CORNELIUS
VANDERBILT (1794-1877). Document Signed, New York [NY], 19
April 1839. 2 pages, 13" x 8".
"Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt made a vast fortune in transportation,
first as a steamship promoter and later in railroads, developing the
New York Central and other lines and building Grand Central Station.
This document concerns another source of his wealth – some of
Vanderbilt’s real estate holdings. A performance bond growing
out of a lawsuit filed by Vanderbilt, the document does not detail the
substance of his legal complaint. But it does say that Vanderbilt has
filed an action against Eliza Martineau and others and that until the
case is resolved, the chancery court has appointed James Guyon to serve
as "Receiver of the rents and profits of the mortgaged premises"
involved in the suit.
In
this bond, Guyon and Vanderbilt pledge $600 as a guarantee for Guyon’s
faithful performance of his duties as Receiver. The document is signed
by both Guyon and Vanderbilt ("C VanDerbilt") at
the conclusion of the main text, with small paper-over-wax seals next
to each signature. Just below this is a notarization attesting to the
legitimacy of their signatures.
The document is in very good condition, and Vanderbilt's signature is
large and dark.
Vanderbilt’s autograph is scarce. $3750.00
This
image shows only part of the second page of the document, which includes
Vanderbilt's signature.
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