John Ericcson Writes About Boat Engines: “Is It The Clutch Again, Or Did The Slacking Driver Cause The Cog Wheels To Strip? If The Latter I Am Very Sorry.”

Book Description

ALS. 2pg. 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”. September 26, 1860. No place. An autograph letter signed “J. Ericcson” in his challenging handwriting: “You will be safe in charging ½ of the cash of the engine for…on board complete with…exclusive of any work on deck house. The 24” engine…$375 18” $275 12” $175…Should you be frightened at these high figures you may without favor of being received go down to such amounts 24” – 1100 18” – 800 12” – 500. Your surprise me in relations & the fine horse. I was at Delamater yesterday and found Luyburn (Hunter being sick) had been running the animal in your style. I understand you seem to have another…to day and found a note on my table last evening in which…both you and Howard were ‘more than pleased’…Is it the clutch again, or did the slacking driver cause the cog wheels to strip? If the latter I am very sorry. I am just going up & the…so my curiosity is likely to be definitely satisfied. Can you afford me an opportunity of having a tracing taken of the plane; I sent you yesterday? Any time will do. It happens to contain only ½ inch scale drawing of the 24 in engine I have.” The letter has some wear to one margin, including a small hole that affects no text; the condition is very good.

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