Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791-1872) to J. F. Frazer

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04480.01 Author/Creator: Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791-1872) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 September 1849 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.3 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

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 ordered one from France with which he will replace Frazer's copy. Addresses Frazer as Professor. Written from Jones Hotel, no city or state.

Morse is credited with inventing the telegraph and Morse code. In 1844, he sent the first telegraphic message, from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., "What hath God wrought!" He was also an accomplished artist and politician.

Morse, Samuel Finley Breese, 1791-1872
Frazer, J. F., fl. 1849
Moigno, François-Napoléon-Marie, 1804-1884

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