1826 Col. Elihu Hoyt ALS to Gen. H.A.S. Dearborn – Conn. River Navigation For Sale

Rare 1826 handwritten letter concerning New England infrastructure, penned by Col. Elihu Hoyt (1770–1833) of Deerfield, Massachusetts, and addressed to Gen. Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn (1783–1851) of Boston.

Date: July 1826
Author: Colonel Elihu Hoyt (1770–1833)
Recipient: General H.A.S. Dearborn

This folded stampless letter, signed by Col. Elihu Hoyt, was sent to Dearborn at the Boston Custom House. Hoyt forwards proposed amendments from a special committee regarding the improvement of Connecticut River navigation, asking Dearborn to review and reply swiftly:

“…if you think any further cautionary means necessary, please to communicate your views as soon as tomorrow, if convenient.”

The docketing reads:

“Col. E. Hoyt. July 1826. Improvements of Navigation of Connecticut River.”

• Col. Elihu Hoyt (1770–1833): Prominent in Deerfield civic and militia life, Elihu was the younger brother of Col. Epaphras Hoyt. While Epaphras became widely known as a military writer and antiquarian, Elihu was deeply involved in local governance, infrastructure matters, and regional improvements. Letters from him are considerably scarcer, making this a valuable piece for collectors.

• Gen. H.A.S. Dearborn (1783–1851): Son of Revolutionary War General Henry Dearborn, he was a Massachusetts militia general, lawyer, and later Collector of Customs for Boston. Dearborn was central to Boston’s civic improvements and early historic preservation.

• Context: The Connecticut River was one of the most important commercial routes of early New England. Legislative committees debated bills for dredging, locks, and navigation safety. This letter places Elihu Hoyt directly in the midst of those discussions.

• Folded letter with expected age toning and edge wear.

• Wax seal remnants visible.

• Some chipping at folds, but handwriting remains bold and legible throughout.

• Address panel and docketing intact.

• A desirable association piece between two early 19th-century civic leaders.

• Rare signed example from Col. Elihu Hoyt, who is less frequently encountered in the manuscript market than his brother Epaphras.

• Significant content on infrastructure and river navigation in early America.

Fresh to the market after decades in private hands — first public offering in over 70 years.