telegraph of any sort.  The devices then known were merely semaphores, that spoke to the eye for a moment—­bearing about the same relation to the great discovery before us as the Abbe Sicard’s invention of a visual alphabet for the purposes of conversation bore to the art of printing with movable types.  Mr. Dyar’s had no recording apparatus, as he expressly tells us, and Professor Henry had contented himself with the abundant honors of his laboratory and lecture-rooms.”

One case was decided against him, but this decision was afterwards overruled by the Supreme Court, so that it caused no lasting injury to his claims.

As decision after decision was rendered in his favor he received the news calmly, always attributing to Divine Providence every favor bestowed upon him.  Letters of congratulation poured in on him from his friends, and, among others, the following from Alfred Vail must have aroused mingled feelings of pleasure and regret.  It is dated September 21, 1848:—­

I congratulate you in your success at Frankfort in arresting thus far that pirate O’Reilly.  I have received many a hearty shake from our friends, congratulating me upon the glorious issue of the application for an injunction.  The pirate dies hard, and well he may.  It is his privilege to kick awhile in this last death struggle.  These pirates must be followed up and each in his turn nailed to the wall.

The Wash. & N.O.  Co. is at last organized, and for the last three weeks we have received daily communications from N.O.  Our prospects are flattering.  And what do you think they have done with me?  Superintendent of Washington & N.O. line all the way from Washington to Columbia at $900!!!!!

This game will not be played long.  I have made up my mind to leave the Telegraph to take care of itself, since it cannot take care of me.  I shall, in a few months, leave Washington for New Jersey, family, kit and all, and bid adieu to the subject of the Telegraph for some more profitable business....

I have just finished a most beautiful register with a pen lever key and an expanding reel.  Have orders for six of the same kind to be made at once; three for the south and three for the west.

I regret you could not, on your return from the west, have made us at least a flying visit with your charming lady.  I am happy to learn that your cup of happiness is so full in the society of one who, I learn from Mr. K., is well calculated to cheer you and relieve the otherwise solitude of your life....  My kindest wishes for yourself and Mrs. Morse, and believe me to be, now as ever,

Yours, etc.,
ALFRED VAIL.

Mr. James D. Reid in an article in the “Electrical World,” October 12, 1895, after quoting from this letter; adds:—­