Swedish-American Army engineer (1803–1889) who designed and built the ironclad warship Monitor for the American Navy. ALS signed “J. Ericsson,” one page, 8 x 10, February 2, 1859. Letter to an unidentified gentleman. In part: “Messrs. Clute write ‘The American Express Co. desire to know, what will cost to propel a car with 5 persons and mail matter 15 (fifteen) miles per hour, whole weight about 1500 lb.—they are now running a hand car on the Memphis [rail]road and wish to substitute a Caloric engine. Make the estimate assuming it, the road, to be level.’” Also included is an unsigned handwritten proposal by Ericsson in which he writes, in part: “Two 24 inch Caloric engines applied to a suitable carriage with two pair of 3 feet wheels, will traverse 40 miles of perfectly level rail way in three hours with 3 tons of freight, besides fuel.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through first initial of signature, ink and pencil notations to both pages, small edge tears, and light toning. In 1853, Ericsson saw his caloric ship—an attempt at a vessel propelled entirely by an engine designed on his warm-air principle—come to fruition. Unfortunately the maritime application was unsuccessful, and Ericsson devoted himself to improvements on the engine for other mechanical purposes. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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