Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791-1872) to Edward P. Fry
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04503.03 Author/Creator: Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791-1872) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 July 1844 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
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 payments will be made. Informs that he will attend to procuring and training young men to use the system if compensated. Gives Fry 20 days to accept the offered terms. Addressed to Fry in Philadelphia.
Morse is credited with inventing the telegraph and Morse code. In 1844, he sent the first telegraphic message, from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. He was also an accomplished artist and politician.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.