Lot 461: ERICSSON, JOHN

461. JOHN ERICSSON (1803-1889) American engineer and designer of the Union's Monitor and the first screw-powered vessel. Fine A.L.S. "J. Ericsson", 1p. 4to., [n.p.], February 2, 1859, plus an unsigned autograph manuscript proposal,1p. small 4to., [n.p., n.d.] In 1853, Ericsson saw his long-cherished dream come to fruition, the caloric ship, an attempt at a vessel propelled entirely by an engine designed on his warm-air principle. Unfortunately unsuccessful in this maritime application, Ericsson devoted himself to improvements of the caloric engine for other mechanical purposes. Writing to an agent representing him in negotiations for an engine, and an erroneous proposal made for it, Ericsson anxiously relates: "Messrs. Clute write: `The American Express Co. desire to know, what it 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.' Is this the same matter you have in hand? if so your reply must be different to what I sketched. You must give me a call before writing to Washington - I shall be in until 3 o'clock P.M. today..." Obviously, Ericsson was given the wrong information initially as the enclosed proposal for the desired engine reads: "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. The cost of the motive power with gear for stopping, starting, backing will be from $1800 to $2000. To this must be added the cost of carriage with wheels springs." Pencil notes in an unknown hand inform: "To hav[e] ga[u]ge 4=6 / Carriage built here." A desirable form of Ericsson, mentioning his important invention. $1,000-1,200