 Perkins agreed to do so, and even pledged to put $100,000 ($ in dollars) of his own money into the railroad—but only if his fellow board members agreed to personally guarantee the road's debts.The board members agreed to do so, with their investment totaling $440,000 ($ in dollars).The strategy worked, for the company was able to sell another $469,200 ($ in dollars) in bonds on September 8, 1854.