1870-02-07 Trustee Committee on Lots, Richardson to Bowditch, 1831.036.018

Office of Geo. C. Richardson & Co 96 Devonshire St. Boston.

113 & 115 Worth St. New York.

Boston Feby. 1. 1870

J. Ingersoll Bowditch Esq. Chairman of Committee on lots Mt. Auburn Cemetery

Dear Sir

I have been owner for more than twenty years, of lot 1525 Spruce Avenue, & have always kept the same in good condition in every particular. The past year I have put upon my lot an expensive iron fence, & otherwise improved its appearance. Next to my lot is one owned by John Peake, undertaker, which has been, for many years, in a shameful condition

The lot, I understand, is filled with graves, and, until recently put in order by myself, (by his consent) the head slabs mostly laid about the lot, without much regard to where they belonged; the graves generally fallen in; the fence entirely covered with iron rust; & the lot in every particular in a bad condition

I was informed, by Capt. Windsor, that the trustees had no authority, in such cases, to require the owner to put his lot in order, or even, in a respectable Condition I said to Mr Windsor

Memo May 7, 1870 - Com^ee on Grounds, to which the matter of the written memorial was referred voted to abate ^$70.37 from the corporation's bill against Mr Richardson

that it this was the condition of the regulations, practically applied I must pay for putting Mr Peakes lot in order. I have since learned, that the trustees have power in the premises, but have heretofore omitted to exercise it.

The bills for repairing Mr. P's lot amount to ____ 70.37 " of Props. of Mt. Auburn Cemetery for} putting my lot in order.} 260.384 viz: - Setting curbing stones & c}

It appears to me that equity requires that a portion, if not all, of the bills for repairing Mr. Peake's lot should be deducted from your bill against me.

Your consideration of this matter, is respectfully asked, & I have no doubt, but that you will do all in your power to protect owners of lots, and the Corporation, from being injured on account of negligence in the Care of lots

I am very truly yours Mr. C. Richardson

Communication of Geo. G. Richardson asking to be reimbursed for certain improvements made on lot adjoining his own -

April 2 1870 Read & referred to Com^ee on Grounds

May 7. 1870. Abatement of 70.37 order