^Lot 370 George Stephenson

Civil and mechanical engineer (1781–1848) who built the first public rail line using steam locomotives. ALS signed “Geo Stephenson,” three pages, 4.5 x 7, April 19, 1841. Letter to a gentleman regarding the quality of the coals he produced, essential for the locomotives. In part: “Your letter of the 15th I have received respecting my supplying you with coals from my Derbyshire Collieries. If your manufactory can be carried on with the inferior Staffordshire coals, I think that they are too low a price for me to compete with them. I consider my coal very superior to the best Staffordshire. It is with the best coals that I mean to compete at Chellenham and not with the inferior.” In very good condition, with scattered toning and foxing, intersecting folds, and some brushing to closing of letter.