Copying Book: Secretary's Letters, 1860 (page 162)

162

matter was accomplished, her child was buried with
the father. Today, in the same ignorance of facts, she
went to a marble worker and engaged a ^^marble tablet to
erect over the grave, to the memory of the father and
child, but had not given him the inscription, and was
to go again to him. Meanwhile she called upon me, and
learned, to her surprize, of the transfer to you, and stated
all the circumstances. She has, innocently and ignorant
of the legal facts, buried her child without your order.
I told her it would be best to acquaint you with the
facts and circumstances and obtain your consent, and
she [then?], desired me to write you.

She expects to leave for Vermont next Tuesday noon:
and I shall, therefore, feel obliged if you will reply at
once, and state what you are willing should be done,
so that I can receive your letter as early as Monday morning.

As I understand the matter -- there are now three graves
in the lot -- one occupied by your late husband, Mr Collins,
one by Mrs Hallet -- one by Mr Hallet and this child. There
are also, I learn, some bones or remains [few?] of a brother
of Mr Collins, Mrs, or Mr Hallet, (I did not notice which,)
in one of the graves. This leaves space for two
graves, and, I am told, if the interments had
been properly made, there would be three graves.

I do not remember what ^^spaces you wished to be reserved
for grave or graves: but remember that you said your
sons would never desire any resting place there.
I don't remember whether you wished to reserve
a place for yourself or anyone else, but have the im-