Peter Cooper Signed 1857 Invitation to Meeting of Atlantic Telegraph Co.

A letter signed by American industrialist Peter Cooper (1791-1883) inviting the recipient to an upcoming meeting that will discuss the future of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, of which Cooper was a co-founder. LS, 1p, measuring 8" x 7.5", dated May 21, 1857, New York. Boldly signed at lower right as "Peter Cooper", and featuring blind embossed seal of Cyrus W. Field & Co. at top left. Exhibits uneven surface toning and areas of darkened soiling throughout; minor smudging to "P" of Cooper's first name. Else, very good- an early example mentioning the Atlantic Telegraph.

In full:
"You are respectfully invited to meet a few Gentleman at my house no. 9 Lexington Avenue, corner of East 22nd Street, at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening, the 23rd instant, to hear a statement in regard to the present position, and future prospects of the Atlantic Telegraph Company.
There are many facts in connection with this great enterprize [sic], which are not generally known, and which it is believed, will be interesting to you."

Peter Cooper was an American industrialist, inventor, philanthropist, and politician. In 1854, he became one of five men who met at the house of Cyrus W. Field (1819-1892) in Gramercy Park to form the New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company. Later in 1855, the American Telegraph Company was added to the conglomerate, which bought up competitors and established extensive control over the expanding American network on the Atlantic Coast and in some Gulf coast states. During this time, Cooper would prominently supervise the laying of the first Transatlantic telegraph cable.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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