Description:

CORNELIUS "COMMODORE" VANDERBILT
(1794-1877) American entrepreneur who made his fortune in steamboats and railroads. An important archive of material relative to Vanderbilt's early career in steam boating consisting of 23 documents dating between 1826 and 1828 including a rare manuscript D.S. "C Van Derbilt" 1p. folio, [n.p.] Jan. 12, 1828 being an account for the "Steam Boat Swan in account with Cornelius Van Derbilt" recording expenses for coal, labor and other services balanced against passenger fares for the ferry that ran between the New Brunswick stage coach stop and Amboy, New Jersey. The archive also includes a rare A.D.S. "C Van Derbilt" 1p. oblong 8vo., New Brunswick, July 19, 1828 being a receipt for "five hundred Dollars in full for Salary ". Other documents, not in his hand, concerning the steamboat Swann include a 1827 bill "for Damages done [by?] S[team]. B[oat]. Belloner [sic, Bellona]".The archive also includes a good deal of documentation on the steam boat Bellona including receipts (dated 1828) for supplies including food, maintenance, coal, wood; two 1828 documents recording pay received by crew members of the steamer including the engineer, pilot, steward, bar keeper, two firemen, three deck hands, cooks and a waiter. The collection also includes similar receipts from 1828 for the steam boat Thistle together with a large folio account for the steamer in 1825 noting cash paid out and received totaling $3,601. Worthy of further research. A superb archive of material documenting Vanderbilt's rise to prominence and the early days of steam boating in America. Together, 23 pieces in very good condition.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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