Copying Book: Secretary's Letters, 1860 (page 448)

Apr. 20^th [18]69

T.A. Chapman Esq

Dear Sir,

In reply to your
communication of Jany 26^th re-
specting care of your lot this season,
I have waited to inquire at Mt
Auburn before replying.

No proper care can be given
to your lot for "three or three
and a half dollars". It is
a fine lot among other beautiful
lots, none of which have less
than $8.00 worth of work for
cutting grass & plants.

If you wish it to be in
keeping with other lots in the
neighborhood, you should
give us your order for "care
of lot for 1869, with plants $8.00."

Or we will keep the grass
well cut for $5. -- Your lot
has 400 feet, & these rates
are the same that we have
for lots of 200 feet --

Only the smallest lots
can be taken for such rates
as you named.

The price at Forest Hills
Cemetery (as per circular before
me) "for the annual care of a lot
of 300 feet, with flowers is 8.00:
for a lot of 300 feet without
flowers $5.00."

I trust you will not
let so beautiful a lot
fall behind -- for after all,
a fine [lot] cannot well be neglected
for a single year. "This proprietor
does not visit his lot" -- is the judgment
of the passer by on lots uncared for.

Yours truly

A.J. Coolidge

448