Mount Auburn Cemetery

17

Boston May 6, 1860 Jon^a Mann Esq, Sup^t & [?] -

Dear Sirs,

By^^reading the following action of the Board of Trustees of Mount Auburn, at the monthly meeting held this day, you will receive notice from me.

A communication was read from Dr J.V.C Smith, to the affect that he had been informed by Mr E.L. Lunt, a painter, that Mr Mann, the Superintendent, had demanded of him a percentage on his labor there, for the privilege allowed him of working on the premises. -

Upon motion by Mr Curtis, it was voted that when this meeting adjourn, it be next Monday, at 10 oclock A.M. to hear such testimony as the said E.L. Lunt may give in regard to the allegation said to be made by him, and for the transaction of any other business that may come before the Board; and that the Secretary be directed to require the attendance of Mr Lunt on the day, and also to notify Mr Mann that he will be expected to attend that meeting, and make his answer to the above named charge, and to the following charges - to wit; of short credits in the following accounts viz. of Nathaniel Thayer, Tisdale Drake, R.W.T. Cooper, Benj. T. Reed, J.B. Whall's Estate, and T.B. Wales; and of receiving compensation for his services from John Borland.

Respectfully yours, A.J. Coolidge Secretary

March 19^th [186]7

Mr T. Rice Esq

Dear Sir,

Will you be so kind as to inquire (if need be) and inform me of the present residence of Dr Jerome V. C. Smith, formerly mayor of Boston, since resident in New Orleans at some time during the war.

Also Fred^k A. Peterson who was in business in New Orleans ^^{in 1857,} & perhaps still is, although I have a vague idea he went to Texas. He had a sister Mrs J. C. Farnsworth (Margaret A) who died in 1861 aged 33 yr. She was in Boston in 1857 & subsequently as I lost track of her. At the time of her death she was described to be of St. Louis.

Both of these parties are proprietors of lots in the Cemetery. I don't wish you to take too much trouble, but if you can easily get information, I will thank you. Your early answer will oblige.

Yours truly

A.J. Coolidge

369

38

189

Lot 2221

Thomas G. Rice, of Cambridgeport, eldest son of Aaron Rice, deceased, late proprietor of lot numbered 2221, to represent said lot. _

Letter from Dr J. V. C. Smith – charge against the Superintendent

A communication from Dr J. V. C. Smith was read _ to the effect that he had been informed by Mr E. L. Lunt, a painter, that Mr Mann, the Superintendent, had demanded of him a per centage on his labor there, for the privilege allowed him working on the premises.

Upon motion of Mr Curtis,

Adj^d Meeting _

Voted that when the meeting adjourn, it be to next Monday, May 13^th, at 10 o'clock a.m., to hear such testimony as the said E. L. Lunt may give in regard to the allegation said to be made by him, and to transact any other business that may come before the Board; and that the Secretary be directed to request the attendance of Mr Lunt upon that day, and inform him that

Sup^t required to reply to certain charges at next meeting

he shall be paid for his time; and also to notify Mr Mann that he will be expected to attend that meeting, and make answer to the abovenamed charge, and to the following charges _ to wit, of short credits in the following accounts, viz. of Nathanil Thayer, Tisdale Drake, R. W. Hooper, Benj. T. Reed, J. B. Whall's Estate and T. B. Wales; and of receiving compensation for his services from John Borland.

Appropriation for Receiving Tomb _

On motion of Mr Nazro, Voted that the Committee on Grounds be authorized to expend one thousand dollars in addition to the appropriations already made for the construction of the Receiving Tomb.

Adjourned, Attest A. J. Coolidge Secretary.

190

Trustees _ Adj^d Meeting _ May 13, 1861 ~

The Trustees of Mount Auburn Cemetery met according to adjournment, on Monday May 13^th 1861, at 10 o'clock, a.m.

There were present the President, and Messrs Andrews, Cheever, Crocker, Curtis, Nazro, Rand and Tobey.

Alleged charge by E. L. Lunt not sustained _

The record of the last meeting was read. _ Mr Curtis moved that the Trustees proceed to examine the witness called in reference to the communication made to the Trustees, at the last meeting, by Dr. J. V. C. Smith, and as Mr Mann's counsel had requested it, that the witnesses be sworn, which motion was adopted.

Mr Lunt was sworn, and Dr Smith, upon request was affirmed.

Mr Lunt stated that the alleged conversation took place between his man named W^m. M. Kinsman, and the Superintendent, as his man informed him _ that he himself never had any conversation with the superintendent on the subject _ that he did wrong in so stating it as to give Dr Smith the impression that he had the conversation.

Dr Smith explained that he had no acquaintance with the superintendent, that he made his communication to the Board because he believed that so grave a charge should be brought