1849-07-27 Letter: Superintendent Rufus Howe to Henry M. Parker, 1831.018.001-004

Mount Auburn July 27^th 1849.

Henry M. Parker Esq.

Dear Sir, your letter in regard to exchanging lot no 603 now owned by C. F. Bradford is now before me, with Dr Bigelows enclosed. In regard to proprietors generally who own lots with the right to build tombs, the number is becoming very small, who will occupy them for that purpose.

A very large majority of the lots taken before 1841 are now occupied, and consequently very few will change hands for the sake of the tomb right. I think therefore taking into consideration the very limited number of lots to be obtained for that purpose, I should say no inducement should be offered favourable to an exchange beyond our present regulations by them you are aware, that any proprietor has a right to exchange his lot by paying twenty dollars. Alexander Wadsworth & John Fairfield are about exchanging their lots with a full understanding, that they pay twenty dollars for the privilige. I think there would be an inconsistancy in favouring Mr Bradford or any other proprietor taking in to view the transactions in regard to exchanges for the last eight years, except in extraordinary cases.

Should Mr Bradford obtain an advantage in exchanging his lot others will be made restless and a door opened to give the committee on lots trouble, and nothing gained.

Very truly your Servant

Rufus Howe Sup^t

Henry M. Parker Esq.

Boston - Mass

Rufus Howe. July 27, 1849