ALS signed “Sam. F. B. Morse,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, April 3, 1841. Letter to Catherine Pattison. In part: “What has become of my amiable Troy friends? I have feared almost to inquire after them lest I should hear some trouble had befallen them which might account for their long Silence. Friend Catherine, you owe me a letter, it is long, very long since I heard from you or of you…I have myself been in many troubles in various Shapes, which have kept me secluded for two years past. I have made no visits and have scarcely seen anyone. Immersed in studies and scientific experiment, I have had no time to visit my nearest much less to correspond with my absent friends, but I do not forget them ‘for a’ that.’ I have heard by the way that you have had a fine portrait of you painted. Do let me see you in the picture if I may not see you in reality, and therefore do consent to let your portrait come to N. York the ensuing week to be placed upon the walls of our new and splendid Exhibition rooms…Will none of you be in N. York this Spring or Summer? I am thinking of a short and flying visit to the west in a few weeks (if they do not put me in the White House in the park), and after I have seen my daughter on board the Steamer for her European tour, with my brother and his new-married wife who leave shortly for England, France & Italy.” Fragile intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, paper loss to edge of second integral page from seal, a few spots of trivial toning from seal, and a couple of small separations at junctions of folds, otherwise fine condition. In 1839, Morse dejectedly returned from a three-year trip to Europe to seek financial support for his telegraph. For the next four years, he worked feverishly to improve his invention, and obtain funds from Congress to build an experimental line from Washington, DC, to Baltimore. A deeply personal letter from Morse at the low point of his career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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