1827 Erie Canal Signed Petition with 300 Signatures Re: Proposed Extension

A petition entitled "Memorial of about 300 Inhabitants of Richland Co. of Oswego for a Canal from Rome by Camden to Ogdensburgh." Addressed to "the Legislature of the State of New-York, in Senate and Assembly". 6pp sealed together, measuring 8" x 67.25", Oswego, New York, dated February 15, 1827. The petition has flattened folds, creases, and is lightly toned throughout with areas of staining from the wax seals and additional soiling. Some small separations and chipping at the edges and folds, else very good.

The document lays out six points for a preferred route of the canal. This includes the distance of the canal, locks required, route delays, and the cost and time to build. The proposed route would save 17 miles and would include 40 miles of natural waterways. In addition to this, the cost of locks needed would be a difference of $571,200, on top of the alternate route taking three days longer. Beneath the printed document are approximately 300 signatures from the residents of Richland County, signed in brown ink.

In part:

"Respectfully Sheweth-That the result of the surveys made in 1825, of the proposed canal routes leading from the Erie Canal to Ogdensburgh, on the St. Lawrence River, viz. The eastermost, by the way of the valley of West Canada Creek and the Black River, (which it seems has been abandoned as out of the question.) The next by way of the valley of the Mohawk River, above Rove, and through Boonville to the Black River; and the third or westermost, by the way of the valley of the west branch of Fish Creek, through Camden, and across Salmon River by Watertown, has shewn conclusively, agreeably to the report of the honorable House of Assembly last session, that the last mentioned route is decidedly preferable, for the following reasons…It is seventeen miles shorter than the one from Rome by Boonville…The Boonville route would require 952 feet more lockage, ascending and descending…The difference in the cost of the locks on the Camden and Boonville routes, as estimated by Mr. Geddes, at only $150 per foot, amounts alone to the sum of $142,800…three days that would attend the passage of boats on the Boonville route each way, more than the Camden one…the cost of excavating a canal on the Camden route will be much lower than on the one by Boonville…"

The Erie Canal began construction in Rome, New York in 1815 and was not completed until ten years later. Running originally from Buffalo to Albany, the canal soon developed multiple extensions and a barge system. Despite the rational concerns and arguments of the citizens of Oswego, the Boonville route was ultimately approved and constructed.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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