In 1850, Hon. John P. Bigelow, Mayor of Boston, declined to
receive a costly vase as a tribute to the faithful discharge of
official duty, and suggested that the funds obtained for that
purpose be devoted to founding a Free Public Library in Boston.
Accordingly, one thousand dollars was paid to the city in the
name of Mr. Bigelow, and this was the first contribution to
this important object. There was a dinner at the Tremont House
to commemorate this benefaction, with speeches and letters.
Among the latter was the following.
SENATE CHAMBER, January 20, 1864.
MY DEAR SIR,--It is too late for me to send anything for your
meeting to-morrow evening; but it is not too late for me to
express the gratitude and admiration with which at the time I
witnessed the appropriation of that first thousand dollars to a
Free Public Library in Boston. The money collected as a testimony
to a favorite mayor became the corner-stone of a favorite
institution, destined to be cherished with pride so long as our
beloved city endures.
Believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,