Lot 272

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Description:

Rare George McClellan Discusses Mining Business Just 5 Months Before Death

1p, measuring 8.25" x 6.5", New York, dated May 18, 1885. Signed "Geo McClellan" as President of The Grand Belt Copper Co. of New York and addressed to Henry B. Murray, Agent of Excelsior Iron Works of Chicago. McClellan requests for a delay in shipping an order, writing in part: "Will you be good enough to hold the smelter, ordered by this company, at Chicago until further advice…" McClellan had ordered a complete 30-ton copper smelting plant to be used in the company's mines in Texas. The letter has flattened mail folds and minor soiling. Mounting residue on verso. Boldly signed.

George B. McClellan, former commander of the Army of the Potomac, took up mining after the Civil War and was intrigued by the potential of copper deposits in northwest Texas. He formed the Grand Belt Copper Company in 1877 and purchased 200,000 acres in Hardeman County, located northwest of Dallas. Major obstacles blocked McClellan’s dream of riches, including fuel and water shortages, transportation issues, etc. He died unexpectedly just five months after writing this letter, on October 29, 1885, having suffered a heart attack. The company continued limited operations for three more years before closing.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 6, 2022 10:30 AM EST
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