Lot 994: Albert Nichol (American, 20th c.), "Western &

Albert Nichol (American, 20th c.), "Western & Atlantic Railroad Locomotive The General", watercolor on paper, signed and dated "1989" center right, sight 18 1/2 in. x 29 3/8 in., framed.

Note: During the Civil War The General, a locomotive which traveled the Western and Atlantic Railroad line between Atlanta and Chattanooga, was the main vehicle used by Union soldiers in what has become known as "Andrews' Raid" or "The Great Locomotive Chase." During this event, James J. Andrews, a civilian, along with Union Army volunteers, commandeered The General and attempted to bring it to Chattanooga, cutting telegraph wires and destroying portions of the railroad track en route. This led to a high-speed train chase, with the train's conductor, William Allen Fuller, in pursuit. Although The General ran out of fuel just a few miles from Chattanooga and was recovered by the Confederacy, the men had managed to do some damage to the telegraph lines and railroad tracks and many were awarded medals of honor.