490.CLAIBOURNE MASON (1800-1885) Virginia-born builder of bridges andrailroads, including the Midlothian Railway of Virginia, one of the earliest inthe country. At the outbreak of the Civil War, though past sixty years of age,Mason raised a company of Confederate volunteers, mainly at his own expense, andwas chosen captain. He saw his chief service under Stonewall Jackson, and in thearmy came to be known as "Jackson's bridge builder". Jackson's brilliantsuccesses were unquestioningly due in part to the shortcuts made possible byMason's resourcefulness. Fine content A.L.S. 1p. 4to., Sing Sing, July 2, 1852,to fellow railroad building Erastus Corning, in part: "...It so happens thatMr. Young or myself has been absent for a long time now...But I'm now able tosay to you that the plan I suggested is agreeable to Mr. and Mrs. Young, andafter the report I receive from Mr. Churchill, I am desirous on all accountsthat the plan should be approved...The way is open for a free communicationbetween those most directly concerned, and my office...". Though aSoutherner, Mason headed the Mason Syndicate and Mason & Hanger Co. of NewYork, of which he is considered the founder. Boldly penned, very good.$300 - 500