Mount Auburn Cemetery

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situated near the Tower Hill and occupying a portion of what is called Harvard Hill is encircled by Amaranth Path; and contained 5.226 square feet. It contains the monuments of Pres. Kirkland, John Hooker Ashman, and quite a number of monuments of students, and is and must continue to be a spot hallowed in the memories of many. Unfortunately, however, no permanent bounds were ever erected, as the ground slopes to the path which is narrow, in time the visible outlines of the lot have become difficult to find. At the request of the Treas^rat the time mentioned, our Sup^t put down some small stakes with a view of showing as nearly as could be, the former location of this lot. These I found partly remaining when I viewed the spot with the surveyors in December last; but as the matter had been left in the partially arranged state referred to above, it was useless for us to attempt anything, until we could ascertain what your Corporation will do in the matter.

The result is- we have a plan of great beauty and accuracy, as yet without this lot being indicated.

Will you please bring this matter before the Corporation, and have such action taken as will vest in you this power, if need be, to do what is requisite when Spring opens. I think, if you would enclose the lot with a neat granite edgestone, it would add greatly to its beauty and permanance.

I am very resp.y yours A.J Coolidge Sec.y

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Nov^r 10 [186]6

Hon. Nath^l Silsbee, Treas^r Harv^d Coll.

Dear Sir,

I have carefully inquired into the matter of complaint of Geo. M. Folsom, contained in the enclosed note, respecting the alleged breaking of the Damon Monument on "Harvard Hill" and have learned from the Superintendent, whose statements are [?] by others having proper means of knowledge, that the monument was observed prostrated what a year or more [?] on the next day after a fierce northwest gale which blew down a large pine tree within a hundred and fifty feet of this monument, tearing the tree out by the roots. The stump of the tree still remains there in position as it fell. Both the tree and monument fell in the same direction -- up hill, i.e. the S.E. -- The Superintendent feels confident that the gale prostrated the stone.

Not so much for curiosity, as to examine the form and strength of this stone, I determined to visit the spot: and this I was unable to do until yesterday, which must be my apology for so long delay in making a written reply to the charge. Having stated to you some time since the Superintendent's method of accounting for it

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just below that place, around the border of Harvard Hill, the monument must have been then and there broken.

The fact is, it was broken more than a year ago, at which time, and until, last April or May, nothing at all was being done in the neighborhood. There are now some beautiful lots finished on the outskirts of the hill, which do great credit to the taste and skill of the Superintendent.

I regret the accident to the stone, even though the elements were the only witness thereto: but I sincerely hope that the Class of 1857 will use proper vigilance in seeing that no other memorial stone of such frail materials is substituted therefore.

I am

Very Resp.y yours

A.J. Coolidge Sec.y