Description:

SAMUEL F. B. MORSE
(1791 - 1872) American inventor who experimented in telegraphy, inventor of the Morse Code, and sent the first wire message "What hath God wrought!" Fine content A.L.S. 2pp. 4to., New York, Apr. 3, 1841, to Miss Catherine Pattison, in part: "...I have myself been in many troubles in various Shapes, which have kept me secluded for two years past. I have made no visits and have scarcely seen any one. Immersed in studies, and scientific experiment I have no time to visit my nearest much less to correspond with my absent friends, but I do not forget them 'for a' that'. I have heard by the way that you have had a fine portrait of you painted. Do let me see you in picture if I have not see you in reality, and therefore do consent to let your portrait come to N. York the ensuing week to be placed upon the wall of our new and splendid [National Academy of Design] Exhibition rooms. I shall esteem it a particular favor, and will take care that it be returned to safety. Will none of you be in N. York this Spring or Summer? I am thinking of a short and flying visit to the west in a few weeks (if they do not put me into the White House in the Park) and after I have seen my daughter on board the Steamer for her European tour, with my brother and his new-married wife who leave shortly for England, France & Italy…". Morse had traveled to Europe three years before, seeking financial aid for his telegraph invention. While the European scientific community reveled in the invention, they were unwilling to grant him patents or funds. He dejectedly returned to the United States in 1839, and for four more years, during which time he wrote this letter, worked feverishly to improve his invention and obtain funding from Congress to build an experimental telegraph line from Washington to Baltimore. Moderate fold splits at margins, easily repaired, otherwise very good condition. A rare and wonderful personal letter of Morse at a low point in his career.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

January 21, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000