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it, after determining that several Burgess factory mechanics would assist him in rebuilding it.  This was completed in December and he began to fly it at once.  At this time there was a prize of $10,000 awaiting the first aviator to land in Boston Common and Jones was determined to win that prize.  Joe Toy, the Editor of the Boston Post, wanted to help Jones get started, so he began acting as his manager and advisor.  On January 2, 1913, after less than three hours solo flying time, Jones flew from Saugus, over the heart of Boston and landed safely in the Common, the first and only aviator to do so.  The possibility of doing this had been discussed and rejected by other well-known aviators who considered it too hazardous an undertaking.  To land it was necessary to dodge trees, wires and fences obstructing the Common in all directions.  At first the police were going to arrest him, but after further consideration allowed him to dismantle and remove his plane without trouble.  After actually accomplishing the landing, he went to collect his prize money but was told the offer was good only during 1912, and since he had landed on January 2, 1913, he could not collect it.  However, the feat, together with the publicity, fired his ambition and now he was anxious to get flying experience and add to his laurels.

This flight produced another difficulty.  Jones had flown and passed his tests for pilot license in November, 1912, along with H. Roy Waite, at Saugus, but the licenses had not been issued.  After landing in the Common, the Aero Club of America held up issuing Jones' license due to his infraction of rules by making a landing in a public park.  Jones' manager, Toy, was so disturbed by the decision of the Aero Club that he asked them to return the fees and forget it.  This action of Toy's part cost Jones his right and privilege of the early license he deserved.

Toy then made arrangements for Jones to make a flight to New York, still determined to help him get started.  On January 8, 1913, Jones was sworn in as a U. S. mail carrier by Boston Postmaster E. C. Mansfield, designating Jones

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