[Rarebooks] FS: THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILROAD TO CALIFORNIA, 1849

[Charles Agvent]

(DEGRAND, P. P. F.) PROCEEDINGS OF THE FRIENDS OF A RAIL-ROAD TO SAN 
FRANCISCO, AT THEIR PUBLIC MEETING HELD AT THE U.S. HOTEL, IN BOSTON, 
APRIL 19, 1849, INCLUDING AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE U. STATES; 
SHOWING THAT, P.P.F. DEGRAND'S PLAN IS THE ONLY ONE, AS YET PROPOSED, 
WHICH WILL SECURE ... THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILROAD TO CALIFORNIA....
Dutton and Wentworth Boston 1849 Sixth Edition.  Octavo (5-5/8" x 9") in 
the original printed wraps: 24 pages.  Published the same year as the 
First Edition, Cowan (page 513) notes that several editions were 
printed.  [This publication is the earliest of any noted on the railroad 
in California by Cowan.]  Graff 3365; Sabin 19303 (Fourth Edition only). 
One of the earliest proposals for a transcontinental railway, the 
project would link St. Louis and San Francisco.  Among other provisions, 
Degrand's plan stipulated that only American-made materials be used in 
the construction of the railroad.  Writing during the height of the Gold 
Rush, Degrand notes that his plan "will finish the Road in 4 years, and 
thenceforth every mother in the old United States, will be enabled to 
hear from her son, if in California, within 7 days, by regular mail, and 
almost instantaneously by telegraph."  This edition includes a letter 
dated 10 September 1849 that attacks Asa Whitney's plan for the Pacific 
railroad.  Some nibbling to the upper corner throughout with no loss to 
text. M uch of the bottom half of the front wrapper suffers from a dark 
stain though it is still possible to read the text through the stain. 
The front wrapper has a long tear up the vertical crease with a small 
portion lacking at the center slightly affecting text.  Owner name at 
top front.  Near Fine in Good only wrappers.   $200.00
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