1857-12-23 Otis Statue: Jacob Bigelow to Samuel Gridley Howe, 1831.039.006-008

(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

to be now in Italy was conveyed by Mr. Crawford to the Corporation of Mount Auburn. The marble statue is understood to be in the hands of an artist there, & to be nearly completed.

As it will probably be agreeable to the friends of Mr. Crawford to assume & direct the finishing of this statue, I have only to add that it will give great pleasure to the Trustees of Mount Auburn to discharge their part of the contract on the proper receipt of the statue in this city.

I beg you to express to Mrs. Crawford my respect & sincere sympathy, and believe me your friend

& servant

Jacob Bigelow Chairman of the statue committee of Mount Auburn.

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