Copying Book: Secretary's Letters, 1860 (page 202)

202

of work, which, to say nothing of its inartistic
appearance, would have the sting extracted. --

The paper made up of the sentences marked by
you would be only a bald statement of facts
unsupported by reasons. It says ^^is to the proprietor
the ipse dixit of the writer, requiring him to
believe it and act upon it, if moved
by anything outside to do so, but he fails to
find the reason in the paper itself. --

The great object I have endeavored to
keep in view throughout, is that men are moved
by argument, by inducement. I have supplied
this partly by illustration -- partly by picture of what
Mt Auburn will become if neglected, and their own
lots in particular: partly by statement of plain facts, very
necessary to be known by them. I wish proprietors
to be able to find somewhere a tolerably full statement of
facts which they greatly need to know; and which they have
hitherto looked in vain for, and to repeat which to
them orally in each case is too great a labor for any
trustee or officer.

I believe the facts contained in my paper, in their very
style, are calculated to make those who read think more upon
the subject, than if presented in a balder, and more formal style.
If, however, anybody can put together a paper more satisfac-
tory, I should hope the Com. would employ him to do so; for I
am not ambitious in the matter. On the other hand, I am quite
willing to submit the proofs to the Com. and if they see anything that does
not read so well in type to amend.

Very Respectfully yours

A.J. Coolidge