1856-05-21 Otis Statue: Thomas Crawford to Jacob Bigelow, Notice of Draft, 1831.039.006-004

Rome May 21^d 1856

Jacob Bigelow Esq

Dear Sir -

I herewith enclose a Certificate given by the American Vice Consul in Rome (the Resident Minister being absent) to show that the Model of the Statue of James Otis is finished and transferred to Plaster of Paris preparatory to Commencing the said Statue in Marble.

Though I presume a Certificate is not absolutely necessary in connection with this work - yet -as I have always given a similar paper to the United States Government and the State of Virginia upon the termination of the Models which I have had the honor of executing for them. I have thought the same course would be proper in relation to the Statue of James Otis.

My object in writing at present is to give you this information about the progress of the work. and to

Say that I leave Rome in a couple of days on my way to the United States where I hope to be in the latter part of July next.

Immediately after my arrival I shall visit Boston where I expect to have the pleasure of seeing you and receiving at your earliest convenience the first half of the price of the Statue ($2500) in accordance with the arrangement I proposed in my letter of Sept. 6/55 in reply to yours of July 5/55 containing the order for the Statue.

It's not impossible that I may upon arriving in Paris require One Thousand Dollars of the above $2500 - if so. I shall take the liberty of drawing upon you for the same through Mess^rs Munroe & Co. There may be no necessity for this draft but in case there should be my mentioning the matter at-present will answer the purpose of the usual advice in such affairs.

I need not say that I have endeavoured to the best of my ability to model a Statue worthy the confidence you have been pleased to extend towards me and

You may rely upon the execution if its in Marble receiving all the attention a subject of such importance merits.

I shall take the Steamer of July 2 for Havre and my intention is to be again in Rome not later than the 1st October in the meantime the Statue will be commenced in marble.

I am with great respect-, very truly yours,

Thos Crawford

per Steamer via Liverpool Erikson

Jacob Bigelow president of Mt Auburn Cemetery Boston Mass. U.S. America

[stamp: in black ink BOSTON 14 JUN 24] [stamp: in black ink, LIVERPOOL MY29 1856] [stamp:in blue ink, PAKENHAM HOOKER & Co ROME.] [stamp: in black ink, 3 CENTS]

Thomas Crawford Notice of draft for $2500, Rome May 21 1856