(Railroads) Message of His Excellency Levi Lincoln, communicated to the two branches of the Legislature, January 6, 1830. (Boston: Dutton and Wentworth, Printers to the State. 1830) 40pp. 9 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. (240 x 160 mm.)string-bound in titled wraps, pages uncut. Inscribed and signed by Lincoln on the front wrap to the “Hon Nathl. Lilsbee with the respects of L Lincoln”.
Massachusetts shifts its transportation policy in favor of railroads. An important address to the Massachusetts Legislature in which Governor Levi Lincoln offers significant state support for railroad construction. “… Of the matters of prominent concern, that of the Railways will press with almost engrossing interest … I continue, confidently to entertain, of the interest of those enterprises which are adapted to facilitate intercommunication, and relieve the community from the excessive expense and tedious labor of the present mode of land transportation, I beg leave to repeat the recommendation, that some decisive measures should promptly be taken to give to the Country, at no distant day, such improvement … The astonishing results of recent scientific experiments in Europe, in the application of Steam to produce a moving power, by which time, and distance, and weight are alike overcome, to a degree almost incredible, may well inspire a confidence in this manner of conveyance, which neither the incredulity of the timid, nor the obstinacy of the prejudiced, can longer resist. It has been said, with probably correctness, that the newly invented Steam Carriages, which are designed for use between Manchester and Liverpool, will bring those places, though more than thirty miles remote from each other, nearer together, in a social and commercial point of view, than the extremes of London now are… In relation to a Rail Road from Boston to the Hudson River, it is truly a work of great National importance; and whenever it shall be determined upon, the aid of the General Government may reasonably and confidently solicited. There is wanting but this single link to complete the long chain of inland communication form our Eastern Atlantic Seaboard to the Western Lakes…” When Lincoln addressed the legislature there were only 40 miles of railway in the nation, 30 of which were in New England. By the end of the decade, total railway mileage in the nation would top 2,700 miles (500 of those miles were in New England).
Rare. We have sourced no editions of this imprint offered or in auction records. OCLC 31203064, Thomson, Check List of American Railroads before 1841, 415. In total, only ten institutional copies have been identified. One edition is listed as part of the Streeter Collection.
Some edge wear and light toning, light creases, else very good condition.
(EXA 4066) $600
