Army engineer who designed and built the ironclad Monitor for the US government. ALS signed “J. Ericsson,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 10, embossed Congressional letterhead, June 29, 1859. In part: “…She pointed a big hole in our [?] invention: the centrifugal [?] on the brain of the mouse will produce death within five minutes… Another live mouse might be attached and another five minute operation secured, but you know that this rapid consumption of living fuel would soon so greatly enhance the price as to utterly [?] all profitable use being made of her beautiful invention…” Accompanied by a more complete transcript of the letter in Ericsson’s difficult to decipher hand as well as an engraving of Ericcson. In very good condition, with some adhesive residue in border of the reverse from a previous mounting or binding, a blue pencil notation at the top, faint edge toning and a small chip to the lower right corner. R&R COA.
