Pacific Railroad proposal SF 1849

Heading:
Author: Degrand, P. P. F.
Title: Proceedings of the Friends of a Rail-Road to San Francisco, at Their Public Meeting, Held at the U.S. Hotel, in Boston, April 19, 1849. Including an Address to the People of the U. States; Showing that P. P. F. Degrand's Plan is the Only One, as yet Proposed, Which Will Secure Promptly...by a Single Act of Legislation, the Construction of a Railroad to California, in the Shortest Time Allowed by its Physical Obstacles
Place Published: Boston
Publisher:Dutton and Wentworth, Printers
Date Published: 1849
Description:

24 pp. 23x14.5 cm (9x5¾"), original printed salmon wrappers; housed in leather and cloth slipcase with gilt spine, folding cloth chemise. First Edition.

One of the earliest proposals for a transcontinental railroad, indicating the swiftness with which the Gold Rush spurred a clamor to unite the continent. Degrand claims that "the plan which I propose, will finish the Road in 4 years, and thenceforth every mother in the old United States, will be enabled to hear from her son, if in California, within 7 days, by regular mail, and almost instantaneously by telegraph." This is the first issue of 24 pages, which was followed by a 32pp. issue. Degrand was among the first to appreciate Asa Whitney's schemes. Cowan p.513; Sabin 19303 (listing only a fourth edition in the same year).
Condition Report: Some general light wear and soiling to wrappers, four small holes punched at spine; one page with bottom corner torn away with no loss to text; very good.