SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/03/1854 - HFSID 40983

SAMUEL F.B. MORSE
He signs a glowing (1854) autograph letter, enthusiastically recommending his former assistant Otis Wood to any prospective employer.
ALS: "Sam. F.B. Morse," 1½ pages, 7½x9¾. Po'keepsie, 1854 February 3. To Otis E. Wood, Esq., Utica. In full: "Most happy shall I be, if by a simple letter of mine, I can render you or your worthy brothers any service. Your brother Orrin S. Wood was my first Telegraph pupil, after the first (the experimental) line was established between Washington & Baltimore. He will undoubtedly recollect my predictions at that time, for him, that having taken the enterprize at its very commencement, and made himself thus early master of all that pertained to it, he would have an experience, possessed by no other, which would enable him to command any position he might choose, not only one of usefulness but I believed also of fortune. I am gratified in believing that he has attained a position, at least of well earned competence if not of fortune, which he richly deserves for his high and honorable personal character, as well as his eminent Skill & perseverance. It is with no disposition to flatter you, when I say that among all the worthy and gentlemanly men in the Telegraph Offices, and of whom it is my boast that as a class there are none in the community more highminded & trustworthy, you were a special favorite when I first knew you at the New York Office. Your skill, and steadiness, and promptness with your quiet, gentlemanly, & courteous manners strongly prepossessed me in your favor then, and nothing has occurred since to mar that impression. Whatever may be your future plans, I most sincerely commend you to the kind consideration of any to whom you may apply & promote them." On May 24, 1844, using a code of dots and dashes that he developed, Morse sent the message, "What hath God wrought!" from the Supreme Court room in the Capitol building to Baltimore, the first successful application of the telegraph. This letter was penned by Morse from his 200 acre estate, Locust Grove, recommending one of his first workers. Small fold repairs made with library mending tissue in blank margin, one on each side, else fine. Framed to an overall size of 36x21¾.