notice, if convenient.

Very Respy

Your Ob^t Serv^t

A.J. Coolidge Sec.y

400

A.W. Hastings, Esq.

Dear Sir,

I am sorry that our honest attempt to reach the facts in the case of the charge for a brick grave for your father, of $20, on 17^th Aug. 1865 should be the occasion of any unpleasant feelings.

I wrote you on the 9^th of July that the Lawrence bill was paid, as you state, on the 16^th of Jany. 1865, at which time the charge in question had never been made. Your father died in August following, and the two charges of $20 each are therefore entered distinct as our "order book" at Mt. A. shows, although in your reply of July 15^th, to me, you seem to suppose them one and the same.

The order book referred to per, --

"Oct. 9, 1864. Thos. Hastings, Int. and record -- Body of James K. Lawrence, (Birch Grave) $20. -- Bill rec^d Treas^r some time in 1864". This was paid (as stated) Jany 16, 1865.

The order book next shows Aug 17, 1865 A. Winthrop Hastings -- Brick Grave, Int. & Record. Body of Thos. Hastings -- $20. Bill rec^d Treas. Oct. 5, 1865".

I have taken the pains to examine carefully our books and also the accounts of moneys rec^d at the Gate, from Aug. 17, 1865 to the present time, and they furnish no evidence that the $20 for your father's brick grave has been paid. There is not much chance of error on the cash book, even if journals & ledgers are deficient.

If you find a receipted bill of this, I shall be very glad to enter it on the books -- otherwise, will feel obliged if you will pay it.

Yours very Respy.

A.J. Coolidge

429