Details:

J. Edgar Thomson autographed letter signed, one page, on Pennsylvania Rail Road Company letterhead, dated Philadelphia, April 25, 1856. Thomson writes to attorney William M. Meredith requesting that he and Garrick Mallery examine the company's original Act of Incorporation and subsequent supplements and provide a written legal opinion on whether the President and Directors could lawfully declare a dividend from earned profits.

Thomson further discusses the early construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, noting that the original location and grading of tunnels, rock cuts, culverts, and bridge masonry had been designed with the intention of eventually carrying two tracks. He explains that only a single track had initially been laid, with a second track subsequently completed, and asks that the requested legal opinion be provided to the Board of Directors as quickly as possible. Thomson signs at the conclusion, "J. Edgar Thomson," followed by his title, "President."

Fine condition with original folds and light handling wear.

John Edgar Thomson (1808-1874) was an American railroad executive and civil engineer who served as president of the Pennsylvania Railroad from 1852 until his death in 1874. One of the most influential railroad builders of the 19th century, Thomson oversaw the Pennsylvania Railroad during a period of enormous expansion and helped transform it into one of the largest and most powerful transportation companies in the United States. Earlier in his career he worked as a civil engineer on major railroad projects, and his management practices helped establish many of the organizational and financial methods later adopted by large American corporations.

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Reference sku: 11615 1418875-1