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to John C. Spencer

Answers Spencer's questions about matters involving telegraphic conductors. Gives information on who will supply the pipe, pricing and payment, and delivery of it. States that he first found out about the deficiencies of the pipe on 6 December 1843...

GLC02113

to John C. Spencer

States that the lead pipe delivered by F.O. J. Smith, the contractors with Mr. Tatham and his brothers, is defective. Describes the main problem, "I find it defective in many points but particularly in the destructive effect that has been produced...

GLC02112

to Samuel Jarvis

Morse complains of problems with the mail. He lists books (and their prices) he obtained for Jarvis. Comments on politics in Europe and his hopes for peace in the War of 1812. Jarvis was rector of St. Michael's school in Bloomingdale, New York.

GLC01092

Statement Showing expenditures on account of Magnetic Telegraph

Details the amount of money drawn from the Treasury, expenditure, and the balance left for the magnetic telegraph. Morse signed as Superintendent of the Electro Magnetic Telegraph. Entire right edge of paper is damaged with paper loss.

GLC04234

to Edward P. Fry

Replies to Fry's letter stating that he will inform him of his partners' decisions as soon as he hears from them. Comments that he is convalescent and will probably pass through Philadelphia to New York soon. Advises that if a satisfactory...

GLC04503.02

to Edward P. Fry

Writes that he has just received word from his partners that a proprietor will contract to complete a telegraph line from Philadelphia to New York for $60,000 to be finished by 1 January 1845. Includes technical details about the line and how the...

GLC04503.03

[Expenditures for first telegraph between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore]

Records expenditures for many of the key components for the first telegraph line between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. Entitled "United States in account with Samuel F. B. Morse." Includes traveling expenses, advertising, office...

GLC04894

[Carte de visite portrait of Samuel F. B. Morse]

GLC01493

Collection of two items related to Samuel F. B. Morse [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC04480

to J. F. Frazer

Asks if he can use Frazer's copy of Moigno's "Traite de Telegraphic," and replace it at a later date so that he may have it on hand during the trial next month. Reports that he tried to purchase the book but the bookstore was out of it. He has...

GLC04480.01

Samuel F. B. Morse

Engraving of Morse seated, with hand laid on a book on a table. Depicted with full white beard and glasses. Marked, "Likeness from the last approved photograph from life." Published by Johnson, Wilson & Co. Publishers, New York.

GLC04480.02

Collection of letters of Samuel F. B. Morse to Edward P. Fry concerning the New York - Philadelphia telegraph [Decimalized .01-.08]

GLC04503

to Edward P. Fry

Writes that he has seen Mr. Smith who will be at his office tomorrow morning. States that Mr. Burbank, the man who is in charge of negotiations for Morse, is at Lovejoy's Hotel and advises Fry to bring this letter as an introduction. Dated...

GLC04503.01

to Edward P. Fry

Regrets that he cannot yet give Fry an answer to his request because he cannot get in touch with all the other proprietors. Sends a paper Fry requested (not present), and states he has made an improvement in the telegraph machinery which will allow...

GLC04503.04

to Edward P. Fry

Replies to Fry's request for his memories of events occurring in 1844. Morse states that " ... with my feeble memory in regard to the details, I fear I can give you but little satisfaction." Remembers negotiating with Amos Kendall to have him put...

GLC04503.05

to Edward P. Fry

Thanks Fry for sending a memorandum that proves that Morse was interested in having the government own the telegraph invention back in 1844. States that he made concessions to make it easier and less costly for the government but that they did not...

GLC04503.06

to Edward P. Fry

Complains about mail he has sent that has failed to reach its destination, including a recent letter to Fry. Includes a transcript of the earlier note that was never received in which he thanks Fry for information sent to him proving that Morse was...

GLC04503.07

[List of letters sent from Samuel F. B. Morse to Edward P. Fry]

Lists dates and places written of five letters sent from Morse to Fry concerning the formation of a telegraph line from New York to Philadelphia in 1844. Note at bottom states that other letters from 1870 were included in order to make a book of...

GLC04503.08

[Telegram message for Samuel Morse's coachman]

Note to be relayed to Morse's coachman informing that he will be arriving on the five o'clock train tonight. Written on stationery of the New York, Albany & Buffalo Telegraph Co. Gold envelope is printed with "Morse's American Telegraph, New-York...

GLC04650.01

[Introduction for Mrs. Alfred Vail]

General introduction to "any of my friends with whom she may meet" for the widow of his colleague in telegraph business, Alfred Vail. Mrs. Vail was visiting Europe with her family. Notes Alfred Vail's authorship of an early history of the telegraph...

GLC04650.02

to George Wood

Thanks Wood for sending a letter written by Secretary of State William H. Seward concerning a petition for government aid in constructing an overland international telegraph line. Remarks upon the rapid progress of the telegraph throughout the world...

GLC04080

to John Spencer

Writes to the Secretary of the Treasury about saving $920 in making telegraph wires with colored varnish instead of colored thread. Asks permission to sell the unnecessary colored thread.

GLC04235

to E.H. Sanford

States that Amos Kendall is his agent for the management of his telegraphic business and he cannot answer Sanford's inquiry about the sale of telegraph patent rights in Oregon and California until consulting with Kendall. Comments that he believes...

GLC04236

[Introductory address to American Society for Promotion of National Unity]

Morse, president of the society, introduces Rabbi Morris Jacob Raphall. Discusses "Whether Slavery, or the condition of being held in subjection to the will of another, is a divine institution, sanctioned by laws & commands, and regulated from the...

GLC05350

to Catherine A. Pattison

Apologizes profusely for not writing back sooner and expresses his fondness for her and her friendship. States he has been consumed with perfecting his telegraph, which is "nearly ready to put into operation." Writes very personally and asks about...

GLC06327

to Catherine Pattison

Mentions visiting Boston, Plymouth, and Cape Cod where he made a search for the relics of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims. Updates her on the progress of the telegraph. Reports that the telegraph is testing well but expresses some anxiety over being...

GLC06328

to Mrs. M. Stuart

Gives the address of William Goodrich in Paris. Also encloses his photograph (not present). Replies to her request for his opinion on the Atlantic telegraph by saying "I have always had full faith in its final accomplishment; It is practicable...

GLC06329.01

Prof. Samuel F. B. Morse. Inventor of the Magnetic Telegraph

Half-length engraving of Morse with his telegraph machine. Marked as after a photo from life.

GLC06329.02

[Calling card of Samuel F. B. Morse]

Accompanies GLC04650.02.

GLC04650.03

Articles of Agreement and Association, Constituting the Magnetic Telegraph Society

GLC03107.05330