Lot 346: FULTON, ROBERT

346. ROBERT FULTON (1765-1815) American engineer and inventor of the first practical submarine and torpedo, and established the first commercially successful steamboat, the Clermont. A.L.S. "Robert Fulton", 1p. oblong 8vo., New York, Apr. 21, 1812 to Jonathan Russell. In part: "...By sending the enclosed with your first dispatches to Mr. Barlow you will much oblige you most obedient and very humble servant..." A few lightly toned spots in text, very slight show-through from address on verso, else very good with a nice bold signature. The "Barlow" referred to was likely Joel Barlow, Fulton's close friend and biographer and with whom he lived in Paris for seven years. Matted with a lantern slide of Fulton and brass plaque, set into a wood frame. $1,200-1,500