Scope and Contents:
This collection contains a letter written in 1849 by Simeon Ryder, who worked for the company that wanted to build the Alton and Sangamon railroad line.
Ryder's letter is addressed to the investment company Cooper and Hewitt in hopes they will make an offer to contract and build the whole road. Ryder discusses how other engineers have accepted his plans to build, but that he is holding out for their offer.
The letter also discusses the possible connections the railroad could make to other cities, specifically Chicago, Springfield, and Lafayette. Ryder also mentions the new railroad law, which allowed for the purchase of bonds to help financially support the construction of the railroad.
The Library purchased this letter in the spring of 2016. It was acquired with printed ephemera purchased for the Van Norman, Clarendon, Jr., Collection of Lincoln and Illinois Ephemera (MS 852).
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