Letters, 1853-1879

The John Ericsson papers consists of two letter-size folders of material and one oversize indenture. Included are letters, 1853-1879, written by Ericsson, primarily addressed to John O. Sargent, with whom Ericsson appears to have shared a close friendship. Ericsson kept Sargent updated on his inventions and professional activity, including his application for a patent in 1853, his renewed interest in solar physics and a desire to continue working after the Civil War, and his work on a submarine torpedo in 1876. Also included is a carte de visite of a woman identified as [Venella?] Emanuelson (the first name is illegible), and an 1865 indenture between Ericsson and Sargent granting Sargent 150 shares of an air machine invented by Ericsson. The indenture may be referring to Ericsson's caloric engine.