“Telegraph matters are every day assuming a more and more interesting aspect.  All physical and scientific difficulties are vanquished.  If conductors are well put up there is nothing more to wish for in the facilities of intercourse.  My operators can easily talk with each other as fast as persons usually write, and faster than this would be faster than is necessary.  The Canadians are alive on the subject, and lines are projected from Toronto to Montreal, from Montreal to Quebec and to Halifax.  Lines are also in contemplation from Toronto to Detroit, on the Canada side, and from Buffalo to Chicago on this side, so that it may not be visionary to say that our first news from England may reach New York via Halifax, Detroit, Buffalo and Albany....

“The papers will inform you of the events of the war.  Our people are united on this point so far as to pursue it with vigor to a speedy termination.  However John Bull may sneer and endeavor to detract from the valor of our troops, his own annals do not furnish proofs of greater skill and more fearless daring and successful result.  The Mexican race is a worn-out race, and God in his Providence is taking this mode to regenerate them.  Whatever may be the opinions of some in relation to the justness or unjustness of our quarrel, there ought to be but one opinion among all good men, and that should be that the moment should be improved to throw a light into that darkened nation, and to raise a standard there which, whatever may become of the Stars and Stripes, or Eagle and Prickly Pear, shall be never taken down till all nations have flocked to it.  Our Bible and Tract Societies and missionaries ought to be in the wake of our armies.”

“January 28, 1847. Telegraph matters are becoming more and more interesting.  The people of the country everywhere are desirous of availing themselves of its facilities, and the lines are being extended in all directions.  As might be expected then, I have my plans interfered with by mercenary speculators who threaten to put up rival telegraphs and contest my patent. I am ready for them. We have had to apply for an injunction on the Philadelphia and Pittsburg line.  The case is an aggravated one and will be decided on Monday or Tuesday at Philadelphia in Circuit Court of United States.  I have no uneasiness as to the result. [It was decided against him, however, but this proved only a temporary check.]

“There are more F.O.Js. than one, yet not one quite so bad.  I think amid all the scramble I shall probably have enough come to my share, and it does not matter by what means our Heavenly Father chooses to curtail my receipts, for I shall have just what he pleases, none can hinder it, and more I do not want....  House and his associates are making most strenuous efforts to interfere and embarrass me by playing on the ignorance of the public and the natural timidity of capitalists.  I shall probably have to lay the law on him and make an example before my patent is confirmed in the minds of the public.  It is the course, I am told, of every substantial patent.  It has to undergo the ordeal of one trial in the courts....