Thomas A. Edison Papers at
Rutgers, The State University endorsed by
National Historical Publications and Records Commission 18 June 1981
Copyright © 1999 by Rutgers, The State University
All rights reserved. No part of this publication including any portion or the guide and index or of the microfilm may be reproduced, stored hi a retrieval system, or transmitted hi any form by any means — graphic, electronic, mechanical, or chemical, hiciudhigphotocopying, recordhigor taping, or information storage and retrieval systems— without written permission of Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
The original documents hi this edition are from the archives at the Edison National Historic Site at West Orange, New Jersey.
ISBN 0-89093-703-6
THOMAS A. EDISON PAPERS
Robert A. Rosenberg Director and Editor
Thomas E. Jeffrey Associate Director and Coeditor
Paul B. Israel
Managing Editor, Book Edition Helen Endick
Assistant Director for Administration
Associate Editors Theresa M. Collins LisaGitelman Keith A. Nier
Researcli Associates
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Assistant Editors Louis Carlat Aldo E. Salerno
Secretary Grace Kurkowski
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Jessica Rosenberg
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
James Brittain, Georgia Institute of Technology R. Frank Colson, University of Southampton Louis Gaiambos, Joints Hopkins University Susan Hockey, University of Alberta Thomas Parke Hughes, University of Peimsylvatu'a Peter Robinson, Oxford University
Philip Scranton, Georgia Institute of Technology/Hagley Museum and Library Merritt Roe Smith, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTORS
PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Charles Edison Fund The Hyde and Watson Foundation National Trust for the Humanities Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
PUBLIC FOUNDATIONS National Science Foundation National Endowment for the Humanities
National Historical Publications and Records Commission
PRIVATE CORPORATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
Alabama Power Company
Anonymous
AT&T
Atlantic Electric
Association of Edison Illuminating Companies
Battelle Memorial Institute The Boston Edison Foundation Cabot Corporation Foundation, Inc. Carolina Power & Li$it Company Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
Consumers Power Company Cooper Industries Corning Incorporated Duke Power Company Entergy Corporation (Middle South Electric System)
Exxon Corporation
Florida Power & Li$it Company
General Electric Foundation
Gould Inc. Foundation
Gulf States Utilities Company
David and Nina Heitz
Hess Foundation, Inc.
Idaho Power Company
IMO Industries
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley H. Katz Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Midwest Resources, Inc.
Minnesota Power New Jersey Bell New York State Electric & Gas Corporation
North American Philips Corporation Philadelphia Electric Company Philips Lighting B.V.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company
RCA Corporation
Robert Bosch GmbH
Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation
San Diego Gas and Electric
Savannah Electric and Power Company
Schering-Plough Foundation
Texas Utilities Company
Thomas & Betts Corporation
Thomson Grand Public
Transamerica Delava] Inc.
Westinghouse Foundation Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
A Note on the Sources
The pages which have been filmed are the best copies available. Every technical effort possible has been made to ensure legibility.
PUBLICATION AND MICROFILM COPYING RESTRICTIONS
Reel duplication of the whole or of any part of this film is prohibited In lieu of transcripts, however, enlarged photocopies of selected items contained on these reels
may be made in order to facilitate research.
Letterbook, LB-079
This letterbook covers the period January-May 1909. Most of the correspondence is by Edison, Harry F. Miller, and George A. Meister. Many of the letters pertain to laboratory work and supplies and to Edison's accounts with the Edison Portland Cement Co. and J.P. Morgan & Co. Numerous letters defer business for the duration of Edison's vacation in Fort Myers, Florida. In addition, there is correspondence involving the iron ore concentration plant in the Dunderland region of Norway; improvements in Edison’s alkaline storage battery; and the manufacture of batteries by Sigmund Bergmann in Berlin, Germany. Several letters detail ongoing progress in the development of Edison’s concrete house. Included is a letter in which Harry F. Miller calculates the expected cost of a six-room house, as well as a letter in which Edison explains how affordable housing can function as a means of social uplift for the working class. There is also a letter to Horace F. Parshall in which Edison describes a storage battery being produced for use in a General Electric Co. streetcar. Among the items relating to personal matters are letters regarding Edison’s family, health, finances, and charitable donations. Also included is a letter to William J. Dealy in which Edison reminisces about his days as a telegraph operator in Memphis, Tennessee.
The label on the front cover contains the following notation: "Thomas A Edison Personal From Jan 1 5th 1 909 To May 5th 1 909.” There is an inscription on the spine with similar information. The book contains 701 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 10 percent of the book has been selected.
Jan. 18th 09
My dear Mr. Dealy,
Case Sholes and also Korty were in the Memphis office at the same time I was there, they are both on the list of Military Operators. All that 1 can remember is that there were two wires and about eight operators, that Somerville who afterward became connected with the Associated Press in Mew York waa the Government Superintendent of Telegraph, that I got rations and sold them for seven dollars per month and that the manager of the office got flirting with the Cash and was caBt into a Military Prison.
There 7/as a Keno game in the Baptist Church and the whole town was only 13 miles from Hell; so if I was not a Military Telegrapher Operator I waa pretty close thereto.
Yours very truly, .
Mr. W. J. Mealy.
TJ. Tel. Co.,
198 Broadway,
Mew York City.
IX
Jail.
18th 09.
Edison Ore-Milling Syndicate Ltd.,
J. Hall, Junior, Esq., Secretary,
Pitzalsn House, Arundel Street, London, w. c. England.
Dear Sir:
I reiterate my previous statement that I have never received information from any source , especially the technical position to make my opinion any value regarding deslreability of dropping certain patents. Mr. Dick represented his own interest in the Company, and he has never given me one scrap of Information as to the progress of the Dunderlana project, or the Syndicates affaire.
I therefor decline to give any opinion on the subject of the patents as per your letter of the 4th instant.
Youtb very truly,
Jan. 19th 09.
The Diamond Drill Carbon Co.,
Bridge Arch 17 ( krankf ort St . ) ,
Kew York City.
Dear Sirs:
Yours of the loth instant regarding black diamonds received. Mr. 'Edison directs me to write you that he has had such bad luck with diamonds for drilling that he no longer uses them. We can do just as well with a Keystone drill and core extractor at one third the cost.
Yours very truly,
Secretary."
25
Arthur Williams, Boq. ,
55 Duane Street,
New York City.
Dear Sir:
Your, or the 14th instant relative to a riot to th. Laboratory by his. Ana. *■" MlB“
diroot. .. to writ. you that Klee Bow °*» «“• *» time, but it would bo advl.ablo for you to call up on the phone on th. day .ho prop.... to com. ov.r to «1» .nr.
that Mr- Edison is here. / ' •
Yours very truly , .
PIS
Jan. 25tli 09
Confix*]
Bergiaann-Bcrlin:
I leave for Florida on February fifteenth, signed
55
;ary.
|
Brentanon , 5th A ye. & 27th St., . Hew York City. |
Jan. 26th 190- |
|
Deal' Sira: |
|
|
Will you kindly ship to Mr. Thos. Port Myero, Florida the following booku: "Safari" by Chapman |
A.. Edison, |
|
"Good Health and How We Won It" by Upt "American Tropics" by Corlett "The Soil" by Hall |
,on Sinclair |
|
Also send to me at Orange, New Jersey your catalog of books. |
latest |
[FROM HARRY F. MILL!
88
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
E. S. Bixler Cashier,
Stewartsville, No J.
Jan 21st, 09 o
Dear Sir: £-
We have yours of the 20th inst», and cb"^ for §10*8" for pay-roll was handed to Mr. Mallory on the 20th inst.
Yours very truly,
Treasurer.
Jai. 22nd, 09
Secretary.
Jan. 28th 09,
Edition Portland Cement Co.,
W. K. Mason, Esq., Sup’t.,
Stewartsville , Hew Jeraey.
Pear Sir;
We are shipping you to day by freight the 36 inch stretched belt. Will you kindly notify me .on arrival of belt at the plant as Mr. Edison wants Greenley to go to the works as soon as belt reaches there, and make some testB on Bame.
Yours very truly,
^ SU*. Q.Jfljsgifiate. •
Ass't Secretary.
121
February 1st 09
Wiaon Portland Cement Co.,
1?. H. Mallory, Esq., V. P.
Stewart sville , Hew Jersey.
Dear Sir:
Have checked up -the list of note* enclose with youro of the 29th nit. and find the following difference.
Ton do not charge us with note of October JOth 1908 due Tohruary 28th 1909 for #10,000.00; otherwiee the liet is correct and I enclose same herewith. Hr. Edison says the notea- should he for three years, but they are to be paid sooner if the Company can do so .
1 have sent the papers to Mr. Dyer for an agreement to be gotten out covering this point.
Tours very truly,
Jan. «9th 09,
Jan. ®*'th 09
Luigi Solarl , Esq., Pres* ,
Camera di Commercio Italians.,
203 Broadway, Hew York City.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 28th instant requesting some circular letters relating to the concrete houaee received • Enclosed herewith find one dozen of these circulars. Mr. Edison directs me to say that re-inforced concrete waB the only building that withstood the San Francisco earthquake and the Baltimore fire.
Yours very truly.
Secretaiy,
Geo. H, fcosetoan, Esq.,
176 Sea^ra!. Street,
Boston, Mass.
feow Sir:
Yours of the 2nd instant regarding ■Storage bfctteriea for automobile ignition received. Ur. Jaieon ■4J»«pta me to write you that the battery ^ reaay
ret.
Youtb vary tra&y ,
Secretary.
Shipping Illustrated Co.,
116 Produce Exchange ,
Mew York City.
Dear Sirs :
Yours of the 30th ult. received and in reply I beg to state that I understand that with the submerged bell, when worked by experts, that a vessel can be located almost exactly in a ten mile area. To do it electrically over a greater area you will have to correspond with Marconi, who seems to be able to do anything reasonable in this line.
Yours very truly,
4
?>bru*ry 3^-d 09
Surtan iRlllaM, Saq.,
J1* bi ^g, J(
BurJ^ijgfQo,, VffV ferjiey*
Dtt** Si*-:
Mr. EUbqh directs job to gypA ypy a for
*K» ■W Ttolob. X flttClWiQ herewith to h$ty ypu dprray 91Qm**t -on §o.coOat of you? tffOOM tUftW*
Y©y*i| VAry -tnfly.
154
Feb. 4t& 19Q9.
***■« Portland Cement Co’ ,
®. Kiefer, Esq., Chemist,
atewanaTiiie, yew Jewsey.
Iiear air:
^Mriog to your. „r th, 30th ^ n
** “ ** ™ ~ xr *»»*» or »«t
Your 3 very truly.
Secretary., /
■}} i , ■ * fff 'If " * ^f^T’ ■ * :
▼. H. Mullins Co. ,
340 Franklin St . ,
Salem, Ohio.
Dear Sira:
Will you kindly send to »e at Orange your catalog of cornices etc- as advertised in the Architectural Record and greatly oblige,
Tours very truly.
She Brkins Studios,
305 Madison Aye. ,
Hew York City*
pear Sira:
▼All you kindly mail to me at Orange your catalog of classical mo dele a* advertised in the Architectural Record and greatly oblige.
I’e'b. 5th 09.
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
H. B. Kiefer, Esq., Chemist,
-Stewar tsvill e , Eew Jersey,
Dear Sir:
Jfr. Udiaon ha. give. in.tr»otlo». „t (> 05 '"*■ “ “ o» «a«™. i. „« rlm\
Yours very truly.
h-hj&sl,
Secretary. 1
A
Burton Willard, Esq.,
B. P. D. Eo. 3,
Burlington, E. J,
EnoloBad herewith find Eew York draft for $439.62 to the order of J. T. Severn Sons & Co. covering their account against you. Will you kindly turn this over to them taking their receipt for same and forwarding this to u.
and .oblige,
Ybu xs very tmly,
dfJk,..
Secretary* /
110
Feb. 5 tii 1909.
J . H. Wopd, Eeq. ,
59 Cortlandt St,,
Kew York City.
Dear Sir:
In looking over Mrs. Edison's policies I find that you have furniture at the house insured for $97,500.00 and the dwelling at $102,500.00, whereas it is supposed to be $100,000.00j^Will you kindly straighten this out and oblige, Ypurs very truly,
Secretary,
4
IBS
Pet. 5th 09.
Feb. 5th 09,
louig A. Scholz, 0sq. ,
care Consolidated Ice Co.,
Market Square , Boanoke , Va»
T* Dear Sir :
Yours of the 3rd instant regarding the doing away with the use of powder in coal mines received. Mr.
Bdiaon directs me to write you that, he thinks the only safe way to work coal mines is to do away with all explosives and fire. In Austria coal is gotten loose by filling holes With burnt lime., then water is added, the lime slacks and swells enormously and brings the coal loose.
A first class bright engineer should be able to devise mechanical means to work the coal loose, for instance t»y hydraulic press on the holeB.
Seoretaay. /
Yours very truly.
Y-evra of the eth instant regarding roller 'bearings for the trolley oar reeaireh. Ur. Mis on •diTects me to write you that he has mo objection to you trying out the roller hearings .
mmmrm
r!M* 1-:
*tb. J. T. Cooper.
Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Dear Madam:
Your letter of recent date received. Mr. Edison direct* me to write you that If some simple contrivance could he obtained to get drinking water from sea water, it would bB good in. a ship -wreck. They now distill hy beat «ea water on steamers to get water for bdllere and drinking ; but in case of a chip-wreck this would not avail a. man dinging to a spar or wreckage .
To help you along I enclose herewith Ur • Edison'* cW-pV for #20.00, which he directs mo to sand you*
Your* very truly,
Secretary.
,-wpan"^ <5*"'
Frederick A. Wells , Esq* , 26 Court Street
Dear Sir:
Brooklyn* 2T. Y.
Vours of the 5th instant regarding the concrete hpuae received. In answer to your questions Hr. Edison directs me to write you the following:
* The moulds will he ready' some time thi« coming summer and that sir sets of moulds, all alike, will by changes give several variations to the house- Coat or one set of moulds Will he about $25,000.00 House to he oast for single family-- Caller, six rooms and bath. House will ooBt from 41000.00 to $1200.00 eaoh, according to locality* if six sets of moulds are used with the pouring machinery. -This will build 24 houBSB per month, you see it requires large capital to buiia cheaply."
If you want fuller information you better come
over to the Laboratory and see oUr enginears, Messrs. Harms & Small. Mr. Edison does not intend going into the business commercially, but only prove the idea.
3>r. J. h. Bxadshav,
2*1 High Street,
■Orange, S. J .
Dear Sir:
Replying to -yours of the 5th instant 1 "beg to return herewith the bin a -enclosed therein and would **y 'that the hill of the Edison Storage Battery Co. for ♦X7-42 -has been paid- This represents parte only that -were uped on your machine. 33m bill of the laboratory for #19 ,$% represents labor only on your jaachine. *>n« latter bill has -not been paid.
Hoping thle information 1* satisfactory, I am. Yours very truly,
-Secretary. /
S- S. She ottehlhe required a thorough overhauling which we burnished.
Enclosed find the three checkB mentioned in youra of Saturday to Mr. Dyer. Mr. Edison directa me to deduct $10.00 instead of $15.00 per •week, which 1 will do commencing March lBt.
Yours very truly*
Secretary.
To W» 1. Edison, Esq.,
Hotel Irving,
205
y
3JO*h«9
Stanley X. Qedney, Ebij.,
East Orange, If. J.
Dear Sir:
Peplying to youre ot the 6th Instant, Hr.
Edison would like you to aacertain for Mm the value of -the Company and the prospects of the stock of the Eorth American Transportation and Trading Co., of which he holds some stook.
Yours very truly,
Tvi -
Secretary.
1
J6
Peb. 11, 1909.
Deutsche Edison Akkumulatoren Co.,
Drontheiinerstr . 35-38,
Berlin, If., Germany .
Gentlemen:
Your favor of January 25, 1909, is received, and under the circumstances I hereby consent to the following temporary modi¬ fications of the conditions of our contract dated September 28, 1905:
Pirst. During the period from March 1, 1909, until six months after the date on which my American company (Edison Storage Battery Co.) commences the commercial manufacture of the new type "A" battery with tube cells, payment of royalties under the contract is waived, but' immediately upon the conclusion of such period, royalties shall be payable on batterioB thereafter manufactured, as provided in the contract. I will duly advise you in writing when actual manufacture of nev; batteries is commenced commercially by the Edison Storage Battery Co. This temporary waiver of royalty payments is nude upon the express condition that you arc to immedi¬ ately proceed with the construction of the necessary devices and machinery to manufacture the new "A" type tube cell, in order that it may be put out as soon as possible, as I am now satisfied with it.
Second. During the period in which you are preparing the necessary special tools for manufacturing the new type "A" battery and in which your general, machinery is not occupied, I consent
2m
(2)
a further modification of our contract to the extent tha-h you may manufacture, for the account of the Bergmann Electric W.'rks, Buch apparatus, part3 or devioeB for which your machinery may be shunted, but it is to be expressly understood that such manufactured product, e are not to be publicly sold by the Deutsche Edison Akkuraulatoren Co., and tho fact that such products are manufactured by the Deutsche Edison Akkumulatoren Co. is not to be publicly adver¬ tised or announced. Thin pernio oi on is also subject to the express condition that the manufacture of such other apparatus, parts or devices Bhall be discontinued at the end of. six months from the date when the new type "A" battery is fir on commercially manufactured by the Edison Storage Battery co. (the American company),- In' other - words, the distinct understanding is that six months from the date the new, type "A" battery is first made by the Edison Storage Battery Co. (the American, company) , all of the terms and conditions of the contract of September 28, 1905, shall again go into full force and effect.
S’e'b. 16th 09.
216
TO WHOM IT MAY C01TCER2J:
The bearer Mr. Howard C. Stephens has been employed by me for about one year. He leaves because he could not get along with some of my men.
Mg
Pet. 18th 09,
Mr. G. Stanley lee,
Northampton, Maas.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 12th instant regarding your hook, "Inspired Millionaires" received, alee the hook came duly to hand. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he intends licensing reputable companies to go Into the matter of erecting flower towns with the new scheme, restricting them as to profits. What he is trying to do is to permit the common laborer to get out of the tenement and live in a beautiful house along the trolley amid trees and flowers at the same rent he now pays, including trolley fare} and with a small extra payment give him a chance to own the house in time. This he conceives, will start him thinking and raise him up quicker than factory schemes and make him less bitter.
His experience has been that factory schemes to better mens conditiojOTeen libraries are failures and higher education^ th? Inboring man very little good. The only way you can put ambition in the laboring man is to place within his means a fine home.
"Yours very truly, , //
. S. Carhart, Esq. ,
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
Stewartsville , Hew Jersey.
Replying to yours of th$ 11th instant 1 teg to state that I have to-day forwarded a bill to Mr. Scandell for $160.00 for 160 cords of wood. I have adviBed him that upon receipt of his check for this amount, I would take up with Mr. Edison the question of whether he cared to renew the lease for another year.
I have also sent John Woolcock check for his expenses amounting to $12.24.
In regard to renewing the agreement with Scandell,
Mr. Edison says for me to use my own judgement. I thought it best before tieing up with Scandell to get his check for the amount he owes now.
Regarding the Seymour-Warden tract I beg to state that the check was sent to E. ¥. Standard, Brewsters,
Hew York; and also check to George Richert, bo this matter is settled up to date.
As soon as I have a reply from Mr. Scandell I will communicate with you.
’.'Yours very truly.
John Warmmaker, Esq.,
Broadway & 8th St . ,
New York City.
Dear Sir:
Feb . 19th 09.
Replying to yours of the 17th instant regarding rssponBibilty and credit standing of W. D. Edison received. In reply I beg to state that we think his credit is good for fifty -dollars , and we would have no heSltency in trusting him to that amount.
i •' /}■ '
Secretary.
Yours very truly,
'Peh. 19th 09
Brentano’s,
5th Are . & 27th St.,
Hew York City.
Deaf Sira:
Replying to yours of the 17th instant it is our desire that the magazines you are now sending to ICra. Thomas A. Edison, Llewellyn Park, WeBt Orange, be sent ■for the next two months to Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, Port Hyers, Lee County, Florida. Upon their return from the South we will adviBe you to again send them to West Orange.
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
298
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
W. S. -Mallory, Esq., V. B.
St o war t svlli e , New Jersey.
Bear Sir:
Hep lying to yours of the 19th inBtant regarding the various contracts which you mention* 2 would state 'that 2 fohttdu memorandum in Hr. Randolph’* paper®, showing he had delivered these agreements etc. last February to Hr- 33yer, hut 1 can find no record of them having been returned. 2 Will give thin inf ortnat ion to Hr. dyer's
and they -will, -no doubt , make a search Tor them down there .
As to your proposition to take one half of the contract of Page*®, 2'heg to state that $r- 3Bdi*on aid not mention this matter ht all, before he went away; unless -he did so to Hr. Sysr.
Ytrure very truly,
. J{ "t JiiMvv"
Secretary.
Quo anchor o Bridge Celebration.^
»r. V. H. WiliW, Jr., Pre8. ,
52 JaokBCn Ave., Long Island City,)
Dear Sir:
Haplylng to your Utter of the 24th instant making Mr. Edison to become a member of a committee on the Queenaboro Bridge Celebration received. Mr. Edison ia at preaent in the South and will not be back until acme time in April. It will therefor be ImposBible to do anything in the matter until that time.
Yours very truly,
<//*7 //ft
Jh Sj. v’frAAua^-
.MW*
The Delineator,
Theo. DraiBor, Esq., Editor,
Butterick Building, Dew York.
Dear Sir :
Youra of the 27th ult. asking for a contribution for the Delineator received. J£r* Edison has gone South for a couple of months and does not wish to he -disturbed.
Yours very truly,
if-
Secretary. /
March -4th 09,
Mr. A. O. Pettit,
care Edisonia Co.,
Newark, Mew Jersey.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed .herewith find letters frpn» Pitt and Spptt, ltd., regarding a package that has becpme lost.
Does this refer to the picture of the Honk? Have you had any infprmation regarding this matter, it has not been found up here as yet.
Yours very truly,
H't.JIs.
380
March 8th 08.
Cha*. R. Flint, Esq.,
Broad-Exchange ,
tow York City.
Bear to. Flint :
Yours of the 56th. ult. regarding the storage battery received. to. Edison directs me to writs you that if the batters' ’was hot far superior to any other ho certainly Would not make them. th*y are going to make submarines far more desirable .
Wfc are making a few storage batteries now., but will j*ot be ready to manufacture in quantity until the middle of summer; then you had better drop over and see Hr. Edison.
Yours very truly.
Secretary. /
368
March 9th =09,
Six* Burton Dillard,
R. S’. 3). Bo. 3,
Burlington, B. J.
Un*r Sir:
Enclosed herewith find Bow York draft for #131.20 to pay the carpenter and mason's bill, as mentioned las your letter of March. 8th.
With beat regards to yourBolf and your husband ,
I am,
Youtb very truly,,
Secretary.
March 16th 09
A. 0. Tetit, Esq. ,
ITew & Hals ay Sts. ,
Hevrark, Hew Jersey.
Dear Sir:
This is to advise you that the picture of the Monk h*s been found at Mr. Edison's house in «ood condition.
Yours very truly.
J,
Secretary.
March 17th 09,
Alfred D. Flinn, Esq. ,
Engineer-Board of 'Water Supply,
-299 Broadway, Saw York City.
Bear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 8th instant Mr. Edison directa me to thank you for the report you Bent him, and ■ways that our experiments were for the purpose of getting a wix that would taking off forms quicker than
usual and get good strength. We use/more water you use in the list you sent.
Yours very truly,
"Secretary.
432
March 17th
Thoe- A. Edison, Esq.,
Port Myers , Florida.
Dear Mr. Edison:
Enclosed herewith find two notes to pay the January account of the Federal Steel Foundry Co. for material supplied the United States Crushed Stone Co. and the Little Falls Crushed Stone Co., all of which is in accordance with terns. Kin&ly sign and return and oblige,
Yours very truly,
itJldiL*,,
X \
March 20th 09.
E. E. Parshall, Esq. ,
Salisbury House,
London Wall,
London, E.C. England.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 1st instant regarding battery was forwarded to Mr. Edison, who is in Elorida and the same has just been received with the following:
"Marshall - On my return from Elorida in April, I Bhall
.probably be in a position within a month thereafter to notify Morgan & Co. that I am satisfied with the battery and they can go ahead if they so desire.
(Signed) Edison.
Secretaiy;
Yours very truly,
March 20th 09,
Barshall :
I do not remember if I told you about the car that is being made by Brill and the General Electric Co. to go on lirOBsiown horse car line in Bow York, for the Third Ave. railroad receiver.
It ie a single truok car. Batteries under seats. The construction is different for the purpose of lightening it; it has trussed frames or sills and internal braces and everything lightened. They say car loaded will weigh eight tons with battery. Two hundred and twenty cells are to be -used and 250 volt motors.
The General Electric engineers are going to use five cells of battery around the field, which acts as a shunt wound generator, giving current back to battery on -stopping. They say they can pump back 0. K, at a speed as low as 2 3/4 miles an hour and guarantee an average of 50 watts per ton mile .
I am to put in the smallest Bize cell of the new battery that I make which is called A4; Bout nickel plates five iron, it gives 160 amperes and weighs 13 1/2 lbs. jb*y .propose to charge through a motor generator set in Car Barn. This will give about 100 miles or 150 with A6 cell. Itousr I can do my part, the question is can they do it with 50 watts; I see no reason why they can't with regenerator ae proposed. ^
H.F.P.
March 22nd 09.
Dear Mr. Edison:
The enclosed hill is for a sidewalk in front of property at Silver Lake and has been approved by S. V. Miller. As the sidewalk is an improvement to the property I am of the opinion that' it should be paid for by you, personally; as you are the owner of the property. You have the privilege of paying the bill in ted yearly installments with interest at per year, but as the method would add considerably to the coat (at least 30^) doz£r-t you think it should be paid in full? If so please 0. K. and X will send check.
I enclose clipping from 'Newark Evening News with the announcement that Cook ■& Genung Co. would hfcndle Edison Cement in Newark and vicinity.
The shipments of cement this month, daily, up to the 19th average 3382 barrels .against 2400 barrelsj^etage
for the month of March 190B.
Yours very truly.
fp Thiq* A. Edison, Es q.,
Sort Myers, Florida,
Harch 22nd 09
Chamber of Commerce Mr. Chao.
of the City of Hew Tor*,
T. Qwynne , Abb 1 1 Secretary,
Liberty Street , Hew York.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed herewith find letter of V. J . Hfonahan, which accompanied sample of sapphire handed to the writer some time ago. Our sapphire man tested the sample and found ipiejn to be of fair to good quality, but too small to be used economically • If the writer of the latter could furnish BtoneB of larger size, they probably could he -used to advantage.
Yours very truly.
^Secretary.
465
March 24th 09
p* %gleston, Esq.,
care Thos. A. Edison,
Fort Myers, Florida.
Dear Sir:
I beg to enclose herewith express money order “ per your request of the 20th instant. Money order can be cashed at the Southern Express Co. office or at any bank, as long as you are identified. I have taEen this money out of your salary which I trust is . satisfactory.
Hoping you are improving in health and are having a good time, I am,
Yours very truly,
Secretary. /
eat regards from the bunch,
April 5th. 09.
Mrs. E. W. Martin,
422 St. Hicholas Ave . ,
Replying to yoursof the 28th ult . , I regret to say that owing to Mr. Edison's absence in Florida it will he impossible for me to do anything for you, as I have no authority to do so. However, I have taken the matter up with Mr. Dyer, Mr. Edison’s counsel and he tells me to- write you that it is very possible that the Edison Manufacturing Co. can give your daughter a position. -7ou' should therefor call on the Edison Manufacturing Co. at 41 East 21st St. and ask for Mr. Plimpton, who will be there Tuesday, April 6th between four and- five o'clock and he will see what he can do her. He may be a little late in getting to the office, hut if she will wait for him he will surely be there.
Yours very truly,
Secretary,
April 5th 09,
American Paper & Pulp Ass'n,
50 Church Street, Hew York.
Gentlemen:
Will you please latvus know what progress is being made in the matter of American paper like sample sent you on March 6th last.
Your favor dated , March . 9th mentions that information would he given upon receipt of our reply.
We believe the maker of such paper would eventually realize considerable importance.
Yours very truly, ,
Edison Laboratory.
per
526
Hr. R. H. Beach,
42 Broadway,
Bow York.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed herewith find letter from Mr. Henry S. Sook, Tivoli Hotel, Ancon, Canal Hone, Republic of Panama, regarding storage batteries for street ears. Kindly give the matter the attention you deem necessary and oblige,
Yours very truly.
Secretary,
April 7th 09,
3yatem,
Mr. T. J. Zimmermann, Managing Editor,
Chicago, Illinois.
Dear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 3rd instant regarding a picture of the building in which Mr. Edison's business career began, I beg to state that there has been no picture preserved. He however, started business in Railroad Avenue, in Hewarh, Hew Jersey, in a 10ft. If you will get a copy of the Scientific American Supplement for April 3rd and 10th 1909, you will find a very good account of the different lines of business in which Mr. Edison has helped, showing their growth.
Yours very truly,
April 7th 09.
Mrs. Burton Willard,
Rural Free Delivery #3,
Burlington, New Jersey.
Dear Mrs. Willard:
Yours of the 6th instant enclosing postal card from the express company referring to the lost shaft, received. I have taken this matter up with the express company and they have agreed to Bettle the matter at the earliest possible moment.
Regarding the painter 's^b ill, I beg to say that I have forwarded the dheckjto Florida for Mr. Edison's signature , to cover this ana expect it back in the course of a few days. Upon receipt of same I will forward to you.
Trust your husband will continue to improve and I will take the pleasure to come down to see you at the earliest opportunity.
Yours very truly,
. 1 •'
Ik'hM”-
Secretary.
April 7 til 09,
fcaerican Paper & Pulp ABB'n,
50 Church Street, Hew York.
Gentlemen:
Very agreeable to your request we are enclosing another piece of the Japanese paper. Also.a new sample marked -American- which has a considerable elastic
quality. Could you advise us, or put us in communication with the maker and oblige,
YourB very truly,
o/o Edison Laboratory
Enclosures.
545
April 9th
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
W. S. Mallory, Esq., V, P.,
StewartBville, Sew Jersey.
Dear Mr. Mallory:
Enclosed find a copy of the Assignment of royalty from Harlan Page to Mr. Edison executed March 30th 1909, the original of which is on file in Mr. Edison’S safe.
This copy is Toxrr your files, to he attached to Royalty Agreement "between your Company and Mr. Edison.
Y°urs very truly,
Secretary.
i
646
April 9th 09
Dear Wills
1 Enclosed find check for $50.00, allowance for week ending April 17th, as requested in yourB of the ath. Will try to arrange to send you a check every two weeks, hut your checks for the next few weeks were made cut, dated and signed before Mr. Edison went South, hence cannot double up on them very well unless I use my personal account and that is running low.
Yours very truly, i/J •' .
ur„ W. I- Edison,
Pleasantdale , H. J*
564
April 13th 09
Mra. B. 'Willard,
a. *. p. ho. s,
Burlington, ¥. J.
Boar Mra. Willard:
Bncloaed herewith find Bow York draft for $90.75 to cover hill of L. V. H. Horn for painting, dated March 24th. Will yen kindly deliver thia otatsEsnt to him, having him sign the encloaed receipt and oblige, Yours very truly,
Secretary.
582
Mrs. B. Villard,
Burlington, Bew Jersey.
Bear Mrs . Allard :
Yours of the 13th instant containing the ttaport about your husband's illness received. Beg to assure you that you have my sympathy. I took the matter up with 3£r. Dyer and he instructed me to write you asking, to keep us posted on his condition and Be further states that Hr. McCoy will stop in to see you early next week to see what he can do for you.
Yours very truly,
P. B. Hr. Bdison is expected hack to-morrow.
April 19th 09,
>o B. Upton, Esq.,
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
808 Union Building,
Newark, Now Jersey.
Dear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 8th instant, beg to furnish you herewith with the formula- for the finish’ f6r conorete buildings. Material used is a mixW in equal Proportion of Edison .Portland Cement and ground pumice atone. Care should be taten that the proportion is always equal. After ba^&oroughly mixed enough water should be added to makd the mixture about the consietancy of fairly thick paint. The surface to he covered should' be well dampened before the mixture is applied. This is very important in order to produce a good, permanent set. Only enough should be mixed at a time to last an hour or so, and while the mixture is being applied it must be very frequently stirred to prevent segregation. The application is made with a good whitewash brush and should be applied uniformly, as with paint.
Anything further we can do for you, kindly advise us. Yours very truly.
Secretary. /
, . _ _ , . ......
@04
April 21st 09.
R. H. Beach, Esq.,
42 Broadway, Hew York.
Bear Ur. Beach:
Yours of the 14th instant received. Mr.
Edison has returned from Florida and would like very much to see you. I would suggest, however, that you call up on the phone 'before coming over, to make sure that he has no other appointments. Phone Ho. 907 Orange.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
April 21st 09
Charles Garrison, Esq.,
33 Broad Street,
Boston, Mass .
Dear Mr. Garrison:
Yours of the 14th -inBtant extending an Invitation to Hr. Edison to attend the opening concert, introducing the Choralcelo to the public, received. He directs me to write yon that he is unable to attend, but that he is interested in the piano and wants a chance to test it for recording on the phonograph, and if satisfactory will need soma.
Yours very truly,
Secretaxy.
April 22ntfe-!
Chas. H. Schwab , Esq.,
Ill Broadway,
ITew York.
Dear Sir: ,
As per instructions from Mr. Edison, I an sending you (under separate cover) his latest photograph, autographed, as per your request of the 6th instant .
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
m
April 22nd 09
*<"**•»
3&0 "Onion Ave.,
jjt, ye«*n, "^*
*“ — » «- *“•" uom
«*••'**** y . ^^.RertdA ***««* *iU
rf1®*'®**** * mYtdly ^
tas isse Htt* <’blie° 1
'SecXs'tajy-
628
April 21, 1909.
Hon. Charles H. Graves,
American Lection,
Stockholm, Sweden .
My dear Sir:
In acknowledging receipt of yours of the 1st inst.,
I wish to thank you for your kindness in receiving on my behalf the Gold Medal with Diploma presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Science. I appreciate the very great compliment paid me by the scientific men of Sweden.
Shanking you for your personal good wishes , believe me,
Yours very truly,
7
April 26th 09.
"Howard "Phillips^ jBaq. ,
42 ’Company S. A. C. ,
Tort Ifott, T«w Jowny.
Do«r Sir:
Voters of the T2th instant inquiring about John Sallantlne received. Thera is a Ballantine working 3m Xandon, 'Tar the Dunderland Tran Ore CO. Ltd.,
'Titzlan ToiiBe j Arundel St . , Xondon, w,c . England , whether ■thin is the man you are looking for or -not ;l do not •know, hut you ^ai^rt communicate -with Tim.
Tours very truly,
Secretary.
-April mil 09.
». Wta Westland Cx>.,
S5 HortUy Strut,
®ew Tori Cl^r . dear Sira:
<tn you adbrily aond "Walls Targo & Ca . at your -aarHeat -oKrmmience, the following
Ta*fka‘.
■•ColloitiB a»a the 311ra>«i«lc roscope* published by Jeton Wiley and "Son, Ifaw 703*.*
*®*e Value of Science* by 31. Sanrl -Poincaird.
TCmHWlated Tram. -the Trench, -with an Introduction by Prof. Saorge Trace Halstead.
•'“Soi-etBCo «ad •HypotiaaBAa*’ by II. Henry PblnealT* , txa9Wlateil cStbiq the Trench by Prof- -fleorge Bruce Ha3.*l*&d.
TiaBly Xoyw^jsi -the hooto and hill for naae to me at thoTaboratoiy and greatly oblige.,
loura -wesy truly,
•^fe.
Secretary.
666
April 28th 09
American Paper & Pulp Ass'n.,
50 Church Street, hew York.
Dear Sirs :
We have received samples of paper from the Hew York & Penna. Co. 41 Park Row and thank you sincerely for putting them in communication with us. We believe the aamplae to he the quality desired. Should there he any expense attached to your efforts, kindly send us a hill and greatly oblige,
YourB very truly,
EdiBon Laboratory
per ,
April 29th 09,
Slmer & Amend,
205 Third Are.,
Saw 'York City.
Gentlemen;
The prices I hare been paying yon for chemicals etc. in the last Tew years I consider outrageous. Unless you nan hereafter give better prices, I am going to lay in a supply from De Hasp that will last me for years.
Yours very truly., "
669
April 28th 09.
Judge Gary,
U. S. Steel Corporation,
New York City, N. Y. l£y dear Mr. Gary:
If you will have one of your young men investigate the business phonograph I think you will find that it will save your Company a large amount of money. Every little counts.
Yours very truly,
r
April 30th 09.
.Blectrello Coftpany,
Ur. Irving 3* Smith, Sap 't.,
1011 Diamond Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
"Dear Sir :
Yours of the 27th instant regarding an idea of youra for a atrip nickel machine , received. Ur. Bdison directs me to write yon that «e tried this scheme, but the trouble -was that the nickel would not strip well* If a surface could he got on the drum so it would strip well, it would :be ja fine scheme* A great many patent a have been taken -out id get a -good stripping proposition, hut no far none hare bean successful for continuous work.
Youra very truly.
Secretary.
692
Hay 3rd 1909.
E . do Haen Chemical Works ,
Sealae, nee* Ifeft Over, Germany.
■Gentlemen:
1 send -you the following order 'for chemical* , which I hope you will give me 1*0 heat dealers discount from your list pri'ceu. X also -requeBt that you mark the container*, if bottlee, by Hydrofluoric acid ink, as many of the labels drop -off, -or by chemical fumes aoon become unreadable, it -Is -probable that -a large number of the chemicals 3n thin -order will be put on the free liBt dn'the new tariff, hutl ho not Want you to delay on thin account-, wlno that upon receipt of this order you will sqciokly hhip thebe things Which you have in stock -and not wait tuitil y-ou uanfiil the whole order, the 'balance can 'follow.
'I afcould ISEe to inquire tf you thke contracts to ^^owfacture a -regalar'tttpply of any given ibeffilcal . 1 hmew ta^atty heio hhO-Wiil probablyUBea iarger^Oahtity ^■^Ba tt»St*lligwa Dinitr^naAn'** :®o®s^35r^SO to 9GG t-*- -day, ae thinks 1» can make it cheaper in iSiia *?4 mil ho net think wo, as I unddfstand most of Hill gsmfsdUttti* -*tr :«$lqs4-'W i8t«d« -in England and Mfrm 4<| fttrmlltr 1 if #9il vflould tpt* rae an approximate
« z* tm* »aae «tw»
'^ isi'^oia -*» ^3*®* *ftlit* ^ryBtalBj
•'«» ** ^as* aattsBB tot« BMH**®®. -lowest ^tce *an fiTfcy *<»“> oT fin®ly captiialiIie
iiia s*»a «• '»«8>l’e ^ i*piots.'tl«n * , .—-*•7
'tKvcvB^nas tra3y »
x^fliL Q *^»'~®-~ -
** ^^d^**®* that ^ herewith
"^Je ^ '^rt> Sutt the
owttattwra -
T. A> B.
Letterbook, LB-080
This letterbook covers the period May-September 1909. Most of the correspondence is by Edison, Harry F. Miller, and George A. Meister. Many of the letters pertain to the business of the Edison Portland Cement Co. and to Edison’s accounts with J.P. Morgan & Co. Also included is correspondence regarding the ongoing manufacture of molds and patterns to be used in the construction of concrete houses, as well as letters discussing the continuing management and production difficulties at the ore concentration plant in the Dunderland region of Norway. In addition, there are letters concerning Edison’s work on his alkaline storage battery, including a letter to Levi C. Weir, president of Adams Express Co., in which Edison describes his new battery as "an almost perfect instrument" and a letter to Sigmund Bergmann in which he mentions the testing of the battery on the submarines of the Italian navy. Among the items relating to family and personal matters are letters pertaining to Edison’s opinion on the use of his kinetoscope as an educational tool in schools; his acceptance of a position on the Honorary Committee of the American Exposition in Berlin, Germany; and his recollections of the first central station for electric lighting. In addition, there are several letters involving the health problems of Thomas A. Edison, Jr.
The label on the front cover contains the following notation: "Thomas A. Edison Personal From May 7, 1 909 To Sept. 24, 1 909." There is an inscription on the spine with similar information. The book contains 701 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 15 percent of the book has been selected.
7th 09,
EJ» Horr latent® Tarant Ge.j.
Morriirtewn, Vo Joreay.
«•»* -Sira:
a«r* a* an oxj)«rlB»ntar at th* laboratory bqbii proparty on Spaadwall Av«., mnuSbr* S3, lB «5 «*& 87 your oity, -raitwa a t $70«0 .-OOupaa,
**** ia a =wt**gn nT #5900.00. ff. mf| f *■**,« th* *Srtga*« *o $3000.00 and would lik» to hmqm y«a ^ &B. aMkrtgagw fte $3000.00.1 0
A^ihg you can Ao tor Him will b* *&ppr«t:iufced tar «r. who diraota that tint latter T*> »ntt«n
Yours 7**y truly,
...
S*ttr**aufly.
my 8th 09.
a»lJ. auditor, Esq.,
"iccri Salney Street,
Brooklyn, Now York.
Bear -Sir:
Youja of the 6th instant requesting a position 4M -a -chemist at the. laboratory, received, hr. Edison directs ap tp write you to come to the Laboratory Md BOO hiip regarding the same . *
Yours very truly.
. M-M,,
IntarmtAenal Instrument Co.-,
Cambridge , Mass.
Hmt-SIi*:
TO3L you iindly atmd to tus act B«r Instruct lone ^ fe. TM,l»cn -rour latest jprice Hart and aloe description sTXlantric CantrAJttges, and oblige,
Yours vary truly.
Vxy l»«s.
•A. Thomas Co. ,
12th A Sfclmrt St*.,
Shnasuflphta, Pa. Un
■Soar Sim: ri
*131 you kindly eenfl ub your latest eataXog on Transparent yitreeua Silica, and ether ^t&mxxtmry apparatus, as -par Instructions Tram Sr- JSSlson, and oblige..
Yours aery truly ,
$2MdL
Secretary.
i
my 10th Oft.
A. DeHart , 2#q. ,
107 Berth 14th St.,
Bast Orange, B. J,
■Dear Sir:
tt?'
Yours of the 9th Instant niTHTig ter iufannalltni concerning the whereat onto of Mr. James Ballantine, received. The last address we had of Mr. BaUantlne was in care of the Duhderland Xron Ore Co., Dttaalam Sense, Arundel Street, Strand, Xondofl,
v<
Yours very trttty.
Uu&
•Secretary.
A. C. H. Hyland, Esq. ,
HolXanfl American Linn,
359 Broadway , Saw York.
Yours of the -6±h Instant regarding concrete houses received. Hr. Edison is working on the moulds for a house to he poured of concrete j4£" one -time. This is still in the experimental stage and will nut he finished until next fall. The engineer who put up -the concrete buildings at the srorks -of Mr. Edison is named Ho I. Moyer, ana his address 375 Eultcn Street,
Brooklyn-, Hew York. Ha Will, no doubt , he able to giy* you dll the information you desire .
Yours very truly.
May 10^09
Morris'towii Trust Ct>.3
Morris town, Jf«w Jersey. Bear Sirs:
SwUtos to yoor. or -tho ««, log taut J k,B *.
^ * «“ *■»* - «. « * *7 £*
^"ty *— -*> « * ~ «. 1,^^- “” ***• w°“w ««y tayow «... Mvl>,
*“ y“ "* »«*» *• =1»~ th. «tt„ ». a»t «a *. w -to you, «rio. «tl « oaock for *900.00
*“d -Pill closs the Jaa-ttor-trith-you.
Tours -very tot Oy, “
Secretary.
May 11th 09,
Georg* Gig*r hae been in the «^loy of Thomas A. Edison under ay direction for over tvp and one-half years. During this time he has gained wmaiderahle experience in electrical-testing work and has proved himself competent and always ready to do . such tasks as were assigned to him. He is giving up his ; position here of his own free will, and I «an honestly a recommend him to anyone desiring his services.
Battery Experimental Dep't.
May 11th 09.
Arthur Wlllia no, jjow York »«' 011 Go*>
Bln A Duane
SeTrYork City.
Sir: • v „*««* you sent over to Mr.
me photographs which y°u Be
have teen autographed ao
" im ~
“'a, JtoMgW* >» U1»B B"e“'
written tho following- M *_ Mlae Anna
"To the Daughter of the Mas er
Morgan. t jj you
^ saloon direct* ®e to white you t
aawWB. ,,
Secretary-*
59
May 15th 09.
Voee, Esq. ,
Cape Sunshine Borne,
Crapaey & 23rd Ares. ,
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, 2T„ Y
Dear Blr:
Sncloaed find check for .*5.00, ehl.ch te. “ haB dir8CtBd ma *» Band you ®»X»ia8 y«u are reeling easier, I to.
Yours sincerely,
4uiftA
Secretary.
!3D
May 17th. 09.
C. B. Holgate, Esq.,
Bewarh Evening Bans,
YTawarh, Baw Jersey.
Saar Sir:
Your letter of the 15th instant requesting a photograph of Mr. Edison in an Edison *9* Studebaher -Auto, received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that these photos .are copyrighted by Each Brothers, and that he has no control over them.
Yours vary truly.
Secretary.
— - T - — r :
A. SilVarman, Esq.,
TJhiverslty Df Pittsburgh,
Department of Chemistry,
ST. S. Pittsburgh, Penna.
Smut Sir:
Yours of the 14th instant, regarding advertise- 3a*tlt ln tha Chemical Journal and asking the nature of *he position, received. Mr. Edison directs me to -write
that tha position ia on research in organic chemistry for commercial uses.
Yours very trujy ,
Secretary. /
Confirmation of lelegram Bent to R. Rly — c/o City Club
Reb* R. Rly-,
care The City Club,
55 Vest 44th St., Raw York.
Membership on honorary Cwnmlttaa of -Arrangement* for Wright Dinner Accepted.
[ Signed
Ihoa. A. Bdison
via Western Union 5 A7/09 • 10.05 A. M.
May 18th 09.
John. 5. 'Wood,, Maq. ,
39 Cortlandt St.,
Mew "York -City.
Smu- -Six'
Tours of the -13 th instant received. In reply 3 bag to State that Miss Miller has decided to place the insurance on the building -at Mo . 148 -Cleveland Street , Orange , Mew Jar Bey, to the broker who Mad It before; in-aa-much as there is no difference in the pxajaitnn. BruS-osed therewith YAna policy Mo. 48HJ54 Ohio Canaan Insurance Co . which you desire to cancel and 'transfer to some other conjpany.
Yours very truly.
Secretary. /
pc Stay 20th 09.
Charles Beyer, ^Esq. ,
iOlD Benn Square -Bldg . ,
Bhlladelpbia, Henna .
hear Sir;
Your .letter of the 19th instant regarding ■caw property which you have for Bale , Suitable for the manufacture of cement, received* Hr. Bdieon directs me to write you that the cement business has gone to pieces for the last two years, averyhofly losing money.
He doOB not think that the -whole crowd baa enough money to buy a city lot.
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
_P. S.~ JC -return herewith your specification.
May 20ih 09.
Mia on Portland Cement Co..,
Stewart sville , leu Jersey.
'Dear Hr. Hallo ry :
J° Regarding the salesmen, draftsmen and constructors who are wording in connection with the Mil Crusher operations, Mr. Edison thinks that ihase men Should ha paid, from your end, an you ire in tench
-With them and we are not, and i
b hare no knowledge
•nf their movements, there is danger of our overpaying them or duplicating payments to them- If you will njttke ihe necessary payments to them and advise ns monthly, We *£U see that a check is sent to re labours* :y©u.£reea?’tly.
Of course the saiosmena expenses ssn he paid by n» after heing approved hy you, hut as mentioned above ere aid af raid that in paying the salaries we might ’make 'dame raietak*.
Sn^oeed herewith find expenses a? ®*ed. Mrtigan dated l&tto for $14*?.i>9 which haenot been amoved hy
jwn. Madly approve and return these at the baraidirt ■poaeih^ moment *nd I Will wdnd m ^ *" **“
statTO^nt which you sent me a tm days ago*
' u fours very trv&y,
May 21st 09.
John 2. Scad, 2sq. ,
39 CortlaaSfc St.,
Sew 3pofJc Sity.
Soar Sir:
1 reif&rn herewith policy So. 81729, German ■3ta*rican. covering $1500.00 Insurance on an tomn tolls belonging to the Electric Vehicle Go. Inasmuch as this «chAne has "been hcrapped, we do not care to continue the insurance .
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
Cwnant Clo,,
StewartByiile, Ifaw ?«ny,
5«rSir: RE
'lav
*o your* bf 'the 14th instant I beg ~t* *B*&o8« *iiB da«4s of Banfiolti to JSdt&on, and !Kai«on 't* ^Q» sT, ^yanaa. CeneantraiJiig ■Vorire, core ring tin five acra tract In 3Berko County, y«ma. 1 cannot find any do*a8 forth® tuibartaacporty. *
toi j3Bfa»iited bringing fjaa fonaor papema yrtih ise on tko -excuraicn "Saturday, but it. wan pcs^ohoa.
^l*a«o acStnewloego ^sceipt u^oMiga,
3Bay 27 th X&.
»*ti<mal ‘3ttag^,iTQT Indus trial asduentiw*,
Al^rt A. Snowden-, -Esq,, Secretary,
t,, 70 Pari Plans , JBewark, 'S'., J.
Pear Sir-:
tvr51-' t0 :youx lett«* -of the 26th instant., in which you state .that .at your recent meeting -nf>i^ in Hew ‘Xdrlc City, it was voted, unanimously, to tender the yioBitiOc of ’Honorary President of the League to lir.» Bdison, * heg to say that Mr. -Edison directs me to write you that under -no -olrcnauBtancss would he accept the office. Tours very truly.
Hecretaiy,
May. 29th 4>9.
*»• H. Spbarto, B*q.,
42 Soyley Street,
Bochejrter, 3 Jen Tori:.
1W Sir:
Your letter *r -the ^5th _infltant regarding electrocution, received. Hr. Sdison 'dlrectD ana to yrlte you that hie belief., "baaed on experiment® with ■animals In -this laboratory "Is that a person electrocuted la mentally dead la lens than 1/iOOO hr eeOond , -and
jdsyaicaHy 'dead in -two nactmdB; nay motions after that time ic reflect -action.
Yourc rrery truly.
Secretary.
!■
Bay 29th
3L. 4&. "Skn Heventar., Beq.,
Suntor, South Carolina.
*esr Sir:
Tour letter -of the 26th instant, also «* book on telephony came -duly to hand. The book *»*tainly is a good one, in fact the best 'work yet published on the telephone .
‘Sinking you for the same and with kindest regards,
Believe me.
Yours very truly,
Barrett Hanufacturing Co.,
Srankford, Philadelphia, Pa.
Gentlemen:
Hr, Edison directs me to write and ask you •aether you can ship to him at Orange,, 20 gallons each of the different fractions yon make in the first rough distillation of Coal 2ar, So assumes you make three. Including red oil-. Be is chlorinating the different distillates with a view of obtaining a certain substance, which he can use in large quantities.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
Jane 1st ‘09-.
^Sr. O- ^rottthej
B28 'Cleveland St-..*
Sx&nga., Hew Jersey .
hear Sir'
9 Your letter of the 29th ult . regarding your absence from the laboratory* received.. Hr. Edieon directs me -to write ytm that the chlorine has nothing to do with the matter. He -however, will -aee that yon get your salary itor the weeh.
Yours very truly .
Secretary.
June let 09,
‘Shtlonal Aniline & ^Chemical Ot>,^
TOO *1111 am Street, 3Tew Yoric.
OentTwien:
Hr. ^Edison directs me -to write .you that he -shall "probably need In three or f-our months about 300 to 400 pounds -par day oh Pour tons per month of Alpha Jfononitro- tagsthaleme. he has tested the -^sample or lot "bought from you and. also froaTJe ^sShhrt Eambutg, Oermany, from whom he >■■»« a auotatlon, PJOiB. 'fiataburg. S» =et»«s#e»s that under the now tariff there -will he -uo duty and would like to "know if you would care to isate him a quotation oorerlug ?mqg>Ties Pox Six monthcerisatr, at rate-above stated.
iThe Tapurdtlea in "the original TTfiptimlene is not a matter it Tfliiffai^nce, as he -is compelled to make an Wfts* ^rp^nitlen *Sftta the re are too many phenolic bodies to the nitre.
SlMifA,,
■^acwtoiy*. ■/
Yhstra -very trolyj
>J«a* 4th OS,
159
June 4th 09.
Barnett XKHuracturlMe Co, ,
Philadelphia, Pa.
«*ntlemn:
Tour letter of the 2nd instant regarding j| i
distillation of coal tar, received. Hr. Sdison directB *• *0 srito you that lie is after Durene, Acenoptene,
Pluorene , Phenanthrane and" Retene, and that ha dute the fraction that will contain ll»sai. Ha has «
— * till and sank* to Bromate -the above when impure , t» 'Set if ha can obtain a material which ha can use in Hu** -guantltioD.
Can you do anything for him?
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
'Ihl'taWi
46 Barclay Street ,
Sew^ork Sity„ -Eu. "Y.
^closed please -find «ur ardor for four ^d*2«n 3?o . 250 fb style* rotmd hottoa dhwnitoa.1 flasks, lbs Edison dSLYents iae to 'Write you that these flasks tikouia he 'Sell annealed -as they are to he heated on a SandNba'<£h th 30b degrees and there will he the usual ttoih^ae at thttpeiat^re, as an shafeiSai twrk>
•$4>ies tts hjiriitlotteo in yours of the 3tfc instant, ♦20,00 >er dozen.
"Yours rery truly.
June 10th 09..
tfirst Mortgage Guarantee & Irust Go. ,
927 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Pear Sirs:
Tours of the 9th instant requesting the financial responsibility of Mr. Harlan Page, received.
Mr. Edison directs me to -write that he understands Mr. Page is a nan of sorae means and a largo stockholder in the Edison Portland Cement Co, He has always acted honestly in such dealings as he has had with
Yours veyy truly.
Secretary.
■Willard C. Greene, Sag.,
73"9 Boylston Street ,
Boston, Hass.
Bear Sir:
Your latter of the 7th instant addressed to *S«ricoh", -oar* Oil, Taint and Drug Beporter, received-. Br. Bdison insert ed the advertisement . Be directB me to write you that he wants a chemist to do -some experimental work in photography. The position will last for a long time. That -salary would you he willing to begin with?
Yours very truly.
"Secretary-.
June 10th OS
Vy dear TTelr:
Glad to hear you are going to shunt some of your worries over on to somebody else.* I th-tnV Mr. ASms nan now safely adopt the general policy of uoiag Electrics: the new battery is an almost perfect instrument and will solve the problem of vehicle trac- tion in a commercial way and in a perfectly satisfactory wwnner* If you get good vehicles your troubles will bo over i the new battery will give you more radius or mileage than you can use.
On account of the peculiar conditions in the seeking of the new battery 1 sould'*nt make the smallest cell with lass capacity than 1B0 (amperes, as against SIS for the old cell-. 'This was sold to you at $10.00 «r 8.7 cents per aapere . The shop price direct to the -Coup any for new cell -is $12^00 hr 8 cents pelr ampere . Sene Wale will be 50^ -of 'the original cost. This battery mSXl hare twios the life of the old cell, and X. honestly belie'*)* very match more , so that at end of SMrrerml years.lt will uoat less than one half of lead and is 8 l/8 times lighter for the same power; thus giving great radius -of action.
lame ydur subordinate (and I1 XI e«nd Billy Bet over
*na have him talked to death. They a ay that every tins I write a latter to a man, praising the battery they lose the order. I de-hypnotize fcy nail.
To Mr. I>. C. Weir, Prea. ,
Adams Express Company,
59 Broadway, Hew York.
201
Jtuflf 15th 09.
*ill*xd C. Greene, Esq.,
e&rt H. L. Emerson, Esq.,
739 Boylston Street,
Boston, Mass.
Bear Sir:
YourB of the 11th instant regarding the Portion as experimental photographer, received. Mr.
directs me to write and ask you how long h«f0r« y°u could come Vo Orange. nr
Yours very truly,
3i- 'iMdUt;
Secretary.
I
June 16th 09,
Edward Thompson, Esq.,
203 Lewis Avenue,
Brooklyn, Hew York.
Boar Sir:
Tours of the 15th instant requesting an isttrrltv regarding a business proposition -which you wish to lay before Mr. Edison, received. Ho directs m» to write you that you might call on Mr. Frank L-.
*r. Edison's business manager who is in the Hew Tw* office at 10 Fifth Avenue on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and at the Orange works the rest of the Week.
Yours very truly,
$2 JL&*.
Secretary.
Samuel Insull, Esq., Pres.
Commonwealth Electric Co.,
Chicago, Illinois.
Dear 8ir:
Mr. Edison is the possessor of 530 shares of North American Transportation and Trading Co. stock, and he directs me to write you and ask if you will obtain from your broker some information as to the present status of this Company. He haB never received any dividends or notices of meetings or any communi¬ cation at all, and he desires to know the present condition of the Company and alBo its prospects. Any information you can obtain for him will be very
Yours very truly,
M/k
Secretaiy.
much appreciated.
207
June 17th 09'.
Willard C. Greene, Esq.,
care R. L. Emerson, Esq.,
739 Boylston Street,
Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 16th instant Mr. Edison directs me to write you to come to Orange as soon as possible, on the terms named.
YourB vWry truly, ,y
Secretary.
June 18th 09.
Edison Portland Cement Co.,
W. S. MalJory, Esq., V. P.,
Stewartsville , Herr Jersey.
Dear Mr. Mallory:
Referring to your letter of tko ietn instant written by Mr. Opdyke regarding the amount charged on our books to the Little, Rails Stone Co. for machinery, 1 find upon checking up your liBt of bills, the following differences:
The first item is a bill of $12.91 which should be a credit memorandum, making a difference of $25.8®<t Second item is a bill for $341.24; thiB should be $332.26, inasmuch as a credit of $8.98 was allowed on this bill, which you have not taken advantage of.
Eext is an item of $8.98 which we have no record of chec
whatever. You do not show a credit memorandum issued by «il
the Lehigh Foundry Co. for $63.50 dated March 31st., nor do you show a credit allowed by the Builders' Planing
09 ,
A. B» Hepburn, Esq., Pres-,
Ihe Acadeay of Politic*! Science,,
Columbia Itayersliy, afew YGeaac city ,
Bear Sir:
■Replying to yours of the 21st instant abjgqg Mr. Edison to Join the Academy, 3 hag to»g>ly -that he did join on April 23rd 1909, and 2 ha^e hafwre tas * receipt for his dues signed hy C. A- Platen,, treasurer, per IT- P- C- “a
Yours -very
/; -y
’*’■“ •vi"/
^Sebreiaty.
June 25th 09.
OrlanSo B. Hastings, Esq.,
41 Park Row, Hew York.
Dear Sir:
In reply to yours of the 23rd instant I beg to say that I have received the sample roll 35 inches wide, marked K. S.
Up to this writing the other sample roll 4 3/l6 inches wide has not reached me. Probably it has not" heen aent as yet. I have examined the two samples B. L„ that were enclosed in your letter, but I canno’t ubo the sheets to make proper test, so I would suggest that you Bend me only what you can obtain in rolls.
I am keeping a Tecord of the samples you are sending.
Youts very truly,
June 28th 09.
Mallory or Hasont
would like TCeifer to hire an Auto and on Sundays when lie feels like it go along the new "Lackawanna cut-off where they are now working and -eamplo thingB in cuts and near hy for limestone, cement rock, gneiss, granite etc.
1 was near it 'Sunday, went to Heins foreel limestone at Stillwater, found that outcTop is three miles long-
(Signed)
Edison
•"‘•HStSTw 2? r.11-
2&2
June 2 Bib <Oft.
V. JL. Croffut, Esq, ,
148 3- Street., IT. E.,
"Washington, D. C«
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 24th. instant received- Hr.
Mi son •directs me to write you that Anaatt never was In a 3»x>Bition to get any money for Ills Company, hut - -within the last six months he haB made a very favor¬ able ocmbination and will for some time to come get TnmWidfirahle money probably in the fall- So if you follow him up you should get considerable money.
I Yours very truly ,
Secretary., ;
I
l
June 28th. o?.
U. H. Carhart, 2sq.,
Bdisnn Portland Cement Co,,
Stewartsville, Sew Jersey.
Pear Sir:
Was at Stillwater Sunday. Saw the limestone, also -find that it extends three miles south-west} so if we ewer do anything we need not pay more than 50^ above farm prises. There is too much of it to have them hoia it high. Could'nt see any Gneiss or Granite «
«sn'y«tt get me finite of Laohawanm cut-off} I
4
254
Jane 30th 09.
American Institute -of Electrical Engineers,
Ealph JL. Pope, Esq. , Secretary,
33 West 39tfa Street, Sew York,
Bear Sir:
Yours of the 25th instant also Certificate of Charter Membership In the Institute, 'received.
Mr. Edison -directs me. to -thank you very kindly for
the same.
Youtb -very truly,
.
Secretary. y.
June 30th 09,
- y
O. A. WaHn,
. Ghlef Engineer, .
^AasnirXjspness^o,,
39 Broadway, Sew Yo&.
Bear Sir:
Year* -or -the 28th Instant received. Sr. Bdleon directs me to write you that as the saving ahoen in hlne-pritrt is greater than the whole draw ^ar p«ll on a BnH«tms or eVsn a common freight car, At would -seism that there was something wrong
Yours >ery truly.
■Secretary,
July 6th 09,
R. L. Cuthbsrt, 35sq. ,
care Deloitte,, Rlender, Griffiths & 0o. ,
49 Wall Street, Row York.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 2nd instant regarding the Dunderland Iron Ore Co. received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he has too many irons in the fire to go out of the United States and does not care to consider the subject. He believes in proper hands the Horway plant can cake millions and that the mismanage¬ ment has been the very worst on record.
Yours very truly.
a’ - 'Jj-J-KMU 1/1
Secretary. j
l
July 8th 09.
Mr. H. H. Brockway, Jr.,
care The New Monmouth,
Spring lake. New Jersey.
Bear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 5th instant, heg to state that your letter regarding the cigarettes was forwarded to Mr. William Edison and we thought your hill had been paid, not having seen him since forwarding your last letter. Mr. Edison is at present away hut I will communicate with his son and endeavor to have a settlement made at once. If you do not hear from him in a few days write me and I will take it up with Mr. Edison,
Senior.
M-
Secretary. )
Yours very truly,
285
July 8th 09.
H. H. Harjes, Esq.,
31, Boulevard Hausamann,
Paris, Prance.
Dear Mr. Harjes:
Yours of the 29th ult„ regarding the
• ti
new storage battery, received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he hopes to be able to notify Mr.
Durand that he is ready to go into the Prfi'ncfh exploitation within a few weeks. The new battery 1b a .great success •
ji'j \JUl-
Secretary*
Yours very truly,
2S7
E. H. Johnson, Esq.,
Metropolitan life Bldg.,
Mew York City, M. Y.
Hear Sir:
Yours of recent date requesting an interview received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he will he at the laboratory most of next week and that you might ask on the telephone to he sure. Phone Mo.
Orange.
He also Bays that new phonograph , companies are wringing »p and Being inte tondn ef necelrnna rapidly.
Yours very truly..
Secretary.
July Bth 09,
C. E. Gove, Esq. ,
Milan , Ohio.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 6th instant regarding the insurance on the Milan, Ohio, property^ received. Mr. Edison directs we to write you to insure it as hefhre.
Yours -.vary truly,
Secretary.
P. S. Kindly send the hill and policy -to Orange.
291}
r
June 21st 1909.
Wells
Please figure tills out and let me know what .you
think.
Take a wheeled vehicle, assume the wheels have a diameter of 30" that the hearing a diameter of 2" That the friction on the bearing at the worst is l/20th of the weight
That the vehicle travels 40 miles That there is no friction on the road or steel rail, hut only on the hearings.
What will he the H. P. hours expended, also what proportion does this hear to the known power required to go that distance on ordinary roads with rubber tires as in practice.
As Pullman Journals have a friction much lower than l/40th of the weight, and a good automobile is as good, ascertain if the percentage of power gained is worth the trouble and expense for power saved by roller bearings* Edison
My experience seems to confirm my calculations but J may be in error somewhere.
J
Copy of* letter sent to Chief Engineer G. A. "Wells, of Adams Express Co. OrlgM sent in Hr. Edison's handwriting on yellow pad. lead pencil.
July 8th 09.
C. M. Chapman, Eaq.,
Vest inghous e , Church, Xerr & Co.,
10 Bridge Street, hew York .
Dear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 25th ult. hr. Edison has instructed me .to send a check to A. E. Budder & Co., Sydney, Australia for the amounting of their hill,
51 pounds 12 shillings, and request them to sell the material' in storage for junk, and remit the proceeds.
A. E. Rudder & Co, speak in their letter of having drawn on you throu^i Austin Baldwin & Co.., hew Yark for fifty pounds. If this draft comes in I pressume you will have it returned with the advice that the hill haB been paid direct by Mr. Edison.
Yours very truly,
Sscretaiy.
295
-Rational Phono* Co. ,
Foreign Department,
Mr. W. Stevens, ligr.,
lO Fifth Ave. , Rev? York.
Dear Sir.:
Your letter of the 6th instant requesting the dimensions of . the premises at 10 Fifth Ave. , received, tin -reply 3 "beg to state that the size of the lot is 100 feet deep, hy 28 l/2 feet -wide.
Yours very truly,
Secretary-
F
3K»ar firs. Willard :
Beplying to your letter of the 9th instant .regarding your move to the Bellevuo-Stratford, jfc, Syer sailed Tor Europe this morning, mo 1 *ould 1104 «e him regarding ihe matter *f haring your *»* sent lahoxatery *i*act, Tor parent, *»•”•* J took 44 -sp eith fir. Bdison and he said --all right , J»»* the ^llevae-Stratf-ord send hills here.,
Tom continue* to improve and «ith lest
-regard*-, -1 sm.
Yours very taruly.
Eofirs. Beatrice Willard,
1929 Wallace Street,
302
July lath 09.
Geo. O. Bergeron, Bsq.»
Latohford, Out. , Canada.,
Dear Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 6th instant Mr. Bdleon directs me to write you to pay no attention to any letters except those from John V. -Hiller or letters from this office.
Yours -very truly.
Secretary.
303
Jv
22th 09.
y. X. Upton, Esq.,
«08 Union Building,
Clinton Street,
Jrewal*> Jersey'
Bear Sir:
Mto * r1! to ”” irtt" °f «• •* •— *
direct. „ * «lt„ „ ^ yon ^
^ineer, Department streets and Hleta,
assistant *« «, t ^ Sietarayo and his
* laWato,y ™ imt W w
— *• — — «*. * » w
Yours very troly9
Secretary.
33r. "B- Sumaett :2a±n*
CoBsnlsBionBr cf Public Health,
Sxiebaswj t^ceonslana, AuetswOiB..
Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 4th «T Jsm r*^a*aing the TsaviaZ picture -as -an establish*! »eih*a education T«o&lT<ia . Hr. Bdieon airecte me to writ* '7®® t}uit lam -of PaSie Ixeree, ‘of JPuria-, Pwano«» "hairfe mate some TUa* of tW* character -and ihey W»«3*l ^^ertein *°
W *f the other aafcWtt, *« e«*t «r'*hl* *6* *» *=
France.
3he screen -picture eftilch SA£sen aaid he <***
„p«taanting *3*h cm *?ter «*e and introatmea 4a-«w -ttisatre* of this Cota&ssy- 4*!afic»ii£*a awrBsal ^M* m9Bt aljroaa -and 2&. T»amie*e a>f Sxssstok, *'&**■ .
^ »<«m ±b bf ^se «ase 'you-i» **»*
T» Mi ifliTl in ^^owen-nchboi-. Technical wiJtfeeta and 4WC Vrwich ««W ba ^Qwn *9 ^(Av*X
entile. «*M*» ^ "**
by the pollen- S* *** *^MKa **
31
July 12-til 09.
Thomas Murphy, "Esq. ,
Eurrlsdi-nai , Yea,
■Victoria, Australia.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 15th of May regarding the extermination of rabbits In your country, .received- Ur. Ddiaen directs me to write you that In ear western country the rabbits are 'kept down by a wall prairie wolf called a Coyotte. These -at one time destroyed spme efceep and the etate offered a reward for each pelt, but yery wotm the rabbit multiplied » fart that they bed to rescind the law and breed coyotte e, otherwise the crap* jbT rtiole country wcn&d have been destroyed,
they* was soon a balance of nature between the rmttoit* and ccyottea5 when the ooyottea get in «®c«ew and attack the Sheep they trap and poison &*» 40 a certain wjctant-. -r;
Of emorBs anineulated wire about -three or four 4*9*. above the ground and charged with alternating current cf 12 to 1500 wolts would kill *»*. «**
it and it could be run over immense charged' at particular time, to prevent ivuspx^p *m.,
3H
- 2 -
I’or instance , a line ten miles long could be laid temporarily having several wires aide by side so the rabbits would he certain to come in contact with one, and then a drive by men could be made .
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
H. H. Harjes, Ssq.,
51, Boulevard HausBmann,
My dear Hr. Harjes:
Your letter of the 2nd instant received. Say to your father that the new battery 1b all right at last , that we are manufacturing them in a email way here and that the Berlin con? any le getting ready to manufacture , and that shortly I -shall notify J. p. Morgan & Co. In Hew York that they can go ahead with their con? any.
1 am sorry to hear of youT father's illness, hut I guess he will pass it vTt , as he has always seemed to me to hare an immense reserve of vitality; enough to carry him to 90 or"S5.
Yours very truly.
July 13th 09,
J, 9. JRoye, Esq,,
17 Bouverle St.,
I-ondoTi, England.
Bfar Hr. Roys?
Your letter of the 2nd Instant regarding the Edison Ore proposition, received. 1 am afraid that you rill have to place all the hlame for the failure pf the Norway scheme on Sir Joseph .Lawrence, He took the whole thing out of ray hands, discarded all our experience , ■eoretly hired my chief draftsman; who he supposed designed ■Or machinery and who absolutely had no experience, Who only worked like a parrot talks . The result i» failure of the mill and the suicide of the chief draftsman.
In the hands of competent people the BoiWay scheme •would produce millions.
Begardiijg the Battery, -I have already disposed of the rights sew 1 can do nothing in that -line. Sir Ernest Wsasil and J, Horgan & Co. have it for England, so p^fcaps they would let you participate in it,
Thanking you fe* your kind expressions, Believe me, Ywtrs very truiy.
324
sailer, Bsav 199 Hajst SarJcet St.?
Wfcron., Ohio.
Bear Six:
Tirur letter of the 12th instant regarding the 'Western Agency T«r the storage battery, received.
«r". Edison directs ** tD write you that the ianaden Co . ail! sot give agencies. He says Tor you to get gp your company end the Xansden Go. ariU. give you a license for » WH royalty yayment.
Yours vary truly,
■ .■ i /// Ottawa***)
Secrstary. /
J
JTnjLy J.5th 09
DsEoeu Chemical "tytrrh s,
Saeize , near Stmover3 Germany •
GenfelflWBQi
3pth samples of -the Dlnitrobenzine., received’,
"but they do net woric. A number of years ago I bought from you two or three aOlos of Dinitro that was C. P-., as marhed in yflur catalogue. It is in very long needles, they work perfect . There Is evidently some impurity in the Dinit ro Bailee you cent, which is absent from the <J, P. Jinltro • <!ould thin be obtained at not too great a price? 1 thlnfc 1 could get you a regular customer for -considerable quantities.
Should you send sample please do not send less than three ounce.- Prompt receipt cf samples desirable.^ *»***•
Yours very truly,.
July 17 th.
C. S'. Siehanthal, Esq..,
TJc S'. Geological Survey,
■ffashlngton, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 14th instant regarding cadmium received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that we use only a small quantity in our solder, so that it will not he attacked hy potadh.
Yours very truly,
•Secretary.
350
3 . Cook, Jr., Boq. ,
931 Sixteenth St.,
Denver, Colorado.
Dear Sir:
YourB of the 13th instant regarding the cement house, received. Mr. Edison directs, me to write you that the newspapers have it wrong. Me will only pour a portion of the house to test his forms. Making the forms is very Blow work and he cannot set a day when they will all he finished.
Yours very truly,
jte' V.' Wk 2 ^ ** ' ‘ ’ ' " 1
351
'C. S» browning , Ee <1* » la^wellyn Salk,
^fcal; Orange, N. J-
tM>ar ®irt __a__,
1M, tottK « «"■»«> .
* ««:*>«.» co.'» WMW**4*44* ♦>!«> noise at ttee -Battery ^ , _ .+._
lir. -Sals** directs** to
*0,1*8 -tt* sTenlag, recelnr^ *** ^
«t. ^ ■*-* *e do aia 116 “ z **
*<***' *° 1S "XOBinE i*e «**»«
tr> -see It 1x6 caann ^3^ -we ‘wS.23-
*. tli« noise is conveyed ** ^
ajae to reduce it very ***'
^ -yours very truly-,
365
July 22nd 09.
Joust kotua institute of Electrical Engineers,
25 ¥«st 39th street, Eew York City, ft. S',
Owntlsaen:
Stee years ago it was tqy good fortune to become the possessor or an Original Journal of the late Prof .
«, *, B. Horan, -Which contains a running diary. Also topis* Of correspondence between him and the Secretary of the Treasury wnfl others, relating to .the installation Of his original telegraph line.
*AS this appears to me to he a metter of great SdiMltltlc and public interest, 1 feel that this Journal
>V
' 8hbUld be placed where it may be accessible to others,^ wtiA t therefore take htuCh pleasure in forwarding the same jbtfrwritk, add in presenting it to your institute in the £{»{» that It "bo deemed worthy of receiving a place
vfchfe wenfcntoeti Of the telegraphic art In your^ibrary.
I^ours respectfully',-"'"*
3uiy '26th 09.
Arthur Brishano, Esq. ,
Haw York Evening Journal,
Haw York City.
Yours of the 23rd Instant addressed to Ur.
. received. Mr. Mi... direef ~ « mlt* *“*
„ no.d. «M «ta« to ««• *• “ **M "
r«w ready for hio no. pourod house sud mute to jooa- and one .«ri« « the 1»W- »> "*
„,.d it for three or four me*. — .«.r ers.eri.ent ean iot yon have it, until reedy to .pour ooupl.t. house.
Yours vary truly,
dim.
July 29th 09,
Hr. Ira 1£. Miller,
199 Baet Market Street,
Akron, Ohio.
Dear Mr. Miller:
Replying to youra of the 22nd instant i beg to state that Mr. Edison sent for Hr. Lansden and had a talk with him on the istfbject of a license .
Mr. lansden is doing some figuring ana will write you • shortly .
With best regards, 1 nm,
Yours very truly.
Secretary ,
409
Aug» 2nd 09.
Writer o Alining 3c Be&uctlon Co, , ltd..,
3tr. ”3?. Sirkegafird, 'Managing Director,
Beluro, Ontario, Canada,
»ear &ir:
Yours ©f the 27 th tilt, regarding cobalt received, Ydr. JM&son directs ae tb write you that about three yeairs SLgo "he bad a iise for cobalt and could haftro used several to no daily of metallic » could he ha-re got -ore on the basic of seventy cents per -pound for cobalt, so . that he could -produce It for one dollar. Be was treated so ahmaefully by Srethesay, Bippising and -other hogs that he -could do nothing. He then went into extensive wg«r4- -aentfl to find a substitute and after two Years of very ^apeSBlve work found -a substitute which serres hit ©« that he no longer requires cobalt, y«l8 -rnther sore of thio cobalt business us ha sagpe-nded m large amount of money which vae lost, dimply because the people up there wanted to hog everything.
Secretary-, '
Sours very truly,
Aug. 2nd Q?.-
& Co.,-
5Broad-Bx chang e j
Hew York City .
Dear -Sira:
Youth of 3«* »». reg. dine tie b.ttery „08lv.d. Kr. *«.« *«<*■ - “ »“• y°U “** »«.xy 1= «■»«« ”*a« — ““ ^y .old .» t. . *»«— * for a . «-**»••
B^.o-dlng ito co »<*■« "OUl"
on. -third coapl.tod *0* tM ««»•
Yours vary truly ,
496
August 13 , 1909 .
S. Bergmann, 'Esq.,
23/24 OudenarderBtr. ,
Berlin, Germany.
'.iy dear Bergnnnn:
I shall he in a position to give you in a few weeks all the data for machinery for the new cell.
We are now making and selling 8a cells per day. In six weeks our output will reach 250 per day. We have W ^eatly reduced the cost of flake and have increased the 0U^J^2ur latest changed nickel leader from four cells -per dayto -eoven, and I believe we -can increase it still further.
1 hit., notified Morgan ae to Bogush Conpany and gate hi. a to withdraw, hot ho .aid ho did not dart to withdraw end would go ahead and for. the oaopony and put it through, placing the technical tttnagement under ay control. the oaae in Pari Yon will prohaii: got a large mount of wore fro. thla. I ehall not hare «y e -io* wort, oe.r there at we ..re a. i-P-d the costa at our ‘ noal Work, tint they comd not cheapen it at all, a„d besides would ™n the risk of asking tad .tuff. By working Siler lake weak, with larger .»tp« * «•»»! «pen.e o«.e down .0 -Ch that I feel oar. 1 ear. lay down in Bonin your iron »d Plakol Hydroaidee Ohoaper than yon could oake it yonr.elf .
we are goto; to he ewampod with ordors for battery core, a. th.ro are ahon, 11,000 MW «.«*- *» «« ■*“ ^
are aiclc of Lead battery. Of the six largest factories for this kind of vehicle they are to build this year 3500, so you see with
aev vehicles and replacing of Lead batteries, to say nothing of trucks, we are going to have a fine business.
Please do not mention^b^lse I ms requested to say nothing. "fhC^!nt °f ^ It5llan haa juat left for Italy with $0
new^colls for test far the purpose of displacing Tudor cells In the submarines. The Agent is an electrician and says that lead . 'batteries will never do what all navies want, and that if ny curve tests are confirmed, his department alone will take many thous*ad horse power. If this is true, there ought to be big sales for this purpose.
I enclose ar. article from a trade paper in re battery.
- •'*£ ' g
fours very truly, _ §
49§
Aug. 13, 1309,
Baron ron Olegar,
So. 1*7 Ruvigny Gardens,
Dear Sir:
London, 5. Vf. ,
England •
Replying to your letters of .Tuly 51 at and August 3rd regarding the -rights for the sale of the Storage Battery in England, 1 bog to say that these were disposed of to 3*r, J. S. Morgan and Sir 'Brneat Caosell, and I can therefore do nothing for you ih the matter, .
Yours very truly.
i
August XI tli, 1909
Copy of telegram sent to Bergmann, Berlin.
Xaisonoell :
Berlin, Geimnny.
J«t.r mp <wt «
Ed is t»‘
faHOaifiS
August 16th, 1909
. ',7 ill la* P. Garrety, c/o Pr. laird,
Heverstraw , N.Y.
1<‘
'AH S1H:-
yours of the 13th lust, regarding your
»MUt, » rctw t. «* *—«•*•
Tia floes uot inii sno irects me to write you that he floes
, on pianos end fill not
o continue hie expert
. ,o «*Hm ^ 10"S"‘
youra very truly.
August 19, 19
a*. u. martin, Editor,
Elaotrioal world,
#239 west 39th Street, Sew York City.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 16th InBt.,
asking for the number of the house whioh was oc- oupied "by Kr. Edison ot Gramneroy park, Sew York City received. in reply beg to state that Hr, Edison cannot remember the number.
Yours truly.
Secretary.
CVH
Ilia Roibman Co.,
Gontlanon
Replying to yourB of the 13 bh inst. , onolos- inc liiH from Hoary A. Hendry , I took tho mattor up with Er. Frod Ott who says no gaff hook was purchased last season, or tho season bofora.
I’loaso ascertain, if possible, towhora it was
dolivorod.
Yours v ary truly ,
SECRETARY.
565
577
Aug, 30tH 09.
John Morris, Usq. ,
yioasant Valley,
3Tew York State.
Sear -Sir:
Your letter of the 27th inat. also samples received. Mr. 3dieon aireote rad to urite you to lie sure and tost all slate vith acidj aa cedent rook in many cwits looks exactly like slate.
Yourfc ver^ truly,
Ass’t Secret wy*
586
nifn»±o3
5
hxJ&t.aaeG-
lao-tq ttW- iilU«#iD3 »!/££.? f «*j|ie3CB#
It ni iio-Y n ti
t esU II* m
)n«au bus
Au*» 31et
fceo, 38q, >
^eiaingan ,
Amwa*«.
*a*r Sir:
Jn reply to Wf latter .of the a^th of fvly «g**lng <ifc« ponograph, Mr. Mdiaon directs me to write V° U th9 ifi due to the uneven position
of the wax recording material-, the record knife dig8 to softer and thus the rustling sound is the record «f this. «*uld we get it Absolutely homeogenicue there would he no scratch-
Xoure very truly.
Secretary.
594
Sept. 1, I**-
aith the usual
ftrnnpn, T. •■ *
?./CUne t}’.o daisy in answeritis your terras at the i'auv of my office fare© have been s*ay on vacations routine of correspondence las thus been in,tn.-er-«~
vierdVi'u; to your enquiry, I would say that to a certain ^ >vp „ f vovtr friends was correct . ft* 1 irCv *.a. <on or incandescent electric <**•»» ^
^eh^d ,™, was at Koaelle, ^
.-.•■'"t in oueration on .lanuary l9*'1* “
’iant Oysto^ end for « coney in -ductom, U* '"Jce“ ,nil, piar. was not fa21sr»
lamps4 were operated thro a in series. afterwards
+-n-flB--ire system shortly aX »«**-« io subsequent plants, as • every*hcr
came Into use and has reined the one practical-,
^ „0, actually the pioneer. She i’i^
Hie HvfiHlXt p*a-nt -as "
4.^ „„c t established in Pearl b y,el Central Station vas — •
--f.fi in ouera-tiun 81
iert York City, aim -
®l.. W». *» ” *»!*.■-• il*"l't’
it„d 1«*,. *• -W*~ “f - li™‘' ^ °
Bp tember 4th, 1BB2.
rlthour-h none families iquently t-amte «wrrsa-.
-Stt* 4W«S-> -S&iu-,
^sar^ih:
%» are returning to you “byWell's Srago * Co, i&gsreBO, iSD cUttheR of Silver nitrate, which :you flipped to ns about two "wafetQ Ago, on order So. 7SS9»
^Sn inspection, found the crystal® decidedly moist wia in that condition Unfit for the particular work on vih-wd - Will .you at your earliest oonvtenlenes forward 200 -ounces highest grade silver hitrate whloh you manufacture and vshich is absolutely dry and in a ttry
Youre very truly,
^aonlahoratojy*,
per
633
Sept, 9th 09 c
North Jersey Paint Co.,
W" s' Mallory, Esq., Pres' ,
Stewart sville, New Jersey'. Bear Mr. Mallory;
„ Y0U1S °f the 8t* instant regarfing
the pay roll of the N. J. Palnt Cn n -
Th. alnt Co* at 0range, received.
Pay roll covers experimental work which is being ^ne oy llalph Arhogast at Silver lake, Mew Jersey, under instructions from Mr. Edison.
Yours very truly,
Secretary. J
■ , \ y. jf \ J , / r
644;
aw* 09.
-S. M*}.,
^ Aysenuo ,
tfw Y<ji* JCity.
**>w ask. *eacfc:
?» awsly to your loiter of -<th» J.Otb ^lastaxrt Mr. ®4l*t>n 4Areetc,,me to yrtte mt /w* yon the enona.tms 4iffe^.*Mw» An jr^ce yof wtvrp?
Xw^e ..y^jrjr truly,
Secret a ly.
14th 69.
John Mad»j 2U
1.305 Arch Strict,
aaaa^aeisihia, f *»
BmSlc:
Jr -rrr^? 'tD y»4s‘ -letter -of the 10th inetcctt Jr. Jfittn Exerts t» to ^rcite you -that yam little hook mM TMel»ed«U &*»«*«& log -Of the jauhjsct
feat At ±* -cttrlaM" that hpfea* found -that the only^»ay to ccwgia* Tt*k ^strong «3lBtis«h ®f
do fey jfcsiklqg with «£W?eitUti flxlde «hC tilteriBK- 4Sjgr jagneslujn «x*h* alone eboUld do this .4* jsetiaar ^■ytige. a^le yhenojaefloja was ropnd >pr trying to prevent Aae **efcfa$J»g Of the jOfcsllne electrolyte in *$» Jrtorag*
Xiojire twry %p&> ys
6‘8£
sept* 20th o>.
C- JB. Jaiiott,. , Prea.-tretUj.*
Hajiufacturfng Co^parly, lienj-o Hath, New Jersey,
JJear -Sir;
Swjes of ~tha 18th instant enclosing aj?rote*t for ifc. Bdioflntfi signature, received. Shis has "been signed and I beg to ^jiclope the.jiajne herewith. ap jcoquapted.
Sours very truly.
Secretary.
666
•John Uori&B,
^5 SJaLsOesx
^ongiaca^psM., 'Net- Xo^at^
3e* Sir:
Endowed ^rsase ^ind laoney order for '104. VS •oaverdag y**r fflpraw -account fo r'ire efc endirtg.'sept . iSth i©09> 'Kindly &>ekwfla-efigfi receipt «f
fours very, truly
s«cre:tary.
^ io.xxite I*33
-ypur aa**'” ^ct^0 ^ex-ai-tb* CeBient *****' ■
66S
Slat <>&,
Benson jiines ^
** X* ^^aoe* W. , -V. -j>
Six; -***4*^ ,?8aaft'
Tb&rrSa g t0 7oxr
•grossed 4o iir, Br °f 3th
an *■* *»■** ^ "«>«1K„ ^ oMJm
Letterbook, LB-081
This letterbook covers the period September 1 909-February 1910. Most of the correspondence is by Edison, Harry F. Miller, and George A. Meister. Many of the letters relate to laboratory work and supplies and to Edison’s accounts with the Edison Portland Cement Co. and J.P. Morgan & Co. There is also correspondence regarding the resumption of production of Edison's alkaline storage battery; the manufacture of batteries in Germany and Great Britain; and ongoing progress in the development of molds and patterns to be used in the construction of the concrete house. Also included is a letter to J. A. Bensel, president of the New York City Board of Water Supply, in which Edison discusses a contract to supply cement for the construction of part of the Catskill aqueduct. Among the items pertaining to family and personal matters are letters concerning Edison’s health; finances; membership in clubs and societies; charitable donations; and the upkeep of his winter home in Fort Myers, Florida. In addition, there is correspondence involving Edison’s opinion of phrenology; Charles Edison’s entrance into the freshman class at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and a visit by a Chinese minister.
The label on the front cover contains the following notation: "Thomas A. Edison Personal From Sept. 27, 1909 To Feb. 5, 1910." There is an inscription on the spine with similar information. The book contains 702 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 10 percent of the book has been selected.
s
ttfjrt. 28th
-H. 2><. Britlgtoan, Eaq. ,
®S WolBt 44th Street,
Uw Yottc City* ST. Y.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 25xd iturtant *fc*&«g m to beeotte & member Of the Honorary Reception uaifiswitttbe tb eelctfino ISfcButehant Emoet K. Bhadkleton on Mu «*p*bted Vioit te the United States In the near future , I beg to Say that ytfu have my permission to use my name ,
Youxe very truly.
,9
I •'
l
Sept. 27,1909.
Deut oehe Edison Akkumulatoren Co.
Drontlieimerstr . 35-38,
Berlin, K. , Germany,
Gentlemen
Referring to my letter of February llth last, I hereby beg to inform you that actual manufacture of new Type "A" tube cell apparatus was commenced commer¬ cially by the Edison Storage Battery Company July let,
1909, bo that commencing January 1st, lfJlo, all the terms and conditiono of the contract between ue of Septem¬ ber 28th, 1905, shall again go into full force and effept. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter, in order that I may know that this notification has been formally brought to your attention.
Your b very truly.
10
s«p*. xstii m.
w. h. $04., Factory iifth.*
3ul«T? Vet if CO. » Flint J l&chi&wi.
Sean 31t:
* Yonrte of the ia«t infant re«M-ditt« «nnJ»«H»4 ■sheet ixoir“rec«ived. W»* Kfliaoti atbwste teO td Irtite V0*1 that the .sheet Iron fa iflaSe bV WQte£bo8$> 4x1 JMitinWr#* ^
•but that He tiaoa not Jmoar the parties . 'v%
Ttr. Sale on alaa «sk» why the Bufek '■*••■ ««d»# tjWca^ their chart!* stW buiUl stn » doctor haft TmMmxy ^
nasuftco electrics for fti'ty uaet We are selling Xotp «,0 .
^ Hat torioo fn* poi^oae. The w Hat ter y
:grras.30^ .more output .than -«M owe **•* Tox"' ^ '*■-■
ysBsu»- *'J J
■Jfoura very truly.
14
Friend Williams:
Yours of the 27th instant received.
Many thanks for invitation. I saw the river illumination from the Palisades, on bluff just above your coal pile; and Tuesday night I -rent in my auto up 5th Avenue to length of Riverside Drive, thence back and over the big iron bridge, then back to 59th street and down Broadway. So you sea I have taken in all I want to see.
The best specimen of lighting is your waterfront station, and the other points done by the station bunch for' the reason that your lights are in alignment and not . wavy and the outlines are complete and not ragged. I also noted something which was a little foxy. The C P or voltage waB a little higher than populace.
That Hew York exhibit, I guess, beats anything yet and I guess you are all proud of it. " I am." Guess I will not come in again,. I do not suppose your load is greatly above normal on account of the hours when lights go on, the motors go off.
^ J&V* aft***
Hew York City.
16
Sept. 29th 09.
Brooke Brothers,
3road\vay & 22nd St.,
New York City, H. Y.
Sentlemen:
Yours of the 25th inBtant received. I misunderstood your letter as referring to my son William Edison. As far ae Charles Edison is concerned I will be responsible for anything he may purchase.
Yours very truly,
7? "
Berlin, IT. Germany, dear Be rgmann:
Your letter of the 17th instant received and in reply beg to say that I am now collecting all the data, drawings etc. for a complete outfit for England and F.'-nce, for Morgan. It will be ;iae before I can
':0n”let^ d*awin«e together. I .win then submit the whole to them with estimates of costs, approximately, for equipping the two factories. If it is *11 settled you will probably get most of the , aginary to build, as I shall ha# put in thti °°ntraet that I shall hare control of the 2*flhnJoa.l management Until the factories are working .. -ij.aoi.orv,> . analL have to call on you as regards men etc. V/e have been making .100 cells daily, but Monday start making 200 cells and have ordered machinery for 500 cells
The family runabout is getting very popular in this Country, lor next year the Waverly Co. builds 3000; the Baker 1600; the Columbus Buggy Co. 1500; the Anderson Buggy Co. 1200; Babcock of Buffalo 600; Woods of Chicago 800, and about 1/2 dozen others 2500. About 12000 of the
so. They are uses! mostly by women in use 40 sells. The teats made by the
110 milee on A 4 and 168 to 176 for
lead battery. The truck
the load batteries are sold for a little
less than one half of our price and give 150 complete charges and then must be renewed at 50# -of their original coat.. Our A cells will certainly give 1200 charge o and then can be renewed at 60# of the original cost with big profit. 'IhiB is the way it. works out:
150 charges?, 220
2100 " 1530
2250 ” 1740
2400 "$ I860 - f 9:
that the lead la the expensive battery^
another thing is
the same capacity our battery 1
only one half the weight „ which increases ttie mu-eage. Everything tends to show that the battery business will, in time, exceed everything in the electrical line, as electric haulage in cities is bound to come.
Kagarcling cost A4 is a cheaper cell to make than the E 10, and is capable of great reduction.
October 2nd 09
H. E. Dick, Esq. ,
care A. Bo Dick Co.,
lake Street, Chicago, Ill,
Dear Sir:
We have received a call for more money on the shares of the Edison Ore-Milling Syndicate, ltd. of 2 shilling b per chare. Mr. Edison directs me tt> write you that he has been paying these abseedments right along and he would like to know If it ie a liability and must be paid.
Yours very -truly*
l
October 2nd 09,
5
October dth o&
'• t?. A* 3.S *
Engineering Heim,
Hew York City.
Dear Sly:
Hj% Edison has a position open for a mechanical engineer, who is a good designing draftsman, in connection with his poured concrete house noH«me.
Yonrs very ^ruly,
V.
Secretary
0.\So 8 a-vv\c. \ 5ViVi a. r to ^oUouui'n^
tY\ IT " V\«.^j8
" *P i 5 " l' T »t“
"**■&. 17"
"K. 0.. " v
'■ rr\ ‘ 8” <• v
” c. <«"
«=rvs
Oct. 6th 09,
Alexander Block, Esq.,
Editor-Sunday World,
Kern York City* N. Y.
Bear Sir:
1 beg to enclose herewith corrected proof of the article written by Mr. Jennings. He has misunderstood me as regards aerial navigation, as you will see by my corrections. r
'%!avt,At4 '
j. .•.cvv^not sent the last part of the proof.
Yours very tvuly^
i
68
0«t. 9th -09
Jos. I. Brittain, Bag-,,
American Consul,
American Coneula te.
Pi-ague, BcAOMla, Austria.
My dear Sir;
Pep lying to your? **" the J25th nit. would suggest that you wri*a to the gentleman referred to and tell him that the firot authentic biography of Mr. Edison is now heJdE Prepared and will probably be issued by Harper fc.Broja. sf Mew York, in the next spring.
If the partf cannot wait, he might consult the life of Sdisux, by P. Arthur Jones, published by Hodder and Stoughton, I<ondon, England, But this book is not authentic, as the forthcoming one will be.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
86
October 12th 09.
Friend Weir:
Glad to hear your health O.E. again. I heard from two friendB who saw you over there that you were nearly ready to travel thru the other of space.
Think Billy Bee can stear you to the best electric.
Your engineer Wells can give you the best lead battery to use. I am so completely crushed by Wells that I would'nt dare to suggest the new battery.
Why don't you jump into your auto and come over and see what I've got here, its only 40 minutes via Jersey City and macadam all the way.
Yours ,
" Edison "
Copy of letter sent to Mr. L. C. Weir- 71 Broadway, Mew York. Original sent to Mr. Weir - lead pencil - yellow pad.
/
88
October 13,19®
J. P. Morgan, Jr., Esq.,
c/o Messrs. J. S. Morgan & Co., London, England.
Enclosed 1 beg to hand you a copy of a proposed agreement which I am prepared to execute when the British bhttery company is formed for the purpose of exploiting my improved storage battery in England.
;1 have followed as closely as possible tile proposition outlined in ray letter of November 10th, 1904 , to Messrs.
7, S* Morgan & Company. The royalty of sixty cents per cell on cells -of the A-4 type is in reality considerably less than the royalty mentioned in the original proposi¬ tion, for the reason that the capacity of the A-4 cell would be very much higher than the old 3-18 cell. 1 make this concession to you, however, because the same concession was mode to the German Company,
"Let me know if this proposed agreement ie -
acceptable to you.
lours very truly.
Enc .
October 16th 09
Friend Weir:
It 1b true that I have gotten Laneden to build a taxicab, and I put it -out on one of my terrible endurance testa. It hae gone over 5000 miles but so far I consider it a failure, because it will not make 1000 miles Without a breakdown, which in ordinary roads, load Aid speed would be equal to at least 12000 miles. Have always made it a rule to find out for myBelf the defects of my traps and not get the information from the public. So you don’t want this. Should it ever pass the test then youpnight consider it.
Regarding Prof. Wells who occupies the chair of misapplied mathematics for Mr. Adams. I was not crushed by mere weight but only brought to realize how insignificant were my acquirements in mechanics and electricity.
Yours ,
I
I>. C. Weir, Esq. ,
71 Broadway, Hew York.
18th 09
H* Sick, B8q’.,
Midland Construction Co.,
Chicago, Illinois.
Soar Sir:
*MW"‘ * le*Ur of *• »«• instant „ ' n “”ot* “ «» m as foUm,
..iTsT” "* “ «* “ «••»«* and ^
SnelanS „»uld tt„y p„ m ltw<am,nt M
SiSuiUng th, cells:- Are mating 100 daily of the no- hattony ana etr.ct la ten days to 200_
Battery O.K, now."
Tours very truly,
HU.-:,
• Secretary.
107
Oct. 20th 09.
E. de Haen Chemical Works ,
Setelze,near Hanover, Germany.
Dear Sirs;.
In reply to yonr letter of the 8th instant regarding Dinitrohenzine Mr. Edison directs me to write yon that the gentleman who wanted the Dlnitro got discouraged and now has a substitute.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
' i ■
112
Octet** aotn m.
V. H. Upton, Baqt. ,
Union Building,
Newark, Hew Jersey.
Bear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 19th Instant Mr, Bdlson directs use to write you regarding concrete tanks, '-ha they would he practicable , one set of steel t ores could he awde wits sections halted together so they could he carted, and a tsjok poured In one day or less- la his poured house eeheas he finds that nearly everywhere the awtterlal taken fro* the cellar 1B sufficient to build the house*
Regarding leakage and explaeien: — Silo could be -doter- ■lned by building a concrete tank 4 x 4 reinforced with iron top, baited down, and the highest explodt^ mixture of a*r and gasoline put In and exploded by a spark. Hie hiafaeet pressure possible would not exceed 100 pounds par inch -anfl
he doss not think it would crack thewslle if properly proportioned. Tarlous experiments could be tried, awti i as leaving Iron top loose .
Regarding leakage:— there may be trouble here* *l#o offset of oil os concrete, alJL of which could be found out wxperiamntaUy*
asa^ j
Jurthennore , lie says be should think that at teranlnal points they would use concrete tanks sunk in ground so the lightning could not strike; hut perhaps they have a good reason for not doing so.
Yours very truly,
4-' /'''
JV ti. dr -: 1
Secretaiy.
Ootofcer 30th
f. B. Wiui, Baq.,
XtspidOry,
iT6 Sumner St.,
Boston, Maas.
Dear Sirs
I send enclosed sample of Caphire shlgfc — use for traeking amberol records. If this t&sm is too difficult to make in diamond we aoxOd use it thus.
th6 material I proposs to use la the zw*»id Is very hard and colie «ts grit, which accounts for wearing of saphlre.
Please make a sample and send as soon os poeelbi*.
(Signed)
The— S JL Bdlaon.
Original eent to Hr. Villa in ltr. B. writing.
210
B*renib«r 10tk jjp,
Samuel Iamill, Bsq. , Pxee.,
Cammaawealth Edina* Ca. ,
Chicago , Illiaois.
Dear sir:
I .ieg ta e*ol*eo herewith leftar a»d oheoh from the. Farmer n 1 loan gad Truat Company, the.woaumt *f ohech Wins *83.00, helag amount f qe, an auatodia* af aecuritien, «f the Kxeual entatn.
Will yau alga the chock «*d
return to Ur. Batchelor, ao requested la hie letter, ahich I enclose alee.
Yours rery truly.
Secretas^
220
XFovember llih
Willard P. Reid, Esq.,
Williamsburg Trust Go.,
391 .Pulton Street ,
Brooklyn, IT. Y,
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 10th instant enclosing check for #1195.00, payment on aooount of your note, with interest, received. This payment is satisfactory
to Mr. Edison, who wishes me to say b* realises
I! ;; ,
the -hard going that you mention in your letter, and it is. particularly brought to his attention in this case in the fact that you have omitted to sign the check. X therefor return it, with the comments, that: -"This is one on you"-
Yours very truly,
:
Secretary.
P. 8. At the same time that you return the check will yoh kindly send a new note for the balance due, and upon receipt o i earns X will return to you the old note.
J» Ao Benael, Baq. , Pree.,
Board of Water Suppler,
City of Hew York,
299 Broadway, Hew York.
Dear Sir:
Our Superintendent* Kri 1 U H» MPMPh bag been Informed by Hr. Jtoeid&jttft*. df fthtlittart 4 Iftfcfcl*, that be ie willing *9 faro* ue with «* tilit Att tfc* cement required ontheircontraot for ewuktittcftittt of Contract Ho. 55, -tor' tbe Cretan * Henrico Di^aton Of Catakiii Aqueduct that will *e»»ire fJp#pOQ barrel* i rtio, at tbe MUM time elated that the* mere expelled
to eubmlt to tbe Board if **Ur ftp ply negpnt that they expected to purchase, wuhJect *o 4he3r
Bdlson cement baa been /supplied *P «mm ff tbe laxgeet contractu and lnpoytapt W»*k* fa* of How York, with entire fdpfrjflb. d0,OOp barrels were placed in the anchorage *f.fa* Jpmtottan Bridge, Hew York approach. Ve are now eupp lying P* a contract for 150,000 barrele with' the Bradley Vpptipntfi lv$ Op. on tbe Bridge loop, extending -frm %p filHape-T
burg Bridge. This work ie under tbe eupprr.4efpu pf fan
242
j. A. jP/r
Public Service $»<p
over a year, Aw^ #*> jpfl^T
ments in every particular^ i
OUr New York ,w;^ W
with an inter View, will ho «^,*o f$0» VW M*^0& information, relafire to the i^ort#** V}§#fy it has been used.
Bdieon Cement in guaranteed to Jiass the ppp^f^r cations of the Board of Water Supply, And X would ask that you give me a ohanbe to demonstrate this guarantee, by favoring Sdison .Cftnertt, under the provision of course, that the contractor, as stated to us, desires to use it on this contract* ___
.v Ofours very truly.
50
263
*wv mm m*
** t, ***.,
WU ftwiwaro*,,
OW««p, m**»f*,
3tera*s|
1 ** * *»
7 m *$* ** * wm^wm>*v
*** «*<,** iww Ww#*r* *# 4* *tow*»m*
m l*. WMo» i# confined to*j» *##** «**j* #
H» aitt. it to you to-nwrww,
You«* »«*3r iaruiy,
Sow#***?/
'4
266
H. E. Ht»itnuui, Eoq.i
Bart My-arB, Florida.
Dear Sir:
Beg to enclose herewith, check to the order of H„ II. .Jolly,- traffic ag?*^ for &J00. 00; being Mr. EdiBon'a contribution -to the'Sublicit^' for lee County, Flnrida, as per letter of Mr,. Jo i£y enclosed herewith. ■'J Vt5-" !"
If this is all right will you kindly send the chock to Kr. Jolly, and return the letter to ub. j.
Youra very truly,
277
Bdiaoa Portland Cement Co.,
W. S. Mallory, Esq., V. P.t
Stewartsrille , Mow Jersey.
Dear Mr. Mallory:
Replying to your latter of the 22nd Instant regarding the notes o t the Beige! Sack Co.: Mr. Bdison direct8 me to write yon that he willing
I return herewith all the correspondence which you enclosed regarding the shipment of "bags etc.
Youra reiy truly,
V'k-r ;
. ■ . ; • ' ;
278
%ntt. ,
m*m
Wtm w*s
. Tw* <&' **» $t>«* u»*«»t
4*r «*
«m^’
**■**«►* »< «** .1
i0‘ijr# rn ****** mm* m*m**<**m
mmm.
jgMttn fcfcjar*
286
Hot.
34th. 09.
Oirdo MM**1*8*
I,. V. «• B»dl*
y?>l«io> Ato*
& 26th. St., H«w YoUc City.
“r8lr’
*r“ *41”‘ a1”^'
, ....
"”v' 8*cr«t«3^*
,y 2 :
Uw w,^’^ W— > w-A
(5. . Yv\.c vvwoj^,^'
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yui^o V^-crxxlC ^^-Ot3*-| ,
n
Vwiyvc, sJi- o—-c) t6»a. CiAjfcu qJI — l.
(ln*jJt uj<rw t&A. Vwo-x-t. 3" eLo wat 4A CL vjfc, CL iLovVCj-4- -pcvd; -^ ’ <^5UV-4- ^ O-w MJTX-O lr'-| UJ^LA-j er£
CLaaJ& LAj“Cn-OL£ Q-^tK cJU-^^-b <S$ P^jJ)^a1^i o wot J^a^JL^aIo-S-
\j-v>Jt e^ervw. «- ev»u- <i- r<-e_ uo-'t-Otc. i-t .
"Vw- a"p i ^ cr,i '
jW„f ,',lV
A(iJ v1 v* ( ^ V ^ V ^ ,“’ A» r !i l ** 1 .^<:
r — > - -
Dec. 1st 1909.
Louis Jackson, Esq.,
care District Court,
Muscatine, Iowa.
Dear Sir;
Your letter of the- 27tb ult. asking Hr. Edison's opinion regarding phrenology, reoeived. Hr. Edison directs me to write you that a general idea can he obtained of a man by the. shape of his head and features; but not' by bumps.
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
314
D*|f. 4th 09.
Alfred D- Hyde,
I eel in, Hew jereoj,.
*«ar Sir*
Replying to your letter of -the /lat lnatanV Hr. Bdlaou directs jne to write you that all of hi* property -Ut Menlo Park Is fe*'*ale.
Youxp very treaty.
Ueoretary ■
Sec. 4th OS
COHffrDKNTIAIi :
Otis si 6TRt or Go. ,
>. ?. Miller, Bsq. ,
BBS Vast 24th St. ,
Stm York city.
Sear Sir:
Your letter of the 1st inetant regarding the character of Mr. H. J. Haras, yfoil* im our enploy, reosiTOd . Jtei Sdledn dir.eete.He to write yoa that Mr. Maras was hired "by him as «a engineer, but his services la that oonaeotlon were mot satisraotozy. He Is probably a good draftsman*
Yours Tory truly,
'V .rljlot
Secretary.
332
.December 6th 09.
Sioren & Company.
3X4 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Bear Sire:
Your letter of the 3rd instant asking ■whether we know of anyone in the market for eighty shares of Edison Portland Cement Co.’s preferred stock, received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he does not know of any bids just now; there will probably be a let up in the cement war soon and then there may be inquiry.
Secretary.
J
Yours very truly,
337
Deo Briber 6th. 09.
H. ®. Heilman* Eeq. ,
, rort Hyare, Florida.
3>«ar flirs
-A# re guested i* yonre of the 27th tat.
J beg to esoioee herewith Hew York draft for #2000, OP ** «00fWt-of the iriPrormeata ypu are making la Hr* kdisoa'a property at Port My ere • Kindly eond me detallf of the eapiitdlturee, eo that l oa*
Tpwei her the *e»e, end oblige,
YPhre very truly,
Beoretery-
, .....
Dec. '7th 1909.
B, H. Johnson, Esq.,
1 Madison Avenue,
Mew York City.
Dear Sir!
Your letter of the ?rd instant regarding the dinner to he given at the Onion League Club t*^ Arthur Williams , received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he would not come in for anybody, except Williams J but that he will for him, if his stomach permits - it is working good now.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
Dec. 7th 1809,
Carl j o Ifilsson, Esq. ,
3127 Racine Aye.,
Chicago, Ill.
Dear Sir:
Yours, of . the ZOtp ult. regarding the difficulty you sire experiencing with air holes arising on the surface of cement, received. Mr. Edison direots me to write you to use thin oement. Use a rod with a ball on the end and pump it up and down while pouring. This will send violent waves of agitation in the cement and oause the air to come out, forcing the fine cement against the outer surface, leaving coarse material inside.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
I
C-.O-BuB-1-D-B N T I A 1 .
Truesdell-Eox Co. ,
7 West 38th St . ,
Yours of the 8th instant regaining Mr.
Geo. E. Small, received. Mr. Edison directs me'lo write you that Small, who is a draughtsman, watt hired by him to work and experiment with his new concrete poured house; with an idea that he would, in time become an expert who would be valuable to parties who went into the business. He did not reach expectations and Mr. Edison let him go- Mr. Small, of course, got considerable experience from the large number of experiments Mr. Edison had .made .
I Edison thinks he 1b a good draughtsman and may be*«f value to you in concrete; but you Will have to furrfish all the ideas. He seems to be honest'.
Yours very truly.,
Bee. 14th 09.
371
, 09.
Jehn. Merria , Bsq. ,
General DeliTery,
Yankera , Hew York .
Dear Sir:
Mr. Bdiaen dirocta me te write ^u .te tiiJfce a run dewn te the Laberatery, weuld like te ace yeu.
Teura rery truly.
Secretary.
Deo. 14th 0*5,
D. Van hast rand Ce. ,
23 Murray Street ,
Hew Tark City.
Bear Sin:
Ur. Bdisen directB me t» write yen renew the publicatiene ae per yeur pestal 11th instant, i.e.,
American Jeuxaal ef Science,
Chemical Abstracts,
Xrans. Parrady Seciety,
Jeurnal Physical Chem. ,
Jeurnal Bxperintental Medicine,
Jeurnal American Chemical Seciety , Physical Reyiew,
Preceedirigo Physical Seciety.
Teurs rery truly,
te
ef the
Secretary
373
Dec. 14th 09*
Heward Hansen, Bsq. , Pros. ,
General Vehicle Cempany,
Deng leland City, IT. y.
Dear Sir:
Mr. Bdisen directs me t© write y©u as
fellewe:
" I hare given yeur letter ef the 13th if December t. Mr. Bee to inrestigate; if Lansden-s salesmen hare made any such statement, they will never make anether ef a like character.
Mr. Ceffin wrete me yeu was earning ever te see me. TOiy net de se? 1 want te werk with yeu.*
(Signed) Xdlsen.
Yeurs very truly,
Secretary.
381
Copy of cable sent to S. Bergmann OSdleoncell) 'Bwtyn, Tia Co* Deo. 14th 09 3.28 P. Kf
YBdisoncell-- Berlin
Rogers 1 ears a steamer President (Jrant Decem,Qr 25th.
(Signed) Edison.!*
382
December 15th. 05
Arthur Brisbane , Beq. ,
care New. York Journal,
New York City, N. Y.
Bear Sir :
Replying to yours of the 13th Instant regarding the concrete mixer, Hr. Bdlson that yon can keep this and we will bUl it to ys»,
Trusting this wests with your approral, J Yours very truly,
Secretary.
383
Deo. 15th 09;
national Phono* Co.,
'Foreign Department ,
10 Fit th Avenue ,
Be* York City.
Deajr Sire;
I enclose herewith your bill in delicate against the Edison Storage Battery Oo. covering tickets for Mr- Hog a re az* family to Berlin. Will you kindly render these Wile against Mr* Edison and return at the earliest possible' moment* .
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
390
Deo. 15th. 09
Society for the Bncourageroent. or Arts,
Manufacture's and Commerce,
Mr. E. ?. Wood, Secretary,
London, England.
Dear Sir:
I aoeept with great pleaeure the position of Honorary Corresponding Member of the Society, to which 1 was elected on December 1st 1909. Thanking you for thfe honor, beliere me,
Yonr^rery truly.
Dec. 18th 09,
Samel Instill, Esq., Pres.,
Commonwealth Edison Co.,
Edison Building, Chicago, Ill.
Dear fiir:
Enclosed find letter front Visa Olga Ertiasl dated December 6th with Hr. Edison's note thereon for your consideration.
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
Enclosure
399
7
Deo. 20th 09.
John Morris, Esq. ,
oare General Delivery,
Yonkers, Sew York.
Dear Sirs
Deg to enclose herewith, money order for (38*15 covering your salary and expenses for week ending December 18th. Mr* Bdlson directs me to write you that It will he alright to go 'home during the holiday week, as per yotir request.
Yours very truly,
jf.'j
Seoretary. J
407
Dec. 21st 09.
lira. Marlon E. 0 eser,
ITodenheimor Btr. 4,
MulhauBBon, Elsass, Germany.
Dear Mra. Oeaer:
Enclosed herewith find draft for 2922 Marks 50 Pfennige, the equivalent of seven hundred dollara. Two "hundred being 'the regular monthly remittance and five hundred extra foru Chrietmas present from Mr. Edis-on.
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
411
Co M. Chapman, Esq.,
10 Bridge Street,
Hew York City.
Dear Sir:
Replying to your letter of the 16th instant Mr. Edison directs me to write you that -you may use his name as a reference In making .your application for membership in the Mexican {Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Yours ve*y Wtflry,
Secretary.
421
Doc. 22nd OO.
Cornel to Jo Buhl,Eaq. ,
Great Southern Hallway,
Buenos AireB, Argentine.
Dear 81r: ,
Hep lying to yours of the. 23rd ult . regarding the concrete house. Hr. Bdleon directs me to write you that Me euro. Harme Small were only draughtamen, and were discharged for incompetence.
*Bhe work ifl proceeding rapidly and. then the f.Ufrt h0U8e ie Bucceaefully poured Mr. Bdiaon will he happy to fumieh you with all the data etc.
Secretary ./
Yours very truly,
V-
434
J>«, S»« 09.
Z. Van Bostrand Co. ,
23 Murray Street,
Hew York City.
Deear 81r»:
I hare r« turned to you by express tfc* books on Maaonds wco.pt Ooodchilds. What Kr- *«*»» wants is a work on ttcJmical art of th« how to grind stones etc. Is there any euoh w«aW Yours very truly,.
Secretary-.
443
*T- .
tUrplT^ *#*«** f>r «• “
<*«"■** **'Wl**
«. no, •«. «-* **» - •" w 1{W- -«■ - »— *
.r— — . - ^ “* —rr
_ia in thi® owntry **** **
Rusted three compare W» xw
already sad *e care «otM«g *M% «’
Europe already ,
Yours rayy truly.
462
E. H. Johnson, Esq.,
Greenfield Paper Bottle Co.3
Metropolitan Building, 3fa*^5osfSc-
D«r Sir:
■Replying t o your Utter <Jf th» ftfrtti instant Mr. Edison directs ns toerlt* yj>u t chock for $500.00 is enclosed 5i*r***th, ftjd t}J»t January is a had time for him on noosjl Vf hf V<ml4 have sent the whole amount asked for.
Tours very truly,
in
Secretary.
Enclosure.
496
January 3rd 1910.
Robert Swing, Esq.,.
.Orr ■
University of Kashville,
tfashville, Tenn.
Rear Sir:
Replying to y enable t ter of the 28th ult. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he thinks' the state should buy two or three drills and loan them to responsible people to prospect their places where there ,1b any evidence of ore. ^ ^
The Canadian government has done this for years and it has been a great success. Tennessee IS full of minerals and the state should wake up.
Yours very truly,
dfiJUL,
502
January 3rd
My deter Dickson:
Your letter of the 18th ultimo received* Sorry to hear you oannet come . However , in the future , there nay he an opening. • 0
With kindeet regarde lor a Hdfcpy Hew Year,
Believe me, ■>
Youxa very truly,
■ ^
To Wa. K. L. Dickflon, Bet*.
4 Denman Street,
Piccadilly CircuB ,
London, *»• England.
505
January 4tix
p. ovara,
Dept. of Publicity,
Peoria, SUlMM*
Soar a**-.
nfour letter oS5^e 29«x id.t. regaining .«* lecture^™ Mr. *»«*! »• *
»Wut, Ohio, revive*. K4iBon dtTe°tB t#
****** that recollect Mr. CWAWOkt
^ ^ fAMutoor* a ^dturo Ott phy«l«f» ^onu8 *
«*** »«**» **»** «* *
*W*i*M‘ W.«» *
U85 «*»*- mW»l*-#**«* ’ «• «*
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; ¥MN%m
a*v«*«tt%
3m. nth a»ao
***. ar^n Viah##t
otOra Jew/ todn*#,
ttt-tfiMl 6i.*
bear $*Ami
+WK»Sw to ytrar
Ittstont >J l«*g -6o-M»lcfb# iwrwi** rfwjfc**- ;IM» ai pas' vjffbr* KUfltat T ^r~- wffUiui
&«***i*& the
<M ti*tl% t ife tbam wx m **tt* jw* te
«4i#, fc aft*
^ mmm*
556
jr«n. 12th leio.
*m**T<twtt***.,
***** *•«•**, vKiumu., ***#*< m*
MM
ptg&Ulg t* rtf*'-***** tfa* itttfc
<*ir*n* Jte'.fe *tt* y<w* 4* ***»« «**•# ** thlttky th* ®*tfcU fthsulA
*9 «#fc lM#tt <ftw mwMUi •» ^hrw**y ******
'fJHw# irwy
*£»t. st«fthww*
559
Jan. 13th. 1910.
coiwiisbot:1^"
H. R. Worthington, Btiq,. ,
C. W. Chisholm, «*<!•» Works Manager,
Harrison, R* J'
Vo« l.«~ of
citio ^ * *»«. “• — :r
entirely unreliable.
Yours very truly,
Asst. Secretary.
Hat tonal ^lectdlc Light Jum'n,
Mr. 1. C. Starifctei. &»cutiye Sec.,
2V We®t39tli Street, Hew York City.
Dear Sir:
KwlJlW *» J°“r lrtt" °r th' 1 Mr. MH~ • « «»• - ■* *“
t, prepare «*«*« t- >** « “
dinner. _
order on. tf Bailer', carried., » T. ** «“ "A6" battery in
Yours very truly,
Jto, 3J*% TWO
JftftW&tUfct Xaq.,
Mivan Chemical Vovka,
Sliver lake , Hew Jersey
Jfrom now on you can re4*w* the %?*WW In the .Iron Mix furnished Storage 3ait*r/
Six (6) per cent, instead of ten <10? per
PleaBe acknowledge receipt.
Yours very truly
585
Bt*t* or
'tyaxnwm.
*T‘ ^ Rk.^W| Cboinww,
flWnt Pwa, Mob.
>Q*4W*
Bo**y*»R to yon* of «» 10th
*iMrttartf rogfCF^m m„*.wtrim or » s***t«*-
4*p»0f <***« fc* tto WWW tow
S*i»t Jfcu** H, (WWW *mrlM %* *9 that to aeien^ne two* tt«W0 spa*' *# * oonaidanM* rtwrew* of dot* aptjwTod,
St to * eomeroiol ou«f«tm. mowgt ^ttawloa »rtJUE«o tfao took. «w -quartto* i»a ■fttx tfe»y 4® *t 0hw»«r *!«» etwa engine*?*
Yours wy truly,
/SCoa Q —
606
Heplying to your' letter of the 21»t Instant, Mr. Edison directs me to write .you that he will he in Orange until February lot., when
660
Jan. 29th 10
Robert R. Lore, Eaq.f
Consumers Coal Co. lnc. ,
1417 3?. Streot, IT. W.,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 27th instant received. Regarding the concrete house, Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he can do nothing toward the exploitation of the sans until the first house is successfully poured in the He suggests that you put up a nickel rowing maohlne at your coal depot, it in the town and. ell coal at mut t pltf# A |M*11 QkrtHi s»y* sixteen iHH **&&*%,
finds 'the very poor hafitig fc* j fam xmli here ty scuttles fnXi' ** tH« #»*.(«»
peftdn.
******
Mrs. lizzie Wadsworth,
2527 Prospect Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio.
Dear Madam:
Replying to your letter of the 27th instant Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he will double your allowance beginning with your check of February 15th 10.
Jan. 28th. 10.
Bo K. Johnson, Esq.,
Greenfield Paper Bottle Co , ,
Metropolitan Building, Mew York.
Bear Sir:
Yours of the 27th instant regarding the loan and eleotrio motors, received.
As per Mr. Edison* s request I enclose herewith che ok for $280.00, to reach you February 1st and will forward the other check for the same amount on March 1st.
Regarding Healy and motors, generally,
Mr. Edison wants you to see our man Ur. W. G.
Bee, mho knows aii' about it.
•, Yours very truly,
■ . 7/ i-j
Bddfe'Ul'y.
7. C. Martin, Esq.,
29 West 39th Street,
Bep lying to your letter of the 28th Instant Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he could not spare the time to see you to day, as this ie the only day he has to finish up. He says to dp the work fcji mall, it
I hog to enclose herewith a letter from A. von Ends regarding the German rights for the autobiography of Mr. Edison which he would like you to look after and explain.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.;/
674
Trank X>. Borey, Esq. ,
30 Winder Street,
Detroit, Michigan.
Your letter of the 27th instant received. The newspaper article is not correct. Bo one controls the "battery. Mr. Anderson has simply placed a Contract for a supply of batteries, running over a certain period. *
«iw*m"**«* ♦'f ' "
3 I shall be able to take care of the
trade and all will be treated alike as to price , and , first come first served.
Letterbook, LB-082
This letterbook covers the period February-May 1910. Most of the correspondence is by Edison, Harry F. Miller, and George A. Meister. Many of the letters pertain to laboratory work and supplies and to Edison’s accounts with the Edison Portland Cement Co. and J. P. Morgan & Co. Also included is correspondence regarding ongoing developments in the fabrication of molds and patterns for use in the construction of concrete houses; Edison’s search for a supply of bismuth; and the manufacture of his improved alkaline storage battery. Several letters describe the expected performance of Edison's battery on railway streetcars. Among the many items pertaining to family and personal matters is correspondence relating to Edison’s health; his membership in clubs and societies; his charitable donations; and the upkeep of his winter home in Fort Myers, Florida. In addition, there are letters concerning Edison’s opinion on the prohibition of alcohol and his suggestion for extracting the juice of discarded oranges, lemons, and grapefruits for use as citric acid, lemon oil, and "fruit sugar."
The label on the front cover contains the following notation: "Thomas A. Edison Personal From February 7th 1910 to May 21, 1910." There is an inscription on the spine with similar information. The book contains 691 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 1 0 percent of the book has been selected.
1
»*»' m mm.
Orinnell Brothers,
Detroit, Michigan.
Dear Sirs:
Regarding the enclosed letter will you kindly carry out Mr. ISdiepn** wishes, as noted in pencil on the letter - PleaBe send arouid for the young nan and after an interview with him, you consider him worthy, please furnish him with a ticket to Wewark via Penn. B. R- and give him #5.00 for expenses en Toutw- Ve will rettirn you the amount the amount promptly with out best thanks.
Youps very truly,
vJr y<* • iU^'1 I
Secretary.
13
F«b. 8th 16.
3. Poote-, Maq. ,
^impaoa at.,
Hi* Yflrtt City.
Dear 8iy:
?hi moulds tor ths 5*yl« hdhses.
«At hoi. if .SSgtgSf ^“k?*
nsa** li- *»
questions. ■ lrll» ^lnk. «nnr*r year
«i« S^6i*iritenddht. * ror .**• »*<2ataa,
YotWB ***y! truly,
'■ * i:
Sacretary,
Feb. 9th. 1910,
Purcell Eggleston, Esq. ,
care Thomas A. Edison,
Fort Myers, Florida.
My dear Pure:
Enclosed herewith find draft on Garfield National Bank, Mew York, for $60.00 being wages due you for weeks end.
.January 25th and Feb. 1st respectively.
Mr. Edison told me he would look after your time on his arrival in Florida, oo kindly tell him you were paid to Feb.. 1st (Tuesday) inclusive.
With kindest regards to all,
Believe me , 4
Yours very .truly,
?to.a . .
P. S. Draft can be cashed at the bank of Fort Myers.
G4
Feb. 14th 1910.
'
iiiM
My. H.-F. Millar, S.>o.t Edison laboratory,
Orange , New Jersey.
Dear Siri
Confirming oonf^r&ation with yourself , Jttf. Bahhman and the writer this <|ay in reference to forms for Edison Concrete Houee Mo. 3, would suggest that these forme ha made of compressed paper pulp and sawdust. Csing the Edison standard distension pattern, near as praatieal for both plain an4 onunental forms, whieh I think ear. be wade for 0f>e half the cost of east iron and two third's the VfAfiht*
Would awfsgeot tfc*$ a form
ha wade. *he Eddy Manufacturlng Co., Hull, Canada, manufaeture wc-d pulp pairs ate. now, and X aould got in touoh with them through a gentleman in Ottawa, to haw* a sample made.
The exposed parts to be glased, and ye-’ strong, anil would say they will stand the l&lh.nreosure por square inch, also 5tr« water
pro-.,.;
If Hr. Edison would approve of a sample- form of this material being made, we could sake the master up, or.a we could, in the wear, -same, file a caveat for a -patent for this style of form as suggested by the writer.
Yours very truly,
73
H. B, Diek, Bgq. ,
Midland Construction Co.,
Chamber of Commeroe,
Chicago, 111.
Door Sir:
Your letter of the 7th instant regarding the storage battery. In Canada, received. Mr. Mdlsonhas forwarded you* letter -to me from Fort Myers and directs, me ■to write you that the market in Canada would not warrant the starting of .a factory Tox batteries.
Yours very truly,
■tiyj
Secretary
»•*. xm
Kr &. F* T>. Hut Ini,
S4B Sumer at* mi*,
BTewark, Few Jersey.
Deer Madam:
As per request of Ur* Edison I beg to erurlose herewith nt&it «#» for 41Q.O0, toward tbs redltal to be gi-”® *F your Husband in Wallace Hail on Marsh m. *«•*•
Mr. *di«o» directs »e to wTite you that on his return from Florida., be thinks he t*ii give Signor Mwtini employment at the laboratory for a short time, experimenting With fflueie .
Yours toTy truly*
•4/ \ ! Jt.
4**™**xtt+ ■
jNt. 1M* 1«10»
Orinell Brotftere,
Detroit, Michigan.
Dear Sira:
-Snoioaed fl*4 ejqptieaAoney order for #21.00, mount adraneOtt ”by you for faze «te. f or »rit* lUratell*_, fz Oto DO%W»lt to Orange. He arrirsd tW* moraing-
Sbankiag you for your kl«idn**» in the mat tor, I am,
Youra rezy truly,
i /.
Secretary.
93
JM>, «»> If.
H. E„ Heitman, Esq;,,
Fort Myers, Florida.
Referring to enclosed statement, I would call your attention to two mistakes.
The pay-roll December 23rd adds up #309.72 instead of $309.74, and the bill of Dee. 31s$ for four to»B of ivory wood plaster ip #56.00 and not $60.00 as listed. Will ypu please look into these differences, advise ms and
Yours very truly,
94
we*. 17, Wiv.'* '
Mrs. Marietta Foote,
146 Hawley Street,
Binghamton, 11 • Y-
Dear Mrs. Foote:
Replying to your letter of tb»
Oth instant, Mr. Edison directs me to write y0l, that he is not personally familiar witrti |.
the Elwell Parker motor or controller W»«A •by Anders oni hut from what our hatter Jr say , the Anderson outfit is a good -one*
Yours very truly,
ii.
umtenr/ /
/
19th It.
J. Martin, Esq.,
care Suild and Martin,
Prudential Building,
Eewark, Bow Jersey.
Dear Sir:
Your letter Of the 10th instant received. Enclosed find paper covering the right of way aoroee tract of land at Menlo Park; signed and acknowledged hy Mr. Edison.
Yours very truly,
Secretary. J
jeh. 31, 1910*
J. H. Wood , Esq. ,
39 Cortlandt St. ,
Hew York City.
^ c“ for $1000.00, on dwelling at Eprl; ^erB*
,Xorida.AD you are aware tkat^r.
is opposed to mutual companies, and as
*i' ap^eare on the policy, you will PXeaee transfer the risk to some stock oom^’ «.»• “d ’
S^oretA*?-
|
r«K 9W iftfc
»** «.***&. ■
%, *1U «**n tiKA iiLtiHitt Jtto** ******
*#» v«* w &*ia w wito.
tto«&tii) «i *. laaJrts
2*. 44th *0,
3>4israfc. ^iripiwiii
1ft tiub
ata% ^*fc te*«*,W.,s«sh «* ««. *40*
Marc* 2nd 10.
Arthur Brisbane, Esq. ,
New York Evening Journal,
?Tew York City.
tty dear Sir:
Replying to yours of the 27th t»li, regarding the concrete mixer, X welds* ttoSir of a letter 1 wrote you on December 18th etatlng that Mr. Edison would bill the liixer to ytSu. He will purchase a new one for KMeelf .
The oils we billed you cost ua without same of the aoiseBBorifef , which ipent t« yoo. W haye-nade ytftt a price of ^J50,<?0 for the mfxer and extra parte ■>
Idf tfte mittpr is unsatisfactory to yofc *aeai^t Iwtrieo- and I will write Mr. Edison, Whi 1« In Florida, fox* his advice.
-^eos^V-ry-
4
Yours very trtq.y.
.'1.83
March. 2nd 10.
E. Schaar-BegeXinan , Eeq? ,
21 State Street,
Vew York City.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of t^e 2let *il%. regarding lithium Carbonate yeoaived. Hxj Edison direct* ne to write y»u that he Sa* Just cloved an order for three tons with iferafk. this will keep ion is Lithium Carbonate far the euamer.
Year* very truly.
Henry C. Domming, Esq.,
15 Worth third Street,
Harrisburg, Pemna.
Bear Sir:
Your letter o t ib*» £»»d ul** »*» forwarded to Ur- Edison in Timm* and bey just "been received at this Otffap Wltf) following answer:
"Your* at the 22nd ult. reoeiyed- <***& to hear at good -result* of -cement* awneaf
aa. going to try a large number of wrperfcwnt* tb a 68 if I cannot *o improve it, <&#■* W *t:l* 4ti«d in « elass "by itself.
Do you know of any cheap supply of WmV/fr prea-" (Signed) Edison.
Yours very truly, ^ f
7V' <U\ (
Secretary.
Mar. 4,
10.
Rev. The©. A. Baldwin,
Bvouaea,
Turkey- in-Asia.
Bear Sir:
Replying to your letter of the 2nd ult. Hr. Edison direct* pa to write you that the concrete he usee la ordinary Portland Cement, 100 parte, 15 part* of a lay ground up to a pulp in water, 200 parts of wand. The whole well mixed with sufficient water to skIss it of consistency of thin oreaa.
Rive hundred parts of gravel can he added %o make blocks.
Yours very truly.
Secretary.
220
Xv, Hu#,
Miflo Winifred Holt,
44 Bast 78th St.,
New York City.
Dear Miss Holt:
Replying to your letter
of the 25th ult. Sir; Edison directs me to write you that you have his permlsBion to use his name as patron for the benefit to he held on the evening of March 28th for the New York Association for the Blind, at the Hotel Aotor.
Yours very truly,
228
Prank D. Lombie , Esq.,,
American Building Corporation,
299 Broadway, Hew York City-
Your letter of the 28th ult.
,ent to Hr. Edison at Eort Myers, has bean
returned to this office.
He directs me to write you that hi* impression is that the trouble is that people TOnt a beautiful house, so striking cheaper than anything huilt -of wood and until they get it, the market will he limited.
flhen hie fonns are ready and the House a success you will find that there will He no scarcity of buyers at double the cost.
Yours very truly ,
251
tta*. xm xo.
Elorenee A. V. Twombly,
Executrlx~H. Mck. Twombly,
Mills Building, Hew York.
Dear Madam:
Replying to your letter of the 3rd instant Mr. Edison directs me to write you that the bonds of the' Edison Storage Battery Go. are worth about eighty fire cents on the dollar. Stock no quotation. Its value is prospective as the company has just started business ■
The Edison Ore Milling Syndicate went out of existence many years ago.
Do not know anything about the Horth Amerioan Trading & Transportation Co.
Yours very thuly,
Secret ary.
torch 19,
John C. Kinkel, Esq.,
371 Pulton Street,
Brooklyn, New York.
Dear Sir:
Replying to your letter of the I4tk instant asking for the address of Thomas A. Edison, Jr., would aay that he ls on th# move a great deal, and if you will forward your letter in my care I will see that it
reaches him.
Yours very truly,
305
Mrs. A. H. Cowley,
Your letter, of the 12th inmtartt addreBBed to Mr. Edison. at Fort Myerva ha* ■been returnod to this office for answer^
Ho dirocta me to write you that he 4a very sorry that ho cannot he with yota at the Home Coming Wee* and Normal School Reunion, aa he shall he away 1» Europe ** that time .
Your a very truly.
Mar. 23rd 10.
S. Bergmann, Esq.,
23 Cudenarder atr . ,
Berlin, N. Germany.
Dear Sir:
Enclosed herewith find letters from Mr. Siegfried Olin, Pinland, and Mr.
Mehaly Rosenhkonig, Siberia, Russia, for your attention.
Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he thinks it would be well for you to get posted on the oar that is running regularly in New York. There is a great demand for them*
Ydurs very truly,
U'.'C ' ■ 7
Secretary/
334
liar eh 25, 10.
vj.au Carrie »• Chandler ,
Lafayette A ve. Pres. Church,
Lafayette Ave. & Oxford St., Brooklyn , Sew York.
Dear Hie a Chandler:
Replying: to your letter of the 18th instant , to. Edison directs tie to write you that the paragraph, -
"Society will have to stop this whiskey business, which is like throwing sand into the bearings of a steam engine"
is correctly quoted.
Yours very truly
Secretary.
Mar. 28th 10,
R. D. Caoterlina, Esq. ,
1918 He. 18th Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Pear Sir:
Replying te yeur letter ef the 20th instant Mr. Edisen directs me te write yeu that he ne lenger uses cehalt and is net further interested in it.
Yeurs very truly,
■iiJ.i'
Secretary.
Mar, 28th 10.
Mr. Arthur V. White,
2 Earl Street,
Terente , Canada.
Dear Sir:
Yeur letter ef the 18th instant with encleawe received. I am returning herewith the enclesure with Mr. Edisen's netatien thereen, as fellews:
v ie a cenfused sensatienal
statement made hy the reperter, / -based .n a general statement made W me that many experiments and result*
•f experiments, published in Scientific heehs were errenleus and misleading; and that in many cases they caused * Beri.ue less ef time and m.ney t. the practical man . 11 (gtgn#d) Mis*n.
Yeur e very truly ,
Secretary.
vatt* act % mo.
368
Apr iX 8, XO*
J6hn liao*, E***
aa st. J«*«» 8*.i
liontrM*, C^rad*.
paar Sir:
Your, letter of the 30 th Ult.
„..rtlne « »»»«« »»»** *“’*”*• " *1U ”s „ .... ot tU» J»»t •»«“
M JW0MU.M W *“4 , „
r*—
Et», U»MUOtt«»» M f«" “ * f"
not ice •
Your o very truly,
mu
Stark Ciiapman, .
Baxlvllle, Yew York.
Bear Sir:
Your letter of the 23rd »H.
«*• lir,0“ “ “ ym «u,t a ^ ""rl” ““ “ t ^
1* „»t «-!-«». “ “ P”“”
w - - ** «b“
the phonograph with loud hand muelc helpe
3TS
April 4th 10-
Prof. Michael 1. Pupin,
1 West 72nd. Street,
Blew York City.
pear Sir:
Youre of the 26th ult. regarding the etatue of American inventors in foreign countries received. Mr. Edison directs me
A
to write that he will co-opsrate with you, but will be unable to join you at the dinner, to be held en April 8th.., he being at his winter home in PI or ids and will not return
pecretary*-
until the latter part of this month.
Yours very truly,
*I>rU 6th 10.
«di*on Portland Qeaont qo\t 3Cr. Bdufund H. Carh&xt ,
Stewart BTillfl , 2?» w. Jersey .
3>ear Hr. Carhait:
Kr* -»4l»6ja &l**ctea mts to write Mr. Carman to lock aTter iho Ifenio Pork property and see that no **e Manage* it or uaae it without pefexistUon, and 1 tolB done ao to-day.
Your* rery truly,
H7J$&
Secretory.
«$***%* i».
Biyloy
Bradley «Oift»«GiU^t WU .
1 ll*ta»tfn.13fc«! *«**.?
Bear Slri
the applloarite^. -^Hk
York, x •«¥& ^KliBOnj
who 1* 4n%it)»-Sida wsi -h*. -ahnt'B* the $»cto6ad telegas** Wja^oVliJg tl«Q»
398
4»$?iVtafe id.
> Daui* swinger ,
Schaefer Alkaloid Vdfrkfc,' Maywood , HOW Jo Mery*
Down he xe in Florida whore 1 spend 5^ winters, they hatre just erected a large Orange Packing House* Of the total Oranges and Orape “fruit shipped, about SO, POO boxes are rejected And thrown away*
1 hare spoken to the President , Mr. Holtman, suggesting that they write you and ascertain if you would handle the product, if they would put in a press and express the jttice from the Oranges and Crape-jTfcuit and ship it in barrels to you for the .extraction of the Citric Acid, oil Demon and Fruit Sugar-
They could ship the peel for further extraction of oil- of Demon.
Hp will probably write you on the subject. .
TTours rery truly,
(Signed) paiawn.
Original. sent in Mr. Ddieon's handdwritl^g yellow pad, lead pencil dated April .10*
\
April 15th 10.
S . Bergmann , Es q. ,
23 oudenarderetr. ,
Berlin, H. Germany.
Dear Mr. Bergmann:
Your letter of the 24th ult. received. Mr. Edison diredts me to write you that all the estimates as to coBts of factory and manufactures, and all data are in the hands of J. P. Morgan & Co. Parshall is investigating and he thinks it will he favorable
Beech's street car is proving a great auccess and I enclose herewith one of the numerous press clippings, descriptive of the same.
YourB very truly.
Secretary.
Enclosure .
April 15tb 10.
H. H. Howe, HBq. ,
care A. Pardee A Co.,
252 Drexel Building,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dear Sir:
Replying to your letter of the 4th instant Ur. Edison directs «e to write yott that the new battery is all night. there ate two aiees, called '’AA* and "A8!*. the else *A4rt will go on good roads about 90 to >00 mil t)H and the "A6" ISO to 160 miles, depending on the runabout. You can depend upon the batter?*
As to the life of the battery, tj«*t dWp#iid* upon -following our instructions, they will IfeAt several years and can be made nearly a6 good A* new for one half the original coBt-
The battery costs- a little high to obtain reliability and very light weight it nae twice the power of a lead battery of the saw® weight and will Outlapt several sets pf fee#/
April loth. 10,
I
My dear Baaigalupi:
Your letter of the 2nd instant received. 1 am sorry to hear you have dropped out of the -wholesale husinesB- You are right, you have heena "Square Dealer" and you should he proud of it.
It is , and haB been a pleasure to deal with a man who has always fce«t and is, Vf ****»> honest.
Regard!^ the $«*»* 1 ta0*
aMut o» »»» «*. “» 1 ““ **
part to Hr. «**. *» «» « «'*“*
-thrown 3^8^-
1ciha*Ht regards, heliev#
.Yaurs "very truly,
7/ir'. f £’V-Urt
petsr ****»
stmt*
Ssn Pranci80d, Cal’
448
April 21st 10
Mrs. Stuart Shoetz,
Hackettstown, N. J- Dear Madam:
Your letter of the 20th instant received. You certainly misunderstood our circular letter. Mr. Edison does not construct cement, houses, he is Just experimenting, and as soon as he pours the first house here at Orange, he will then license others to huild them.
The moulds for the first house are about half finished and they will probably be completed this summer; when he will pour th first experimental house on his property here in Orange.
I enclose another circular letter; r9ad it over carefully and you will find have got a wrong session of the matter-
Yours veTy truly,
HIM
Secretary.
Apr. 23, 1910
Mi. Edward D. Adams,
71 Broadway,
Sew York City- Dear Sir: -
Answering year letter of the 18th Hurt., regarding Mr. Paul Mankiewita, a Director of the Deutsohe Bank, of Berlin; -
Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he will he ftlad to see him any day convenient to him. provided he will give Hr. Edison one day’s notice, hy telephone or otherwise, of his contemplated visit,
Yours very truly,
i
-April 19th 10.
Heaoh:
Hare axe -a few figure e rapidly made, upon receiving your letter today, April 19th. Perhaps I hare made some error somewhere , go oyer the subject yourself and you -will realize ‘importance of light weight battery.
Assuming oar weighs 14000 pounds with 35 passengers at 180 pounds each, 4000 for passengers, 200 cells battery 8B40, leaves 7160 .pounds for car. Hence it requires -a pound of car to carry a pound of battery or passenger, or remove ab la material, and the parts of the -car will be under a certain Btrain. these strains are due to its own weight and the. weight of the battery and passengers, straining the body and the chassis bf concussion.
Ihe -only -safe thing to do when you add a pound of weight -of any hind is that a pound should be added to the oar. “Very few have attained this.
How let us figure out the car run with Exide battery, which is the only one ll^it enough to be considered, but which will not stand the sharp jars of a car; which are very much sharper than on a rubber tired vehicle. There the }ar is softened by the rubber and doe. not have -wo great a tendoncy to jar the oxide out of the -lead grid*
Edison Eattery A4 240 VolV 150 amp.
56000 watts, .7 tons 71 miles, at 72 watts ton mile, weight 2840.
Exile 11 -Plate weight 30 pounds with crate . 120 cells 5600 pounds, 33600 wattejreight ■ddwd 760 pounds'. To Jc*ep Strains same 760 pounds S be addeaTtbtal 1520.. This require.
55 watts extra per mile, 83 mile run 3339 watts, SirlStSStea fro* its full rated capacityof 33600, leaves only 30261, M? S739 watts short of EdlBon battery- Evidently this battery is too small if caw. i. to be maintained with PMpar strains.
#Gi
Ihe piaxt else is:
«np., weight per cell with^tra^ ’ iS^pouSda? ‘Total L^am Weight added 2200 pounds
i2nna^ p2n?t^t 0tratn a<W «00 pounds; ea* tota"’ till ^*i6 retJuireB 154 "*«» eitxa per
5*.r®» or 97Q2, extra watte required- This Buhtrimtoa only 306X8 watte, which, is 5382* d ^U^nS°do ±f E4is°n ?at*?ry‘ Evidently this size wm not do if car is tp he made to fit the load.
w-i+w®* the 16 pWe battery. Okie wpigka with crate 48 pounds, 120 cellB total 5760
mQ |P.»*W “9™ than the Edison Battery. £*3* •«<>«* capacity total 47040 wait
W® ®*tra requires 3980 pounds of car to PVf?- iJPfal ,594? pounde, or, 208 watts per mile 0X £2? £3 miles 13104 extra watts. Deduct this frpm 47040 le&ve e 33936 watts, or 2064 less.
ratApg, than t>e Edieon Battery at normal rating. This -battery might just .pull thru for three months, with hAnest 6arf i.e. (pound to PuJ£i a pound, of removeable weight) but I doubt it.
I think the next size pr 17 plate is the only one that will do it.
■17 plate. 3?4 ampere, weight with tray 54 pounds, 120 cells, total 6480 poundB, or. 3640 pounds more than the Edison (200 A4) 53760 watte, ' now 3640 pounds extra ’load’ requires 3640 extra car weight; total 7280 poundB. which at 72 wattB, calls for 255 8xtra watts per mile, pr 15810 watts. This subtracted1 from 53760 watts leavee 37950 watts.
How with an honest built oar, 17 plate Exide is the smallest battery that will do the work, and keep same oar strains and depreciation, of course the track will depreciate more and wear of wheels be more, chains etc. ' . '
■Where these lead people will fool the R.R. people is in overloading the car with extra weight. The battery might be kept up for five cents car mile, but how about extra strains and wear. The R.R. men can't see this until too late. However,
• if R.R. people have bright engineers they will hot be fooled by these people. .
I would have been a fool to have worked seven years and expended nearly two million, to get the weight down to half,. and its life two or three times greater, if I did not know what wap required to spire vehicle traction in Cities in a commercial why.
These figures Are hastily made and you may find a flaw in them; "but you can do some figuring yourself, and you will see what an important thing reduction in weight is, in batteries.
(Signed)
SDISOU .
To {U H. Beach, Esq. ,
10 Fifth Avenue,
Hew York City.
Original letter In Mr. B?s handwriting, pencil, y«p. received from Florida on April 23rd and forwarded to Mr. Beach same day.
April 25«t 10.
Clifton Copper Bolt Mining Co.,
Mr. Trank B. FUs«n, Gen< Manager,
Salt take city, Utak.
Boar Sir:
Mr. iSdiuon ttiroctA «e to vwrlto you tkat ke can now USO Blejautk. Please gire us
a quotation un »*k WM? *iWttitk °**»
Most skipping ^pplnl 19 payload lot* nlth. away-. Cquld it bo *J» *>9* 1,1 S°W?
Yours rpry truly,
Soorutary .
482
Straight lighting 32 Cello 171 lbs. each -weigh Capacity 300 ampei-ae B. R. Co. pay
- - - TRAIN. Ilttfill]
ms
Axit dyhamo & applianbe weigh 1$ belie 171 iha* each * dkfcuhUy 800 R. R. 04. pay
954 pounds 2736 *
9.$ K.*«R. $9OP*0O
6V72 pounds 1® X.V.H. $fc0fc. to $660.
,23180V
Axis dynamo & appliances weigh *** pounds
27 Cells 27 lbs. each "
$*DfWity 500 as® eras 3.6 Z.V&,
m B, Oo* P»y« Axle devices #6QQ. battery $729. $1329.00
Slight lighting
AS* go Pell" *7 »*• a*0*1
Oapaplty 30° m****
R, R, Co. pay
l$qo pownbjj ^ K.W.S*
$1350.00
STOP.n the car average. 3»0 mil.. P« de» *lto Straight sighting- W°° »«“«» ot tatt.ry s«ll.d «■*!,
dl.tann. S« «» « * ““**• ^
mile hauling, a. *«*t on »»1. high W.M trnln, it
toaoUrttB to #1.13 per day, qr #332, per year of 312 days.
With the Lead Battery we have 5472 pounds hauled the distance or 957 ton miles daily, which at l/2 cent per ton mile amount b to #4,75 dally or $1491.00 per year.
It would t$pear from this that the R. R. Co. could buy our battery, haul It around for a year and then throw it away * and it would he cheaper than It wotCLd he to haww the Lead Battery presented to them, ae a free gift, together with a check for #220,
With Axle Lighting if our battery lasts one end
one half years the Railroad Co. would have to receive Lead Battery as a gift to oonippte-
Apr, 26*b Jpj
The Century Magazine,
lir. Clarence C. Buol,
Associate Editor,
Union Square, U. Y.
Boar Six:
Replying -to your letter at the 164b.
Instant regarding the interview, I beg to. say that Mr. Edison loft it in Florida by mistake.
He has sent for it, but if you have a copy of the manuscript, please send it to Orange and he will go over it and return it to you ae soon as possible .
Yours very trull',
SounsUiy. /
499
nftaMr. SBd* a®-
"*. X. L. Dickson, E»q.r 4, Denman Street,
Piochdilly Circus,,
London, w. JSngland,.
DwCr <sirt
Your letter «r the 16th instant ttr. Edison directs b» to -write mx*l this is out of his. line, bo he cannot -use You* esrffct, see Mr- PsrafaaX*, cons»lt±je «jglW*C\ St Salisbury House , London %3.1,.
X«(Ac>s e.O. Snglanfi, who is u. friend, of !Er> TSdieon aTtf *p t* in Mr. Par8hailrs line Hr. Sdlsontis «S0« Ilf would be int created.
Yaurn very truly > ,
Secretary-
Apr. 26th 10,
C. S« Spatpr, *
306 Shrove
san yfamvitMtO'f C&i.
Bear Sir:
Your letter of the 12-fih g'd&flfe d. ifr* 'Bdiaoif tflJ r'dfcftf#' WI& W y^ma y&a tHat AiWfcWon is a £**«& ****** ^ *** « **& VOVPW and will probably *4 a l«fc* ^
*be future* ,
Tiw? X#peden Company ie 4 ^ hap .fcflen very sUopaeafUl' *1® wUlnrt #*» ip np* tijsd op tp anybody, all <»**<***' will %4 ****** An *toe ord*;r of recpdpt and all VIIV get *&« price-
'Truoics a ti a Blow eale t a#
U not educed up to WW*- U^*#**» TBhiCleB bate ft£pod Bale • i*
ddubt, however, fl»i* you wpuld be ^ $?/?>* *&* p<f ttf4t your prindipdi would be
it iftH 4#M# tiie* w &t> ii' If you rollw ™ „»h Ml' «* W« W*» WV*'** *”“>»* *"
If. ». He-htdr-
W. E, Towles, Bai.,
Eyero, Florida.
2Joar Sir-
Tours of the 24th instant received. Bithejr you fulfil your contract or I shall ask the Court tp re 11 ere -me tttiin it. You disturb the palm* at your risk, as I hare a contract interest in them.
Yours truly.
May
Johfr is/w*. ,
Penn*,
Dear Mr* Mprxds:
y#«r let-tor e>f tixo Vit.
rasai-rad. 'Mr. Edl.aoh directs »Q t© yrj-ie J?# that ha is not goi-ns to do usyiMse a® ^ district, ^ust hOF; »*? went y*» ***«*'
Y?w» vary fcrwjy .,
May 4th 10.
H. E, Heitman, Esq.,
Port Myers, Florida.
Dear Sir:
I enclose herewith a copy of letter received at this office to-day from W. H. TowleB, Fort Myers, vfaich explains itself.
Mr. Edison directs me to write you to secure the hest lawyer in town, he is going to fight this man clear up to Washington.
Yours very truly,
;
Secwetary-
564
May B, 1910
D. S . Metals Befining Co.,
#42 Broadway, H. 1.
Gentlemen:-?
BeplyilS to 7«M of «“ «*• "SO'-Ofog Bioimeh.
». sainon »e to wi«. 70» that B. -U -
uutil nont n-. HO - only 0,0 it wit* profit - ^
. v- H0 WOUiu XliCd
« » »•»- fox - entirely ...
to git. M» • x.»S» «“ »f 4,“ "
US. and will not affect tho tognlox »rtet.
Yours very truly,
Secretary
mm/Ty
Hay 4th *»©.
leSiAl
I send yon the ho letters in Confidence. Dent let Rogers too* yon see
'U\
dill's- 01% ... read XIlw
W.S. We are naw guaranteeing battery to truck Ufeers for 5 years and renew for one half of l»t. We are dead safe they are good for 5 or more^
eopy of letter sent- to S. Bergnann to Ms ho«e with letter e from R. to P.L.D- & w.G.B.
571
teiy 6th JO.
S. TBergmann,
as Oudouardex "Six* „
Berlin, 2f, (JftMnausr,
So«r'Mr. Bargtaann:
Your letter <sf the ?Sjd 'Ult , rec®iT>ed. £ do tart sue how we fcohld apare :@ny ■flake. TTe nd» work htght am& day to supply ■mvpeVrQB .and we should hare to -atop -miunttf act wing to the extent vT the amount 7<m take-
3he flake .making apparatus ie cheaply and •aafctty made ana Hr, 3Mgfii*s’ hnbwa all about itfw«
-could gi¥* you full IWJtwctionn. It# the simplest Imaginable thing to dd, * understood you had -plenty -of room.
■jhe Snglitsh -export Han -made his ^hrt ^
and I expect to hear from the® In a feu weeks- »> wont Into the thing thoroughly* I**3 a ***£* reP™* is extraordinarily favorabis-
Hearn • and Company ham •3'*t V)****^*
5h«ir lead batteries and takeh uurtv ****
^how toot uoWith-etanding W **
t4»oo^* much as Me ******* ‘
One -half of 'their v&tc&* wove lead m ****** ,T8d^eo»? f9* the P*** fcrar
Yours very ir^Or*
#?g§?
May 6th, 1910,
Mr. Morris Raohlin, President,
Union Building Co.,
Union Bldg., Bowark, 12. J.
Bear* Sir; -
Mr. Upton informs me that you have deoided to use Edison Cement on the Essea; Building - a new office structure which your Company proposes to put up in Iiewark.
Please accept my thanks for your Order. I am certain you will find Edison Cement to he all that is claimed for it.
With my best wishes for the success of your undertaking.
1 am,
Yours very truly,- - - ^
D. Van IToatrand Co, ,
23 Murray Street,
Mew York City.
Dear Sirs:
Till you kindly send to the Laboratory one copy of the "Handbook for Motion Picture Operators" by Oscar B. Depue and C. Francis Jenkins, sending the bill to us.
Yours very truly,
581
May 9th 10.
United States Metal Refining Co.,
Mr. E. Y. Robert son, Gen. Mgr.,
42 Broadv/ay, Rev/ York.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 6th instant received.
Mr. Edison directs me to write you that you do not understand his position; it is this.
He has found a new use for Bismuth. ,It will displace another metal , hut this metal cannot he displaced with any profit to himself, without he can get the Bismuth at a certain price. If he knew the price and could he certain of a regular supply he could erect the proper apparatus to use it.
He knows the commercial position, as regards the English and Germany combination and he owns a Bismuth-Cohalt mine near Cobalt, Canada, hut so far he has not been able to work the mine on account of costs*
Yours vety truly,
U6pa%$f'
Chas. H. Schott, Esq;, 560 Broadway,
Replying to your letter of the 5th instant Mr. Edison directs me to write you that the fight and disreputable pictures are taken by pirates, and we cannot control them.
We are trying to stop them and have suits now in courts. We control 90^ of all the films and they are all censored hy the Board of Censors at Hew York.
Yours very truly,
ms
Secretary .
592
fc»y 8tfc io^
;S<Bl Jtstata A Ideal Homes Sxpoaltion3
®r. X, 1. Haskell, General Manager,
. One Madioon Arvme, Yon York. City.
Bear Sir: .
Tour letter or the ?th inotsnt reo^vha. Mr* -Sdison directs me to nsitc you that he -niia. aa* get the -model of the honse t*er id? it aSafr transportation, together with A iron #HSuliia «tsr
Qeolu4i](f
He -would like the ^gjaee a»?ay Sfrdjti Oeajfint exhibit as he does act 'want -it VZth a every one nin hh daaHfe tv
project.
^auw
^eczetosQr,
3 »«V ».
Saawl ievtnaoa,
105 T13Llian Straat,
Itartyujglj. , >Jew York,
Dear six:
^2bar letter ot the "6th Instant oafct&g some Cosatitms jaxtalning to -electricity *e nb%im6* Yett* qaeatiDns -and JSr. Xdiso&'a mam t» da» estm a a* *a loliwrsa
U‘v 1* electricity a goo4 Jit^?'*sslo» 1»r a Veung wart nr United means to •purawT?
la a aokbtX fcr 'Jjjfee jfoc* the Tstafc to get
-a t after of electcioity®
Av- 3h4fpK
V» ^on aletrtrloivy ifc >*4©4ita&J»- t«
OT tlx msatiia in «sn iloo^lwa 4»l!
IWtffc 've*y UspiiSy^
j»ep«tary.K
Bay £0.
ite. allwm *mn 1U»> *» *M* lf *“ ’***“
j&sto-any »« i«ox»*«a ® *» «* »"* “,'^*
4ii it. atnital W ***■ Wl<1 “ * <a””!
W « aiBMOttj »« ***•!•> ■**
TfCJWft **»«- „ , //
' jl; //■ '
598
HayVth 10.
H. P. Parahall, Ssq. ,
Salisbury House ,
London tfall,
London, e.a. England.
Bear Mr. ParshalD
Enclosed Herewith find copy -of letter from Mr- JTohn T. Morrow, Sew York, datsa Hay 3rd, regarding the exploitation of »tor»gt> battery in England.
X have only Just seen hi®, hattefc 'ta*h Plorlda. l)o you think him a good mafe, ^ ^t^aws* install the English works,, providing accept ay proposition-
'Yo'uts
May 11th lO.
Uranic L. Vileon, Esq. ,
1107 Eleventh. Are . ,
Altoona, Penna.
My dear Sir:
me small sample of the in whichSjismutli. ocoutb*
I am in no hurry for Bismuth, hut am looking out for a future supply.
Can you send
uni*'
different rarities of ore
X have found a new use for It, but it»B cost to me at Orange iahtkt hot e*&teW cents per pound of XetalliO Bismuth; otherwise I cannot substitute It for the davioe already i« U8Q-
I Bhall probably need, nart year, about 400 pounds daily, which will increase. Suppose the proper way would be to .concentrate the ore to fcigfc grade by jigging or nitre? or even »
rough matte of the metal* *o freight rates would t>* within reason.
Xauxe vety-
Oliver Ofaillea Flo-
K r. A. A. Frederick. Tar. Agent.
Gantiernen: -
replying to youre of the 10th met., asking us to have
one of OUT ropre.ant.tivee coil .. ... *•“ '«*“*“* HO^. «*««_.
for induotrial locomotive purposeo, I tee to “,is" that ” ** ”S‘
„ r. 1. Byex. Vlo. President of the Edison StOr.g. Battery o.
,ho If in -£®f£ •*« •» South Bend and see yon. * «"
donhtodly coll on yon .lthin the neat few days.
Tours very truly,
1(1
May 16th 10.
H» X< Heitman., ,
tfort Myers, Florida.
Dear Sir:
As per Instructions from Mr. Sdiaott I encloee herewith oopy of oontract hewteen Thos. A^ Xdison and T^trles and Bull regarding the Main! Trees on Rireraide Are. The following jayments have hewn made:- July 8th 1907 $1000.00
April 14th 1908 $ s6OfQ0_
$1600.00
4
Yours rery truly ,
$-7jLu,
Secretary.
Jpypfo*— frr-
.... . ., ......... ....... . . „ , , , ^
M&y X6te 3.0.
JaniBS Rloalton, Sbij. ,
Ifeplewood* Me* Jersey.
Dear Mr. Ricalton’l
Yours of tee M-te mstaat
received. 1*. Bdteon directs toe to Write you teat Re * "9 ** obliged tor tee gdmS, Rut so far Ra* not Reen aRle to «***» teem. He says tee Kaffir. **«■• is a great cariosity and Rae It up to tee house. tTould Itee to toow « you are going t> Re Rusy teis surner?
YOure very tsuiy,
MM-
Secretary.
tern* Hfeuwnt
****** -m*
*j&*jUi&**** $*& -mjO»c»c -to ,«W»
*A *er***-
?r* «i*r *w* * <***• *4*** ***
mm ^ __
Kpvxb *axy t&*Sy
^M- . ■'- -:^
f4
*h*fc*a^
Kay 18th 10.
George B. Brasher, Esq. ,
Sec. -The Pennsylvania Society,
Hutton Building, Spokane, Wash.
My dear Sir:
Your letter of the 10th infant received. There is no douht about the success ot the Storage Battery street car, it has now been .running three months on the 28 th & 29th Sts. Crosstown Xine in Hew York. electrle carriages.
The sales of which are increasing rapidly.
The mileage ’IB such with the new battery, that a man and wife and child can go out all day on one charge. On good roads here 150 mil** i* ^ing *one.
They will probably displace the cheap
gasoline cans, » »~Pl. - «■**« «“ rW“”
„d npheep of the latter are "ally prohibitory , and
they seldom W> »«r W °"
„„ the electric and the cpheep a. compare to gasoline is a mere nothing.
Yesterday the Hew York limes contained ^ advertisement of Healy and Company, «- -H
644
building electrics instead of gasoline cars. The advertisement states that their latest Brougham with four people was running between New York and Philadelphia (104 miles) daily, on one charge.
They use 70 cells of the new type battery.
1 have no interest in the street car,
„ T) TT Beach of 10 Fifth Avenue , you can address Mr- R. «. Beacn oi
New York City, about that.
So far the only electric carriage
. builders who have designed their carriages so new
battery can be used are . -
On New York,
, _ Dew lor*,
Healy and Co.
Bailey ana Co. to”Wiy'
Anderson Carriage Co. Detroit. H
„ +hp largest and are Belling The last named company
hansden & Company, of Newark, New Jersey,
are makers of one , two end two and one-half ton trucks. Adams Express Co. have 160, Macy
department stores. The Anderson Carr ag
underetand, will eoon Bring oat a truck.
I thinl if y"» °°"ld y°”
,, taio 0» the agency for twee people, «d 0 ... Built where f»iW ^
“4— . - - — “i”“
G.B.D.
will, in time result, and this Business is exceed¬ ingly profitable •
Ip, 8. I enclose herewith the latest catalogues of the Lansden Co. and the Edison Storage Battery Co,
646
CONFIDBHTIAL . lfay 18th *10.
H. M. Howe, Esq. ,
care A. Pardee & Co. ,
252 Drexel Building,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Dear Mr. Howe:
Your letter of the 16th instant received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that he is not familiar with the Detroit, hut his men say it 1b good, he is familiar -with the vehicle made by the Bailey Co. , of Amesbury, Hass, and says it. is a good one.
Prom the price mentioned you will ©air. an "A 6" battery. Tills will be -cheaper than lead, as it outlasts lead three or four times.
After ydu have had it for a while Mr. jdison would like to have you drop him a line, letting him know how you ate getting on Vith it.
Yours very truly,
Secretary.
Ohio Valley Exposition,
Mr. E. B. Davison,
Commissioner General,
Chamber of Commerce Bldg.,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Yours of the 14th instant regarding the exposition to he held at Cincinnati, betwen the 4th and 18th of September received. Mr. Edison directs me to write you that September is a long way off and that he is so overloaded with work that he may not be able to come.
YohrB very truly.
■jl y/M,
Secretary.
64?
Hay 19th 10.
672
May 20. 1910.
Mrs. Chari 03 Batchelor.
33 W. 85th St. .
Hew- York City.
My dear Mrs- Batchelor:
I enclose you correspondence between 'Messrs. Hettil 1 i- Kogers, who want to got a valuation on Phonograph Works stock to nay t.;e transfer test. . I do not toot? who these people represent.
•The Works 3tock is all right ana is worth par, ana will in time resume- dividends, as 1 as; sure the phonograph business will in tine pick up.
If you wouia prefer to take no risks and would rather have Bonds of the Works instead of stock, I, will exchange twenty- five $1,000, ,00 bonds for the $25,344.00 par value stock you have if you accent within a month. l’ha bonds pay 5$. Ail the bonds hut thirty are owned by me. Of the $300,000.00 bonds originally issued, $84,000.00 have been paid off, leaving $216, OOOYO'Jroovering the pronorty of the Works— the only lien.
You can send anyone over to investigate the fairness of this proposition. Charley’s stock is the only stock out that is not owned" by me, end if i had it I could put two other companies together and save money in the book-keeping department^ ary on account of these shares.
Yours very truly, ^
Letterbook, LB-083
This letterbook covers the period May-August 1910. Most of the correspondence is by Edison, Harry F. Miller, and George A. Meister. Many of the letters pertain to cement construction projects; ongoing progress in the development of molds and patterns for Edison’s concrete house; the manufacture of Edison's improved alkaline storage battery and its use in automobiles, trucks, electric railway vehicles, submarines, and yachts; and the production of batteries in Germany. Among the items relating to personal and family matters are letters regarding Edison’s health and finances and the upkeep of his winter home at Fort Myers, Florida. Also included is a letter to F. W. Keitel of the Farmers Land Co. in which Edison discusses his idea to provide irrigation water to farmers with a series of pumps run by small electric motors.
The label on the front cover contains the following notation: "T.A.E. Personal - From May 21 st 1 91 0 -To- August 29th 1910.” There is an inscription on the spine with similar information. The book contains 698 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 10 percent of the book has been selected.
1
V
Uy dear Parehall
I had already told Jack Korgan that 1 thought ha had hotter not go Into the battery, scheme in England. 1 asa fr cm reports that there were no vehicles or instrumentalities in that country at pro sent to warrant it* X aleo refund to «p the matter with Korgan-Harjes at Parle,
Patll Bergmann makes thd new battery he cannot hove any Bucoeoa. Over here things are booming. Jhe Erie and also Lackawanna have taken up the pubjeot of electrifying their suburban traffic with pur storage battery.
Am making a cell which has exjormoue charge and diBcharge rats, to be upod Ph an electric locomotive pulling four or five caps (ordinary kind);
■ so far the figures are surprising for the email Investment*. turjK v, £Z<r
. Parshall, Esg. . "C"
Salisbury House-; %- ■ London Wall;.’;^^ ■ London;-, -EnglSad^
With jfiindest regarde, believe me
m xMt
uty *lst
Seym our JBenthey. ,
jSlactxfcj 'Vehicle Co., iflnnaapolla, 'Blnn. liy dear Sir;
'four \srttBx at toe 3L7tii instant stating that ^aauwrtitors ugrp asking a 3.41 or miargtstqimiite ragarfllng the storage "battBjg^ receir-sd. v >
I want to Bey that <jrery statement made ta toe printed liianatuye