Lot Details
Lot 274
VANDERBILT, CORNELIUS "THE COMMODORE" Letter signed regarding the leadership of the Hartford & New Haven Rail Road Company.
New York: 13 October 1856. A 1 1/2 page letter signed "C Vanderbilt" and with a two-line postscript initialed "CV" on the recto and verso of a bifolium. 9 3/4 x 8 inches (25 x 20 cm). Usual folds, some light spotting, the signature dark and bold.
A scarce letter to railroad executive (and future Massachusetts congressman) Chester W. Chapin in which The Commodore reports "Touching the matter of the Vice President for the Hartford & New Haven Rail Road Company you know the high opinion I have of Mr. Pond's capability of taking care of the property of that concern ... I must admit my ignorance in the duties of President to some extent, but I cannot, for the life of me, see what great aid any gentleman can be to him, let their qualities be what they may. I mean by advice, or anything else but labour. I have the highest regard for Mr. Burrill, but I think he can do Mr. Pond no good in this particular management." Vanderbilt closes with further discussion of the matter and impending board decision. Such correspondence from Commodore Vanderbilt is scarce and we trace few examples in the auction record. The letter is accompanied by a 1858 steamer passage ticket sending Chapin to Havre on the Steamship Vanderbilt.
C
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