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Ezra Cornell Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages including integral address leaf, written on recto of first page only, 7.75" ...
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Sold on Mar 6, 2009 for:
$2,629.00
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Description
Ezra Cornell Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages including integral address leaf, written on recto of first page only, 7.75" x 9.75", Newburgh NY, October 3, 1848. Written on blue lined paper; wax seal remnants on address leaf. Docketed on recto of first page and verso of second page. American businessman and founder of Cornell University, Ezra Cornell made his fortune in the telegraph business as an associate of Samuel Morse, having gained Morse's trust by constructing and stringing the telegraph poles between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, to create the first telegraph line of substance in the U.S. After joining with Morse, Cornell supervised the erection of many more telegraph lines, earning a substantial fortune as a founder of the Western Union Company.Approximately five years after constructing that first telegraph line, Cornell penned this letter to D. Boardman, regarding the sale of subscriptions for telegraph stock and the necessary funds to pay his workmen. It reads, in part: "If you have not already done so, I wish you would give . . . and order to pay me what funds there may be. . . . My men in that vicinity want funds. Honesdale has filled up their subscriptions. Carbondale has nearly done so. I expect to bring Newburgh up to $5000 today and tomorrow I have a meeting at Singsing. Our work is going on finely, and our prospects for the most profitable telegraph line in the country, is increasing." In a postscript, Cornell adds: "I address this to you for the reason that I do not know whether you have organized or not and if so who of you is chairman." Letter is lightly age toned and in very fine condition. Excellent content!
Auction Info
2009 March Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction #6019 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,700
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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