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PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Boston,
held at City Hall, on Monday, the 17th day of October, 1864,
His Honor the Mayor submitted the followinof message : —
To THE Honorable the City Council : —
Gentlemen : I embrace this opportunity to lay before
you the action of the Board of Trustees of the Public
Library, occasioned by the recent decease of Joshua Bates,
Esq., of London. The death of Mr. Bates at this time
seems the more sudden from the fact that we had an
ticipated the pleasure, in which he had also indulged,
that he should once more have an opportunity to revisit
this country and to witness the good results of his noble
benefactions to our city.
Born in 1788, in a neighboring town, he came to
Boston to receive his mercantile education, and entered
the counting-room of an eminent merchant of that time.
While his faithful services gave satisfaction to his em
ployer in business hours, he gave the proof of his char
acter and his ambition to excel in an honorable career,
by the devotion of his leisure moments to those means

6 memorial of JOSHUA BATES.
at his disposal which would have a tendency to develop
his intellectual powers, and advance his progress in the
acquisition of useful knowledge. Books at that time
were comparatively rare, and not easy to be obtained by
a youth of his limited means. He has himself related
that his principal opportunity for their perusal was af
forded by a friendly bookseller on Washington Street,
who invited him, in his unemployed evenings, to sit by
the light in his shop and read the books laid upon the
counters for sale.
After attaining the honorable position to which his
merits entitled 'him as the senior partner in one of the
most influential Houses in the commercial world, his
memory went back to his residence in Boston; and
without suggestion from any one he conceived the idea
of doing something for the benefit of the community of
his early home. In order that other young men, pre
paring for a business life, might not suff'er the depriva
tions to which he had been subjected, but should have
greater privileges than he had enjoyed, he made his first
noble gift of fifty thousand dollars for the establishment
of our Public Library. This has been followed, as you
are aware, by donations of books to an equal amount for
the same noble object. His interest in the Institution
continued until his death, and his correspondence upon
the subject exhibits the most comprehensive and liberal
views of its benefits, particularly as connected with that
system of Public Schools which has given Boston its
peculiar position in the cause of education.
The influence of Mr. Bates's career as an example to

proceedings of the city council. • 7
our young men, must be beneficial, and stimulate them
to improvement, while they enjoy the advantages which
his endowment provides. The solid foundations of his
success were laid in the habits and principles which
he formed in early manhood. Commencing life in hum
ble circumstances, he obtained by his own virtues an
elevated position, and could truly say, as he reviewed
his past career —
"What merit to he dropped on Fortune's hill?
The honor is to mount it!"
Mr. Bates's history is an example to the rich as well
as to the poor. The liberality with which he dispensed
the fortune which he had acquired, is an evidence that
he understood the responsibility which attends the pos
session of wealth, and may serve as an incentive to others
who may also be blessed with afiluence.
The resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees are
so comprehensive, embracing in their tribute to his mem
ory all the relations which he sustained to us and to
the world, that it would be idle in me to enlarge upon
the subject. His loss will be felt and mourned wherever
he was known. He has erected his own monument in
the city of Boston, and its citizens will ever cherish his
memory as one of their greatest benefactors.
I would respectfully suggest that such official action
may be entered upon the municipal records as will testify
our gratitude for his munificent gifts, and our sense of the
bereavement this community has sufi'ered by his decease.
F. W. LINCOLN, Jr.
Mayor.

8 memorial of JOSHUA BATES.
The foregoing communication having been read, Alderman
William W. Clapp, Jr. submitted the following resolves: —
Resolved, That we sadly and cordially unite the expres
sion of our sorrow to that of the Trustees of the Public
Library, in recording the loss sustained by the death of
Mr. Bates, which, while it aff'ects interests that extend
throughout Christendom, is especially felt here, where his
youth was nurtured, and where, mainly, were formed the
elements of a character, whose generous and beneficent
influences should, in no part of the world, be more grate
fully acknowledged than in this city, and by its constituted
authorities. Resolved, That the inhabitants of Boston mourn the
death of Mr. Bates as that of a friend, known to them not
only by his uniform kindness and liberality to such of
their number as have fallen within the reach of his
wide influence, but as a benefactor to this community in
the foundation of a Public Library, whose treasures in
the hands and homes of all, — while they already bear
witness to his wise forecast, his disinterested munificence,
and his prevalent love of doing good, will hereafter, by
the large and constant increase for which he has provided,
and by the widening benefits that are sure to follow
it, — keep his name and virtues in grateful remembrance
through all future time.
Resolved, That these proceedings be entered in full
upon the City Records, and that copies of them, duly
certified, be sent, as an expression of the sympathy of the
people of Boston, to the family of Mr. Bates, and to the
house of Baring Brothers & Co., of which Mr. Bates was
the senior partner.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL. 9
Resolved, That a certified copy of these proceedings be
sent to the Board of Trustees of the Public Library for
their information.
The foregoing resolutions, having been read, were passed unani
mously. Sent down for concurrence. OTIS NOKCEOSS, Chairman.
In Common Council, October 20, 1864.
Passed unanimously in concurrence. GEORGE S. HALE, President.
Approved, October 22, 1864. F. W. LINCOLN, Jr., Mayor.

PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY,

BATES HALL, PUBLIC LIBRARY.

PROCEEDINGS

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

At a Special Meeting of the Trustees of the Public Library,
on the 13th October, 1864, the President laid before the Trustees
a copy of a letter from Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P., to S. G.
Ward, Esq., of this city, agent of the house of Messrs. Baring,
Brothers, & Co., containing the information ofthe death of Joshua
Bates, Esq., the senior partner of the house, at London, 24th
September last ; whereupon, on motion of the President, it was
Resolved, unanimously, That the Trustees of the Public
Library have received, with the sincerest emotion, the tid
ings of the death of their honored and beloved country
man, Joshua Bates, Esq., a man known and respected in
both hemispheres, and whose loss will not easily be supplied
in Europe or America ; whose character, in all respects
pure and exemplary, was marked equally by the most
endearing domestic and social qualities, and by that clear
intelligence, sound judgment, executive force, and sterling
worth, which enabled him, not only to achieve extraor
dinary success in life, but to render important services to
his fellow-men, in the widest fields of action.
The Trustees, with gratitude to his memory, look back

14 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
upon the numberless acts of disinterested service, personal
kindness, and unsolicited generosity extended during his
long career to his countrymen abroad, and they contem
plate with pride and thankfulness his important agency, in
preserving and strengthening the ties of good will between
the kindred countries ; especially in the trying times which
have come upon us, they honor the pure patriotism which
glowed in his heart and guided his conduct, rebuking dis
loyalty and rebellion, and counteracting, in no small degree,
the sinister foreign influences employed in the unworthy
attempt to break down the nationality of the United States.
That, as a duty incumbent peculiarly on the Trustees,
they desire, on this occasion, to commemorate the liber
ality of Mr. Bates, in the endowment of the Boston Public
Library, in which he was actuated by the earnest desire,
that his fellow-citizens of Boston, in all coming time,
should enjoy those early advantages of mental culture,
which fortune denied to him ; and, while the Trustees
bear in greatful remembrance the bounties of a long list
of patrons of the institution, they cheerfully accord to him,
as by far its largest benefactor, — both for the magnitude
and judicious appropriation of his gifts, and for the deep
interest which he took in its prosperity from the outset, —
the name and honors of the Founder of the Boston Public
Library. Resolved, That, in consideration of the great value of
Mr. Bates's donations in money and books, the large hall of
the Library be henceforward known and designated as
Bates Hall.
Resolved, That a copy of this tribute to the memory of

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 15
our munificent Founder be transmitted to the family of
Mr. Bates, and to the House of Messrs. Baring, Brothers,
& Co. with the assurance of our sincere sympathy.
Resolved, That these proceedings be conspicuously en
tered upon the records of the Library, and that the
Secretary be requested to cause a separate copy of the
letters of Mr. Bates and all other documents pertaining to
his endowment to be made, that the same may be held in
distinct and perpetual remembrance.
Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be communi
cated to his Honor the Mayor, for the information of the
City Council.

FROM ME. THOMAS BARING TO MR. .t. O. WARD.
London, 27th Sept. 1864.
My dear Mr. Ward : I did not think when I wrote on
Saturday last, that on that very day, we should lose our old
friend. You know how precarious was his state of health,
and that even the most hopeful of his friends could hardly
look to a long extension of his valuable life, but yet, even
till the last few hours, there seemed no ground for convic
tion that the close would be so immediate. We mentioned
in our letters that his strength had been failing for the last
month. But on Saturday morning, the day of his death,
though weak he was able to see C. Baring and to talk and
give directions about ordinary matters. At 3 o'clock he
dictated a codicil to his will to Mrs. Van de Weyer, as he

16 memorial of JOSHUA BATES.
said he did not feel right. Afterwards he became more
silent, and passed away without suffering or agitation at
half-past six, apparently pleased to be surrounded by^Mr.
and Mrs. Van de Weyer and his grandchildren. This is
a loss which will be felt far and wide, and the gravity of
which will be more and more apparent. To us in Bishop-
gate Street it leaves a sad blank, and as for myself I cannot
tell you how heavy this blow is. I lose an invaluable
friend and adviser, with whom I have acted in constant
harmony ever since 1826. The burial takes place the day
after to-morrow at Kensall Green, where Mrs. Bates was
buried last year. It will be private, without excluding
friends who may wish specially to attend.

FROM MR. VAN DE WETER TO MR. EVERETT.

London, 3 Grosvenor Square, W.
November 9, 1864.
My DEAR Mr. Everett : In coming up to Town this
morning, I found your kind letter of the 18th October,
inclosing an attested copy of the resolutions adopted unani
mously by the Trustees of the Public Library of Boston,
on receiving the intelligence of Mr. Bates's lamented
decease. In the depth of our affliction, Madame Van de W^eyer
and myself feel the solace that the expression of the senti
ments embodied in those resolutions give to the heart.
We shall preserve them as a token of the high estimation

trustees of the PUBLIC LIBRARY. 17
in which Mr. Bates was held by his countrymen, and as an
encouragement to his grandchildren to follow the example
set to them by their revered grandfather. They, as well
as ourselves, will always feel proud of the affectionate
tribute paid to his memory. The interest which he took
since its foundation in the noble institution over which
you - so worthily preside, never abated for a moment, and
even in his last days it was a subject to which he seemed
to refer with the greatest pleasure. Will you kindly con
vey to the Trustees and accept yourself the expression of
our deep gratitude. I have written to Mr. Ticknor to
inform him of Madame Van de Weyer's intention to pre
sent to the city authorities of Boston a bust in marble of
her father.
Believe me, my dear ancient colleague and friend,
Yours, very faithfully,
SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER.

FROM MESSES. BARING, BROTHEES, AND COMPANY TO MR. EVEEETT.
London, 25th November, 1864.
Sir : We beg to acknowledge the receipt of the authen
ticated copy of the resolutions which have been adopted
unanimously by the Trustees of the Public Library of
Boston, on the occasion of Mr. Bates's lamented decease,
and which, in their behalf, you have done us the honor to
transmit to us. It has indeed been a source of great satis-

18 memorial of JOSHUA BATES.
faction (mingled Avith our melancholy feelings of grief for
this loss sustained) on the part of all Mr. Bates's friends
on this side of the Atlantic, and for none more than for
ourselves, who by long and daily intercourse with him had
constant opportunities of appreciating and venerating the
distinguished qualities which he exhibited throughout his
life, to receive the universal testimonies collectively and
individually from the United States, of the respect and at
tachment entertained for him ; and certainly from no Asso
ciation can a tribute to his departed worth proceed with
greater grace and value than from a body with which his
acts, his life, and his name are identified. The selection of
yourself, Sir, who had so long and intimate a friendship
for Mr. Bates, and for whom he entertained the sincerest
feelings of respect and esteem, to communicate the reso
lutions of the Trustees, is an additional evidence of their
regard for his memory ; and, with these sentiments of the
highest consideration, we beg you to believe us,
Your most obedient servants,
BARING, BROTHERS, & Co.

MEMOIR OF JOSHUA BATES.

MEMOIR OF JOSHUA BATES.

[From the Twelfth Annual Report of the Trustees of the Public Library.]
The most important occurrence of the year is the
decease of the munificent benefactor of the Library, Joshua
Bates, Esq., of London. On the receipt of the tidings of
this event, resolutions were unanimously adopted by the
Trustees, expressive of their feelings on the melancholy
occasion, and of their respect for his memory. A copy of
these resolutions accompanies this Report, but gratitude
demands of the Trustees a more particular reference to
the career and character of one justly recognized by them
as the Founder of the Institution.
Mr. Bates was born at Weymouth, in the neighborhood
of Boston, in 1788, the only son of Col. Joshua Bates of
that place. The family was among the first that emi
grated from the parent country to New England, the name
appearing among the settlers of Plymouth County as early
as 1633 ; and it has held a respectable position in the
community from that time to this. At the age of fifteen,
Mr. Bates entered the counting house of William R. Gray,
Esq., the oldest son of the Hon. William Gray, well re
membered as the first merchant of New England, in the

22 memorial of joshua bates.
last generation. Mr. Bates's aptitude for business and solid
qualities of character soon attracted the notice and secured
the confidence of Mr. Gray, Sen. After leaving the count
ing-house of Mr William R. Gray, on becoming of age, Mr.
Bates formed a connection in trade with a former shipmas
ter in Mr. William Gray's service. The commercial world
was at that time in a very critical state. The British orders
in Council, and the French Imperial decrees, had swept the
neutral commerce of tbe United States from the ocean,
war was impending and was soon declared, and the house
of Beckford and Bates, young beginners, was one of
thousands that went down in the crash. None but the
most solid fortunes were able to withstand the pressure
of the times.
This seemingly disastrous commencement of his career,
was in reality the starting-point of his prosperous fortunes.
It in no degree impaired Mr. Gray's confidence either
in his intelligence or probity, and he was before long
sent by him to Europe, as his general agent, for the
superintendence of his affairs. Mr. Gray was at that time
the largest shipowner in the country, having usually
between thirty and forty square-rigged vessels afloat. It
will readily be seen that the trust reposed in his agent,
not yet thirty years of age, was of the most onerous and
responsible character. Fixing his head- quarters at London,
he visited the ports of the Continent, whenever the arrival
of Mr. Gray's vessels required his presence. It need hardly
be said, that nothing short of great general intelligence
and unusual business capacity would have been adequate
to the management of affairs so extensive and complicated,
to the satisfaction of his employer.

trustees of the public library. 23
It was on a visit to Havre, to superintend the disposal
of two cargoes of cotton, that an incident took place
which gave a new direction and a decisive shape to Mr.
Bates's career. It is worthy to be placed on record, as a
very instructive example of the importance of such de
meanor and conduct, on the part of those entering life, as
are calculated at once to inspire the confidence of persons
more advanced in years. Having applied to an American
house at Havre, to know if they would make any deduc
tion from the usual commission on the consignment of the
expected cargoes, Mr. Bates was answered in the negative.
He then went, with the same application, to the Havre
branch of the house of Hope & Co. There his appear
ance and conversation produced so favorable an impression,
that a considerable reduction of the usual commission was
promised, on condition that Mr. Bates would remain and
give his personal aid in the disposal of the cotton. After
this agreement was entered into, Mr. Bates stated that he
had demanded the reduction from no selfish motive, as he
was compensated by a fixed salary, and that all the benefit
of the abatement would accrue to Mr. Gray. The heads
of the house, having supposed that he was bargaining for
himself, were of course most favorably impressed with the
integrity of the agent, in appropriating to the benefit of
his principal, what, with a less scrupulous morality, he
could — and they, perhaps, had thought he would — retain
for himself In the course of the conversation he had in
cidentally remarked, that, in the interval before the
arrival of the vessels, he should like to pass a few days
at Paris.

24 memorial of joshua bates.
There was present in the counting-room, during the
interview, a person advanced in years, who, though appar
ently absorbed in reading a newspaper, had in reality
listened to the conversation. It was M. Peter Caesar
Labouchere, related by marriage to the Baring family, and
the senior member of the great house of Hope & Co., at
Amsterdam. Highly pleased with the appearance and
demeanor of Mr. Bates, who had expressed a wish to visit
Paris, whither he was himself going, M. Labouchere pro
posed to him to take a seat in his post-chaise. The three
days' journey afforded ample opportunity for cultivating
the acquaintance so auspiciously commenced between the
veteran merchant and the young American; and when
they parted in Paris, M. Labouchere said to Mr. Bates,
that if, at any future time, he found himself in need of
counsel or aid, they should not be wanting. An as
surance like this, made by the head of one of the
first commercial houses in Europe, was well calculated"
to inspire the person to whom it was addressed with a
generous ambition, and lofty views of success in life. It
also proves, in a very striking manner, that Mr. Bates
must, in his manners and conversation, have carried with
him an all-powerful letter of recommendation.
An opportunity soon occurred of putting the sincerity
of M. Labouchere's offers to the test. The failure' pf Mr.
Samuel Williams, the wealthy American banker and mer
chant, in London, in 1826, created a very desirable open
ing for any successor possessed of adequate capital. Mr.
Bates felt himself competent to the place in every other
respect, and wrote to M. Labouchere for his counsel,' as to

trustees of the public library. 25
the expediency of attempting to take advantage of this
occurrence. M. Labouchere advised him to await awhile
the development of affairs, but, in order to enable him
to take advantage of any contingency, placed to his credit
with the Barings, the sum of twenty thousand pounds. A
partnership was soon formed between Mr. John Baring
(the son of Sir Thomas) and Mr. Bates, and the American
business passed rapidly into their hands. This connection
lasted two years, when Mr. John Baring and Mr. Bates
were admitted as partners to the house of Baring Bros. «fe
Co., of which in the course of time Mr. Bates became the
senior member, and in which he acquired his colossal
fortune. The importance of this connection in the commercial
world needs no comment. It may be sufficient to say, that
Mr. Bates sustained himself, in the new and responsible
position, to the entire satisfaction of his associates, ar.d
eminently to the advantage of his countrymen having busi
ness relations abroad. His sagacious foresight contributed
largely to carry the house triumphantly through the crisis
of 1837 ; and on more than one important occasion he was
examined by parliamentary committees. To enumerate
his acts of kindness to individuals would be to repeat the
names of a very considerable number of the American
travellers in Europe. The house of the Barings having
been the bankers of the United States from the organiza
tion of the Government, with the exception of a short
period under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren, the
judgment of Mr. Bates, as an intelligent and patriotic
American citizen, was of course highly important, in con-
4

26 memorial or joshua bates.
ducting the correspondence of the house with the Trea
sury. A full biographical memoir of Mr. Bates would form a
very instructive work for young men entering on a busi
ness life, but would greatly exceed the limits of this Report.
To one important incident of a public nature, allusion
may properly be made. The diplomatic intercourse between
the governments of the United States and Great Britain,
since the peace of 1815, had become encumbered with a
multitude of pecuniary claims of the citizens of either
country against the government of the other. Many of
these were of a complicated character. As it was of course
impossible to subject them to legal adjudication, they
formed a constant source of disagreement, and often of
unpleasant correspondence, between the two governments,
usually with no other result than that each successive
minister at London and Washington, was required to take
up and study the various questions de 7iovo, generally leav
ing them where they were left by his predecessor. In the
last winter of Mr. Fillmore's administration, a movement
was made, in the Department of State, to remedy this evil.
The American minister in London (Mr. Joseph R. Inger
soU) was instructed to propose a joint commission for a
settlement of all these claims. This overture was readily
embraced by Great Britain, and a convention was promptly
negotiated. It provided for the appointment 9f a com
missioner and agent on each side, and for the choice of an
umpire to decide the questions on which the commis
sioners might disagree. Ex-Prcsident Van Buren, then in
Florence, was, in the first instance, selected as umpire, and,

trustees of the public library. 27
he having declined the appointment, the choice fell on
Mr. Bates.
The claims submitted to the commissioners were over
one hundred in number. Many of them required but
little investigation and were soon disposed of, while others,
though clear as to principles, were rendered doubtful and
difficult by conflicting and uncertain testimony. A third
class involved important questions of international law,
and had been strenuously contested between the two gov
ernments for nearly thirty years. The amount claimed ran
into the millions, but was reduced by the awards to about
^ 600,000, which was about equally divided between the
two countries. It devolved upon Mr. Bates, as umpire, to
decide the most difficult cases, and this delicate office was
performed by him, it is believed, to the satisfaction of both
governments. Some of his decisions contain compendious
discussions of important questions in the law of nations,
and show the extent to which a clear judgment, aided by
practical knowledge of affairs, though without professional
training, may be trusted for a sound opinion even on
questions that involve theoretical difficulties.
His personal character, wealth, and connection with the
house of the Barings (of which the senior member, Mr.
Alexander Baring, was raised to the peerage as Lord Ash-
burton, in 1835,) gave Mr. Bates facility of access to the
highest circles of English society. He had, however, as
little leisure as taste for fashionable life, and his habits
and manners retained unimpaired the simplicity of his
earlier fortunes. He greatly relished the intercourse of
an intelligent select circle, and was never happier than in

28 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
dispensing a generous hospitality alike to natives and for
eigners. Among his near neighbors, at his country house
at East Sheen, was Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who delighted
to bring his lofty and often paradoxical generalizations to
the touchstone of Mr. Bates's sterling common sense and
practical discernment. The present Emperor of the
French, during his exile in London, was much in the
intimacy of Mr. Bates, who entertained a very favorable
opinion of the future sovereign, not yet clothed with the
prestige of success. It is equally to the credit of Louis
Napoleon that, in the apogee of his fortunes, he won the
esteem of a man like Mr. Bates, and that their friendly
relations survived his elevation to the throne.
A great sorrow clouded his domestic relations in early
life. His only son, while passing the holidays with a
schoolmate in the country, was killed by the accidental
discharge of his companion's gun. Mr. Bates's only
daughter, the wife of Mr. Sylvain Van de Weyer, for many
years and stiU the Belgian Minister in London, survives
her father.
Reflecting honor as a countryman on his native State,
and upon this community in which he passed his early
years, it is nevertheless as the founder of the Public Li
brary, that Mr. Bates possesses his highest title to the
grateful remembrance of the citizens of Boston.
It would not, probably, be easy to fix a date to the first
suggestion of a public library in this city. It was an idea
sure to present itself to the minds of reflecting persons,
with the increase of population and wealth, and it Avas a
subject of serious consideration in public-spirited circles

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 29
above thirty years ago. In 1843, in return for a present
of books, Avhich had been sent from Boston to the Muni
cipal Council of Paris, a number of valuable works were
received from that distinguished body, through M. Vatte-
mare, in pursuance of his system of international ex
changes. From that time up to the year 1852 committees
on the subject of a public library were appointed, and
donations of books and money made and promised by
several individuals, which resulted in the collection of a
moderate number of volumes deposited in an upper room
in the City Hall. These books were not allowed to cir
culate among the citizens at large, and little use was made
of them on the premises.
In February, 1852, the attention of the City Government
was called to the subject by a special message from Mayor
Seaver. This message was referred to the Committee on
the Library, who, on the 29th of April, submitted a Report,
in conformity with the recommendations of the Mayor. A
Librarian and Board of Trustees were now elected, and
the Trustees were " requested to report to the City Council
upon the objects to be attained by the establishment of a
Public Library, and the means of effecting them." The
report of this Committee was made on the 6th of July,
and in August following, the rooms on the ground floor of
the Adams Schoolhouse, in Mason Street, were granted
for the use of the embryo Institution. The collection of
books in the possession of the city, was, however, as yet
too inconsiderable to make it worth while to remove it
from the City Hall, and open it to the public use.
A copy of the Report just mentioned was transmitted

30 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
with other city documents to the Flouse of the Barings,
with whom the City Government was then negotiating the
water-loan, and it attracted the notice of Mr. Bates. He
saw in it the opening for the foundation of a public library
in the City of Boston on principles somewhat novel, and
which would afford to young men those means and oppor
tunities for improving their minds and passing their leisure
hours profitably, of which he had himself sorely felt the
want in his youth. He accordingly, by a letter addressed
to the, Mayor of the 1st of October, 1852, announced his
willingness to make a donation, which would enable the
city " to establish the library at once." It was in the
following terms : — "London, 1 Oct. 1852.
" Dear Sir : I am indebted to you for a copy of the Report of
the Trustees of the Public Library for the City of Boston, which I
have perused with great interest, being impressed with the impor
tance to rising and future generations of such a Library as is rec
ommended ; and while I am sure that, in a liberal and wealthy
community like that of Boston, there will be no want of funds to
carry out the recommendations of the Trustees, it may accelerate
its accomplishment and establish tbe Library at once, on a scale to
do credit to the city, if I am allowed to pay for the books required,
which I am quite willing to do, — leaving to the city to provide the
building and take care of the expenses.
" The only condition that I ask is, that the building shall be such
as to be an ornament to the city, — that there shall be a room for
one hundred to one hundred and fifty persons to sit at reading-
tables, — that it shall be perfectly free to all, with no other restric
tions than may be necessary for the preservation of the books.
What the building may cost, I am unable to estimate, but the
books, counting additions during my lifetime, I estimate at $50,000,
which I shall gladly contribute, and consider it but a small return

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 31
for the many acts of confidence and kindness which I have received
from my many friends in your city.
" Believe me. Dear Sir, very truly yours,
"JOSHUA BATES.
" Benjamin Seaver, Esq., Mayor of the Citij of Boston."
The offer was gratefully accepted by the City govern
ment, and Mr. Bates, having been requested by the Trustees
to allow his generous donation to be funded, and the in
terest only to be expended in the purchase of books of
permanent value, cheerfully gave his consent to this ar
rangement, and by a letter of the 10th March, 1853,
authorized the Mayor to draw upon him for ^50,000.
The requisite preparations being completed, the Reading
Room was opened in Mason Street, in March, 1854; and
in a few weeks the Library, with a printed Catalogue, was
opened for the circulation of books.
These arrangements were all understood to be tem
porary and provisional. On the 27th November, 1855, the
City Council adopted an Ordinance, creating a Board of
Commissioners for the erection of a library building in
Boylston Street, and on receiving information that it Avas
in satisfactory progress, Mr. Bates, by a letter of the 6th
September, 1855, announced his intention, in addition to
his former donation, " to purchase and present to the city a
considerable number of books in trust," for the purposes
of the Public Library. The intended amount of this
second donation was not indicated, but it actually reached
the sum of ^ 50,000. The corner-stone of the new build
ing was laid on the 17th of September, 1855, and on the
same day and month of the year 1858, the Reading Room

32

MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.

was opened in it. On the 17th of December following,
the Library was opened for use, with a Catalogue only of
the Lower Hall. The formal dedication of the edifice
took place on the first of January, 1858, and in July, 1861,
the Catalogue of the books in the Upper Hall — a work
of immense labor — being completed, the entire Library
was opened to the public.
It is not the purpose of the foregoing sketch to narrate
in full the history of the Library, which is recorded in
greater detail in the Appendix to the account of the Dedi
cation. It is here intended only to set forth Mr. Bates's
connection with the establishment of the Institution.
From the facts stated it will be seen, that his original
endowment of $ 50,000, gave the first effectiA^e impulse to
the foundation of the Library on its present broad basis,
and, with his second donation to the same amount, so far
transcends in importance all earlier gifts of books or
money, however liberal, as to entitle him to be considered
the Founder of the Institution. As such the Trustees
have recognized him, in their resolution above referred to,
unanimously adopted on receiving information of his
decease, and as such he will be gratefully remembered by
the citizens of Boston in all coming time.
Respectfully submitted by
EDWARD EVERETT,
GEO. TICKNOR,
J. P. BIGELOW,
NATHL. B. SHURTLEFF,
WM. W. GREENOUGH,
W. W. CLAPP, Jr.
P. T. JACKSON.
Public Ltbraky, November 26, 1864.

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 33
Note. — The donations of Mr. Bates to the Library consist of fifty thousand
dollars, received and funded by the city on the 12th of April, 1853, and of 26,592
books, costing above $ 50,000, purchased by Mr. Bates from lists prepared here,
during the years 1856-9.
The fund of $50,000 has yielded, to the present time (February, 1865), about
$ 40,000. If the books have averaged $ 2 each, the Library has received from this
source 20,000 volumes.
Mr. Bates's benefactions to the Library may therefore be stated to be, a perma
nent fund of $50,000, and about 47,000 volumes, or more than one third (compris
ing the most costly portion) of the books in the Library.
5

LETTERS OF MR. BATES

IS RELATION TO

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY,

ACTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THEEEON.

LETTERS OF MR. BATES IN RELATION TO
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

COMMnSICATION FROM HIS HONOR BENJAMIN SEAVEB, MAYOR OF THE CITY, TRANS
MITTING TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE FIRST LETTER OF MR. BATES; WITH THE ACTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL THEEEON : —
CiTY Hall, Boston, 18 October, 1852.
I have much pleasure in transmitting to the City
Council the accompanying letter, addressed to me by
Joshua Bates, Esq. of London ; and ask that such action
thereon may be taken as the Council may deem proper.
BENJAMIN SEAVER, Mayor.
In Board or Mayor and Aldermen, October 18, 1852.
His Honor the Mayor submitted the accompanying
letter from Joshua Bates, Esq. of the house of Baring
Brothers & Co. London.
MR. BATES'S LETTER TO THE MAYOR OF THE CITY.
London, 1 October, 1852.
Dear Sir : I am indebted to you for a copy of the
Report of the Trustees of the Public Library for the
city of Boston, which I have perused with great interest.

38 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
being impressed with the importance, to the rising and
future generations, of such a Library as is recommended ;
and while I am sure that, in a liberal and wealthy com
munity like that of Boston, there will be no want of funds
to carry out the recommendation of the Trustees, it may
accelerate its accomplishment, and establish the "Library
at once on a scale that will do credit to the city, if I am
allowed to pay for the books required, — Avhich I am
quite Avilling to do, — thus leaving -to the city to provide
the building and take care of the expenses. The only
condition I ask is, that the building shall be such as shall
be an ornament to the city, that there shall be room for
one hundred to one hundred and fifty persons to sit at
reading tables, and that it shall be perfectly free to all,
with no other restrictions than may be necessary for the
preservation of the books. What the building may cost,
I am unable to estimate ; but the books — counting
additions during my lifetime — I estimate at $ 50,000,
which I shall gladly contribute, and consider it but a
small return for the many acts of confidence and kindness
I have received from my many friends in your city.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
JOSHUA 9ATES.
Benjamin Seavee, Esq., Mayor ofthe City of Boston.

LETTERS RELATIVE TO THE LIBRARY. 39

The following resolves Avare passed unanimously in both
branches of the City Council : —
Resolved, That this Board is deeply sensible to the
enlightened generosity of Joshua Bates, Esq. as mani
fested in the offer of fifty thousand dollars, for the purchase
of books for the Public Library, and that the thanks of
the City Council be returned to him, on behalf of the
citizens of Boston, for this seasonable and munificent
provision, which ensures the speedy establishment of the
Library on a liberal scale, and reflects the greatest honor
upon the patriotism of the donor.
Ordered, That a copy of the letter from Mr. Bates be
placed upon the records of the City Council, and that an
attested copy of these proceedings be transmitted to him
by the Mayor.
Ordered, That Mr. Bates's letter, with the proceedings
of the City Council thereon, be referred to the Trustees
of the Public Library, with instructions to report to the
City Council such measures as it may be proper to adopt
in the premises, with a view to give effect to the liberal
provision of Mr. Bates.

40 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
LETTER FROM MR. BATES TO THOMAS W. WARD, ESQ.
London, 1 October, 1852.
My dear Ward : I enclose a letter addressed to the
Mayor, which please to peruse, and then go to Mr.
Everett and Mr. Ticknor and explain to them my ideas ;
which are, that my own experience as a poor boy convinced
me of the great advantage of such a Library. HaAdng no
money to spend and no place to go to, not being able to
pay for a fire or light in my own room, I could not pay
for books, and the best way I could pass my evenings was
to sit in Hastings, Etheridge, & Bliss''s bookstore, andread
what they kindly permitted me to ; and I am confident
that had there been good, warm, and well-lighted rooms
to which we could have resorted with proper books,
nearly all the youth of my acquaintance would have spent
their evenings there to the improvement of their minds
and morals. Now it strikes me that it will not do to have
the rooms in the proposed Library much inferior to the
rooms occupied for the same object by the upper class.
Let the virtuous and industrious of the middle and me
chanic class feel that there is not so much difference
between them. Few but worthy young men wiU frequent
the Library at first ; they may draw others from vice to
tread in the same path, and with large, well-lighted
rooms, well warmed in winter, I feel sure the moral effect
will keep pace with mental improvement, and it will be
carrying out the school system of Boston as it ought to be
carried out. My friends may think differently, or that my
proposal is improper, or in the wrong form, but if you all

LETTERS RELATIVE TO THE LIBRARY. 41
agree that it is right and proper, the Trustees may go to
work and provide such books as they find cheapest in the
United States, draAving on me for the cost, sending me a
list of such as can best be procured here or in France,
and I will have them purchased vrithout delay. K this
conclusion is come to, then my letter to the Mayor may
be delivered, if it is thought a proper one. I rely on you,
Mr. Everett, and Mr. Ticknor, to put the matter right, and
remain. Ever truly yours,
JOSHUA BATES.

LETTER FROM MB. BATES TO THOMAS W. WARD, ESQ.
London, 5 November, 1852.
My dear Ward : I have received your valued letter with
the newspaper account of the proceedings of the Board
of Aldermen on my letter offering to furnish the books
for the Cily Library. These proceedings are very grati
fying to me personally, and give me confidence that the
Library will be established on a footing that will make it
extensively useful, and that it will grow into one of the
most important institutions in the United States. My ideas
are, that the building should contain lofty apartments to
serve for placing the books, and also for reading tables, as
the holding of books in the hand damages them very
soon. The architecture should be such that the student
on entering it will be impressed and elevated, and feel a
pride that such a place is free to him. There should be

42 memorial of joshua bates.
niches and places for a few marble statues, as these will
from time to time be contributed by those who may be
benefited by the Institution. When on their travels in
Italy they see the originals, they will be pretty sure to
order something. By these means the reading rooms wUl
be made more attractive, and the rising generation will be
able to contemplate familiarly the best works of the cele
brated masters.
There should be an entrance hall, a room for cloaks and
umbrellas, and a room for washing hands, with soap, hot
water, and towels provided. The rooms should be well
warmed in winter, and well lighted. If you will only
provide the building, — and you can hardly have it too
large, — I can assure the Committee that all the rest will
come as a matter of course.
These reading arrangements will not prevent parties
who may find it more convenient to read at home from
taking books, giving proper security.
My experience convinces me, that there are a large
number of young men, who make a decent appearance, but
who living in boarding-houses or with poor parents, cannot
afford to have fire in their rooms. Such persons in past
times, having no place of resort, have often loitered about
the streets in the evenings and got into bad company, which
would have been avoided had such a Library as is now pro
posed been in existence. The moral and intellectual im
provement such a Library would produce is incalculable.
I wish to see the Institution a model for other tOAvns
and cities.
There should be a book of directions for reading in

letters RELATIVE TO THE LIBRARY. 43
every branch of knowledge, that the young men may know
where to begin.
In future times, when it is desired to know something
of a young man, the question will be asked, " Does he
frequent the Library 1 " I have no doubt the Committee
understand the matter much better than I do, or that it
will be carried out in the best possible manner.
Believe me, my dear Ward,
Very truly yours,
JOSHUA BATES.
FROM MR. BATES TO MB. EVERETT.
London, 12 November, 1852.
My DEAR Sir: I have received your very acceptable
letter of the 25th ult. and thank you for its valued con
tents. I am satisfied to be guided by Avhat you and Mr.
Ticknor think best. With regard to the question of having
a number of copies of each work, upon reflecting on the
matter it struck me as indispensable. Many works Avill
be read by twenty different persons at the same time, and,
to have but one copy, appears to me to be destroying the
usefulness of the Library. As set forth in your Report, it
is chiefly to enable the young men, who have passed the
schools in Boston or elsewhere, to complete their educa
tion. For that reason, I suggested that the rooms should
be such as would be resorted to with pride and pleasure,
warm and well lighted in winter ; my ovm experience con
vincing me that rooms so organized will be filled ; and
besides the readers in the rooms there will be a call from

44 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
those who read at their OAvn homes, so that I do not see
how you can make the Library useful without many copies.
I had supposed that popular works would, in a great meas
ure, be excluded. Of course some of the best novels would
be required, but the mass of books would be such as would
impart real knowledge, and of these last I" think you will
find many copies of some works, and duplicate copies of
the greater portion required; so that I don't think we
differ much about the matter, except as to the working.
To have the Library work well, those disposed to read must
not be disappointed too often in finding the volumes they
want. You will have enough to do for some time in pre
paring a list of the books wanted and procuring them.
^0 far as you buy in the United States, the Trustees may
draw on me for the funds as fast as wanted, and if any
books are wanted from this country or France, send me
the list, and I will have them bought. Will you consider
whether it would not be a good plan to have a small book
of directions for reading, pointing out the order in which
the various works on each branch of knowledge should be
studied 1 otherwise, I should fear that many would begin
at the wrong end.
The death of Mr. Webster has produced a deep impres
sion amongst the whole community here and on the Con
tinent, which shows how far the words and thoughts
emanating from his great mind have travelled.
I shall always be glad to hear from you about the
Library, and am much obliged for the pamphlets. I agree
perfectly in the views you express, AAdth regard to the fu
ture of our country and on the best inheritance that can be

LETTERS RELATIVE TO THE LIBRARY. 45
left to children ; they cannot be robbed of a good educa
tion, and, haAdng that, they have nothing to fear.
My dear Su-,
Your friend and servant,
JOSHUA BATES.
SECOND LETTER FROM MR. BATES TO THE MAYOR OF THE CITY.
London, 10 March, 1853.
To His Honor Benjamin Seaver, Mayor of the City of
Boston : —
Dear Sir: I have received the Resolutions passed by
the City Council of Boston, on the 21st of October, which
you have done me the favor to transmit to me, and am
gratified to learn by them, that the assistance I had so
much pleasure in offering to your Free Public Library is
so favorably -received. Be pleased then to draw on me
for a sum sufficient to contribute a fund of fifty thousand
dollars, to be held by the City of Boston in trust, that its
entire income, but only its income, shall in each and
every year hereafter be expended in the purchase of such
books of permanent value and authority, as may be found
most needed and most useful, and that the city will, so
soon as it may conveniently be done, provide and always
hereafter maintain, a suitable establishment for a Free
Public Library, in which arrangements shall be made for
the comfortable accommodation, at one and the same time,
and at all proper hours of the day and evening, for at
least one hundred readers. Wishing to this generous and
wise Institution, in which I shall always feel an interest,

46 memorial of joshua bates.
all the success you can desire for it, and wishing all hap
piness and prosperity to your city and its citizens, Avith
whom I have so many pleasant associations,
I remain, dear Sir,
Your friend and servant,
JOSHUA 'BATES.
The letter of Mr. Bates was referred by the City Council to the
Committee on the Public Library, who reported April 12, 1853, as
follows : —
The Joint Standing Committee on the Public Library
to whom was referred the letter of Joshua Bates, Esq.,
dated London, 10 March, 1853, beg leave respectfully to
report : —
That agreeably to the authority contained in said letter,
the Mayor has draAvn on Mr. Bates for his donation to the
Library, amounting to fifty thousand dollars, which sum
has, with the approval of the Committee on Finance, been
loaned to the city, subject to the conditions affixed by
Mr. Bates, at an int9rest of six per cent per annum, pay
able semi-annually. For the Committee,
BENJAMIN SEAVER, Chairman.
This Report was accepted by both branches of the City Council.

letters relative to the library. 47
LETTER FROM MK. BATES TO SAMUEL G. WARD, ESQ.
London, 10 March, 1853.
My dear Sir : I return you many thanks for your kind
letter of the 22d ult. I have written to the Mayor, as
suggested, and enclose the letter, Avhich please deliver. I
rejoice that my contribution to the Library has had the
effect to start the Institution on a scale that vrill do honor
to the citizens of Boston. I am glad to see that Mr.
Ticknor's views accord perfectly with my own ; and, with
the earnestness and spirit with which he enters into the
matter, I have no doubt he will accomplish everything
desired. Pray present my kindest regards to him, and
believe me, My dear Sir, always truly yours,
JOSHUA BATES.
FROM A LETTER TO MR. TICKNOR.
London, 10 February, 1854.
My dear Sir : I have to thank you for your kind letter
of the 12th ult. and for the details you are so obliging as
to give me in relation to the Free Library. I am very
glad to observe that your views are to have it one of the
best libraries in the United States. I can assure you
that there wiU be no want of funds to buy the books nec
essary to make it so. Only see that the building is such
that, when filled with books, every Bostonian wiU feel
proud of it ; besides, to make it successful, it must be
worth seeing. The books will come fast enough. I agree

48 memorial of joshua bates.
with you that you should have French, German, Italian,
and Spanish books to make the Library complete, and I
will see how this can be accomplished. There wants a
good deal of money to be laid out, so as to have all the
books ready by the time your new building is completed.
The investment of the income does not give you money
fast enough. This is the point to look to now, which wUl
have my attention.
FROM A LETTER TO MR. TICKNOR. London, 6 July, 1855.
My dear Sir : I have received your very acceptable
letter of the 14th ult. and am much obliged for the details
in regard to the Free Library. Mr. Ward has sent me the
drawings and plans of the building, which remove all fear
from my mind in regard to the accoihmodation it Avill
afford. So far as I can judge, the plan is excellent, and
the elevation sufficiently imposing for the quiet city of
Boston. Nothing now remains but to provide a sufficient
number of books for the opening. I had anticipated this
difficulty, as Mr. Ward and Mr. Everett will, no doubt, have
informed you. I see no other way, but that the Committee
should make out a Catalogue of French, German, and
Italian books, and such English works as are most needed,
the whole not to exceed in cost $ 20,000 to $ 30,000. -I
wUl supply what money your funds will not pay for, but
you must tell me how this additional sum can be so be
stowed as to secure the application of the Library in future
time to the people, as originally intended. Until you have

letters relative to the library. 49
settled in your minds how it is to be done, it is better to
say nothing ; but this need not prevent your proceeding
to buy the books. For that object you may give a credit
on me for £3,000, and I will supply the needful. Mr.
Twistleton has lately published an admirable pamphlet on
Common Schools, which I am distributing where I think
it can have any effect, and I have no doubt, in time, that
the religious question must be thrown aside, and the Massa
chusetts system adopted; but Free Libraries will be wanted
to complete the system. The youth go to college so young
in the United States that, except those who have a natural
love of reading, their time appears to me to be wasted.
The worst features in this country are the want of edu
cation of the masses ; the waste of time in reading news
papers, and the Dickens and Thackeray publications, with
operas and melodramas at the theatres, to the exclusion
of all, or almost all, real knowledge. They may talk,
therefore, about " the right men in the right place," but I
know the right men are not to be found.
THIRD LETTER OF MR. BATES TO THE MAYOR OF THE CITY.
To His Honor J. Y. C. Smith, Mayor ofthe City of Boston : —
London, 6 September, 1855.
Dear Sir: I learn with great satisfaction that the
building, for a Free Public Library, for which such lib
eral appropriations have been made by the City Council,
is in process of erection. I have on former occasions
taken the liberty to express the deep interest which I feel
in the establishment of this Institution, as the completion

50 memorial of JOSHUA bates.
of that system of education at the free public schools, by
which Boston is so honorably distinguished. It has there
fore been with the greatest pleasure that I have from time
to time learned that even under the disadvantage of tem
porary and inconvenient premises for the arrangement of
its books and the accommodation of those who use them,
it has found great favor with the community and with
many liberal individuals, and has already given promise
of becoming an ornament and a blessing to the city.
It is, I understand, certain, that within eighteen months
or two years, a building will be completed of dimensions
amply sufficient for the reception at once of a large num
ber of books, and for the regular future increase of the
Library. Time and the public spirit of the community will,
no doubt, do much. But it is desirable and important to
render this Free Public Library at once extensively useful
as a large collection of books in as many departments of
human knowledge as possible. For this purpose, and
still further to manifest my deep interest in the prosperity
of the city of Boston, I now propose, if agreeable to the
City Government, in addition to the fund of fifty thousand
dollars already constituted, to purchase and present to the
city a considerable number of books in trust, that the
same shall always be accessible in a convenient and be
coming Library Building, to the inhabitants of Boston
generally, under such regulations as may be deemed need
ful by the persons to whom the government of the Institu
tion may from time to time be confided.
Trusting that the steps already taken and now pro
posed, together with the continued patronage and power-

letters relative to the library. 51
ful support of the city authorities, and of a liberal and
enlightened community, will result in the establishment of
an Institution which will in all future time prove emi
nently useful and honorable to the city,
I remain, dear Sir,
Yours, very truly,
JOSHUA BATES.
The foregoing letter having been communicated to the City
Council by the Mayor, was referred to the Committee on the Pub
lic Library, who submitted the following Report and Resolutions :
In Board or Aldermen, October 8, 1855.
The Committee to whom was referred by the City
Council, the letter of Joshua Bates, Esq., proposing to
purchase and present to the Public Library a consider
able number of books in trust for the inhabitants
generally, ask leave unanimously to report the following
resolutions, expressing the sense of the City Govern
ment in relation to this new act of Mr. Bates's mu
nificence. In behalf of the Committee,
ROBERT COWDIN, Chairman.
Resolved, That in the letter of Joshua Bates, Esq., ad
dressed to His Honor the Mayor, and dated September 6,
1855, the City Government recognize the same wise and
munificent spirit, and the same generous interest in the
prosperity and honor of the city of Boston, to which they
have heretofore acknowledged the obligations of this

52 memorial of joshua bates.
whole community ; and that they now accept this new
trust on the liberal terms in which it is offered by him.
Resolved, That the Mayor be desired to request Mr.
Bates, in the name of the city of Boston, to sit for his
bust in marble or bronze, at his pleasure, and to any artist
he may select, in order that it may be placed in the build
ing of the Public Library, as an enduring memorial of the
city's obligations and gratitude.
Resolved, That the Mayor be requested to communicate
these resolves to Mr. Bates, and that the Mayor be, and
hereby is, authorized to draw on the City Treasury for
any moneys that may be needed to carry the same into
effect. Passed unanimously in both branches of the City Council, and
approved by the Mayor, Oct. 13, 1855.
In Board of Aldermen, October 8, 1855;
Ordered, That the letter of Mr. Bates, referred to in the
foregoing resolves, together with copies of the action of
the City Council thereon, be deposited with the Trustees
of the Public Library for their information and further
action. Passed by both branches of the City Council, and approved by
the Mayor, October 13, 1855.
FROM A LETTER OF MK. BATES TO MR. EVERETT.
London, 6 September, 1855.
My dear Sir : I have to thank you for your very ac
ceptable letters of the ITth July, and 1st and 6th ult. the

letters relative to the library. 53
contents of which afford me great satisfaction. I have
written to the Mayor in the form Mr. Ticknor had drawn
out, and it only remains for the Trustees to make out a
list of German and French books, and I will see that they
are purchased in good time. I have to thank some one for
sending me a newspaper containing your Dorchester
Fourth July address, the perusal of which has given me
the greatest pleasure, for I lived two years at Dorchester,
when several members of your family lived near. Your
allusion to the Common School, reminds me that the one
I attended at Weymouth, in winter, required each boy to
bring a stick of wood on his shoulder, to keep the fire up.
Things are better managed now.
FROM A LETTER TO MR. EVERETT.
London, 9 November, 1855.
My dear Sir: I have to thank you for your very
acceptable letter of the 24th September, and for Mr.
Winthrop's address. It affords me great pleasure to
think that, thanks to yourself and Mr. Ticknor, and a few
friends, the Library will be what I wished it to be, a
credit to the city, and greatly useful through all time, to
all classes of citizens. You shall not want for books to
open with, rest assured. Mr. Rich will have picked up
what was embraced in Mr. Ticknor's Catalogue of Eng
lish Books.

54 memorial of joshua bates.

FROM A LETTER TO MR. TICKNOR.

London, 4 January, 1856.
My dear Sir : I have great pleasure in acknowledg
ing the receipt of your excellent letter of the 18th ult. and
for the list of French Books. The views which have
guided you and others in the selection, have my hearty
concurrence, and I shall lose no time in forwarding the
list to Paris, that the books may reach you in good time.
The English Books are to be shipped by the " Sparkling
W^ave," to sail from this port in about thirty days. Had I
time, I should have added some Law books, that will be
found useful to a commercial community, such as Black-
stone's Commentaries, complete Admiralty Reports, Reports
of the Privy Council, State Trials, books on Insurance,
Kent's Commentaries ; and in Political Economy, Adam
Smith, McCuUoch, Ricardo, &c.; books on Currency, and
a great variety of pamphlets on that subject, and books
on Finance. If you could get the aid of some dis
tinguished lawyer, to make a list ,of the Law Reports,
including works on the Laws of Nations, I think they
would form a very useful addition to the Library at a
very small cost. A merchant will read the Admiralty
Reports, they contain much information for him. I make
the young men that come into B. B. & Co.'s Office read
all these books, for I find the instruction they obtain at
schools gives them very little real knowledge, and if left
to themselves they would waste their time in railroad
literature, chiefly American novels, to be had at one shil
ling per volume at every railroad station. These publi-

LETTERS RELATIVE TO THE LIBRARY. 55
cations are doing immense mischief in this country, and
the rising generation will grow up destitute of positive
knowledge. It is probable that many of the books I have
named are already on the shelves of the Library or in
your lists. It is better, therefore, that you make the lists
on your side, as copies will then be at the same time
ready for your Catalogue. Send me the lists, and the
books will be provided without delay. I congratulate
you, and those who have labored with you, on the complete
success of the Library. There can be no mistake as to
its usefulness, and those who contribute either money or
books, or services, may feel quite sure they are doing
good. You are fortunate in securing the services of so able a
man as Mr. Jewett, and I hope he may long live to watch
over the interests of the Library.
Note by Mr. Ticknor : Some years earUer, Mr. Jewett had made a visit of a
few days to Mr. Bates and his family, at East Sheene.
City of Boston,
In Board of Aldermen, March 8, 1858.
The Committee on the Public Library, to whom was
referred the subject of the Bates Donation of Books now
removed to the Public Library Building in Boylston Street,
would respectfully report: That a portion of the City
Council, upon the twentieth of February last, visited the
Public Library in Boylston Street, by invitation of the
Trustees thereof, for the purpose of examining a large
collection of books, comprising more than twenty thou-

56 memorial of joshua bates.
sand volumes, the gift of Joshua Bates, Esq., in addition
to his previous generous donation of fifty thousand dol
lars made in the year 1853, and were highly gratified with
their appearance, and they would therefore recommend
the passage of the following resolution.
For the Committee, SAMUEL HATCH, Chairman.
Resolved, That the City Council, in behalf of the citi
zens of Boston, express their grateful acknowledgments to
Joshua Bates, Esq., for the deep interest which he has
already taken in their intellectual progress, and tender
him their sincere thanks for the renewed assurance of
regard manifested . by his recent munificent donation of
books, and that the Mayor be, and he is hereby requested
to communicate this resolution to ~^t. Bates, accompanied
with such further assurances as he shall deem suitable
and proper.
Passed in both branches of the City Council and approved by the
Mayor, March 10, 1858. FROM A LETTER TO MR. TICKNOR.
London, 9 April, 1858.
My dear Sir: .... I have received the vote
of thanks of the Corporation of the City, for my donation
of Books, for which I am much obliged, and shall keep it
safe for those that are to come after me. I should like to
visit Boston this summer, — as, hoAvever, the Leviathan

letters relative to the library. 57
[the Great Eastern] is not likely to get to sea for want
of funds, I must give up the idea of leaving home this
year.
FROM A LETTER TO MR. TICKNOR.
London, 29 Ajml, 1859.
My dear Sir : I am very happy to hear of the increas
ing favor and usefulness of the Library. I think it Avill
work a sort of revolution in the minds of the people,
which Avill be more developed when the rising generation
comes on to the stage. I rejoice that the city is so liberal,
and hope it may continue to watch over the Library,
whatever may be the political changes.

City of Boston,
In Board of Aldermen, November 10, 1859.
Resolved, That the City Council, — during their official
visit to the Public Library on the thirty-first of October,
1859, having witnessed on all sides proofs of the con
tinued munificence of Joshua Bates, Esq., of London,
who, during the twenty months that have elapsed since
their similar visit to this Institution, has added to its
shelves more than eight thousand volumes of books of
permanent value and importance, — do now, on behalf of
the citizens of Boston, and in^eir name, offer to Mr.
Bates the grateful acknowledgments of the city, request
ing the Mayor to communicate this resolution to him, with
an assurance that these unwearied proofs of his interest in
8

58 MEMORIAL OF JOSHUA BATES.
their progress, intellectual, moral, and religious, are not
lost on the present generation, and can neither be for
gotten by the generations that will follow, nor be without
an infiuence for good on their condition and character.
Passed in both branches of the City Council and approved by the
Mayor, November 11, 1859.
FROM A LETTER TO MR. TICKNOR.
London, 13 November, 1861.
My dear Sir : I received in due course your favor of
the 29th of September, also the Catalogues, which are
very well bound ; and Mr. Van de Weyer, who has exam
ined them, says they are the best alphabetical catalogues
he has ever seen, and he ought to know all about Libra
ries and Catalogues.

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