John Ericsson papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 376

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

Creation: 1853-1879

Creator

Ericsson, John, 1803-1889 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

John Ericsson was a Swedish-American inventor and mechanical engineer. He is perhaps best known for designing the Civil War ship U.S.S. Monitor, an ironclad warship with a revolutionary rotating turret. He also invented the caloric (or hot air) engine in the 1820s, which was safer and more practical than existing steam powered engines.

Extent

0.3 Cubic Feet (/ 1 box and 1 oversize folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

John Ericsson was a Swedish-American inventor and mechanical engineer. He is perhaps best known for designing the Civil War ship U.S.S. Monitor, an ironclad warship with a revolutionary rotating turret. 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.

Arrangement

Chronological.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Collection apparently transferred from the Augustana College and Theological Seminary Museum. One unidentified letter originally donated by Axel B. Olson of Denver, Colorado, in 1912.

Existence and Location of Copies

The John Ericsson papers have been digitized and made accessible in Digital Special Collections at the following link: http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/cdm/search/collection/aug_eric

Digitized content may also be accessed by clicking the Link to Record in the Instances field below.

Related Materials

John Ericsson papers, 1821-1890, Library of Congress John Ericsson Letter, 1864 July 13, The Mariners' Museum Library at Christopher Newport University John Ericsson Collection, New-York Historical Society