I enclose a copy of a letter addressed to Colonel Livermore, which he read at the meeting yesterday. After he had read it, he said: “Well, I am ready to vote to take that peat meadow for this purpose,” and Mr. Kendricken said “So am I.” But it was thought best that your vote should be recorded with theirs, and it was agreed to have a special meeting for that purpose some day when Mr. Clarke should have ascertained that it would be convenient to you.

As you will see, if you have time to run over the enclosed letter, I consider this question one of more critical importance than any that has been before the Board for a long time, and I am anxious that the most judicious course should be taken to insure the intended result. The Landscape Architects urged a similar measure thirty years ago with reference to the Central Park. There was a large property then owned by the City, at no great distance from the Park, which would have served the purpose. But the Mayor at that time wanted the property in question sold, in order that he might be able to make a more satisfactory financial statement at the end of his administration, and the Park Commission yielded to his wish. The consequence has been movements annually for appropriations of territory in the Park, which could have been successful only at enormous expense, and greatly to its injury. In the case of the Brooklyn Park, the Commissioners were persuaded to make an arrangement of the kind outside of the enclosure of the Park, which has been fully justified by its results.

I wish to remind you that the proposition for a large skating field in this quarter of the City which is embodied in the scheme of the Muster Ground originated with you, and that it was owing to your strong expression of opinion on the point that I was led to suggest such a reference of the question to the Landscape Architects and the City Engineer as has resulted in the development of the scheme in its present form.

I apprehend that there are considerable difficulties yet to be overcome before it can be carried out, even if the Commission is unanimous in its determination to take land with that object, but I believe that with due discretion they may be overcome.

Yours faithfully

[488]

Sketch for proposed Parade Ground near Franklin Park, Boston