Manuscript DS, signed “C. Vanderbilt,” eight lightly lined pages on four sheets, 8 x 12.5, June 12, 1865. A declaration of trust between Vanderbilt and John M. Tobin and The Hudson River Rail Road Co. Much of the lengthy text describes the boundaries of several tracts of land adjacent to Harlem River Rail Road property between Albany and Poughkeepsie, purchased by Vanderbilt and Tobin from several different parties. The final section of the text explains that Vanderbilt and Tobin were paid one dollar each by the HRR and the lands were conveyed to them to be held in trust for the use of the railroad. The document is signed on page 7 by Vanderbilt, Tobin and Edwin Quackenbush. After being primarily involved in shipping for years, Vanderbilt later became involved in railroads. Gaining control of the Hudson River Rail Road was his second major endeavor in this industry, after he took over its competitor, the New York and Harlem. The transactions documented here must have been part of Vanderbilt's master plan to control the Hudson Valley railroads and consolidate three inefficient operations into a single, well-run system. Vanderbilt took control of the third line, the New York Central, in 1867; by the early 1870s, he had accomplished his goal. In fair to good condition, with soiling, tears, a few chips and small losses, and complete and partial separations at folds with scattered tape repairs. The signature itself is clean, fine, and unaffected by any faults. RRAuction COA.
