Mount Auburn Cemetery

Boston Nov^r 28. 3

C.P. Curtis Esq^r Chairman Com^ee on Lots.

Dear Sir,

Mr C. W. Loring has applied in behalf of the heirs of the late Mrs Joshua Blake to know for what sum the Corporation will assume the care of the lot owned by them - no. 408, corner of Ivy & Aster Paths, containing 645 square feet. It seems that Mrs Blake left with her will a paper signed by herself, which she may have supposed had the effect of a codicil duly executed, but was not so executed, contain a desire or request that $400 should be appropriated to the care of said lot Whatever may be done, the consent of the heirs will have to be obtained.

You will see by the accompanying report from the Superintendent, that the lot is contained in one enclosure with the lot of Geo. Hallet's heirs, (no. 407) and having one monument in common, so that the more practicable method would appear to be the care of both lots together.

While therefore it will be well for the Committee to indicate the sum for which they will recommend the undertaking for both lots, the Blake heirs will perhaps expect you also to say for what sum you will assume the care of their lot.

Very Resp. yours

A.J. Coolidge Sec.y

101

Boston, Dec^r 7, 1863

C.W. Loring Esq^r

Dear Sir,

I have submitted to the "Committee on Lots" of our Corporation, consisting of Messrs Chas. P. Curtis, Edw^d Austin and W^m. T. Andrews, your question - "for what sum they will recommend the Trustees to contract for the perpetual care of lot no. 408, on Ivy Path, belonging to heirs of the late Joshua Blake": - and subjoin a copy of their reply: - premising, however, that the Blake lot is contained within the same enclosure as lot no. 407, belonging to heirs of the late George Hallet, having a monument in common to both lots, erected to the memory of the late Francis Stanton, and that the care of both lots as one seems to be the only practicable mode of arrangement: Size of lots viz. 407 has 511 feet & 408 has 645 feet = 1156 square feet.

"The Committee on Lots will recommend the Trustees to guarantee the perpetual care and preservation of the two lots, nos. 407 & 408 for one thousand ($1000) dollars. As there is a handsome monument to Mr Francis Stanton, standing in the middle of the triangle, the Committee think it will be best for all parties that there should be one Bond embracing the whole of both lots; but