Copying Book: Secretary's Letters, 1860 (page 429)

A.W. Hastings, Esq.

Dear Sir,

I am sorry that our
honest attempt to reach the facts in
the case of the charge for a brick grave
for your father, of $20, on 17^th Aug. 1865 should
be the occasion of any unpleasant feelings.

I wrote you on the 9^th of July that the
Lawrence bill was paid, as you state,
on the 16^th of Jany. 1865, at which time
the charge in question had never been
made. Your father died in August
following, and the two charges of $20
each are therefore entered distinct
as our "order book" at Mt. A. shows,
although in your reply of July 15^th,
to me, you seem to suppose them
one and the same.

The order book referred to
per, --

"Oct. 9, 1864. Thos. Hastings, Int.
and record -- Body of James K.
Lawrence, (Birch Grave) $20. --
Bill rec^d Treas^r some time in 1864".
This was paid (as stated) Jany 16, 1865.

The order book next shows
Aug 17, 1865 A. Winthrop Hastings --
Brick Grave, Int. & Record. Body
of Thos. Hastings -- $20. Bill rec^d Treas.
Oct. 5, 1865".

I have taken the pains
to examine carefully our books and
also the accounts of moneys rec^d at the
Gate, from Aug. 17, 1865 to the present
time, and they furnish no evidence
that the $20 for your father's brick
grave has been paid. There is not
much chance of error on the cash book,
even if journals & ledgers are deficient.

If you find a receipted bill of this, I
shall be very glad to enter it on the books --
otherwise, will feel obliged if you will pay it.

Yours very Respy.

A.J. Coolidge

429