SAMUEL F. B. MORSE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/03/1854 - HFSID 40983
Sale Price $2,499.00
Reg. $3,000.00
SAMUEL F.B. MORSE
He signs a glowing (1854) autograph letter, enthusiastically recommending his
former assistant Otis Wood to any prospective employer. Framed in a Gallery of
History display to 36x22
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 in Gallery of History style: 36x21¾.
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