(CUBA) Wright Benjamin H Pair of early reports on the first

Sale 2420 - Lot 350

Price Realized: $ 750

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200

(CUBA.) Wright, Benjamin H. Pair of early reports on the first Cuban railroad. Two manuscript letters in Spanish to Wenceslas de Villa Urrutia, possibly Autograph Letters Signed or early translations. 7 and 16 pages, 10 x 8 inches; stitch holes, minor wear. Havana, 8 January and 17 May 1834

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In the earliest period of railroad technology, Cuban leaders became interested in a rail line to carry sugar and coffee from inland Güines to port in Havana. In 1837 the railroad was launched, one of the first in the world and beating Spain by more than a decade. See Zanetti & Garcia, Sugar & Railroads: A Cuban History, pages 18-33. Civil engineer Benjamin Hall Wright (1801-1881) was son of Benjamin Wright, chief engineer for much of the Erie Canal project. He was hired to consult on the Cuban rail project. These two letters discuss the supplies and funds needed for the road to Güines, as well as for an additional proposed road to Rincon, also describing the necessary grading work. with--4 stock certificates issued by the "Compañia del Camino de Hierro entre las Ciudades de Puerto Príncipe y Nuevitas." Partially printed documents, each issued to members of the Betancourt family, and signed by several officers, each about 12 x 8 inches; minor worming and wear. Puerto Príncipe, 1837-46.