Autograph Note Signed de GORRINGE, Henry H. (1841-85)

This U.S. naval officer fought in the Civil War, then worked his way up to lieutenant-commander -- but achieved national acclaim when he succeeded in the engineering marvel of transporting the 200-ton ancient obelisk of Thutmosis III ("Cleopatra's Needle") from Alexandria to Central Park in New York City in 1880, which he wrote about in "Egyptian Obelisks"; he resigned his commission in 1883 to organize and manage The American Shipbuilding Company, but died at age 43 in an accident when jumping off a train. ANS, 1p, 5½" X 8¼", New York, NY, 1884 January 27. Addressed to "My dear Sir." Good plus. Slightly edgeworn, with strong single vertical fold; just under half of right side moderately age toned from long-ago newsprint contact. On letterhead of his newly-formed company, which lists him as president, Gorringe sends a curious and cryptic message: "Your wisdom is like that of Soloman. Thank you for the suggestion; I had myself made memoranda for a possible controversy but you have it pat." Boldly penned in brown ink.