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Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

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Auction Date:2013 Jul 17 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Manuscript DS, signed “J. L. Chamberlain,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 10 x 15, May 3, 1868. Document granting the European and North American Railroad permission to build. In part: “I Joshua L. Chamberlain, Governor of the State of Maine by virtue of the authority conferred upon me by an Act of Legislature of said State of Maine entitled ‘An Act to aid in the construction of the European and North American Railway[’]…in consideration of one dollar paid by said railway company…do hereby transfer and convey to said European and North American Railway Company all the timber and land belonging to said State situated upon the waters of the Penobscot and Saint John Rivers, to be used by said Company to aid in the construction of its contemplated line of railway as contemplated and provided for in an Act entitled ‘An Act to provide means for the defence of the North Eastern Frontier.’…This deed is made with the understanding and agreement on behalf of the European and North American Railway Company that in case the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad Company shall construct their railroad and comply with the terms and stipulations on ‘an Act to revive and extend the charter of the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad Company.’” Signed at the conclusion by Chamberlain and countersigned twice by William Frye as his secretary of state. Document goes on to list the ranges and boundaries included in the agreement. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, uniform toning, and scattered light soiling to docketing panels on reverse of second page.

Officially incorporated in the state of Maine in 1850, it took nearly fifteen years before construction finally began on the European and North American Railway. Initially intended to link Portland with an Atlantic port in Nova Scotia, offering quick connection with ships from Europe, the charter was revised to run from Bangor to Vanceboro, just opposite St. Croix, New Brunswick. The first section opened in 1868, the second the following year, and the final leg in October of 1871, celebrated with a ceremony attended by President U. S. Grant and Canadian leader Lord Lisgar. Signed by Chamberlain, the state’s adored military-hero-turned-governor, during the second of his four terms in office, this is a wonderful item in the development of Maine and the growing US rail network.