Details:

George W. Goethals autographed typed letter (TLS), dated April 30, 1902, on U.S. Engineer Office stationery from Newport, Rhode Island. Addressed to the Collector of Customs in Edgartown, Massachusetts, the letter concerns the collection of federal customs revenue for inclusion in an annual report on river and harbor improvements.

Goethals writes, in full:

"Will you please inform me, for insertion in my annual report on river and harbor works, how much revenue was collected at your port during the calendar year ending December 31, 1901?"

Signed "Geo. W. Goethals" in ink above his typed military designation, "Major, Corps of Engineers, U.S.A."

Written several years before Goethals assumed responsibility for the construction of the Panama Canal, the letter documents his earlier career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, during which he supervised federal engineering projects and harbor improvements.

Fine condition with original mailing folds, light age toning, and minor handling wear. A period pencil notation along the lower margin identifies Goethals with the Panama Canal.

George Washington Goethals (1858–1928) was an American Army general and civil engineer best remembered as the chief engineer responsible for completing the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the early 20th century. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Goethals served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him chairman and chief engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission in 1907. He directed the monumental construction effort through the canal's completion in 1914, overseeing the excavation of the Culebra Cut, construction of the massive canal locks, and development of the supporting infrastructure. Following the canal's completion, Goethals served as the first civil governor of the Panama Canal Zone and later as Quartermaster General of the United States Army during World War I.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419328-1