Description:

Beauregard Pierre

Pierre Beauregard, ALS to Ex-Union General Henry Abbot on the Submarine Explosions at Hell Gate, the Largest Planned Explosion Before Testing Began for the Atomic Bomb

 

Single page autograph letter signed, 5" x 8" on lightly lined paper. Dated "New Orleans, Apr 12/86", and boldly signed by Pierre Gustave Toutant  Beauregard as "P. T. Beauregard". Tiny pin hole, else bright and in fine condition with lovely strong contrasting ink.

 

The great obstruction impeding the ship-travel between the Atlantic Ocean and New-York City, via Long Island Sound, was located at a promontory of Long Island called Hallett's Point. It extended out into the East River, approaching Ward's Island, which occupies three-fifths of the width of the river at that point; and some dangerous rocks were found in the immediate vicinity. The narrow channel thus formed has been a danger and a difficulty to navigators ever since this part of the country was first explored; and the rush of water taking place through the pass gave it the name of Whorl-gate, afterward Hurl-gate, whence the name by which it is now known was easily derived of Hells Gate.

 

In 1851, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began to clear obstacles from the strait Hells Gate with explosives. Hell Gate was a strait in the East River, New York City. The operation would last 70 years. On September 24, 1876, the Corps used 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg) of explosives to blast the rocks, which was followed by further blasting. On October 10, 1885, the Corps carried out the largest explosion in this process, annihilating Flood Rock with 300,000 pounds (140,000 kg) of explosives. The blast was felt as far away as Princeton, New Jersey.  It sent a geyser of water 250 feet (76 m) in the air. The blast has been described as "the largest planned explosion before testing began for the atomic bomb."

 

Beauregard's letter was to congratulate the team's effort in this important achievement. His letter shown in part below:

 

"please accept my (illegible) for the beautiful + interesting photo of the explosion at Flood Rock - N.Y. on Oct 10/85.



I congratulate you + the other officers engaged in that great enterprise, on its complete success."

 

A fantastic example reflecting on an important piece of history with a vibrant large signature by Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard.



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000