The sentence in the letter of September 27, 1837, just referred to, reads as follows:  “If the circuit is laid through the air, the first cost would, doubtless, be much lessened.  Stout spars, of some thirty feet in height, well planted in the ground and placed about three hundred and fifty feet apart, would in this case be required, along the tops of which the circuit might be stretched.”

A rough drawing of this plan also appears in the 1832 sketch-book.

It would seem, from a voluminous correspondence, that Professor Fisher was responsible for the failure of the underground system, inasmuch as he did not properly test the wires after they had been inserted in the lead pipe.  Carelessness of this sort Morse could never brook, and he was reluctantly compelled to dispense with the services of one who had been of great use to him previously.  He refers to this in a letter to his brother Sidney of December 16, 1843:—­

“The season is against all my operations, and I expect to resume in the spring.  I have difficulties and trouble in my work, but none of a nature as yet to discourage; they arise from neglect and unfaithfulness (inter nos) on the part of Fisher, whom I shall probably dismiss, although on many accounts I shall do it reluctantly.  I shall give him an opportunity to excuse himself, if he ever gets here.  I have been expecting both him and Gale for three weeks, and written, but without bringing either of them.  They may have a good excuse.  We shall see.”

The few months of sunshine were now past, and the clouds began again to gather:—­

December 18, 1843.

DEAR SIDNEY,—­I have made every effort to try and visit New York.  Twice I have been ready with my baggage in hand, but am prevented by a pressure of difficulties which you cannot conceive.  I was never so tried and never needed more your prayers and those of Christians for me.  Troubles cluster in such various shapes that I am almost overwhelmed.

And then the storm of which the little cloud was the forerunner burst in fury:—­

December 30, 1843.

DEAR SIDNEY,—­I have no heart to give you the details of the troubles which almost crush me, and which have unexpectedly arisen to throw a cloud over all my prospects.  It must suffice at present to say that the unfaithfulness of Dr. Fisher in his inspection of the wires, and connected with Serrell’s bad pipe, is the main origin of my difficulties.

The trenching is stopped in consequence of this among other reasons, and has brought the contractor upon me for damages (that is, upon the Government).  Mr. Smith is the contractor, and where I expected to find a friend I find a FIEND.  The word is not too strong, as I may one day show you.  I have been compelled to dismiss Fisher, and have received a very insolent letter from him in reply.  The lead-pipe contract will be litigated, and Smith has written a letter full of the bitterest malignity against