Item #64347 DIFFICULTIES ATTENDANT to building a road between Sturbridge and Southbridge, described in a two page autograph letter, signed, and addressed to Gen. William Crawford in Oakham. Wheelock, iram.
DIFFICULTIES ATTENDANT to building a road between Sturbridge and Southbridge, described in a two page autograph letter, signed, and addressed to Gen. William Crawford in Oakham.

DIFFICULTIES ATTENDANT to building a road between Sturbridge and Southbridge, described in a two page autograph letter, signed, and addressed to Gen. William Crawford in Oakham.

Sturbridge [MA]: October 4, 1838. Two page letter, 25 x 20 cm., approx. 400 words. Folded with integral address, small hole at wax seal. "H. Wheelock", one of the Road Commissioners of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, writes to William Crawford, Chairman of the County Commissioners of Worcester County. He reports on a meeting held with the contractors building a road from Sturbridge to Southbridge, and expresses concern over confusion about terms of the contract and weather delays in progress despite promises from those in charge of the job. "I have this morning visited some of the road contractors...and they think they will be ready to receive a visit from the County Comr...I think they will not, but possibly if there is no wet weather they may have completed their contract to their own satisfaction...I am not however without fears that some of them in some points will fall short of the requirements contained in their contracts...." He feels the Southbridge Committee will back him in his views.
Hiram Wheelock, born in Charlton in 1794, settled early in Sturbridge. He moved to Boston in 1839 where he died in 1857. He was actively interested in the State Militia, and was for many years a Colonel in the Force. William Crawford (1745-1833), whose County Commission was in charge of building roads, railroads, canals and other internal improvements at the very beginning of the industrial revolution in Massachusetts, was a Brig. General in the Massachusetts militia. Crawford was also a clockmaker, and Oakham Town Clerk and Selectman, as well as a War of 1812 veteran. Item #64347

Price: $150.00

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