Copying Book: Secretary's Letters, 1860 (page 217)

217

March 1^st [186]5

C.C. Little Esq

My dear Sir,

When the question of compensa-
tion came up last year, and gratuities were made
to the Sup^t and Gatekeeper, the Secretary made no
request for increase of salary, but an increase
was noted in the fees for making deeds, which resulted in
increasing his compensation for the year about $48 or
$50. As this increase of fees only related to the cost of making
and recording deeds, and that is but a small part of the labor
of the Secretary, it is manifest that no addition has been
made to his pay (if addition were intended) commensurate with
the increased cost of living, or as bearing any just relation to it.

Nearly the whole of my time is spent in the service
of the [?]. I receive $800 salary, and under the present rate
of fees may [?] upon $200 for deeds = $1000: out of which I
have to pay for office rent, postage and fuel &c., about $240 --
[?] say $760. I think you will
[?] the most of my time is spent in the service of the
Corporation, [?] compensation is hardly commensurate with the pay of
other officers, according to the talents employed.

As the officers have been reelected, and as there is some
doubt whether any further reorganization of offices will be attempted this
year, you and Mr Sleeper have a good opportunity to do us justice, at
least so far as your report goes.

Very Respy yours,

A.J. Coolidge