ARTICLES Of ASSOCIATION,
AND

CHARTER FROM THE STATE OF MARYLAND,
OF THE

MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPAIY,
TOGETHER WITH THE

OFFICE

REGULATIONS
AND THE

MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF
STOCKHOLDERS A N D BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

NEW-YORK:

CHATTERTON & CRIST* PRINTERS,
139 Water Street, cor. of Pine,
1847.

ARTICLES
OF

AGREEMENT AND ASSOCIATION,
CONSTITUTING T H E

MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY,
AND

PROVIDING FOR THE GOVERNMENT THEREOF.

WHEREAS Samuel F . B. Morse, Leonard D. Gale, and Alfred Vail, by their
Attorney, Amos Kendall, and Francis 0. J. Smith in his own right, sole Proprietors, under the Letters Patent of the United States, of the right to construct and use Morse's Electro-Magnetic Telegraph on the main line of
communication from the city of New-York, through Philadelphia and Baltimore, to the city of Washington, have, by Deed of Trust bearing even date
herewith, conveyed the said exclusive right to W. W. Corcoran and B. B.
French, in trust for the use of the said proprietors and the subscribers to
the stock of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, with the limitations, under
the conditions, and in the manner set forth in said Deed and in these
Articles of Association, we, whose names are hereunto affixed, do hereby
constitute ourselves into a Joint Stock Company, to be called the T H E
MAGNETIC T E L E G R A P H COMPANY, for the purpose of constructing and

carrying on a line of said Telegraph from New York to Washington, as
aforesaid, according to the following principles and regulations, viz :—

FUNDAMENTAL CONDITIONS.
1. No member of this Company shall be held to any individual liability
beyond the amount of capital stock subscribed by him. No Trustee, or
Agent of the Company, shall be authorized to contract any debt or obligation creating a charge upon the members individually, or upon any other
fund than the capital stock, property, and income of the Company. This
limitation of their power shall be advertised in every State, District, or Territory, where they may transact business, and shall, in the most effective
form, be incorporated in every contract.
2, The line or lines of Magnetic Telegraph which may be constructed by
this Company, shall be opened alike to all men and all public authorities
who shall tender and pay the regular charges which may be fixed upon for

4
its use, and the first to come shall be first served, without regard to sex,
wealth, or station ; subject to reasonable limitations as to time, as may be
hereafter prescribed: except that a preference may be given to the Government in great public emergencies, and to promote the arrest of fugitives
from justice, and prevent* the commission, or consummation of crimes.
3. The Grantors of the Patent Right shall not establish, nor shall they
grant to others the power to establish, any other line of Telegraph for the
purpose of communicating between any two points on the line conveyed by
them in trust for the use of this Company, nor shall they send, or authorize
the sending of communications, which should appropriately pass over this
line, by any more circuitous or indirect line ; but this Company shall be also
bound to transmit such communications over their line without other charge
than a due proportion of the revenue arising therefrom, based on the relative distance they may pass over this and other lines. This Company shall
also be bound to connect with local side lines, on condition of receiving all
the charges arising on matter sent over any part of their lines and outward
upon such local lines, or on such other terms as may be agreed upon by the
parties interested.
4. The Grantors of the Patent Right reserve to themselves, and their
assigns, the right to decide when any extension or improvements, other than
mere repairs, not provided for by the funds already subscribed, shall be made
to this line of Telegraph ; but the subscribers who shall have advanced the
first fifteen thousand dollars, or the assignees of their stock, shall be offered
the privilege of furnishing the necessary funds to make such extensions or
improvements, on the same terms with their original subscriptions. If,
after due public notice, they fail or refuse to do so, for the period of thirty
days, the Grantors shall be at liberty to procure such funds from others,
who, in subscribing to the Articles of Association and the Regulations of
this Company, shall become members thereof, with all the rights and privileges of original subscribers.
5. Should the Grantors of the Patent Right, or their assigns, desire to
construct lines of Telegraph east, west, north, or south, on any of the great
lines of communication connected with the line owned by this Company,
they shall give a preference to the members of this Company in raising the
necessary funds.
6. The Grantors of the Patent Right reserve to themselves and their
assigns, the power to dispose of the entire exclusive privilege secured by
Morse's Patent for the whole United States, to the Government of said
States in one general bargain or arrangement, under any law or resolution
that shall be passed by the twenty-ninth Congress for that purpose ; but in
that event, they shall pay over to the holders of the stock which may have
been issued to those subscribers, who shall have paid in the first forty-five
thousand dollars, or any part thereof, of the capital stock of this Company,
twice the amount paid i n ; and if the stock representing such payments
shall be, at the time, bona fide above par in the stock market, the amount

5
paid to them shall be the market value of such stock. On the completion
of such payments, this Company shall be ipso facto dissolved.
7. For fifty dollars paid in by subscribers to construct, extend, or improve
this line of Telegraph, a certificate for one share of one hundred dollars
shall be issued by the Trustees, another share to be added, or another certificate to be issued, for every additional fifty dollars. Cotemporaneously
certificates of stock in the same form, and to the same amount, shall be
issued to the Grantors of the Patent Right, to each in proportion to his inter
est, so that the amount of stock issued to them and to the subscribers
respectively, shall always be the same. These certificates of stock shall state
on their face, that the shares they represent are not subject to future assessment, and also the mode of their transfer.
8. If any subscriber to the capital stock, shall fail to pay any instalment
for a period exceeding fifteen days after notice given by the Trustees, he
shall forfeit all the rights and privileges herein secured to him, and new
subscribers may be admitted to supply the deficiency, on the same terms.
The foregoing provisions shall be unalterable by any vote or act of the
Company, so as to effect any right or privilege herein reserved or secured to
any subscriber, or any of the Grantors of the Patent Right, without the
direct consent of every individual to be thus affected.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF TRUSTEES.
9. The Trustees shall have the power, and it shall be their duty, forthwith to appoint the necessary agents, and take steps to secure the right of
way, to construct a line of Telegraph, consisting of one or two wires, from
New York to Philadelphia, and from time to time, call in such instalments
of the capital stock as may be requisite for that purpose. After the Company shall provide a Treasurer, all monies collected for or belonging to the
Company shall be paid to the Treasurer for the time being, who shall pay
out the same only upon the written order of a majority of the Trustees.—
But until a Treasurer shall be appointed, the Trustees shall perform the
duties of Treasurer.
10. They shall prepare forms of certificates, and regulate transfers of
stock, and audit all accounts for expenditures made in the construction or
management of the Telegraph, and generally to superintend the financial
interests of the Company.
11. They shall prepare a tariff of charges, and a system of regulations for
the management of the Telegraph, which they shall submit to a meeting of
the stockholders, to be called in due time, before the line from New-York
to Philadelphia shall be ready to go into operation.
12. They shall call special meetings of the stockholders whenever emergencies may require i t ; and it shall be the duty of the Trustees, to call a
special meeting of the Stockholders whenever they are requested in writing
so to do by Stockholders owning or representing one third or more of the

6
stock, and if either of said Trustees shall neglect or refuse to call such
meeting when so requested, it shall be competent for the other Trustee, or
in case their number be increased beyond two, for a majority of the Trustees to call such meeting; and in case they shall neglect or refuse to act in
the premises aforesaid, then the Stockholders owning or representing one
third or more of the Stock, shall have power to call such meeting by advertisement in some newspaper in the city of Washington.
13. They shall keep a record of their proceedings, and a record of emission and transfer of stock, all which at every meeting shall be laid before
the Stockholders.
14. They shall execute all papers necessary to vest a joint interest in the
trust property in any additional Trustee or Trustees, who may be appointed
by the Stockholders, in pursuance of these articles of agreement.
15. A Trustee shall not be responsible for acts of which he knows nothing,
or knowing them, records his dissent.
GENERAL PROVISIONS.
16. In all meetings of the Company, after the issue of Certificates of Stock,
the Stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by them
respectively ; but no one Stockholder shall give more than one sixth part of
the aggregate vote of the Company. The holders of a majority of the Stock
shall constitute a quorum to do business; and every question shall be
decided by a majority of votes, provided such majority shall embrace one third
of the Stock. Stockholders may vote in person, or by agents constituted for
that purpose in writing.
17. Regular meetings shall be held annually or semi-annually, as the Company may hereafter decide. At any regularly called meeting of this Company, it shall be competent for the Company in the manner of deciding any
other proposition to divest the Trustees of all the powers herein vested,
excepting the trust of the title of said Letters Patent, and the issuing of
Certificates of Stock, and to transfer the same to and invest them in a Board
of Directors to consist of not less than five persons, to be thereafter elected
at each annual meeting of the Company, and to continue in office until new
Directors shall be elected; and thereafter such directors shall do and perform all the duties otherwise devolved upon the Trustees as herein provided,
and generally to superintend the administrative concerns of the Company,
and all officers and agents not herein specially provided and instructed,
shall be subject to the direction of the Directors, And in like manner, the
Company shall elect from time to time a President, and Secretary, and Treasurer; the former of whom shall preside at all meetings of the Stockholders,
and the Secretary shall keep and preserve the records of the doings of the
Stockholders at all meetings by them holden; to be opened at all times to
the inspection of Stockholders. The President for the time being, shall
countersign all Certificates of Stock that shall be issued by the Trustees.—

7
The Treasurer shall, whsn required, give bond to the Trustees for the benefit of the Company; satisfactorily secured, for the faithful discharge of his
duties ; he shall keep an account of all his' receipts and disbursements, and
return a true transcript thereof quarterly to the Trustees, who shall lay the
same before the Stockholders, at their next succeeding meeting.
18. One or more Trustees may be added to the number now appointed, at
regular meetings of the Company, or at special meetings called for the
purpose.
19. The compensation of the Trustees shall be fixed by the Stockholders,
and that of all other agents by the Trustees, subject to revision by the Stockholders at their next regular meeting, or at a special meeting called for the
purpose.
20. The powers of the Trustees may be enlarged or diminished by the
Stockholders at any regular meeting, or any meeting specially called for
that purpose; but no such enlargement or diminution shall affect the title
to the trust property, or the rights of subscribers, of Stockholders, or of the
Grantors of the Patent Right and their assigns, as secured and set forth in
the fundamental articles of this Association, without their unanimous
consent.
The undersigned having read the foregoing articles of agreement, do each
for himself, and not jointly with others, hereby approve and ratify the same,
and agree to be governed thereby, and we do, severally and not jointly, hereby ratify and confirm all acts of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, or of the
members thereof* done by them jointly, or individually, under the limitations and restrictions in accordance with the provisions in the foregoing
articles contained, in as full a manner as if we were at all times present and
consenting thereto, and do adopt them as if done by ourselves.
Done at the City of Washington, on the Fifteenth day of May, A. D > 1845,
as witness our hands respectively :
SAMUEL F. B. MORSE, ^
LEONARD D. GALE,
|
ALFRED VAIL.
)•
By their Attorney in fact |
AMOS KENDALL. J

FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH,
B. B. FRENCH,
KELLER & GREENDUGH, >
By J. J. GEEENOUGH. 5
CHARLES MONROE,
DANIEL GOLD,
E. CORNELL,
A. WARREN PAINE,
JAS. A. Mc LAUGHLIN,

CHAS. G. PAGE,
T. L. & A. THO. SMITH,
A. THO. SMITH,
JNO. M. BRODHEAD,
J. C. BRODHEAD,

)

By J. M. BROADHEAD. $
AMOS KENDALL,
P. G. WASHINGTON,
JOHN E. KENDALL,
CORCORAN & RIGGS,
JNO J. HALEY,
ELIPHALET CASE,
By F. 0 . J. SMITH.

Witness to and including all to the name of C, G. Page.
J. A. KENNEDY.

8

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE

THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That
Samuel F. B. Morse, B. B. French, George C. Pennyman, Henry J. Rogers,
John S. McKim, J. R. Trimble, William M. Swain, John 0. Stems, A. Sidney
Doane, and their associates, who have acquired from said Morse the right to
construct and carry on the Electro Magnetic Telegraph by him invented an^
patented through this State, on the route leading from the City of Washington, to the City of New-York, are hereby created a Corporation and body
politic for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a line of said Telegraph
on the route aforesaid, and transmitting intelligence by means thereof,
under the name and style of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Section 2. Be it further enacted &c. The stock of said Company shall
consist of shares of one hundred dollars each, to be issued in such proportions to the original owners of the patent right, and to those who have
heretofore or, may hereafter furnish funds for the construction and improvement of said line of Telegraph, as the said owners and subscribers have
heretofore or may hereafter agree upon.—Provided, that when the basis on
which such stock shall be issued has been once fixed, it shall not thereafter
be altered, Provided further, that the funds to be raised for the construction
of said Telegraph putting the same in operation, and from time to time
adding to and improving it, shall be only sufficient for these purposes, and
shall not be invested or employed for any other purpose whatever.
Section 3. Be it further enacted &c. Said Corporation shall have the
power to build or purchase any connecting or side lines in this State, having
acquired the right to do so from the owners of Morse's Patent, and may
enlarge their capital for that purpose.
Section 4. Be it further enacted &c. The persons named in the first
section of this act, or any four of them, shall call a meeting to be held on
the first Tuesday of July next, of the corporate body hereby created, giving
three weeks notice of the time and place of meeting in at least one newspaper, published in the Cities of Philadelphia, New-York, Trenton in the State
of New Jersey, Wilmington in the State of Delaware, Baltimore and the
City of Washington, for the purpose of choosing a President and Board of
Directors not exceeding eleven, and of which the President will be one, a
Secretary and Treasurer for the management of their affairs.
Annual meetings of said Corporation shall be held on the first Tuesday of
July in each year, unless the Stockholders at an annual meeting, shall otherwise direct; and special meetings shall be called by the President and Directors whenever, in their opinion, the interests of the Company may require
it, or when it may be demanded,by persons holding one third of the stock,

9
Such reasonable notice to be given of the time and place of such meetings
as may be prescribed by the By-Laws of the Corporation.
Section 5. Be it further enacted, The President, Directors, Secretary and
Treasurer shall hold their offices for one year, and until their successors
shall be elected, and shall exercise such powers pertaining to the building
•and management of said Telegraph not incompatible with the Constitution
and Laws of the State, and of the United States, as maybe authorized by the
By-Laws of said Corporation.
Section 6. Be it further enacted, &c*, At every Election each share shall
entitle its holder to one vote, except that no Stockholder shall be entitled to
give more than one sixth of the entire vote, to which the Stockholders are
entitled; and absent Stockholders may vote by agents or proxies producing
written authority. In case of a tie the election shall be decided by lot.
Section 7. Be it further enacted &c. The Magnetic Telegraph Company
hereby incorporated shall have power to sue and be sued, complain and
defend in any Court of Law or Equity, having competent jurisdiction, to
make and use a common seal, and the same to alter at pleasure ; to purchase
and hold such real and personal estate, as the lawful purposes of the Corporation may require, and the same to sell and convey when no longer so
required; to appoint such officers and agents as may be necessary to manage
the business of the Corporation, and allow them a suitable compensation,
and to make By-Laws, not inconsistent with any existing law, for the management of its property, the regulation of its affairs, and the transfer of its
stock.
Section 8. Be it further enacted, The Corporation hereby created, shall
have power by contracts with other persons or bodies politic, to connect
their lines of Telegraph with lines out of this State*
Section 9. Be it further enacted &c. The Magnetic Telegraph Company
shall have power to set up their fixtures along and across any of the roads,
streets or waters of this State, without its being deemed a public nuisance,
or subject to be abated by any private person; the said fixtures to be so
placed as not to interfere with the common use of such roads, streets, and
waters, or with the convenience of any land owner more than is unavoidable, but the said Corporation shall be responsible for any damages which any
person, or Corporation may sustain by the erection, continuance, and use of
such fixtures; and in any action brought for the recovery thereof by the
owner or possessor of any lands, the damages to be awarded, may at the election of such Corporation, include the damage of allowing the said fixtures
permanently to continue; on payment of which damages the right of the
Corporation to continue such fixtures shall be confirmed, as if granted by
the parties to the suit: Provided, that no person or body politic shall be
entitled to sue for or recover damages as aforesaid until the said Corporation
after due notice, shall have failed or refused to remove in reasonable time,
the fixtures complained of. And every person who shall destroy, or commit
a trespass upon fixtures of said Corporation, erected in pursuance of the
2

10
authority hereby given, actually interrupting* or with intent to interrupt,
the operations of the Telegraph, shall pay to the said Corporation, one
hundred dollars for such offence, and shall be further liable for all damages
which the said Corporation may suffer in repairing the injury, and in the
interruption of their business, to be recovered in an action of trespass. And
if any person incurring the penalty aforesaid, shall through insolvency or
other cause, be unable, or shall fail to pay the penalty and damages aforesaid, and shall a second time destroy or commit a trespass upon said fixtures,
he shallbe subject to imprisonment not less than one month, nor over six
months in the County Jail on conviction thereof, before a Court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 10. Be it further enacted &c. That it shall be lawful for the
Companies hereby incorporated Or others, proprietors of Morse's Electro
Magnetic Telegraph, to construct lines of Telegraph along the common
roads and streets of this State, and with the permission of the owners thereof
along all Turnpikes, Rail Roads and Canals, for the purpose of communicating between any of the towns and villages in this State or beyond its limits,
and the main lines of said Companies, and with each other, subject to all
the terms and conditions in this act contained.
Section 11. Be it further enacted &c. That the said Corporation shall be
bound on application of any of the officers of this State, or of the United
States, acting in the event of any war, insurrection, riot or other civil commotion or resistance of public authority, or in the prevention or punishment
of crime, or the arrest of persons charged or suspected thereof, to give to the
communications of such officers immediate despatch; and if any officers,
clerk or operator of said Company shall refuse or wittingly omit to, transmit such communications, or shall designedly alter or falsify the same for
any purpose whatever, he shall be subject to fine and imprisonment in proportion to the aggravation of the offence ; upon conviction thereof before any
court of competent jurisdiction. For transmiting such communications the
company shall charge no higher price than for private communications of
the same length.
Section 12. Be it further enacted &c. Should the owners of Morse's
patents or their assignees, acting in pursuance of any agreement which ha3
been or may be entered into between them and the subscribers, of funds to
construct said Telegraph, dispose of the said patent to the Government of
the United States, or should the holders of five sixths of the stock in said
corporation agree to sell all their property in said Telegraph, and the fixtures thereof, to the said United States, then, upon payment of the stipulated
consideration to the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, they shall forthwith distribute the same among the stockholders,
and by resolution proceed to dissolve said corporation, which resolution
shall be certified by the President and Secretary thereof, to the Secretary
of State.
Section 13. Be it further enacted, That Samuel F, B. Morse, with such
persons as are noffr or may hereafter become interested as owners of Morse's

11
Patent Right on the route from Baltimore to the western limits of this State,
or as subscribers of funds to build Morse's Electro Magnetic Telegraph on
said route, be, and the same are hereby constituted a corporation and body
politic, under the name and style of the Western Telegraph Company, with
all the rights, powers, and privileges, and subject to all the duties and
responsibilities, hereinbefore granted and perscribed to the Magnetic Telegraph Company, and such corporation may be organized and put into
operation at such time, and in all respects in such way and manner, as to
a majority of the above named corporation may seem proper, and not be
inconsistent with the provisions of this act relative to the Magnetic Telegraph Company, and the laws of this State.
Section 14. Be it further enacted, That dividends of so much of the
profits of the Company as shall be deemed expedient, be declared semiannually in the month of January and July in each year, provided that no
dividend shall be declared which shall impair the capital stock of said
Company.
Section 15. Be it further enacted, That this act shall take effect immediately ; and shall be deemed a public act.
Section 16. And be it further enacted, That this Corporation shall not
be permitted to issue any note, token, device, scrip, or other evidence of
debt, to be used as a currency.
Section 17. And be it further enacted, That this act of Incorporation
shall enure for thirty years from its passage, and the Legislature secures to
itself, the right to alter, or annul this act of Incorporation at pleasure.

REGULATIONS
OF THE

MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY.

UNALTERABLE

RULES.

1. No member of this Company shall beheld to any individual liability beyond
the amount of capital stock subscribed by him. No Trustee, or Agent of the
Company, shall be authorized to contract any debt or obligation creating a charge
upon the members individually, or upon any other fund than the capital stock,
property, and income of the Company.
2. The line or lines of the Magnetic Telegraph which may be constructed by
this Company, shall be open alike to all men and all public authorities who shall

12
tender and pay the regular charges which may be fixed upon for its use, and the
' first to come shall be the first served, without regard to sex, wealth or station ;
subject to reasonable limitations as to time, as may be hereafter prescribed •
except that a preference may be given to the Government in great public emergencies, and to promote the arrest of fugitives from justice, and to prevent the commission, or consummation of crimes.—(See Articles of Association, 1, 2.)

P O W E R OF T H E P R E S I D E N T .
3. A resolution adopted by the Board of Directors provides, that " The President of this Company be, and he is empowered to appoint all the Agents and
Officers of this Company, the appointment of whom is vested in the Board of Directors ; that he be empowered to make rules and regulations for the government
of the offices, not inconsistent with any action heretofore had by the Stockholders
on this subject; and that he shall see the several offices are provided with every
thing necessary to carry on effectually and promptly the business of the Company.
That he have the general supervision of the line of Telegraph, and the power of
removing from office any officer or agent by him appointed, whenever he may
deem that the interest of the Company requires it."
These powers will be exercised to enforce these regulations and such as may be
hereafter prescribed by the Stockholders, Directors or President; to produce
order and harmony along the Line; to make the business of the Company agreeable to those engaged in it; and to crown the enterprise with honor and success.

THE CHIEF

OPERATOR.

4. The function of Operator is the main spring of the Telegraph System. The
Head of each Station will be selected from tbe most expert and faithful Operators
and will be called the CHIEF OPERATOR. Those who are good clerks as well
as accomplished Operators, will be preferred. Should Operators or Clerks aspire
to promotion, they can attain it only by perfecting themselves in both branches of
duty.
5. Every Office must have a Head. The Chief Operator will be recognised and
obeyed as the Head of every Telegraphic Station. The Operators, Clerks, and
Carriers will be under his absolute direction and control; and for the proper
exercise of his authority he will be held responsible to the President.
6. The Chief Operator will recognise no superior but the President, and regard
no directions which do not come through him, except such as may come directly
and officially from the Board of Directors or Meetings of the Stockholders ; but
they are advised to consult resident Directors in cases of doubt or emergency.
7. The Chief Operator at each Station will assign to each Operator, Clerk, and
Carrier his duties for the time being, will maintain order, neatness, obedience and
fidelity in his Office, will enforce the regulations prescribed by the Stockholders,
Directors and President, and will report to the President all cases of disobedience,
misconduct and neglect among his subordinates.

13
8. Each Chief Operator and the Clerk in New-York will employ and dismiss at
pleasure the Carriers allowed at his Station, and will see that those in service
attend to their duties promptly and faithfully.
9. The Chief Operator will be held responsible for the proper use and preservation of all Registers, Magnets, Books, Platinums, Zincs, Acids and other material
or property belonging to the Company, pertaining to his Office or deposited therein ;
and whenever any thing of value in his custody becomes in his opinion useless to the Company, he shall so report to the President. He will also carefully
preserve all fragments of platinum, zinc, wire, the residuum of the batteries, paper
after being used, and all other refuse articles x f value, to be sold for the benefit of
>
the Company.
10. If the Chief Operator finds it necessary to be absent, he shall designate an
Operator who shall, for the time being, perform his duties, and report his name to
the President, for his approval or rejection. Such substitute will be recognised
and obeyed by all Operators, Clerks, and Carriers attached to the Station.
11. Chief Operators are prohibited from employing in any capacity whatsoever,
without the consent of the President, any person who may have been discharged
for misconduct.
12. The Chief Operator of each Station will provide himself with a blank book
of convenient size to be used as a Journal. In this Book he will enter, from day
to day, all occurrences worthy of note, such as the hour when the Lines are found
to be in readiness for operation in the morning, all intermissions during the day
with their causes and duration as far as known, the hour when business,closes at
night, all serious complaints and the grounds thereof as far as ascertained, the
refunding of moneys and the reasons therefor, copies or the substance of all his
letters on the business of the Line, the phenomena exhibited by the battery, magnets, instruments and wires, particularly during thunder storms, and all other
incidents connected with the business or apparatus which may be auxiliary to the
cause of science or useful for the information of the President, Directors and
Stockholders as to the working of their Lines, and the fidelity of Operators, Clerks
and others employed. These Journals will always be open for the examination
of the President, Directors and Stockholders, and when full will be delivered to
the President.

R U L E S FOR

WORKING.

13. A regulation adopted hy the Stockholders requires that, " T h e Telegraph
Offices will be kept open for business every day from sunrise until 10 o'clock
P. M. except the ordinary hours for morning and afternoon service on the sabbath." The Chief Operator, therefore, will so distribute his force and so arrange
the hours of necessary absence, as to have some competent Operator in the office
from sunrise to 10 o'clock P. M. each day, ready to send and receive Messages,
whether any be presented or not. Nor will this regulation be construed tp
authorize or justify the closing of the office at 10 o'clock P. M. if there be any
business on hand unfinished. From 10g o'clock A. M. to 1 P. M. and from 3J
P. M. to 6 P, M. will be considered " the ordinary hours for morning and afternoon service on the Sabbath," at all the Stations.

14
14. The first business in the morning is to see that the batteries, instruments
and magnets are in order and to test the Lines. If responses be not obtained
immediately from all the Stations in connection, a note will be taken thereof and
the Chief Operator will enter the fact in his Journal, and also the precise time
answers may be obtained from the delinquent Station or Stations: If within a
reasonable time, no responses can be obtained, nor any indication of a connection, it will be taken for granted that the wire is broken, and the Chief Operator
will take instant measures to have it mended by notifying the proper Inspector,
sending out any of the Operators or Clerks, or by other more prompt means at his
discretion. It is the duty of all Operators and Clerks to turn out on such occasions, if required, their extra expenses being provided for.
15. The Stations are at present tfive, to wit: WASHINGTON, BALTIMORE,
WILMINGTON, PHILADELPHIA, and JERSEY CITY.

The respective Telegraphic signs to designate each of these Stations are,
I
J

For
Washington.

1

w.

For
Wilmington.

For
Baltimore.

Wi.

B.

J
J

For
Philadelphia.

1

P

-

1
j

1

For
Jersey City or New-York;
N.

16. Each operator must pay particular attention to his Register and Magnet,
and see that all parts are in working order during office hours.
17. While not using the instruments himself, the Operator must be sure that the
line is connected at his Station, by the connecting button or otherwise. Too
much care cannot be observed in this respect.
18. No Operator must attempt to write while another is writing; he must wait
for the Finish signal which shall be at all Stations (S) three times struck
thus,
19. Every communication must begin wi'th the sign of the Stationjsending,
followed by that of the Station with which he wishes to communicate: For example ; Washington wishes to send to Wilmington : The Operator at Washington
gives the usual sign preliminary to a communication, (to wit, eight dots
-) and then gives W. Wi.
to which Wilmington
responds Wi i i thus (- - --) Then the Operator at Washington will
send his message, and after it is understood and acknowledged, will give the
Finish Signal.
20. The Operator who receive must, give the usual sign of acknowledgement
that all is right; to wit (i, i, - - - -) the moment the message is received and
understood ; and no other Operator must commence writing until he hears this
acknowledgement; for if any part of the message is obscure, the usual repeat
(
- -) must be given, and when all is understood the Finish signal must be
made, and not before.

15
21. When any one Operator writes, he writes the same characters on all the
Registers at every Station through the entire line ; consequently each will know
for whom any message is intended. All for whom it is not intended, will at once
stop their Register and Paper reel, and listening to the strokes of the pen, will wait
for the Finish signal.
22. An acknowledgement of the receipt of a message must be made at once,
either by (i, i,) if it is understood, or by figure 1. () which signifies
" wait a moment" if there is any difficulty. Great care must be taken by all to
give the Finish Signal as soon as they are done arid not keep the use of the Line
from the other Stations longer than is absolutely necessary.
23. If news of a public character is to be sent for more Stations than one, the
Operator from whose Station it is to be sent, will first give his station sign followed
by those of the Stations for which it is designed and then write " iVews." Each
of those Stations will respond in regular order from New York towards Washington, each one preparing every thing for a long communication, and then writing
its respective station sign and (i, i,) to signify that it is ready to receive. When
all have signified their readiness, and all are prepared, then may the sending of
the News commence, but not before.
24. Communications must not on any account be copied, or their contents or
substance revealed at any other Station than those for which they are designed.—
Any wilful infraction of this rule by any person in the employment of the Company, shall be visited by the instant dismissal of such person from the service of
the Company.

MESSAGES.
Rules for Receiving, Sending and Delivering.
25. " AH communications to be sent by the Telegraph, must be put m writing
and handed to the Managers." Messages will be received by the Clerk, if any be
present; and if not, by any Operator. They will be carejully read over, for the
purpose of seeing that every word is plainly written, and that they are directed to
some City or Town with the Street, Number of the House or Place, or otherwise
in any intelligible manner. If the words or address be not plain, the receiving
Clerk, will make them so; or if he doubts^ he will refer to the author for explanation, if practicable.
26. He will then count the words, write the number of words on the paper, and
receive the money.
27. He will then number the Message, beginning each morning with No. 1.
28. He will then enter in his Account of Messages sent, the Number, the name
of the person sending, the name of the person to whom sent, the number of words,
the amount charged and received, and the Station where sent, to which will be
added the name or initial of the Operator sending.
29. He will then hand it over to the Operator to be forwarded, who will send it
forthwith, or as soon as the Line is unoccupied.

16
30. " The first to come shall be the first served ; but no individual or combination of individuals shall have the use of the Telegraph for more than fifteen
minutes at one time when any other individual is waiting."
This regulation does not apply to Stations but to individuals waiting at the
same Station.
No Station is permitted to interrupt another Station while it is
sending Messages over the Line, under any circumstances whatever. Disregard
of this rule will produce never-ending confusion, render valueless Messages
already partly sent, curtail the profits of the Company and produce universal
dissatisfaction.
31. If a communication cannot be sent in due time5 or, being sent, does not
reach its destination through the fault or delay of the Telegraph, so that the
object of the writer is entirely defeated, the money paid for sending it will be
refunded and a receipt taken therefor. As much imposition may be practised in
this respect, it must be proved beyond a doubt that the fault is with the Telegraph.
82. " When a communication is received by Telegraph it will be immediately
written out and delivered by a Carrier, or retained until called for, or put into the
Post Office, as the person sending it may request."
33. Promptitude in writing out and delivering Messages is of the utmost importance. If a Clerk be not present when a Message is received, any Operator not
employed, will write it out. The words must be counted, and all particulars
entered in a Book as in case of Messages sent, together with the name or initial
of the Carrier to whom it is handed for delivery.
34. The Chief Operator at each Station is held responsible for the employment
of a sufficient number of faithful Boys promptly to deliver all Messages by day
and by night. This is an essential point and must not be omitted. One Boy, and
if necessary more should be kept in attendance at the larger offices until business
closes for the night, and also on Sundays.
35. The Carriers on delivering Messages will inquire whether any answer is to
be given, and if so, will, if requested, wait a few minutes until it can be prepared
and carry it with the money paid for sending it, to the Station. For each answer
so obtained, the Carrier will be entitled to ask and receive of the person sending,
two cents. It is optional with customers to send answers and money by the Carriers or not, and it must be at their own risk.
36. In case a person to whom a Message is directed cannot be found, the
Carrier will bring it'back to the Station, and the Chief Operator, having endorsed
thereon the name of the Carrier, the reason given for returning it and the date>
will carefully preserve it. No message will be put into the Post Office unless so
specially directed by the person sending it. If any Carrier shall put into the Post
Office Messages which he ought to deliver, or shall destroy them, or shall not
exercise due diligence to find the person to whom they are addressed, the Chief
Operator shall discharge him from the service.

ACCOUNTS.
37. " All charges for the use of the Telegraph must be paid in advance."—
Such is the positive order of the Stockholders which has been modified under their

17
authority only-so far as relates to Editors' of newspapers who are now permitted
to make daily payments. However, at the request of any person offering a Message and paying for it, Operators are authorised to note that it is to be paid for
at the Station where sent, and on such notice it shall be the duty of that Station
to demand payment, and if made, notify the Station whence the Message came,
which will then refund the amount prepaid. Persons sending Messages may, at
the same time, deposit money to pay for the answers, notice of which shall
accompany the Message, thus, a, p, (answer paid for.)
38. The accounts of Newspaper Editors using the Telegraph must be made out
and presented every morning, except Sundays, including Saturday in Monday's
bills, and if the amounts due be not paid and no good reason given therefor, no
communications will be thenceforth delivered to such delinquent Editor unless
prepaid at the Station whence forwarded ; and notice of the delinquency will be
given to all the Stations that nothing more may be sent to said Editors without
such prepayment.
39. Every morning except Sunday, each Chief Operator will communicate to
the Secretary by Telegraph, the amount of the preceding day's receipts, including
Saturday's receipts in Monday's Report, together with the amount chargeable on
matter sent to other Stations for Editors not prepaid.
40. Every Monday morning, each Chief Operator and the Clerk in New York,
will make reports to the Secretary and Treasurer, exhibiting the business of the
preceding seven days, separately.
41. The Treasurer will designate the Banks of Deposit, As often as a sum
exceeding eighty dollars accumulates in the hands of a Chief Operator or Clerk,
he will deposit it to the ciedit of the Treasurer of the Magnetic Telegraph Company (now Geo. H. Hart, Esq. of Philadelphia) in the Bank of Deposit selected
at the Station; and on the first Monday of every month, he will deposit the
whole amount on hand, whether more or less, that his account may be closed.—
Each Chief Operator, except at Jersey City, and the Clerk in New-York, will
keep a Bank Book, in which he will cause all deposits to the credit of the Treasurer to be entered ; and this Book shall be furnished the Treasurer, whenever
required, to enable him to settle his Bank Account.
42. To prevent confusion in Accounts, tne Chief Operator at Jersey City,
instead of depositing his receipts in Bank, will pay them over each day, Sundays
excepted, to the Clerk of the office in New York, who will make deposits and
pay all bills arising on both sides of the river, both offices being considered for
these purposes but one Station.
43. The Chief Operator at each Station, and the Clerk in New-York, shall contract bills or make expenditures only on the authority of a Director or the President, which bills shall not be paid until the written approval of such Director or
of the President be inscribed on them with his name signed thereto.
Bills thus approved may be paid out of any funds in the hands of a Chief
Operator, or Clerk in New York. All salaries except the President's, may be paid
in the same way*
3

IS
44. Spepial care must be taken to obtain the approval of a Director or the
President to all such bills, as the Chief Operator cannot obtain credit without it;
and as far as practicable, a Director or the President should be consulted before
any purchase is made or expenditure incurred.
45. Each Chief Operator and the Clerk in New-York will keep an Account
with " The Magnetic Telegraph Company" in which he will charge himself with
the daily receipts of his Station not before charged, and all amounts for property
sold, if any, and credit himself with the sums paid upon approved bills, the sums
deposited, and the sums refunded, if any; and on the first Monday of every
month, he will render an Account Current to the Treasurer, and send with it as
vouchers all the bills paid by him during the preceding month, and receipts for
moneys refunded, with an abstract thereof, and shall send a duplicate of such
Account (without the vouchers) to the Secretary.

FORM OF M O N T H L Y

ACCOUNT:

A. B. Chief Operator (or Clerk) at
in Account with the Magnetic
Telepraph Company,
Dr.
1846.
Monday,
Sep't 14. To receipts, as by Weekly Return of this date, $
" 21.
" 28.
Oct. 5.

do
do
do

do
do
do

do for property sold,

do
do
do

do
do
do

do

do

$
Cr. By amounts deposited on the
Sept. and
October, as by Weekly Returns,
$
By Bills paid, as by abstract,
By amount refunded,
The Abstract, accompanying the Monthly Accounts, will contian a description
of the Vouchers, as follows, viz:
Voucher No. 1. John Doe; for Candles,
$
2. Richard Roe, stationary,
3. Peter Pedestrain, delivering messages,
4. Oliver Opus, Salary as Operator,
5. Reuben Return, charge refunded,
&c.
&c.
&c,
46. The Treasurer is authorised to make payments only on Accounts allowed
by the Committee of Accounts, or by a standing order of the Board.
47. On the first Monday of every month, the Treasurer will furnish the Secretary with an abstract of all Checks drawn by him on the Deposite Banks, since
the first Monday in the preceding month inclusive, showing the names of the
persons in whose favor drawn, the date and the objects, and the Secretary will
enter the amounts in his Account with the Treasurer.

19
48. At every quarterly meeting of the Directors, the Treasurer will render an
Account Current exhibiting the balance at the beginning of the Quarter, the
receipts and disbursements during the Quarter and the balance at its close, with
all the vouchers upon which payments have been made. To present a full view
of the business of the Company, the Treasurer will embrace in his Accounts the
payments made at all the Stations, debiting and crediting himself with the
amounts, and will lay before the Board all the monthly Accounts of the Chief
Operators or Clerks with the vouchers. At the same time, the Books of the Treasurer and Secretary will be placed before the Board.
49. The Accounts of the Treasurer, and of the Chief Operators or Clerks, with
the vouchers and Books pertaining thereto, will be referred to the Committee of
Accounts, who will immediately enter upon the examination thereof, and report to
the board. The Treasurer will be held responsible only for improper payments made
by himself. If such shall have been made by any Chief Operator or Clerk, it will
be disallowed in his account, and he will be notified and held responsible therefor.
60. The Treasurer will show, in his Quarterly Account, in what Banks the
balance on hand, if any, is deposited, and how much in each.
51. All books whatsoever, pertaining to the business of the Company, kept by
the Treasurer, Secretary, Chief Operators, or Clerks, will at all times be open for
examination to the President, or any Director or Stockholder.
52. At each Annual Meeting of the Stockholders, the Treasurer will lay before
them a full account, embracing the substance of his Quarterly Accounts, for such
action as to them may seem proper.

MISCELLANEOUS.
53. It is specially enjoined on each Operator and Clerk, t6 maintain silence
whilst business is progressing, except so far as it may be necessary to speak upon
the business itself; to observe the strictest decorum towards all customers and
visitors ; to listen to complaints however unreasonable, with good temper, and
explain the causes of difficulty and delay as far as known ; to cultivate good feeling with each other, not only in the same Station but throughout the Line; to
understand the case perfectly before they charge others with delinquency; and all
angry or impertinent messages sent along the wires from Operator to Operator,
or from Station to Station, are absolutely prohibited, or if sent must be paid for as
other messages not pertaining to the business of the Line.
if 54. " I f any person in the service of the Magnetic Telegraph Company shall,
knowingly, be instrumental, from motives of favoritism or gain, in sending false,
or suppressing true information, or shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in
speculation carried on through the instrumentality of the Telegraph, or shall
divulge the substance of any private or confidential communication, not criminal
in its character, or shall give one individual or combination of individuals a preference over another, otherwise than as authorised by these regulations, or shall in
any way violate or disregard the duties which this Company owe to the citizen
and the community, he shall be forthwith discharged, and held forever disqualified for employment in its affairs."

20
55. " It shall be the duty of the Managers of the Telegraph, whenever the
proper officers of the States or of the United States, or the police officer of any
City, Town or Borough, shall present a communication, with the amount of the
established charge, and shall alledge that the immediate transmission is rendered
necessary by the emergencies of the public service, or to promote the arrest of
any fugitive from justice, or prevent the commission or consummation of crime,
to give to said officers, if need be, a preference over private citizens in forwarding
such information."
56. " The arrival of every Steamer from Europe shall be Telegraphed gratis
to every Station on the line, as soon as known in New York, and posted upon a
bulletin for the information of the public."
The object of the Company in this regulation being to put the public on their
guard, and prevent improper speculations upon the foreign news, precedence will
be given to this annunciation over every thing else j but no precedence will be
given to the Steamer's News.
57. Communications after being forwarded, will, if required, be returned to the
party sending them ; but in that event they must be stamped with the office
stamp, dated, and the name of the Operator who sent them, with the fact of their
return be entered in the Journal. A memorandum of the number of such communication with the amount paid upon it, will, at the same time, be placed upon
the file of Messages sent.
58. At least once a week, the Chief Operator of each station will seal up in a
packet the copies of Messages remaining on hand, with the memoranda of those
returned, noting on the back the days to which they belong; and will carefully
preserve them for future reference.
59. It is forbidden to Operators and Clerks to read any communication with
which they have no concern, or to speak, out of the office or in it, of the contents
of such as may necessarily be read by them, whatever may be their character,
except that when there is reason to believe a communication is connected with a
crime committed or in contemplation, it shall be the duty of the Operator or Clerk
to communicate his suspicions with his reasons therefor to the Chief Operator.
Disregard of this prohibition will be considered an offence of the same character
as breaking the seal of a letter, and if indulged in, no matter from what motive,
will be punished by dismissal from the service of the Company.
60. Messages authorizing or acknowledging the payment of money, or conveying authority to draw, or giving notice of the acceptance of drafts, or the drawing
of Lottery Tickets, or relating to other pecuniary matters, must be scrutinized
with peculiar care, as well to prevent mistakes as to guard against frauds.

OTHER LINES.
61. When a Message is offered for any place on another Line of Telegraph,
East, North, West, or South, the Chief Operator, until otherwise ordered, will add
to the established charge of the Company, the charge of the Company owning

21
the connecting Line, and require the whole to be paid in advance ; and the Chief
Operator or Clerk at the connecting point, will hand over the Message as soon
as received, and pay the charge for transmitting it.
62. In like manner, the Chief Operators or Clerks, at connecting points,
when Messages coming from another Line are handed for transmission over all
or any part of this Line, will require the established charge of this Company to
be pre-paid, and in every respect treat them as original communications.
63. If any person shall desire to send a Message over any part of this Line,
destined for any Post Office at a distance, and shall wish to pay the postage in
addition to the telegraph charge, the Chief Operator or Clerk will receive it, and
notify the Operator at the other end by the letters M. P. P. [mail postage paid,]
who will put it into the Post Office and pay the postage.

ADDITIONAL

REGULATIONS.

64. At the last Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors, a Superintendent
of the entire Line from New-York to Washington was appointed, whose duties
were defined as follows, viz:
Resolved, " That it be the duty of the Superintendent, under the general instructions of the President, to procure materials, employ hands and superintend repairs
of the Line, and the erection of all additional wires and posts j to make all needful
arrangements for the inspection of the Line, and the mending of breaks; to see
that the stations are kept constantly supplied with acids, magnets, zincs, cups,
quicksilver, paper, and whatever else may be necessary to the uninterrupted and
efficient performance of their several duties; to visit the several stations and
instruct the Operators and Clerks, so as to produce the utmost promptitude and
uniformity in keeping the books, and the mode of doing business throughout the
Line ; taking care that reports shall be made, and accounts kept in accordance
with such forms as may be agreed! upon by the Secretary and Treasurer, and
approved of by the President; to investigate complaints apparently reasonable, and
if any one in the service of the Company be in fault, report the same to the President : to cause all property no longer useful, and all refuse articles of value to be
sold, and the proceeds deposited to the credit of the Treasurer; to take care that
the property of this Company be kept separate from the property of other Companies with which we connect, and that none of their property be used by our Clerks4
or Operators, and none of ours by their Clerks or Operators ; but this regulation is
not intended to prohibit the accommodation of other Companies by sales for cash,
whenever it can be done without inconvenience: To cause an account to be
opened in each office, charging the Chief Operator with all the property now on
hand, and hereafter delivered to it, and crediting him with the amount consumed,
transferred to another office, or sold ; causing said accounts to be balanced once
in six months, commencing with the first of January next, and furnishing the
Board of Directors with a tabular statement, showing the consumption by each
office of each article, with an explanatory report: To make to the President from
time to time such suggestions as may occur to him as to regulations, instructions

22
or whatever else, requiring the interposition of his authority, which may tend to
promote regularity, efficiency, or the productiveness of the Line; To make a
general report to the President and Directors at each quarterly meeting, giving a
detail of his operations for the quarter, and submitting such practical remarks and
recommendations for the improvement of the service as his observation and experience may have enabled him to suggest: To see that the regulations prescribed
by the Stockholders, Directors, and President, be strictly observed by all the Operators, Clerks, and Carriers, and report to the President all cases of wilful or incorrigible neglect of such regulations, or instructions in conformity therewith, given
by the President or himself; and to perform such other services connected with
the business of the Line as the President may from timejo time prescribe."
All Operators, Clerks, Inspectors, Carriers, and others engaged in the service
of the Company, will regard the instructions given by the Superintendent within
the scope of his powers, as implicitly as if given by the President himself.
65. The Superintendent is authorized to discharge at will all persons employed
by him in the service of the Company, and is required to report to the President
incorrigible cases of carelessness or neglect in Operators and Clerks, and all cases,
of wilful malversation.
66. In all cases involving prices, sums of money or quantities, the price, sums
or quantity will be given both in letters and figures. Thus : Seventy-five cents,
75 cts: one hundred dollars, 100 dolls, twenty pounds, 20lbs, one thousand
bushels, 1000 bush. &c. &c, and the Clerk or Operator, writing out the message,
will take particular notice to see that the letters and figures correspond.
67. Mistakes arise from Operators not leaving sufficient space between words,
but running their letters together as if there were but one word in a Message:
Care must be taken to leave a distinct space at the end of every word.
All which is enjoined for careful observance.
AMOS KENDALL, Pres't. Mag. Tel. Co.
NOVEMBER,

1846.

23

MINUTES OF THE

MEETINGS

OF T H E

STOCKHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Copy of the original list of subscribers to the stock of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, and the amount subscribed by each.
Corcoran & Riggs,
B. B. French,
Eliphalet Case,
Chas. Monroe,
Peter G. Washington,.
John J. Haley, (N. York)
John E. Kendall,
Jas. A. McLaughlin,
Amos Kendall,.
E. Cornell, (N. York,)
Daniel Gold,
SimonBrown,
A. J. Glossbrenner,

$1
1
1
1

000
000
000
000
200
500
300
350
500
500
1 000
500
500

j

Amount brought u p , . . . 8
John M. Brodhead,.
1
Chas. G. Page,
Geo. Templeman,
{ Henry J. Rogers, (Bait.)
J. W. Murphy, (Bait.)
A. W. Paine,
I F . O. J. Smith,
2
\ J. Black,
I Keller & Greenough,
J. C. Brodhead, (Boston,)....
T. L. & A. T. Smith,
j A. Thos. Smith,

$8,350

350
000
500
200
100
100
500
750
200
500
500
200
100

$15 000

Appointment of Agents to construct a line of Telegraph from New-York
to Philadelphia, and their instructions.
MESSRS. AMOS KENDALL AND FRANCIS O. J. S M I T H :

Gentlemen:—As Trustees of the " Magnetic Telegraph Company " We
appoint you agents to proceed to New-Jersey and New-York to obtain upon
the most advantageous terms practicable, the right of way for the construction of aline of Telegraph between the Cities of Philadelphia and New-York,
within the limits of the rail roads, or if that be not practicable, in the next
best line that shall be so ; and also to proceed to adopt the most speedy and
economical measures for the procurement of materials and the construction
of the line, of one or two wires, over the route mentioned. We shall call
in at once an instalment of twenty per cent, upon the subscription to the
stock, which will be placed subject to your order in the city of New-York,
at the Bank of America, to meet your expenditures ; and thereafter, we shall
call in subsequent instalments as may be needed in the progress of the
work.

24
You will take and preserve vouchers in all cases practicable, of your
expenditures, to accompany your accounts for adjustment. We shall expect
you to apprise us, as often as may be needful for our proper information, of
your proceedings and of the progress of the work.
Confiding largely in your judicious exercise of the duties thus assigned
you in this matter, we will indulge the hope that the results may be satisfactory and creditable to all parties interested.
If any contract shall be made by you, for which payment in future may be
involved, you will see that the provisions of the 1st. Section of the Company's Articles of Association, in respect to public notice of the immunity
of the members of the Company from liability are strictly observed.
Most respectfully, your ob't. servt,s.
Signed W. W. CORCORAN,) Trustees of the
B. B. FRENCH,
j Mag. Telegraph Co.
Washington City, May 16th, 1845.
In conformity with the foregoing letter of appointment, Messrs. Kendall
and Smith proceeded to New-York, and commenced their operations as
agents—they continued to act together until the 22nd day of July, 1845,
when Mr. Smith resigned his agency.
Mr. Kendall then proceeded with the business of the Company as sole
agent.
The Trustees called in the instalments, 20 per cent, at a time, upon the
capital stock subscribed, until the 1st day of November, when the 5th and
last instalment was called in.
A meeting was called by the Trustees, by advertisement in the newspapers
of the City of Washington, to be held at the Magnetic Telegraph Rooms in
said city, on Saturday, the 8th day of November, 1845, at 4 o'clock P. M.
NOVEMBER 7th,

1845.

GENERAL

MEETING,
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th,

1845.

In conformity with previous notice, given by the Trustees in the newspapers of the City of Washington, a general meeting of the Stockholders of
the Magnetic Telegraph Company, formed for the purpose of erecting a line
of Morse's Telegraph between the cities of New-York and Philadelphia,
with power of extension to the cities of Baltimore and Washington, was
held at the Magnetic Telegraph Office in the City of Washington.
At 4 o'clock P. M. Hon. Amos Kendall, the President of the former meetings of the Company, called the meeting to order.
Benjamin B. French was appointed Setretary,

25
Upon examination, it was found that a large majority of the Stock was
present; to w i t :
Amos Kendall, as representative of S. F. B. Morse, Alfred Vail,
and L. D. Gale,
,.
. . * . ..225 Shares.
His own Stock,
10
B. B. French, as proxy foi* F. 0. J. Smith,.
75
do
do
John J. H a l e y , . . . . i
30
do
do
J. W. Norton,
20
do
do
Mr. Cheever,
,
20
do
do
his own S t o c k . . . . . . . .
..20
J. E. Kendall,
6
Daniel Gould,
16
Simon Brown,
»
10
J as. A. Mc Laughlin,
7
G. W. Riggs, for Corcoran & Riggs,
20
459
The whole number of shares of the Company being 600.
Mr. A. Kendall stated to the company that he was in negociation with
gentlemen in the city of New York, for the purpose of raising a sufficient
sum of money to extend the line of Telegraph from Philadelphia to Baltimore, with almost a certainty of success; that should the negociation
terminate favorably, it would add many members to the Company ; and he
would therefore suggest the propriety of choosing a President pro tern, to act
until the next meeting of the Company.
Mr. Kendall also reported that the line of Telegraph between the cities of
New York and Philadelphia was in great forwardness, and would probably
be completed and open for the transmission of intelligence in a few weeks.
Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Gould, Resolved, That this meeting now
proceed to elect a President, whose term of office shall expire at the next
general meeting of the Company.
The meeting then proceeded to the election of a President, and Hon. Amos
Kendall was elected.
Mr. Kendall expressed his willingness to accept the office agreeably to
the terms of the foregoing resolution.
Mr. French, one of the Trustees of the Company, in conformity with the
11th Article of the Agreement of Association, submitted the following :
Resolved, That in the present state of our information, it is inexpedient
to adopt any system to regulate the transmission, by Telegraph, of general
news and Congressional and Legislative proceedings, but being anxious to
consult the convenience of the Newspaper Press, we invite its managers of all
sects and parties, to a free interchange of views on the subject, that before

4

26
our line shall be extended to Baltimore and Washington, we may if possible,
digest a system which shall be just to ourselves and acceptable to them.
Which resolution was unanimously adopted.
On motion of Mr. Simon Brown, Resolved, That the Editors of Newspapers of the cities of Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New-York,
be respectfully requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting.
And then the meeting adjourned sine die*
Attest,
B. B. FRENCH, Secretary.
The following is a copy of a letter this day received by the Trustees, in
conformity with the 4th Article of the Fundamental, conditions of the Magnetic Telegraph .Company. And the persons whose names are subscribed
are hereby recognised as subscribers to the Telegraph, between Philadelphia
and Baltimore, and as members of the Magnetic Telegraph Company in
conformity with the said 4th Article.
W. W. CORCORAN,-)
B. B. FRENCH.
5
J A N U A R Y 14th,

m

.

Trustees

'

1846.

(COPY.)
WASHINGTON, January 14, 1846.

Messrs. W. W. Corcoran and B. B. French, Trustees of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company:
Gentlemen :-—As agent of the Grantors of the Patent Right to the Magnetic Telegraph Company, I have to request that the following names be
entered as subscribers to the amounts annexed thereto, for the purpose of
constructing the Magnetic Telegraph from Philadelphia to Baltimore, viz : Swain, Abell & Simmons, Philadelphia,
Jos. R. Chandler,
do,
Geo. Bush, Wilmington, DeL,
Mahlon Betts,
do
do
Merritt Canby,
do
, do....
Wm. R. Sellers,
do
do...
do
do
; J. R. Trimble,
Furman Black, Washington, D. €
Henry O'Reilly, New York,

"

$3 500
500
200
200
200
200
200
1 000
4 000

With high consideration, your ob't serv't,
AMOS KENDALL.

MEETING

OF

STOCKHOLDERS.

At a meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company^
held in conformity to previous notice published in the newspapers at Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New-York, at BUNKER'S MANSION
HOUSE, in the city of New York, on Wednesday, the 21st day of January,
1846, at 11 o'clock in the fore-noon, Amos Kendall Presiding:

27
On motion, T. M. Clark was appointed Secretary. Upon examination a
majority of the Stock was found to be represented.
Dr. A. Sidney Doane offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the Stockholders proceed to elect a Board of Directors,
who shall be located by residence as follows, viz :
Four in the City of New-York.
One in the State of New Jersey.
One in the City of Philadelphia. One in the City of Wilmington, Del.
One in the City of Washington,
and one additional Director be elected at the next regular meeting of the
Stockholders, to be located in the city of Philadelphia, and one in the city
of Baltimore, and that the President of the Company shall be ex-oficio a
Director, which on motion, was unanimously adopted.
On motion of Mr. F . 0. J. Smith, the following Stockholders were unanimously elected Directors for the ensuing year.
Amos Kendall of Washington,
John W. Norton, of New-York,
B. B. French,
do
T. M. Clark,
do
A. Sidney Doane, of New-York, John 0. Stearns, of New Jersey,
John J. Haley, of New-York,
Wm. M. Swain, of Philadelphia,
J. R. Trimble, of Wilmington, Delaware.
On motion of Mr. Smith, the following Directors were unanimously elected,
viz:
Amos Kendall, President.
Thomas M. Clark, Secretary.
A. Sidney Doane, Treasurer.
On motion of Mr. O'Reilly, the following resolutions were adopted.
1st. Resolved, That in conformity with the seventeenth Article of the
Regulations of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, the Trustees of said Company be now divested of all the powers temporarily entrusted to them,
excepting the trust of the title of Letters Patent and the issuing of certificates of stock. And that the powers of which those Trustees are now
divested, be and they are hereby transfered to the Board of Directors, just
organized for managing the affairs generally of this Company, under its
proper organization.
2d. Resolved, That the President and Directors of this Company be, and
they are hereby directed to take immediate measures for procuring by a
general law or otherwise, power of Incorporation from the Legislatures of
the several States through which this line of Telegraph extends; said power
of Incorporation to be submitted to the Stockholders for their approval.
3d. Resolved, That in all contracts or matters of business affecting the
pecuniary affairs of this Company, the fundamental rules respecting the
extent to which agents are authorized to go, (forbidding any debt to be
incurred, and declaring the Stockholders to be individually liable for no debt
whatever ; declaring also, that their stock or interest is not to be taxed for

28
any purpose whatever without their assent in writing,) be printed in every
paper employed in notifying agents and contractors of their appointment,
and in every contract with such agents and contractors, and others having
pecuniary business with this Company.
4th. Resolved, That a committee of three of the Directors of this Company, now resident in the city of New-York, be appointed by the Board of
Directors to examine and settle the accounts of the Company with its
agents, in the construction of the line of Telegraph now completed between
New-York and Philadelphia.
5th. Resolved, That as owing to unforeseen difficulties and other causes,
the cost of construction of said line has probably been somewhat greater
than was estimated, when considering the shorter line of construction between
the cities of New-York and Philadelphia, the Hon. Amos Kendall be allowed the privilege of subscribing for an additional amount of stock of this
Company, equivalent at the rate allowed to original subscribers, to the
whole sum with interest, which he has over-paid for materials, work and
other expenses in construction of said line. The amount due to Mr. Kendall
to be determined on the settlement of his accounts by the committee of
three persons appointed to settle the accounts as above mentioned; and
that the proceeding under these resolutions be reported to the next meeting
of the Stockholders.
On motion of Mr. F. 0. J. Smith, Resolved, That the Tariff of charges and
register of regulations for the management of the Telegraph, heretofore
adopted by the Stockholders, be subject to alteration from time to time by
the Board of Directors, until otherwise ordered by a vote of the Stockholders ; and that they also be empowered in like manner to make special
arrangements with the Editors and Publishers of newspapers for transmitting their communications at reduced charges, keeping the same arrangements open to all Editors and Publishers alike.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.

MEETINGS

OF THE

DIRECTORS.

At a meeting of the Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, held
at No. 10 Wall Street, on Thursday, the 22nd day of January, 1846, at 10
o'clock A. M. present, Amos Kendall, A. Sidney Doane, John J. Haley,
Thomas M. Clark, and J. W . Norton.
On motion of Dr. Doane, Amos Kendall was declared unanimously elected
President of the Board for the ensuing year, and Thomas M. Clark, Secretary.
On motion of John J. Haley, it was Resolved, That two messengers be
engaged to carry messages to, and from the Newark Magnetic Telegraph
Depot, as often as the cars run, and that the office in New-York,beopenfrom P

29
o'clock A. M. to 11 o'lock Pv M. or the arrival of the last train from Philadelphia, for the purpose of receiving said messages, to and from Philadelphia;
the rates of postage to be in accordance with published prices.
On motion, Resolved, That J. J. Haley, and T. M. Clark, be authorized
to procure two suitable persons as messengers, to conform to the above
resolution.
On motion. Resolved, That Dr. Doane be authorized to procure a suitable
person to act in capacity of Clerk, at the office in the city of New-York.
On motion, John J. Haley, T. M. Clark, and John W. Norton, were
appointed a Committee of accounts.
On motion, Resolved, That the Treasurer give a bond for Ten thousand
dollars, with good and sufficient securities, for the faithful performance of
his duties; the amount to be increased beyond that sum, if found necessary.
On motion, Resolved, That Professor Morse and Dr. Doane, be requested
to try the line across the river at Fort Lee, at their earliest convenience.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Swain be authorized to procure a suitable
person to act as Clerk, in the office at Philadelphia, at a yearly salary, not
exceeding the rate of Four hundred dollars.
On motion, adjourned to meet at Bunker's Mansion House, at 6^ o'clock,
this Evening.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary,
The Board of Directors met, pursuant to adjournment, at Bunker's Mansion House, on Thursday Evening, January 22, 1846, at 6 | o'clock. Present:
The President, and Messrs. Doane, Haley, Clark and Norton.
On motion, the following Office Regulation was adopted.]
All communications to be forwarded, must be put in writing, and handed
to the Clerk in the office, and if desired, will in all cases, be returned to the
party furnishing ,them, as soon as the contents have been transmitted to the
point of destination, and after having been properly stamped with the office
stamp and dated; the Clerk to keep a memorandrun of the same.
On motion of Dr. Doane, it was Resolved, That the President enter into
negociation with Messrs. Livingston & Wells, on the basis of their communication to the Directors.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Friday Evening, January 23, 1846, at 7 o'clock. Present: The President, and Messrs.
Doane, Norton, Clark and Haley.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the President be authorized to
confer with the Newark Rail Road Company, for the privilege of continuing

30
the Line of Telegraph along their road, from Newark to Jersey City, and
also to commute for one or more Messengers.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Saturday,
January 24th, 1846, at 5 o'clock, P. M. Present: the President, Messrs. Norton,
Haley, Doane and Clark.
i On motion of Dr. Doane, Resolved, That the President be empowered to proceed along the Line of Telegraph to Philadelphia, and make arrangements for
repairing any defects in the Line, from time to time, as occasion may require.
Dr. Doane reported, that Mr. W. L. Jordan, offered to act in the capacity of
clerk, in the office in this city, at a salary to be determined upon by the Directors,
On motion, it was Resolved, That the report be accepted, and Mr. Jordan be
engaged on the above terms.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That communications shall be sent from
this city to and from Newark, at the following hours, viz :
From Newark,
From New-York,
By Conductor at 7k o'clock,
\
By Messenger, at 9 o'clock,
" Express,
11
Express,
9
"
" Messenger,
12
Messenger, 11
"
3
"
do
do
U
"
" Express,
4
do
4
"
do
8f
"
" Messenger,
7
' On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Haley be empowered to carry the above regulations into effect.
On motion, Resolved, That the President be empowered to confer with Mr.
Swain, of Philadelphia, to engage a messenger for that city, and to advertise in
the daily papers.
On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary advertise in all the daily papers of
the city of New-York, every other day for one week, at the opening of the Telegraph for business, with the arrangements adopted for the accommodation of the
public, and that he cause one thousand circulars to be piinted for distribution
among business men, giving like information.
Qn motion, Resolved, That the Secretary cause half a ream of one of the Rules,
to be printed, declaring the Stockholders to be individually responsible for no debts.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Thursday, January
29fh, 1846, at 5 o'clock, P. M. Present: the President, Messrs. Doane, Clark,
Haley and Norton.
On motion of Dr. Doane, Resolved, That when a communication exceeds One
Hundred Words, the price on all words exceeding one hundred, be reduced to
one-third the regular price.

31
On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary furnish the above resolution to the
daily papers, the different Telegraph Stations, and to the following persons, viz :
C. Livingston, Jones & Co., F. W. Meighan & Co., and Snow, Tribune Office.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House on Thursday evening,
February 26th, 1846. Present: the President, Messrs. Clark, Doane, Haley and
Norton.
On motion, Resolved, That there be a general meeting of the Directors, to be
held at Bunker's Mansion House, on Thursday next, at 5 o'clock, P. M.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Thursday evening,
March oth, 1846. Present, the President, Messrs. Clark, Doane, Swain, Stearns,
Haley and Norton.
On motion of Mr. Haley, it was Resolved, That the President cause the two
wires between the North River and Philadelphia, to be twisted, if it can be done
with advantage to the Company.
On motion, Resolved, That the President, Norton and Clark, cause a Line of
Telegraph to be built from Jersey City to Newark, on the Rail Road Line, provided, the right of way can be obtained.
On motion, Resolved, That the President, Norton and Clark, be authorized to
negotiate with Mr. B. Tucker, of No. 16 Oliver Street, for crossing the North River,
at Fort Lee, provided, he will construct a suitable mast sufficient to hold six wires,
at a suitable height above the water. The whole to be completed within three
months.
On motion, Resolved, That the salary of the President be at the rate of two
thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, ($2,250,) per annum, including his personal expenses.
On motion, Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary be at the rate of three
hundred and fifty dollars, ($350,) per annum.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T, M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Thursday Evening,
March 7th, 1846. Present: The President, Messrs. Clark, Doane, Haley and
. Norton.
On motion, Resolved, That permission be granted to Messrs. Colt & Robinson,
to put one isolated wire on the poles between Wall Street, and Yorkville, to be
removed at the discretion of the Company.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T< M. CLAftK, Secretary.

32
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Thursday evening, April 9th, 1846. Present: The President, Messrs. Clark, Doane, Haley
and Norton.
On motion, Resolved, That the Rates of Charges between Philadelphia and
Wilmington, Del. be at the rate often cents for every ten words ; from Wilmington to Baltimore, twenty-five cents ; from Baltimore to Washington,
cents •
from Philadelphia to Baltimore, twenty-five cents ; from Philadelphia to Washington, twenty-five cents ; from Wilmington to Washington, twenty-five cents.
On motion, Resolved, That there be employed in the office in Washington, one
Operator. At the office in Jersey City, three Operators. At the office in Wall St.
one Clerk, and four boys to carry communications. At the office in Philadelphia, one Clerk, three Operators, and three boys. At the office in Wilmington,
one Operator. At the office in Baltimore, two Operators, and one boy.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.

M E E T I N G OF S T O C K H O L D E R S .
At a meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, held
in conformity to previous notice published in the Newspapers, at Congress Hall,
in the city of Philadelphia, on Tuesday, the 19th day of May, ]846, at 3 o'clock,
P. M. The Hon. Amos Kendall, President, presiding.
On motion of John J. Haley, Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns, it
will adjourn to meet again at Barnum's Hotel, in the city of Baltimore, on Friday
next, the 22d inst., at 3 o'clock, P. M.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T . M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, met pursuant to
adjournment, at Barnum's Hotel, city of Baltimore, on Friday, 22nd day of
May, at 3 o'clock P. M. In the absence of the President, in consequence of
sickness, the Hon. B. B. French was unanimously elected President, pro tern.
On motion of Mr. Trimble, Resolved^ That this meeting now proceed to
elect two Directors.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the Directors be elected by
ballot.
Resolved, That the Directors be voted for separately.
Mr. Geo. W. Hart received all the votes cast, and was declared unanimously elected a Director for the city of Philadelphia.
Mr. Geo, C. Penniman received two hundred and ninety votes, and Mr.
M. N. Falls sixty three votes. Mr. Penniman was therefore declared duly
elected a Director, for the city of Baltimore.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That this meeting now proceed to
elect an additional Trustee.

33
On motion, Mr. Adam J. Glosbrenner of Washington City, was unanimously elected Trustee.
On motion of Mr. Trimble, Resolved* That the Secretary be, and he is
hereby directed to deliver over to the Treasurer, all books and papers
relating to the fiscal concerns of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Resolved, That the Trustees shall hereafter issue original certificates of
Stock, only upon the certificate of the Treasurer, that the persons to whom
the same is to be issued, has paid into the Treasury of the Company, the sum
necessary under the regulations of the Company, to entitle him to such
stock.
Thomas M. Clark offered a written Report from Mr. Kendall, which on
motion was read, and referred to a Committee of three, with instructions to
report their proceedings to the Board of Directors.
The President appointed Messrs. Swain, Doane and Norton.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the President of this Company,
be instructed forthwith to ascertain by what right the United States use the
Patent Right of Morse's Telegraph between Washington and Baltimore, and
that he report the information he may obtain to the Directors.
On motion, Resolved, That Meetings of Directors shall be held Quarterly,
on the first Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October, alternately in
the Cities of New-York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and at such other times
and places as the President may see fit to call them together.
On motion of Dr. Doane, Resolved, That the Stockholders of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, do not recognise the statement of the President—that
the two wires as they stand, are considered equal but to one, and that if
two are substituted on the direct Line, one of them may be properly charged
to repairs, and stock issued on the other, as provided for improvements in
the Articles of Association.
On motion of Mr. , O'Reilly, Resolved, That a Committee of three be
appointed to examine the Line of Telegraph between Philadelphia and
Baltimore, and make their report to the Directors. The following persons
were appointed, viz : Messrs. Vail. Trimble and Rogers.
On motion of Mr. Glosbrenner, Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company be, and he is hereby directed to report to the Directors, at the next
meeting, the receipts (discriminating the source whence derived,) and
expenditures of the Company, up to the date of such report, together with
the amount of the ascertained claims against the Company, and such other
information as he may have in relation to the financial condition of the
Company.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be directed to prepare a similar report,
quarter yearly, on the first day of January, April, July and October, and
5

34
submit such report to the Directors, at their first meeting after it shall have
been prepared.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That a Committee of four be appointed
by the Chair, to prepare a set of Rules for the regulation of the several
offices.
The Chair appointed Messrs. Clark, Haley, Doane and Rogers.
Mr. Haley offered the following preamble and resolution, which on
motion, Was adopted!
Whereas from the ill health of our President, he is unable to attend to the
active duties of the Line, therefore,
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to correspond with Mr. Kendall,
upon the subject of relieving him from the active duties of the Presidency,
b^y the appointment of a Superintendent, with a salary, to be deducted from
the amount now appropriated to him, and report their proceedings to the
Board of Directors.
The Chair appointed Messrs. Black, Broadhead and Falls.
On motion, Resolved, That the Annual Meetings be held on the first
Tuesdays in July.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M* CLARK, Secretary.

MEETING

OF THE

DIRECTORS.

The Board of Directors met at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, on Tuesday,
June 30,1846. Present: The President, Messrs. Clark, French, Trimble,
Penniman, Hart and Swain, '-H
On motion of Mr. Trimble, it was Resolved, That the Superintendent, or
Chief Operator at each Station, shall contract bills or make expenditures,
only on the authority of a Director at such post, or of the President; which
bill shall not be paid until the written approval of such Director or the
President shall be inscribed on it with his name ; bills thus approved, shall
be paid out of the funds in the hands of such Superintendent, or Chief Operator promptly, and transmitted to the Secretary weekly, and be credited
to him as so much cash, together with a certificate of deposit in some Bank,
of the cash remaining weekly. Each bill made shall express on its face, the
object of the expenditure.
On motion, Resolved, That there be employed in New-York, one Clerk, and
a competent number of Boys to deliver communications. At the Jersey

35
City office, one Clerk, one Chief Operator and two Assistant Operators. At
the Philadelphia office one Clerk, one Assistant Clerk, one Chief Operator,
and four Assistant Operators, and a sufficient complement of Boys to deliver
communications. At the Wilmington Office, one Operator and one Boy.—
At the Baltimore office, one Chief Operator, two Assistant Operators, and a
competent number of Boys to deliver communications. At the Washington
office, one Chief Operator, two Assistant Operators and a competent number
of Boys to deliver communications.
On motion, Resolved, That the following salaries be paid, on and after the
first day of July next, viz :
To Chief Operators, Six Hundred Dollars per annum.
To Assistant Operators, Five Hundred Dollars per annum.
To Clerks, Five Hundred Dollars per annum.
To Assistant Clerks, Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the President of this Company be, and he is empowered
to appoint all the Agents and Officers of this Company, the appoi ntment of
whom, by the Article of Agreement, is vested in the Board of Directors.
That he be empowered to make rules and regulations for the government
of the officers, not inconsistent with any action heretofore made by the
Stockholders, on this subject, and he shall see that the several offices are
provided with everything necessary, to carry on effectually and promptly
the business of the Company.
That he have the general supervision of the Line of Telegraph, and the
power of removing from office any officer or agent, by him appointed, whenever he may deem that the interest of the Company require it.
That the President shall report to the Secretary, the names of all officers
or agents by him appointed, with the Station to which they are appointed,
and in case of removal, he shall report the same to the Secretary.
This resolution to be subject to revision, or abrogation by the Board of
Directors.
The President offered a written report, concerning the use of the Telegraph, between Washington and Baltimore.
On motion, The Report was accepted and ordered on file,
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Zook's bill for Fifty-four dollars and sixty
cents, be referred to Messrs. Swain and Hart for adjustment, and that they
report to the next meeting of this Board. Also the amount of compensation proper to be paid to Mr. Reid for past services.
On motion, Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to pay Mr. Boher,
Twenty-seven dollars, deducting the amount already paid for his expenses
Ijorne from New-York.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary,

36

MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS.
A meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, was
held at Bunker's Mansion House, in the city of New-York, Tuesday, July
!7, 1846, at 5 o'clock, P. M. The Hon. Amos Kendall, presiding.
Dr. A. Sidney Doane, Treasurer, offered the following Report:
In resigning the office of Treasurer, I would respectfully state, that in
entering on the duties of my office I filed a Bond for Ten Thousand Dollars,
with good and sufficient sureties. From that time until the receipts for
June were made up, the fiscal concerns of the Company have been embarrassed, requiring the constant advance of monies to the Company, by some
of the Directors or by the Treasurer. Since the June accounts were made
up, affairs look a little better, although, even now, there is not sufficient
money in the Treasury to meet all the demands against the Company. Up
to July 6, I have received from the offices and from the construction
fund,
,.$10,251 69
I have paid,
.......
9,68152
Ofthis balance,
Is placed in the Bank of Philadelphia,
$416 65
" "
Bank of Wilmington and Brandy w i n e , . . . . . . 43 96
10 02
<( a' Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs,

$570 17

470 63

$99 54
The balance in my hands, is deposited in the Butchers and
Drovers' Bank in this city. Of this sum of
$10,251 69
Was deposited by Trustees,
$417 82
Do.
do. by Subscribers,
7,830 00
8,247 82
$2,003 87
The balance has been received from the different Operators. This however must not be considered as the entire earnings of the Company.
Thus, if we take the New-York and Philadelphia offices,
In Philadelphia was received from January to April,
$480 50
Expended, and on hand,
257 00
Deposited to credit of Treasurer,
In April, the Receipts were,
Expended, and on hand;
Deposited to my Credit,
In May, the Receipts were,
Expended, and on hand,
Deposited to my Credit,...*
In June, the Receipts were,
Expended, and on hand,
Deposited to my Credit,

$223 50
$203 00
153 00

»

$50 00
495 84
395 84
• . . . $100 00
926 00
$660 00
$266 00

37
Thus of a Receipt of $2,104 84, but $639 50, have passed into the Treasury.
So too in the New-York office, while up to the 8th of June, $851,50, were
received at the office, but $293 17, came into the Treasury.
In regard to the liabilities of the Company, the following are some of the
demands :
Audabon for Rent,...*
*•. . . . . . . . . . $ 2 0 00
New-Jersey Transportation Company,...*...*
50 00
S. F. B. Morse,
*.. 52 00
Geo. Vail,
14 00
Brown & Elton,
29 69
Carpenter,
Hon. Amos Kendall,
Rent in Wall Street,
Nans & Cornish, (about)
40 00
S. S. Redfield,
,,
Say at least $1,200, or $1,400. All of which is respectfully submitted.
A. S. DOANE, Treas. Mag. Tel. Co.
N E W - Y O R K , July 6, 1846.

On motion, the Report was received, and referred to a Committee of two,
with instructions to report thereon, to the Board of Directors.
The President appointed Thomas M. Clark and John W. Norton, Committee.
Thomas M. Clark offered the following Report: *
REPORT
of the Monthly Receipts at the several offices of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, from January 21th 1846, to June SOth, 1846.
Jersey New- I Philadel- \Wilrnint Balti- WashNew
ark. I phia.
ton.
more. ington.
York.
City.
200 42
45 4S
Jan. $108 75'
253 98
202 58
Mar
51 55
162 65
120 97 11 30
Ap'l
426 67
93 40
363 25 93 39
May
879 45
79 35 264 39
731 32 1 39 87
June
$1,526 87|$244 56|$45 48

,923 17|$224 30|$264 39

Total.
354 65
456 56
346 47
976 71
2,094 38
4,228 77

I have not received any returns from the Washington office to July 1st.—
The Line has been stopped on account of breaks in the wires, thirty-six
days, which is nearly one fourth of the whole time that the Line has been
in operation.
The Receipts during the last month, has averaged $71 39, per day, exclusive of the Washington office.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
T. M. CLARK, Secretary, Mag. Tel. Co.
N E W - Y O R K , July 6, 1846.

38
Mr Kendall offered a written report, and bills from Mr. Henry O'Reilly»
for constructing the Line of Telegraph from Philadelphia to Baltimore.
On motion, the Report was accepted, and referred to a Committee of two,
with instructions to report thereon at the next meeting of the Directors.
The President appointed Messrs. Hart and Clark, Committee.
On motion of Mr. Broadhead, Resolved, That the number of Directors in
this Company, be limited to five.
Mr. Clark moved that the number be limited to seven, including the
President.
A motion was made that the number be limited to eight.
A vote was taken on limiting the number to eight, which was declared
lost. A vote was then taken on seven, which was also declared lost. A vote
was then taken on five, which was carried.
Mr. Broadhead moved to reconsider the vote just taken, to limit the number of Directors to five, and offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the number of Directors in this Company, be limited to
seven, including the President. Carried.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That there shall be elected two
Directors, residing in the City of New-York, two in Philadelphia, one in
Wilmington, one in Baltimore, and one in Washington.
On motion of Mr, Haley, Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed
to retire and make nominations for Officers, for the ensuing year. The President appointed Messrs..Swain, Fuller and Haley. The Committee retired,
and^ after consultation, returned, and made the following nominations for
Officers for the ensuing year, to wit:
FOR DIRECTORS,
Thomas M. Clark, of the City of-New-York,
John J. Haley,
«
"
"
do
Wm. M. Swain, "
"
«
Philadelphia,
Geo. H . H a r t ,
"
«
«
«'
do
J. R. Trimble,
"
"
*
*
Wilmington,
Geo. C. Penniman,"
"
•'
Baltimore,
Hon. Amos Kendall,
*
*
"
Washington.
For President,
HON. A M O S
KENDALL.
'•
For Secretary,

T H O M A S M. C L A R K .
For Treasurer,
GEORGE H. H A R T .
On motion, Resolved, That the above named persons, be declared unanimously elected.
On motion of Mr. Broadhead, Resolved, That no certificate of Stock shall
be issued to any subscriber of funds for the purpose of adding another wire

39
to the Telegraph, between New-York and Washington, until such subscriber shall have paid his subscription in full if requested, nor shall he be
entitled to any dividend of the earnings of the Telegraph, previous to the
new wire being put in operation.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the Board of Directors of this
Company, be authorized to take such steps as they may deem necessary, for
the purpose of ascertaining from the Philadelphia and Trenton Rail Road
Company, whether they will consent to the construction of a Line of wires
for the Magnetic Telegraph Company, along the route of their Road, and if
so, with what qualifications; also the feasibility of constructing the Line
adjacent to the Rail Road.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M, CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met at Bunker's Mansion House, on Tuesday evening,
July 74h, 1846. Present: The President, and Messrs. Clark, Swain, Hart, and
Haley.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.

The Board of Directors met at Bunkers Mansion House, on Wednesday evening, July 8th, 1846, at half past 1 o'clock, P. M.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the salaries of the Secretary, Operators and Clerks, be paid monthly, out of the income of the stations at which they
are rendered, upon bills approved of by the President, or the Director at the
Station, to be returned to the Treasurer, in the same manner as for bills for incidental expenses.
On motion, Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to pay the President's
salary monthly, provided there are funds in his hands*
On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to procure stamps For
the offices in Washington, Baltimore, and Wilmington.
On motion of Mr. Haley, the Hon. Amos Kendall, was declared unamimously
elected President, and Thomas )M, Clark, Secretary, of the Board of Directors,
for the ensuing year.
The President appointed Messrs. Clark, Swain, and Trimble, as the Committee of Accounts.
On motion, Resolved, That all certificates of deposits, together with all bills
for salaries, and incidental expenses which shall be paid, shall be sent to the
Treasurer.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T . M» CLARK, Secretary.

40
The Board of Directors met at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, on Wednesday,
August 12th, 1846, at 5 o'clock, P. M. Present: The President, Messrs. Clark,
Haley, Hart, Swain, Trimble, and Penniman.
Mr. Clark from the Committee to whom was referred the books and accounts of
A. S. Doane, late Treasurer, offered the following report:
The undersigned, appointed a Committee to audit the accounts of the late
Treasurer, respectfully report:
That soon after the election of Officers they called upon Dr. Doane, who immediately paid to the new Treasurer, George H. Hart, Three Hundred Dollars, a
portion of the money belonging to the Telegraph Company, and stated that as
soon as his accounts were received from Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington and
Philadelphia, he would be fully prepared for the Committee, and would settle
with them.
A few days after the Committee again called upon Dr. Doane, and examined his
accounts. They found that he had received the sum of $10,431 30 ; he submitted
vouchers for the payment of $9,907 51, leaving a balance of $523 79. The above
amount was shown to us on deposit to his credit, in different Banks, and was
paid by him on demand to the Secretary, T. M. Clark, and he paid it over to the
Treasurer, George H. Hart, as follows, viz :
Deposited in the Seventh Ward Bank,
$187 68
Dr. Doane's Check of the Bank of Wilmington and Brandy wine,
123 66
Do.
" Philadelphia Bank
202 65
Do.
" Corcoran & Riggs,
9 82
Respectfully submitted,

NEW-YORK, J U L Y 25,

$523 79
THOMAS M. CLARK,
JOHN N. NORTON.

1846.

On motion, the report was accepted, and the Committee discharged.
Mr. Hart, offered the following report :
To the President of the New- York and Washington Telegraph Company :
Gentlemen—The undersigned, appointed a Committee to examine and adjust
the accounts of James D. Reid, now Chief Operator in the Philadelphia Office,
for services rendered previous to July 1st, 1846, respectfully report: That they
have performed the duties assigned them, by directing the payment of $80 25 in
full for his account to that date.
Which is most respectfully submitted,
WM. M. SWAIN,
GEO. H. HART.
P H I L A D E L P H I A , J U L Y 29,

1846.

On motion, the report was accepted, and the Committee discharged.
Mr. Hart, offered the following report :
To the President and Directors of the N. York and Washington Telegraph Co.
Gentlemen—The undersigned, appointed as a Committee to examine and adjust
the account of S. K. Zook, of the Philadelphia Office, for services as Operator,

41
from March 1st, to April 19th, respectfully report: That they have performs
the duties assigned them, by directing the payment of $43 61, in full of his
accounts to the 19th of April, deducting from the original bill $10 99, for services
previous to the time directed by the President.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
WM. M. SWAIN,
PHILADELPHIA, J U L Y 21, 1846.

GEO.

H. HART.

Mr. Clark, offered a bill from the Morris Canal Company, of $8 25, which
on motion, was ordered to be paid.
E. D. Saxton's bill for fixtures of $88 92, and for rent, of $50 00, was read,
and on motion, was referred to Messrs. Clark and Haley, to be settled.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Buckley, the New-York Clerk, be directed to
collect from Moses Y. Beach, the amount of the bill for sending by Telegraph the
foreign news to the Washington Unionfl per last Boston Steamer, from Liverpool.
On motion, Resolved, That the bill against the Editors and Propiietors of the
New-York Express Newspaper, amounting to $205 04, be referred to Messrs.
Clark and Haley.
On motion, Resolved, That all business including the receipts and payments
of money, be transferred from the Jersey City office to the New-York office, and
that the Chief Operator at Jersey City office, be directed to report to the Secretary
the amount of the daily receipts, and also to send to the Secietary and Treasurer,
the weekly and monthly reports.
On motion, Resolved, That the Directors in Philadelphia, be requested to transfer the wires from the Columbia Bridge, and adopt some other suitable mode of
crossing the Scuylkill, by posts erected on each bank, or otherwise, and that they
also be requested to have the posts in the city of Philadelphia, painted in a suitable manner.
Resolved, That the Directors in New-York, have the poles in the city of Newaik
painted in like manner#
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That Dr. Doane's bill of $130 16, be paid.
Mr. Trimble, from the Committee to exmamine the construction of the Line of
Telegraph between Philadelphia and Baltimore, offered reports from the following
persons, one from Prof. Gale, one from Messrs. Vail and Trimble, and also a report
and sundry bills from Mr. H. O'Reilly, which on motion, were read and accepted.
Osi raotiori, the Board adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors met pursuant to adjournment, at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, on Thursday, August 13, 1846. Present: the President, Messrs. Clark,
Haley, Hart, Swain and Penniman^
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the President and Philadelphia
Directors, be instructed to ascertain whether the right of way can be obtained
along the New Jersey Rail Road, and if not, to enquire whether there is any other
attainable route, which is preferable to any point of that now occupied, and report
to this Board at their next regular meeting.
6

42
On motion, Resolved, That the following amounts be allowed Mr. Henry
O'Reilly, in full payment, for constructing the Line of Telegraph between Philadelphia and Baltimore, as follows, to wit:
Amount of contract,
Amount by Port Deposit Bridge, •. •

.
•.«

$12,000 00
1,360 00

Less difference between copper and iron wire,

$13,360 00
JO? 18
v

$13,25*2 8&
The above resolution was communicated to Mr. O'Reilly, in the following
letter, by the Secretary.
P H I L A D E L P H I A , AUGUST 13,

1846.

H E N R Y O'REILLY, ESQ.

Sir: The above resolution has this day been adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, and is communicated to you for your information. The above amount is subject to such deduction as you have heretofore
received.
Yours respectfully,
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
On motion of John J, Haley, Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed
to enquire into the expediency of appointing a General Superintendent of the Line
of Telegraph, between Washington and New-York, who shall be endowed with
such powers as may, by the Board of Directors, be deemed necessary to carry
into effect a strict and proper discipline in the various offices of the Line, together
with active and early attention to such constructions, alterations, or repairs as
may be deemed necessary, by accident or otherwise.
Resolved, That said Committee report in writing, at the next meeting of this
Board.
The Ayes and Noes being called for, were taken as follows: Ayes, Messrs.
Kendall, Hart, Clark, Swain, Haley and Penniman. Noes, none.
The President appointed the following Committee, viz: Messrs. Haley, Swain
and Penniman.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the Secretary have for the discharge
his duties, the sum of $500, per annum, from the first of July last.
Resolved, That the Treasurer have for the discharge of his duties, the sum of
$300 per annum, from the first of July last.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That B. Tucker, Esq., has not, in the
opinion of this Board, complied with the contract made by him with certain Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, on the 8th day of May last, and that
the Secretary inform him that his experiment is considered at an end.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the proposition of Henry O'Reilly
Esq., contractor for building the Line of Telegraph, from Philadelpha to Baltimore, for a reference of his claims, growing out of his contract, for building said
Line, to arbitrators, be acceded to, on the condition, that the said H. O'Reilly,

43
shall consent and agree to consider every question connected therewith, open for
consideration and decisions of arbitrators, in as full and complete a manner as
if the resolution adopted this day, allowing him $13,252 82 in full of all claims,
arising under said contract, had not been adopted; and on behalf of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, this Board are prepared to enter into a reciprocal obligation
to abide by their decision.
The above resolution was communicated to Mr. O'Reilly, in the following
letter, by the Secretary.
P H I L A D E L P H I A , AUGUST 13,

1846.

H E N R Y O'REILLY, ESQ.,

Dear Sir : Immediately upon the receipt of your letter, asking a reference of
your claims against the Magnetic Telegraph Company, to four referees, and an
umpire, the Board of Directors adopted the above resolution, which is communicated to you for your information.
It is the opinion that two arbitrators with an umpire, will be preferable to four;
will be more likely to come to a speedy decision, and with more economy to the
parties.
If you concur in a reference on the terms of the resolution, the Board are ready
to make the preliminary arrangements with all practicable dispatch.
Yours respectfully,
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors met at Congress Hall,
Philadelphia, on Tuesday, October 6th, 1846, at 4 o'clock, P. M. Present: the
President, Messrs. Penniman, Hart, Swain, Haley, and Clark.
The minutes of the last two meetings were read and approved.
The Quarterly Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, were presented and
accepted.
On motion, Resolved, That the Treasurer have for the discharge of his duties,
the sum of Four Hundred Dollars, ($400) per annum, from the first of July last.
Mr. Haley offered the following report:
We, your Committee to whom was referred the expediency of appointing a
General Superintendent, respectfully report: That they have duly considered the
subject, and would offer the following resolutions.
JOHN J. HALEY,
GEO. H. HART,
GEO. C. PENNIMAN.
Resolved, That a General Superintendent be and is appointed by this Board at
this meeting, and that hi3 duties shall be defined by the Board of Directors.
Resolved, That this Board receive the. kind and liberal offer of the President, in
appropriating the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars, ($750) per annum,
from his salary, to be appropriated in paying the salarj of said Superintendent.

44
Resolved, That the salary of said Superintendent be at the rate of Nine Hundred
Dollars, ($900) per annum, and expenses as far as regards fare.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. J. D. Reid, be, and is hereby appointed Superintendent of this Line of Telegraph.
On motion, Resolved, That Messrs. Kendall and Hart, be a Committee to
define the duties of the Superintendent.
On motion of Mr. Pennirrian, Resolved, That Mr. J. H. Rogers, at the Baltimore Station, have for his services the sum of Four Hundred Dollars, ($400) per
annum, ag compensation for superintending said office.
On motion, Resolved, That the President be instructed: to cause the wires to be
removed from Port Deposit Bridge, if he deem it necessary.
On motion, Resolved, That the resolution passed by this Board, August 13th,
allowing Mr. Henry O'Reilly, Thirteen Thousand Two Hunded arid Fifty Dollars and eighty-two cents, ($13,250 82) be and is hereby rescinded.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That in case the Philadelphia and Trenton
Rail Road Company, the Camden and Amboy, and the New Jersey Rail Road
Companies, upon the application of the Committee to negotiate with them, consent upon such conditions as may, by said Committee, be deemed reasonable
and fair, to the use of the Line of the Road,, for the construction and use of the
Telegraph Line, between Philadelphia and New-York, the Superintendent of the
Telegraph be, and.he is hereby authorized and instructed to build a Line of Telegraph between the two cities, on the Line of the Rail Road, with two iron wires,
on account and at the expense of the New-York, Philadelphia and Washington
Telegraph Company. The wires to be of iron, say, Three Hundred pounds
weight to the mile, each three stranded cord. And in ease the right of way cannot be obtained of s-aid Rail Road Companies, upon such conditions as may be
deemed fair and consistent with the interest of the Telegraph Company, then the
Superintendent is to construct a New Line by the erection of poles, and the laying of wire from Philadelphia to New-York, and thence to Newark ; to lay upon
the poles at present erected, two new iron wires, of Three Hundred pounds
weight, each three stranded cord, in lieu of the copper wires now laid ; said construction to be made by the Superintendent, under the general directions and
instructions of the President of the Company.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the Superintendent of the New-York,
Philadelphia and Washington Magnetic Telegraph Company, be authorized and
instructed to lay an additional iron wire cord, between Philadelphia and Baltimore, under the direction and instruction of the President, so soon as the Patentees
shall supply the necessary funds for the purpose. The cord to be formed of three
strands.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That when Communications exceed One
Hundred Words, the price on all words exceeding One Hundred be reduced onethird, instead of two-thirds.
. On motion, the Board adjourned until Wednesday, at 11 o'clock, A. M., at the
same place.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary,

45
The Board of Directors met pursuant to adjournment at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, October 7th, 1846, at 11 o'clock, A. M. Present: The
President, Messrs. Swain, Hart, Penniman and Clark.
Mr. Kendall offered the following report, which on motion was adopted:
The Committee to whom was referred the duty^ of defining the duties' of the
Superintendent of our Line of Telegraph, have considered the subject, and
reported the following resolution for the consideration of the Board. (See pages
21 and 22, additional regluations.)
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That Mr. Shaw, be requested to proceed
along the Line from Jersey City to Philadelphia, and carefully examine the Line
and separate the wires.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
confer with Henry O'Reilly, contractor for building the Line of Telegraph from
Philadelphia to Baltimore, and adjust his account for the construction of said Line,
and upon such adjustment certilied to the Treasurer, he shall certify to the Trustees that the amount found due, has been paid by the said O'Reilly upon his
subscription for the building of said Line, that stock may be issued thereon.
Resolved, That said Committee shall not allow the said O'Reilly,' more than
Fourteen Thousand Dollars, {$14,000) subject to a deduction of the amount
required to repair all the original defects of the said Line, and upon condition
that he shaU relieve the said Company from any assumed or real liability, for any
rent charge for the privilege of crossing the Susquehannah River.
Resolved further, That in case no adjustment shall be effected by said Committee, within one month, these resolutions shall be null and void, being intended
as admeasure of compromise.
The President appointed Messrs. Swain, Hart and Trimble, as the Committee.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the President be authorized, should
he deem the same desirable, to negotiate with the Post Master General, for the
purchase of the posts, wires, and materials, with right of way, &c, of the Government Line of Telegraph, constructed and hitherto used by it as an experiment
between Washington and Baltimore, for the use and benefit of the " Magnetic
Telegraph Company," upon the most advantageous terms which can be made;
The following letter was received from Mr. Reid,
PHILADELPHIA, OCT. 7th,

1846.

To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Co.
Gents—Upon consultation with those on whose advice I have hitherto acted,
I shall accept unreservedly the appointment you have so kindly and somewhat
unexpectedly made. The implied confidence which the action of the Board presents, is a rich and sweet reward for all the toil and anxiety of past time, and
although I cannot separate the nature of the appointment from much personal
conflict, with both opinion and supposed prerogative, I shall endeavor by
uprightness, courtesy, and mutual consultation, to effect whatever my duty may
dictate for the interest of the Company.
Yours respectfully,
J. G. REID.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary*

46
The Regular Quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at Barnum's Hotel, Baltimore, on Tuesday,
January 5th, 1847, at 2 o'clock, P. M. Present: The President, arid Messrs.
Clark, Penniman, Haley, Swain and Hart.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The Quarterly Reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, and Superintendent, were read and accepted.
Mr. Swain, from the Committee, appointed to settle Henry O'Reilly's
accounts, Reported verbally, that no definite action has been had on the
subject.
A Report from Mr. Shaw, showing the number of breaks in the Line for
the quarter, between Philadelphia and Sumerville, was read and accepted.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the sum of Forty-one dollars and
seventy-eight cents (#41,78) be paid to Mr. Ezra Cornell, in full for the
balance due him for building the Line of Telegraph, between New-York and
Sumerville.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the New-York Directors, are
hereby empowered to adjust the accounts of Mr. Smith, the late Chief
Operator at Jersey City, together with the salary due him up to January
1,1847.
A petition from the Philadelphia Operators, to appoint a Battery Keeper
for that office, was read, and on motion, was laid on the table.
The Secretary stated to the Board, the fact that Mr. Tucker had from 900
to 1,200 pounds of copper wire, and about 7,000 pounds of Lead pipe, costing
$326 95, also a quantity of Telegraph paper, unaccounted for.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the three resolutions of this Board,
passed at its meeting in Philadelphia, of Oct. 7th, last, in relation to a
settlement with Mr. O'Reilly, of his accounts for the construction of the Line
between Philadelphia and Baltimore, under his contract of $12,000, be
renewed for the period of one month from date, except so much thereof, as
relates to the issue of Certificates of stock, to the said O'Reilly. Mr. Haley
called for the ayes and noes, which were ordered:
Ayes, Messrs. Hart, Swain, Kendall and Clark.
Noes, Messrs. Penniman and Haley.
The resolution was declared adopted.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That Mr. J. D. Reid, Superintendent, be
authorized to purchase from the manufacturer in Philadelphia, sufficient
twisted four strand wire at $38 00, per mile, provided that he, with the
Philadelphia and New-York Directors deem it necessary, to enable him to
complete the single Line of wire along the Rail Road, between New-York
and Philadelphia, by the 20th of January instant.

47
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the President be authorized to
increase the salary of such person as the General Superintendent may designate, acting Chief Operator in the Philadelphia office in his absence, to
$600,00 per annum, provided, that he be recommended by the said General
Superintendent of the Line.
On motion, Resolved, That the claim set up against this Company, by
A. Bell & Co., be referred to the President.
On motion, Resolved, That Messrs. Penniman and Rogers, be requested to
procure a Charter from the Legislature of the State of Maryland, for the
Magnetic Telegraph Company.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company,
be instructed to inform the Stockholders thereof, what have been the
receipts and expenditures, showing what portion of said expenditures have
arisen from the management and ordinary repairs of the Line of Telegraph,
and what from construction, or reconstruction thereof.
On motion, Resolved, That the New-York and Baltimore Directors, be
authorized to rent suitable Rooms for offices in their respective cities.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.

At a regular Quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, held at Bunkers Mansion House, in the city of NewYork, on Tuesday, April 6th, 1847, at 11 o'clock, A. M. Present : Messrs.
Kendall, Hart, Haley, Clark and Penniman.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Mr. Clark reported, that the accounts of Charles T. Smith, late Chief
Operator at Jersey City, have been settled.
Mr. Penniman reported, that a Charter for the Magnetic Telegraph Company, had been obtained from the State of Maryland.
Mr. Clark reported, that an office for the use of the Company, had been
procured in the city of New-York, at the rent of $250, per annum.
Mr. Penniman reported, that an office had been rented in the city of Baltimore, for the use of the Company, at the rent of §150, for the first year, and
$200 per annum, thereafter.
Mr. Kendall reported, that Rooms had been procured in the city of Washington, for the use" of the Company, at the rent of $50, per annum.
The Quarterly Report of the Secretary and Treasurer, were read and
accepted.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the sum of $11 14, be added to
the account of Mr. Ezra Cornell, making a balance of $52 92, in full for all
debts, dues and demands against this Company.

48
On motion, Resolved, That no more subscriptions to additional stock be
received, except $500 from Mr. J. D. Reid, $150 from Tbomas M. Clark,
and so much as to make Messrs. Black, Fuller and Dayton's subscriptions
even amounts.
On motion, Resolved, That the following bills be disposed of as follows, viz:
Bill against the New-York Express* amounting to #41 29, be charged
to profit and loss.
Bill against the True Sun, amounting to $2 50, charged to profit and loss.
Bill against the New-York Tribune, amounting to $10 50, charged to
profit and loss.
Bill against the New-York Evening Post, amounting to $9 67, which
came to them unexpectedly, their paper had been issued, therefore it was
too late and of no use, be referred to the Washington office for explanation*
Bill against the New-York Sun, amounting to $20, for a communication
of 997 words, sent from New-Y6rk to the Washington Union, July 17th,
1846, be paid, or the rules of the Company be enforced.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the President shall be empowered
to appoint some suitable person to proceed to Albany, and have an amendment offered to the bill passed at the Session of 1845, granting us the right
to put up piers in the North River, not to obstruct navigation, so that two
or more commissioners may be appointed by the State to so designate the
points where said piers may be put.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That the President be authorized to
appoint Chief Operators, in the offices at Baltimore and Washington.
On motion of Mr. Haley, Resolved, That Edmund Clasback, Jr., be paid
at the rate of $40(), per annum, from the 1st day of February last, and so
long as he shall act as Assistant Clerk, only in the Jersey City office.
On motion of Mr* Haley, Resolved:,That the President be directed to
cause Stations to be; opened at Trenton and New Brunswick, whenever he
deems it.tq be for the interest of the Company.
On motibhof Mr. KmddiU^ Resblved, That the performance of the duties
assigned to the Superintendent of the Line of* Telegraph, from Philadelphia
to Pittsburg, as shown by resolutions adopted by a meeting of those
interested therein, held in Philadelphia^ on the.1st of March last, is incompatible with the proper performance of the duties of Superintendent of our
Line, and that the Secretary be instructed to communicate a copy of this
resolution to Jas. D. Reid, Esq., our present Superintendent.
Resolved, That in case of a vacancy in the office of Superintendent, in the
intervals between the meetings of the Board of Directors, the President be
authorized to fill the vacancy, until the next meeting of the Board.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Committee heretofore
appointed to adjust the accounts of Henry O'Reilly, for the construction of the

49
Line of Telegraph, from Philadelphia to Baltimore, be instructed to seek an
adjustment thereof, charging said O'Reilly with such sum, as in their opinion,
may be justly chargeable to him, on account of repairs of original defects of said
Line, and also with the value of the line of posts, from the junction of the Baltimore and Pittsburgh Lines to Morgan's Corners, and also with a due proportion
of the value of the Line from said junction to the office in Philadelphia, provided,
that the sum to be allowed said O'Reilly, including the payments already made,
and the deductions aforesaid shall not exceed $14,000.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Superintendent be instructed to
insulate the wire between Washington and Baltimore, with all practical despatch.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Secretary and Treasurer, in
conjunction with the Superintendent, be instructed to ascertain the cost of reconstructing the Line of Telegraph from Jersey City to Philadelphia, deducting the
amount realised for old materials sold, and report the same to the Trustees, who
shall apportion the same among the Stockholders of this Company, in proportion
to the stock held by them respectively, exclusive of such stock as may have been
produced by the subscriptions for the second wire from Philadelphia to Baltimore,
and a special meeting be called by the President, of the Stockholders, before the
first day of July next, to take into consideration the propriety of issuing Stock
thereupon.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Philadelphia Directors be
instructed to procure Rooms in that city, for the exclusive use of the Company.
On motion, adjourned until 11 o'clock, to-morrow morning, at.the same place.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary*
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Messrs. Kendall, Clark,
Haley, Hart, Swain and Penniman.
A letter from Mr. Jas. D. Reid was read, tendering his resignation as General
Superintendent of the Line, when on motion of Mr. Kendall, it was
Resolved, That the letter of Jas. D. Reid, Esq., resigning his office of Superintendent, be referred to a Committee of three, whose duties it shall be to receive his
report and adjust his account, whereupon his resignation shall be considered as
accepted.
The President appointed Messrs. Hart, Clark and Swain, as the Committee.,
On motion of Mr. Penniman, Resolved, That Mr. Edw. J. Rogers be appointed
Superintendent of this Line of Telegraph.
On motion of Mr. Clark, the Ayes and Noes were ordered.
Ayes—Penniman,
Noes—Hart, Swain, Haley, Clark, Kendall : Ayes 1—Noes 5.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That Mr. Samuel K. Zook be, and is hereby
appointed Acting General Superintendent of this Line of Telegraph, until the
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Reid, be filled by an election of the
Board of Directors.

7

50
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the Superintendent, under the
advice and instructions of the Philadelphia Directors, be authorized to carry
out the views of Mr. J. R. Trimble, as contained in his letter to the Board
of Directors, dated 5th April, 1847, as regards certain alterations and
improvements in the Line of Telegraph, between Philadelphia and Wilmington, which is as follows, viz: The passage of the wire at Draws,"from
Philadelphia to Wilmington, whether by masts or immersion, has many
objections. The interruption to the regular and quick current injures the
Line and diminishes the receipts, while the repairs cause much expense. I
have studied to avoid both, and now strongly recommend passing around the
head of navigation of the Schuylkill, Darby, Ridly, and Brandy wine. The
extra length of wire to do this, will be less than one mile (and the surprise is
that it was not thought of before,) from Philadelphia to Gray's Ferry, via the
Market Street Bridge, is actually less distant than by the present route; the
wire passing down the Schuylkill in front of the Alms House, will be in
view and safe at all times. Darby, Crum, Ridly, and Brandy wine, can be
passed above the Rail Road, on ground easily accessible, and in view from
the road for inspection.
Oh motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the bill of Daniel Davis, for
a Magnet, amounting to $51 58, be paid.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T. M.CLARK, Secretary.

M E E T I N G OF S T O C K H O L D E R S .
The. Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, was held at Congress Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, on
Tuesday, the 6th day of July, 1847, the Hon. Amos Kendall presiding.
The minutes of the last meeting were read, and approved.
The President offered a report^ giving a general statement of the condition
of the Line, during the past year. On motion, the report was received, and
referred to a Committee of three, viz : Messrs. French, Swain and Norton.
The Treasurer's report was read, and on motion, was laid on the table.
Geo. H. Hart, Esq., offered the following Report:
WASHINGTON, P .

C.

To the Trustees of the Magnetic Telegraph Company,
The Committee, to whom were referred the compilation of the items,
constituting the accounts of re-construction of the Line of Telegraph, from
Newark to Philadelphia, with'two iron wire cords, as ordered by resolution
of the Board of Directors, in October, 1846, and the account for the construction of the section of the Line from Newark to jersey'City, with one copper
cord, also done under their authority, arid for both of which, stock has been
determined to be issued, pro rata to the original Stockholders, agreeable to
the resolution of the Board in April, 1847 : Beg to present the following,
as the result of their investigation,

51
Construction of Line, from Philadelphia to Newark, &c.
Jas. D. Reid's account for c o n s t r u c t i o n , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,010 20
Hugh Downing, for wire cord,.
6,229 87
Phelps, Dodge & Go's account of No. 9 w i r e , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37800
Do
do
do
do 14 d o . . . . . . . .
175 00
Duncan Turner, for twisting wire cord,.
75 00
Second Wire from Newark to Elizabeth town,..
72 67
Do
do Elizabethtown to Philadelphia..
433 57
Single wire, from Newark to Rahway,.
118 22
Construction of line of copper wire, from Jersey City to Newark, 1,400 06
$13,892 59
Deduct, copper wire s o l d , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,908 77
Do iron wire r e t u r n e d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
229 56

3,138 33

$10,754 26
GEO. H. HART,} c
n
T. M. CLARK. \ o™™ttee.
On motion, the report was received* and the following preamble and
resolution adopted.
Whereas, the Committee appointed to examine the expenditures in the
re-construction of the Line, between Jersey City and Philadelphia, have
reported, that $10,754 26 have been appropriated for said re-construction,
out of the profits; of the original Line, therefore,
Resolved, That the report of the Committee, be referred to the Trustees,
and they be, and are hereby directed to issue stock, to the amount of
$21,508 52, to the stock created by the construction of the original Line of
the Magnetic Telegraph Company, said amount of stock to be issued to those
entitled to receive it, in proportion to the amount of said original stock,
held by them respectively. The above amount of $21,508 52, to be issued
to the present holders of the original stock, except in cases of contrary
agreement between the original holder and his assignee—provided, that if
any individual be found entitled to a fraction of the above amount, not sufficiently large to obtain a share of stock upon it, said fraction to be placed to
his credit, in his stock account.
Mr. Zook, Superintendent, offered a lengthly report of his doings, for the
last quarter, which were read, and on motion, was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr* Penniman, Resolved, That we accept the Charter from
the Legislature of the State of Maryland, and proceed to organize under it.
Mr. French, to whom was referred the President's report, offered the
following resolutions:
Resolved, That so much of the report of the President of this Company,
as relates to additional Conductors, to meet the accession of business from
the south, when the Washington and New Orleans Line of Telegraph shall
have been completed, be referred to the Board of Directors.
JRe$olveda That so much of the report of the President of this Company,
as relates to an additional Conductor, between Philadelphia and New-York,

52
when the western Line of Telegraph, shall have been completed to Louisville,
Ife also referred to the Board of Directors.
Resolved, That the President of tnis Company be, and he hereby is made
responsible for the safe keeping, and proper use of the property of the Company ; for proper erection, security and repairs of the posts, and conductors
for the supply and proper management of the offices, for the proper keeping
and rendition of accounts, and for the proper performance of every function
in its character, purely executive ; in strict subordination however, to such
general rules and regulations as the Stockholders, or Board of Directors,
may, from time to time prescribe ; and that he be empowered to appoint
and dismiss at will, all Operators and Clerks whose offices may be established by the Board of Directors-, and to employ such persons, as he finds
necessary in putting up additional conductors, and keeping the Line in
repair, and that the office of Superintendent, be hereby abolished.
Resolved) That whenever the dividends of the Company, shall be one per
cent, above six per cent, ten per cent, per aunum, shall be added to the
salary of every officer of this Company, and for every additional one per
cent., ten per cent, per annum shall be added as above, until the dividends
shall amount to sixteen per cent.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Company, be, and they are hereby tendered to Hon. Amos Kendall, for the fidelity and ability with which he has
conducted its affairs, during the time which he has filled the office of its
President.
On motion, the above resolutions were unanimously adopted.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Treasurer be, and he is hereby
directed to pay out of any monies in the Treasury, to the acting Trustees of
the Magnetic Telegraph Company, the sum of one hundred dollars each*
for their services during the year ending May 21st, 1847, and that they be,
and are hereby authorized to draw upon the Treasurer, quarter yearly, on
the 21st of August^ November, February, and May, for twenty-five dollars
each, which drafts, the Treasurer is hereby directed to pay, and which
when paidi shall he in full for the services of said Trustees, up to the
respective dates thereof.
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That the Treasurer be, and he is
hereby directed to pay to W. W. Corcoran, the sum of fifty dollars, for services as Trustee.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Annual Meeting of this
Company, be held on the second Tuesday, in July, and that the meetings of
the Board of Directors, shall be held on the second Tuesdays, of October,
January, April, and July.
On motion of Mr. Trimble, Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to
furnish to the Treasurer, a quarterly list of Stockholders, and shares from
their books, and that thirty days before the Annual meeting of Stockholders,
the transfer books shall be closed until after the meeting, and that in lieu of

5.3
the last quarterly abstract in Jtily, the Trustees shall furnish a list of Stock'
holders and shares held, thirty days before the Annual meeting.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved^ That the reports of the Treasurer and
Superintendent, be now taken up, and referred to a Committee of two, and
that they report at the next meeting of the Board of Directors.
The President appointed Messrs. Pennirnan and Sayler^ Committee.
Oh motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved* That we now proceed to the electiero
of officers, for the ensuing year.
Nominations for President,
B. B. FRENCH and GEO. H. HART.
On motion, Resolved^ That the election be taken by ballot.
The President appointed Mr. Fuller, assistant teller.
Whole number of votes cast for President, 1096, of which
B. B. French, received 729, | Geo. H. Hart, received 369.
Whereupon, the President declared Mr. B. B. French, duly elected President of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the ensuing year.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, Thai the ntrmb-er off Directors in this
Company, be limited to nine, which was lost.
On motion of Mr. Vail, Resolved, That the number c-f Directors be limited
to eight, including the President, which wTas carried*
Whole number of votes cast for Directors—1160^ of which
Amos Kendall, received 1030 ', M. Canby,
do
752
do
Geo. C. Penniman. do 1160 'Wm Fuller,
364
Geo. H. Hart,
do 1160 ' Richard M. Hoe,
do
364
963 Jas- Sayler,
do
Wm. M. Swain,
do
197
do
Thomas M. Clark, do
796 I J.R. Trimble,
364
do : 44
John W. Norton,
do 796 'J.O.Stearns,
Whereupon, the President declared Messrs. Amos Kendall, Geo. H. Hart,
Thomas M. Clark, Geo. C. Penniman, Wm. M. Swain, John W. Norton, and
Merrit Canby, duly elected Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company,
for the ensuing year.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved* That the offices of Secretary and
Treasurer, be combined in one person, which was lost,
Whole number of votes cast for Secretary—1160, of which
Thomas M. Clark, received 796 | Wm. Fuller, received 364.
Whereupon, the President declared Thomas M. Clark, duly elected Secretary of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the ensuing year.
Whole number of votes cast for Treasurer—1153, of which
Geo. H. Hart, received 996 | A. Sidney Doane, received 157.
Whereupon, the President declared Geo. H. Hart, duly elected Treasurer
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the ensuing year.
Mr. French offered his resignation as acting Trustee of this Company,
in consequence of his election to the Presidency, which resignation was
accepted.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
T« M» CLARK, Secretary*

The Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts, at the several Stations of the Magnetic
Company, from JULY 1st 1846, to JUNE 20th, 1847.
New-York. Jer. City.
July,
August,
September,
October,
November,
December,
January,
February,
March,
April,
May,
June.

Philadel.

Telegraph

Wilming'n Baltimore. Wasli'gton Trenton. N. Bruns'k

$748 86

$128 45

$735 05

$101 40

543 20

116 71

59176

76 50

204 71 i

144 40

1,677 28

836 75

205 97 i

846 62

96 35

475 50 1

130 50

2,591 69

662 58

116 75

805 79

109 75

353 70

59 50

2,108 07

721 20

135 83

832 35

104 55

397 19

110 25

2,331 37

5S0 95

86 85

858 68

145 44

375 26!

199 24

2,246 42

1,005 15

126 59

1,075 79,

153 10

499 11

190 22

b 3,049 96

1,383 05

217 73

1,176 S31

134 55

619 46 j
486 69 j

246 92

3,778 54

210 25

3,012 38

284 92

120 09

2,009 60

150 10 j

751 44

264 72

146 65 1

71050

294 87

1,104 64

204 60 1 1,117 92
791 13 1
158 85
1,355 29
290 83

],189 27i

289 06

874 37
553 78

|$10,203 80

1,338 00

US

^

100 83 I

$223 58

TOTAL

$144 58

:
$2,078 22| $11,525 21 | $1,437 77 (0*5,382 06 j $2,115 54 j

$2,091 32

$

$

3,917 02
36 58
$36 58 I

1 10

4,006 03

$1 10 1032,810 28

* Including the amount received for other Lines.
Amount of Communications sent for Rail Road Companies Free of Charge, for the last Nine Months, $345 48.!

55

MEETING

OF THE DIRECTORS.

The Regular Quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at Congress Hall, in the city of Philadelphia,
on Wednesday, July 7th, 1847. Present: The President, and Messrs. Norton,
Clark, Kendall, Hart, Swain, and Penniman.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Mr. Hart laid before the Board, the following communication.
PHILADELPHIA, July 7th, 1847.

To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Gents : I have a contract for constructing a Line of Telegraph, from Wilmington to Lewistown, but find it inconvenient to get the stock taken unless
I bring it directly to this city ; to do this I wish to put a Line on your posts,
from here to Wilmington, (but not to have a machine at Wilmington,) As a
compensation to you, for the use of your posts, I will put on a Line of four
ply No. 16 cord, on your posts the whole distance I have to use your posts
for my cord, in addition to the cord I put on for myself.
Yours, very respectfully,
E. M. f OWNSEND.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the above request Cannot be
granted.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That hereafter, two cents^ shall be
charged on every communication delivered by Carriers, in the cities of NewYork, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, provided, it is to be
delivered within a distance, to be precribed by the Directors, at each of the
above Stations, if beyond the prescribed distance, an additional charge for
omnibus fare may be charged ; and hereafter, no Carriers in the above cities,
shall be employed on any other condition, unless under the direction of the
President.
On motion, Resolved, That the President cause a Station to be opened at
Princeton.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That a Committee of three, be appointed
to report at the next meeting of this Board, a Tariff of Prices above ten
words. The President appointed Messrs* Clark, Kendall, and Swain.
Mr. Swain, from the Committee to whom was referred the accounts of
J. D. Reid, late Superintendent, offered the following report:
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company,
The Committee, to whom were referred the accounts of Jas. D. Jleid, late
Superintendent, respectfully report,
That with the exception of a few errors, in the addition of vouchers given
by persons employed by him, but which do not affect the correctness of the
general result, your Committee deem the report of said Superintendent,
satisfactory and receivable, without other attention. The balance overdrawn
by Mr. Reid, has been paid, and your Committee have discharged him from
further responsibility therefrom.
GEO. H. HART.
T. M. CLARK
PHILADELPHIA, J U N E . 1847.

WM.

M.

SWAIN.

5ff
Mr. Hart presented a petition for an increase of salaries, from the Operators in the offices in Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
On motion, the petition was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the actual expenses of the President, while travelling on the business of the Company, be paid out of the
funds of the Company.
Oh motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That Mr. Hart be authorized to confer
with Mr. E. D. Ingraham, on the subject of two poles, which he alledges
are standing on his property.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Tariff of Prices, from the
various Stations, for every ten words, not exceeding one hundred, exclusive
of address and directions, shall be as follows :
Between NEW-YORK and
35
New B r u n s w i c k , . . . . . . . . . 10 Wilmington,
Princeton,
. . . . . 1 5 Havre de Grace,
..45
Trenton,
20 Baltimore,
50
Philadelphia,
25 Washington,
50
Ejetween NEW BRUNSWICK and
.40
Princeton,.....
10 Havre de Grace,...
50
Trenton,
15 Baltimore,
50
Philadelphia,
20 Washington,
Wilmington,
.,30
Between PRINCETON and
35
Trenton,
10 Havre de Grace,
45
Philadelphia,
15 Baltimore,
50
Wilmington,..*. • ••••«
25 Washington,
Between TRENTON and
40
Philadelphia,...,
..10 Baltimore,.....Wilmington,
- . . 2 0 Washington,
.45
Havre de Grace,
30
Between PHILADELPHIA and
Wilmington,
,
**10 Baltimore,.
. .25
Havre de Grace,
* .20 Washington,
•
.30
Between WILMINGTON and
25
Havre de Grace,
. . . 1 0 Washington,
Baltimore,
• ...,...,.20
Between HAVRE de GRACE and
.20
Baltimore,
10 Washington,,
Between BALTIMORE and
Washington,.
10
Mr. Hart presented to the Board, the corresponcence of Mr. J. D. Reid,
during the time he acted as Superintendent of the Line. On motion, the
correspondence was received.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That the President, together with
Messrs. Hart and Swain, (after a personal interview,) be authorized to confer with Mr. Townsend, on the subject of the Offing Telegraph.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That a bill of $16 50, standing on the
books in the office in the city of New-York, against Prof. Morse, be charged
to profit andvloss account.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
T* M. CLARK, Secretary.

57
MEETINGS

OF T H E

BOARD

OF

DIRECTORS.

A Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, was held by order of the President, at BARNUM'S HOTEL, Baltimore, on Tuesday, September 14, 1847, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Present: The
President, and Messrs. Kendall, Clark, Swain, Hart, Canby and Penniman.
Mr. Kendall, offered the following Preamble and Resolution, which on
motion, was adopted.
Whereas, Sundry schemes in reference to different systems of Telegraphing, and the construction of several Lines appear to be seriously entertained
in various portions of the country, seemingly calculated to affect the inters
estsof the Magnetic Telegraph Company, therefore
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed of which the President
shall be Chairman, to enquire into the extent and the object of those
schemes, and how far they are calculated or designed to affect the interests
of this Company, and report the result of their enquiries to this Board at
their next meeting.
Committee, the President, and Messrs. Hart and Clark.
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That the President of this Company,
be authorized to make a contract with any person wrho will agree to cross
the North River with three wires, and connect said wires with the present
Line at Jersey City, and carry the same to such convenient point within the
City of New-York, as the Company may select, and guarantee with ample
security, that they shall work well for one year, at asiim nbtiexceeding
six thousand dollars.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, held at BARNUM'S HOTEL, Baltimore, on Tuesday
the 12th day of October, 1847, at 4 o'clock* P. M. Present: The President,
and Messrs. Clark, Norton and Penniman.
There not being a quorum present, the President declared the meeting
adjourned to Wednesday morning, the 1.3th, at half past 9 o'clock,
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The President, and
Messrs. Clark, Norton, Penniman and Hart.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The President offered a Report of his proceedings for the last quarter,
which on motion, was read and ordered on file.

58
The President presented a bill from John L. Chapman, for one half price
of a Mould for Insulations, for $15?00. On motion, the bill was, referred to
Mr. Kendall for information.
The Secretary offered his Quarterly Report, which was read and ordered
on file.
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
The Treasurer begs to lay before the board for examination, the Quarterly
account of receipts and disbursements, for the months of July, August and
September, 1847, by which it will be seen that the entire income of the
Company for the time specified is...
-.$12,655 07
Of which there was received at the Philadelphia station, $4,333
At New-York,
,
3,941
At Baltimore,.. *
1,887
At Washington,....
*
937
At Wilmington...
503
At Trenton,
..
97
At New Brunswick,
*
25
At Havre de Grace,
3
At Jersey City,
924

16
34
S2
75
32
79
75
01
93

For the legitimate business of the Company, the receipts
were.
$10,665 80
,For other Lines,
1,854 90 12,720 70
Deposited to the credit of the Tresurer, during the time above
specified,.
,.
$6,966 90
From Philadelphia Station,
$3,421 21
"New-York
do . . . . .
2,450 42
" Baltimore
do
842 65
" Wilmington
do
252 62
From the amount received by the Treasurer, there has been paid $ 5,939 07
For Repairs,
,
$1,438 12
For Salaries,
1,099 21
Former claims for wire and wire twisting
1,675 00
Other items as specified in Statement,.
1,726 74
Expenditures from Stations during the same period, were
For Salaries,
$1,985
Repairs of Line,
382
Rent, &c.,
243
Incidental, as embraced in statement marked B, accompanying the other reports.. v . . . . . . . . .
,$1,336

$3,947 81
21
80.
75
05

59
Total expenditures for the Quarter, amount t o . . .
•*.. $9,816 33
With payments to other Lines,
...$1,854 93
Of the expenditures there was paid for repairs of Line $1,820 92
Salaries,
3,084 42
Instruments, do repairs, and office expenditures,.. 1,187 35
Rent, & c ,
671 36
Claims for wire and wire twisting,
1,675 00
Trustees,
230 62
Re-funded,
61 71
Paid Travelling expenses, advertising, & c ,
192 40
To President and Secretary, to meet expenditures, 350 00
Jersey City not included in general account,
541 55
The Treasurer offered the following Quarterly Statement of Receipts and
disbursements for the quarter ending September 30th, 1847.
To balance in hands of Treasurer, July 1, 1847,
$101 43
"
At Stations,
203 30 $304 73
ToRec'ts at Philad'a July #1,060 75 Aug. $1,336 40 Sep. $1,353 09

«

Baltimore

"

831 03
69 4©

t(

<
<

"

203 83
9 05

<
(

212 88
Wilmington "

151 35
26 00

"

35 00
1 70

<
<

r

< "

u

<<

10 65
2 55

339 02
32 19

135 90
40 42

24 88
1 10

5 90
70

13 20
6 60
Havre de Grace,
Jersey City, and not in general account,

505 45
176*30
681 75 1,887 82

"

323 42
30 24
353 66

"

"

503 32

31 33
3 78
35 11

"

937 75

112 75
36 90
149 65

25 98
u

1,157 44
320 52
1,477 96 3,941 34

"

176 32
t(

36 70
N.Brunsw'k "

564 95
148 81

371 21

177 35
Trenton

"

713 76

492 31
Washington

1,331 47
2 i 0 48
1,562 95

900 43
416 36
75 95

1,378 16 4,333 36

1,577 47

1,178 73
New-York,

224 07

241 07

117 98

97 79

5 70
25

5 95

25 75
3 01
.924 93
12 959 78

60
CONTRA CR.
By Expenditures of Quarter, by Treasurer, for Repairs of Line, $1,433 12
Do.
do.
Stations,
do
do
3,S2 80
Do.
do.
Treasurer, for Salaries,
1,099 21
Do.
do.
Stations;
do
1,985 21
Do.
do.
Treasurer for incidental,
518 82
Do.
do.
Stations,
do
688 53
Do.
do.
Treasurer, for Rent and Stationery, 103 36
Do.
do.
Stations,
do
do
568 00
Do.
do.
Treasurer for wire & wire twist'g, 1,675 00
Do.
do.
Treasurer for Trustees,
230 62
Do.
do.
Stations, for Acids, &c.
193 40
Do.
do.
Stations, re-funded,
61 71
Do.
do.
Treasurer to President and Secretary, to meet expen's on the Line, 350 00
Do.
do.
Stations to other Lines,
1,S54 90
Do.
do.
Stations at N. Brunswick Station, 541 55
By balance in the hands of the Treasurer,
1,129 27
Do.
do.
Stations,
159 28
$12,959 78
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.
Mr. Penniman, from the Committee appointed at a meeting of the Stockholders, to examine the Treasurer's books and accounts for the last year, and
also the Superintendent's accounts, made the following report, which on
motion, was accepted.
To the Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
At the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, held at Philadelphia, July 6th, 1847, the undersigned, appointed
a Committee to examine the reports of the Treasurer and Superintendent
of the said Company, and make returns of their examinations to the next
meeting of the Board of Directors,
REPORT,
That the books of the Company and vouchers of the Treasurer, were laid
before the Committee, and a partial examination and comparison entered
upon by them, and that, so far as the examination extended, showed the
exhibit made by the Treasurer, entirely correct. But from the mass of
vouchers offered, the Committee found it impractible to enter into a minute
examination of each particular item of receipts and disbursements, requiring, as it would, many days labor, and the more readily came to the determination of waiving such particular,examination of the account, from the
fact, that the first three quarters of the report had already been examined
by the Board of Directors. The return for the fourth quarter, which re-

61
ceived very thorough scrutiny, appears not only correct, but shows proper
care and attention on the part of the Treasurer, in the management of the
Company's accounts.
The account of Mr. S. K. Zook, the Superintendent, extending back three
months, was examined and compared with the vouchers, and a balance
found due on the account to Mr. Zook, of eighteen dollars and twenty-eight
cents.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH SAILOR,
JULY 8, 1847.

GEO. C. PENNIMAN.

Mr. Clark offered the following Rates of Charges, to take effect on and
after October 18th, 1847.

For the first 10 Words or under, exclusive of address and direction,
Between
NEW-YORK and

New Brunswick,lOCts. every addit'l Word, 1 Ct.
P r i n c e t o n , . . . . . . 15 " do
do
do 2 "
Trenton,.<......2,0 " do
do
do 2 "
Philadelphia,. . 25 "
do
do
do 2 "
j Wilmington,....35 " dp
do
do 3 "
Havre De Grace,45 "
do
do
do 3 "
Baltimore,
50 « do
do
do 4 "
^Washington,.... 50 *' do
do
do 5 "'-'

Between NEW
BRUNSWICK and

f Princeton,......lOOts. every addit'l Word 1 Ct.
I Trenton..,,....15 "
do
do
do. I <
<
I Philadelphia,. ..20 "
do
do
do 2 "
^ Wilmington . . . , 3 0 "
do
do
do 3 "
HavvK De Graced0 " do
do
do 3 «
<
\ Bait'move,.*....50 " do
do
do 4 "
f
^ Washington,....50 " do
do
do 5 «
' Trenton,
lOCts.
/ Philadelphia,... 15 "
Wilmington,....25 ^
Havre de Grace,. 35 "
Baltimore,
.45 "
^Washington,.,,.50 tl

eve^y addit'l Word 1 Ct.
do
do
do 1 ^
do
do
do 2 «?
do
do
do 3 "
do
do
do 4 ««
do
do
do 5 "

'Philadelphia, ...lOCts.
Wilmington,....20 "
Havre de Grace,.30 "
| Baltimore
40 "
L Washington,,*,.45 '«

every additl Word 1 Ct.
do
do
do 2 *
«
do
do
do 3 "
do
do
do 4 "
do
do
do 4 '«

f Wilmingtpni... .lOCts.
Between
j Havre De Grace,20 "
PHILADELPrflA & 1 Baltimore,...-..25 "
[Washington,....30
"

every addit'l Word, 1 Cfc
do
do
do 2 «
do
do
do, 2 "
do
do
do 3 "

Between
PRINCETON and

J

62
Between
C Havre de Grace,10Cts. every adclit'l Word 1 Ct.
WILMINGTON and 1 Baltimore,
20 " do
do
do 2 "
(Washington,
25 " do
do
do 2 "
Between
< Baltimore,.
HAVRE de GRACE \ Washington

lOCts. every addit'l Word 1 Ct.
20 "
do
do
do 2 "

Betw'n BALT. and • Washington,. ...lOCts. every addit'l Word 1 Ct.
{
Mr. Norton offered the following amendment.
When a Communication exceeds One Hundred Words, the price on all
words exceeding that number, will be reduced one-third.
Mr. Clark called for the Ayes and Noes, on the passage of the amendment.
Ayes, the President, Messrs. Penniman, Hart and Norton. Noes, Mr. Clark.
The Rates of Charges as amended was then adopted.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That each Operator having charge of
a station, and the Clerk in the City of New-York, be required to keep an
accurate account of all the materials consumed in their offices respectively,
and report to the Secretary, quarterly, making up their accounts to the first
days of January, April, July and October.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Directors residing in NewYork, be authorized to rent on or before the first day of May next, a suitable
office for the accommodation of this Company, in that city.
On motion of Mr. Penniman, Resolved, That the salary of Wm. Barrett, at
the Baltimore office, be Two Hundred Dollars per annum, for services as a
Clerk in said office.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That the Clerk in the New-York
office be allowed One Hundred Dollars, in addition to his regular salary, for
the purpose of paying the necessary assistance required in that office.
On motion of Mr, French, Resolved, That the Salary of assistant Clerks,
be Four Hundred Dollars per annum.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the Operators of this Company,
shall be of three grades, viz :
First.—Chief Operator.
Second.—Operators.
Third.—Assistant Operators.
That each Chief Operator shall receive Six Hundred Dollars per annum.
Each Operator, Five Hundred Dollars per annum.
Each Assistant Operator, Four Hundred Dollars per annum.
It shall be the duty of the President to designate the grade in his appointment, and to affix to those persons now in office their respective grades.

63
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That the office hours for the reception of messages on the Sabbath, shall hereafter be from eight to ten o'clock,
A. M.—from half past twelve to two, and from six to ten o'clock, P. M.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved* That a Committee of three be appointed
of which the President shall be Chairman, to procure suitable insulations,
and cause them to be put on the Line between Philadelphia and Baltimore,
without unnecessary delay.
Committee: The President, and Messrs. Clark and Hart.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That a Committee of three, of which
the President shall be Chairman, be appointed with directions to advertise
in the principal papers of Philadelphia, New-York and Boston, for proposals to contract for carrying the wires of this Line over the Hudson River,
and that they be empowered to make such contract as may be deemed most
advantageous to the Company, under the following directions, viz :
1. That the constrcution shall be of sufficient strength to sustain at least
four wires, which four wires shall be extended across the river before the
said construction shall be received by the Company.
2. That the contracting party shall berequired to give good and sufficient
sureties, that the wires shall be sustained across the River for one year
from the time of delivering of the construction, free of expense to the
Company.
3. That the cost of such construction shall not exceed Eight Thousand
Dollars.
Committee: the President, and Messrs. Clark and Norton.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved^ That a battery keeper be appointed
in the Philadelphia office, at a salary not exceeding Three Hundred Dollars
per annum, whose duty shall be to keep the battery in good order, and
when not engaged in that capacity to apply himself to any duty pointed out
by the Chief Operator.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That a Committee of accounts be
appointed, conisting of two Directors, whose duty it shall be to examine and
decide upon all accounts and demands against this Company, except the
local bills of the several Stations, and also to examine and report upon the
accounts of the different Stations and of the Treasurer, prior to each Quarterly and Annual Meeting.
The President appointed Messrs. Clark and Norton, as the Committee.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

65

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
A Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, was held by order of the President, at their office in the city of
New-York, on Wednesday, the 24th day of November, 1847, at 10 o'clock,
A. M. Present: The President, Messrs. Kendall, Canby, Clark, Norton,
Penniman and Hart.
The President stated to the Board, the object of the meeting to be, to take
into consideration a proposition made by the Newspaper press of New-York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, for receiving Congressional Reports and general news by Telegraph.
Mr. French offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Company will enter into no special arrangements with
the public press.
After a lengthy debate, Mr. Clark, moved to lay the resolution on the
table, and called for the ayes and noes, which resulted as follows :
Ayes—Messrs. Clark and French.
Noes—Messrs. Penniman, Canby, Norton and Hart.
The question then recurring upon the original resolution, Mr. Norton
offered as an amendment, to strike out all after the word resolved, and add
" That when persons sending through reports for the press, between Washington and the City of New-York, wish a copy of such news dropped at
intermediate places between Washington and New-York, the prices of such
copies shall be reduced to twenty-five per cent, of the regular charges, but
the resolution to be perfectly understood, as not interfering with the charges through to New-York, or any messages not sent all the way through to
that city: Provided, that such reports are dropped by the same wire, by
which, and at the same time, when they are sent to New-York."
Mr. Clark called for the ayes and noes on its adoption, which resulted as
follows :
Ayes—Messrs. Canby, Norton, Penniman, Hart, Kendall and French.
Noes—Mr. Clark.
Mr. French, offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the President of this Company express to the press of the
Cities of New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, the willingness and desire of this Board to render them all the facilities in their power,
consistent with the duties they owe to the Company they represent, and
also their willingness to carry out any arrangement the press of the said
cities collectively may make, by which they all can receive the Congressional Proceedings and general news by a single transmission.
Which on motion, was adopted.
Mr. Clark offered the following preamble and resolution's, which on motion, were adopted.

66
Whereas complaints are made by the public of errors in Telegraph dispatches, which errors generally originate in the unintelligible characters of
dispatches in cypher, and as the difficulty of interpreting the letters or
figures in such dispatches consumes much of the time of the Operators,
and as the sense of our language is indispensable to the correct and rapid
transmission of Communications, and as each letter or figure in dispatch
written in cypher, may be made to represent one or more words, therefore,
Resolved, That every five letters in Communications written in cypher,
or in unintelligible language, shall hereafter be charged as a full word.
Mr. Clark offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the Clerk in the office in the city of New-York, and the
Chief Operators of the stations in Jersey City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and
Washington, be directed, when requested, to receive small sums of money
of Fifty Dollars or under, to be paid in either of the above places, whenever a communication is sent over the Line, directing such sums to be paid.
The sums of money so received and paid out are to be entered upon the
books of the station receiving and paying out the same, and reported regularly in their weekly and monthly Reports.
Mr. Clark called for the Ayes and Noyes on its adoption.
Ayes.—Mr. Clark.
Noes.—Messrs. Penniman, Canby, Hart, Norton and French.
The resolution was declared lost.
Mr. Canby offered the following resolution, which on motion, was adopted.
Resolved, That the President be directed to call a meeting of the Stockholders of the Company, to be held in the city of Washington, on Wednesday, the 8th day of December next, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.
A Special Meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, was held at Coleman's Hotel, Washington City, on Wednesday, the
8th day of December, 1847, at 10 o'clock, A. M., in accordance with a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors, held in New-York,
November 24th, 1847. B. B. French, Esq. presiding.
Upon examination, a large majority of the Stock was found to be represented.
The President presented the resignation of W. W. Corcoran, as Trustee
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
On motion of Mr. Clark, the resignation was accepted.
On motion of Mr. Clark, the following resolution was adopted?

67
Resolved, That we now proceed to an election of a Trustee, to fill the
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of W. W. Corcoran.
Mr. Clark offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted
Resolved, That Mr. John M. Broadhead, be and is hereby elected a Trustee of the Magnetic Talegraph Company.
Mr. French offered the following resolution, which was adopted.
Resolved, That the President of this Company, together with such Committee to consist of two members as may be appointed, be authorized to
enter into a contract with such persons as they may think proper, to cross
the North River, with such number of wires as they may deem expedient,
and to connect the wires to the city of New-York : and that they be authorized to borrow a sum not over Twenty Thousand Dollars, for which this
Company will hold itself responsible to carry this resolution into effect:
Provided, That if two-thirds of the holders of the Stock will agree, that
whatever money may be wanted, shall be raised by loan pro rata, on their
Shares, the Committee shall raise it in that manner, the said money to be
reimbursed out of the proceeds of the Line with legal interest.
The Committee consists of Messrs. French, Clark and Dr. Doane.
On motion of Mr. Canby, the following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That the meetings of the Board of Directors be changed from
the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October, to the second
Thursday of the same months.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
A Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, was held by order of the President, (immediately after the adjournment of the Meeting of Stockholders,) at Coleman's Hotel, Washington city,
on Wednesday, December 8th, 8147. Present, the President, Messrs. Clark,
Hart, Canby and Penniman.
On motion of Mr. French, the following resolutions were adopted :
Resolved, That the resolution in relation to unintelligible words passed
at the last meeting of this Board, be and the same is hereby so modified as
to apply only to words not found in the English language—and that in
counting a communication not in the English language, all the words con •
taining not less than Jive letters, shall be first counted as words, then all
the other letters shall be counted and divided by Jive, and if there be any
remaining it shall be counted one word.

68
On motion, Resolved, That Messrs. Clark and Hart be authorized to sell
the poles now standing between Elizabethtown and Morgan Corners, to the
best advantage.
On motion, Resolved, That the following Words be struck out from a resolution passed at the last meeting of this Board, concerning through Messages for the press, viz : " to New-York," " to that city," " to New-York."
{See Page 65.)
Mr. Hart offered a proposition from J. D. Reid, to take charge of the battery in the Philadelphia Office.
On motion of Mr. Clark, it was laid on the table until the next meeting
of this Board.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at Bunkers Mansion House, in the city of
New-York, on Thursday, January 13th, 1848, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Present:
The President, and Messrs. Clark, Norton, Canby and Penniman.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Mr. Clark called up Mr. Reid's proposition to take charge of and furnish
materials for batteries in the Philadelphia Office, at Eight Hundred Dollars
per annum.
On motion of Mr. French, the following resolution was unanimously
adopted.
Resolved, That the subject be indifinitely postponed.
Mr. Joseph Mason's application to put wires for his Offing Telegraph
upon our poles through New-Jersey, was upon motion of Mr. Canby, denied.
The Secretary offered the following Quarterly Report, which on motion,
was read and accepted.

October,

$1,286 01 $164 75

3 45

30 73

6 12

32 76

1,140 22

175 32

December,

1,616 86

184 24

11 41

Total, $4,043 09 , $524 31 $25 96
Receipts for the previous Quarter,

31, 1847.
Washington.

Baltimore. 1

1
Hav.deGracel
1

1

1

$0 60

November,

DECEMBER

$36 78 $1,533 17 $148 91 $4 10

$3 59
10 96

ENDING
Wilmington.'!

«
PQ

Philadelphia!

OQ

Trenton.

>

FOR THE QUARTER,
Princeton. 1

REPORT
Jersey City. II

Months.

New-York, 1

SECRETARTS

Total.
Receipts.

$558 63

$370 21

$4,106 75

1,300 17

122 74

6 73

569 18

364 26

3,723 76

1,226 45

132 92

8 47

449 88

339 89 |

4,009 00

l
1

$10 17 $100 27 $4,059 79 $404 57 $19 30 $1,577 69 $1,074 36 $11,839 51
./

....11,319 63
$23,15914

70

New-

York,

Jersey

$484 42

City,

$1,453 22

Rail Roads free

Deposited,

Expended.

Received for
other Lines.

Stations.

Paid other Lines

Amount paid other Lines, Received for other Lines, Office Expenditures, Deposited to the Credit of the Treasurer, and amount of
Messages transmitted for Rail Road Companies free.

$1,848 88' $3,630 18

48 10

35 34

4 09

5 67

23 20

5 12

Princeton,

1 63

4 56

2 83

Trenton,

1 10

84 07

2 64

New

Brunswick,

Philadelphia,

Havre

694 64

94 42

3,102 89

122 19

1,491 12'

Wilmington,

246 51

264 27

de Grace,

61 44
5 58
3 19

Baltimore,

624 15

Washington,
Total,

1,222 43

913 88

140 84

622 56

19 70

$3,873 42

$8,197 34 $149 46

| $3,197 97, 1 $3,091

54|•

1,200 00

Amount of Messages transmitted previous Quarter,.

44 87

S5 03
$234 49

There has been deposited in the New-York Office by Jersey City Office
during the Quarter, $551 36.
There has been paid other Lines for the Quarter,
.$3,197 97
There has been received for other Lines for the Q u a r t e r , . . . . . . 3,091 55
$106 43
Showing an excess of $106 43, more paid to other Lines than received.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

n
Mr. Clark presented a Quarterly Report of Receipts and disbursements
from the Treasurer, which on motion, was referred to the Committee on
accounts.
The President offered a proposition from Hon. F. 0. J. Smith, to extend
the Line of Telegraph from Newark, N. J. to West Point, stretch the wires
across the North River, and continue the Line down to the City of NewYork, for the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars.
On motion of Mr. Canby, the following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That after considering Mr. Smith's proposition, it be respectfully declined.
Mr. Clark, from the Committee on accounts, presented a bill from Henry
W. Cleveland, of Seven Hundred Dollars, for carrying the wires in lead
pipes across the Gunpowder, Bush and Passaic Rivers.
Mr. Norton offered the following resolution which was adopted:
Resolved, That Mr. Cleveland's bill, reported to this Board by the Committee on accounts, be referred back to that Committee with directions to
ascertain the balance due Mr. Cleveland, and send the account to the Treasurer approved.
Mr. Clark presented an account from Messrs. Wells & Co. for rent and
fixtures, &c. at No. 10 Wall Street, for Three Hundred and Ninety Six
Dollars and Three Cents.
Which on motion of Mr. French, was referred to Mr. Clark with power to
settle it.
On motion of Mr. Canby, Resolved, That the Secretary of this Company be
directed to furnish the Officers at the different Stations, with such printed
forms as he may deem best suited for the Weekly and Monthly Reports, to
be regularly furnished to the Secretary and Treasurer, according to direc*
tions heretofore introduced in the Rules of this Board.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the hours for opening the Stations
for business on this Line shall be, from the 1st day of November to the 31st
day of March, at 8 o'clock, and from the 1st day of April to the 31st day of
October, at 7 o'clock.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That each Office shall, on the morning
of each day, Telegraph to any other office from which a dispatch was received
on the preceding day, and not delivered, the fact and reason of its nondelivery.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That every Message received at any
Station for transmission, shall immediately on its reception be entered by
the Clerk, and properly numbered in a book to be kept for that purpose,
and the time at which it is received, shall also be minuted before it is
handed to the Operator.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

73

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at Congress Hall, in the city of Philadelphia,
on Thursday, April 13th, 1 8 4 8 , ^ 4 o'clock P. M. Present: The President,
and Messrs, Kendall, Clark, Norton, Hart, Canby and Penniman.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and approved.
The President laid before the Board a communication from Messrs. M. Y.
Beach & Sons, asking this Company to refund to them the amount paid for
a dispatch dated Augusta, April 3, 1848, which was not received at the
Jersey City office until the boats had stopped for the night.
The President laid before the Board a communication from Messrs. J. W.
Maury & Co. concerning the transmission of Lottery Messages^
On motion of Mr. Canby the' following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That the President be requested to inform Messrs. J. W. Maury
& Co. that it is inexpedient for this Company to enter into any special
arrangements with them on the subject.
A communication was received from W. S. Denney, Operator, at Havre de
Grace, asking for an increase of salary.
On motion Mr. Canby the communication was laid on the table.
Mr. Norton offered the following resolution .
*
Resolved, That this Company, on and after April 17th, 1848, do business with all local side Lines upon the same terms as business is done with
main Lines.
Mr. Clark offered an amendment to strike out the words "all local side
Lines" and insert " Ocean Line." Mr. Kendall called for the Ayes and
Noes on the amendment, which resulted as follows :
Ayes—Messrs. Kendall and Clark.
Noes—Messrs. Peniman, Canby, French, Norton and Hart.
The question now recurring upon the original Resolution, the Ayes
and Noes being called for, the resolution was adopted as follows :
Ayes—Penniman, Canby, Norton, Clark, French and Hart.
No—Kendall.
On motion the Board adjourned to Friday morning, the 14th, at 10 o'clock.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The President, and
Messrs. Kendall, Hart, Clark, Norton, Penniman, and Canby,
The Secretary offered the following Quarterly Reports, which on motion,
were read and accepted.

74

January,

$1 80 $2,533 98 $156 39

c3

^4

'rB
CI

a
PQ

o

13
P-c

$1.3 60

ENDING MARCH 31, 1848.

$35 54 $1,237 94 $164 71 $

o

a

©

Baltimore.

New-York.

Months.

Princeton.

1

FOR THE QUARTER,

Wilmington*

REPORT
Jersey City.

SECRETARTS

a>

Total

4

70

$499 56

Receipts.

$478 62 1 $5,122 84

February,

4 03

1,720 69

188 99

12 56

39 491

1,344 41

142 69

10

516 85

572 39

4,542 18

March,

8 64

2,162 77

248 04

18 52

23 07

1,634 94;

197 90

9 18

682 99

748 57

5*734 49

Total,

$14 47 , $6,417 44 $593 42

1

| 4 4 68, $98 loj $4,217 29| $505 30 $9 98 $1,699 40 $1,799 5S $15,399 64

Receipts for the two previous Quarters.

,23,159 14
$38,558 78

Rail Road Communications, free.
do
do
for the last two Quarters « « , . . , , , • , . . , . , . . . . *, . . , , • , . , . ,

*
«....,«•...«

.$68 50
234 49
8303,9$

75
QUARTERLY REPORT of the several Stations, from January 1st, to March 31st, 134&
Stations.

Date.

N e w York, J a n ' y
J e r s e y City,
N.Brunsw'k,]
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,!
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington
New York
Feb'yl
J e r s e y City,
N. Brunsw'k|
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
H . De Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
N e w York, Mar.
J e r s e y City,
N. Brunsw'k|
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia.
Wilmington,'
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,

Receipts
of the
Line.

Receipts
\for othef\
Lines.

Paid
other
Lines.

$2,533 98\
863 53
140 77\
156 39
20 28
13 601
50
1
35 541
1,237 94
116 94
875 73
164 71
48 4S
70|
499 56
279 58
478 62
144 01
475 73
1,720 69
931 04| 146 44
188 99
26 74
12 561
4 03
39 49|
2 36
1,344 41
137 631
877 24
142 69
,43 22
10|
516 85
238 33
572 39
136 60
524 25
2,162 77
1,360 11
189 06
248 04,
55 97
18 52|
54
8 64
3 47
23 07
1 70
1,634 94
147 46 1,002 79
197 90,
54 07
9 18|
259 90
682 99
748 57
216 41
791 25

Operators
Repairs\
Messen
and
of the
Clerks. \ ger&.<
Line.
330 60
41 66
41 66
41 66
41 66
33 33
170 43
41 67
279 98
41 66
41 66
41 66
41 66
33 33
183 55
334 44
337 74
33 33
41 66
41 66
50
33
183
194

66
33
71
96

$15,399 64l| $5,089 67] $5,123 26j $2,657 66

52 8fi

8 001
1 39i
6 00.
10 00
12 00
39 88"

Battery.

18 35j 36
1
i 00|
5 00
1 50
57 95
37 91
5 02
53 20
2 25 3
10 25 35

61
33

15 00
18 00
45 88

1 12

50
85
44
50
93

15 00
18 00

$302 81 $563 99]

22 00

19
1

19

1 26
22 75
36 46
4 75
1 SO
2 77\
31 35
39 88
30 97
19 25 13 30 | 157 83
1 1 30!
25
33
1 59
1

6 37
3 96\
3 55,

6 41

6 05
11 00

|

4 75
2 00

94 62

20 25]
8 22]
17 96

37 50
12 39
66 50

2
1
1
2
3

62

74
1 4 29,

2 76
I 00

31
15 00
16 20
45 63

44

4 90

87

l
I

4
1
8
2

05
30
65
06

581
31
00
62
16] 133 08 8 96
22, 18 75 17 02

5 87!
12 88

11326
20 25

(

7 32
50

1 42
6 00

3 00
9 69

71

50
12 67
1 38

2 95

23
83
3;
25
45
70

Office \ Refun
Repairs.
ded. laneous.

2 20
16 67

44

2 631
53 10
9 00
3 75
67 00
1 50
35 88

6
41
l
4
125
7

Fuel.

33

4 37
10 00
16 91

Lights J
and '

2 24
1 001

7 50
8 00|
-19 88]
6 00

Stationery.

18 73

75

1 091

$129 69] $151 75 !?456J>i! $79 041

82
47
1
4
10
53
59

05
64
82
45
49
69

75
1 02
20 40
3 31
14 97
48 13
7 55

Deposited.

i Total
Disbur&~
ments.

2.800 00
'170 67

3.517 19
176 67
66 48
51 28
63 89
315 00
1,181 89
73 82
213 14
44 45
575 00
851 06
622 63
2,216 27 2,923 86
214 43
215 73
53 3L
44 25
63 79
100 00
1,211 79
117 85
177 02
42 53
400 00 1
752 80
]
972 87
3,055 84 i 3,863 02
295 11
293 05
42 95
42.66
66 61
1,952 75
615 00
260 11
165 781
52 55
802 39
400 00

1 1,035 43
$695 511 1 $11,412 71'
($21,660 21

THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

76
The Treasurer presented his Quarterly Report of Receipts and Disbursements, which was read and on motion, referred to the Committee on
Accounts.,
The Treasurer presented the following abstract of receipts and disbursements, for the Quarter ending March 31, 1848.
For Legitimate business of the Line
$ 15,396 31
For other Lines during same period
5,087 67
For Posts sold
67 12 $20,551 10
Cash in hands of Treasurer Jan. 1, 1848
1,675 28
" at Stations
do
301 28 $1,976 56
$22,527 66
Paid by Treasurer for new wire on Washington Line,)
Reinsulating Batimore Line and other claims,
5
Paid to other Lines
Paid at Stations, Salaries and other purposes
Cash in hands of Treasurer, April 1, 1847
Cash at Stations

<*- A ^ . QQ
5,123
5,652
4,712
593

26
01
40
07 $22,528 66

The Treasurer presented the following account of moneys paid H. O'Reilly,
on contract for constructing Line of Telegraph between Philadelphia and
Baltimore.
Henry O'Rilley to Cash at sundry times
$10,187 00
Cash on Loan
300 00
Livingston & Lyman, order
,
502 19
James D. Reid,
400 00
Abbott Wilmington
612 00
J. G. Oslue
600 00
O. Connor
.650 00
W. Christie
35 00
Elliott & Huston
91 30
Cochran.. c
170 00
Maxwell
46 00
Chadwick
6 25
Capt.O'Riley
225 00
C. Brenner
35 00
$13,859 74
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That Mr. Elisha Wilson's expenses
from Trenton to Philadelphia, on account of his communication to the
Board, be paid.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the claim of the Philadelphia,
Wilmington and Baltimore Rail Road Company, be referred to the President and Treasurer of this Company, with instructions to enquire whether
this Company have accepted the order of Henry O'Reilly for the amount

77
claimed, or done any act which binds them to pay it, and if necessary take
the advivce of counsel thereon ; and if satisfied that this company is legally
bound to pay the same, the President shall thereupon certify the fact
to the Treasurer, who is hereby instructed to pay the amount on such certificate,
Mr. Kendall presented a bill from H. H. Dent, of $47 00, which on motion,
was ordered to be paid.
Mr. Kendall presented a bill from Mr. J. H. Nicholson of $20 00 for a
copy of the Charter for this company from the State of Maryland. A motion was made to pay the bill, which was lost. On motion of Mr. Norton
the bill was referred to Mr. Kendall with power to settle for $5 00.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Treasurer of of this Company be authorized to place at the disposal of the President of this Company as a contingent fund, any sum he may ask for, not exceeding three
hundred dollars, for the expenditure of which the President shall render
vouchers as often as he may choose, but at least once a quarter, to the
Committee on Accounts, who if they pass the same shall return them to the
Treasurer, who shall give the President credit therefor, Provided, that there
shall never be over three hundred dollars at the disposal of the President
under this Resolution, at any one time.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That whenever the amounts received
at the several Stations for the Washington and New Orleans Telegraph
Line, shall exceed the means of payment in possession of Washington
Station, the President shall be authorized to draw on the Treasurer for the
amount of said indebtedness, stating the object, and the Treasurers hereby
anthorized to pay said draft.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Treasurer be instructed
forthwith to prepare a statement of the accounts of this company for the
last quarter, and communicate the same in print, to each stockholder, informing him that under the Maryland Charter, this Board is not authorized
to declare dividends except in the months of January and July.
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That when it is desirable to keep the'
Jersey City, Philadelphia, Washington, or Baltimore office open after 12
o'olock at night for the purpose of sending through important dispatches,
each operator employed shall receive from the Company twenty-five cents
extra per hour for such services, Provided that not more than two operators
at each office shall be paid upon any one night, and Provided also, that if
the offices are so kept open at the special request of any person or persons
not connected with the Telegraph Company, the extra compensation
thus allowed shall be paid to the Company by such person or persons.
The Ayes and Noes were called for on the adoption of the Resolution,
which resulted as follows :
Ayes—Messrs. Penniman, Kendall, Canby and French,
Noes—Messrs. Hart, Norton and Clark.

78
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Operators in the Jersey City
office, be allowed the same pay for extra services that has been paid to the
Operators in the Philadelphia office.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That Mr. Penniman be appointed a
committee to confer with Mr. Barrett on account of his salary, and report
to the President.
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns, it
will adjourn to meet at Barnum's Hotel in the city of Baltimore, on Monday the 10th day of July next, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
On motion the Meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

79
M E E T I N G OF T H E

DIRECTORS.

The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at Barnum's Hotel, Baltimore, on Monday
July 10th, 1848, at 10 o'clock, A. M, Present: The President and Messrs.
Penniman, Clark, Hart, Norton and Swain.
The Treasurer presented the following Quarterly Report, which on motion, was referred to the Committee on accounts.

Quarterly Statement, Embracing April, May and June.
To Balance on 31st March, 1848,

$5,314 68

April.
May,
June.
" Rec'ts at Phila. Station-. ..$1,469 06 $1,559 87 $1,222 59
"
"
New-York "
1,514 76 1,494 01 1,327 90
"
"
Baltimore
"
540 49
726 32
538 61
"
"
Wilmington"
274 27
262 46
157 81
"
"
Washington"
696 80
537 79
683 96
"
"
Jersey City . . . . . . . 207 23
174 99
97 69
"
"
Trenton
"
24 50
29 07
22 90
"
"
N.Brunsw'k "
17 72
21 86
22 78
"
"
Princeton "
5 69
S 48
9 23
"
"
H, de G r a c e "
10 55
3 70
4 91
"
"
Property sold
14 69
4 00
10 99
4,775 76 4,822 55 4,099 37 13,697 68
To Rec'ts at Phila. for other Lines 135 43
10113
182 59
"
"
New-York "
1,014 22
930 02
672 89
"
"
Baltimore "
196 42
229 36
125 04
<S "
Wimington"
37 08
34 78
13 24
Wash'gton "
159 39
123 80
176 62
"
"
Jersey City"
54 07
3135
28 86
"
Trenton
"
1 07
1 61
76
"
" Princeton,Brun'k,H.deG. 1 0 1
96
4 62
1,598 69

1,453 01 1,204 62

4,256 32
$23, 268 68

Contra.
By Am't by Station to oth. Lines 1,659
for Salaries,
1,192
"
"
"
Office Expenses 852
Repairs of Line 176
Refunded
16

1,477
1,196
521
213
33

84
17
01
48
78

1,214 51
1,15175
445 60
302 39
13 57

88 3,442 28
92
674 39
00
350 00
82
404 05
71
00

3,127 82 $10,466 98
254 94
150 00
109 38

736 45 1,428 44
Balance in hands of Treas., as per Monthly Rep.
"
"
at Stations,
"
"
"
" Am't due from Ocean Line

514 32
2,679 21
9,559 86
361 82
200 81 10,122 49
$23,268 68

"
"
"
"
"
£s

Treasurer for Rep'rs of Line
Pres. Trustees & Treas. Sal.
Miscellaneous
Discount
Contingent fund

3,896
172
50
310
2
200

20
05
23
97
43

80

Quarterly Statement April to July 1848.
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer, in Ac't with The Magnetic Telegraph Co.
April
To Bal. in Treasury March 31,1848
" Am't depos'd by Philad. Stat'n 440
N.York " 1,970
Baltimore" 300
Wilm'gton"
88
' Wash'gt'n"
Lead Pipe sold

May

June
$4,712 71

50
32
00
22

567
1,589
625
92
147
35

26
86
00
02
95
36

2,799 04 3,057 45

770 43
1,6J5 00
400 00
141 0!
J 65 88
3,092 32

8,948 81
tt 13,661 52

Contra.
By Cash for repairs of L i n e , . . . ...172
Pres't Contingent fund 200
"
President's Salary
"
Trustees' Salary
50
"
Treas. Sal. Ap'l 1,& exp.
Bills Slation'y,Print'g&c.l45
Exp.Rent,& refit'g Office 73
" lin'g, acid & rep. inst's 49
c
"
* Magnets & r e p a i r s . . . . 45
"
Stat'ns/orSalaries & exp. 521

92
00
00

674 39

254 64

125 00
25 00
261 71

125 00
25 00

31
51
71
00
58

492 74

432 10

1,258 03

1,897 21

946 42
1,897 21
1,258 03

Balance in hands of Treasurer,

225 00
109 28
93 37

4,101 66
9,559 86 #13,66152
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.

Mr. Clark offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That a dividend of six per cent, on the Capital Stock of the
Magnetic Telegraph Company, be and the same is hereby declared for the
past six months, out of the profits of said Company, to be paid by the
Treasurer on demand, on and after the 20th day of July instant.
Mr. Swain offered an amendment to strike out the words " six months,"
and insert " twelve months," which on motion, was adopted.
The question then recurred upon the resolution as amended, which on
motion was adopted.
The Secretary presented the following Quarterly Report, which on mo'
tion, was referred to the Committee on accounts.

81
Q U A R T E R L Y REPORT of the several Stations, from April 1st, t o July 30th, 1848.
Stations.

\Date.

New-York, '•Jan'y.
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k|
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
New-York,
J e r s e y City, Feb'y.
N. Brunswi'k]
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,!
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,!
Baltimore,
Washington,
N e w - Y o r k , Mar.
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k|
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia
Wilmington,
H. d e Grace,|
Baltimore,
Washington.

Recess of\ \RecHs'for
thi
$1,514 76 $1,014 22
54 07
211 35
1 01
17 72,
5 69!
1 07]
24 50
135 43f
1,469 06
37 08
274 27,
10 55
196 42-1
-540 49
159 39
703 04
930 02!
1,495 26
31 35
174 99
56
21 951
40
8 88
1 61
29 07
101 131
1,561 12]
34 781
262 46
3
229 36
726 32!
123 80]
539 29
672 89
1,327 901
28 86
97 69
3 231
22 78
9 23
76
22 90
182 59]
1,233,58!
13 24
157 81
1 39
4 91
125 04
538 "61
176 621
683J96
$13,694 03ll.$4,2561521

OperaVs j Messsnof
# Clerks gers.
148 72,

355 22
33 33
41 66
41 66j

932 92
5 59
571 97
86 42

41.^66
33 35
183 50
331 48
283 31
33 33
41 66
41 66

43 11

8 00
44 50
6 00
15 00
18 00
38 58

Line.

1 Bat- ,. Station- Lights ] Office
tery.
ery.
4' Fuel repairs.

92 25

32 25

1
1
3
37
13
3
171
4
10

00
41
12
00; 3 25
37! 1 7o\
38, 3 53
50,
96 ! 15 58
13 13 63
00.
15

7
4
7
128
22

50
00
25,
19,
20

8 00
1,022 37
1 50 72
.
6 00
18 41 i 41 66
33 33
6
229 57 i 15 00
25
5
175 01
16 84!
350 39
16
301 31
37 87,
147 18
W>4!
3
33, ,33
13
41 66
2
41 66, 10 00
101
656 05
44 00
6
47 66
24
33 33
15 87
8
208 82
175 01 | 18 00
410 49
!$2,824 17• $395 49 $694

62,
35!
62

1 93

70

3 00|

75

25

51!
1 00

25

3 50
23 12
5 03
25
4 00
1 94

87|

25

1 40,
11 52

1 0L
9 01

199 83
1 00
7 48 • 2 38

1

62

81
1 00,

2 00
1 38 |
5 52
70

30

1 62

8 50

37,

29 39

108 83

1 00
74
10 46
19 10
5 04
2 451
2 23 1
5 75
12 88
1 1 22
39 00
1 39
[ 20 88 279 86
2 09

68

1 412

1 40

50 00
15 00

1 06
5 49

22 1

2 00

25

\Refun\ 1 Miscelded. laneous. \

4 05
1 74
4 98

I Total Dis1,970 32

440 50
210 95
300 00
1,589 86
204 25

130

14

35 86
75
2 91
2 73
10 37
198 75

625
147
1,615
126

25-1 2 00
81
81
44
00
1 00
63!
10 16
1 63
31
51
59,
1 52
16 52
770
1 13
1 40
9 63
00,
5 36
141
2 05
75
50
74
25
50
400
00
59 25 2 00
165
7 00
2 54'
51 37
5 55
12 13
65 l$50 43 1 $98 91 |$111 511$316 12 '$63 82I1 $816 79l|
$9,543

Rail Road Communications for the Quarter, sent F r e e ,

On motion the Board adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

00
951
00j
55

43
01
00
88
7911^19^267^
. $88 85

THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

82
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present: The President, and
Messrs. Norton, Clark, Penniman, Hart and Swain.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
On motion the Board adjourned sine die.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

M E E T I N G OF T H E

STOCKHOLDERS.

The annual meeting of the Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company
was held at Barnum's Hotel, Baltimore, on Tuesday July I lth, 1848.
Upon examination a majority of the Stock was found to be represented.
The minutes of the last Annual, and the Special meeting, held in Washington,
on the 8th of of December last, were approved.
The President offered the following Communication:

To the Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company—
Gentlemen.—It is now one year since you did me the honor to elect me President of The Magnetic Telegraph Company. I entered immediately after my election upon the duties of the office, and have devoted nearly all my time to the
services of the Company.
The line owned by this Company, extending from Washington to New-York,
being the first Telegraphic line ever erected under the patent of Professor Morse,
was, neccessarily, an experiment, and, like every other untried enterprise of any
magnitude, many difficulties, only to be overcome by experience, presented themselves at the outset.
Although much had been done to perfect the Magnetic communication between the terminii of the line, I found, upon an inspection of it, that much remained to be done. The line, at that time, could not be worked through from
Washington to Jersey City, except by repeating at some of the offices—it was
working very indifferently between all the important stations, and especially
between Washington and Baltimore.
My first efforts were directed to the remedying of these defects, and finding it
neccessary to substitute iron cord for the very imperfect copper wire then in use,
between Washington and Baltimore, which had become so worn as not to be
depended upon for a single day, I procured the neccessary quantity of iron
cord, and adopting a new form of insulation, now well known as the inverted
cup, I caused the new wire to be put up. Owing to various disappointments in
procuring the neccessary insulators, it was not completed until December, when
it was placed in circuit, and communication was commenced over it, and from
that time to the present, it has not, to my knowledge, been interrupted by a single
break. As soon as the iron cord was placed in circuit, I caused the two copper
wires to be twisted together, and they were worked as one independent wire
through the winter. But every high wind broke them, and as soon as work could
be comfortably commenced, in the Spring iron wire was procured, and put up on
insulators similar to those used for the iron cord, and the copper wire was taken
down.

83
That portion of the wire is now in perfect order, and is at all times reliable.
No interruption of it, except by atmospheric electricity, has taken place since the
last iron wire was put up.
I am sorry to be under the neccessity of stating that a poition of the wire
furnished for the line last put up, is not of so good a quality as it ought to have
been. It was found to be very difficult to join it, in consequence of its brittleness.
The wire was accompanied by certificates of its inspection, and was examined
after its arrival at Baltimore, but it so happened, that on the latter examination,
the person who made it," selected, by mere accident, none but that which was good;
and the bad quality of a portion of it was not discovered, until considerable
progress had been made in putting it up, and that too, when to have delayed the
work for a time sufficient to have the defect remedied, would have been much
more detrimental to the line than to take the wire as it was, and do with it as we
best could.
It has been found neccessary to renew a large number of the posts between
Baltimore and Washington. The line was originally put up under the authority
of the government, as an experiment, and such timber was used for posts, as could
most conveniently be procured, and among them were many of white pine, which
had so much decayed, that they would not hold the iron hooks which were driven
into them. These have all been replaced with heavy and substantial chesnut
posts well charred at the bottom. These will doubtless answer the purposes for
which they are used for many years.
That section of the line between Baltimore and Philadelphia, has, by an order of
the Board of Directors, in October last, been reinsulated. No reason can be
given, and no cause found, why it should not work as well as any other part of
the line,—-still the fact is, that although there are two good wires, apparently well
insulated, they have worked independently of each other only a small part of the
time since they were put up. The communication between those cities, has not
however often been interrupted during the past year, and when it has been so, it
was only for a short time, except in October, when the almost unparallelled freshet,
swept our wires from the bridge, at Port Deposit, and interrupted the line for
several days.
Unwearied pains has been taken to cause the two wires above mentioned, to
work independent of each other, and at times they have done so, but in a little
while they have got together again in some undiscoverable manner, and only
worked as a single wire. They are now in this situation.
It was my intention, the last time I visited New-York, to have gone, in company
with Mr. Canby, around the head of the Bush and Gunpowder rivers, and to have
made a critical examination of the routes, with a view to the avoiding the draws
at those rivers, but my own indisposition while in New-York, Mr. Canby's inability
to accompany me, together with a hope that wire covered with gutta pereha, would
answer all purposes in crossing rivers, prevented me from carrying out my intentions.
Of the section, of the line between Philadelphia and Jersey City, but little
complaint has recently reached me, and it has worked well and with but little
interruption for a long time.

84
Some'part of the time the line has worked well from Washington to Jersey
City, direct, and there is no doubt, that if both wires could be made to work
permanently, independent of each other, that one of them could always be worked
through without difficulty.
Although the expenditures of the last year have been veiy heavy, far more so
than they will be again, the report of our treasurer to the meeting of the Board of
Directors yesterday, showed a surplus beyond our expenditures and the liabilities
of about $10,000, which enabled the Board to declare a dividend of six per cent.
Much of the line isnow in good order, and is reliable in all kinds of weather.
The recent rain storms have had upon this portion of it, no effect whatever, that I
have been able to learn. The line between Elizabethtown and Jersey City needs
some repairs, which should speedily be made.
Several of our posts have been shattered, and some of our magnets have been
injured by atmospheric electricity, since the season of thunder storms commenced,
and I would respectfully recommend that some course should be pursued to protect them. Nothing has been suggested to me better calculated to answer the
required purpose than metallic conductors, to be placed at certain distances from
each other, along the line.
The application of gutta percha, has been made within the past six months, as
an insulating substance, to Telegraphic purposes, and as far as it has been
thoroughly tested, it has been found to answer every purpose of insulation where
glass has been used, while it is not liable to be broken either by accident or
design. Several hundred gutta percha insulators, formed in the same mould in
which the glass insulators* was cast, have been used between Washington and Baltitimore, and in the stieets of the latter city, and have been found to answer a most
admirable purpose.
My connection, during the past year with this Company, has convinced me
that our tariff of charges is too high, and that a reduction of them would not only
add to our income, but would give general satisfaction to the public, and would
remove much of the feeling which occasionally manifests itself in the expression
that the Telegraph is a monopoly. The press has, to some extent, joined in this
cry, and seems disposed to patronize those who, in violation of the lights of the
Patentees and Stockholders of Moise's Telegraph, are endeavoring to put in
operation Magnetic Telegraphs, founded upon the same principles upon which
his is founded, thus seeking to deprive the worthy inventor of all the advantages
of his invention. That vast engine, the press, powerful for goo'd or for evil, is, in
this matter, doubtless influenced by motives somewhat selfish. Its conductors
regard our charges as too high, and all they desire is to bring about a reduction.
1 respectfully submit whether it would not be well to make that reduction forthwith. In my belief such a reduction would add to, instead of diminishing the
income of the Company.
The officers, operators and clerks of this Company have been laboring faithfully and diligently since the company commenced business, on salaries just sufficient for the support of single men. A prospective resolution was adopted one year
ago, intended to increase the salaries of the officers under certain circumstances.
The event anticipated has not yet occurred, nor can it in a less time than six

85
months. I therefore respectfully recommend that a small increase of the salai ies be
made, to commence from the first day of the present month.
A misunderstanding exists between this Company and the Ocean Telegraph, as
to the rights of the two Companies under their deeds from the Patentees, and a
like misunderstanding also exists between The American Telegraph Company
and this. I trust that a spirit of compromise will exist among all interested, and
that a mutual understanding will be entered into, by which the interests of ail may
be subserved, without any surrender of the rights of either.
A Magnetic Telegraph has been erected between Philadelphia and New-York,
known as " House's Printing Telegraph," within a few months past, and has
commenced operations. Thus far it has done but little. It is however, regarded by the Patentees of Morse's Telegraph, and by many able and accomplished
Jurists, as I have been informed, as an innovation on Morse's Telegraph, and I
respectfully recommend, that the President of this Company be authorised to consult able counsel and institute legal proceedings against the proprietors of that
Telegraph as soon as possible.
Within the past few weeks an attempt has been made, under the supervision of
the worthy and energetic Directors of this Company residing in the city of NewYork, to carry the electric current across the Hudson, by means of a wire covered
with gutta percha. The wire was placed in the bed of the river, and the experiment promised to prove successful, when it was found that the wire was severed,
and upon examination of it, no doubt exists, that it was intentionally done, as
the marks of a knife are evident upon the gutta percha, near the place where the
wire was eventually broken. It may have been done maliciously, but charity
would rather lead to the conclusion that it was drawn up on the anchor of some
vessel, and that it was cut and broken for the purpose of freeing it. Another wire
is now in preparation, and will be put down as soon as possible, but ftom representations made to me, by persons acquainted with the bed of the river, the current and the liability of being disturbed by anchors, I consider it doubtful, whether
even if it operates successfully, for a time, it will remain long perfect. Should this
be found to be the case, an order exists, that the the wire be carried up the North
River, and across it in the vicinity of West Point, and down to the City of NewYork, which can be carried into effect, if thought to be best for the interests of
the Company.
Upon a review of the operations of the last year, I believe the company has
much more cause of congratulation than regret, and I think I foresee for it the
best prospects of future success.
Most respectfully submited.
BALTIMORE, July 11, 1848.

B. B. FRENCH, President.

On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the communication from the President
be referred to a committee of three.
Committee. Messrs Brodhead, Rogers and Norton.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the resolution adopted at the meeting
of the Stockholders oti the 6th of July 1847, adding ten per cent to the salary of

every officer of the Company, for every additional one per cent, over six per cent
ofannual dividends, be and the same is hereby rescinded, with a view to an increase
of salaries by the Board of Directors.
The Secretary offered the following Annual Report, which on motion was read
and ordered to be Printed.
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The Treasurer offered the following Annual Report, which, on motionywas read and referred to the B^oard of Directors,
ANNUAL
STATEMENT,
1847 & 1848.
|
G E O R G E H. H A R T , TREASURER, IN ACCOUNT WITH T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
...101 43
To Bal. in hands of Treasurer, June 30, 1847.
Or. ending Sept30J47.
....203 30 $304 73 By Treasurer for rep'rs 1,438 12
" " at S t a t i o n s . . . . . .
" Stations
"
382 80
'ept. 30, '47 Dec. 31, '47 Mc'h 31,'48,June 30, '48.
" Treas'r for Salaries 1,099 21
' Rec'ts at Ph'a station 3,750 24 4,005 21 4,217 33 4,251 52
"Stations
"
1,985 21
" at New-York " 3,320 94 4,043 71 6,417 44 4,336 67
" Treas'r Office expen's 518 82
" at Baltimore, " 1,486 76 1,577 11 1,699 40 1,805 42
" Stations
"
826 60
" atWilm'gton " 400 00
405 54
505 30
694 54
" Treasurer Rent &c.
103 36
" at Wash'gton " 866 27 1,078 06 1,799 56 1,918 55
" Stations
"
568 00
«' at Jersey City < 541 45
«
531 66
593 42
579 91
" Treas.Wire &twist'g 1,675 00
" at Trenton
"
91 21
96 65
98 20
76 47
" « Salary to Trust's 230 62
" at N.Brunsw'k"
22 25
25 46
44 68
62 36
« « « p r e s & Treas'r 350 00
« at Princeton
8 42
11 00
23 40
" Stat's exp.trav'ng&c; 193 40
" at H. de Grace "
3 01
17 20
9 98
19 16
"
" refunded
61 71
" Property sold &c.
67 12
29 68
10,842 13 11,789 02 15,463 43 13,697 68 $51,432 26 « Treas'r O'Reilly claim
" 4t Pres.trav'g&miscel's
402 03
694 64
419 15
Rec.at Ph'a fr'm oth.lines 583 12
" " Contingent Fund
620 38 1,452 22 3,154 68 2,617 13
N. York
" Stat'ns to oth. Lines 1,854 90
550 82
401 06
624 15
777 81
Baltimore
11,287 75
85 10
103 32
126 34
145 77
Wilmington
459 81
140 84
497 02
71 48
Washington
'Balance due from Ocean Line
;<
114 28
55 04
102 99
Jersey City
"
at Stations
1 53
4 86
6 5S
Trenton
3 44
'
«'
in Treasurer's hands
3 50
5 67
1 04
N. Brunswick
4 80
1 63
3 47
40
Princeton
1 39
H. de Grace
1,789 44

3,102 06

5,089 67

Dec. til, '47. ikfcA31,'48 June 30, '48.

20 4,062 70 1,102
19
692
589 82
00
86 3,777 43 3,539
826
1,165 19 1,773 41 1,711
41 86
94 58
135 00
107
480 68 1,189 03
50 00
75
476 64 475
191 12
2% 13
78 51
63
834 19
1,046 64
200
3,176 61 5,123 26 4,351
2,1^3
47B
1,225
3,279

25
84
97
8G
34
50
00
00
78

00
55

14,202 67 17,215 38 13,146 09 $55,851 89
200 91
361 82
9,559 86 10,122 59

4,256 32 14,237 49

$65,794 48
Balance as per Contra, in hands of Treasurer,
9,559 86
"
at Stations
361 82
.,
"
Due from Ocean Line, credit in ac't as Cash.. 200 91 10,122 591

$65,974 4S
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.

87

To the President and Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company'.
Accompanying will be found the Annual Statement of the business of the
Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the year ending June 30, 1848, by which
it will be seen, that notwithstanding the imperfections of the line, and
continued difficulties arising therefrom, the receipts have greatly increased,
being in amount very nearly double that of the preceding year.
The gross income or receipts were $65,559 75 ; for the legitimate business
of the Company, $51,432 26, and for messages to pass through the lines of
other Companies, and to be paid for at Stations other than where payment
was received, $14,237 49
Receipts as above stated are in brief as follows :
At Philadelphia Station, for the year,
$16,224 30
" New-York
18,118 16
" Baltimore
6,569 29
" Wilmington,
2,005 38
" Washington
,
5,662 44
" Jersey City
,
2,146 44
" Other Stations
609 45
property sold and not included in general ac't. of line,
96 SO $51,432 26
At Philadelphia, for other lines
2,098 94
" New York
7,844 41
4
' Baltimore
2,353 84
" Washington
1,169 15
" Other Stations
*
771 15 $14,237 49
Balance on July 1, 1847
304 73
$65^974 48
Expenditures for Repairs of the Line, By Stations... <. 2,143 65
" Salaries of Operators, &c
12,580 47
" Current Office Expenditures
5,476 54
" Rent, travelling, &c
1,195 02
" Refunded...
231 13 $21,626 81
At Philadelphia to other lines
7,608 57
" Washington..
5,100 37
" New York
1,772 84
" Other Stations
24 54 $14,506 32
By Treasurer, for Repairs of Line
8,726 27
" Officer's and other Salaries
3,981 47
" Wire and Wire twisting
4,178 90
" Office Expenditures
2,632 12
" Contingent to President
200 00 $19,718 76
" Balance due from Ocean Line
200 91
«
" at Stations
361 82
«
"
in hands of Treasurer
'9,559 86 $10,122 59
$65,974 48
Deposited to credit of Treasurer during vear,
At Philadelphia
9,232 25
" N e w York
19,327 28
" Baltimore
•••• 4,705 65
" Wilmington
1,195 64
" Washington
313 83
Property sold
102 48 $34,877 13
Disbursed by Treasurer, as above
19,718 76
To Stations
;
5,598 51
Balance in Treasury
,
9,559 86 $34,877 13
Respectfully submitted.
GEORGE H. HART. Treasurer.

88
On motion of Mr. Brodhead, Resolved, That we now proceed to the
election of Officers for the ensuing year.
The President appointed Messrs. Brodhead and Fuller as Tellers.
On motion of Mr Norton, Resolved, That the election be by ballot.
The whole number of votes cast for President was 1037, of which
B. B. French received 714 | George H. Hart received 323
Whereupon B. B. French was declared elected President of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, for the ensuing year.
Whole number of votes cast for Secretary, 1078, of which
Thomas M. Clark received 746 | Wm. Fuller received 332.
Whereupon the President declared Thomas M. Clark duly elected Secretary of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the ensuing year.
Whole number of votes cast for Treasurer, 873.
George H. Hart received 873.
Whereupon the President declared George H. Hart duly elected Treasurer
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the ensuing year.
Whole number of votes cast for Directors, 1325, of which
Amos Kendall received
1048
Thomas M. Clark "
1016
John W. Norton
"
1325
George H. Hart
"
.'.. 1048
Merritt Canby
«"
1048
u
James Williams
•.
980
Wm. M. Swain
"
731
R. M. Hoe
"
296
Geo. C. Penniman "
,
68
Wm. Fuller
"
13
Whereupon the President declared Messrs. Amos Kendall, Thomas M.
Clark, John W. Norton, George H. Hart, Merritt Canby, James Williams
and Wm. M. Swain, duly elected'Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, for the ensuing year.
On motion of Mr, Clark, Resolved, That when this Meeting adjourns, it
will adjourn to meet in the City of New York, on the Second Thursday in
July, 1849.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That the Meeting of the Board of
Directors, to be held on the Second Thursday in July, be held this evening.
On motion of Mr. Clark, the Meeting adjourned until 4 o'clock this afternoon.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company met pursuant to
adjournment.
Mr. Broadhead, from the Committee to whom was referred the communication from the President, made the following report :
The Committee, to whom' the communication of the President of this
Company, presented to the Stockholders this morning, has been referred,
respectfully offer the following report:
The subject first in order that the Committee deem it necessary to notice,
is in relation to the repairs made between Washington and Baltimore. That
these repairs were necessary, and judiciously made, the Committee enter-

89
tain no doubt; but some obscurity still rests on the minds of the Stockholders in regard to the legal right of property in that line, and the
conditions on which improvements and repairs upon it are made, and how
far the Company has authority to dispose of wire or other materials which
it may be found proper to discard. Jt has been alleged, that the legal
possession rests in the general government by the transfer of the Patentees,
and they would respectfully suggest that the precise state of the case should
be ascertained and made known to the Stockholders, in the published proceedings of this meeting.
The difficulties and interruptions to which the President adverts, on the
line between Philadelphia and Baltimore, are, in the opinion of your Committee, the result of a faulty arrangement of the poles of the batteries at the
terminii, or caused by the wires resting upon trees in the swampy ground
near Port Deposite, and the vicinity of the Bush and Gun Powder rivers.
This tract is boggy, and difficult of access, and for that reason seems to
have received less of the supervisory vigilance of the operators, though
requiring it more than any other portion of the line; and the repeated
interruption in the transmission of intelligence, your Committee are inclined
to think, is, at least in part, attributable either to the negligence or lack of
knowledge of the officers to whose care the supervision was intrusted.
Your Committee urgently recommend that some suitable person be immediately employed by the Directors to make a thorough personal examination
of every wire, post and insulation upon the whole line, with permission to
obtain such mechanical assistance as he may find necessary to make it
efficient.
In connection with the remarks of the President, that no reason can be
found why the section of the line between Philadelphia and Baltimore
should not work well since its re-insulation, your Committee would observe,
that perfect insulation being a desideratum of the first importance for Telegraphic success, particular attention should be paid to that subject, and all
the various plans offered, or in use on other lines, should be examined by
some intelligent and competent agent, with a view to adopt the best. Glass,
though perfect for the purposes of the scientific object, is too liable to
destruction by accident and design to be permanently and generally used on
Telegraphic lines.
The suggestion of the President, that conductors of atmospheric electricity
should be placed along the line, meets with the entire assent of the Committee. Conductors of galvanised wire, at distances of two or three miles
from each other would, it is supposed, be sufficient to protect the lines from
injury by that element.
The President recommends that a reduction should be made in the tariff
of charges, or Telegraphic postage. The Committee are sensible of the force
of his arguments, but cannot concur with him in the unqualified recommendation to reduce the rates. The line has generally as much as it can
transmit, and the employers of the telegraph are not of a class who regard
the cost, if they can be assured of certainty in the transmission of intelli-

90
gence. If under more perfect arrangements, the capacity of the Telegraph
to transmit shall exceed the communications offered, or if the action of rival
lines shall render it necessary or expedient, your Committee would recommend that a discretionary power should be vested in the Directors to make
a reduction Your Committee, however, do not anticipate such a necessityThe subject of salaries having already been acted upon by the Stockholders, the Committee will only venture to recommend that in carrying
out the objects of the resolution adopted to-day, the Directors should make
a just discrimination, so as to graduate compensation to service. They
would also respectfully offer their own opinion, that the salaries of the
Treasurer and Secretary are entirely inadequate to the duties and labor
required of those officers.
With regard to the difficulties between this Company and the " Ocean"
and " American" lines, your Commmittee would remark, that in regard to
the first named Company, the pretension set up by it is grossly unjust. A
Company with only about ninety miles of line, claims (under the 3d Article
of Agreement and Association of the Magnetic Telegraph Company) the
right to receive all communications sent inward upon that line, and two
hundred and thirty miles upon our line. As a sort of reciprocity, we are
permitted to receive the proceeds for transmitting communications outward, a thing that very rarely occurs, and in fact the Ocean Company
receive more than nineteen twentieths of all the proceeds from communications, and transmit them less than one third the distance. If such a
principle is sanctioned, a side line of three or four miles may some day
materially trench upon the revenues of the Company. The difficulties with
the " American" Company are somewhat more complicated, and without
going into an argument, for which we have no time, we recommend the
conciliatory course, in regard to both, which the President suggests, and
that every proper effort be made to come to an amicable agreement.
The Committee have discussed to some extent among themselves, the
propriety of commencing suit against the responsible persons in what is
known as House's Telegraph Company, and the majority are opposed to it.
The members of our Company purchased at a great price, of the patentees,
what they alleged to be a most valuable invention. The exclusive right to
the invention is now disputed, and if the patentees are moved, as we doubt
not they are, by the principles of fairness and just dealing, they will not
require that we should beat the bush that they may catch the bird, but will
shoulder the expense of the legal proceedings necessary to establish their
original right to the property they have sold. Their interest is much
greater in the decision of this question than that of this Company, or any
member of it, and we should not be rewarded as pioneers in the enterprise,
by the pleasant excitement of a law-suit conducted at our expense. The
Committee express their views in a resolution appended to the report.
In relation to the practicability of crossing the North River under water,
the Committee are of opinion, that even if it were practicable to communi-

91
cate perfectly by a wire on the bottom of the river, it would be so constantly
liable to destruction or damage, from anchors and articles thrown overboard,
that it would not be judicious to attempt it. When the means of the
Company will justify it, the line, in the judgment of your Committee, should
be carried to the vicinity of West Point, and a crossing effected in the usual
manner, on poles, and the line then continued to New York.
With this necessarily brief and hurried exposition of our views upon the
subjects referred to us, we respectfully submit the following resolutions :

JOHN BRODHEAD.
JOHN W. NORTON.
Baltimore, July 11, 1848.

HENRY J. ROGERS.

Resolved, That the President and Directors of the Company employ some
competent person, to discover and remedy the defects on the line from
Philadelphia to Baltimore, and especially in the vicinity of Port Deposite,
the Bush and Gun-powder rivers.
Resolved, That the President of the Company communicate to the Patentees,
as the sense of this meeting, that in case it should be found necessary to
commence legal proceedings against the proprietors of House's Telegraph,
they, the Patentees, will be justly and equitably responsible for the expense.
On motion of Mr. Clark, the resolutions attached to the above report were
unanimously adopted.
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That the Trustees of this Company
be, and they are hereby directed, to issue George C. Penniman two shares
of Stock, for one hundred dollars, which said Penniman alleges he has paid
to this Company, and for which he has received no consideration.
On motion of Mr. Clark, the Ayes and Noes were ordered.
Ayes—Messrs. French and Rogers.
Noes—Messrs. Hart, Fuller, Norton, Canby, Brodhead, Clark and Swain.
Mr. Norton offered the following preamble and Resolution, which, on
motion, were adopted:
Whereas, it is believed that communications have been sent from Baltimore to Philadelphia, and from Philadelphia to Baltimore, by a Company
holding their line of Telegraph under a deed from the Patentees, from
which this Company purchased their right of establishing the line direct
between those places, in violation of the Articles of Agreement between
the subscribers to the Stock of this line, and the Patentees—
Therefore Resolved, That the President of this Company be requested to
call upon the Patentees to protect this Company from any violation of the
rights guaranteed to it by the Patentees, by said Articles of Agreement, and
that he report the result to the Board of Directors.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

92

MEETING

OF THE

DIRECTORS.

The Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company met at Barnurn's Hotel, Baltimore, on Tuesday, July 11, 1848. Present: the President,
and Messrs. Clark, Norton, Hart, Canby and Swain.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed
to confer with the Ocean Telegraph Company, with a view to making an
amicable arrangement of all matters between that Company and this, as to
their Telegraphic connection with each other, provided that neither this
resolution, or any action under it, shall be construed as a surrender of any
of the legal rights of this Company.
Resolved, That said Committee be authorised to consult legal counsel, if
they deem it proper.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the President of this Company
be directed to take such measures as he may think expedient, to ascertain
by whom, and in whose name legal proceedings ought to be commenced
against the proprietors of House's Telegraph, now in operation between
the cities of New York and Philadelphia.
On motion of Mr. Canby, Resolved, That Mr. Canby be authorised to
ascertain at what rate the services of a suitable young man can be procured,
to assist in the Wilmington office, and that he report to the President, who
is hereby authorised, upon said report, to appoint the person so recommended, and he shall receive the sum fixed by Mr. Canby, for his services
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary of
this Company be Seven hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the salary of the Treasurer of this Company be Seven
hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the salaries of the operators and clerks of this Company be
as follows:
Chief Operator,
»
$800 per annum.
Operators,
600
Assistant Operators,
$500
"
Clerks,
,
600
Assistant Clerks,
500
"
Resolved, That the above mentioned salaries commence on the first day of
July inst.
Mr. Clark offered an amendment to strike out " Eight hundred," the
amount of the salary of Chief Operator, and insert " Seven hundred and
fifty." Mr. Hart called for the Ayes and Noes, which resulted as follows i
^ Ayes—Messrs. Hart, Swain, Canby and Clark.
Noes—Messrs. French and Norton.
The resolution was then adopted as amended.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved* That no person whatever, except those
employed upon, connected with, and responsible to the Telegraph Company,
be allowed access behind the counter, or within the room partitioned off
for the use of the Clerks and Operators, except when introduced in person,
or by note, by the President, or by one of the Directors of the Company.

93
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, "That the salary of the President of this
Company be Two thousand Dollars per annum, to date from the first day of
July instant.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That when persons sending C£ Through
Reports" for the Press, between Baltimore arid New York, wish a copy of
such news at intermediate places between those cities, the prices of such
drop copies shall be reduced to 25 per cent of the regular charges ; but this
resolution is to be understood as not to interfere with the charges through
or on any messages not sent all the way through.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved* That the hour and minute of time of
receipt of any and all messages to be transmitted, shall be noted upon them
when handed in, and that the hour and minute shall also invariably be
stated in the blank heads as prepared for such messages, when received at
the terminus of the line, preparatory to the delivery.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the Philadelphia Directors be
authorised to procure a suitable place for the office of the Magnetic Telegraph Company for that station, and have the same appropriately fitted up
for that purpose.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That no Chief Operator, Operator,
Assistant,Operator or Clerk, shall receive any compensation from any other
source than this Company, for any services rendered in his official capacity.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That this Board now adjourn until
to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.
The Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company met pursuant to
adjournment. Present: The President and Messrs. Clark, Hart, Norton, Swain
and Canby.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the President of this Company be
requested to make an earnest appeal to the Patentees, to agree to some equitable
compromise, to relieve the Company from the unjust operation of so much of the
third clause of the Fundamental condition of the articles of agreement and association, as in the following words, " This Company shall also be bound to connect local side lines, on condition of receiving all the charges arising on matter
sent over any part of their lines and outward, upon such local lines or on such
terms as may be agreed upon by the parties interested."
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, that at the first meeting of the Board of
Directors after the annual Election, a committee of accounts shall be appointed
by the President, consisting of two Directors, whose duty it shall be to examine
and decide upon all accounts and demand's against this company except the local
bills of the several Stations, and also to examine and report upon the accounts of
the different Stations and of the Treasurer, prior to each Quarterly and Annual
meeting.
On Motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That a committee of three, of which the
President shall be one, be appointed to thoroughly examine at the earliest practicable moment, each side of the Hudson River, from the city of New-York to West

94
Point, for the purpose of ascertaining the most practicable route for building the
line of Telegraph, and a point for carrying the wires across the River above water.
Resolved. That when said committee are prepared to report, the President
shall call a special meeting of the Board of Directors, for the purpose of taking
energetic measures for extending this line to the city of New York.
Committe. Messrs French, Norton and Hart.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That for all messages received at the Philadelphia Station, required to be delivered within the bounds of the city proper,
west of Tenth Street, or beyond the bounds of the city proper, to a resident in
Southwark, Northern Liberties, Kensington, or West Philadelphia, there shall be
charged two cents, in adidtion to the ordinary rates of two cents per message,
making four cents, this to be over and above the ordinary rates of omnibus fare.
Mr. Hart offered an amendment to strike out the following words, " two cents
in adition t o " and "making four cents, this to b e " and called the yeas and nays.
Yeas, Messrs. French, Canby, Norton, Hart, and Clark. Nay, Mr. Swain.
The resolution as amended was then adopted.
On motion of Mr. Canby, Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to give
official notice, to all gentlemen newly elected members of this Board, of their
election, and the time of the regular meetings of this Board.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the President be requested to confer with
the Patentees, for the purpose of ascertaining the precise terms, on which this
Company can proceed, to the erection of a line and other means necessary to carry
the wires across the North River, and thus complete the line of communication of
The Magnetic Telegraph Company into the city of New-York.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That in accordance with the wishes expressed in a letter, to the President of this Company, desiring a wider field for the
purpose of extending his usefulness, that Mr. Elisha Wilson be informed by the
President that our company does not afford sufficient opportunity to develope such
qualifications, and that he therefore be discharged from the place he now occupies.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That when any responsible person or persons desire that the offices of this Company or either of them, at Jersey City,
New-York, Philadelphia, Washington, or Baltimore, be kept open after 10 o'clock
at night, for the purpose of sending through important despatches, they shall
make application during the regular business hours of the day, and they shall pay
to this Company, fifty cents per hour for each operator who may be required to
perform such extra duties, and in case of such application the office shall be kept
open for the benefit of such applicant or applicants.
Resolved, That when the offices of this Company are kept open after ten o'clock
at night, or after the completion of the regular business of the day, for business
purposes, each operator employed shall receive from the company, fifty cents per
hour, extra, for his services. Provided that not more than two operators at one
office shall be paid in any one night, unless the business shall require that two
wires be employed, in which case two operators in each office may be employed
at each instrument.
Resolved, That the resolution of April 14, 1848, relative to extra pay to operators for night services &c. be and the same is hereby rescinded.
On motion the Board adjourned,
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary-

95

MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS.
A special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company was held, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the meeting of the
Board in Baltimore, July 111 1848, and call of the President, at the Company's
Office, in the city of New-York, on Tuesday, August 8, 1848. Present: the
President, and Messrs. Clark, Norton, Hart, and Swain.
The minutes of the last meeting of the Board were read and approved.
Mr. French (President,) from the committee appointed to examine each side of
the North Ittver, with a view of crossing the same, made the following Report:
To the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company—
The Committee, who were charged, by a resolution of the Board of Directors,
at their last meeting, to examine " each side of the Hudson River, from the city
of New York to West Point, for the purpose of ascertaining the most practicable
route for building the line of Telegraph, and a point for carrying the wires across
the river above water,5' make the following
REPORT:
That, on the 3d day of August instant, they proceeded up the Hudson Rivef
in a steamer, and noted particularly every point from the entrance of the Highlands to West Point, Where, in their opinion, it would be possible to extend wires
across, with any hope that they would remain permanently in their places; and
they came to the unanimous conclusion, that, at a place called " The Horse
Race," a short distance south of the prominence known as " Anthony's Nose,"
the best facilities for crossing presented.
At the place designated there is an islartd, not far from the western bank of
the river, upon which a mast can be erected at a small expense, and opposite to
which the eastern bank is so high as to require no mast, and is very nearly perpendicular. On the western side of this island there is no navigation;, and
between it and the eastern shore the river is between a third and a half of a mile
in width. The wires, if erected at that place, need not span more than half a mile.
It was the intention of the Committee, after reaching West Point, to have
obtained a land conveyance, and to have personally examined the roads in the
vicinity, but having become satisfied that there would be no beneficial result
from such an examination, they returned on the succeeding morning to Roiah
Hook, by water, and there procured all the information which they deemed desi^
rable. They then crossed the river to Caldwell's Landing, and there met with
a very intelligent gentleman, to whom they had been recommended as possessing
a full knowledge of the roads, distances, and locations on each side of the river.
With him the Committee had a long and most satisfactory interview ; and from
the information obtained from him, corroborated by others, and by the examination made by your Committee, they ascertained the following facts, and came to
the following conclusions: That there is a public road from Jersey City to the
island mentioned, upon which a line of Telegraph can be placed, and which
will be accessible, at all times, to a person on foot, or on horseback. That much
of the way, and particularly at the proposed point of crossing, it is upon the bank

96
of the river. That the distance from Jersey City to the point of crossing is about
fifty miles.
T h a t on the opposite side there is a good carriage road from the city of N e w York to Peekskill, and a road from Peekskill to a point from two to three miles
east of the river, from which point the line must be erected through the woods to
the river. T h e entire distance on that side of the Hudson, from New-York to a
point where the line would make a right angle, in order to approach the river, is
about fifty-two miles.
T h e entire length of line to be erected, including the crossing of the river, as
near as your Committee can ascertain without making an actual admeasurement,
will be one hundred and five miles.
The Committee, upon this view of the facts, unanimously recommend, that a
contract be entered into for the erection of a line of Telegraph over the route
mentioned, and respectfully recommend to the Board, the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That the President of this Company be authorised to enter into a
contract with some responsible person or persons, to carry the Magnetic Telegraph across the North River, by the erection of a line, at an expense not exceeding $17,000, consisting of two iron wires, weighing not less than 300 pounds to
the mile each, to be placed upon posts, erected at such distances from each other
as to have thirty to every mile, from the city of New-York to the point indicated
in the report of the Committee, as fifty-two miles from said city; thence to the
east bank of the river ; thence across the river to the island mentioned, by a
single span ; and thence down the river to Jersey City, to connect with the wires
as they now reach that place from Philadelphia. And that he take of such contractor or contractors such security for the faithful performance of such contract,
as shall be amply sufficient to secure the Magnetic Telegraph Company from
loss or damage, in consequence of any failure on the part of the contractor.*
B. B. F R E N C H ,
}
J O H N W . NORTON, >
GEO. H . H A R T ,
)

N E W Y O R K , Aug. 8, 1848.

Committee.

T h e question being upon the adoption of the resolution, the President laid
before the Board the following communications from Hon. Amos Kendall,
Attorney of Messrs. Morse & Vail, P a t e n t e e s ; and from Hon. F . O. J . Smith,
the owner of one-fourth part of the patent right.
Extract

from

Mr, Kendall's

Letter,

dated Washington,

Aug.

5, 1848.

B. B . F R E N C H , E S Q . , P R E S . M A G . T E L . C O .

Sir—From your communication of the 24th ult. and the printed proceedings
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company at their Jate meeting, I find a resolution
was adopted by them of the following import, viz :
" Requesting the President to confer with the Patentees, for the purpose of
ascertaining the precise terms on which this Company can proceed to the erection
of a line, and other means necessary to carry the wires across the North River, & c . "
I n reference to crossing the North River, inasmuch as they [the Patentees]
*See Proviso, Page 99.

97
have received stock in consideration of the expense of crossing a t Fort Lee, it
seems to them that a n y structure n o w to be erected for crossing there or elsewhere, ought to be considered in the nature of repairs ; provided such structure
be confined to the single object of getting across the river. They do not consider
the Company entitled, without consideration, to put up stations on a n y circuit
they may take in accomplishing that object. In this view, that matter is as open
for the action of the Company, as a n y other question of repairs.
With high consideration,
Your ob't serv't,
A M O S K E N D A L L , Agent, &c
The President also laid before the Board the following Telegraphic correspondence with Mr. Kendall.
WASHINGTON,

A U G U S T 7, 1848.

B. B. F R E N C H , E S Q . — I cannot be at your meeting to-morrow, but I heartily
concur in the object, and, if necessary, will unite with other stockholders in pledging stock as security for a n y loan of money to be obtained for the purpose. I
suppose the Company cannot as such borrow money, or issue stock, for repairs.
A. KENDALL.
N E W - Y O R K , A U G U S T 8, 1848.

H O N . A . K E N D A L L , W A S H I N G T O N . — I certainly understood you to s a y , that
you were willing stock enough should be issued to complete the line across the
North River, and the object of the meeting, to-morrow, is to provide for the issue
of such stock. I hope you will make no objections, as that seems to be the best
course for all concerned.
Please reply.

B . B. F R E N C H .
W A S H I N G T O N , A U G U S T 7, 1848.

B . B . F R E N C H , E S Q . — N o objection on my own a c c o u n t ; but do not see how

the Board of Directors get the power to do it, either in the Articles of Association
or A c t of Incorporation. Please examine the latter particularly.
A. K E N D A L L .
NEW-YORK,

A U G U S T 8, 1848.

H O N . A M O S K E N D A L L , W A S H I N G T O N . — I have examined the act of incorpo-

poration ; can see no reason why Directors cannot order an issue of stock to
complete the line into New-York city. T h e Trustees issued the first stock. T h e
Stockholders have since ordered an issue ; and, as the powers of the Trustees
are vested in the Directors, w h y cannot the Directors, under the seventh clause
of the original articles, n o w direct t h e issue of more stock, it being found necessary ? If the owners of the patent relinquish their right to their proportion, a s
you intimated Prof. Morse would do, and as I think Mr. Vail told me he would
do, I can yet see no reason w h y the Board should not order the issue.
If this cannot be done, the project of a line up the river may as well be abandoned at once, for I am satisfied it can be built in no other way.
I think it is as much for the interest of the Patentees that this should be done,
as it is for the interest of the subscribers.
B. B. F R E N C H .

98
WASHINGTON, AUGUST 3,

1848.

B. B. FRENCH, ESQ.—We come to different conclusions, by assuming different
premises. I consider the proposed measure as repairs, and no stock can be
issued for repairs. You consider it an extension, for which stock may be issued.
If the Board think your construction right, I shall not object to it; but having
put the matter on different ground with my principals, one of whom is absent, I
cannot answer for them. Your action may be made conditional, on assent of
all the Patentees.
A. KENDALL.
Note. This dispatch, and the one in answer to my note, sent by order of the
Board, came from Jersey City in the same envelope.
B. B. F.*
New York, August 7. 1848.
HON. B. B. F R E N C H , PRES. MAG. T E L . CO.

Sir—I am in receipt of your letter of this date, communicating resolution of
inquiry, addressed by the Directors of your Company, to the Morse Patentees, for
terms on which your Company can proceed to the erection of a line and other
means necessary to carry the wires across the North River, and thus complete
the line of communication to New-York city.
I suppose this contemplates a line up the west and down the east side of the
North River—an elongation, in fact, of the line, about 110 miles, without including
any new station.
Upon one condition, I am entirely willing for this new expenditure to be
incurred on new stock to be issued, and sold at such premium on the original
stock as it may command, without an issue of a corresponding amount of stock
to the Patentees, Messrs. Morse & Vail, concurring therein. That condition is,
that an amount of stock be issued to me, as Patentee, on that portion of the line
between Baltimore and Washington, at the same rate per mile as has been the
basis of issues on two wires between Baltimore and New-York. No payment has
been made by your Company to the Patentees, for this section of the line. And
there may be, and I think are, very substantial reasons why neither Prof. Morse
or Mr. Vail, should exact any of the Company, for their interest in the patent for
that section. But, my own interest stands now, as it ever has stood, entirely
different in its relation to that section from theirs. While they received many
thousand dollars out of the appropriations of government in conducting the
experimental line there, a positive loss of several thousand was cast upon myself,
for which I have not as yet received any remuneration, except in the common
results in which they have shared pro rata, besides their receipts from the government. Having received from your Company nothing, and nothing from any
other source for the patent, that is made to swell the aggregate property and profits
of the Company on that section, I know of no reason why, in asking an act of
justice, one of no less justice should not be accorded—and with this so adjusted,
I am prepared to concur in whatever may be deemed just or liberal on the part
of the Patentees, to foster and promote the best interests of your Company.
Most respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,
* See Page 99.

FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH.

99
By direction of the Board, the President addressed the following Telegraphic
despatch:
New-York, Aug. 8, 1848:
HON. AMOS KENDALL, WASHINGTON—The Board of Directors is now in

session, and respectfully request you to say, by Telegraph, whether, as agent of
Prof. Morse and Mr.Vail, you are willing that stock shall be issued to subscribers
only, to raise money to erect the line up and down the North River, so as to
cross the same, without issuing any stock to the Patentees.
I understand from our conversation and correspondence, that you have no
objection to this course. The Board wish so to understand the same from you.
B. B. FRENCH.
On motion, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, at ten o'clock, A. M.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

Wednesday, Aug. 9,1848.
The Board of Directors met pursuant to adjournment. Present: the President, and Messrs. Clark, Norton, Hart, and Swain.
The President laid before the Board the following Telegraphic dispatch from
Hon. Amos Kendall, in reply to the one sent last evening, by direction of the
Board.
Washington, Aug. 8, 1848.
B. B. FRENCH, ESQ.—I can add nothing to my message of to-day, which I
presume you had not received when your second dispatch was written. I think
Messrs. Morse & Vail will consent if Mr. Smith will. I cannot as Agent give
away the interests of my principals without their consent.
A. KENDALL.
The question recurred on the adoption of the resolution reported by the Committee yesterday, relative to crossing the North River.
Mr. Norton moved to amend the resolution, by the following Proviso, which
was adopted.
Provided) That the stock to build said Line shall be issued agreeably to the
first clause of the 7th section of the Articles of Association of this Company ;
and that nothing shall be done under the said resolution until the Patentees or
their Assignees have expressed their unconditional relinquishment of their claim
to the cotemporaneous certificates of stock secured to them in the same article.
The resolution as amended was adopted.
Mr. Hart offered the following resolution, which on motion was adopted :
Resolved, That in case the Patentees shall comply with the Proviso attached to
the resolution adopted this day, relative to crossing the Hudson River, that the
President of this Company be authorized to proceed to raise the necessary funds
to carry the said resolution into effect, by causing stock to be issued agreeably to
the Proviso in the said Resolution, and in conformity with the Articles of
Association.

100
The President, whose duty it was made by sundry resolutions of the Stockholders and Board of Directors, at their last meeting to perform certain duties,
laid before the Board the following correspondence as his Report on the several
subjects therein mentioned*.
Telegraph Office, New-York City, Aug, 7, 1848.
Hoiv. B. B. F R E N C H , P R E S . M A G . T E L . CO.

Sir—I have received your letter of July 24, embodying resolutions of your
Company relating to the infringement on Morse's Patents by Mr. House, and
expressing the opinion that " the Patentees will be justly and equitably responsible
for the expense" of vindicating your Company's Line against the infringement.
In reply, I will remark—
1st. The Grantors of Morse's Patents to your Company, undertook to grant
only the rights, within the limits of territory specified in their deed, derived to
them by virtue of Morse's Patents. They assumed to guaranty no extent of
those rights, otherwise than as defined by the Patents. If any person infringes
upon those rights, the remedy attaches exclusively to the party injured, as does
the recompense, as does also, the propriety of enforcing both.
If the supposed infringement be not an infringement, then it is outside of the
grantors' conveyance to your Company, and something for which they are not
responsible, and never conveyed under their letters patent.
As to settling doubts, whether an infringement has been perpetiated or not, the
fact, that if it proves to be an infringement, both the remedy and recompense
attach to your Company; and that, if it be not an infringement, then it is not
within the grant of rights made to your Company, clearly demonstrates, that the
Patentees are neither legally nor equitably responsible for the settlement of such
doubts.
2dly. In respect to the Morse Patents, I stand to the Patentees only in the
same relation with your Company, of a grantee, except that I am the first grantee
of a fractional part, and your Company are grantees of such part in the second
remove.
Hence, if there were any equitable obligations to defend the Patent against
infringement in favor of grantees, I share with yourselves in the rights of such
defence, and you would properly look through me, with my rights, up to the
original grantor for such defence.
Were the House infringement upon a line subject to my control, I would institute legal proceedings against it without delay, not in the Pennsylvania courts,
but in the New-York U. S. Court, where a Judge is to be had as eminent for his
learning in the Patent law and disposition to protect Patentees, as for his impartiality and integrity.
With great respect,
Your ob't serv't,
FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH.

101
New-Yorkj August 7, 1848.
HON. B. B. F R E N C H , PRES. M A G . T E L . Co.

Sir—I am in receipt of your letter of 24th ult., relating to the transmission of
messages between Baltimore and Philadelphia, by an indirect and circuitous line,
constructed under a deed from the proprietors of the Morse's Patents, and in
violation of the rights of your line, conveyed by the Patentees, and calling on
the Patentees to protect your Company against such violations.
By recurring to the deed of the above-named indirect line, if it be one in any
wise authorized by myself, your Company will find that it neither embodies nor
contemplates any such transmission of messages, in violation of your Company's
rights; and, consequently, it does not belong to the grantors, and certainly not
to myself, who have not authorized or been party to such acts, to protect you
against them.
The rights of your Company are in no way under the piotection of the grantors
of those rights j but are exclusively within your protection. Having sold you
the exclusive right of transmitting messages between Baltimore and Philadelphia,
under Morse's Patents, we can neither enforce punishment upon the trespassers
of those rights, nor compound the damages, nor do any other act in such case,
more than if we were never the owners of such rights. When we authorise any
other parties to commit such wrongs, we become the wrong doers, and are to
be so held responsible, and not as protectors. Had we sold you the exclusive
right in the use of a horse, and a third party had used him without your consent,
or broken his neck so as to render him valueless, you would not think to hold the
sellers responsible for these acts, but sought your remedy against the wrong
doer. Equally clear is your right and obligation in the present case.
When the indirect line establishes a right to violate your privileges, derived
under a grant from the Morse Patentees, then, and then only, do the Morse
grantors become responsible over for the injury done your Company.
I know of no justification, whatever, in the indirect line for the acts complained
of, and, if persisted in, I trust the responsibility will he made to bear with promptitude on the guilty parties.
Very truly,
Your ob't serv't,
FRANCIS 0 . J. SMITH.

WASHINGTON, J U L Y 2 4 T H , 1848.

To Hon. Amos Kendall, Attfy, in fact for Samuel F. B. Morse and Alfred
Vail, Owners of Three-quarters of the Patent Right of Morse's Electro
Magnetic Telegraph, and Hon. Francis O. J. Smith, Owner of One Quarter
of said Patent Might.
GENTLEMEN,—At a meeting of the Directors of " The Magnetic Telegraph
Company," held in the city of Baltimore, on the 12th day of July inst., the following resolution was adopted:

102
" Resolved, That the President of this Company be requested to make an
earnest appeal to the Patentees, to agree to some equitable compromise to relieve
the Company from the unjust operation of so much of the third clause of the
fundamental Conditions of the Articles of Agreement and Association, as
is in the following words: ' This Company shall also be bound to connect
with local side lines, on condition of receiving all the charges arising on matter
sent over any part of their lines and outward upon such local lines, or on such
terms as may be agreed upon by the parties interested.5 "
In the adoption of the foregoing resolution, it is not reasonable to suppose that
the Board of Directors expected any compromise with you relative to grants already
made by you. The Company entered into their agreement with you with their
eyes open ; they knew, or should have known, to what they were binding themselves ; and having thus bound themselves, all they can expect, where rights are
already vested, is to compromise with " the parties interested."
I shall not, therefore, ask of you any compromise as to grants already mad©;
but, as directed by the Board, and in accordance with my own views as a stockholder, I do most earnestly appeal to you, to give your consent that the portion
of the article quoted in the foregoing resolution, be abrogated so far as it can
have any effect on any future contracts, agreements or grants, relative to Morse's
Patent where it may in any way affect this Company.

(Signed)

With great respect,
Your ob't serv't,
B. B. FRENCH, President, fyc.

Washington, My 31, 1848.
H O N . B. B. F R E N C H , P R E S . MAG. T E L . Co.

Sir—I have received your letter of the 24th inst., communicating the vote of
the Directors of your Company on the 12th inst., relative to an abrogation of the
provisions of the third clause in part, of the fundamental conditions of the Articles
of Agreement and Association of your Company.
In reply, I cheerfully accede, on my part, to the extent of my interest and
power, as one of the grantees of the Articles of Agreement mentioned, precisely
as your Board of Directors convey their meaning in the request so made, limited
only as expressed in your above-named letter; which limitation is designed not
to refer to any other rights vested than are specified in deeds executed by myself
in person, or under my authority ; and I am ready to execute any more formal
abrogation to this end, that your Board may prepare for the purpose.
With great respect,
Your ob't serv't,
FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH.

103
1

Extract from Mr. Kendall 8 Letter, dated Washington, Aug. 5, 1848.
B. B. F R E N C H , ESQ., PRES. MAG. T E L . Co.

Sir—From your communication of the 24th ult and the printed proceedings of
the Magnetic Telegraph Company at their late meeting, I find that two resolutions were adopted hy them of the following import, viz:
" 1 st. That in case it should be found necessary to commence legal proceedings against the Proprietors of House's Telegraph, they, the Patentees, will be
justly and equitably chargeable with the expense."
"2nd. That the President of this Company be requested to call upon the
Patentees to protect this Company from any violation of the rights guaranteed to
it, by the Patentees, by said Articles of Agreement, and that he report the result
to the Board of Directors."
In reference to both of these resolutions I have to remark, that the title to
Morse's Telegraph on the line occupied by the Magnetic Telegraph Company, is
vested in that Company, and not in the Patentees ; and as in all other cases of
property, it is first the duty of the holder to protect it without calling on his assignor
or guarantor, until he has exhausted all legal means of defence.
In the second place, no point of law appears better settled than that the
conveyance of a patent right, or of a right to use it, carries with it no guarantee,
unless it be so expressly stipulated ; and, perhaps, there is not a case in the United
States where such a guarantee has been given. Certainly none has been given
in any conveyance of Morse's Patent. The Patentees sold to the Magnetic
Telegraph Company such legal rights as they possessed without any guarantee,
and among them the exclusive right to communicate by Morse's Telegraph
between Baltimore and Philadelphia. They have not undertaken to convey any
such right to any other persons ; they could not if they would, and would not if
they could. If others assume that right by way of Wheeling and Pittsburg, or
York and Lancaster, it is a clear violation of the exclusive privilege vested in
this Company, which they may restrain by the arm of th& law.
In your communications and in the printed proceedings of the Board of Directors,
1 find one other resolution, of the following import, viz:
An earnest appeal to the Patentees " to agree to some equitable compromise "
of the provisions in our Article of Agreement, relative to connection with local
side lines.
Having consulted with my principals, I have to state, that Messrs. Morse and
Vail, will consent to rescind the stipulation in reference to the connection with
local side lines altogether, reserving all rights now vested in lines already built.
I hope the Company will perceive in these views an accommodating spirit on
the part of the Patentees ; and most happy shall I be if they put an end to that
disposition to complain of the Patentees, and propose to hold them to responsibilities unknown in other business transactions in which some of our worthy
stockholders are wont to indulge.
With high consideration,
Your ob't serv't,
AMOS KENDALL, Agent, 8rc.

104
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the President of this Company be
authorised, when he may deem it expedient, to remove the Washington Office to
such place in said city as he may think for the interest of the Company.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the President of this Company be
requested to confer with the Patentees in relation to the piopriety of so modifying
the Articles of Agreement, as to vest the Directors of this Company with the power,
now reserved to the Patentees, to add wires to the line when they may think
proper, under the same regulations with regard to the issue of stock as the
Articles of Agreement now provide.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Secretary extend upon the records
of this meeting for publication, a copy of the proceedings of the Magnetic Telegraph Company under their Articles of Association, and also of the Trustees,
anterior to the appointment of Agents to construct the line, including a copy of
the deed of the right of use of Morse's Patent from the Patentees.
On motion the Board adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

The following is added to the record of this Meeting in accordance with the
foregoing resolution.
MAGNETIC

TELEGRAPH

COMPANY.

The undersigned agree with each other and with the Pioprietors of Morse's
Electro-Magnetic Telegraph, to form a Company for the purpose of constructing
a Line of said Telegraph from New-York to Philadelphia, with power of extension
to Washington City, on the following terms and conditions, viz:
One half the line when constructed from New York to Philadelphia, and, if
continued, from New York to Washington, shall belong to those who shall
subscribe and pay the money to construct it, and one half to the Proprietors of
the Patent Right^ or their Assigns, as the case may be.
Subscriptions shall, for the present, be limited to forty-five thousand dollars,
to be assigned to those who fiist subscribe.
As soon as the sum of fifteen thousand dollars shall be subscribed, a meeting
of the Subscribers and Proprietors of the Patent Right shall be called to determine
whether they will organize as a Joint Stock Company, or otherwise, and choose
the necessary Trustees, Managers or Agents.
If a Joint Stock Company be organized, then for every hundred dollars paid in
by Subscribers, certificates of stock for double the amount shall be issued to them,
an equal number being issued at the same time to the Propiietors of the Patent
Right, and none of the Shares represented thereby shall be subject to assessment
thereafter: Provided, that no certificate shall issue when the sum paid in shall
not amount to fifty dollars.

105
The first operation of the Company shall be to construct a Line of Telegraph,
consisting of one or two wires, from New-York to Philadelphia.
When the business on this Line may require additional wires, or the Proprietors
of the Patent Right may desire an extension thereof from Philadelphia to Baltimore
or Washington, they shall offer the original Subscribers the privilege of furnishing
the necessary funds on the terms of their original subscriptions ; and if such Subscribers refuse or fail to furnish gucti funds, on due notice, the said Proprietors shall
be at liberty to procure them from others on the same terms ; and the new Subscribers shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as other members
Of the Company.
Should the Proprietors of the Patent Right desire to extend Lines of Telegraph
northy south or west, from any point on the Line fiom New-York to Washington,
or in connection therewith, they shall, in raising the funds, give a preference to
the members of this Company for the time being; and this Company, being
secured in all the advantages appropriately belonging to their position, shall be
bounds on terms of justice and reciprocity, to connect with other Lines.
The Proprietors of the Patent Right, for the time being, shall be at liberty to
sell the entire Patent Right for the United States to the Government; but in that
event, they shall pay to those who shall have paid in the first forty-five thousand
dollars, respectively, twice the amount which they may have paid in; or, if they shall
receive of the Government a greater sum for said Line than double the investment
aforesaid, the ratio of payment to said subsciibers shall be enlarged accordingly.
A regular tariff of charges shall be adopted and published, and the Telegraph
shall be open to all men alike, who pay the regular fee, and the first to come
shall be the first served.
Signed as follows :
Corcoran & Riggs
B.B.French
Eliphalet Case
Charles Monroe,
Peter G. Washington,
,
John J. Haley, by F. O. J. Smith, Att'y
John E. Kendall,
James A. McLaughlin,
Amos Kendall,
E. Cornell,
Daniel Gold,
1
Simon Brown,
A. J. Glossbrenner,
Chas. G. Page,.
George Templeman
Henry J. Rogers,...J
J. W. Murphy
A. W. Paine

$1
..I
1
1
.
,

,

000
000
000
000
200
1 500
300
350
500
500
1 000
500
500
500
200
100
100
500

106
Francis 0. J. Smith,, .
J. Black, by A. Kendall,
T. L. & A. Thos, Smith
Keller & Greenough,
,
J. C. Broadhead, by J. M. Broadhead,
A. Thos. Smith
John W. Norton,

*

....

700
200
200
500
500
100
1 000

Washington City, May 13th, 1845, 5 o'clock, P . M.
Pursuant to verbal notice to the Subscribers of the preceding Articles, a meeting
was holden at the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in the
Capitol, and on motion, of Mr. J. M. Broadhead, Amos Kendall was elected
Chairman, and Francis O. J. Smith, Secretary.
The Chairman having stated the purposes of the meeting, submitted the
following resolutions, to wit:
Resolved, As the sense of this meeting, that they will organize as a Joint Stock
Company, to be entitled the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Resolved, That two Trustees be now appointed, which number may hereafter
be increased, as may be deemed expedient.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed, to prepare and report to
an adjourned meeting, the following papers :
1st. Articles of Association, embodying the principles already agreed upon,
and subscribed to, with such modifications as may be necessary to a distinct
understanding of their meaning.
2d. A Deed of Trust, conveying the iPatent Right to the Trustees, in accordance with the Articles of Association.
After time spent in the consideration of said resolutions they were unanimously
adopted; and pursuant thereto, Messrs. W. W. Corcoran and B. B. French were
elected Trustees, and Messrs. Amos Kendall, B. B. French and Charles G, Page
were elected the Committee, to prepare and report the papers^contemplated.
The meeting was thereupon adjourned, to be holden at this place, to-morrow
afternoon, at 5 o'clock.
Attest,
FRANCIS O. J. SMITH, Secretary.

Office of Clerk of House of Rep., U> 8.
Washington City, May 14, 1845.
Pursuant to adjournment, a meeting of Subscribers to the foregoing Articles
was holden, and the Committee appointed for the purpose reported Articles of
Association, also a Deed of Trust, which were severally considered, and, being
amended in all the particulars desired, were unanimously approved. Thereupon it

107
was Voted, That the Secretary cause triplicate copies of said Articles of iissociation
to be prepared, one upon this record of the Company, and one to be kept by the
Trustees, and one for the Grantors of the Patent Right, that the same may be
signed at an adjourned meeting of the parties, to be holden in this city, to-morrow
afternoon, at the Telegraph Office of the Post Office Depaitment, and that a copy
of the Deed of Trust, when executed for delivery, be also placed upon this record
of the Association.
The meeting was then adjourned, to be holden as mentioned in the last
preceding vote.
Attest,
FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH, Secretary.
[Here follows a copy of the Articles of Association, which has been1 printed.]

POWER OF ATTORNEY, G A L E TO MOESE.
Know all men by these presents, that I, Leonard D. Gale, of the city of NewYork, do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel F . B. Moise, of the city of
Washington, my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name and for my
sole use, to manage or sell and dispose of my interest in the Patent Right of
Morse's Electro-Magnetic Telegraph, being one-sixteenth part thereof, and to
adopt any and every measure which to him may seem necessary and proper, to
make the same profitable to me, by sale or otherwise; and for the purposes
aforesaid, I do hereby grant unto my said Attorney, full power to execute and
deliver such conveyances, powers of attorney and other instruments and paper,
as, in his opinion, may be necessary or conducive to the ends aforesaid ; to institute
and prosecute to final judgment and execution all process in law or in equity ;
to defend any and all suits against me the constituent; to submit any and all
matters in dispute to arbitration, or the same to settle and compromise ; to appoint
one or more substitutes under him; and the same to revoke at pleasure; and
generally to do and perform all such acts, matters and things as my said Attorney
shall deem necessary or expedient for the complete and effectual execution of the
authority hereinbefore granted, as fully as I might and could do if I were personally present; hereby ratifying and confirming all the acts of my said Attorney
or of his substitutes, done by virtue and in pursuance of these presents. And I
do hereby ratify and confirm all acts heretofore done in the premises, by the said
Morse, as my Attorney, and particularly a contract entered into by him with
Amos Kendall, as his and my agent for the management of our interest in the
said Telegraph, dated on the 10th day of March, 1845, which contract I hereby
adopt and ratify in as complete a manner as if I had put my name and seal
thereto with my own hand.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 26th day
of March, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
Signed in presence of
(Signed)
L. D. GALE. [L. S.].
JAMES HARPER,
F . Y. LUCKEY.

108
State of New- York,
>
City and County of New- York,) ss'
On this 26th day of March, 1845, before me, James Harper, Mayor of the city
of New-York, personally appeared the within named Leonard D. Gale, and duly
acknowledged to me the execution of the within letter of attorney, for the uses
and purposes therein mentioned and contained.
I N TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal
of mayoralty of said city to be affixed, the said 26th day of March, 1845.
[L.S.]

(Signed)

JAMES HARPER,
Mayor of the City of New- York*

POWER OF AT'Y,

MORSE, VAIL & GALE,

TO

KENDALL.

Know all men by these presents that we Samuel F. B. Morse, in his own
right, and as Attorney in fact, for Leonard D. Gale, with power of substitution, and Alfred Vail, do hereby constitute and appoint Amos Kendall, our
true and lawful Attorney, for us and in our behalf, and for our respective
use, except so far as may be otherwise provided by our several agreements
with said Kendall, dated the 10th day of March last, for us and in our name,
to make all needful bargains and arrangements with companies or individuals for the purpose of constructing and putting into operation Morse's
Electro Magnetic Telegraph, on any and all the great lines of communication
throughout the United States, and on any and all the side lines connected
therewith: Provided, and upon this condition, that if in making such
arrangements it should become necessary to convey to any company or
association, our respective interests in the Patent Right of said Morse, on
any line or all lines, one half the property in said line or lines, when
constructed to be represented by capital stock, or otherwise at the discretion of our said Attorney, be reserved to the proprietors of the Patent Right,
in full for the exclusive privilege and without the payment of any other
consideration-therefor- to be distributed among them in proportion
to their respective interests; and upon the further condition that in
contracting for or permitting the construction of any side lines, or isolated lines between points, neither of which is on the main lines, one half
the property as aforesaid, in each line when constructed, or one half the nett
income of such lines, after paying for management and repairs, shall belong
to and be paid over to the proprietors, in the proportions of their several
interests, as a consideration for the use of their exclusive privilege on said
lines; and for the purpose, and within the limitations aforesaid, we do
hereby grant unto our said Attorney full power to execute and deliver all
Fieedful instruments and papers, whether under seal or otherwise ; to institute and prosecute to final judgement all process in law or equity;

109
to defend any and all suits against us the constituents ; to submit any and
all matters in dispute to arbitration, or the same to settle and compromise ;
and generally to do and perform, all such acts, matters, and things as our
said Attorney shall deem necessary or expedient, for the complete execution
of the authority hereinbefore granted, as fully as we might and could do if
we were personally present, hereby generally ratifying and confirming all the
acts of our said Attorney, done by virtue and in pursuance of these presents.
In Testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals the
seventh day of April, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
Signed, sealed and delivered
in the presence of
0 « ™ »

Cox.

JOHN E. N E A L ,

C SAMUEL F. B. MORSE, [L. S.]
) LEONARD D. GALE, [L. S ]
S

i

^

B

^ r

n e y
F

B .

Mon S E ,

V ALFRED VAIL. [L. S.]

DEED OF TRUST.
Know all men by these presents that we Samuel F. B. Morse and Leonard
D. Gale of the State of New-York, Alfred Vail of New-Jersey, and Francis
O. J. Smith, of the State of Maine, the sole proprietors of the Patent Right
and improvements thereto of Morse's Electro Magnetic Telegraph, do hereby,
the said Morse, Gale and Vail, by their Attorney in fact, Amos Kendall of
the City of Washington, and the said Smith in his own right, sell, transfer,
and convey to W. W. Corcoran, and Benjamin B. French, of said City of
Washington, as and in the capacity of Trustees only, pursuant to and for
the purpose named in certain Articles of Agreement and Association, constituting The Magnetic Telegraph Company, and providing for the government
thereof, bearing even date herewith and subscribed by the said S. F. B.
Morse, Leonard D. Gale, Alfred Vail, by their Attorney, Amos Kendall,
Francis 0. J. Smith, Corcoran & Riggs, Benjamin B. French, and others, subscribers to the Capital Stock of said Company, and upon the terms and conditions in said articles mentioned; the exclusive right of constructing a line
of Telegraph under said Patent from the City of New-York, to the Cities of
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, and all the rights, privileges, preferences, and advantages of such right, derivable from or under said patent
right, or under any other letters patent, which said grantors, or either of
them, have or may acquire by virtue of their joint or several discoveries or
improvements, relating to the subject matter of said Patent, or which are
enumerated or contemplated for use and improvement in and by the
Articles of Agreement, hereinbefore described, are hereby conveyed as
aforesaid, to W. W. Corcoran and Benjamin B. French, in their said
capacity of Trustees, they accepting said trust accordingly, and as
fully as we or either of us, could or might convey the same by any other

110
instruments ; hereby acknowledging each for himself, to have received
a valuable consideration therefor, as in and by the agreement and undertakings of the Articles aforesaid, is set forth; said Articles also being hereby
made a part of these premises as if fully set forth herein; to have and to
hold the same in trust as aforesaid, to them, the said W. W. Corcoran and
Benjamin B. French, and to the survivor of them, and to any successors or
associates of said trust, who shall hereafter under any circumstances be
selected by the parties interested, and in the manner they shall hereafter prescribe. And the said W. W. Corcoran, and Benjamin B. French,
upon the conditions and limitations, and for the purposes herein expressed,
and to carry out in good faith, the provisions of said Articles of Agreement,
and in their said capacity of Trustees, hereby accept said conveyance and
transfer, to have and hold the same to themselves, and to their survivors,
and successors as aforesaid.
Done at the City of Washington, as witness our respective hands and seals,
this fifteenth day of May, A. D. 1845.
Witness first interlining the words " or Associates,"
SAMUEL F. B MORSE, [L. S.]
LEONARD D. GALE, [L. S.]
ALFRED VAIL. [L. S.] ,
By their Attorney, in fact
AMOS KENDALL,

Witness to and including all to
B. B. FRENCH,
W l t

C

FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH, [L. S.]

J. A. KENNEDY,

J

B< B .

T W.CORCORAN,

(

W. W. CORCORAN. [L. S.]

FRENCH, [L. S.]

JAMES K I N G .

WASHINGTON CITY, May

15th,

1845.

Pursuant to adjournment, the parties interested met, and the Articles of
Association considered and approved at a former meeting, having been prepared, and one copy extended upon the preceding record, the same, with
two additional copies, were executed by the parties, as also the deed of trust,
a true copy of which, and of the power of Attorney of Leonard D. Gale, to
Samuel F. B. Morse, and of said Morse for himself and said Gale, and of
Alfred Vail to Amos Kendall, their Attorney, to execute said Deed of trust, is
fully set forth in the preceding pages of this record, in accordance with the
vote of the parties interested.
Attest,

FRANCIS O. J. SMITH, Secretary.

Ill

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at their office in the city of New-York, on
Thursday, 12th day of October, 1848, at 4 o'clock P. M. Present: Messrs.
Clark, Hart, Norton, Canby and Williams,
In the absence of the President, who was detained by reason of sickness,
on motion of Mr. Canby, Mr Norton wTas appointed President, pro tern.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, that this Board now adjourn until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

The Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, met pursuant to adjournment, Present: Messrs. Kendall, Clark* Norton, Canby,
Hart, Swain and Williams. Mr. Norton presiding.
The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and approved.
On motion of Mr Canby, the reading of the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Board was dispensed with.
Mr. Hart, from the committee appointed to confer with The Ocean Telegraph Company, with a view to making an amicable arrangement of all
matters between that Company and this, made a verbal report.
On motion of Mr. Canby the subject was referred back to the committee,
to report in writing at the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. Kendall laid before the Board two letters, one from the President to
Mr. Kendall, the other from Mr. Kendall to the President, on the subject of
House's Telegraph.
On motion of Mr. Canby they Were ordered to be filed.
On motion of Mr Clark, Resolved, that the Trustees who hold the legal
title to Morse's Patent on the line of this Company, be requested to take
immediate measures to defend the rights vested in them, against infringements by the use of House's Telegraph in said line.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That this Board suggest to the Trustees the expediency of engaging the services of Hon. Amos Kendall, in carrying the preceeding resolution into effect.
Mr. Kendall laid before the Board the Contract and Bond of John W.
Norton, for extending the line of Telegraph, for the purpose of crossing
the North River.
The Secretary offered the following Quarterly Reports, which on motion
were read and accepted.

112
QUARTERLY REPORT of the several Stations, from July 1st to September 30th, 1848.
Stations.

\Date.

itfew-York, July.
Jersey City*
N . Brunswi'kj
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia
Wilmington,
H. de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
New-York, Aug.
Jersey City,
N . Brunswi'kj
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,!
Wilmington, j
H. de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
New-York, Sept.
Jersey City, .
N . Brunswi'kj
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia
Wilmington,
B . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington

RecVt URece'ts of\ j Rec'ts for^ Miscel • 11 Paid »th- i OperaVs l j P'd ex 1 Messsn- \ j Repairs j i Station-, i Lights Bat* 1-\Refun
1
tery.!
ex tok Wieldne. UotherlinesW-aneous. er Lines.\ # Clerks\\ioork.\\
gers. \W Line.
ery.
\\ $ Fuel
$313 83
110
465 37
10 00 1$1,455 49
30 67
120 57
89 81
3 95
35
8 42
2 15
1 001
18 36
35
72
916
101 98
7 00 1,253 04
12 59
7
161 97
9 48
66 56
2 70
137
101
132 28
14
462 11
6 00
33 47
219 11
379
539 31
50
1,172 23
196
572 86;
42 00 1,677 41
102 60
38 19
25 92
50!
75
4 76
513;
89
32 95
19 55
164 22
1,094
12 31
60 00 1,263 77
170 25
14
11 78
5 15
4 45
24
604 78
44 95
227 65
26 00
582
643 71
253 59
5 671
315
1,445 33
1,558 17 203 48
71 34
33 63
27 75
31
8 49
25
1 00
15 71
33 62
3 70
827
25 37
1,044 65
319 04
1 00
162 05
18 23
17
1 52
'• 11 HI
"
4 06!
5 50
18
&38 95 j
304 93!
132 03j 1,326
972 44 i
199 83
$15100) 1^13,26316 $5,726 73i $1632 84}|1^5,846

83,

46 62

345 82

18 01

\ded.
15 12 53

44 91

1,809 12
4 82
50 13
43 66
45
22!
53 64
1 25 2 83j
175 00
1,239 37
28 25
172 23
51 77
96 1 00
200 00
557 64
200 00
796 90
1 50
9 57
2,173 13
3,437 15
3 11
3 11
1 08
52 71
47 16
85
82 38
241 00
7 05
1,525 19
30 001
131 67
85
56 03
21
500 00
1 61
932 62
13 30
5 41
872 29
1 85
2,100 00J
3,058 00
3 50
3 50
09
46 57
51 66
19
72 01
1 87 1 29
455 00
1,454 86
147 75
230 64
52 00
700 00
1,068 02
86
17 90
1,487 00
038"89ll$58 00 $7,705 1311 $19,443 85
755 00

4 82

35
75
60
40
30

59
41
260
215
345

17
66
81
50
82

8 00
55 50
1 00

75*
81
89

27j
72

17
66
41
50
82

4166
41 66
41 66
60 17
41 66
255 44

3 30

33 75
12 00

63
9
8
3

56 m'

26 25

1 59]

6 31
67 00

60
41
255
212
345

25 00

15 00
50 00

41 66
41 66
53 43
41
13

2 63
10 99

75
1 00
33
I 40

3 18!

41 66
41 66
41 66

2 35

81

78
5 09

89
1 051

6 '50
48 m
15 25
36 00 j
70 00

46
50
74
50

500
38
49
21
14
3
4
17

28
37
16
25
60
75

53 65
25

1 00
7 50'
62 00!

66
4
7
38

62
00
99
40

5 72]

1 06!
3 62

2 96
3
9
5
10

51
75
""
82

83 !
33 31
2 25!
15 00
12
4 00
6 00!
21'
54' $2,928~32l $162 751 $448 37 $369 571 $138 67i $114 791

Rail Road Communications for the Quarter, sent free,.

59

, $ 5 9 04

113
>

*rJ

.1

« o

H
o
P.

0)
00

§* r w
S E | . S> s s s '
r S>
i_j

T3 P-

«•

(— *-" *•*
y- t—I K-4
£>. Ol rfx
rfi<fO\
i Ox < I Ox

|

CO rfX rfs> !

C
D

^
00

to

I-*
C
D

Oi

*-3.
£> U U

to to to

- J Ox CO
- 3 < 0 00
. Ox JtO l- 1
00 ^ 00
*>. <I ^

co Oi to

1,253 04 161 97 I 2 70
1,268 77 170 25 i 4 45
1,044 65 162 05 ill 11
462 11
604 78
838 96

3,566 46 1494 27 118 26 1,905 85

I-*
Ox
H-i

Oi
JO

CO

*->•

OX OX
<f 00
to t ^
OS o>

©
O

<T
OX

p°
J-*

- 4 Ox
CO

**

OX

CO

to -o
to

lO
Oi
CO

1 Ox
!
M 00

h-L

Oi

H*

<f

f^

to

<? 1—I
CO O i

!-* to

t <=>

1 o

C- l
D
H
C
D

2

a

C
D
HI

l -8
U

Princeton,

o o
B

.. __.

Philadelphia.

o

s
»^i

^ §
* £
<f

is
£
CH

JH

Wilmington.

^
H

•8- K
8

^

rt-

CD
O

a

*
»
&

P
[ft
.2
Hav.deGrace. •a
<? CR

Baltimore.

i

s
3

n 9
> 5
A 3
CO

*-*
o Ul
rf

CO O i Ox

m

tt fO
o 0

N.Brunsw'k.

Trenton.

<i 4^ oo
to oo co

a

C
D

l»]

Jersey City.
00
CO

-£>

New- York'

1 C0MCO)

*1 »t

O

I
I

|

^

8
H
Magn

00

amount of

a

\>

3

unt paid to <
6
received

more than

aid to other 1]
unt paid for
< received

•d
P

Washington.

fc;

H
09

*>

03

si
ft
o

g

o

••*»

to rf^ o
O O H- J Oi 00
£». t-* >
—

TOTAL.

f
CD

During the last Quarter, there has been paid to other lines $119 81
more than was received. To find out where the discrepancy laid, I called
upon the Stations to furnish tne with an account of all the business done
with other lines, for the week ending August 13th.
With the assistance of Messrs. Park and Gordon, I carefully examined
the accounts as copied from the books o the offices, and the following is the
result of the examination:
The following Messages sent to and through the Philadelphia Office, do
not appear on their books.

114
Whole amount. Pd. other Lines.
From New-York to Pittsburgh
65
40
"
Philadelphia to Boston
.,
95
62
"
100
65
"
"
to Washington
54
36
" St. Louis to Jersey City, to be paid in J. C I 50
1 25
" Washington to Philadelphia
,
.2 44
1 48
"
"
"
1 50...,
90
"•
«
"
1 08
66
"
"
"
80
50
"
"
"
. . 1 11
72
"
1 C
(
X
62
"
"
"
1 11
72
"
"
.
3 53
2 06
Messages not appearing iri the books of Washington office:
From Baltimore to Fredericksburg
51,
33
" Washington to B o s t o n . . . . ;
. . . 1 5 4 . . . . . . . . . 74
"
«
to Lexington.^..
4 37
. . . . . 3 26
" Wilmington to Richmond
„
83
" Jersey City to New-Orleans
2 00
1 50
Messages not appearing in the books of New-York office :
From Philadelphia to Boston
.1 15
62
" New-York to Richmond,
96
31
Messages not appearing in the books of Baltimore office:
From Baltimore to Boston,
...
100
50
" New*Haven to B a l t i m o r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 65
55
" Baltimore to New-Orleans..
2 1 5 . . . . . . . . . . 2 00
«
«
«
. . . . . 1 60*
1 50
««
" to Alexandria,
54
27
."
" to Georgetown,
20
10
The following Messages from the Baltimore books dd not appear in the
books of any other office:
Baltimore office paid York Line
1 12
"
"
" Harper's Ferry
15
Philadelphia office has overpaid on 3 messages
40
"
"
has received too much on 3 messages,.... 55
"
"
has underpaid on 8
"
. . . . 3 57
"
"
has received too little on 1
"
. . . . 05
Washington office has received too much on 4
"
. . . .1 14
"
"
"
too little on 4
"
. . . . 79
<(
New-York
"
too much on 1
«c
. . . . 08
"
«
"
too little on 4
"
....130
"
"
"
underpaid on 1
«s
. . . . 03
Wilmington "
"
too little on 1
«
. . . . 22
<c
Princeton
"
"
on 1
"
. . . . 10

Jersey
City,
Princeton,

751b
72§
150
20
10
16

13
16
13
13
13
16

25
62
50
60
30
56

g5lb'_^ 4 25, l i b
1 44 6 6 | l b
17i 8 1 40: 2 1*44 2 88\ 37
3 1 31 3 93' 80
21
7 3
33 10
12 2 1*44 2 88 14
4 3
72 i
10 7
39

Trenton,
Wilmington,]
Hav.de Gracel
343

47 8:3 Ii23i

6 70|

si.

11 85 (207!

15c
171
15
15
15

10
6
12
1
2

II
TOTAL.

i

1 Zincs.

j Sundries.

1
10
11
19
2
1
2

Stationery.

II
Mercury.

Nitric Acid.vk
Philadelphia^
Washington^

II

Report of Articles consumed for the Quarter ending September 30, 1848.

001 1 48 04j 10 35 i
84 33
56 1 11 62i
50| ! 81b
8QI 35 38
00 28 50
60
6 00 69 93
50 65 75 30 4 5 13
1 32 102 16
10
1 10 14 33
1 50, 1 5 33 11
1 87
1 49
85
7 88
5 29 34 25
39 54
no rep.
no rep.
no rep.

3 2 16| 162 19|' 82 75| loo! 10 07J 353 55

THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

116
The Treasurer presented the following Quarterly Reports, which on
motion, was read and referred to the committee on accounts.
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
The Treasurer in submitting a Quarterly Statement of Receipts and Disbursements of the Company, embracing the months of July, August and
September, 1848, gives the following Synopsis of business since their meeting in July, which, when compared with receipts for the corresponding
months of the preceeding year, show an increase on the legitimate business
of $3,474 48, and on the gross receipts of $8,535 14.
The entire receipts for the Quarter are as follows : for Messages through
the line exclusively, $13,261 52: Property sold, extra services and Messages, $695 09: For other Lines $5,729 10, and from subscribers to additional Stock for extending the line, $1,121 00, together $20,806 71. During
the same period there has been paid on Dividends declared in July, 1848,
$9,474 16: For repairs, $3,015 61 : Salaries, $5,399 79 : Miscellaneous,
Office Expenses, $2,149 32: To other Lines, $5,846 4 1 : Re-funded, $58 00,
and on account of construction of Line along the North River, $3,200 00 :
Together, $29,143 29.
Attention of the Board is requested to a discrepancy in the amount of
money received at Stations on our Line for other Companies, and that paid
to said lines for the transmission of the same messages ; showing an amount
of $117 31 for the Quarter, more paid than received. The evil needs a
remedy, not only for the proper regulation of business, but for the interest
of the Company.
A want of promptitude and system is needed in several offices along the
Line, in making out and forwarding their Weekly Reports, as well as their
Monthly. Also, in the early disposal of the funds of the Company on hand
at certain "Stations.
RECAPITTXLA TION.
Rec'd at Philadelphia Stati'n$3,566 461Paid Divid's delared July '48 $9,474 16
«
New-York,
4,578 23 «' Repairs of the L i n e , . . . .3,015 QX
"
Baltimore,
1,905 85 «« Salaries,
5,399 79
«« Washington,*
...2,210 49 " Miscellaneous, office ex. 2,149 32
«
< Wilmington,
494 27 « Other Lines,
*5,846 41
«
Jersey City,
294 51 " Re-funded,
58 00
"
Trenton,
88 301 " Construction,
,,....3,200 00
"
New Brunswick,
83 48 Balance in Treasury, $667 92
"
Princeton,
21 67| " Stations,
917 18 $1,585 10
«
Havre de Grace,
* 18 26
«« For other Lines,
5,729 10
«<
" Property Sold,-...., 695 09
«'
" Additional Sub. 1,121 00]
Balance, July 1,1848,
9,921
Total.

.......$30,728 39|
$30,728
TREASURER'S
ACCOUNT.
Bal. in Treasury, July 1, '48 $9,559 86| Paid for Repairs, .»..**
$2,265
Deposited at Philadelphia Sta. 871 00 " Salaries,..
* . . . . 1,059
««
New-York,
5,028 13 «' Western Line,
40
«
Baltimore,
1,400 00 " Stations,.
2,058
«
Washington,.... 200 00 " Construction,..
3,200
"
Wilmington,.... 206 00| (t Dividends,,
9,474
Property from F. O. J. Smith, 379 32 Balance in Treasury,........ 667
Additional Subscription,
1,121 00|
$18,765 31

39
14
82
00
27
00
16
92

,
$18,765 31
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.

117

qUARTERI<Y

STATEMENT
OP

Receipts and Disbursements of the Magnetic Telegraph Co.
Ending September 30th, 1848,
JULY.

AUGUST.

SEP'T

TOTAL.

Bal in Treasury, July 1, 1848,
$9,559 86
" at Stations, " 1 ,
"
361 82
Rec'ts at Phil'a Stat'n for Line. 1,253 04 1,268 77 1,044 65 3,566 46
" N.York
"
" 1,455 49 1,677 41 1,445 33 4,578 23
" Baltimore "
"
462 11 604 78 838 96 1,905 85
" Wash'gton "
"
589 34 648 71 972 44 2,2l0 49
" Wilm'gton "
" | 161 97 170 25 162 05
4§4 27
<• Jersey C i t y "
"
71 34
294 51
120 57 102 60
" Trenton
"
"
31 51
88 30
38 43
18 36
«« N . Bruns'k «
"
25 92
83 48
27 75
29 81
*« Princeton "
"
4 76
8 49
Si 67
8 42
,«« H de Grace "
" 1
18 26 13,261 52
11 11
445
2 70
" Property sold, &c.
315 77
66 63
315 77
85 71 213 43
4,137 52 4,752 59 4,687 18 13,577 29
"
««
««
"
«
«
"
"
"
««

Phil'a for other Lines, 101 98 164
913 88 1,172
New-York "
"
132 28 227
Baltimore
«
"
219 11 253
Washington «* «'
10 26
Wilmington "
"
11
30 67
Jersey Qity "
««
38
72
Trenton
"
"
1
35
New B r u n s V
"
2 15
Princeton
"
"
1 01
H . de Grace "
"

"
"

for Additional Sub.
F O.J Smith Pro. sold

22 319
23 1,558
65 304
59 199
18
78
33
19
3
65
1 3
75
89
1
4

04
585 24
17 3,644 28
98
664 91
88
672 58
23
40 27
68
102 54
60
5 97
10
4 20
00
4 04
06
5 07

1,412 41 1,870 95 2,445 74 5,729 10

A m ' t paid by Trea* for Rep's
" Stations
"
"
" Treasurer ** Salar's
" Stations
"
"
*« Treasurer " Divi'ns
«
"
" Const'n
" Stations
" Misscel
«
"
" Refun'd
"
"
" oth Lines

5,729 10
1,121 00
379 32

2,265
750
1,059
4,339
9,474
3,200
2,149
58
5,846
667
917

#30,728 39
14
47
82
97
16
00
32
00
41
92
18 $30,728 39

Respectfully submitted,
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.

118
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, tfiat the discrepancies between the
amount received for other Lines, and the amount paid them, as disclosed in
the Reports of the Secretary and Tresaurer, be communicated to the President, and his attention be specially called to the correction of that error
or abuse.
On motion the Board adjourned until 4k o'clock, P. M.

THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment* Present: Messrs. Kendall,
Clark, Norton, Hart, Swain, Canby and Williams.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, iSesofoW,That a committee of three be appointed,
to consider the subject of the connection of our line with other lines of
Telegraph, and report whether any, and if any, what measures are necessary
or expedient to protect and promote the interests of this company in such
connection.
Messrs. Kendall, Swain and Hart, were appointed said Committee.
Resolved, That the President of this Company be requested to correspond
with the Presidents of other Companies, organized under Morse's Patents,
with a view to a general convention of delegates from the several Companies,
and the adoption of measures producing uniformity in business and protecting
their common interests.
- On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the committee of accounts be
instructed to ascertain what amount, if any, is due to Mr. Kendall, as President, and report to the Treasurer, who is hereby directed to pay the same.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the Trustees of this Company, be
requested to take effective measures to arrest encroachments upon the
exclusive rights of this Company, committed by the American Telegraph
Company, in sending messages between Baltimore and Philadelphia, by way
of York and Lancaster, in Pennsylvania.
On motion the Board adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

119
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at HARTWELL'S, Washington House, Philadelphia, on Thursday, the 11th day of January, 1849, at 4 o'clock P. M.
Present: the President, and Messrs. Kendall, Swain, Hart, Clark, Canby,
Norton and Williams.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Mr. French offered the following Report, which on motion wa9 read and
accepted:

To the Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company:
The undersigned, who were appointed a Committee, at the last meeting
of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, on the 13th
day of April last, with instructions " to enquire whether this Company have
accepted the order of Henry O'Reilly for the amount claimed, or done any
act which binds them to pay it, and if necessary to take advice of counsel
thereon ; and if satisfied that the Company is legally bound to pay the same,
the President, shall, thereupon, certify the fact to the Treasurer, who is
hereby instructed to pay the amount of such certificate," have attended to
the duty assigned to them in the following manner:
On the 6th day of May, they called at the office of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company, in Philadelphia, and had an interview with A. Campbell, Esq., the treasurer of the Company. He unreservedly exhibited to us all the correspondence between that Company and
Henry O'Reilly, and stated to us that O'Reilly was considered by them as
the authorized agent of the Company to perform the work he was engaged
in, and, in receiving the draft on the Company, they entertained no doubt
that it would be paidWe left the office impressed with the idea that the Rail Road Company
had acted under a full belief of the legal responsibility of The Magnetic
Telegraph Company, to pay the order drawn by O'Reilly.
There are other facts and circumstances attending this case, which have
induced the conclusion in the minds of your Committee, that a court of law
would be very likely to adjudge, that there had been an implied, if not a
direct, acceptance of the draft drawn by O'Reilly upon The Magnetic Telegraph Company, and that the Company is bound to pay it.
They therefore recommend that the same be paid.
B. B. FRENCH,
DECEMBER 30th, 1848.
GEO. H. HART.
The Secretary offered the following Quarterly reports, which on motion
was read and accepted:

120
QUARTERLY REPORT of the several Stations, from October 1st to December 31st, 1848.
Stations.

\Date.

Oct.
New-York,
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k
Princeton
Trenton,
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
N e w - Y o r k , iNoti.
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
New-York,
Dec.
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k
Princeton,
!
Trenton,
I
Philadelphia j
Wilmington,
II. de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington, j

Miscel* I \Paid oth-11 Operat's P'dex
1 Keel's 1 Rece'ts of\ ReCtsfor^
\laneous]\er Lines. \\Sf Clerks work.
\ex.wk
the Line. other lines W
28 00 $1,389 83 $1,714 99 1 130 05
345 82
272 35
79 22
53 86 1
41 66
29 36
2 77 1
1 39
41 66
9 32
40 1
2 75
41 66
47 73
2 28 1
2 56
7 00
1,159 81
311 82 1 10 49
379 15
841 58
9 15
60 17
4 25
165 98
8 80H
3 73
9 59
4 05 H
41 66
5 23
730 59
331 10 U 88 94
254 60
63 10
18 00
1,220 15
293 04 1 44 &3 1,517 70
212 50
14 00
1,241 64
1,545 39 i 249 54
300 54
345 82
78 91
51 16.1
34 58 1
41 66
2 38
4 tol
69
12 74 i
3 36 I
41 66
55 42
2 95 1 21 89
41 66
1 00
1,017 09
383 47 1 24 65
379 15
692 11
173 46
10 62 1 10 75
75 50
21 00
3 81
15 38
1 65 1
41 66
4 00
4 19
404 41 I 85 86
254 88
77 22
3 50 1 909 62
1,189 93
183 06 1 88 13 1,489 88
212 50
1,307 24 I 176 56
1,342 69
345 82
191 25
7 00
33 33 i
49 21
26 3(3
3 21 I
41 66
1 38
7 35 1
99 8
41 66
25
40 22!
4 46 I
41 66
2 40
290 55 1 19 29]
401 37
475 10
13 00 1,010 85
134 65
43 34
9 83 i
8 99
8 40
41 70
1 04 1
9 5i
662 04
191 79 1
254 40
4 38
10149
525 00
988 41
85 50 I
32 331 1,129 55
$123 13 [$13,840 53 1 $7,24F22 1
$1030 76\ ($7,164 83! $4,589 98

Rail Road Communications for the Quarter, sent free,

| iMesssn- \Repairs\
gers. . wfLine.l

7 00

56 00

Station
ery.

Lights
$Fue

9 00
10 00
41 50

6 00
48 00
15 00
12 00
53 00 |

15 63
44

i is)

59
22
5
65

59!
20,
74:
351

75 ;
00
00
50
00
50
00

13 00

6 00
48 00
27 00
15 00
18 001
60 00

7 50
50 69
6 00

47
4
17
10
7
45

20,
561
4838 !
471
31

3 02

10
8
2
122
3
37

75
50|
75, |
05
00!
00j

390 00

1
30
j 3 27

600 00]

30 00

3 50
89 93

55 ll!
17 12
2 86
L 00
5 58

183

16 08
30
38 92
10 55
7 41
I
2 94
11 25

37

39 33
18 00

1 15
3 53

06

50
7 35
2 15
06
1 50 29 03
15 85

15 00
75
2 92
6 00
42 00
2 25
6 00
3 77
$30400 1 $485,1911 $534 96 U l 9 5 24 $192 19 : i l l ~ 6 3 !$69 76
.........

uTotalDis^

2 10

4 35|

4 38
1 50

.

31
1 00

42

58 00!

4 50
7
66
21
8
37
32
7

i

1 50
15 13

,t

2,870 00

7 26

1 50
31 13
2 12

3 88

Bat- . itejun,UD
nai- ,.Refun
ttry.
ded.

,

1,775 00|

3,707 99
2 10
46.48
45 41
53 20
1,778 09
127 37
56 93
1,095 99
1,855 94
2,933 77

51 95
42 66
82 94
1,706 99
445 50]
196 40
35 83;
72 13
1,294 7<$
775 00|
1,898 33
2,373 70
1,515 00|
2 15
56 73
61 66
55 52
690 001
1,805 56
77 18
88 21
500 00 1
878 94
1,755 70
$9,626 33! '$24,204 87
t

*70

6g

Washington,
30|
Baltimore,
1 64
Wilmington,
Jersey
City,
10
Princeton,
12
14
®Hav.deGrace\

n
.234*

16
13

201b 5»i P.I sn lb
70 1
4 84 i 8 1 8
8 32 , 28 2 ! ." 77 2

13
13

1 30
1 56

7
2

13
13

1 82
93

5 2i
li 3

28 47 , 7 2 |

n
3

20
6

*

1*31
1 31

1

12 |10oz 1 44
5 2oz 1 4 4
2 40| in

llOOlb 15c 15 00
1 44 5 7 | 1 7 | 10 19 51b
2 62 55 15 8 25 12

45 80
50 12 85
1 20, 33 88

66 20
8
1 44
90
18

10

7 24 |250

CD

3 00 12
1 20 8

1 20 38 75| 20
2 00
4
80

15

6
1 50 26

60
2 60

69

88 99
31 02
55 04
no rep.
98 i 66 09
88 11 94
no rep.
5 31
60
9 22
40j 29 14

17 99
50

15
15

39 14

TOTAL.

Stationery.

Zincs.

Paper.
Tel

Mercury.

Nitric Acid.l

Sulph. Acid)

Report of Materials consumed at Stations for the Quarter ending December 31, 1848.

1 87
2 36
1
8 74' 20

6 90 ' 146 25 1 66 35 296 75

THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

122
Secretary's Quarterly Report of Monthly Receipts at the several Stations
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, from October 1, fo December 31, 1848.

o

P

o

- o

B

P

a

a

£
>

<*> » °

O i

o

P

a

•> « ~ °

OD

'3 O

H3

a

P

00

= 1.1

3 _ s . Er-

5 °

C ^
D

UQ"CD
•-*

CO tO CO
t^ ^ 00
tO (-* CO

p-^'

2

-t-^ ^

®
cf

3 M

r <^ a *

e^
C M
D

»

C
D

.

CD

P" C
D
•a

a.

Jersey City.

2-fl/

<i's*<
c a. 2. Z>(

P3o

jo

»
n
CO

ja O C3
OQ ** P

- c o s
- p a

New- York-

=

o

N.Brunsw'k.

°

Princeton.

•«5 s =
s i

w

Trenton.

t W '
p

© O hH h-» CA
—
o -a co
~

Philadelphia.

o

Wilmington.

W

Hav.deGrace,
G i CO - 3
G i O CO
tO CO O
bO tO
CO OS
o
w

^

to co

Baltimore.
i

Washington.

& fe
to
CD

Cjr* < I OD
C O
O
O
o

to

o

<*

W ^
Oico i— O

O
S
09

C i rf* < l bO >£>

^

en

h - OS >-» 00
tOWCJT

00

w o <i ©•K

to -a oo
-a to rfx
O 0 0 H

TOTAL.

rf* Q " ^
0

Respectfully submitted,
THO'S M. CLARK, Secretary.

123
The Treasurer presented the following reports of the receipts and disbursements for the Quarter ending December 31, 1848 :
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
The Treasurer begs to submit his Quarterly Statement to the Board,
showing the receipts and expenditures of the Company since their meeting
in October last, to the 31st of December 1848. The subjoined brief synopsis
shows an increase of receipts beyond the preceding quarter, and a much
greater on that of the corresponding months of 1847, although there has been
much interruption to business by breaks and other difficulties along the line.
The gross receipts it will be seen was $35,498 01, from the following
sources, viz: for business of the line exclusively, $13,840 52 ; for other
lines $7,238 22; property sold and rent of part of New-York office, $609 97;
extra services, $123 13 : messenger boys and postage, $165 05; refunded by
other lines $15 78; and for subscription to additional stock for extending
line into the City of New-York, $13,505 34.
During the same period the disbursements have been, by the Treasurer,
$14,3'85 25; and by stations, $14,425 38, together, $28,810 63, as follows:
for salaries, $6,004 79; repairs, $1,587 40 ; other lines, $7,190 62 ; dividends,
$108 00; Sundry office expenses, §1,959 10; messengers, $475 19; extra
service, $304 02; refunded, #69 76; to the Wilmington Rail Road Company,
for claim as per report of committee, $561 75 ; andto contractor for extending
line into New-York City, $10,550 00.
There has been subscribed on account of additional Stock, to be issued
under resolution of the Board on the 8th of August, 1848, §15,923 34, on
which there has been paid, §14,626 34; the balance of $1,297 00 due
thereon, will beyond doubt, be paid ere the money is needed for dividends
or contract. The remaining portion of §1,076 66, unsubscribed, I trust will
be taken shortly. It is not known to but few even of the stockholders, that
it can be procured at the par value.
The Treasurer would respectfully again ask the attention of the Board to
the subject of regulating the offices in regard to responsibilities and promptitude, suggested in my last report. Since that time there has an instance
occurred by which the Company must suffer a loss.
Balance from Sept. 30, 1848,.$1,585 10 I By amt. paid for salaries.,.. .$6,004 79
"
«
" repairs of Line,.. 1,587 40
For the Line,
13,840 52
'
*' other Lines,
7,190 62
Other Lines,.
7,238 22
Dividends,
108 00
Additional slock,
13,505 34
Sundry office ex. 1,959 10
Property sold,
609 97
Messengers,.... 475 19
Refunded,
15 78
Extra service,.. 304 02
Messengers,....
»..
157 63
Refunded.......
69 76
• Extra service ....*•»»».»*•« 123 13
"
" Wilmington R. R. 561 75
Postage, &c
•••»•....
7 42
"
" for extension,... 10,550 00
Balance at Sta's. $1,150 45.
" in Treasury 7, J 22 03. 8,272 48
$37,083 11

$3^,083 11
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.

124
Quarterly Report for October, November and December, 1848.
OCT.

|

NOV.

DEC.

Bal. fr om October 1, 1848,
Rec'tsfi jr Line at PhiFa Stat'n. 1,159 81 1,017 09 1,010
a
" N.York ^ " 1,359 83 1,241 64 1,342
730 59 909 62 662
<
« " Baltimore "
<c
" Wash'gton " 1,220 15 1,189 93 988
<e
" Wilm'gton "
165 98 173 45 134
C*i
" Jersey City "
49
79 22
78 91
"
47 73
55 42
40
<
< " Trenton
34 58
29 36
26
<
.< « N . Bruns'k "
" Princeton
"
9 32
12 74
7
((
8
15 38
9 59
<
* " H de Grace "
4,841 58 4,728 76 4,270

«
«
«
«
<
<
<
«
{<

P r o p e r t y sold & r e n t
refunded by oth.lin.es
Postage &c.
Messengers,
E x t r a Service,
for Additional Sub.

571 22
92
3 42
53 08
71 25
699 89

1
2
1
51
31
88

3,306 34 9,280 00

311 82 383
Lines, at Phil'a
1,714 99 1,545
at New-York
tc
331 10 404
Baltimore
293 04 183
««
Washington
t(
8 80J 10
Wilmington
53 86
51
"
Jersey City
<?
2 28
2
Trenton
iC
2 77
4
N . Brunsw'k
40
3
*«
Princeton
4 05
1
"
H . de Grace
2,723 11 2,590
Contra*

< oth.
«
<c
<t
(C

<
(
<
<
<
«
«
<c

if

25
24
50
62
88
49

"

By a m ' t paid Trea. for Rep's
350
4,000
n Extension,
*( Salaries,
269
« Sund. office expenses. j 481
< Wilm'gton R.R. claim
<
« Dividends,
<
66
5,166
a p'd Stations for rep'rs, 142
«
11,480
«£ Salary,
<
< " Office expenses, 349
59
*' E x t r a service,
<
(
ii
5
"
Refunded,
143
«
« *' Messengers,
2,729
•' Other Lines,
«
«
4,910
" Balance in Treasury, $7,122 03

TOTAL. |

85
69
04
41
65
21
22
36
35
40
18

3,187
3,974
2,302
3,398
474
207
143
90
29
33
13,840

37 50
12 62
2 50
52 93
20 00
125 "55

609
15
7
157
123

$1,585 10
75
16
251
49
08'
34
37
30
41
37
52 13,840 52
97
78;
42'
63
13
913 93

919 00 13,505 34 13,505 34

47 290
39 1,307
41 191
06
85
62
9
16
30
95
4
10
3
36
65
1
17 1,924

985 84
55
24 4,567 62
79l
927 30
50
561 60
83
29 25
33
135 35
46
9 69
21
10 08
99
4 75
04
6 74
94 7,238 22

•

7,238 22
37,083 11

00 451 58 256 78 . . . . . . . . .
00 5,550 00 1,000 00
66 879 97 291 36
04
64 01 121 10
561 75
00
42 00
70 6,987 56 2,230 99 14,385 25
86 153
95 1,546
73 666
27 218
42
3
00 173
72 2,563

v
53 233
28 1,536
53 276
75
26
27
61
00 159
5J 1,897

45
57
69
00
07
19
39

..... . .

15 5,324 87 4,190 36;14,425 38
Stations, 1,150 4 5 . . . . 8 , 2 7 2 48 $37,083 11

Respectfully submitted,
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer

125
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company:
The Committee appointed by the Board at the meeting in July last, in
relation to the Ocean Telegraph Company, beg respectfully to report, that
several attempts have been made to procure a meeting of the committees
appointed by the two Companies, relative to an amicable arrangement of
matters in dispute. As yet there has not been a regular meeting since the
adjournment of the Board in October. Your committee would therefore
suggest that the subject be continued to the next Quarterly Meeting, and if
not previously arranged, that the terms heretofore exacted be enforced.
Most respectfully,
GEO. H. HART, Chairman.
WM. M. SWAIN,
THO'S. M. CLARK.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the Wilmington Director be
authorised to settle any claim of Dr. George R. Baker, for damages alleged
to have been sustained by him through the neglect of this Company.
On motion of Mr. Canby, Resolved, That this Board now adjourn until
to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
T. M~. CLARK, Secretary.

The Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company met pursuant
to adjournment. Present: The President, and Messrs. Kendall, Norton,
Clark, Swain, Hart, Canby and Williams.
The minutes of the previous days proceedings, were read and approved.
Mr. Swain offered the following resolution, Resolved, That this Company
declare a dividend of
per cent, out of the profits of the past six months
upon the capital stock in existence at the period of our last dividend, and a
rateable proportion according to time, upon the money paid in on account
of the construction of extension of the line across the North River.
Mr. Norton moved, that all after the words " last dividend" be stricken
out.
Mr. Hart moved to amend the part proposed to be stricken out, by striking out " and a rateable proportion according to time," and inserting " one
third of the same per cent." which amendment was agreed to.

126
The question recurred on the motion of Mr. Norton to strike out, and being
taken by yeas and nays, was declared in the negative as follows:
Ayes.—Messrs. Kendall and Norton.
Noes.—Messrs. Williams, Hart, Canby, French, Clark and Swain.
The blank was then filled on motion of Mr. Hart, by inserting " three."
The resolution as amended was then agreed to as follows:
Resolved) That this Company declare a dividend of three per cent, out of
the profits of the past six months, upon the capital stock in existence at the
period of our last dividend, and one third of the same per cent, upon the
money paid in on account of the construction of extension of the Line across
the North River.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That the rates of charges for Western
Messages, passing over that section of The Magnetic Telegraph Company's
Line, between Philadelphia and Baltimore, be fifteen cents for the first ten
words, and two cents for each additional word.
On motion of Mr. Williams, Resolved, That the sum of $22 66, now standing charged to the President of this Company, in the Washington Office, be
charged to profit and lbss.
Mr. Clark offered the following resolution which was rejected:
Resolved, That the Fifteen Minute Rule be, and is hereby abolished.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That any office sending a communication for the Press, shall send to the station where the message is received,
the number of words contained in such message, and the price, on the day
in which it is sent.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the Treasurer be directed to
pay to B. H. Cheever, thirty dollars, the amount of dividend on five shares
of stock declared in July last, the amount having been paid to W. H. English,
on certificate of N. J Glossbrenner, Trustee, in July, and now again claimed
by Mr. Cheever.
On motion of Mr French, Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company
pay to the owners of the Island in the Hudson River, on which the mast of
this Company is erected, two hundred dollars, upon receiving a conveyance from them in perpetuam of a right to erect and keep up their mast
and posts upon that Island.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the Treasurer pay to John W.
Norton, all the money now due him on his contract for building a line of
Telegraph up the North River, except one thousand dollars, which he shall
retain until the President of this Company certifies to him that the line is
built, in all things, except as to time, according to the contract.
On motion the Board adjourned.
T. M. CLARK, Secretary.

127
MEETING OP THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph
Company, was held at BARNUM'S HOTEL, Baltimore, on Thursday the 12th day
of April, 1849, at 10 o'clock A. M. Present: the President, and Messrs. Kendall,
Williams, Hart, Swain, Clark and Norton.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The President presented the following Report and Resolution, which were
read:
To the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company:
t GENTLEMEN—In compliance with the resolutions of this Board, adopted on
the 9th day of August last, directing me to contract with some responsible
person or persons, to carry the Magnetic Telegraph across the North River, by
the erection of a line, at an expense not exceeding $17,000, consisting of two iron
wires, &c—and directing me to raise the necessary funds to pay for the same—I
respectfully report that I have attended to the duties assigned to me, and that
the line is now complete, and working well between Jersey City and the City
of New-York, that the funds have been raised and paid over to the Contractor,
and that stock to the amount of $34,000, has been issued to the subscribers.

, The Contractor for the erection of said line of Telegraph, was John W. Norton,
Esq. The line was to have been completed, by the contract, on the 1st day of
December, but in consequence, as the Contractor avers, of some delay in furnishing funds, it was not completed until later.
On the 27th day of November I arrived in New-York, supposing the line to
be ready for inspection. I there learned that it was not finished, and at first
declined going over it, but afterwards, upon the earnest solicitation of Mr. Norton,
I changed my determination, and on Monday afternoon, November 27th, I left
Jersey City and passed over the entire route of the line, excepting from the
island to Caldwell's Landing, and from King's Bridge to New-York. I found
all the posts set on the Jersey City side of the river—was present at the erection
pf the mast on the island, and found the posts set from Yonker's to Anthony's
Nose on the New-York side, and the wire up a considerable portion of the way.
On my return to New-York, I addressed a letter to Mr. Norton, pointing out all
the defects that fell under my observation, a copy of which accompanies this
report.
In that letter I speak of the mast as being thoroughly put up and secured.
That no inconsistency may appear to exist between that letter and this report,
I will state, that only the lower mast was put up while I was there, and to that
only I alluded in my letter. The top-mast was raised the next morning, while
I was on the height opposite, and the top-gallant mast at some time afterwards.

128
The line was reported to me as working, sometime either the latter part of
December or first part of January, but both wires worked as one—and such
continued to be the case for a long time, notwithstanding the most critical examination. In consequence of this difficulty, one of our wires continued to be
worked only to Jersey City, and the other directly into the New-York office.
After much examination, one of the operators at New-York discovered that
many of the glasses were fastened to the hooks by a wire attached to the wires
which confined the main wire to the insulator. As soon as this was discovered,
no experienced person doubted that the current passed through the posts, from
the point of one hook to that of the other, thus making a connexion between the
wires. These wire fastenings were removed, and the wires commence/1 working
independently of each other, and have so worked ever since, unless visibly connected by some accident. It is due to the contractor and his sub contractor, Mr.
Fish, who put up the wire, to say, that the fastenings mentioned were put on in
the manner indicated, by an inexperienced workman, and without the knowledge
of Mr. Norton, or Mr. Fish. On the 23d day of March last, I left "Washington for
the purpose of thoroughly inspecting the new line. At Philadelphia, I was overtaken by one of the most violent storms that has taken place for years, I remained
there until Thursday, in much doubt whether to go on to New-York, or to return
to "Washington. Our wire was interrupted between New-Brunswick and Jersey
City, and I concluded to go forward. On arriving at New-York I found that
nearly all the posts between Jersey City and Bergen Hill, had been prostrated
by the storm, and that both wires were broken at the mast up the River. Just
about the time I left Philadelphia, the line commenced working to Jersey City,
the posts and wires having been temporarily repaired the previous evening. Soon
after my arrival in New-York, I sent a person up the river with all the steel wire
that could be procured, to make a connexion of one wire across the river, which,
in consequence of the high wind, he was unable to do, until Saturday morning,
and the line being broken in other places, did not commence working to NewYork until Saturday evening.
On Saturday, March 30th, I examined the line from the office in Hanover street
to the corner of 129th street and 8th Avenue, above Harlem. Most of that part
of the new wire, was, according to the contract, placed upon the posts of the
Boston line—a right which was reserved by this Company when those posts were
sold to the Boston Company. Along 129th street the posts are new, and of good
size and quality, and well set. The portion of the line examined on that day, is,
for aught that I could discover, fully equal to the requirements of the contract.
The next morning, accompanied by Mr. Beebe, one of our best and most
efficient operators, I started with a horse and carriage from New-York and commenced a critical examination of the line at the point where I left it the preceding
evening.
From that point the wires, for about two miles, are placed on the old Fort
Lee posts, and are attached to the old glass insulators on the top of the original

129
cross-pieces. Were the line my own I should make no objection to this, believing,
as I do, that the line will work equally as well, and as long without interruption,
as if hooks and cup glasses had been used, and, in view of the putting up of
additional wires, they had better remain up as they now are.
At Yonkers I found the wires attached to a large willow tree, which, if it
can possibly be avoided, should not be the case. Experience has convinced me
that wires thus attached will not stand. The swaying of the tree is certain to
draw the wires from the hooks, not only at the tree, but often for several stretches
each way. Upon calling Mr. Norton's attention to this fact, he assured me that
it was only done after every possible effort to procure a spot upon which to set
a post, had failed.
I stopped at Sing Sing that evening, and Mr. Beebe connected with New-York,
and we found the line in admirable working order. I sent a message to "Washington, which, on my return, I found word for word as it was sent.
We started early the next morning for Peekskill, where we left our horse and
carriage to be sent over to Caldwell's, and proceeded on foot to the Nose. Between the place where the old Fort Lee posts terminate, (about 160th street)
and Anthony's Nose, I saw but little to condemn. The wires require tightening
from the point above mentioned, and perhaps from the New-York office to the
Mountain Road above Peekskill. Nearly all the imperfections mentioned in my
letter of November 30th to Mr. Norton, had been remedied. There are a few
posts less in diameter than the contract specifies, (8 inches, at a point 5 feet
from the butt.) The smallest post on that portion of the line, measures 6f
inches, the largest lOf inches. Very few, if any other than the one mentioned,
are less than 1% inches, and there are 20 over contract size, where there ia
one below it. Take them altogether, a better and more durable line of posts, of
like distance, cannot be found. A few places yet remain where the wires hang
too near the travelled way, and where, by the moving of a post, or putting in a
new one, the defect may easily be remedied. Prom the main road to the Nose,
the line is as nearly perfect, in every respect, as it can be. I believe there is
not a post less than contract size ; the wires are well stretched, every post is
well and permanently set, and, where necessary, well stayed. Almost every tree
that can fall upon the wires, has been cut, and I can see no reason why, if not
maliciously interrupted, that part of the line should not work for a long time,
without any repair or alteration. The iron stancheons, at the summit of the
Nose, are put up in a scientific and workman like manner, and appear as if they
would stand throughout at least one generation. (We found one steel wire up,
and the succeeding morning we came up from Caldwell's with Mr. Griffin, who
arrived from New-York that evening with wire, and put up the other.)
At the wharf below the Nose, we procured a boat and crossed to the island,
on which our mast is erected.
The mast is an excellent one, but my own opinion, sustained by several men
well versed in such matters, is that the top-gallant mast is not well stayed The

im
iron stays attached to it are too heavy, and draw totf perpehdicularly ufiofl
it. One of the stays broke during the late violent storm, and there is hardly a
doubt that the spring of the spar, caused by its breaking, broke both the steel
wires.
I have conversed with a gentleman at Caldwell's Landing, (Mr. Constance)
who is well acquainted with rigging, and the endurance of hempen cordage,
and he strongly advises thai 6f inch ropes, should be well attached to a
collar near the top of the top-gallant mast, and carried off at an angle of 45
degrees, if possible, to the earth, and be there well secured. He says that thus
secured, with well tarred cordage, it will stand for a long time in perfect safety,
and if the ropes are well covered with tar once a year, they will stand for 10
or 15 years.
He expressed the opinion that we were lucky in having it stand through the
late gale, and told me that a strong gale from the south east would be very likely
to carry it away, unless more effectually secured than it now is.
We found the top-gallant mast badly sprung, but, by " setting up" on a fall
Which was attached to the broken stay, we succeeded in bringing it to its place.
I respectfully recommend that something be done, at the earliest possible moment,
to render the mast as secure as it is possible for human means to make it.
From the mast the wires are carried across the island—the first three stretches
are very long, and, in my opinion, too long to stand well a long time. The wire
is of a twisted iron cord, it is new and tough, and there is no danger of its breaking
until it becomes corroded. From the mast to the road the wires are handsomely
stretched, and the posts are good. I followed the line, on foot, to Caldwell's Landing, making a critical examination as I passed along. Some of the posts are less
than contract size, others more. The smallest post on the entire line is on this
part of it, and is only 5f inches in diameter at 5 feet from the butt. I found the
glasses all on and the wires well, and evenly put up.
Remained at Caldwell's Landing that night, and after seeing the second wire
put up at the mast, as before mentioned, at 11 o'clock, A. M., Tuesday, we started
and rode down as far as Tappan, where *ve remained that night, and the next
day arrived at Jersey City, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
The posts on the west side of the river are not as large, upon an average as
upon the opposite side. The largest post I measured on that side was 10^ inches,
and the smallest, as above stated, 5f inches in diameter. I do not think there is
another post on that side, less than 6 inches, and^very few less than 1 or 1^. I
observed that many of the small posts which I noticed in November had been
replaced by good substantial posts fully up to the contract.
Mr. Norton's contract with'the Company specifies that the posts shall be eight
inches in diameter five feet from the butt. He ascertained that posts of that size
could be procured, which would run up so tapering as to "be only two or three

131
inches at the top, and, under the supposition that, if a post was 4-J- inches in diameter at the top it would be of a size to fulfil the contract at the point specified,
he contracted for posts 4-| inches in diameter at the top. The posts are nearly all
either of chestnut or cedar, and, although^ above his contract size at the top, they
are so straight as to be less than the Company's contract size 5 feet from the butt.
The posts are, however, of the very best timber that could be procured—they
are well set, and, in my belief, will last many years. The wires on the west side of
the river are well put up, and they are, through the line, handsomely and evenly
laid. Taking the line altogether, from the office in' New-York, to the foot of
Bergen Hill, in New Jersey, I do not hesitate to say, that one hundred and ten
miles of Telegraph cannot be found in the United States, which will surpass it.
AU that I would require of the contractor, were the line my own, would be that
he re-place from six to twelve posts on the entire line, and that he place posts at
about four places where the line crosses the public highway at elevations, and is
within the reach of a person standing in a carriage.
The wires, from the point where the wire strikes the highway above Caldwell's
Landing, down to Jersey City, as well as those on the opposite side, require tightening. Mr. Beebe, who saw the line immediately after it was put up, informed
me that, when he first saw it, the wire was well stretched, but, that it has since
become loose from the effects of the weather, and the natural stretching of the
new wire.
This being the case the contractor should not be required to tighten it.
B. B. FRENCH,
President of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
"WASHINGTON CITY, April Vth,

1849.

Resolved, That when the contractor shall have complied with the requirements
stated by the President of this Company, in his Report of examination of the
line on the North River, to the satisfaction of the President, that the line shall be
considered as fully accepted, and the contract fulfilled.
Mr. Clark laid before the Board a letter from the Hon. F. O. J. Smith.
On motion, the Board adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. M.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

, The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present: the President, and Messrs*
Kendall, "Williams, Canby, Hart, Swain, Clark and Norton.
The Board proceeded to consider the resolution accompanying the President's
Eepoft, which, on motion, was adopted.

132
Oil motion of* Mr. Swain, so much of Mr. Smith's letter as refers to communication with the Washington and New-Orleans Line, be referred to the President of
this Company, and the remaining portion to the next Meeting of the Stockholders.
The Treasurer presented the following Report of the Receipts and Disbursements for the Quarter, ending March 31st, 1849.
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company:
[The Treasurer submits a Quarterly exhibit of the doings of the Company
during the months of January, February and March 1849 ; from which it will be
seen that the enterprise continues in its onward course. The legitimate business
of the Line exceeds that of the preceding Quarter by $4,034 35, and the corresponding Quarter in 1848, $2,478 56; although the effects of storms and other
causes have repeatedly interrupted the wires. Of the entire Receipts at Stations
there has been deposited to the credit of the Treasurer $13,706 72 ; for subscription to additional stock, $2,594 46 ; and for rent, $75—which, with a balance of
$7,122 03 on commencement of Quarter, amount to $23,498 2 1 ; from which
sum there has been paid for dividends, $5,471; to Stations for salaries and balances, '$3,051 93; extension, $3,250; salaries of President, Treasurer and Trustees, $758 02 ; repairs, $1,186 77 ; miscellaneous, 601, 08; together, $14,318 80 ;
leaving a balance in Treasurer's hands of $9,187 41.
An accompanying tabular statement gives in detail the particular sources
from whence the entire revenue was derived. There was received for the legitimate business at Philadelphia Station, $S,963 95 ; New-York, $6,602 26 ; Baltimore, $2,668 36; Washington, $3,840 55; Wilmington, $452,19 ; Jersey City,
$119 05 ; Trenton, $114 27 ; New-Brunswick, $78 33 ; Princeton, $11 94 ; and
Havre de Grace, $23 97; together, 17,874 87 ; for other Lines at the different
Stations, $7,989 49; extra service, $248 50 ; delivering messages, $172 34; refunded, postage and articles sold, $88 08; rent, $75, and $8 refunded on overpaid
draft for dividends ; total amount, $26,456 28 ; to which is added the balance
on commencement of quarter, $8,272 48 ; and receipts for subscription to additional stock, $2,594 46; amounting altogether to $37,323 22.
The entire disbursements for the same period are—for dividends, $5,471 00 ;
other lines, $7,945 90 ; balance on contract for extension, $3,250 00 ; salaries,
$5,415 36; repairs of line, $2,080 85 ; miscellaneous office expenses, $2,264 00;
messengers, $470 78; extra pay, $271 00; rent, $154 16; refunded, 111 35;
together, $27,434 40 ; leaving a balance in hands of Treasurer of $9,187 4 1 ; at
stations, $583 42 ; and a sum charged to profit and loss of $117 99.
Embraced in statement is $200 ; subscription to stock for erecting two additional wires, and $20 80 overpaid on stock for extension. The appropriation at
last meeting to secure certain rights in North River of $200, has not been called
for; and about $50 is due stockholders on unpaid dividends.
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

Treasurer's Q u a r t e r l y S t a t e m e n t of R e c e i p t s & D i s b u r s e m e n t s of t h e M a g n e t i c T e l e g r a p h C o . for J a n . F e b . & M a r c h , 1 8 4 9 .
FEB.

JAN.

Eal. in Treasury, Dec. 31, '48.
"
at Stations, "
"
Rece''ts for line, Phil'a Station] 1,170
" New-York " 1,909
" Baltimore "
856
" Washingt'n " 1,162
" Wilniingt'n "
160
" Jersey City "
41
" Trenton
"
36
" N Bruns'k "
34
" Princeton
"
1
" H. de Grace "
7
5,379
CO
CO

Rec'ts for oth. lines Phil'a
«
" New-York
"
" Baltimore
"
" Washin'tn
"
" "Wilming'tn
"
" Jersey City
"
" Trenton
" N. Bruns'k
u
« Princeton
" H . d e Grace

'
'
l

'
'
'
'
'
(

11 1,334
48 2,373
89 948
58 1,356
02 137
37
40
031 44
94
24
10|
6
36
11
88 ;6,277

278
1,942
330
127
12
30

85 232
70 2,001
75 246
25 159
8
44
9
52
1
50
1
5 46
1 80
74'
2,731 01 2,662

Rec'ts for extra service,.

29
40
Refn'd, post'g & p. s'ld
36
Additional subscrip'n 2,394
Rent of p a r t of Office
37
Ref'dover dfton div'd

00
39
65
46]
50]

97
55
34

MAR.

JAN.

Amount paid b y Treasurer, to
7,122 03
" J. W. Norton, Ex'tn con'il 2,250
1,150 45 $8,272 48
" Repairs of the L i n e . .
275
59 1,459 25
" Salaries
239
62| 2,319 16
" Miscellaneous Expenses! 344
09 863 38
" Dividends
,
4,653
55 1,321 42
" Stations for rep's of line! 203
03) 155 14
" Salaries
1,539
70| 36 98
"
" Miscellaneous exp.l 886
08
34 16
"
" Messengers
139
71
18 68]
"
" Extra s e r v i c e . . . .
49
94
3 90
" Rent
58
67
4-94
"
« Re-funded
] 22
98 6,217 01 $17,874 87
"
" Other Lines
|5y573
" Profit & loss, am't stan'd
88 276 00|
in Wash'tn office, to Pres't|
1,839 67
" L, M.Chasteau, WiL office
89 236 72
79 211 73
Balance in 7th W a r d Bk. K Y .
00
10 30
" Bank of Commerce
45
10 89
" Baltimore
42
6 76
" Wilmington
09
1 36
" Washington.
50
2 44
" New-York Station
20
41
" Philadelphia "
" Wilmington "
20 2,596 28 $ 7,989 49
" Baltimore
"
248
50 122 00!
172
06
76 89
88
66
16 77
200 00 2,594
75
37 50

FEB.

00 1,000
00 593
07' 268
33
20
00 510
93] 293
12 1,505
73j 425
00 147
50| 91
33
95
55
50
51 5,203

MAR.

318
254
222
308
397
1,612
350
184
130

,51
16
97
00|
07]
42|
99
16i
50

37 87
[5,390 40|
22
95
6,093
|2,007
911
122
52
424
127
27
3

66
33]
69
13j
86
36
37
73
49
36
84i

$37,323 22
Balance in Treasurers hands,.
"
at Stations,
„

.-,

$9,187 41
583 42

GEORGE H. HART,

Treasurer.

134
SECRETARIES QUARTERLY REPORT of the several Stations, from January 1st to March 31st, 184!h
Stations.

Date.

N e w - Y o r k , Jan.
J e r s e y City,
JSf. Brunswi'k
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
Washington,
N e w - Y o r k , Feb.
J « r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
Mar.
J e r s e y City,
N. Brunswi'k
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Washington,

Miscel* 1 Paidoth~\ Opera? s\ P'dex. | Messsn-1 Repair s\ Station-! Lights 11 Bat- j Refun\
\ Red's i Rece'ts of\ Rec'tsforl
\ex.wk
the Line.l other linesl laneous.l er Lines. $ Clerksl work.
ofLine.
ery.
$• Fuel\ tery.
ded.
gers.
320 26
$1,909 48 $1,942 70 I 436 53
84 58, 24 8S!'
295 82
43 56
4800
11 00
41 37
30 52
3 14
50 00
10 00
1 31
2 78!
1 18
50
34 94
5 46
41 66
4 62
1 62,
3 94
50
1 10
1 80
77
41 66
1 50
18
4 43,
37
36 03 |
50
55
41 66
5 02
10
5 30.
6 00
1,170 11 . 278 85
25 65
632 28
379 15
60 50
5 00
46 00
10 00
10 00
160 02 !
12 44
140 52
60 00
6 00
50
7 36 i
74
7 74
50 00
21 561
30,
856 89
330 75
123 00
109 74
254 68
6 12
8 06
15 00
15 00
8 00
t I7 19
1,162 58
127 25
76 07 1.670 40
262 50 20 00
8 00,
18 00
is oo;
24 00 i 2,373 62
2,001 98
154 53
343 62
295 82
26 63,
29 74
143 83
22 00
48 00
40 70
9 45
1 77
! 50 00
5 75
56
9 311
126
24 71
1 09
60
41 66
41
2 31
6 94
50 1
16
41 66
4 00
80
44 08 '
1 42 ! 1 16 87
41 66 '
25
4: 97)
6 00
2 75
1,334 59 1
232 88 I1 34 11
688 20
345 83 ! 52 50
18 00
48 00
43 75
54 00
137 03
8 00 |
29 53
60 00
9 50
93
1 40
6 50
11 67
20 ' 1 10 73
50 00
54
30
53
78 40
948 09
246 89 1 79 61
60 90
255 00
9 50
30 72
6 35
15 12
19 50
1,356 55
159 79 1 41 51 1,538 94
262 50
7 00
3 25
7 20,
24 00
2,319 16
1,839 67 j 167 01
407 66
308 32
29 00
134 63
176 77
70 04
71 GO
10 89 I 15 89
73
12
2 63
36 93
50 00
2 13
1 36 I
63
06
4 00
69
18 68
41 66
76
3 90
2 44 1
60
41 66
88
1 00
49
34 16
6 76 1
2 82
41 66
7 50
3 50
1 45
05
1,459 25
276 00 1 44 63
890 04
429 15
67 GO
60 00
64 89
2 00
1 50
23 00
8
85
2 31
60 00
155 14
10 30 1
7 50
16 31
2 00
5 55
6 21
25
50 00
4 94
29 1
54 99
28 CO
863 38
236 72 1
5 18
101 74
254 60
18 00
15 12
17 35
6 75
2 06
1,321 42
211 73 1 23 58 1,182 12
273 30
16 50
24 00
1 37 62
8 90
4 20
l$248 50 1 £177874 87 $7,989 37 •1,458 85 ' $7,945 90 1 $4,47161 i$25100 It$470 78 1 $777 53 1 $363 38 l$I67 55 '$22 59
1
4 00

1

Rail Road Communications for the Quarter, sent f r e e , . . . . . . , . , . .

o,

,

3 53
92
45

Deposited.

TotalDUburseme't.

2,635 00

3,903 16
69 83
52 79
48 91
58 63
8 79 1
667 50
1,834 87
207 02
79 60
6 34
728 89
1,277 02
2 52
2,055 49
21 81
3,155 00 I 4,240 98
68 65
44 98
46 62
72 50
4 70
787 751
2,022 84
12
60 00
167 98
140 50
14 02
746 47
1,217 69
10 28!
1,894 68
21 95!
3,390 00
4,705 38
71 50
10
47 90
44 63
56 98
6 02
773 75
2,338 98
62 36
164 88
111 45
6 21
1,127 01
700 00
3 52
1,573 74
11*29,747 19'111 28 1 $13,706 72

$395 57

135
Secretary's Quarterly Report of Monthly Receipts at the several Stations of
the Magnetic Telegraph Company, from January 1st to March 31s£, 1849.

41 31 34 94
40 10 24 11
36 98 18 68

11 94

C OS t-»
O
O ^

3,963 95 452 19
to
CO

Jersey City]
N.JBruns'kl
Princeton.

O

36 03 1,110 11 160 02 1 36
44 08 11,334 59 131 03 11 61
34 16 1,459 25 155 14 4 94

to

1849.

January, 1,909 48
February 2.313 62
2,319 16
March.

6,602 26 |
|ll9 05
00
CO
CO

New York.l

Trenton.

PhiladeVa.

Wilming'n
IT.de Grace,]

to
O S

•••

i 00 i
CO

OS

3,840 55 |

to
^

HOO!

;

856 89 1,162 58 |
948 09 1,356 55 1
863 38 1,321 42

(OS

"to "to "co

CO OS ~ q - 3

t-i -or - q
- q ~ q cO

oo -0" <-q t o rf^
00

Baltimore.

Washing*n\

TOTAL.

O C 00
O
M oo oo

Hespectfully submitted,
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

1S6
New- York,
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Washington,
Wilmington,
Jersey City,
JSF. Brunsw'k,
Trenton,
Princeton,
Hav. de Grace
263

OsCOCOOsOx~q-bOOxoOx
M K H H H M H I - i K H
OOOOOOOSCOOCO

28 92

l-i

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O X

OsCOCOOsOx-crOxGOOOx
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bf t4-j t^-1 t 4 J ^ t4-*
s
—
H*1 fcsH

o

I

' Sulph. Acid.

bO

OOH^tOHtfXilXffiM

GO
GO

co^oxcooxoos^oco
i-1 bO bO
tilM if^H ^ F i—* o4-> k^M ksji-i
£—j

^booxcorfxrf^cococo
11 00

H-*

Mercury.

tO bO tO

-q-C0C0C01-»-TO0S-5-

bO

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OS

OXOXOXOXOXOX-^OXOXOX

34 02

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Tel. Paper.

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GOCOCOOObOGOCOOS

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CO
bO

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CO
-3-

38 631
5 51

6 441
1 13 00
1 6 91\

|342 31

[

Zincs.

Stationery,

- T O i O i O V r O M O O ^

8 91|

OS

£
tO

o o o o t o o o o
o
to to ox ox
H-i rfs;i-«toi-'co-q'co
cooxcoox-^-^T^roxoos
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Sundries.

TOTAL.

\

137
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That the regulation relative to keeping
the office of this Company open on the Sabbath be so changed, that the office
be kept open from 9 to 10 o'clock, A. M., from 1 to 2 o'clock, P. M., and from 6
o'clock to the usual hour of closing on other nights.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the resolution heretofore adopted by
this Company, charging two cents for the delivering of each communication, be
and is hereby rescinded.
The President laid before the Board the following letter from the Hon. Amos
Kendall:
Washington, March 21st, 1849.
B. B. FRENCH, Esq.,

PRESIDENT MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY.

DEAR SIR :—"When our Board of Directors recommended engaging me as
Agent to prepare for proceedings against the House concern, I expected to
be able to avail myself of the services of Mr. Loughborough, who was our
leading Counsel in Kentucky; but the unexpected requisition of Judge Catron,
and the refusal of Judge Nelson to hear any motion here pertaining to proceedings in his Circuit, made it impracticable for Mr. L. to attend to the case, except
at a charge which would justify him in abandoning his business in the "West.
The Supreme Court has now adjourned and there is no difficulty in proceeding
before the Judges ha their several Circuits. Finding myself overtasked, I deem
it my duty to so far decline the Agency conferred upon me, as to relieve me
from responsibility, and to relinquish all claim to compensation, though I hold
myself in readiness to assist you as President of the Company, with all the aid
and information it is in my power to render.
With high consideration, your ob't serv't
AMOS KENDALL.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the President in conjunction with the
Trustees be empowered and directed to institute such suits in law or equity,
or both, as may be necessary to protect and vindicate the exclusive rights pertaining to this Company, under Morse's Patents, against infringements and trespasses of every description, and by whoever committed, reporting from time to
time the means adopted, counsel employed, and progress made hi such proceedings. ,
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That the President be empowered whenever, in his judgment, the interests of the Company demand it, to keep such
offices as he may see fit, open during the entire 2£ hours for such length of time
as he may believe expedient. The question was taken by Ayes and Noes, and
declared in the negative, as follows :
Ayes—Messrs. French and Clark.
Noes—Messrs. Hart, "Williams, Swain, Kendall and Norton.
The President laid before the Board the following letter from the Hon. Amos
Kendall, and Circular to the Stockholders:

138
Office of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
WASHINGTON, March 14,1849.
I have received the following letter from the Hon. AMOS KENDALL, the Agent
of the Grantors of Morse's Patent for the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph:
WASHINGTON, March 10, 1849.

B. B. FRENCH, Esq., President of the Magnetic Telegraph Company:
DEAR SIR : By virtue of the powers reserved to the Grantors of the Patent
Right in the Articles of Agreement and Association, constituting the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, and with the approbation of most, if not all of the Stockholders, I, as the Agent of the Grantors aforesaid, hereby require that two additional wires, shall be put up on the Line of said Company, from Washington to
New-York.
It is understood that this requisition shall be the last made by the Patentees
for additional wires under said Articles ; that the power to order such additions
hereafter, shall be vested in the Company; that no stock shall be issued to the
Patentees in their character as grantors of the patent right therefor ; but in that
respect they shall be placed on the same footing as all other stockholders, each
to be entitled to so much stock as he may subscribe and pay for when any
increase shall be ordered, it being the object to place all stockholders, hi that
respect, on the same level.
In my view, the interests of the Company require that these two wires be
put up with all practicable dispatch ; and I desire, as promptly as possible, to
ascertain through you, whether those stockholders, who, under the Articles of
Association, are entitled to furnish the funds, wish to avail themselves of that
priviledge.
With high consideration, your ob't servant,
AMOS KENDALL, Agent, &c.
The 4th Article of the Articles of Agreement, referred to in the last paragraph of the foregoing letter provides, that " the subscribers who shall have
advanced the first fifteen thousand dollars, or the assignees of their stock, shall
be offered the privilege of furnishing the necessary funds to make any extension
or improvement other than mere repairs, on the same terms with their original
subcriptions. If, after due public notice, they fail or refuse to do so, for the
period of thirty days, the grantors shall be at liberty to procure such funds from
others, who, in subscribing to the Articles of Association and the regulations
of this Company, shall become members thereof, with all the rights and privileges of original subscribers."
The stock of this Company has so often changed hands since its organization,
and the first $15,000 has become so mixed in the same hands with other stock,
that it has become almost impossible to distinguish between the first $15,000
subscribed and other stock. There have been, also, several extensions and hn-

139
provements, -which were paid for by the issue of new stock, and those who subscribed came in " with all the rights and privileges of original subscribers." Some
of the new subscribers took stock, which those who subscribed the first $15,000
declined taking, thus placing themselves in the place of original subscribers, and
adding to the uncertainty as to who, among the stockholders, are, u£cler that
Article, entitled to take the new stock now called for.
Under these difficulties, I have thought it best to address every stockholder,
except those holding stock originally issued to the Grantors of the Patent, giving
to each an opportunity to subscribe his proportion of the amount now wanted,
according to the number of his shares.
I estimate the expense of putting up the two wires called for by the letters
of the Grantors, at twenty-five thousand dollars.
You can, therefore, subscribe to the improvement now called for, 25 per cent
on each share of stock owned by you, (provided it is not stock originally issued
to the Grantors,) for which certificates will be issued to double the amount
subscribed. The basis upon which this Company was formed, being an issue of
one hundred dollars in stock for each fifty dollars paid in, it is desirable that no
person should subscribe a less sum than fifty dollars, and, that when larger sums
are subscribed there should be no fraction of fifty dollars in the subscription.
It being desirable to complete the work as soon as possible, you will please
inform me as early as you can after the receipt of this, whether you wish to
subscribe your proportion.
Sould you subscribe, you will please transmit to George H. Hart, Esq., Treasurer of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, Philadelphia, one-third of your subscription on or before the 14th day of April next, one-third on or before the 14th
day of May next, and the other third on or before the 14th day of June next.
The improvement called for is one of great importance to the Company, as,
with the two wires now up, it is found to be very difficult to answer the demands
of the public. With four wires, all the business we may be called upon to do
can be promptly done, and the income of the line will be very much increased*
Yours, respectfully,
B. B. FRENCH,
President of the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
The President laid before the Board the following letter from the Hon. F. 0 .
J. Smith:
NEW-YORK, March 29th', 1849.
To B. B. FRENCH, PRESIDENT OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY :

As one of the owners of Morse's Patent of the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph,
I hereby agree, that, if the Magnetic Telegraph Company shall, in conformity
with the requirement of Hon. Amos Kendall, in behalf of the Patentees, and as
their Agent, put up two new wires from Washington to New-York City, as the
existing ones now extend, do the same within the year 1849, and cause stock to

140
be issued in conformity with the Articles of Agreement and Association of said
Company, I will relinquish, all the right reserved to me in said Articles, to make
any further call for new wires, or to receive any further stock on any new wires
that may be put up by said Company on said line, after the said two wires, first
above mentioned, shall be put up as above specified
FRANCIS 0. J. SMITH.
On motion of Mr. Hart, Resolved, That so much of a resolution heretofore
adopted, authorizing the collection of omnibus fare in the delivery of messages in
the city of Philadelphia be rescinded.
On motion of Mr. French, Resolved, That as soon as funds shall be secured to put
up the two additional wires from "Washington, to the city of New-York, called
for by the Patentees on the 10th of March, 1849, the President of this Company
be, and he is hereby authorized to cause the same to be erected as soon as may be,
and that he be authorized to draw on the Treasurer from time to time for the
money necessary to pay for said work.
Said Line to be put up of good number ten wire, upon cross pieces at least
three feet in length, well secured to the posts, and upon such insulators as may
be deemed by the President, after examination and test, best suited for security,
and best calculated to keep the line in constant working order. Mr. Hart called
for the Ayes and Noes, on the adoption of the resolution, which resulted as
follows, viz:
Ayes.—Messrs. Williams, Norton, Kendall, French and Clark.
Noes.—Messrs. Swain and Hart.
On motion of Mr. Norton, Resolved, That a dividend of four per cent, on the
Capital Stock of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, be and the same is hereby declared out of the profits of said Cmopany, to be paid by the Treasurer on demand^
on and after this day. Mr. Hart called for the Ayes and Noes, which resulted
as follows:
Ayes.—Messrs. Norton, Kendall, French and Clark.
Noes.—-Messrs. Swain and Hart.
On motion of Mr. Swain, Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company be
authorised to contribute towards the expenses of sustaining the Ocean Telegraph
Line, extending between Lewes and Wilmington, Delaware, the amount of balance now due from that Company to the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
On motion of Mr. Clark, Resolved, That the President be authorised to open
an office in the City of Newark, New-Jersey.
The President laid before the Board a letter from B. Allen, Esq., of New-York,
offering to coat the wires of our Line at the rate of $15 00 per mile for one wire,
$25 00 per mile for two wires, which letter was referred to the President to
return an answer, declining the proposition.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, Resolved, That the New-York Directors be requested to inquire into the amount of an award said to have been rendered by

141
Judge Kent, of Kew-York, against Amos Kendall, in favor of Beecher, on a claim
against the Magnetic Telegraph Company, upon which suit was brought against
said Kendall while President of the Company, and that they report to the
Treasurer the amount of said award, and all costs and expenses which the said
Kendall has paid, or may be bound to pay, and the Treasurer is hereby instructed
to pay the same out of the funds of this Company.
On Motion of Mr. Clark, Besohed, That the President be empowered to enter
into such an arrangement with Ezra Cornell, as to cause the wires of this Company, and of the New-York and Erie Telegraph Company, to be placed on the
same posts in the villages of Tarrytown and Sing Sing, the same to be done
under the supervision of the President of this Company and of Mr. Cornell, and
at the equal expense of the two Companies.
On motion the Board adjourned*
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary,

143
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at their office, No. 5 Hanover Street, in the City
of New-York, on Thursday, July 12th, 1849, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Present:
The President, B. B. French, Messrs. Canby, Clark, Hart, Swain, and Norton.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer presented the following Quarterly Reports, which were read,
and on motion accepted.
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
In submitting the Quarterly Statement of the doings of " The Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the months of April, May, and June, 1849," the Treasurer
will remark, that owing to a partial suspension of business in certain sections of
the country, caused by the prevailing epidemic and other derangements, the
receipts for the business of the Line were not equal to those of the preceding
Quarter—although they exceed those of the corresponding Quarter of 1848
about $3,000.
The entire receipts of the Company during the Quarter, amount to $81,914 16,
from the following sources : For Transmission of Messages, $16,404 83 ; for
other Lines $7,454 08 ; for Extra Service $174 00 ; Rent, Refunded, <fec, $119 92,
and for additional Subscription to Stock, $7,761 "33, which, with a balance on
liand at commencement of Quarter of $9,770 83, amounts to $41,684 99.
From the Receipts of the Line there was deposited to the credit of the Treasurer, $10,328 06 ; Rent and Property Sold, $44 10, and for Additional Stock,
$7,761 33 ; making, with a balance in Treasury on the 1st of April of $9,187 4 1 ;
together, $27,320 90; out of that sum there has been paid for dividends,
$7,943 00; Construction, $3,334 29; Salaries, Rents and Repairs, $1,868 13;Miscellaneous, $1,573 4 1 ; to Stations, $2,860 12; leaving a balance in Treasury
to Construction account of $4,647 84; and on the Business of the Company,
$5,594 11; together, 10,241 95.
The disbursements by Stations were, for Salaries, 4,767 08 ; Repairs,
$1,681 11; Miscellaneous, $1,044 15; Messengers, $542 79; Ex. Service, $170 50;
Rent, $363 74 ; Refunded, $98 2 1 ; and to other Lines, $7,530 25 ; making the
entire Expenditures during the Quarter, $30,416 66.
The Treasurer would call the attention of the Board to the importance of so
amending certain of the present Rules and Regulations, relating to the management of Stations, and the disposition of the funds thereof, as to enable a ready
compliance on the part of the principal Operator or chief Clerk, and thus enable
the proper Officer to require strict conformity with the regulations prescribed
by the Board of Directors and the Company.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

Treasurer's Quarterly Report of Receipts and Disbursements of the Magnetic Telegraph Co. for April, M a y and June, 1849.
APL.

I M A Y . ] JUNE.

AP'L

MAY.

JUNE.

9,187 41
Bal. in Treasury, Mar. 31, '49,
2,809 97 524 32
583 42;| $9,770 83 Am't p'd by Trea. for Const'n
"
at Stations, "
" Contingent and Repairs, 230 00|
217 65
Rece'ts for line, PhiTa Station] 1,346
1,305 83 1,0.96 27;
•" Salaries
229 16, 254 16| 254 16
" New-York < 1,930
2,090 37 1,689 52J:
" Miscellaneous Expenses] 418 17 685 01 470 23,
"
" Baltimore "
1,026 661 724 68
844
" Rent, <fcc.,....
.
58 00 125 001
!
" Washingt'n " 1,170
1,244 18 1,171 80
" Dividends,
7,839 00 104 00]
" Wilniingt'n "
152 90| 162 14
132
" Stations for repairs,..
696 15 594 41
"
" Jersey City "
29 57 17 80;
52
"
" Salaries
1,582 18| 1,589 12
"
< Trenton
34 6l| 36 94
41
138 26 132 25|
"
" N. Rruns'k "
15 86 12 21
26
Miscellaneous,
.530 72| 178 71
"
" Princeton "
7 85;
3
4 47j
Extra service
45 50]
i(
85 50
"
H.de Grace"
5
8 82 11 59
Rent
170 83 108 33
"
" Newark
«
6 98
0
0 00
Re-funded
42 49
31 39!
Other Lines.
2,661 65 2,733 96|
5,554 16 5,913 27 4,937 40 $16,404 83
Rec'ts for oth. lines PhiTa "
342
271 37 225 20
$30,416 66
14,642 11 9,431~81
"
" New-York " 1,887
2,001 17 1,553 69
Balance in Treasurers hands,.
10,241 95
"
" Baltimore "
;
246 16 181 40
230
*
at Stations,
1,026 38
"
" Washin'tn "
145 35 95 29
163
11,268 33
"
" Wilming'tn "
3 43 10 35
9
"
" Jersey City"
3 14
26
7
«
" Trenton
2 85;
2
9
2 78
"
" N.Bruns'k "
1
6
5 16|
"
" Princeton "
2
$41,684 99
2 56
"
" H.de Grace"
11 12
«
* Newark
"
2,677 52 2,683 02 2,093 54 $7,454 08
Rec'ts for extra service,
54 50| 81 50, 38 00
" Deliv'ing of messages!
6 6.9.
25
" Refun'd by oth'r lines 15 47,
3 67 10 10
" Rent of part of Office 27 74 37 50|
All of which is respectfully submitted,
" Postages..
55)
25
" Property Sold...
4 75
1 85
7 50
" Unaccounted for.
3 60
293 92
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.
|2,194 66i3,458 33|2,108 34) $7,761 38
Additional Stock,
'$41,684 99U

The Secretary presented the following Quarterly Reports, which were read, and on motion accepted.
Report of Materials consumed at Stations for the Quarter ending June 31st, 1849.

I
New-York,
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Washington,
Wilmington,
Jersey City,
N. Brunsvfk,
Trenton,
Princeton,
Hav. de Grace

3
o

60 92 ;i23 34
! 81 99
i 40 08
; 45 34
50 ! 10 28
50 ! 8 88
! 4 55
! 3 52
I 4 04
! 8 62
157 31 { 11 68 j 330 64
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

146
SECRETARIES QUARTERLY REPORT , of the several Stations, from April 1st, to June 30th, 1849.
\Date.
Stations.
N e w - i o r k , 1 April
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia,
Wilmington,
II. de Grace.
Baltimore,
Washington,
Hew-York, May.
J e r s e y City,
N . Brunswi'k
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia.
Wilmington,
H . de Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,
N e w - Y o r k , June I
J e r s e y City,
Newark,
N . Brunswi'k
Princeton,
Trenton,
Philadelphia
Wilmington,
H . d e Grace,
Baltimore,
Washington,

^-L,-_,-_-, - ^

[Reel's
\ex wk

Rece'ts of\ \jRec'tsfor, Miscel 1 \Paidoth-\ OperaVs
\\P'dex.l •.Messen- \ \ Repairs] 1 Station-l Lights j
the LineA lot herlines laneous | erLines.! $ Clerks
work.
gets.
\of Line. 1 erv- j < - Fuel
$
$1,930 62 •$1887 96: 447 28
320 82 i 15 00 1 36 J4
401 071
403 611 165 26
16 70:
52 13
26 991
50 00
1 96
2 00
1 92
5 26
26 93
6 35
41 66
5 50
31
1 06
3 04
54
1 86
41 66
1 001
22 i
50
41 85
9 62
4 24
41 66
11 Olj
6 00
i 44;
1,346 89 |
342 83
29 57
813 94
380 55
21 00
48 00
79 12
3 87
132 16
9 24;
95 05
60 00
11 80
6 00
1 38
1 80:
5 34
20
8 41
50 00
86 81!
844 98
230 65
61 92! 254 66
23 24
7 50
14 63
24 12
1,170 27
163 14
66 22 1,384 72j 279 16
2 00
8 20,
18 00j
12 00
10 90
2,090 37
2,001 1 7 !
87 55
320 82
370 01
20 00 | 16 00
467 90
2 68
12 65
7 99
29 57
4 93
50 00
2 03'
12 88i
4 51
15 86 1
1 84
70
41 66
4 00
50
38
4 47 1
2 54
1 28
41 66
4 00!
50
34 61 |
2 53
25
[ 41 66
1 25
i
6 00
1 46
1 98
' 1,305 83 j
271 37
16 86
920 72
387 49 32 00
54 13,
54 00
1 25
152 90 !
3 43
5 871
60 00
1 00
1 46,
0 00
1 12
8 82 1
14 84
50 00
39 43
1,026 66 1 246 19
76 62
60 88' 254 58 23 50
3 75
!- 27 65
32 25
1,244 18
145 35
23 44 1,382 35
279 16
10 00
2 00
6 00
18 00
1,689 52
1,553 69
167 99
285 85
320 82
11 00
262 33
10 66
76 25
110 00
17 80
3 14
27 51
50 00
10 41
! 4 26
6 98
11 12
4 29
41 66
46
2 37 i
4 50
15
12 21
2 78
42
41 66 1
13 50
41
• 1 88
7 85
5 16
1 13
41 66 j
1 00
37
36 94
2 85
2 95
41 66
7 50
1,095 27
225 20
12 26
753 22
387 49
19 00
70 98
55 50
\ " 60!
162 76
10 35
23 60
50 00
7 50
3 25
75
1159
2 56
13 25
50 00
18 06
724 68
181 40
42 73 |
53 60
204 39
5 50
9-25
40 00
1 1,159 80
95 29
35 79
1,041 97 I 304 16 1 4 00 1 31 80
23 62|
4 50f
|$7,529 42 | $4,580 70 ($170 50 | $542 79 j 1,587 78!I $297 461 |$114 84
1^167392 83 1 $7,454 13 i 1,245 40

1

41 00
9 50
4 00

38 00
43 50

20 00
18 00
$174 00

Rail Road Communications for the Quarter, sent free,

|

„

,. ..... . . . . . . . , , .

Bat- IRefun.,
I Total Disded. j Deposited, j bursement.
tery.
2 00 20 51 H i , 9 5 0 00
3,778 39
50
61 54
48 53
45 24
64 35
3 48
592 25
1,971 78
60
267 16
53
90 00
145 22
1 00
625 00
1,012 07
16 90
1,798 10
2 50: 16 22
2,510 00
3,826 33
74 35
1 62
10
48 96
31
47 75
06
52 66
5 63
275 00
1,747 08
16
11
163 72
88 00
104 27
13 99: 5 63 i
1,323 85
825 00
3 80
1.724 75
6 77 1 • 50
3,289 17
2,037 00
92 18
1 75
55 18
25
58 12
81
44 97
06
55 1.7
1,938 42
635 00
4 97
40
149 64
62 50
1 04
81 31
996 25
2 47]
638 31
1,468 79
7 601 15 35
$39~2l| | 98 31 [$10,328 06] |i26,535 30

,.....,..,.

$56 75.

141
The President laid before the Board a lettef frdm Messrs E. W. Oarr, of Philadelphia, and John Wills, of Baltimore, complaining of the manner in which theif
dispatches are received over our Line.
On motion of Mr. Canby, the letter was referred to tke new Board of Directors.
On motion of Mr. Canby,
Resolved, That a dividend of Two per cent, on the Capital Stock of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, issued previous to the order for erection of the two
additional wires now in progress, be and the same is hereby declared Out of the
profits of said Company, to be paid by the Treasurer on demand, on and after
the 18th instant.
On motion, the Board adjourned, sine die.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.
The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company,
was held at their office, No. 5 Hanover Street, in the City of New-York, on
Thursday, July 12th, 1849, at 4 o'clock, P. M.
Upon examination a majority of the Stock was found to be represented.
The minutes of the last Annual Meeting were read and approved.
The President offered the following Annual Report, which was read, and on
motion, ordered to be printed, viz:
To the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company 1
GENTLEMEN:

Another year having passed since I last had the honor of addressing you, it
becomes my duty to state to you such of the transactions, during its continuance,
as have not already come officially to your knowledge, and as I may think of
sufficient interest, or importance, to be laid before yoit.
It gives me pleasure to state, generally, that the Line of Telegraph belonging
to this Company, has worked from Washington to Jersey City (or from Washington to New-York, since the North River Line was placed in circuit) nearly all
the time during the year, I do not intend to say that both wires have worked
independently of each other, or that the Line has worked directly through without
repeating—but that it has been in the power of the Company, with but very
few interruptions, and those only for a brief time, to send messages from Washington to New-York. And no better evidence can be adduced of this fact, than
the income of the Line, which, after paying all expenses, has enabled the Directors to declare handsome dividends upon the capital stock of the Company.

148
At the last Annual Meeting of the Stockholders, certain resolutions W6r6
passed directing the President to perform certain acts. The first resolution contained a direction to " the President and Directors to employ some competent
person to discover and remedy the defects on the Line from Philadelphia to
Baltimore, and especially in the vicinity of Port Deposit and the Bush and
Gunpowder Rivers."
This resolution was reported by a Committee, to whom the President's Annual
Report was referred, and was unanimously adopted by the meeting. The Board
of Directors—considering the supervision of the Line as the special duty of the
President—took no official action thereon. The duty, therefore, of carrying it
into effect, was left entirely with the President. Immediately upon the adjournment of the Board of Directors, on the 12th of July, 1848, I employed a competent man, Mr. Henry "W. Cleveland, to examine the Line carefully from Baltimore
to Philadelphia, and remedy any defects he might find upon it. He proceeded
at once to perform the duty, and as soon as it was in my power I followed him.
Prom Baltimore to Havre de Grace the Line was found to be in good working
order. From Havre de Grace to "Wilmington both wires worked as one. On
my arrival at Havre de Grace, I proceeded on foot as far as Port Deposit, passing up on the tow path of the canal and crossing the Port Deposit bridge. I
found every thing right until I reached the island, at which place I found Mr.
Cleveland at work, removing the wires from a large willow tree, into which one
of them had imbedded itself considerably, while the other lay upon the naked
iron hook, and had sawed it nearly off. This was sufficient to account for the
connection of the wires, jpn arriving at the Port, the day being excessively hot,
I found myself too nearly exhausted to attempt to go farther on foot; I therefore
returned to Havre de Grace in the steamboat, and the next morning crossed the
River, and procuring a horse and wagon followed the Line to Port Deposit—
and then, for the first time, became aware that the wires, for a great part of the
distance, were fastened to trees. I had been told, a short time before, that trees
were occasionally used instead of posts, but had no idea that it was a general
thing. I hardly need say that the line was in a very bad condition. /The swaying of the trees had either drawn out the hooks, broken the glasses, or removed
them from the hooks in many places.
On arriving at the Port, I gave strict directions that the wire should not be
left fastened to a tree, unless it was owned by the Company, and could be trimmed in such a manner as not to be moved by the wind. My directions were
faithfully followed, and as soon as Mr. Cleveland's labors were completed, the
Line commenced working well, and, with a few unavoidable interruptions, has
continued to do so until this time.
I may be permitted here to say, that when the very respectable Committee,
to whom my report of last year was referred, reported that the ground near Port
Deposit was " swampy," and that the tract " near Port Deposit and the vicinity
of the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers is boggy, and difficult of access," they relied

149
upon information entitled to no credence. Upon the most careful personal inspection, I have found neither bog or swamp over or through which our Line passes
in either of the vicinities mentioned. On one side of the River the posts are on
the tow path of the canal, on the other on hills, rocks and ledges, that would not
dishonor the Granite State itself, in which one of the Committee, and the writer
of this report, drew the first breath of their existence.
The other resolutions passed by the Stockholders, related exclusively to
Certain matters connected with the Patentees, which were acted upon by me,
and the result made known to the Board of Directors and published among their
proceedings, to which the Stockholders are respectfully referred.
During the past year the practicability of conveying the galvanic current
under water, by means of wire covered with Gutta Percha, has been tested with
complete success. The Lines are now working through the water at the drawers
of the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers, at Newark, and entirely across the Susquehanna at Havre de Grace, in this manner. At the drawers of the Gunpowder
and Bush Rivers, the wire was put down last August, and appears to be in as
good condition now as when first put down. At Havre de Grace they Were put
down early last spring. It is very uncommon, I am informed, for vessels to
anchor in the ferry way, where our wires are laid ; still, the first wire put down
at the latter place, was broken in a short time by an anchor. As soon as the
current of the river, which was very rapid when it was broken, would permit,
it was taken up, mended, and again put down, and has worked well ever since.
Notwithstanding this manner of crossing the Susquehanna, I have thought it
best to have the wires kept up around by Port Deposit, so that in case any
accident should happen to our wires across the River, there would be only a few
moments interruption of the Line.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Committee appointed by the
Stockholders, that " the Line should be carried to the vicinity of "West Point,
and a crossing of the Hudson effected in the usual manner, (on poles) and the
Line then continued to New-York ;" and also with a former resolution of the
Stockholders, adopted December 8th, 1847 : the Board of Directors on the 11th
of July, 1848—"Resolved, That a Committee of three, of which the President
shall be one, be appointed to thoroughly examine, at the earliest practicable
moment, each side of the Hudson River, from the city of New-York to West
Point, for the purpose of ascertaining the most practicable route for building the
Line of Telegraph, and a point for carrying the wires across the River above
water."
The Committee, consisting of the President, Messrs. Norton and Hart, attended
to the duty assigned to them, and their action—which will be found in a report
made to the Board of Directors on the 8th of August last—resulted in a contract
with John W. Norton, Esq., to build a Line of two wires for $11,000. For all
the proceedings in relation to the building of this Line, I respectfully refer the
Stockholders to the printed proceedings of the several meetings of the Board of

150
Directors, while it was hi progress, and after its campletion, where they are
fully set forth.
After great trouble and difficulty in relation to this Line—which I here say,
as I have before said: is as good a Line as exists in this country, so far as
the workmanship of putting it up, and the material used is concerned—both
wires commenced working well the latter part of June. It has worked as a
single wire much of the time since it was put in circuit, but in consequence of
the indiscretion, or want of practical knowledge of some one employed in putting
it up, some of the glasses were fastened to the iron hooks by tie wires, which
wires were connected with the main wire ; and so difficult has it been to see
these tie wires with the naked eye, that until very recently they were not all
removed. Thus a connection was made through the post from one hook to the
other, causing the wires to work together. After going myself twice over that
line from New-York to Jersey City, and three times over a portion of it, and
after causing it to be, as I believed, thoroughly inspected, it still continued to
work slightly together.
On the 6th of June, it being evident from the working of the entire Line from
Washington to New-York, that connections were formed between the wires, by
the foliage of the trees, if not by other causes, I directed Mr. Morrow, the Operator at Havre de Grace, to go over the Line from his office to Jersey City, and carefully, and thoroughly examine it—to replace every insulator that he might find
removed, to see at every place where the wires passed through foliage, that they
touched neither the limbs or leaves; to test the wires where they passed under
water, and to go into every office on the route, and request the person having
charge of it, to show him all the connections, so that he could report, on his return,
that he had seen the entire Line. On Mr. Morrow's arrival at New-York, the up
river wires were working together. I was in the interior of Massachusetts, and
a vain attempt was made to communicate with me by Telegraph. Under these
circumstances, Mr. Clark, one of the Directors of this Company, in New-York,
very properly directed Mr. Morrow to extend his examination up the North
River, which he did, and as his report shows, found many imperfections, which
he remedied. His report to me accompanies this report, and is designed to make
a part thereof. Since Mr. Morrow's return, the Line has, with very few exceptions, caused by local and known reasons, worked well.
On the 10th day of March last, the Patentees, through their Agent Hon.
Amos Kendall, addressed to me a request—in conformity with the 4th Article
of the Articles of Association—that two more wires should be put up between
Washington City and New-York, accompanying it with a stipulation that, upon
a compliance with this request, the Panentees would relinquish all further claim,
under said 4th Article, upon the Company for any additional wires. The letter
will be found printed, at length, in the proceedings of the Board of Directors,
page 138.
By order of the Board of Directors, that request has been complied with.
The necessary funds have been subscribed, the contracts for materials entered

151
into, and the work is rapidly progressing. The new wires have already been
placed across the bridges at the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers, as especially
directed by me, and have been tested. Several tons of wire is distributed along
the Line, and 1600 new posts, of the best kind possible to be procured for any
reasonable sum, have been purchased and distributed. These posts, being intended to replace old ones, will of course be charged to repairs of the Line, instead
of construction. This heavy expenditure will consume a considerable portion of
the surplus, that would otherwise have been devoted to dividends at this time.
"While I was procuring subscriptions to erect the new wires just mentioned,
suggestions were thrown out from some quarter, that the holders of Morse's
Patent had the power, under our Articles of Agreement and Association, to
establish other Lines of Telegraph, parallel to our line, connecting points beyond
the termini of our Line. The Agent and Attorney of Messrs. Morse and Vail,
Hon. Amos Kendall, was informed of these suggestions, when he immediately
drew up and placed-in my hands a paper, of which the following is a copy, viz:
" Having understood that some of the subscribers to the Stock of The Magnetic
Telegraph Company, have been detered from making further subscriptions,: by
the suggestion that the Grantors of the Patent Right have the power, under
the Articles of Agreement and Association, to establish other Lines of Telegraph,
parallel to the Line of said Company, connecting points beyond the termini of
said Line, and thus depriving the said Company of the through business from
Boston to New-Orleans, and from Washington to Boston, and in all like cases, I
deem it my duty to state, that I consider the Articles of Agreement and Association; constituting The Magnetic Telegraph Company, as intended to secure to
said Company, on the conditions therein named, the transmission over their Line
of all messages between New-York, and points north and east of that city on
the one hand, and Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, and points south
and west of those places, on the other hand, and vice versa ; and, unless The
Magnetic Telegraph Company should, on demand, refuse to comply with the
terms of connection with other main Lines, prescribed in the Articles of Agreement and Association, I should consider it an act of bad faith on the part of the
Grantors of the Patent Right, to establish new Lines or make other arrangements,
with the view of depriving The Magnetic Telegraph Company of this business."
" And for the further satisfaction and security of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company, as the Agent of Samuel F. B. Morse and Alfred Vail, owning three*
fourths of the interest remaining to the Grantors of the Patent Right on the Line
of said Company, I hereby stipulate with, and guarantee to the subscribers for
Stock in the said Company, that no Line of Telegraph shall be built, or other
arrangements made by, or under the authority of the said Morse and Vail, for
the purpose of diverting from The Magnetic Telegraph Company its appropriate business, as herein before described, or other business analogous thereto:
Provided, always, that the said Company shall not refuse, when required, to
fulfil its own obligations, in relation to connection with other main Lines, except

152
so far as they may be modified by the common consent of the Companies interested therein; but this requisition shall, in no event, be extended beyond the
main Lines of Morse's Telegraph now built, in whole or in part."
Witness my hand, as Jtgent aforesaid, this 13th day of April, 1849.
AMOS KENDALL.
Witness}

WILT MM M. SWAIN,
JOHN" W. NORTON.

A new Line of Telegraph from Washington to Philadelphia, intended as a
rival Line to ours, and assuming to be worked under letters patent, issued to
one Alexander Bain, an English gentleman, has been erected within the past
year, and has just commenced operations between the points mentioned. I have
yet had no means of ascertaining whether this new Line works in a manner
sufficiently well to create any apprehensions of injury to this Company ; but,
from what I have learned, I have no doubt it is an infringement of the Patent
Right of Prof. Morse, and the most able counsel I have consulted, has advised me
that there is hardly the shadow of a doubt, that The Magnetic Telegraph Company will triumph in an action at law. In conformity with a resolution of the
Board of Directors, I have employed able counsel in the city of Philadelphia, to
commence legal proceedings against the proprietors of this new line, as soon as
possible.
While our fellow citizen, Prof. Morse, with a modesty well becoming an
American, was content with calling his wonderful and awe-inspiring invention
by the unassuming name of " The Electro-Magnetic Telegraph," the invention of
an Englishman, which the proprietors of this new Line pretend to use, has been
dignified by the name of "The North American Telegraph." I can hardly
believe that Mr. Bain was the author of this title, for, if he possesses the usual
pride and patriotism of his countrymen, he would have sought to have his own
invention identified with his country, and have called it, what it properly is,
The English Telegraph. The name, by which it is now known, was probably
adopted to induce a belief in the public mind, that the new Line was of American origin, and this was done by some one, whose eager desire to break down
Prof. Morse and his Patents, would not be checked by any considerations of
honor, honesty, or patriotism. I view it as an effort to deceive the public, and
I know several instances where gentlemen, misled by the gilded letters " North
American Telegraph," have gone into the offices in Washington and Baltimore,
and sent messages, under the belief that they were employing Morse's Telegraph.
The reasons which have prevented the commencement of a suit against the
Company using the Printing Telegraph, invented by Prof. House, and worked^
as many believe, by Prof. Morse's Electro-Magnetic Invention, will be found in
the printed proceedings of the Directors. That Line, although it is said to be
doing a good business, has not had much apparent effect upon the income of our
Company for the past year, and, viewing the subject in its pecuniary aspect—it
is questionable whether we had better enter into the expense of litigation with i t

153
A suit was commenced against this Company, in Few-York, on the 18th of
May last, by Peter M. Peterson and Henry Venner, for the recovery of $166 84,
claimed to be due for labor performed in the building of some portion of the
Line up the North River. The plaintiffs in this case, assuredly have no grounds
of action against this Company—that Line having been built by contract, and
all the work upon it having been done under the direction and supervision of
the Contractor or his Sub-Contractors, without any assumption of authority from
this Company, or any Agent of it. The process was served on T. M. Clark, Esq.,
the Secretary of our Company, and one of its Directors, and he notified me of
the fact. I immediately addressed a letter to Mr. Norton, the Contractor, on the
subject, expressing a hope that he would at once take steps to save the Company
the trouble of defending themselves in a court of law, against a suit in which
they have assumed no liability whatever.
To this letter Mr. Norton promptly replied, and in his letter used the follow-ing language : " If I am allowed to manage this matter with Messrs. Peterson
and Venner, I will agree to pay every cent that the Company would have to
pay—with this understanding, viz : that the amount they claim is for work done
on any part of the Line belonging to this Company, that extends from NewYork up and across, and down the Hudson River to Jersey City ; and that the
Secretary, or any other\officer of the Company, (other than J. D. Park or myself)
has in no case said ought that will render the Company liable for the bill—with
this understanding, I am ready, and willing to meet the above, or any other just
claims that can be brought against the Company for the line I contracted for
and built."
To this letter I replied, "If you conclude that the claim of Peterson & Venner,
is unjust, and that you will defend the present suit, please take the necessary
steps to do so, you, of course, paying all costs, counsel fees, &c., and saving The
Magnetic Telegraph Company harmless in the whole matter." This portion of
my letter was prefaced by advising a settlement by Mr. Norton, of the claim of
Peterson & Venner, if it were a just one.
I requested Mr. Clark to hand over to Mr. Norton, all the papers relative to
the case, which he did, and I understand Mr. Norton is making preparation for
a defence.
Within a few months past, Prof. Sears C. "Walker, an Officer of the Coast
Survey, has made application to me, for the use of our Line of Telegraph, for
purposes connected with the scientific operations of that Department of the
Government. I have granted him all the facilities possible, with the understanding that his operations are in no contingency to interfere with the business of our
Line. He is to pay a reasonable compensation for the use of the line, and to
pay the Operators for any extra services rendered at times when they are not
employed in the business of the Company.
Prof. Henry, the able and accomplished Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti*
tion, has applied to me, to know whether that portion of Morse's Telegraph

154
tinder my supervision, can, free of charge, be devoted for a few minutes each
day, in aiding " in the diffusion of knowledge among men"—the Institution fur^
nishing, at such of our Stations as it may be found desirable, the necessary
instruments to aid in obtaining the scientific information necessary. In making
this request, Prof Henry stated to me the present want of funds of the Instp
tution, in consequence of the devotion of a very large portion of the income to
the erection of the building, as a reason why he asked the aid of the Telegraph
Companies free of charge, and he also said that the expense of procuring the
necessary instruments, would be very heavy.
Viewing the scientific efforts of the Smithsonian Institution as of vast importance to our country, and as worthy of the countenance and aid of every Society,
or Company, composed of individuals of liberal feelings, enlarged views, and
exalted patriotism. I assured Prof. Henry that every facility, consistent with
the business of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, would be granted to effect
the purposes desired.
In my last Annual Report, I expressed the opinion that our Tariff of Charges
might he reduced, without detriment to the interests of the Company. The
experience of another year has only confirmed that opinion, arid in view of the
rivalry sought to be established against us, and in anticipation of soon having
four wires at our command, I again earnestly recommend a reduction. I also
recommend that steps be- taken to attach a special rate of charge to despatches,
intended to pass from our Line over the Washington and New-Orleans Com*
pany's Line. The business of that Line is of the utmost importance to our
Company—indeed, could that Line be made to work, as I trust it will, with the
certainty and precision with which our Line works, it would furnish sufficient
business to keep two of our wires in constant employment, and would double
the receipts of our Company. It is, therefore, exceedingly desirable that the
Tariff of Charges, from New-York to New-Orleans, should be so equalized as to
give satisfaction, not only to the "Washington and New-Orleans Company, but
to the public.
The compensation to the Trustees of this Company is, by the Articles of
Agreement &nd Association, to be fixed by the Stockholders, and is now $100
per annum to each. This is by no means an adequate compensation to the
Trustee, who has charge of the books and papers of the Cpmpany. His duties
have been very much increased within the two past years, and his salary (never
sufficient to pay him for the services rendered) should be increased accordingly.
The gentleman now having charge of that part of the business of the Company,
A. J. Glossbrenner, Esq., is eminently qualified for its discharge, in the most
creditable manner to himself and the Company ; and I hope the Stockholders
will grant him a compensation in some measure adequate to his services, and
that they will take under consideration the length of time he has performed the
duty for an inadequate compensation.
The salaries of the other officers of the Company, are fixed by the Board of
Directors—still, I deem it proper here to allude to that of one of them, which

155
in justice ought to be increased. The duties of the Treasurer have been very
largely added to since the Company commenced making dividends, and within
the past year they must have been much more than doubled. The salary
attached to that office is only $7 50 per annum, and if its duties are faithfully
and properly performed, as I take pleasure in saying they have been by our
present Treasurer, nearly all his time from one end of the year to the other,
must be devoted to them, and in my opinion $1200 per annum is not to large
a sum to compensate any man, of competent business talents, for performing
those duties. I hope this meeting will express an opinion upon this subject,
by which the Board of Directors will doubtless be governed.
In May last, in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors, an
office was established by me at Newark, N. J. A number of respectable citizens
of that place, were anxious that an office should be established there, and
addressed to me a letter on the subject. It is considered an experiment, and
if, in a reasonable time, it does not pay the expense of keeping it up, I presume
it will be abolished. It has not been long enough in operation to admit of an
opinion being formed as to the income that will be derived from it.
B. B. FRENCH,
President Magnetic Telegraph Company.,
NEW-YORK, JULY 12th, 1849,*

HAVRE DE GRACE, JULY 5th,

1849.

B. B. FRENCH, ESQ,
Bear Bir—According to your direction I started on the 11th of June, for
the purpose of examining the line thoroughly between this place and New-York
City. For an assistant in making any repairs on the route, I employed one Mr.
Ives, of Havre de Grace, who accompanied me the whole route. I also sent a
man from Havre de Grace to Baltimore, to examine the line and make such repairs as he should find necessary—putting on of insulations, trimming trees, &c.
From Havre de Grace to Wilmington I found nothing wrong, save a few
insulations off—examined Wilmington office and found the wires all right-—
between Wilmington and Philadelphia found a few insulations off—also found
it necessary to cut off the limbs from some few trees along the route. On my
arrival at the Philadelphia office, I asked permission of Mr. Westervilt, the then
acting chief operator, (Mr. Park being absent) to allow me to examine the wires,
batteries and connections in the office. Considerable reluctance was manifested
in compliance with this request; but upon telling him I had directions from you,
I was shown through the office by Messrs. Westervilt and Carnihan. The batteries looked very well, the wires were all right and connections properly made.

156
I left Philadelphia on the 15th, trimmed a number of trees between Philadelphia and Trenton, and put on about thirty insulations. Just at the upper
end of Richmond, I found the wires ran through an apple tree, and yery closely
imbedded in the limbs : to the upper wire was attached a small piece of copper
wire, which hung loose and below the lower wire—which, when the wind blew
in the right direction, might easily haye blown against the lower wire, and thereby
causing interruption.
At Trenton I examined the connections and found them all good with one
exception, which was the main wire connected with the magnet wire in too careless a manner. From Trenton to Princeton put on about half-a-dozen insulations:
trimmed a few trees. In the Princeton office found the connections poorly made,
both with the main and local wires—whether made by the present operator, or
by the one formerly occupying the office, I am unable to say. From Princeton
to New Brunswick, I put on some twenty or thirty insulations, trimmed some
ten or a dozen trees. In the New Brunswick office, I found the connections
und^r the table rather infirm, but otherwise all was right. Between New Brunswick and Newark, put on forty or fifty insulators and trimmed a great number
of trees. At a piece of woods near Elizabethtown, I was nearly four hours
trimming the trees, and only about five hundred yards of woods. At Elizabethtown found the upper wire resting against the chimney of a house ; I tightened
the wire so that it does not touch. The man who owns the house was very
desirous of having a pole put in at that place—fearing, as he said, the lightning
would strike his building. At the Newark office, I found the wires all right.
Between Newark and Jersey City, I put on but two insulations, and did no trimming at all. At the Passaic River, tested the Gutta Percha and found it good.
At the Jersey City office found all right.
On the 25th, started from New-York to examine the lines up to their place
of crossing the North River, thence to Jersey City. In the City of New-York I
trimmed a number of trees, and put in one place a piece of Gutta Percha wire
on each line. In Harlem trimmed a number of trees. Between Harlem and
Tarry town, I parted the wires in two places, and put in pieces of wire for the
purpose of giving the lower wire more slack, and thereby prevent them getting
twisted again.- Between Sing Sing and Peekskill, parted and fixed them in same
manner as at Tarrytown. At the place of crossing the River, found all right.
Between Caldwell's Landing and Haverstraw, I parted the wires in one place,
put in a piece of Gutta Percha wire, and found eight of the wires used for ties
on the insulations, tied or twisted to the hooks, thus rendering the insulations
of no service. From Haverstraw to Jersey City, trimmed a few trees, and put
in one piece of Gutta Percha wire. On the whole route from New-York to
Jersey City, I put on about twenty-five insulations. The poles are large and I
think mostly of chestnut and white oak. The wires, although single, is of good
quality and well put up. The insulations are all of the largest and best of the
kind. In fine, I consider it a yery good piece of line, and can see no reason why
it cannot work as well as any other line now in use.

157
The time I spent in the examination and repairing of the Line was nineteen
days, at the expense of $88 78. I have spared no pains in my examination of
the Line, and no endeavors in remedying any defects that I have found on i t ;
and I hope I may ever see the Line in a good working condition—for which
purpose I shall ever consider it my duty to labor, so long as employed by the
Company owning it.
I am, respectfully, your ob't serv't,
JAMES L. MORROW.
The Treasurer offered the following Annual Reports of Receipts and Disbursements for the year ending June 30th, 1849, which was read, and on motion
accepted, and ordered to be printed.
To the President and Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
The Treasurer submits the following report, with a tabular statement of the
business of The Magnetic Telegraph Company for the past year, ending June
30th, 1849 ; giving somewhat in detail the sources from whence the revenue was
derived, and for what purposes the disbursements were made. For convenient
reference the following recapitulation is given:
The entire revenue from the legitimate business of transmitting messages from
and to the different Stations on the line, amounts to $61,381 74, from the following
offices : N. York, $20,865 06 : Philadelphia, $14,466 15 : Baltimore, $9,472 78 :
Washington, $13,035 78 : "Wilmington, $1,868 36 : Jersey City, $720 40 : Trenton, $459 34: New Brunswick, $307 16: Princeton, $78 38: Havre de Grace,
$101 35 : and Newark, one month, $6 98 : received for other lines, to be paid
at different Stations on the Line of The Magnetic Telegraph Co., $28,410 89:
Property Sold, $958 73 : Delivery of Messages, $458 06 : Ex. Service, $723 63 :
Rent, $202 74 : Refunded and Postage, $151 70 : Additional Stock for Extending the Line into the City of New-York, $17,020 80 : and on account of erecting
two additional wires, $7,961 83 : making altogether $117,269 62: and with the
balance on hand July 1, 1848 of $9,921 68, the amount of $127,191 30.
Of the receipts, there was deposited to the credit of the Treasurer from Stations, $41,366 59: for Property Sold, Rent and Refunded, 1,077 64: and for
Additional Subscriptions to Stock $24,982 13 : together with balance in Treasury, July 1st, 184&, amounts to $76,986 22 : from which has been paid for Dividends, $22,996 16: Extension of the Line, $17,000 00: Repairs, $4,958 12:
Salaries, $3,996 3 1 : Miscellaneous Expenses, $2,840 64: Wilmington Railroad,
$561 75 : Rent, $183 00: Construction, $3,334 29, and to Stations, $10,241 95 ;
leaving a balance in the Treasury of $10,241 95.
Disbursements by Stations are for salaries, $18,328 19 : Repairs of the Line,
$3,854 70 : Miscellaneous Expenses, $6,149 34: Rent, $517 90 : Extra service,
$745 52: Messengers, $1,488 76 : Re-funded, $337 32: Profit and Loss,
$117 99: To other Lines, $28,513 18 : which, with the amount paid by the
Treasurer, exclusive of that paid to the Stations, is $115,922 97, and leaves a
balance at Stations of $1,026 38, and in the Treasury as above.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

JULY 1st, 1849.
T R E A S U R E R in Account with the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
To balance July 1st 1848
" Deposits for additional Stock,
"
" by Stations,
For Property Sold,
,
" Rent,
Refunded on Dividend,
,

$ 9,559 86 By Dividends,
24,982 13 " Repairs,
41,366 59 " Salaries,

932 14
137 50
8 00

00

"
"
"
"
"
"
"

Extension,
Rent,
,
Wilmington Rail Road claim,
Miscellaneous,
Stations,
Balance in Treasury,
Construction

$22,996 16
4,958 12
3,996 31
17,000 00
183 00
561 75
2,840 64
10,874 00
[ 10,241 95
3,334 29
$76,986 22

176,986 22

By balance as per Contra, on Construction account,
"
" on business of Line.. . . ,

m

|4,647 84
5,594 11

Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

ANNUAL STATEMENT, JULY 1st, 18^0.
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
I 4 QR. I
By Treasury for Dividends...] $9,474 16) $108 00 $5,471 00 $7,943 00
$9,559 86
"
" Extension,
3,200 00 10,550 00 3,250 00
3,334 29
361 82 19,921 681
737 48;
Rec'tsline Rect's line Rect's line
Rec'tsline
758 02
" Salaries,...'.
1 1,059 82 1,440 99
447 65
"
" Repairs,
2,£65 14 1,058 36 1,186 77
Rece'ts for line, Phil'a Station 3,566 46 | 3,187 75 3,963 95 3,747 99
666 15
601 08 1,573 41 j
*<
" NVw-York *
4,578 23 3 974 16 6,602 26 5,710 41
11
183 00
" "Rnl timnrp " I 1,905 85 i 2,302 25 2,668 36 2,596 32!
i
1
661 76
"
" Wilm'ng R. R. claim
"
" Washingt'n " ! 2,210 49 3,398 49 3,840 55 3,586 25
;
" Stations for S a l a r i e s . . . .
4,039 97 4,563 80 4,657 34 4,767 08
494 27 1 474 08 452 19
"
« Wilmingt'n "
447 82
"
" Repairs,
750 47
529 04
894 08 1,681 11
249 51
207 34
"
" J e r s e y City "
119 05
99 50
"
" Miscellaneous,
2,149 32 1,292 95 1,662 92 1,044 15
88 30
"
" Trenton
"
143 37
114 27
113 40
"
" Rent
154 16
363 74
"
" T J "RrrnWlr "
N
"
83 48
90 30
78 33
55 05
170 50!
304 02
271 00
21 67
"
" Princeton «
29 41
11 94
15 86
642 79
470 78
475 19
18 26
23 97
33 37
25 76
98 21
111 35
69 76
"
« Refunded,
58 00
"
" Newark
"
6 98
5,846 41 7,194 62 7,945 90 7,530 25
13,261 52 13,840 62 17,874 87 16,404 83 $61,381 741
121 15
$29,143 29 $28,810 63 $27,434 40 $30,416 66 $115,8(
172 34
Rec'ta for dehVg Messages,.
157~63
"6~94
9 49
B y profit & loss, resolution of
" Property Sold
4 75
1 25
17 70
11
7 13
83 33
23 20
" Refunded & Postage.
30 04
691 57
B y bal. at N. York Station,..
546 22
M
816 58
379 32
"
" • Philadelphia "
Posts of Iiine . .
u
1,02
18 23
a
u Wilmington
"
Rent,
75 00
62-50
65 24
10,24
Balance in Treasurers hands,.
178 00
248 50
123 13
174 00
8 00
" Refunded on Divide'd
ftl 9.1 1 C
1 ^ * * 1 , * *
1
695 09
913 93
591 92
293 92 $2,494 86
j 1

QR.

j 2 QR.

3

QR.

Bal. in Treasury, J u l y 1, 1848
"
a t Stations, "
"

585 24
Receipts at Phil'a for oth. lines
985
3,644 28 4,567
"
New-York "
"
Baltimore "
664 91
927
M
Washin'tn " j 672 58
561
"
Wilrning'tn " i
40 27
29
"
J e r s e y City " j 102 54
135
"
Trenton
"
5 97
9
4 20
K Bruns'k " l
14
"
Princeton
"
4 04
4
- "
H . de Grace "
5 07
6
"
Newark
"
$5,729 10 $7,238
Rect's for extension of Line,.
" constructing two w k e s
To Bal. as per contra at*Sta'n
H
l<
"
in Treasury

84
787 73
839 40
62 5,784 35 5,442 82
30
814 36
658 24
60
498 77
403 78
25
80 74
23 02
35
50 86
88 12
69
8 68
15 00
08
7 91
10 97
75
4 74
8 24
74
1 35
3 37
11 12
22 $7,989 49 7,454 08 $28,410
$17,020
121 00 13,505 34 2,394 46
7,961
200 00 7,761 33
$127,191
1,026 38
10,241 95

All of which is respectfully submitted

GEORGE H HART,

89
80
33
30

Treasurer

The Secretary offered the following Annual Report of Receipts and Disbursements for the year, ending June 80th, 1849, which
was read, and on motion accepted, and ordered to be printed.

1,455 491120 57
1,677 41 102 60 25
1,445 33 71 34| 27
1,389 83 79 22 29
1,241 64 78 91 34
1,342 69| 49 21 26
1,909 48 41 371 134
2,373 62 40 70 24
2,319 16; 36 98- 18
1,930 52 1 52 13 126
2,090 37 1 29 57 15
1,689 52] 17 80, |12

92
75
36
58
36
94
71
68
98
86
21

>

1

1

8 42 1 18 36| 1,253 04 161
4 761 32 96 1 1,268 77 170
8 49 I 38 62 1,044 65 162
9 32 47 73 1,159 811 1165
12 74 55 42 1,017 09 173
7 35 1 40 2211 1,010 85 134
iI 1 10 36 03l 1,170 11 (160
6 94 44 08 1 1,334 59 1137
3 90 34 16 I 1,459 25 155
j1 3 04 41 85 1,346 89 | l 3 2
I 4 47! 84 61 1,305 83 1152
7 85 36 94 ] 1,095 27, 162

1

•3

Tl
Was

S

!

Bait imore.

$
^
29 81

1

7race.\

1

P

Phil adeVa\

Jerse

New

July,
11
August,
September
October, 1
NovemVr
December
January, 1 1
February
March,
April,
May,
1
June,

^

Tren ton.

11 1 1
1 -^ 1

1849-

Princeton.

Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts at the several Stations of the Magnelic Telegraph Company,
from July 1st, 1848, to June 30th, 1849.

1
C" 4

1

589 34
462 11
2 70
97
648 711
i 604 78
4 45 1
25
838 96
972 44 1
05 11 11 1
730 59 1,220 151
I
98 1 9 59
| 909 62 1 1,189 93
46 15 38
988 41
662 04
8 40 j
65
856 89 1,162 58
7 36 i
02
948 09 1 1,356 55
03 11 67
863 38] 1,821 42
4 94
14
844 98 1 1,170 27
16 1 5 34
| 1,026 66 I 1,244 18
90 ' 1 8 82
724 68 1,159 80
76 11 59 6 98

EH

4,101
4,540
4,620
4,841
4,728
4,270
5,379
6,277
6,217
5,554
5,913
4,925

81
61
74
58
77
18
88
98
01
16
27
40

j 20,865 06 720 40 |307 16 |78 38 460 98 114,466 15 |l,868 37 llOl 35 | 6 98 | 9,472 78 |l3,023 78 |$61,371 39
. . . | 6 1 , 3 7 1 39
Ammmt. w * iho J . V ^ V / ^ J L ^ U O ^ x wx»> ^.x^^ P *.~..r +.Vi w j ^ . . w . , . .
nf ^ v
fn
•»,...... ~~.^.v
v^
- " AKQ
QK
TOTAL,

"

"

for delivering Messages,
Refunded, Property Sold, &c
Extra night work,..,
Coast Survey,
Legitimate amount of Receipts
Amount of Receipts for other Lines for the year,
Total amount of Receipts,
There has been paid by Stations, to other Lines,
"
"
"
to Operators and Clerks,
"
"
"
for extra night work,
"
"
"
to Messenger boys,
"
for Repairs of the Line,
,
"
Printing and Stationery,
Lights and Fuel,
Batteries,
Refunded,....
"
"
"
Miscellaneous items,
Amount paid to other Lines,
"
Received for other Lines,
Paid to other Lines more than Received,

..,

000 ox
°29 25
™™
• ^ J12 0 0
$63,367 62
28,411 45
• • $91,779 M
$28,486 69
16,570 61
888 25
1,951 13
3,269 84
989 75
689 8
?
112 32

.

6

.
.
..
„

387 35
5,367 83
158,563 14

*

Amount paid for Extra Night Work,
"
Received for "
"
Paid more than received,
Rail Road Communications sent free,
"
"
"
for the year ending June 30th, 1848,
"
"
"
for nine months, June 80th, 1847,
Total amount,
Thoro L&o bcon deposited to the credit of the Treasurer,...,
"
" consumed by ten Stations,

e

,
,..,
.1134J
.396i
33 J..
.348^

Total amounts,
Amount of Receipts of the Line from January 27th, 1846, to June 30th, 1846,
"
July 1st, 1846, to June 30th, 1847,
July 1st, 1847, to June 30th, 1848,
July 1st, 1848, to June 30th, 1849,
Total amounts,
Amount received for other Lines for the year ending June 30th, 1848,
"
"
"
"
"
"
June 30th, 1849,
Amount paid other lines from July 1st, 1847, to June 30th, 1849,
" received for other lines, "
"
"
"
"
Paid other lines more than received,
Respectfully submitted,

... ....
,
t

.7

$28,486 69
28,411 45
$75 24
|888 25
696 63
....
$191 62
$582 04
391 78
345 48
$1,319~30
$41,366 24
lbs. Mtric Acid,
$138 04
Sulphur
15 57
" Murcury,
42 61
" Tel. Paper,
140 53
" Zincs,
34 84
Stationery,
645 46
Sundries,
306 24
$1,323 29
$4,228 77
7 7 7
82,'810 28
52,252 81
. . . . ___63,367 62
$152,659 48
$14,237 49
28,411 45
$42,648 89
$195,308 87
7 7 7

THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

$42,993 01
> 42,648 89
$344 12

159
Mr. Swain offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company—who
have paid into the hands of the Treasurer for Stock to be issued npon the construction of two more wires between Washington and Few-York—shall be entitled to vote in proportion to the respective amounts paid in by them, for the
election of Officers : and that the Patentees be also entitled to vote the respective
amounts, proportioned to the amount of Stock to which they are entitled upon
such payments by Stockholders.
A vote by representation of Stock was called for on its adoption, which was
taken and resulted in the negative, as follows :
AYES.

NOES.

George H. Hart, and proxy, 19 votes.
Wm. M. Swain, and proxy, 543 "
Joseph Sailer,
20 "
A. J. Glossbrenner, and proxy, 6 "
George Vail, and proxy,
55 "
E. Cornell,
15 "
M. Canby, and proxy,
37 "

B. B. French, and proxy, 910
J. W. Norton,
39
J. D. Park,
10
J. J. Haley, by proxy,
10
Gen. Walbridge, by proxy, 82
H. D. Waldbridge,
11
Thos. M. Clark and proxy, 203

votes.
"
"
"
"
"
"

695
1265
On motion of Mr. Haley,
Resolved, That we now proceed to the election of Officers for the ensuing year.
The President appointed Messrs. Haley, and Sailer, as Tellers.
FOR PRESIDENT.
The~whole number of votes cast for President, was 1472.
Benjamin B. French, received

1472

FOR DIRECTORS.
Amos Kendall, received
A. S. Abell,
"
Merrit Canby,
"
George H. Hart, "
Wm. M. Swain, "
R. M. Hoe,
"
J. W. Norton,
"
Thos. M. Clark, «
A. Sidney Doane, "
James Williams, "
J. R. Trimble,
"

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1960
1905
1923
i960
1960
1368
1428
311
308
55
37

Whereupon the President declared Messrs. Amos Kendall, A. S. Abell, Merrit
Canby, George H. Hart, William M. Swain, R. M. Hoe, and J. W. Norton, duly
elected Directors for the ensuing year.

160
v
FOR SECRETARY.
Whole number of votes cast for Secretary,
Necessary for a choice,
Of which A. R. Corbin, received,
"
Joseph Sailer,
"
"
Thomas M. Clark, "
- . There being no choice on the first ballot, a second one

1744
871
740
693
311
was ordered.

Thomas M. Clark withdrew his name as a candidate for Secretary.
"Whole number of voves casts,
1670
Necessary for a choice,
834
Of which A. R. Corbin, received,
938
"
Joseph Sailer,
"
639
Blank
"
93
Whereupon, the President declared A. R. Corbin, duly elected Secretary for
the ensuing year.
FOR TREASURER.
Whole number of votes cast for Treasurer,
- .
- 1668
Necessary for a choice,
833
Of which George H. Hart, received, 1550
"
Blank,
"
118
Whereupon, the President declared George H. Hart, duly elected Treasurer
for the ensuing year.
On motion of Mr. Norton,
Resolved, That the salary of the Trustee who keeps the Stock Book of the
Company, be raised to the sum of $250 00 per annum.
On motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Company, in addition to his other duties,
shall be and hereby is required to attend each meeting of the Board of Directors
and to keep the records of their proceedings.
On motion of Gen. Walbridge,
Resolved, That Thomas M. Clark/ the present Secretary, be requested to continue in the discharge of the duties of Secretary, until Mr. Corbin, the Secretary
elect, enters upon the discharge of his duties.
On motion of Mr. Glossbrenner,
Resolved, That the recommendation of the President, relative to the salary
of the Treasurer, be commended to the attention of the Directors at their next
meeting, and that they conform his salary to the importance and responsibility
of his duties.
On motion of Mr. Clark,
Resolved, That a Committee of three Stockholders be appointed to examine
and inquire into such matters, relative to the transactions of The Magnetic Tel-

161
egraph Company for the past year, as may be brought before it by any Stockholder, or officer of the Company ; and that said Committee report to the President, who shall lay the same before the next meeting of the Board of Directors,
after he receives the same, and also before the next meeting of the Stockholders ;
and that said Committee receive such compensation as the Board of Directors
may deem proper.
The President appointed as the Committee Messrs. Adam J. Glossbrenner, J.
E. Kendall, and A. C. Goell,
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company met at their office,
No. 5 Hanover Street, in the City of New-York, on Friday, July 13th, 1849, at
10 o'clock, A. M. Present: B. B. French, Esq., President; and Messrs. Hart,
Swain, Canby and Norton.
Mr. French offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the salary of the Treasurer of this Company shall be hereafter
Twelve Hundred Dollars per annum.
On motion of Mr. Canby, amended, by striking out " Twelve Hundred," and
inserting " One Thousand."
On motion of Mr. Norton,
Resolved, That the letter of Messrs. Carr and Wills, directed to the Directors
and Stockholders of this Company, be referred to the President.
The President laid before the Board the following letter from Elam Alexander, Esq., President of the Washington and New-Orleans Telegraph Company :

Office of the Washington and New-Orleans Telegraph Co,
WASHINGTON,

IQth JULY, 1849.

HON. B. B. FRENCH,
PRESIDENT OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, NEW-YORK.

Dear Sir—Being defirous to make some arrangement for the more speedy
transmission of Telegraphic Communications between the North and South, by
means of our respective Lines, I beg that you will, at the present meeting of
your Board, take into consideration the propriety of making some arrangement
with us, that will insure a through transmission of messages—by giving us the

162
use of one of your wires for that purpose—and so regulating the prices of such
communications as will induce an increase of through business. I respectfully
ask the consideration of your Board on the subject, and I leave it to you to make
some proposition that may be likely to forward the interest of both Companies.
Yours, respectfully,
ELAM ALEXANDER,
President Washington and N. 0. Tel. Go.
On motion of Mr. Hart, the above letter was referred to a Committee of three,
to report thereon to the next meeting of the Board of Directors.
The President appointed Messrs. Hart, Kendall and French, as the Committee.
The President appointed Messrs. Norton and Hoe, as the Committee on
accounts.
On motion of Mr. Canby,
Resolvedy That the President and Treasurer, with Mr. Kendall, be a Committee to examine the manner in which the accouts in the several offices are
kept, and to make such regulations as they may think proper; and the President
is hereby requested to cause such regulations to be strictly complied with.
On motion, the Board adjourned.
THOMAS M. CLARK, Secretary,

16a
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Regular Quarterly meeting, of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic
Telegraph Company, was held at the office of the Company, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 11th day of October, 1849, at 4 o'clock, P. M.
Present: B. B. French, President; Messrs. Hart, Swain, Canby, and Norton,
Directors.
Thejourrial of proceedings of the last meeting was read and approved.
The Treasurer submitted a quarterly report of the pecuniary condition of the
Company, accompanied by a tabular statement.
On motion of Mr. Norton;
Ordered^ That said report and statement be entered on the journal of proceedings.
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company :
Accompanying will be found a tabular statement setting forth the monetary
affairs of the Company for the past quarter, embracing the months of July,
August, and September, 1849. By a reference thereto, it will be seen that the
entire receipts of the Company amount to $24,598 93, from the following sources,
viz: For the Transmission Messages from Philadelphia Station, $2,945 02;
New York, $4,376 S3; Baltimore, $1,849 80; Washington, $2,498 94; Wilmington, $453 79; Trenton, $117 49; Jersey City, $92 43; New Brunswick.
$52 9 1 ; Princeton, $34 00; Newark, $51 88; Havre de Grace, $10 30; Property sold, $18 08; Refunded by other Lines, $29 00; Extra Service, $80 50;
Rent, Postage, and Delivery of Messages, $15 50; For other Lines, $5,837 29;
and on account of Subscription to Additional Stock, $6,234 77.
There has been paid on account of Construction and Repairs during the
Quarter, $13,614 69; and previous to the 1st day of July, 1849, $3,334 29,
together, $16,948 98. Whole amount of Receipts on account of Subscription
to additional stock, for the erection of additional wires, $14,196 10. As yet
the accounts have not been rendered to the Treasurer, so as to enable him to
separate the charges that should be applied to construction from those to repairs.
The other disbursements are, for Salaries, $5,830 43 ; Messengers, $611 25 ;
Stationery and Printing, $289 92; Lights and Fuel, $134 28; Extra Service,
$86 50; Batteries and Instruments, $171 40; Miscellaneous Expenses, $1,157
32; Refunded, $48 19; to Other Lines, $5,894 75; and Dividends, $3,936 00.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

164
SECRETARY'S REPORT.

/

w
H

v

TRENTON.

WILMINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

WASHINGTON.

PHILADELPAIA.

, 1849.

NEW YORK.

The Secretary laid before the Board his Quarterly Report, which was read
as follows :—
To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
GENTLEMEN :—It appears from the Weekly and Monthly Reports, made to me
by the Chief Operators at the several Stations of this Company, that $12,483 29
have been received from its legitimate business, during the Quarter ending on
the 30th September, ult. Of this sum, a portion has been expended without
being paid into the Treasury, and a portion has been retained by the Operators,
with which to carry on the current business.
The Quarterly Report in relation to "Materials Consumed" at Stations,
usually submitted by the Secretary, is omitted, because one prepared from the
Materials furnished, would be wholly unreliable. In lieu of the Report, the
original returns, from the several Offices, are laid before the Directory, that
steps may be taken (if desirable,) to ensure different results hereafter. It may
also be proper to remark, that making a report upon this—a subject so foreign
to the duties of this office, is founded, rather upon custom, than upon the ByLaws of the Company.
It will be perceived that the revenues of the Company, whether compared
with the last, or with the corresponding quarter of 1848. have diminished.
The income of this Company, derived from its legitimate business, was, during
the preceding quarter, $16,392 83; in July, August and September, 1848, it
was $13,263 16, while in July, August and September, 1849, it was, as before
stated, only $12,483 2 9 ; being a falling off of $779 87, compared with the
business done in the corresponding months of 1848, and being a falling off of
$3,909 54 compared with the next preceding three months of this year.
The receipts of the Company, from other sources than for Telegraphing, including receipts for other Lines, has been $5,980 77.
The legitimate business done, during the p'ast quarter, at each Office of the
Company, distinguishing between the amount of business done in the several
months, was as follows :

6
m

iL

! 1H
©

16

©

8
B

(4

July::::::::: $1,331 211,044 75 1,041 84 648 79 164 08 38 36 24 33 16 28 18 42 5 31 3 47
96
1,490 61 1,003 34 751 90 542 42 146 66 35 46 48 93 19 45 18 24 15 08
September 1,555 01 896 93 705 20 658 59 143 05 43 67 19 07 20 52 16 28 9 24 5 87
$4,376 83 2,945 02 2,498 94 1,,849 80453 79 117 49 9233 56 25 52 91 29 63 10 30

This statement shows that five Way Officers—Jersey City, Newark, New

qUARTERIiY STATEMENT FOR JUfcY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 1849.
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
October 1, 1849.
T o Balance in T r e a s u r y , June 30, 1849
"
"
at Stations, " "
"
" Receipts at Philadelphia Station,
«
"
« N e w York,
"
'<
"
" Baltimore,
"
«
«
" Washington,
"
«
"
" Wilmington,
"
«
u
« Trenton,
"
"
«
" J e r s e y City,
"
»
«
" N . Brunswick, "
cc
cc
cc N e w a r k ,
"
«
«
te Princeton,
"
«
"
" Havre de G r a c e , "

July.

I August.

Sept.
$10,241 95
1,026 38

896
1,331
658
705
164
38
24
18
16
5
3

93 1,003 34 1,044 75
21 1,490 61 1,555 01
59
542 42
648 79
20 751 90 1,041 84
08
146 66
143 05
36
35 46
43 67,
33
49 03
19 07
42
18 21
16 28|
28|
15 08
20 52
31
19 45
9 24
47
96
5 87

By Salaries paid at Stations,
i(
Repairs of L i n e , "
" Messengers,
"
" Stationery and Printing at Stations,
11
Lights and Fuel,
"
" E x t r a Service,
"
" Instruments,
"
" Batteries,
"
" Rent of Offices,
"
" Miscellaneous,
"
" Refunded,
"
u
" Construction and Repairs,
" T o Other Lines,
"

12,483 39 By
"
"
287 99
"
1,453 72
"
217 85
"
87 48]
"
3 71
"
11 98
1 16
7 05
22 95
By
4 90
"
21

Receipts
"
«
"

"for
"
"
"

P r o p e r t y Sold,
Refunded b y S. L i n e ,
Rent at Wilmington,
D e l i v e r y of Messages,

4 50
8 03
9 37

E x t r a Service,
Receipts for Additional Subscriptions,

12 00
19 47

1 98
1 50

8 50

50
1 64
49 00

1 50
1 50
23 00,

5,921 77

13 00

300 00

5,837 29
18
29
9
2
3
80

48
00
37
99
14
50

6,234 77
$35,967 26

Dividends"paid b y Treasurer,
Construction and Rspairs,
Salaries,
Repairs,
Lights and F u e l ,
Batteries,
Rent, Philadelphia Office,
Miscellaneous Expenses,

Balance at Stations,
"
N e w York, Seventh Ward,
"
Philadelphia,
(C
"
Baltimore,
Ci
"
Wilmington,
u
"
Washington,
"
"
Checks and Cash,
<c

1,904 92 1,833 37 2,099 00

3
100
186
26
5
1,909

03 1,634
53 272
00
191
01
117
76i
38
50
54
60
12
5
00
191
21
96
14
43
30
34
10 1,839

1,621
446
231
96
39
24

48
79
63
96
34
00

1
113
403
66
12
2,146

88
33
99
86
64]
261

4,329 70 4,576 00 5,205 16 $14,110

3,862 18 4,073 12 4,548 09
Receipts for other lines at Philadelphia Station, 239 90 232 86
u
«
u
«
N e w York,
1,351 51 L,290 38
"
"
"
"
Baltimore,
188 87
178 09
«
"
"
"
Washington,
66 74
70 72
Ci
Ci
"
"
Wilmington,
24 55
8 17
"
"
"
"
Trenton,
3 23
"
"
"
"
J e r s e y City,
22 82
,{
{i
"
"
N . Brunswick,
8 73
li
i(
«
«
Newark,
17 00
11 48|
(i
"
"
"
Princeton,
5 39
6 37
«
«
"
"
H . de Grace,
30
52

1,552
156
188
175
19
8

3,420
8,599
229
88

00
93
16
78

428
650
433
180

00
88 00
00 2.595 62
11 360 09
00 487 75
36 75

101 16
122 77

54 81

119 52
292 87

12,56180 1,745 92 3,980 60

18,288 32
749 71

139
596
21
53
198

15
05
41
05
82

2,818 37
$35,967 26

165
Brunswick, Princeton and Havre de Grace—have yielded, during the past three
months, but $241 42 ; the other two Way Offices, Trenton and Wilmington,
though Capitals of most respectable States, have yielded, the first $117 49, and
the last $453 79—the seven Way Offices producing a quarterly revenue of $812 70,
to nearly $12,000 yielded by the four cities of New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore. These latter rank in the order arranged above.
The Secretary, before bringing this Report to a close, would respectfully take
leave to ask that his duties may be more definitely defined and set forth by the
By-Laws of the Company. The Company has seen fit to direct its Operators to
report to the Secretary, daily, weekly and monthly, what sums are paid by each
of them, respectively, to the Tieasurer : this information, thus collected at one
point, to enable the President and Directors to know, at any moment, from a
disinterested source, what amount of funds is in the hands of their Treasurer,
is submitted to them at stated periods, only at the option of the Secretary, there
being no rule to require it. To suppress such a statement would subject to the
imputation of a desire to break down, or to weaken, a check upon the Treasurer ; to volunteer one is equally unpleasant. An official expression of the
pleasure ofvthe President and Directors is desired; and this, the more readily,
from a belief that their better judgments will concur with the opinion, thatitis
best, alike for Officers and Companies, whose business is at onc£ extensive and
complicated, to have duties clearly defined, rather than to be left to implication
and irregular custom.
Very Respectfully,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
Washington, D. C, October 11, 1849.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE.
Mr. French, (President,) from the Committee appointed at the last meeting
of the Board of Directors, "to examine the manner in which the accounts in
the several offices are kept, and to make such regulations as they may think
proper," made the following report:
To the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
At the last Quarterly Meeting of this Board, a resolution was adopted, appointing the undersigned a Committee " t o examine the manner in which the
accounts in the several offices are kept, and to make such regulations as they
may think proper."
In the performance of the duty thus assigned, the President and Treasurer
have ascertained that the books at the several offices have been kept according
to the rules and regulations of the company,
Upon an investigation of the pecuniary affairs of the New York office, the
Committee regretted to find a deficiency of funds, unaccounted for, amounting to
two hundred and fifty-one dollars and twelve cents. This deficiency had been

166
gradually increasing in amount, with the exception of, a single item, from the
commencement of business, in the New York office, and the Clerk could give no
other reason for it, than errors in making change—his own liberality in trusting
people on his responsibility, and never getting any thing—he could account definitely for only a portion of the money, but he avowed himself ready and willing to give ample security for the payment of the entire sum in default; and
such seemed to your Committee the honesty of his intentions, and the open and
honorable manner in which he laid every thing before them, seeking neither to
disguise or cover up any of his acts, that we were disposed to overlook his
errors, and permit him to continue in the service of the Company. The state
of his health, and his recent severe family afflictions were additional motives to
this course. He gave security for the amount due, and it will be paid in a short
time.
We so far changed the manner of keeping the Books at the New York and
Philadelphia offices, as to add a regular cash book and ledger to the number
already in use.
After performing this part of the duty assigned to us, we went into an examination of the rules and regulations now existing, and believing that a thorough
revision was required, we report herewith a new set of Rules, and recommend
their adoption by this Board Many of them^are unchanged-—others are modified, and some entirely new Rules are added.
B. B. FRENCH,
GEORGE H. HART.
Philadelphia, October 11, 1849.

The Rules mentioned in said report were then read—considered by the Board*' and after sundry amendments, were agreed to in the following form, viz:

MORSE'S TELEGRAPH.
RULES OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, AS ADOPTED
OCTOBER 11, 1849.
1 No member of this Company shall be held to any individual liability beyond the amount of capital stock subscribed by him. No Trustee, or Agent of
the Company, shall be authorized to contract any debt or obligation creating a
charge upon the members individually, or upon any other fund than the capital
stock, property, and income of the Company.
2. The line or lines of Magnetic Telegraph which,may be constructed by
this Company, shall be open alike to all men and all public authorities who shall
tender and pay the regular charges which may be fixed upon for its use, and the
first to come shall be the first served, without regard to sex, wealth or station;

167
subject to reasonable limitations as to time, as may*be hereafter prescribed;
except that a preference may be given to the Government in great public emergencies, and to promote the arrest of fugitives from justice, and to prevent the
commission or consummation of crimes.
POWER OF i THE

PRESIDENT*

3. The President of this Company is empowered to appoint all the Agents
and Officers of this Company, the appointment of whom is vested in the Board
of Directors, to make rules and regulations for the government of the officers,
not inconsistent with any action of the Stockholders or Board of Directory ; and
he shall see the several offices are provided with every thing necessary to carry
on effectually and promptly the business of the Company. He shall have the
general supervision of the line of Telegraph, and the power of removing from
office any officer or agent by him appointed, whenever he may deem that the
interest of the Company requires it.
THE OHIEFr OPERATOR.

4. The function of Operator is the main spring of the Telegjraph System.
The Head of each Station will be selected from the most expert and faithful
Operators, and will be called the CHIEF OPERATOR. Those who are good clerks
a,s well as accomplished Operators will be preferred. Should Operators or
Clerks aspire to promotion, they can attain it only by perfecting themselves in
both branches of duty. ,
' 5. The Chief Operator will be recognized and obeyed as the Head of every
Telegraph Station. The Operators, Clerks, and Carriers will be under his absolute direction and control; and for the proper exercise of his authority he Will
be held responsible to the President: Provided, that the Clerks in the offices
at New York and Philadelphia shall hold all the money received at those
offices, and shall be accountable only to the Treasurer for the same.
6. The Chief Operator will regard no directions which do not come through
the President, except such as come directly and officially from the Board of
Directors, or meetings of the Stockholders; but they are advised to consult resident Director^ in cases of doubt or emergency; and when it shall come to the
knowledge of any Director that the office at the place of his residence is mismanaged, or that ahy Operator or Clerk has been grossly remiss in his duty, he
is hereby invested with power to suspend any Operator or Clerk from" duty,
reporting such act, and the reaspn therefor, directly to the President, for his
action thereon. v
7. The Chief Operator at each Station will assign to each Operator, Clerk,
and Carrier his duties for the time being; will maintain order, neatness, obedience and fidelity in his office ; will > enforce the regulations prescribed by the
Stockholders,,Directors> and President, and will report to the President all
cases of disobedience, misconduct, and neglect among his subordinates.

168
8. Each Chief Operator will employ and dismiss at pleasure the Carriers
allowed to his Station, and will see that those in service attend to their duties
promptly and faithfully.
9. The Chief Operator will be held responsible for the proper use and preservation of all Registers, Magnets, Books, Platinums, Zincs, Acids, and other
material or property belonging to the Company > pertaining to his Office or deposited therein; and whenever any thing of value in his custody becomes in his
opinion useless to the Company, he shall so report to the President. He will
also carefully preserve all fragments of platinum, zinc, wire, the residuum of the
batteries, paper after being used, and all other refuse articles of value, to be
sold for the benefit of the Company.
10. If the Chief Operator finds it necessary to be absent, he shall designate an
Operator who shall, for the time being, perform his duties, and report his name
to the President, for his approval or rejection. Such substitute will be recognized and obeyed by all Operators, Clerks, and Carriers attached to the Station.
11. Chief Operators are prohibited from employing in any capacity whatsoever, without the consent of the President, any person who may have been discharged for misconduct.
12. The Chief Operator of each Station will provide himself with a blank
book ol* convenient size, to be used as a Journal. In this book he will enter,
from day to day, all occurrences worthy of note, such as the hour when the
Lines are found to be in readiness for operation in the morning, all intermissions during the day, with their causes and duration as far as known, the hour
when business closes at night, all serious complaints and the ground thereof as
far as ascertained, the refunding of moneys and the reasons therefor, copies or
the substance of all his letters on the business of the Line, the phenomena ex1
hibited by the battery, magnets, instruments and wires, particularly during
thunder storms, and all other incidents connected with the business or apparatus
which may be auxiliary to the cause of science or useful for the information of
the President, Directors, and Stockholders as to the working of their Lines, and
the fidelity of Operators, Clerks, and others employed. These Journals-will
always be open for the examination of the President, Directors, and Stockholders, and when full will be delivered to the President. And each Operator,
having charge of an office, will keep an accurate account of all the materials
received and consumed in his office, and report to the Secretary, quarterly,
making up his accounts to the first days of January, April^ July, and October,
and the Secretary will lay the same, in a condensed tabular form, before the
meetings of the Board of Directors.
13. The hours for opening the Stations for business on, this line shall be, from
the 1st day of November to the 31st day of March, at 8 o'clock, A. M.; and
from the 1st day of April to the 31st day of October, at 7 o'clock, A, M.; and
the regular hour ol closing at night shall be at 10 o'clock; provided that if at- 10
o'clock there be any business on hand unfinished, the office must not be closed

169
until it is finished. On, the Sabbath the offices shall be kept open from 9 to 10
o'clock, A; M., from 1 to 2 o'clock, P. M., and from 6 to 10 o'clock, P. M.
The Chief Operator will so distribute his force, and so arrange the hours of
necessary absence, as to have a competent force in the office at all times when
it is open, to transact all necessary business.
And, when any responsible person or persons desire that the offices ofHthis
Company, or either of them, be kept open after 10 o'clock at night, for the purpose of sending through important despatches, they shall make application in
writing during the regular business hours of the day, and they shall pay to this
Company fifty cents per hour for each Operator who may be required to perform such extra duties, and in "case of such application the office shall be kept
open for the benefit of such applicant or applicants. And, when the offices are
thus kept open, each Operator employed shall receive for his services, from the
Company, fifty cents,per hour extra; provided, that not more than two Operators at one office shall be paid in any one night, unless the business shall require
that more than one wire be employed—-in which case, two Operators in each
office may be employed at each instrument necessarily in use. And no Operator or Clerk shall receive any compensation from any other source than this
Company for any service rendered in his official capacity.^
14. The first business in the morning is to see that the batteries, instruments
and magnets are in order, and to test the Lines. If responses be not obtained
immediately from all. the Stations in connection, a note will be taken thereof,
and the Chief Operator^ will enter the fact in his Journal, and also the precise
time answers may be obtained from the delinquent Station or Stations. If
within a reasonable time, no response can be obtained, nor any indication of a
connection, it will be taken for granted that the wire is broken, and the Chief
Operator will take instant measures to have it mended by the most prompt
means at his command. It is the duty of all Operators and Clerks to turn out
on such occasions, if required, their extra expenses being provided for.
15. While not using the instrument himself, the Operator must be sure that
the line is connected at his Station, by the connecting button or otherwise.
Too much care cannot be observed in this respect.
16. No Operator must attempt to write while another is writing ; he must
wait for the Finish signal, which shall be at all Stations (S) three times struck
thus,
17. Every communication must begin with the sign of the Station sending,
followed by that of the Station with which he wishes to communicate.
18. The Operator who receives must give the usual sign of acknowledgment
that all is right; to wit, (i, i, - r - -) the moment the message is received and,
understood, and no other Operator must commence writing until he hears this
acknowledgment, for if any part of the message is obscure, the usual repeat
(. . - . . -) must be given, and when all is understood the Finish signal must be
made, and not before.

170
19. When any one Operator writes, he writes the same characters on all the
Registers at every Station through the entire line; consequently each will know
for whom any message is intended. All for whom it is not intended, will at
once stop their paper reel, and listening to the strokes of the pen, will wait
for the Finish signal.
20. An acknowledgment of the1 receipt of a message must be made at once,
either by (i, i,) if it is understood, or figure 1, (- — — -) which .signifies "wait a
moment" if there is any difficulty. Great care must be taken by all to give
the finish Signal as soon as they are done, and not keep the use of the Line from
the other Stations longer than is absolutely necessary.
21. Communications must not on any account be copied, or their Contents or
substance revealed, at any other Station than those for which they are designed.
Any wilful infraction of this rule by any person in the employment of the Company shall be visited by the instant dismissal of such person from the service of
the Company.

MESSAGES.
RULES FOR RECEIVING, SENDING AND DELIVERING.

22. Messages will be received by the Clerk, if any be present; and if not, by
any Operator. They will be carefully read over, for the purpose of seeing that
every word is plainly written, and that they are directed to some City or Town
with the Street, Number of the House or Place, or otherwise, in an intelligible
manner: If the words or address are not plain, the receiving Clerk will make
them so ; or if he doubts, he will refer to the author for explanation, if practicable.
23. He will then count the words, write the number of words on the paper
and receive the money. And if any message offered is in cypher, or unintelligible language, or in words not to be found in the English language, all the words,
containing 5 letters, or less, shall be first counted as words—then all the other
letters shall be counted and the aggregate divided by five, and each 5 letters
shall be charged as one word, and the remainder, if any, shall be counted as one
word. He will then number the Message, beginning each morning with No. 1.
24. He will then enter in his Account of Messages sent, the number, the
name oNf the person sending, the name of the person to whom sent, the number
of words, the amount charged and received, the Station where sent, and the
hour and minute of time of receipt of the same, and the hour and minute when
received shall also be stated at the head of the message when transcribed for
the person to whom sent, at tjtie office where the same is received.
25. He will then hand the message over to the Operator to be forwarded, who
will send it forthwith, or as soon as the Line is unoccupied, noting on the message th* time at which it is sent and the initial of his name.

171
26. If a communication cannot be sent „in due time, or, being sent, does not
reach its destination through the fault or delay 6f the Telegraph, so that the ob.
ject of the writer is entirely defeated, the money paid for sending it will be refunded and a receipt taken therefor. As much imposition may be practiced in
this respect, it must be proved beyond a doubt that the fault is with this Company. And each office shall, on the morning of each dav, Telegraph to any other
office from which a despatch was received on the preceding day, and not delivered, the fact, and reason of its non- delivery
27. When a communication is received by Telegraph it will be immediately
written out, and delivered by a Carrier, or retained until called for, or put into
the Post Office, as the person sending it may request.
28. Promptitude in writing out and delivering Messages is of the utmost importance. If a Cleric be not present when a Message is received, any Opeiator
not employed will write it out. The words must be counted, ana! all particulars entered in a Book, as in case of Messages sent, together with the name or
initial of the Carrier to whom it is handed for delivery.
' 29. The Chief Operator at each Station is held responsible for the employment of a sufficient number of faithful Boys promptly to deliver all Messages
by day and by night. This is an essential point and must not be omitted. One
B%oy, and if necessary more, should be kept in attendance at the larger offices
until business closes for the night, and also on Sunday
30. The Carriers on delivering Messages will inquire whether any answer is
to be given, and if so, Will, if requested, wait a few moments until it can be
prepared and carry it, with {he money paid for sending it, to the Station. For
each answer so obtained, the Carrier wilkbe entitled to ask and receive of the
person sending, two cents; but no charge shall be made for the delivery of any
message. It is optional with customers to send answers and money by the
Carriers or not, and it must be at their own iisk.
31. In ease a person to whom a Message is directed cannot be found, the
Carrier will bring it back to the Station, and the Chief Operator, having endorsed thereon the name of the Carrier, the reason given for returning it, and
the date, will carefully preserve it, and cause a Copy of it to be placed in the
Post office. If any Carrier shall put into the Post Office,- Messages Which he
ought to deliver, or shall destroy them 3/ or shall not exercise due diligence to
find the person to whom they are addressed, the Chief Operator shall discharge
him from the service.
ACCOUNTS.

32. * All charg'es for, the use of the Telegraph must be paid in advance."
*
Such is the positive order of the Stockholders, which has been modified, under
their authority, only so far as relates to Editors of, and Reporters for, newspapers, who are now permitted to make weekly payments. However, at the

172
request of any person offering a Message and paying for it, Operators are
authorized to note that it is to be paid for at the Station where sent, and on such
notice it shall be the duty of that Station to demand payment, and if made,
notify the Station whence the Message came, w hich will then refund the amount
prepaid. ' Persons sending Messages may, at the same time, deposit money to
pay for the answers, notices of which shall accompany the Message, thus, a. p.
(answer paid for )
33. The Accounts of Newspaper Editors, and Reporters for Newspapers,
using the Telegraph, must be made out and presented- every Monday morning,
and if the Amounts due be not paid and no good reason given therefor, no
communications will be thencefortrrdelivered to such delinquent person unless
prepaid at the Station whence forwarded; and notice of the delinquency will be
given to all the Stations that nothing more may be sent to said person without
such prepayment.
34. Every morning, except Sunday, each Chief Operator will communicate
to the Treasurer, by Telegraph, the amount of the preceding day's receipts, including Saturday's receipts in Monday's Report, together with the amount
chargeable on matter sent to other Stations, not prepaid.
35. Every Monday morning, each Chief Operator, and the Clerks in New
York and Philadelphia, will make reports to the Treasurer, exhibiting the business of the preceding seven days, separately.
36. The Treasurer will designate the Bank or place of deposit at Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia and New York, and each day, except
Sunday,4f the sum on hand shall exceed fifty dollars, the Chief Operator, or
Clerk, will deposit the money on hand to the credit,of the Treasurer of thk
Magnetic Telegraph Company, in the Bank, or place of deposit selected at the
Station., Each Chief Operator, and the Clerks in New York and Philadelphia,
will keep a Bank Book, in which he will cause all deposits to the credit of the
Treasurer to be entered; and'this Book shall be furnished to the Treasurer,
whenever required, to enable him to settle his Bank Account.
37. The Chief Operator at each Station may contract bills or make expenditures on the authority of a Director or the President, which bills shall not be
paid until the written approval of such Director or of the President be inscribed
op them, with his name signed thereto.
Bills thus approved may be paid out of any funds in the hands of a Chief
Operator, or Clerks in New York and Philadelphia. All salaries except the
President's may be paid in the same way. And no Operator or Clerk shall pay
out any money belonging to this Company, except on the official authority of
the „Treasurer, otherwise than in the manner above stated.
38. Special care must be taken to obtain the. approval of a Director or the
President to all such bills, as the Chief Operator cannot obtain credit without
it; and as far as practicable, a Director or the President should be consulted
before any purchase is made or expenditure incurred.

173
39. Each Chief Operator and the Clerks in Philadelphia and New York will
keep an account with " The Magnetic Telegraph Company,^ in which he will
charge himself with the daily receipts of his Station not before charged, and all
amounts for property sold, if any, and credit himself with the sums paid upon
approved bills, the sums deposited, and the sums refunded, if any ; and on the
first Monday of every month, he will render an Account Current to the Treasurer, and send wi^th it as vouchers all the bills paid by him during the preceding month, and receipts for moneys refunded, with an abstract thereof, and
shall send a duplicate of such account to the Secretary, blank forms for which
will be furnished to each office.
'

.

/

•
•

40. At the first meeting of the Board of Directors after an annual election, a
Committee of Accounts snail be appointed by the President, consisting of two
Directors, whose duty it shall be to examine and decide upon all accounts and
demands against this Company, except the local bills of the several Stations,
and also to examine and report upon the Accounts of the different Stations, and
of the Treasurer, prior to each quarterly and annual meeting; and the Treasurer is authorized to make payments only on accounts allowed by the Committee of Accounts, or by a standing order of the Board.
41. At every quarterly meeting of the Directors, the Treasurer will render
an Account Current exhibiting the balance at the beginning of the quarter, the
receipts and disbursements during the quarter, and the balance at its close, with
all the vouchers upon which payments have been made. To present a full view
of the business of the Company, the Treasurer will embrace in his Accounts
the payments made at all the Stations, debiting and crediting himself with the
amounts, and will lay before the Board all the monthly Accounts of the Chief
Operators or Clerks with the vouchers. At the same time, the Books of the
Treasurer and Secretary will be placed before the Board.
42. The Accounts of the Treasurer, and of the Chief Operators or Cleiks, with
the vouchers and Books pertaining thereto, will be referred to the Committee
of Accounts, who will immediately enter upon the examination thereof, and
report to the Board. The Treasurer will be held responsible only for improper
payments made^by himself. If such shall have been made by any Chief Operator or Clerk, it will be disallowed in his account, and he will be notified, and
held responsible therefor.
43. The Treasurer will show, in his Quarterly Account, in what Banks the
balance on hand, if any,,is deposited, and how much in each.
44. All books whatsoever, pertaining to the business of the Company, kept
by the Treasurer, Secretary, Chief Operators, or Clerks, will at all times be
open for examination to the President, or any Director or Stockholder.
45. At each Annual Meeting of the Stockholders, the Treasurer will lay before them a full account, embracing the substance of his Quarterly Accounts,
for such action as to them may seem proper.

174
MISCELLANEOUS*

46. It is specially enjoined on each Operator and Clerk, to maintain silence
whilst business is progressing, except so far as it may be necessary to speak
upon the business itself: to observe the strictest decorum towards all customers
and visitors; to listen to complaints however unreasonable, with good temper,
and explain the causes of difficulty and delay as far as known; to cultivate good
feeling with each other, not only in the same Station but throughout the Line ;
to understand the case perfectly before they charge others with delinquency;
and all angry and impertinent messages sent along the wires from Operator to
Operator, or from Station to Station,' are absolutely prohibited.
47. " I f any person in the service of the Magnetic Telegraph Company shall,
knowingly, be instrumental, from motives ,of favoritism or gain, in sending
false, or suppressing true information, or shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in speculation carried on througji the instrumentality of the Telegraph,
or shall divulge the substance of any private or confidential communication, not
criminal in its character, or shall give one individual or combination of individuals a preference over another, otherwise than as authorized by these regulations, or shall in any way violate or disregard the duties which this Company
owe to the citizen and the community, he shall be forthwith discharged, and
held forever disqualified for employment in its affairs."
:
48. It shall be-tife duty of the Managers of the Telegraph, whenever the
proper officers of the States or of the United States, or the police officer of any
City, Town or Borough, shall present a communication, with.the amount of the
established charge, and shall alledge' that the immediate transmission is rendered necessary by the emergencies of the public service, or to promote,the
arrest of any fugitive from justice, or prevent the commission or consummation
of crime, to give to said officers, if need be, a preference over private citizens
in forwarding such information.
49. At least once a week, the Chief Operator of each station will seal up in
a packet the copies of all Messages, noting on the back the days to which they
belong, and will carefully preserye them for future reference.
50. It is forbidden to the Operators and Clerks to read any communication
with which they have no concern, or to speak, out of the office, or in it, of the
contents of such as may necessarily be read (by them, whatever may be their
character, except that when there is reason to believe a communication is connected with a crime committed or in contemplation, it shall be the duty of the
Operator or Clerk to communicate'his suspicions, with his reasons therefor, to
the Chief Operator. Disregard of this prohibition will be considered an offence,
of the same character as breaking the seal of a letter; and if indulgedjn, no
matter from what motive, will be punished by dismissal from the service of
the Company.
51. Messages authorizing or acknowledging the payment of money, or con-

175
veying authority to draw, or giving notice of the acceptance of drafts, or the
drawing of Lottery Tickets, pr relating jfco, other pecuniary matters, must be
scrutinized with peculiar care, as well to prevent mistakes as to guard against
frauds.
OTHER LINES.

52. When a Message is offered for any place on another Line of Telegraph,
East, North, West, or South, the Chief Operator, until otherwise ordered, will
add .to the established charge of the Company, the charge of the Company
owning the /connecting Line, and require the whole" to be paid in advance^; and
the Chief Operator or Clerk at the connecting point, will hand over the Message as soon as received, and pay the charge for transmitting it.
53. In like manner, the Chief Operators or Clerks, at connecting points,
when Messages coming from another Line are handed for transmission over all
or any part of this Line, will require the established charge of this Company
to be prepaid, and in every respect treat them as original communications.
54. Jf any person shall desire to send a Message over any part of this Line
destined fpr any Post Office at a distance, and shall wish tp. pay the postage in
addition to the Telegraph charge, the Chief Operator or Clerk will receive, it,
and notify the Operator at the other end by the letters M. P. P. [mail postage
paid,] wjho will put it into the Post Office and pay the postage.
55. In all cases involving prices, sums of Tnoney or quantities, the price,
sums or quantity will be given in letters, and not in figures. Thus : Seventyfive cents, one hundred dollars, twenty pounds, one thousand bushels, &c. &c.
56. The President shall report to the Treasurer of this Company, the names
of all officers or agents by him appointed, with the station to which they are
appointed, and in case of removal he shall report the same to the Treasurer.
57. All the books and papers of this Company relative to its fiscal affairs
shajl be held by the Treasurer; and it shall be his duty to procure and furnish
to the officers of the Company all the blank forms necessary for the proper
keeping and rendition of accounts;
58. The Trustees of this Company (such being the direction of the Stockholders) shall issue original certificates of Stock only upon the certificate of the
Treasurer, that the person or persons to whorn the same are to be issued has
paid into the Treasury of the Company the sum necessary, under the regulations of the Company, to entitle him or them to such certificates of Stock, excepting to the Patentees, to whom Stock may be issued as directed in the 7th
Article of Agreement and Association.
59. Whenever a message is received at any office of this Company, from any
other line, the answer thereto, if there be one, shall be sent over the line by
which the same was received, if it be practicable, or, unless the person sending
the answer shall direct otherwise. And the business of this Company to be

176
sent over other lines, shall be sent, if practicable, by lines established as Morse
Lines—and where there are two lines thus established, by which business may
be transmitted to the same places, at the same rates of charge, the business
shall be divided between such lines, in a rateable proportion^ to the business
received from such Lines by this Company.
r
60. The Annual Meeting of this Company shall be held, according t/o the
direction of the Stockholders, on the Second Thursday of July, annually, and
the meetings of the Directors by the same direction, the, second Thursdays of
January, April,, July and October, alternately in the cities of New-York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, arid at such other times and places as the President may
see fit to call them together.
61. The head of each office will cause to be entered in a book, kept for the
purpose, every order of the President transmitted to him by Telegraph, with the
date of its reception, and he will also keep, in the same book, allxthe letters or
circulars of the President, whether written or printed, which book shall be open
to all the Opeiators and Clerks in the office.
62. No person whatever, except those employed upon, connected with, and
responsible to the Telegraph Company, shall be allowed access behind the
counter, or within the room partitioned off for the use of the Clerks and Opera-x
tors, except when introduced in person, or by note, by the President, or by one
of the Directors of the Company.
Resolved, By the President and Board of Directors, that the foregoing rules
be, and the same are hereby ^adopted, and all rules, regulations, or resolutions
heretofore adopted, inconsistent with the same, be, and they are hereby rescinded.
On motion of Mr. Hart,
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to have 100 copies of the rules,
and .regulations of the Company as adopted this date, printed for the use of the
directors and Stockholders, and that fifty copies, such portions as apply to the
regulations of theloffices, be printed, in a suitable form, to be framed or otherwise placed in a prominent position in each office ofi the line.
Mr. French, from the Committee to which was referred the letter of Elam
Alexander, Esq., made the following report, which was read and laid on the
table.

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned, to whom was referred the letter of Elam Alexander, Esq.,
President of the Washington and New Orleans Telegraph Company, of the 10th
of July last, relative to some arrangement by which the Transmission of Messages passing over the two lines, or any portion of them, may be insured^ have,
attended to the duty assigned them and Report:
That we, in company with Hon. Mr. Kendall, one of the Committee (now

177
absent) met at Mr. Kendall's office, in Washington, on the 27th day of September,
and upon a full consideration of the whole subject, and after a consultation with
Mr. Alexander, who was then in Washington, your Committee came to the
unanimous conclusion that no better arrangement can be made than the one now
existing, until the two new wires, now in process of erection by this Company, shall be in operation.
, B. B. FRENCH, \ .-*

GEO. H. H A R T , } ^onmutee.
1

Philadelphia^ Oct. 11, 1849.
On Motion, the Board adjourned until to-morrow at 9 o'clock, A. M.

Friday, October 12, 1849.
« The Board met, pursuant to adjournment. Present as yesterday.
Mr. Canby presented a communication from J. R. Trimble, Esq., setting
forth that he had paid money into the Treasury, for stock which had not been
issued to him, and requesting that stqck might be issued.
On motion of Mr. Canby,
Resolved, That said communication be referred to a Committee, with instructions to settle the claim of Mr. Trimble upon principles of equity and justice.
Mr. Canby and Mr. Hart were appointed the said Committee.
On motion of Mr. Canby,
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consult with the General Superintendent of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad, in relation
to the employment of the inspectors of said road to repair breaks, or report any
disarrangement of the line of Telegraph owned by this Company on said road,
and that said Committee be empowered to make such arrangement as may be
deemed proper in the premises, reporting the same when made to the President
of this Company.
Mr. Canby and Mr. Swain were appointed a Qommiftee on the foregoing
resolution.
On motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That when the Board of Directors shall have directed the President of this Company to commence legal proceedings against any person or
persons, he shall have power to draw upon the Treasurer for such sums of
money as may be necessary for the prompt prosecution of such proceedings—
he specifying in his draft the purpose for which such money is drawn, and accounting therefor as often as once in every quarter; and the Treasurer is authorized to honor all such drafts.
The President laid before the Board the following letter from a Committee
of the Western Telegraph Company, together with the accompanying resolutions of said Company, which were read.

178
BALTIMORE, Sept. 1849.

B. B. FRENCH, ESQ., President Magnetic Telegraph Company :
SIR : At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of the Western Telegraph Company, the accompanying resolutions were adopted and the undersigned were appointed a Committee to communicate them to your Board of Directors, with such additional observations as we might think expedient.
In compliance with the instruction of our Board, we now present a copy of
their resolutions and request the favor of you to lay them before your Board,
together with the following remarks, at the earliest practicable day.
We need say nothing in addition to the assurances given in the resolutions, to
evince the friendly disposition of the Western Telegraph Company towarcls the
Magnetic Telegraph Company. Indeed, our Company have considered themselves in the character of a branch of your Company, destined to bring it a heavy
business from a large section of country, and they have not until recently
doubted that your Company would treat it as a legitimate branch, giving and
receiving a mutual support.' Nor are we yet convinced, that on a proper understanding of the subject, such will not become the permanent relations between the two Companies.
Suppose that th,e Philadelphia and Pittsburg line as well as our line were duly
organized under Morse's patents, and each were bringing business from the
Western towns to the Magnetic Telegraph Company, would any man say it
was fair for that Company to give its entire business to one of the competitors ?
Would not every just man say that your Company ought to carry an even hand
between the two and endeavor to reciprocate the favors of each ? To your
Board and your Stockholders we are willing to submit this inquiry, in perfect
confidence that each and every one of them will answer in the affirmative.
How much stronger is the case we present ? The Atlantic and Ohio Company has never been organized under Morse's patents, denies their validity, and
is using its efforts to gverthrow them. They are directly at war with the most
vital interests of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, and if they succeed, will
doubtless extend their line to New York.
The Western Telegraph Company on the other hand recognising the validity
of your title to the exclusive privileges which have been granted you by the
proprietors of Morse's patents, is ready to co-operate with you in their engagement, and contemplates no other arrangement, unless forced to it, than a perpetual connection with your line as means of communicating between the East
and the West.
Yet your Company takes part with its enemy and turns its back upon its
friend ! It does not even divide its favors; it gives all to its enemy. Day by
day, messages pass from the West to the East by our line to Baltimore, and
thence over yours to the East; but, with the exception of such as come by a
general order from the Boston line, they produce no return. You do not reci-

179
procate even the business we send you, but throw every thing into the hands
of -a common enemy.
Surely this is not justice, nor can it be sound policy. Suppose the strength
whichrthe Magnetic Telegraph Company gives to the common enemy shall
enable them to succeed in overthrowing Morse's patents, do you not perceive
that the Western Telegraph Company, under a sense of the injustice with which
they are treated, may extend their line to New York, and not only receive and
deliver Western messages, but go into competition with you for local business ? Nay, would your Company now have any cause to complain were the
Western Company to connect itself at Baltimore with a Bain line or a House
line? It would be virtually no more than the Magnetic Telegraph Company
are now doing in their exclusive connection with a rival line.
Some of your Company maintain, we are told, that in this matter you should
be governed by your interest, meaning thereby the amount in dollars and cents,
which can for the time being be brought into your treasury. We respectfully
think that all permanent interests are founded in justice, and that although
more money may for a time be obtained by a departure from that rule, than
from an adherence to it, yet it cannot always be depended upon. Take the case
now in hand, and suppose that the Western Telegraph Company shall become
permanently connected with an opposition line from Baltimore to New York,
and by its Western connections shall command half the Western business,
while the Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Louisville line shall retain its connection witk you and command the other half, it is easy to calculate the effect upon
the " interests" of your company. Taking the present rates of charge as a
criterion, you would lose 40 cents for the sake of retaining 25. The business
whicn follows your line from New York to Baltimore gives you 40 cents; but
leaving it and Philadelphia it give's you only 25. You reject the half which
comes through Baltimore for the sake ©f the half which comes through Philadelphia, and a loss of 15 cents upon every twenty-live received, is the necessary consequence. And is it at all unreasonable to suppose that the time is not
distant whenthe Western Telegraph Company will equally divide the Western
business with the Atlantic and Ohio line; ,
But suppose,the Western Company should not do half the business; suppose
that for every 200 messages between the East and West, passing over the Phi"
ladelphia and Pittsburg Line, only 150 shall pass through Baltimore ; 200 at 25
cents would give but $50, while 150 at 40 cents would give $60. Thus, if the
Magnetic Telegraph Company receive only three quarters of as many Western
messages through Baltimore as through Philadelphia, it would still rec eive
twenty per cent, more income.
Can it be doubted, that it is the interest of the Magnetic Telegraph Company
to foster Lines diverging from its own at or near its extremities, rather than
those diverging to the same places at intermediate points? It is nearer from
New York to Wheeling and all points beyond through Baltimore and by the

180
Western Line, than through Philadelphia and by the Atlantic and Ohio Line.
By the former route messages pass over your Line more than double the distance that they do by the latter—and give thiee-eighths more income. It would
seem, therefore, to be the obvious interest of the Magnetic Telegraph Company
as well as its undoubted right, to bring the Western business through Baltimore
by all honorable means within its reach. That hitherto a heavy preponderance
of that business has gone through Philadelphia, is no proof that such would long
be the case, if the special favor of your Line towards the Atlantic and Ohio
Company were transferred to the Western Company. All other causes for
Jhat preponderance are casual and temporary, and will soon pass away.
We have understood that some of your Company base their justification on the
position that the Magnetic Telegraph Company ought not to make itself a party
in the disputes of the patentees with other Companies. Is that ground thus
broadly assumed tenable ? If your Company be interested in those disputes,
ought they to regard the .parties with equal indifference ? Morse's patents are
attacked, and if overthrown what is to prevent the Southern Line and the two
Western Lines from running their wires into New York? reducing yours to a
line for local business only, and even competing with you for that ? There is
no other Company in the Union which ha,s so much at stake in the dispute relative.to the validity of Morse's patent, and yet it is contended that you should
keep clear of the dispute of the Patentees. Practically however, your Company
does not keep clear. Instead of throwing their great weight into the scale of
the Patentees, they throw it into the opposite scale, encouraging and strengthening those who are assaulting not only the rights of the Patentees, but indirectly
the rights, privileges, and interests of the Magnetic Telegraph Company. We
repeat, no Telegraph Company in the Union has so deep an interest in sustaining the Patentees as yours; for none is exposed to such immediate and extensive
competition.
But we do not appear as the special advocates or allies of the Patentees. The
question is not between them and your Company, but it is between your Company and the Western Telegraph Company, In your Company we understand
the Patentees own about half the Stock; in purs but about a third. If the current receipts per day of the greatest number of dollars and cents be their interest, they ought to be with you rather than us. Be this as it may, it is not
the Patentees, but it is the bona fide subscribers, whose money has built the
Line from Baltimore to Wheeling, that now address you, and respectfully ask a
reconsideration of the course your Company is pursuing. Upon viewing the
subject in all its bearings, we trust your Board will find their permanent interests identical with those of the Western Telegraph Company, and that lasting
business relations and perfect harmony of action and of feeling may be established between them.
In conclusion, it is due to truth to say, that if your Company, on full deliberation, persist in the course of business now pursued by them, the Western

181
Telegraph Company, under a sense of what they cannot but consider great injustice, may refuse to keep up through your wires the one sided connection it
has with the, East, and may seek by other means that reciprocity which is now
denied them, justifying their course, both by the precept and example of the
Magnetic Telegraph Company. That they may never be driven to this expedient by the action of your Company, is our most ardent desire, and we may
say our confident expectation.
We have the honor to be
Your obedient servants,
JOHN H, B. LATROBE, i
GEORGE K. DODGE,> Committee.
JACOB CARMAN.
)

At a meeting of the Western Telegraph Company in the City of Baltimore,
September 4th, 1849, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That it is the desire and purpose of the Western Telegraph Company, to respect the rights and protect the interests of other Telegraphic Companies, organized under grants from the Proprietors of Morse's Patents, as far
as may be in its power, conceiving such mutual support to be the surest guarantee of the ultimate interest of said Companies jointly and severally.
Resolved, That in this desire and purpose, it has expected, and does expect^
reciprocity in the views and actions of other Telegraphic Companies so organized, and from none1 more cordially than from the Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Resolved, That the Western Telegraph Company hailed' the resolution of
the Magnetic Telegraph Company reducing the rate of charges on Western
messages passing over, their line between Baltimore and Philadelphia, with the
avowed purpose of bringing Western business over that route, as an evidence
of a disposition on their1 part to sustain, by reciprocal business relations, the
j regular Morse Lines; and it is with surprise we have learned that said resolution has not been carried out according to its true spirit and obvious intent,
but has been utterly defeated, by the diversion of the Western business from
the Magnetic Telegraph Line at Philadelphia, instead of sending it to Baltimore,
as by said resolution was in contemplation.
Resolved, That inasmuch as the Magnetic Telegraph Company have an unquestionable right to transmit said Messages to Baltimore, and for each several
message so sent, would receive a largely increased amount of postage, the
Western Telegraph Company cannot but consider the conduct of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company as eminently hostile to the rights and interests of the Western Telegraph Company.
Resolved, That in the view of this Board, the virtual non-intercourse between
, this Company and New York, established by the Magnetic Telegraph Comp a n y , produced, as is understood to be alledged by the action and threats of the
rregular Line of Morse's Telegraph from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and the

182
opposition line of House's Telegraph from Philadelphia to New York, might
perhaps palliate, if it did not justify, immediate resort to opposition lines for
that connection with New York which is now so wrongfully withheld; but as
it is hoped that the course of the Magnetic Telegraph Company may yet be
made conformable to the just right of the Western Telegraph Company, this
Board considers any such resort at this moment premature and inexpedient.
Resolved however, That the interests of this Company demand a reciprocal
business connection for Western messages with New York, and it is due to its
stockholders that this Board take the most prompt and decisive measures to
ascertain whether such connection is to be had through the medium of the
Magnetic Telegraph Company, and if not, to seek it through some other channel.
Be it further resolved. That a Committee of the members be appointed to
communicate these resolutions to the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, with such additional views as they may think proper, and request of them at their earliest convenience to take this important matter under
consideration, and by their own action or that of a meeting of their Stockholders, inform this Board whether the Western Telegraph Company may rely
upon the Magnetic Telegraph Company for a permanent reciprocal business
connection with New York? or whether the present course of business is to be
persisted in? and that the said Committee report the result of their action as
soon as ascertained, to the President of this Company.
The Chair then appointed J . H. B. Latrobe, Jacob Carman, and George It.
Dodge, the Committee under the resolutions.
JNO, H. B. LATROBE, Secretary, pro tern.
On motion of Mr. Norton,
Ordered, That said letter and resolutions be referred to a Committee of three,
of which the President shall be one.
Mr. Hart and Mr. Abell were appointed said Committee in conjunction wi$h
the President. On motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That when this Board adjourn, it adjourn to meet at the office of
this Company, in the City of Washington, on Thursday, the 15th day of November next, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
And then the Board adjourned.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

183

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
OFFICE OF MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, t

Washington, Nov. 15, 1849. )
The President and Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph'Company
met at the office of the Company in Washington, at 10, o'clock, A. M. pursuant
to adjournment.
The reading of the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors at
the last meeting was dispensed with.
The President having briefly stated the object of this Special Meeting, submitted certain accounts for expenses incurred in reconstructing the line, which,
on motion, were referred to the Committee on Accounts.
The President called the attention of the Directors to the infringements made
upon the rights of this Company by persons claiming to act under the authority
of Mr. Alexander Bain, of Great Britain, and others, and read letters from Solicitor Blatchford of New York.
Upon motion oi Mr. Hart,
Ordered, That Mr. Amos Kendall be added to the Committee on Accounts
as representative of the Patentees, to assist in auditing the accounts for
Repairs, and for Construction of two additional wires between Washington and
New York.
Mr. Nprton submitted the following resolution, which, after discussion, was
adopted.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to take into consideration
the propriety of reducing still farther, or on different principles, the rates of
charge for matter sent by this line, over a certain specified number of words,
and that they report thereon to this meeting.
The President appointed Messrs. Norton, Kendall, and Swain, said Committee.
The President offered the following resolution, which was agreed to, viz.
Resolved, That the President of this Company be and he hereby is authorized
and directed to take such measures as he may deem expedient to defend the
suit now pending in the City of New York, commenced against this Company
by the Proprietors of the New York Express.
Upon motion of Mr. Canby it was
Ordered, That such sum, not exceeding Thirty Dollars, be paid to Eli
Mendenhall as Mr. Canby may find equitably due him in addition to what has
been heretofore allowed and paid.
Adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock, A. M.

184.
Fridayi November 16, 1849.
The President and Board of Directors met at 10 o'clock, A. M., pursuant to
adjournment.
Mr. Norton, from the Committee appointed yesterday to take into consideration the propriety of reducing the rates of charge for matter sent over the
lines of wires of this Company, reported that the Committee were unable to
agree upon a plan of reduction, and therefore asked to be discharged from the
further,consideration of the subject, which was agreed to.
Mr. Norton then offered the following resolution:— _
Resolved, That on all messages exceeding one hundred words, the full rates
shall be charged on the first hundred, and two-thirds of the regular charge for
all additional words under two thousand; but when messages contain two
thousand words and upwards the full rates shall be charged on the first hundred,
and one-half of the full rates for all additional words.
This resolution to take effect on the 1st day of January next.
Mr. Swain moved to strike out all after the word " Resolved'' and insert as
follows :•—
That on all messages exceeding one hundred words, the full rates be charged
upon the first hundred; one-third the full rates on all words over one hundred,
and not exceeding five hundred; and one-half of such full rates on all words over
five hundred; and on all messages containing over two thousand words there
shall be a reduction of two-thirds of the full rates.
The above resolution to take effect upon the completion of the construction
of the two additional wires, and their going into use.
Mr. Kendall moved to amend the substitute as follows .—
Resolved, That full rates of charge shall be made on all messages containing
not over two hundred words, and on all words over two hundred one-third
of said rates; provided, that to entitle any one to the reduced rates he shall consent to send or receive his messages'at such times, and in such manner, as will
not interfere with the ordinary business of the Line.
This resolution shall take effect from and after the first of December next.
After discussion Mr. Swain offered the following resolution, which was
rejected, viz:
Resolved, That the subject of reduction of prices for long communications be
deferred until the next regular meeting of the Board, by which time it is
expected that the two additional wires will be ready for operation, by means
of which it is hoped all calls can be accommodated.
The question was then taken upon Mr. Kendall's amendment to Mr. Swain's
proposed substitute for the resolution of Mr. Norton, and was decided in the
negative.

185
Mr. Kendal] then moved to so amend the substitute of Mr. Swain, as to
reduce the charge of transmission fifty per cent when the message exceeds one
hundred words, which amendment was disagreed to.
Mr. Hart moved to amend the substitute by adding to the rates established
therein, a further grade providing that but two-thirds the usual rates shall be
charged for all words in messages containing more 'than one thousand words,
which amendment was agreed to..
Mr. Hart moved that the substitute be further amended, so as to provide that
the reduction in the rates shall not take effect until the first day of January, 1850,
which was disagreed to.
The question then recurred upon the passage of the substitute of Mr, Swain5
which as amended is as follows :•—
Resolved, That on all messages exceeding one hundred words the full rates
be charged upon the first hundred words ;•—two-thirds of the full short communication rates on all words over the first hundred, and not exceeding five hundred;—
and one-half of such full rates on all words over five hundred and under one
thousand;—and on all words over one tjhousand there shall be a, reduction of
two-thirds of the full rates.
The above resolution shall take effect upon the completion of the construction
of the two additional wires, and their going into use.
The yeas and nays, having been called for and ordered, the substitute was
agreed to by the following vote, viz :
Yeas—Messrs. Abell, Hart, Hoe, Kendall, Norton, Swain, and Mr. President.
Nays—None. Absent, Mr. Canby.
The resolution, thus amended, was passed unanimously.
Upon motion of Mr. Hart, the Board then adjourned until the next Stated
meeting.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

186
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
BALTIMORE, January 10, 1850.

The President and Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company
met at Barnum's Hotel, in the city of Baltimore, on Thursday, the 10th of January, 1850, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Present—Messrs. Kendall, French, Abell,
Canby, Hart, Swain, Norton and Hoe.
The minutes of the proceedings had at the last meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer then submitted the following report and general account,
which was, on motion of Mr. Canby, accepted and ordered to be entered upon
the minutes.
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company:
The Treasurer regrets that in consequence of non-receipt of the monthly returns from Washington and Newark Stations, for the month of December, 1849,
he is unable to furnish, complete, the quarterly returns, as required, and that
would have been furnished as usual had not the failures above alluded to transpired.
Independent of those Stations, for December, there has been received $20,538
28, and $5,000 on account of additional Stock—viz:, At Philadelphia, (for
line,) $2,924 6 1 ; New York, $5,162 25; Baltimore, $1,749 89; Washington,
(two months,) $2,341 02; Wilmington, $436 09; Trenton, $115 98; Jersey
City, $114 63; New Brunswick, $51 59; Newark, (two months,) $36 85;
Princeton, $21 84; and Havre de Grace, $21 38—together, $32,915 93. For
other Lines, $7,276 58, and Miscellaneous Items, $345 77.
Of the above amounts, $10,469 63 was deposited to the credit of Treasurer,
by Stations; $5,000 on additional Stock—together, $15469 63. In addition to
which, the Treasurer, to meet certain payments, borrowed $1,500, at 90 days,
which amount was also deposited, on the 10th December; also, $178 90, returned by the President.
There has been paid by Treasurer, for Construction and Repairs, during the
quarter, $13,501 94; Salaries, $950 3 1 ; Dividends, $83; Rent, $40; Lights
and Fuel, $45 90; Miscellaneous Expenses, $366 52; Battery, $18; and for Salaries and Balances to Stations, $3,857 60 ; leaving a balance in the Treasury,
on the 31st December, 1849, of $903 63.
The entire amount paid for construction and repairs, from the commencement of the work of putting up two additional wires, is $30,589 51. The
amount received on account of additional subscription for said purpose, is $19,196
10. Excess of Expenditure, $11, 393 41.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

Q U A R T E R L Y STATEMENT FOR OCTOBER, N O V E M B E R A N B DECEMBER, 1849.
GEORGE H- HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
October 1, 1849.
T o Balance in T r e a s u r y , Sept. 30, 1849
"
«
at Stations, "
«
"
Receipts at Philadelphia Station,
"
"
" N e w York,
«
"
"
" Baltimore,
"
"
«
" Washington,
"
"
"
" Wilmington,
"
«
<t
cc T r e n t o n ,
"
«
"
" Jersey City,
"
"
"
" N . Brunswick, "
"
«
" Newark,
"
"
"
" Princeton,
"
"
"
" H a v r e de U r a c e , "

October. I Nov

Dec.

1,264 63 858 95 801 03|
1,734
•1,530 97J 1,836 30
664 34 396 66,
688
1,104
1,236 34 837 94|
149 03| 125 98|
161
32 38
44 90
* 38
22 69;
64
27 25,
15
18 '78|
16 75|
20 01
38 24
16
8 69
4 29
10 21
5 46

December 30, 1849.
$2,818 37 By Salaries paid at Stations,
749 71 " Repairs of L i n e ,
"
li
u
Messengers,
" E x t r a Service,
"
« Lights and Fuel,
"
" Stationery and Printing at Stations,
" Construction and Repairs
"
" Rent,
" Refunded
"
« Batteries,
"
" Miscellaneous,
"
u
Carter & Company unpaid
"
u
Other Lines,
"

5,105 04 4,552 39 4,134 68, 13,792 11
Receipts for other lines a t Philadelphia Station,
385 89 284 70 235 03
«
"
«
N o w York,
1,653 13 1,711 55 1,565 0S|
"
"
«
Baltimore,
343 35 396 91 296 51
"
«
"
Washington,
120 69
161 40
89 37
"
«
"
Wilmington,
12 38
2 55|
6 54
"
"
<c
Trenton,
7 30J
5 00
13 93
"
"
"
J e r s e y City,
2 77
8 93
4 55
«
«
"
N . Brunswick,
5 57
4 60
91
"
"
"
Newark,
15 87
22 12
18 61
1
"
"
"
Princeton,
8 73
62
2 29i
«
«'
"
H . de Grace,
47!
72

5,000 00
Additional Subscriptions,
P r o p e r t y Sold,
1 00
E x t r a Service
41 00
Rent
Refunded b y Other Lines,
1 85
D e l i v e r y of Messages,
62
Postage,
H . de Grace Station p e r President.
Loan
u
Account of N o t e ,
30 00
<» Returned b y President,

for
c<
"
"
"
"
"
"
"

5,074 47

11
92
9
8

33
50;
37
37
61
1 50

07 1,705 76 1,683
339 19
632
78
188 00
20
254
90 00
50
59
107 34
64
62
38 25
12
47
59
93
348 12
37
23 50
38
05
22 64
6
97
343 23
110
51
90
35 2,613 64 2,262

28
76
12
00
59
14
50
27
08!
93|
24

5,343 61 5,819 67 5,193 93 $16,357 2 1
By Dividends paid b y Treasurer,
Construction and Repairs,
Salaries,
Miscellaneous,
Lights and F u e l , Batteries,
Rent,
-

44
4,278
332
235

39 00
00
70 5,812 88 3,410 36
191 66
22
426 4 3
87 05
84
43 63
4 5 90
38 00
40 00

4,890 76 6,282 94 3,831 97

15,005 67
440 35

Balance,
7,388 07

2,548 08 2,607 65 2,232 34
Receipts
«
"
«
"
"
"
«
"
"
«

1,355
117
173
39
176
41
138
95
25
1
214
126
2,537

$31,803 2 3

20 88
53 00!
10 40
25

33
1,500
30 00
30
178

39;
00
001
90

153 68 1,826 82

7,054 97
I $31,803 23

N. B.—The difference in Balance is explained by the above embracing the whole stations complete.

GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

187
QUARTERLY REPORT,
For October, November, and December, 1849.
GEO. H. HART, TREASURER, TN ACCOUNT WITH T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH Co1.
1 October. | November. 1 December.
T o Balance in T r e a s u r y ,
Oct. 1, 1849,
" Additional Stock, S., A .
& Simmons,
5,000 00
" Phila. Station Deposits, 8S2 00 405 0.0 450 00
Cl
N e w York
do.
2,065 00 2,390 00 2,622 00
" Baltimore
do.
563 83 500 00 331 80
" Wilmington
do.
60 00
" Loan at 90 days, S., A .
1,500 00
&.S.,
" l£. B . French, returned,
178 90

Total.
$2,818 37
5,000
1,737
7,077
1,395
60

00
00
00
63
00

1,500 00
178 90
$16,948 5 3

8,510 83 3,355 00 5,082 70
$19,766 90
By Amount paid for Construction and Repairs, 4,278 70 5,812 88 3,410 36 13,501
e
f Dividends,
44 00
39 00
83
{
* Salaries,
950
332 22 426 43 191 66
'< Miscellaneous,
235 84
43 63
87 05 •366
" Batter/,
18
18 00
'' Lights and F u e l ,
45 90
45
" Rent,
40 00
40
ei
Stations,
1,577,63 1,741 }15 538 92 3,857
Balance,

94
00
31
52
00
90
00
60

6,468 29 8,024 09 4,370 89 18,863 27
903, 63;$19,766 90

The Secretary submitted his Quarterly Report, which, on motion of Mr.
Canby, was accepted and ordered to be entered upon the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

October::: $1,734 98 1,264 63 1,104 68
November 1,530 97 858 95 1,236 34
December - 1,836 30 801 03 887 94

*

1

E GRACE.

N.B RITNSW'K.

ARK.

H

0
JERS

TREIYTON.

MINGTON.

BALI^IMORE.

WAS HINGTON.

PHIL ADELPHIA.

1849.

•NEW YORK.

To the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
GENTLEMEN ;—The income of the Company, from receipts of the Lines at the
several Offices, during the quarter ending on the 31st of December, 1849, was,
according to the reports furnished to this Office by the several Chief Operators,
as follows:
O
H
W
O
PH

688 99 161 08 38 70 64 69 16 84 15 86 6 73 8 86
668 34 149 03 32 38 22 79 20 01 18 78 10 24 8 69
397r5C 126 01 44 90 27 25
16 75 5 44 4 29

$5,102 25 2.924 61 3,228 96 1,754 89 436 12lll5 98 114 73

51 3922 41>21 84

188
This shows an aggretate, (omitting Newark, from which returns have not
been received) of $13,773 18 for the three months. The corresponding months
of 184$ yielded the sum of $13,840 53; thus exhibiting a falling off of
$67 35. The corresponding months of 1847 yielded $11,839 51.
The receipts from the Lines for this year, (the accounts for two full quarters,
with the exception before stated, having been received) amount to $27,613 71*
Last year the receipts, during a corresponding period, amounted to $27,103 69.
This shows a difference of $510 02, in favor of the present year; considering
the largely-increased expenditures, and the increased facilities for tlie transaction
of the business of this year as compared with the last, this result scarcely meets
expectation. The receipts of the Line, from other sources than from its legitimate local business, owing to the want of full returns for the past quarter,
cannot now be stated.
It will be seen that the value of the Princeton Office is steadily diminishing—
the last quarter yielding only $4 29. If this diminution is not owing to the
Operator employed at that Station, nor to the fact that the office is located at a
considerable distance from the city, or other avoidable cause, it should be
abolished as a large and unnecessary source of expense to the Company.
It will be seen also, by reference to the accounts, that certain expenditures
are very unequal in the several Offices, and that they do not seem to be, in all
cases, graduated to the amount of business transacted.
Very Respectfully,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
Washington, D. C , January 9, 1850.

The President submitted a letter from Mr. A. G. Glossbrenner, stating the
reasons why the Committee appointed by the Stockholders cannot submit a report prior to the next meeting of the Directors.
WASHINGTON, D. C , Jan. 9,

1849.

To the Board of Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company :
GENTLEMEN :—The Committee appointed by the Stockholders of the Magnetic
Telegraph Company, at their meeting in the City of New York in July last,
for the purpose of exaniining and reporting upon the management of the affairs
of the Company during the year ending on the 1st of that month, beg leave to
say, that they have discharged the duty assigned them so far as relates to the
examination referred to. But as a portion of the evidence adduced (Jid not
reach them until late in October, and as there has been no time, since its
receipt by the Chairman, for a consultation at which all the members of the

QUARTERLY REPORT OF MATERIALS
Consumed at the Several Stations of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of December, 1849.
Porous Cups,....
Nitric Acid,
35 lbs., 10 c.
Sulphuric Acid, 24 lbs., 2 J c.
Muriatic Acid,..
Quicksilver,
1 lb., $1 10
Zincs,
5, 22 c.
Envelopes,
5000, 90 c.
Blanks,
Foolscap Paper,. 1 ream
Letter Paper,...
Headings,
5 reams, $3
Pens, Metallic,. 2 gro., $1 50
Ink,
1 bottle
Pencils,
Telegraph Paper,
Stamp Wafers,.. 5000

WASHINGTON.

PHILADELPHIA.

N E W YORK.

BALTIMORE.

WILMINGTON.

TRENTON.

6 7-12 dz. 60c $3 85

[$3 50 115 lbs., 10 c. 11 50 57 lbs 9 oz, 16 $8
55 2 4 | lbs., 8 c. I 1
60, 20 lbs., 2 | c.
40 lbs., 2 | c.

1 10| 3 lbs. $1 20
1 lOj 140, 8 c.
4 50j 8000, $1 50

1
3
11
12

1 75 6 r m s . , $1 62 9
1
| r e a m , $3
15 00 8500, $3 50 29
3 00 6 gro., 50 c. 3
50 6 quarts, 50
3
1 dozen, 50
60 lbs., 1 2 j c . 7

10
60 2 lbs., $1 30
|
20 20, 10 c.
00 2000

75 lbs., 8 c. $6 00] 25 lbs.]
35 lbs., 2J c. | 79| |6 lbs.

2 lbs., $1 20 I 2 40| 6 oz.
8 (16 lbs) 10 c 1 60 19 lbs.
3950
6 77 1600
30
42
1 75] 2f qrs,
75 6 rms., $1 55 9 30 2 reams
2 quires, 25 c !
50|
50
2 | rms. $3 50 8 75 650
75 1 | reams
00; 1 gro., $1 50
H g l . 2 5 . i g 7 5 , 1 31 50
56 1 pint
l i b o t t . , 37|c
00 1 quart, 50 c.
94j 1
lidoz.,62ic|
50 j 1 dozen, 75 c.
50 5 5 | lbs-> 17f c
50 lbs., 15 c. 7 50

3
12 lbs.

48

66 2 oz.

8 lbs,
460
100
34 ! quire
24 I quire|

I

40 36
25,
6, 1

JERSEY CITY.

NEWARK

ll
16 lbs. 10 c $1 60 6 lbs.
4 lbs.
4 lbs.
8 1-6 oz.
4 old ones
300
29
10, 2 | quires

\ ream
50 1 dozen
4 2 2-6 qts.
4
18 lbs.

1 50 4 oz.
5 lbs.
325
31
4 qrs.
1 "
350
5 doz.
63 1 pint
4

$

N.BRUNSWICK

1

13 lbs2 lbs.

1$ II

24 oz.
2
59 265
25
35; 5 qrs. 1
20 1 a
2
225
36 1 doz.
19
25 1

15 lbs.
3 lbs., 5 | c

6 qts.
16| 1 "

75 | l b .
3
32
31 150
125
30
00 ,23
60 2 qrs.
12 |3 qrs., 20 c. 25 1 "
1 "
150
2 doz.
15 120
3, 1 vial
121 1 bot.
6 1
19

\ lb., $1 50

75

40
20

25
12

5 lbs.

3 75

* The following explanation applies to other Offices, as well as to the one at Trenton:
M R CORBIN.—Bear Sir:—When the price of the article is omitted, it is on account of the price not being known to me. These articles were furnished me by the quantity, and as usual, I
suppose, the prices reported to you. It has been our custom not to fix the price on any article not purchased by us.
Very respectfully, yours,
J. R. VAN EMBERGH.
Trenton, January 2d, 1850.

189
Committee could be present, t h e y are constrained to defer making their report
until the meeting of the Board of Directors in April next.
V e r y Respectfully, Gentlemen,
-.Your obedient servant,
A. J. G L O S S B R E N N E R ,

Chairman.

T h e Secretary submitted the quarterly returns of the materials consumed at
the various Stations of the Company, the result of which is embodied in the
annexed table.
T h e Secretary has occasion to regret that the returns made to him from the
several Stations are imperfect and inexplicit, but submits them, as made, for the
inspection of the Directors. He hopes great improvement will hereafter be
discoverable in these respects.
V e r y respectfully,
ABEL R A T H B O N E CORBIN,
To the President

and Directors

of the Magnetic

Telegraph

Secretary.

Company.

M r . Swain,offered the following resolution, which was agreed to :
Resolved,

T h a t it be the duty of the Treasurer of this Company, hereafter,

to supply its various offices w i t h register paper.
T h e President submitted a request from the President of the Commissioners
of P o r t Deposit, for the establishment of an office in that village, and proposing to pay the expense thereof. Referred to a Committee, composed of
Messrs. Swain, Kendall and Canby.
P O R T D E P O S I T , N O V . 25th,

1849.

B>, B. F R E N C H , Esq., President of the Telegraph Company :
D E A R SIR :-^-l have been instructed b y the Commissioners of the village of
P o r t Deposit, to submit the following proposition. T o w i t :
Whereas your Company's Line of wires pass directly through our village,
and w e have long felt the inconvenience of riot having an office h e r e , and for the
purpose of inducing your Company to give us an office of connection here, w e
propose to furnish an office, and a person to attend said office, (provided you
would furnish us w i t h the apparatus to work) for the receipts at this point of
said office. Should this meet your favorable opinion on this subject, w e would
be happy to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully yours,
J . J. H E C K A R T ,
President of the Commissioners of the village of Port deposit, Md.

190
The President laid before the Board communications from Messrs. John Allen
& Co., and from " The Hudson Manufacturing Company," proposing to insulate
and put down wires below the waters of the Hudson river; which, upon motion
of Mr. Swain, were laid upon the table until definite propositions are received.
The President laid before the Directors a communication from Hon. Amos
Kendall and George R. Dodge, Esq., in relation to rates of charge for messages
sent over the lines of the Western Telegraph Company, and the New Orleans
and Ohio Telegraph Company.
At 3 o'clock, P. M., a recess was taken until 4.
At 4 o'clock, P: M., the Board resumed its session.
Mr. Canby, from a Committee appointed for that purpose, submitted a contract with the Wilmington Railroad Company, which had been entered into on
the part of tfiis Company, to keep the jLines in repair. Approved.
Mr. Swain, from the Com;rafc4$e, appointed for that purpose, submitted the
following report and resolution,;-upon the application for an office at Port Deposit, which were agreed to :
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the letter of J. J.
Heckart, President of the Commissioners of the village of Port Deposit, Md,
in relation to the establishment of a station and Telegraph Office at said village,
respectfully report, that inasmuch as an office is now sustained at a heavy
expense to this Company over and above the receipts from the station, at Havrede-Grace, within five miles of Port Deposit, by which it was contemplated and
is believed, that the citizens of the latter place are accommodated, it is deemed
expedient to establish such office only upon condition that responsible citizens
of said place agree to pay, and to secure the payment to the Company from year
to year, the amount of expense, over and above the receipts4;hereof, necessary to
sustain said office, such expense estimated not to exceed one thousand dollars
per annum, and to be not less (judging from other subordinate stations) than five
hundred dollars. But said amount of expense to be paid to the Company, as in
no ease should the Company have in charge of any of its offices persons not
employed |>y and responsible directly to itself.
WM. M. SWAIN,
For the Committee.
Resolved, That the President communicate tof the President of the Commissioners of Port Deposit, the answer of this Company in accordance with the
Report of the Committee appointed upon the subject of his application to this
Company.
Upon motion of Mr. Hart, it was
Resolved, That a Committee of two persons be appointed to consult with St.
Geo. Tucker Campbell, Esq., of Philadelphia, as to/the proper course to pursue
to have conveyed direct to the Magnetic Telegraph/.Company the titles to the

191
Patents of S. F. B. Morse, under which their Telegraph Lines are built. And
if, in the opinion of said Campbell, said titles can be conveyed by the Trustees
and by said Morse, without any order of the Stockholders, then, that said Committee be empowered to cause it to be done. If not, they shall report the facts
to the President of this Company, and he is hereby directed to call a meeting
of the Stockholders, and lay the whole matter before them.
Mr. SWain and Mr. Kendall were appointed said Committee.
Mr. Swain offered the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That whenever Operators, Clerks, or others, in the employ of the
Company, are absent from their duties, their salaries shall be deducted for the
time of such absence.
^ Upon motion of Mr. Swain, it was
Resolved, That it be the duty of the President of this Company to keep, or
cause to be kept, a regular daily minute of the time its several wires are out
of working order, and of all delays in the working of either of the wires, designating them as the Upper and Lower wires, and the East and West wires;
and that he report the same to the next, and to each succeeding meeting of the
Directors of the Company, together with the causes of such delays or interruptions.
Mr. Hart moved that the Committee on Accounts of Construction and Repairs
be instructed to ascertain, as near as may be, the cost incurred in putting up
two additional wires, and report the result of their inquiries at the next meeting of the Board. "VtHiich. motion was agreed to.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoe,
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to enter into some arrangement with Companies Using Morse' Lines, to connect with this Line, upon reciprocal principles, and in such a manner as to secure to persons wishing to transmit messages prompt and speedy transmission. That said Committee be em
powered to make such arrangements as they may deem for the interests of this
Company, with such Companies as are willing to do so, subject to the approval
of this Board.
The President appointed Messrs. Hoe, Kendall, Hart, Abell and Swain. On
motion of Mr. Norton, the President was added to the Committee.
„ On motion of Mr. Norton, the Board then adjourned.

193
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.
In accordance with the following resolution of the Board of Directors, and
the opinion of St. Geo. T. Campbell, Esq., the Legal Counsel of the Company,
a Special Meeting of the Stockholders was called by the President, as follows:
Office of the President of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, >
Washington City, March 18, 1850.
)
SIR :—A meeting of the Stockholders of the Magnetic Telegraph Company
will be held at the Office of said Company, in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, the 9th
day of April next, at 10 o'clock, A. M., for the purpose of taking suchcourse
as the legal Counsel of the Company may advise, in regard to divesting the
Trustees of, their title to the Patent Right, and placing the same in the Corporation.
As the business is of great importance to fhe Company, it is hoped that every
Stockholder will be present, either in person or by proxy.
By order of the Board of Directors.
B. B. FRENCH, President.
At the place and hour above specified, the Stockholders assembled, the President in the chair. Upon an examination, it was found that stock to the amount
of $198,300 was represented by Stockholders present, being a large majority
thereof.
The President called the attention of the Stockholders to the subject for
which they had been convened, and submitted the letter of St. Geo. T. Campbell, Counsel of the Company, which was read.
94 South Fourth street.
MY DEAR SIR :—I have examined the questions submitted to me. I understand from the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Telegraph Company,
that the point to which my attention was to be directed was the power of the
Trustees and Patentees to convey to the Corporation the invention secured to
Mr. Morse, without the action of the Stockholders. I here insert it:
" Resolved, That a Commtttee of two persons be appointed to consult with
St. Geo. Tucker Campbell, Esq., of Philadelphia, as to the proper course to
pursue to have conveyed, direct to the Magnetic Telegraph Company, the titles
to the Patents of S. F . B. Morse, under which their Telegraph Lines are built.
And if, in the opinion of said Campbell, said titles can be conveyed by the
Trustees and by said Morse, without any order of the Stockholders, then, that
said Committee be empowered to cause it to be done. If not, they shall report
the facts to the President of this Company, and he is hereby directed to calla
meeting of the Stockholders, and lay the whole matter before them."

194
I have, in order accurately to ascertain the title to the patent and rights of
the parties, examined the papers on record in the Patent Office, and the agreements and minutes of the Company. I find—
1. That by the articles of association, (May 15, 1845,) section 17, it was provided that it should be competent for the Company to divest the Trustees of all
powers thereby vested in them, " excepting the trust of the title of said Letters
Patent," &c; and by section 20, that no enlargement or diminution of the
powers of the Trustees " shall affect the title to the trust property," &c, & c ,
" without unanimous consent of subscribers, stockholders, patentees, or their
assigns."
^
'
2. From the original assignments and minutes of the Company, I learn that
Mr. Corcoran resigned his appointment of Trustee, and that resignation was
accepted on the 8th of December, 1847. (I may here, without impropriety,
say, that the validity and effect of such resignation, unless with the unanimous
consent of all parties, Patentees and Stockholders, may be most seriously questioned.)
3. Messrs. Glossbrenner (May 22, 1846,) and Broadhead (Dec. 8, 1847,) have
been added to the trust—rather, they remain the sole Trustees, (if these resignations are to be regarded as effectual,) inasmuch as Mr. French, too, upon
July 6, 1847, also retired from that duty upon his election as President.
Upon this state of facts, I have no question,
First—That the Trustees cannot, with the assent of the Patentees algne,
assign the invention to the Company.
Second—That a good title to the invention can be made by the assent,
1. Of the Patentees;
2. Of the Trustees;
3. Of the Stockholders of the Telegraph Company;
and that to perfect such title, the assent of these three parties will be required.
This, I believe, fully answers the question proposed to me, but it may not be
improper for me to add a suggestion upon the subject.
The object of such an assignment I understand to be two-fold:
1. To secure to the Company the legal title to the invention, any renewals
of the patent, or improvements thereupon, and to adjust definitely their rights
with regard to Lines connecting North and South.
2. To place the patent in a,condition to enable those interested in this Line
to take measures, too long delayed, to enjoin infringements, so successfully prosecuted that they have already grown in public favor.
Such papers as may be required for the signatures of the Patentee and his
assigns, and the Trustees, (new and old,) as well as resolutions for the Stock-

195
holders, I can readily prepare, as soon as your Board, to whom the subject is
referred, shall have acted on the subject.
I need not add that if measures are to be taken to obtain injunctions against
those violating the patent, the utmost diligence should be used on the subject.
I am, very sincerely,
ST. GEO. T. CAMPBELL.
M R . W M . M. SWAIN.

March,11,

1850.

Mr. Kendall, from a Select Committee of the Board of Directors, submitted
the folio wing report and resolution:
The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Board of Directors, to
confer with St. Geo. Tucker Campbell, Esq., as to the conveyance of the title
of Morse's Patents to this Company, as a Corporation, &c, have performed that
duty, and present the following report to this meeting:
We have conferred with St. Geo. T. Campbell, Esq., Attorneyrat-Law, who
has been employed to vindicate, before the Courts, the rights of this Company,
and find his opinion to be clear and decided upon the two following points, viz :
1. That the Interests of the Company require prompt proceedings against the
infringers of Morse's Patents, on their Line, and that it is inexpedient to wait
the time which it must necessarily take to transfer the title to the Patents from
the Trustees to the Corporation.
2. That, nevertheless, it is expedient, in view to the more cdnvenient management of the business of the Company hereafter, that the Trust be abolished,
and the title to the Patents vested in the Corporation.
The Committee, therefore, recommend that the needful suit or suits to defend
the rights of the Company be immediately instituted, in the names of the
Trustees.
They also recommend that a paper be prepared, and sent to each Stockholder
for his signature, giving his consent to the abolition of the Trust, and requesting
the Trustees to convey all title to the Patents, now vested in them, to the Corporation, styled The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
They further recommend, that the accounts connected with the two wires
recently added to the Line of the Company, be immediately closed, and the
stock issued; and that the Patentees be requested to relinquish, by the proper
instrument in writing, all claim to stock to be issued on, any wires hereafter to
be added, according to the agreement in pursuance of which the two additional
wires have been put up. The Committee submit the accompanying resolution.
AMOS KENDALL.
WM. M. SWAIN.
Whereas, It has been deemed expedient by this Company that the title to the
Patents of Morse's Telegraph, now held by Trustees, be conveyed directly to

196
the Company ; and whereas^ by the articles of association, the assent of each
Stockholder is necessary to divest said Trustees of the trust—Therefore,
Resolved^ That the President forward to each Stockholder the proceedings of
this meeting, and proceed to procure the signatures of each, without delay, to
such paper as may be prepared by Counsel, giving their assent to the transfer
to the Company of all rights now; held by the Trustees.
After discussion and consultation, the resolution was unanimously adopted.
And then the meeting adjourned, sine die,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

Q U A R T E R L Y STATEMENT FOR JANUARY, F E B R U A R Y A N D MARCH, 1850.
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph CompanyApril 1, 1850.
T o Balance from last Quarter,
Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for line,
N e w York,
«
Baltimore,
"
Washington,
"
Wilmington,
"
Trenton,
«
J e r s e y City,
"
N . Brunswick, Ci
Newark,
"
Princeton,
"
ie
Havre de Grace,

January.IFebruary I M a r c h
993
3,463
499
1,456
148
38
24

36
38
4
6

14 890
80 3,000
93 456
681 1,451
86] 132
87
38
05
18
15J
21
15
22
19
3
34
3

65| 1,064
36 2,592
66| 690
59 1,689
65\ 143
41
40
24j
28
32j
23
74
28
601
6
12
5

43
11
68
39j
63|
26
67
52
13
37
42

6,710 16 6,039 34 6,312 61
Receipts for other lines at Philadelphia Station ;
529 76 526
«
N e w York,
«
2,340 01 2,195
"
Baltimore,
«
588 63| 453
(i
Washington,
"
242 93| 244
(i
Wilmington,
"
7 22
6
'<
Trenton,
"
5
5 56
cc
<c
J e r s e y City,
10 02!
2
<{
iC
N . Brunswick,
15
1
"
Newark,
"
15
12 16l
11
Princeton,
"
2 11
"
H . de Grace,
"
18'

01 572
35| 2,065
57 401
42 308
43)
7
70
6
2
00,
22
3
70
19
10

33
61
21
41
83
78
35,
17
47
95|
64

3,738 73 3,450 50 3,388 75

March 30, 1850.
$ 440 35 By Salaries paid at Stations,
"
"
« Treasurer, li
Repairs of Line at Stations, Treasurer,
u
Construction and Repairs, Treasurer,
" Loan of 10th December, 1849, "
iC
" Contingent fund
" E x t r a Service at Stations,
u
u
Messengers
fC
" Instruments
" Rent,
"
u
c
Batteries
'
(i
ei
Miscellaneous
19,062 11
Treasurer, ee
Stationery and Printing at Stations,
" Lights and F u e l
"
Treasurer, il
Counsel Fees at Stations,
lc
N e w York to Jersey City for repairs,
" Refunded at Stations,
u
Paid to other Lines,

1,699
342
470
40
1,693

26
199
33
237
70
195
75
93
109
85
107
3,772

93 1,649 92 1,649 92
OS 303 79 191 66
06 526 46 324 25
00 125 00 288 43
95 899 92 1,000 00
j 1,500 00
100 00 100 00
78 00
54 00
00
29 205 00 252 00
37 85
75
40 00
50 ! 80 00 ISO 00
64
67 47
58 66
68 132 91 211 24
65 , 53 76
10
60 35
57 36
15 ' 94 04
95 56
48 42
68
115 00
64
30 90
36 38
72 3,466 47 3,456 26

9,252 77 7,931 18 9,689 80 $26,873 75
By balance at N e w York Station,
«
«
Philadelphia
"
((
"
Baltimore
"
«
Wilmington
"
10,577 98 "

946
231
33
7

92
62
12
02
1,221 68

To
"
"
"

Property Sold,
Refunded b y Other Lines,
Delivering of Messages,
E x t r a Service,
E . Gordon on Account of Note,

1
9
3
25
30

87 02

u

•4 28|
27 74
50|
24 50
30 00]

50
661
28|
50!
00

69 94

<{
"

3 12
29 27
13
82 50

<c
{

<
"

«'
"
"
"
(t

Bank of Commerce,
N e w York,
Baltimore,
Wilmington, Washington, -

....
...

1,131
186
750
136
53

52
02
00J
40
05
2,256 99

115 02

271 98
$30,352 42
0,352 42|

T o Balance as per contra,

3,478 67

GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

197
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Board met at their office, in the city of New York,,on Thursday, the 11th
day of April, 1850, at 4 o'clock, P. M. Present: The President, (Mr. French,)
and Messrs. Kendall, Abell, Canby, Swain, Norton and Hoe.
The Secretary read the minutes of the proceedings had at the last?meeting,
which, on motion of Mr. Canby, were approved.
The Report and Statements of the Treasurer were laid before the Board by
the President, which, on motion of Mr. Canby, were accepted and ordered to
be filed and printed.
To the President and Board of/Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company :
The Treasurer submits the quarterly statement of the business of the Company for the past months of January, February and March, 1850; by reference
thereto, it will be seen that the amount received for the legitimate business
exceeds that of the preceding quarter $5,270; and that of the corresponding
quarter of 1849, about $1200.
For the immediate work of the line there was received at New York Station,
$9,056.27; at Philadelphia Station, $2,948.22; Baltimore, $1,647.27; Washington, $4,597.66; Wilmington, $425.14; Trenton, $117.54; Jersey City, $70.965
New Brunswick, $80.99; Newark, $89 02; Princeton, $14.16, and Havre-deGrace, $14.88, together, $19,062.11; for other lines, $10,577.98; for extra service, $132.50, property sold, $8.90; on account of bills receivable, $60; for delivery of messages, $3.91, and refunded by other lines, $66.67, making the gross
receipts $29,912.07; which, added to balance on the expiration of the last quarter, $440.55, makes the entire amount $30,352.42.
The disbursements for the same period have been as follows :—For salaries,
$5,887.25; repairs, $1,774.20; construction and repairs, $3,593.87; loan returned,
$1,500; messengers, $656.29; stationery, & c , $21Q.81; lights and fuel, $347.17;
batteries, $196.77; rent,.$497.50; contingent fund, $200; instruments, $111.60;
counsellor's fee, $85.68; miscellaneous, $669.24; refunded, $174.92; New York
to- Jersey City for repairs, $115; extra service, $158, and to other lines,
$10,695.45, together, $26,873.75; leaving a balance at stations of $1,221.68, and
in the hands of the Treasurer, $2,256.99.
A statement of the payments made and carried to account of construction and
repairs also accompanies the Report, amounting to $32,662.19. On this account
there has been .received for additional subscription, $19,196.10; the balance of
$13,466.09 has been paid out of the profits of the Company since the commencement of the work of erecting two additional wires. Whatever amount the
construction portion of said account exceeds the receipts for additional stock
may be added to the net profits of the Company.

198
I am credibly informed ,that there was purchased, and with the exception of
about five hundred dollars yet due Messrs. Thomas & Co., of New York, paid
for and included in my return of payments on account of construction1 and repairs, some six or seven tons of iron wire, that remain to be disposed of or applied to other purposes than that of construction.
All of Which is respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.
The Secretary submitted a Quarterly Report, also a Report of Materials consumed during the past quarter, both of which were read, accepted, and ordered
to be printed.
OFFICE OF T ^ E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, i

January::: $3,463 80 1,456 68 993 14
February ' 3,000 361,451 49 890 65
•
2,592 11 1,689 39 1,064,43

1

8 .
<

I

8

PQ

W

499,93 148 86 38 97 38 15 36 1524 05 6 34
456 66 132 65 37 4122 74 21 32 18 24 3 12
690,68 140 91 40 26 28 13 28 67 23 52 5 42

PRINCETON

JERSEY CITY.

NEWARK.

TRENTON.

WILMINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

PHILADELPHIA.

WASHINGTON..

1850.

NEW YORK.

Washington, April 8th, 1850. V
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
GENTLEMEN :—The amount of moneys received at the several Offices of this
Company, for messages sent over our own wires during the past quarter, may
be stated as follows, ^distinguishing so as to show the exact business of each
month, as well as the aggregate amount of the business of the three months:

4 19
3 60
6 37

$9,056 27 4,597 56 2,948 22 1,647 27 422 42 116 64 89 02 86 14 65 81 14 88J14 16

This table shows an aggregate amount of $19,058.39 for the three months.
The corresponding months of 1849 yielded a revenue from the same source of
$17,814.87: the same period, in 1848, produced $15,399.64,
Add to the income of the quarter just expired, the income of the two quarters
preceding ($26,331.56), and it will be seen that the first three quarters of the
present fiscal year have yielded a revenue of $45,389.95. The three corresponding quarters of the past fiscal year yielded a revenue of $44,978.56. The
receipts of the Company during the months of April, May and June of 1849
amounted to $16,404.83. No reason is known to exist to' prevent the Company
from increasing its receipts during the present quarter, compared with its
corresponding quarter of 1849 : the increase of the past quarter would seem to
justify an anticipation of such increase.
The amount of money received from all other sources may be stated at
$10,849.96.
The returns continue to prove that several of the smaller way offices cannot

Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of March, 1850WASHINGTON.

N E W YORK.

Porous Cups,.... 8-12 doz., at 62J
$
4
40 lbs., 10 c.
Nitric Acid,
Sulphuric Acid, 21 l b s . , 2 | c .
None.
Muriatic Acid,..
7 lbs., $1 10
7
Quicksilver,
2
11-12 doz., 22 c. each
Zincs,
9
Envelopes,
, 10,050, a 95c. per 1000
29 (cost u n k n o w n )
Blanks,
6
Foolscap Paper,. 2 | reams
Letter Paper,.. . 2 quires, $3 50 per r e a m
8 r e a m s , $3 50
28
Headings,
1
Pens, Metallic,.. 1 gross
J hundred, $2 50 per hund.
Quills,
2 btls. Red, 75, 2 Black, 75
1
Ink,
1 dozen
Pencils,
11
Telegraph Paper. 78 lbs., 14 c.
Stamp Wafers,,. 1000, 7 5 c , 1 lb. ord. w . 75 1
Sealing W a x , . . . . 3 sticks, 6 J

PHILADELPHIA.

*
41
00 ;81 lbs 6 o z . , 8 c.
$6 51 274 lbs., 10 c. $27
2 42 35 lbs., 2 | c.
53 2 9 | lbs., 8 c.
2
90 lbs., 2 | c.
None.
2 60 4 lbs. $1 20
4
70 2 lbs., $1 30
1 87| #
42 25 lbs., 7 | c.
54 3000, $1 50
4 50 6000, 90 c.
5
39
00 3 r m s . , $1 55, 3 q r s . , 1 65 10 421 4 r m s . , $1 62
6
35
J r e a m , $3
00 1 j r e a m s
6 rms , $3 50 21.
1 4 3 | 4 gro., 50 c.
2
00 1 gro., $ 1 , f gro., 87 J
63
8 7 | ' 6 quarts, 50
3
50 l b o t . , 50, 1 b o t , 37J c.
1 50 ! dozen, 50
75 |2 dozen, 75 c.
5 70 64 lbs., 1 2 j c .
8
31 |26lbs., 17f c. 7 lbs., 15 c.
50
19

$75 83

$37 8 5 |

W l L M I N C rTON.

BALTIMORE.

40
87
48
80

TRENTON.

$7 68 31 lbs. 8c $2 48 10 lbs.
55\ 6 lbs.
1 25 11 lbs. 5c
None.
i l b . 1.50
75 2 oz.
3 00
12 lbs.
2 40 10
400
7 75 512
400
16
2 50 |3
37 1 quire 20
50 [4
75 1 quire 38
8 75 1125
60 2 5 , 7 5 c
5
gro., 75 1 62 100

96 lbs., 8 c.
50 lbs., 2 | c.
None.
2§ lbs., $1 20
24 lbs., 10 c.
40 1 6 0 0 , 1 . 8 7 , 2 5 0 0 , 1 . 9 0

50
75
00
00

2 | reams, $ 1
2 quires, 25 c.
2 | rms. $3 50
1 gro., 1.25, !

00 1 | bottles, 37 J c.
25 l ± d o z . , 6 2 | c .
00 20 lbs., 12J c.

S82 45 1

g

i

56 i pint
94 4
2 50 10 lbs.

$39 45

12 2
20 1

Vmt

JERSEY CITY.

NEWARK.

6
3

N E W BRUNSWICK.

10 lbs.
5 lbs.

lib.
1 (old)

1 pint
2

58
25
40
18

1 10 2 oz.
2
325
9 m , 24 w
1 quire
2

150
15 12

400

7 qts.
22 1 "

18 1 lb., $1 50
30 4 (worn out)
33 150, 28 c.
40
20 1 quire
12 3 qrs., 5 c.
140
25

37^
75 4 oz.
3
30 150
24
20 1 quire 20
15
150
1 doz. 12*

3
6 3

19
12

! PRINCETON.

90 18 lbs.
5 4 lbs., 5 J c

16 lbs. 10 c $1 60 9 lbsl i lbs.
6 lbs.

3oz.
|7i lbs.
325
21
4 qrs.
1 "
400
20

H A V R E DE G R A C E .

3 ,2

6

6 rolls

$5 82

'

sii

$1 62

$2 70

$2 42l

76

$1 65

PHILADELPHIA, March 31st,

1850.

* A. R. CORBIN, ESQ., Secretary Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Dear Sir—Enclosed please find quarterly account of materials consumed. In making up my report for the past quarter, I have been careful in keeping a correct account of materials used, and submit the enclosed as perfect as is possible; especially as, from the nature of some of the articles, we had no means of getting at the precise quantity used—-I refer to acids—though the report cannot be but i JW pounds out of the way. You will observe that I have omitted the articles of Porous
Cups and Zincs. We have, of the above, 189 of each in use, and as they are not consumed, I thought it advisable not to embrace them. The Zincs will probab y last through the coming quarter, when a definite report will be made.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Yours, with respect,
WM. P. WESTERVELT, Ch. Op.

199
be expected, under any circumstances likely to occur, to pay but an unimportant portion of the expenditures indispensable to their efficient maintenance*
It is suggested whether good policy does not dictate, if they are to be continued,
far briefer hours of lab6r at such points, and thus afford the operator an oppor
tunity to attend, also, to other avocations: in such case less compensation would
be expected, and the use of the wires would be less frequently diverted from
more profitable employment.
Very respectfully,
ABEL RATHBQNE CORBIN, Secretary.

OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY J

Washington, April 8, 1850.

J

To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company:
GENTLEMEN :—I submit for your information the following Quarterly Report
of Materials Consumed. [See Table annexed.]
The note appended to the preceding fable explains one of many omissions
noticeable through the whole tabular statement. , In making it up, the returns
of the operators are strictly followed. Even what are deemed errors are untouched : such are to be investigated and finally passed upon by the auditors of
accounts for expenditures.
As the Secretary does not purchase the acids and other materials used, nor
cause the printing of blanks, and as reports of these transactions are not directed
to be made to hig office, it is not possible for him, from official data under his
command, to do more than embody the reports of the chief operators, however
unsatisfactory the result may be in consequence of the incompleteness, or entire
absence, of several important items.
It will be seen that there is a great inequality, first, in the prices paid at different offices; and second, in 'the amount of materials consumed. For instance,
Baltimore, with but a little more than one-third of the business, consumed more
material than Washington: the business of Washington, during the last quarter,
was $4,597 56, and although the business of Baltimore and Philadelphia united
was less, yet, while the expenses of the first were, as reported to this office,
$37.85J, the expenses of the latter were, $121.90, or more than three times as
large. The expenses of Philadelphia and Baltimore—two offices yielding to
this company, during the past quarter, in the aggregate, the sum of $4,595,49—
were $121.90; whereas, the expenses of the New York Office, which has yielded
more than $9,000 during the same period, were $75.83; in other words, the
expenses of New York are but little more than half as large when transacting
twice the amount of business.

200
So, in as eminent a degree with other cases, as an inspection of the table
will show. A thorough remedy is demanded by the best interests of this Company. "When the wasteful or the extravagant acts of an inattentive and
injudicious chief operator attract no notice, the judicious and economical officer
is at once deprived of all motive to labor to excel: if all purchases, however
extravagant, capricious or unnecessary, are to be sanctioned as a matter of
course, it is not difficult to foresee a large augmentation of expenses. From the
purchase of an instrument down to a lead pencil, it will be seen that great inequality of prices (and of quantity might well be added) obtains.
Having gathered together the facts, and with great deference called the attention of the President and Directors to the most important ones, the whole matter
is left to them, to whom it wholly belongs.
All of which is most respectfully submitted.
ABEL RATHBONE COKBW, Secretary,
The President stated what steps had been taken in relation to the establishment of ah Office at Port Deposit".
~>
The President, in accordance with the resolution of the last meeting, submitted to the inspection of the Directors, a Record of the workings of the wires
of the Company, during the past quarter, and explaining the various interruptions that took place.
The President laid before the Board the Report of the Investigating Committee of Stockholders, appointed at the last annual meeting, wfyich was read and
laid on the table, to be submitted to the Stockholders, at the annual meeting.
Ordered—That the bills of Mr. Glossbrenner and Mr. Kendall, of said Committee, be paid by the Treasurer; also, Mr. Goell's bill, when presented and audited.
Adjourned until to-morrow, at 11 o'clock, A* M.
FRIDAY, APRIL 12,

1850.

The Board met, pursuant to adjournment. Present: The President, and
Messrs. Kendall, Swain, Canby, Abell and Hoe.
The Committee appointed, for that purpose submitted the following report,
which was accepted:
The Committee for examining the accounts for the construction and putting
up of the two additional wires, and repairs of the line, beg leave respectfully to
report,
That, from the manner in which the accounts have been kept, it is impossible
to arrive at an exact conclusion as to the proper amount to be appropriated respectively to construction and repairs, but have endeavored, from the informs-

201
tion and opinions of those who superintended the work, to estimate as nearly as
lies in their power a just and equitable division between the two accounts.
We find the total amount of expenditures to be about $34,000, of which
$22,000 should be considered as appropriately belonging to the construction account, and the balance to repairs.
JOHN W. NORTON,
RICH. M. HOE,
AMOS KENDALL.
Mr. Swain submitted the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee of three Directors be appointed, with power to
contract with a responsible party for laying the East, or the West, or both
wires, down under the Hudson River, at a point not above Fort Lee, in the
most judicious manner, when thepresent lower wire, now just laid down, shall
have been found, after sufficient trial, to work well, and proved such to be the
best mode of crossing the river.
Mr. Norton appeared and took his seat.
The^ foregoing resolution was then considered and agreed to. Messrs. Swain,
Hoe and Canby were appointed said Committee.
The President then offered for the consideration of the Directors, the following resolution-:
Resolvett, That the Tariff of Charges of The Magnetic Telegraph Company be
reduced as follows, on and after the 20th day of April inst, yiz:
Between Washington andJtfew York, 30 cents for the first ten words, and 3
cents for each additional word; between Baltimore and New York, 25 cents for
the "first ten words', and 2 J cents additional; between Washington and Baltimore, 10 cents and 1 cent; between Washington and Philadelphia, 20 cents and
2 cents; between Washington or Baltimore and Havre de Grace or Wilmington, 10 cents and 1 cent; Between Washington or Baltimore and Trenton,
Princeton, New Brunswick or Newark, 20 cents and 2 cents; between New
York and Philadelphia, 20 cents and 2 cents; between New York and Newark,
New Brunswick, Princeton or Trenton, 10 cents and 1 cent; between New
York and Wilmington or Ilavre de Grace, 20 cents and 2 cents; between Baltimore and Philadelphia, 15 cents and 1J cents; between Philadelphia and any
way station, i0 cents and 1 cent; between all way stations 10 cents and 1 cent;
between Jersey City and any other station, the same as Newark.
Mr. Canby moved that the resolution be referred to a Committee of four, (of
which Mr. President shall be one,) with instructions to consider the whole subject, and report thereon at the next meeting. Which motion was agreed to.
Messrs. Kendall, Hoe and Swain were appointed said Committee.
The President laid before the Directors a memorial of Gerard Halleck, Esq., of

202
the Journal of Commerce, and other gentlemen connected with the Press of New
York, in relation to keeping open the Offices of this Company on Sundays. On
motion of Mr. Swain, it was
Resolved, That the application of the several proprietors of the press made to
this Company to have the hours of Sunday opening modified, be so far complied
with as to have tne offices closed at 8 o'clock Sunday evenings, instead of 10, as
heretofore; provided that if there be any unfinished business on hand, the operators are to finish such business before leaving; and provided also, that the rule
allowing the offices to be held open by order after 10 o'clock on other nights
shall take effect from 8 o'clock on Sunday higHt, and that the President communicate the substance of this resolution to the applicants; and further, that he
give due notice of such hours to the operators and to the public.
The President submitted a communication received from the Operators and
Clerks of this Company, which, on motion, was deferred for further consideration.
Mr. Abell offered the following resolution, which was agreed to, viz :
Resolved, That the 13th rule of this Company be so construed as that if any
person or persons order an office kept open under its provisions, he may designate the number of operators he wishes should be employed, not exceeding two
to each instrument necessarily employed, and that the number ordered only
shall be employed and paid for.
Mr. Swain offered the following resolution, which was considered and adopted :
Resolved, That the New York Directors be authorised to procure a more eligible location for the Office of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, in the city of
New York, subject to the approval of the President of the Company.
The President laid before the Board the following communication:
To the Directors.
The following notice has been officially received at the several Offices on this
Line of Telegraph, given, as I understand, by Mr. F . O. J. Smith, President of
the New York and Boston Telegraph Association, which I respectfully submit
for the consideration of the Board.
B. B. FRENCH, President.
" Send no more messages, until further orders, to go beyond St. John, New
Brunswick, unless they are to be mailed at Portland.
(Signed)
" N. Y. & BOSTON OFFICE.
*< March 20, 1850."
Mr. Swain submitted the following preamble and resolutions, in relation to
the aboye communication, which were unanimously adopted :
It being understood by this Board, from the above communication, and by information from other sources, that Francis 0 . J. Smith, Esq., who controls the

203
Lines of Morse's Telegraph from New York to Portland, in the State of Maine,
has attempted to cut oif all communication between the United States and the
British Steamers touching at Halifax, whether inward or outward bound, by
prohibiting the receptjon at and forwarding from Portland, of all messages, of
whatsoever character, coming by Telegraph from Halifax, and also the reception at and forwarding from New York, of all messages destined for Halifax,
without any just cause, known to this Board, for the exercise of such power—
Therefore,
Resolved, That this Board cannot but consider Mr* Smith's refusal to receive
and forward the messages aforesaid as a measure injurious to the interests of The
Magnetic Telegraph Company, subversive of the good faith implied in the Articles of Association, which require a Telegraphic connection between The Magnetic and New York and Boston Telegraph Companies, calculated to bring
odium on the Morse Lines, forfeit the public confidence in them, and endanger
the privileges they derive from Morse's Patents.
Resolved, That the said F . O. J. Smith be and he is hereby urgently requested
to rescind his prohibition aforesaid, especially in its bearings upon all messages
destined for, or coming from, all points South and West of New York, whose
business, in its natural course, passes over the Line of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company.
Resolved, That the President of this Company be requested to send a copy of
the foregoing preamble and resolutions to the said Francis O. J. Smith, and
request his immediate attention to the subject.
Mr. Kendall submitted the following resolution^ which was agreed to :
Resolved, That a dividend of two per cent, on the profits of this Company be
declared, payable on and after the 1st of May next.
Mr. Swain offered the following resolution, which was agreed to :
Resolved, That any excess of wire which may have been purchased for the
construction of the two last wires, and is now on hand, without use, be sold to
the best advantage for cash, and that it be the duty pf the President to dispose
of the same.
Upon motion of Mr. Canby, the Board then adjourned.x
ABEL ( RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

205
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )

Philadelphia,. May 22, 1850.N
£
A Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company was held at the Office of the Company, in Philadelphia, on, the 22d
day of May,, 1850, in pursuance of a call made by the President, to consider a
proposition made by Hon. F . 0. J. Smith, and also to consider upon the propriety of reducing the tariff of charges, and such other business, as may be submitted during the session.
At 4 o'clock, P. M., a quorum was present, viz: B. B. French, Esq., President, and Messrs. Abell, Canby, Hart, Swain, Hoe and Norton.
The President stated the objects of the meeting, and then laid before the
Board a communication from Hon. F. O. J. Smith, President of the New York
and Boston Magnetic Telegraph Association^ which was in the following terms:
PHILADELPHIA, May 22,

1850.

HON. B. B. FRENCH^ President Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Sir: The proposal for a lease of the New York and Boston Magnetic Telegraph Line to the Magnetic Telegraph Company, which you have desired me
to reduce to writing, I now communicate as follows :
The lease shall run for ten years, commencing on the 1st of June, 1850 ;
the Line shall be kept in good repair by your Company, during said period, and
returned, at the expiration of the term, in as good condition as when taken—
embracing the two wires now up, and the third wire as far as completed, and
the whole of the third wire as soon as completed, which shall be accomplished
in all the month of July next.
The three wires occupy three distinct routes for nearly half the entire distance between New York and Boston—one embracing Middletown, New London and Norwich; one, Hartford and Springfield, and one intermediate of these
two—each uniting at Worcester. A major part of all the posts of all the lines
are less than two years up, and are both substantial and durable, and they occupy
in all upwards of five hundred miles in distance, on the several locations combined.
The side line extending from Worcester to New Bedford is entitled to transmit over this line, receiving the' charges, in exchange for the charges on all
transmissions from this line, over that line; and the side line from Bridgeport
to Vermont will be entitled to a like relation, when in a condition to improve it.
By a vote oi the Company, the expense of building the third line and wire,
many miles of which are on entirely new posts, was authorized out of the earnings of the Line, beyond making an annual dividend of ten per cent., and is to

206
be represented by an issue of stock, to belong to the Company. No stock has
been issued to represent this capital, as yet.
The proposal I make is, to rent the Line at ten per cent, per annum, on the
capital of the Company, as it may be made on the adjustment of the accounts
for the third wire, and issue of the new stock; or, at twelve per cent, per annum
on the present defined capital of $168,500; payable monthly, out of the receipts of your Company, by a deposit in such Bank in the city of New York as
shall be from time to time designated by the President of the New York and
Boston Association for the time being. The monthly rent would be $1685,
whicr/is far less than what has ordinarily been the receipts of the New York
Station alone, and very far less than what I believe will always hereafter be its
ordinary receipts.
In case of an acceptance by your Company of this proposal, I am prepared
also to agree on a permanently exclusive connection between the New York and
Boston Line, in your charge, and the Boston and Portland Line, in respect to
all transmissions of messages received by either Line, from or for any point on,
or from or for any point beyond, the other Line, that either may order, or be
interested in, and at the established rates of^ tHe respective Lines; and each
agreeing to form no other connection of like interchange with any other Line at
Boston, respecting such messages received by either; but each agreeing to
transmit for the other all such messages, in the usual order, and at alDreasonable hours.
. I reserve to myself the privilege of transmitting and receiving my own personal and business despatches, (not including any for ordinary newspaper publication, or for sale, or use, by any other persons,) free of charge, and in the regular order of other despatches.
The suits now pending against the House and Bain Lines are to be prosecuted
to decision, free of charge to your Company, so far as these pertain to the New
York and Boston Line, and in the same manner as if no lease of the Line were
made.
All offices rented and leased by the New York and Boston Association will
be assumed by your Company in the transfer proposed, together with ail furniture and fixtures pertaining thereto, and to be accounted for, or returned, as per
inventory and appraisal to( be made.
Such is the agreement I am prepared to enter upon, in behalf of the New
York and Boston Association, with your Company, and deliver possession of the
premises on the first day of the next ensuing month.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS O. X SMITH.
The President also submitted correspondence between himself and the Hon.
F . 0 . J. Smith.

207
Ordered^ That the letter of Mr. French and the reply of Mr. Smith be published with the proceedings of this meeting.
[COPY.]

At a Meeting of the Board pf Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, at New York, on Friday, April 12th, 1850, the following proceedings
took place.
The President laid before the Board the following communication:
To the Directors :
The following notice has been officially received at the several Offices on this
Line of Telegraph, given, as I understand, by Mr. F . 0 . J. Smith, President of
the New York and Boston Telegraph Association, which I respectfully submit
for the consideration of the Board.
B. B. FRENCH, Preside?it.
u
Send no more messages, until further orders, to go beyond St. John, New
Brunswick, unless they are to be mailed at Pdrtland.
(Signed,)
« N. Y. & BOSTON OFFICE.
"March
20,1850.",
Mr. Swain submitted the following preamble and resolutions, in relation to
the above communication, which were unanimously adopted:
It being understood by this Board, from the above communication, and by information from other sources, that Francis 0 J. Smith, Esq., who controls the
Lines of Morse's Telegraph from New York to Portland, in the State of Maine,
has attempted to cut off all communication between the United States and the
British Steamers touching at Halifax, whether inward or outward bound, by
prohibiting the reception at and forwarding from Portland, of all messages, of
whatsoever character, coming by Telegraph from Halifax, and also the reception at and forwarding from New York, of all messages destined for Halifax,
without any just cause, known to this Board, for the exercise of such power—
Therefore,
Resolved, That this Board cannot but consider Mr. Smith's refusal to receive
and forward the messages aforesaid as a measure injurious to the interests of
The Magnetic Telegraph Company, subversive of the good faith implied in the
Articles of Association, which require a Telegraphic connection between The
Magnetic and New York and Boston Telegraph Companies, calculated to bring
odium on the Morse Lines, forfeit the public confidence in them, and endanger
the privileges they derive from Morse's Patents.
Resolved, That the said F . 0 . J. Smith be and.he is hereby urgently requested
to rescind his prohibition aforesaid, especially in its bearings upon all messages
destined for, or coming from, all points South and West of New York, whose
business,in its natural course, passes over the Line of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company.

208
Resolved, That the President of this Company be requested to send a copy of
the foregoing preamble and resolutions to the said Francis O. J. Smith, and
request his immediate attention to the subject.
WASHINGTON CITY, Sunday, April, 28, 1850.

HON. F . 0 . J. SMITH, President, fyc., Portland, Me.:
Dear Sir:—In conformity with the foregoing order of the Board of Directors, I take the very earliest opportunity afforded me to communicate to you
the resolutions adopted at the recent meeting of the Board of Directors of The
Magnetic Telegraph Company.
On the day following the adjournment of the Board, the Secretary placed all
the papers in the hands of the printer, who now prints our proceedings, in
Philadelphia, and the only copy I have been able to obtain I received by the
mail of this morning, and so anxious am I to perform my duty in communicating the resolutions to you as soon as possible, that I have encroached upon
time set apart for more sacred purposes to do so.
> I will take the liberty to add my ardent desire to the urgent request of the
Board, that you will rescind the order which is operating very injuriously upon
The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Respectfully, yours,
B. B. FRENCH, President, fyc.
TELEGRAPH OFFICE, Portland, Me., May

1, 1850.

HON. B. B. FRENCH, President Magnetic Telegraph Company.
SIR : On last evening yourdetter of the 28th ult., covering certain resolutions
of the Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, passed on the 12th ult.,
came to hand.
These resolutions, censuring the measures I have been forced to adopt
towards the Nova Scotia Line, also request my u immediate attention to the
subject."
Without admitting any jurisdiction on the part of your Board, to sit in
judgment upon the manner which the business of the Telegraph Lines under
my charge, are administered, and waiving the ipjusftce of its attempting to
exercise such jurisdiction, if it had any, without first affording the assailed
party the privilege of being heard, I will out of the personal respect I entertain for your Board, give the subject the attention asked, so far as to respond
to the opinions expressed by said resolutions.
And first, it is true so far as the Lines in question under my charge extend, I
have established the most perfect non-intercourse with the Nova Scotia Line,
that has been in my power to establish. And' from the nature 6f the notice of
this fact, which I forwarded to the Maine and New Brunswick Lines, I presume
they understand^ that it would be extended to them also, in case they suffer

209
their operators to collusively forward messages from the Nova Scotia Line,
over the Lines under my charge, in contravention of my purpose to make such
non-intercourse with the Nova Scotia Line effective.
I have adopted this measure in self defence—in defence, of what I deem the
best interests permanently of my Lines, and of every other Line in the United
States, designing to transact business upon inflexible rules of impartiality
among customers, and of acquiring a character above the ephemeral agencies
of mere individual expresses, whose services are always in the market at varying prices, according to the ability, or necessities, or superior activity of
customers, and goverened only by the u highest bidder."
I have>regarded the Telegraph as entitled to rank among the fixed and abiding
institutions of the country, and yet, not sufficiently .recognized, nor consolidated
by law, to have outgrown a dependence upon individual ownership and enterprise for existence and management. To the extent that this latter statement
is correct, the same necessity exists for individual responsibility to enter into
the management of it, and to make for it rules of administration which exists
for the management of any other private property under circumstances where
public legislation has not provided such rules.
In cases of extreme necessities, and in the absence of a supreme law to
govern parties affected: or, in the absence of a power to enforce such law,
seasonably, to ensure the ends of justice, neutral parties, and innocent parties,
even, may be injuriously acted upon by belligerent interests. But if so, it is
the price of the establishment of an ultimate code of government that will
better preserve the rights and interests of the whole; and, though unacceptable
be the process for the time, the result works out an ample recompense. I
believe that such will prove to be the history of the interruptions, you complain
of now existing between Telegraph Lines by the present positipn of my Lines
in their relations to the Nova Scotia Line. These are the results of what I
have conceived to be a most unwarrantable departure from, and violation of the
earliest and most important law of Telegraphing, by the latter Line, imposing
upon my Lines the necessity of becoming the mere tool of a particular class of
customers to the Telegraph, at the expense of the rights and to the detriment
of every other class of customers, and immediately, of some other class—-and
this from no higher policy on the part of the Nova Scotia Line that would thus
use my Lines, than that which is found in cupidity and a preference for the
ei
highest bidder."
A review of the facts will sustain me in these opinions—arid whether it will
alter the opinions of your Board, or not, I shall leave for you and them to
determine. I will begin such review by asserting, th^t, on calm consideration,
your Board will find, that all I have sought, at any time, in my intercourse
with the Nova Scotia Line, has been the enforcement of a law of Telegraphing

210
which your Line has never before complained of—and in fact, has uniformly
insisted upon.
This law enjoins, the serving of each customer in the turn of his application,
u
first come, first served."
And yet, to avoid an exclusive operation of this privilege, it was qualified by
a limitation of each customer's turn to fifteen minutes, if others were waiting to
be served.
Yet another qualification in favor of the public press was early deemed consistent with the protection due to the public, considering the press, when united,,
a quasi representative of the whole public, and therefore to be privileged with
priority. Of this, while fairly observed, no complaint was heard.
Without a union of the press upon a despatch, they could claim, to be treated
only as individuals, 6ach in its turn, and limited in time as above stated.
The press, and particularly in the city of New York, as well as individuals,
attempted in the' early application of these rules, to evade them, by covertly
multiplying the names of the parties to despatches, to secure a succession of the
fifteen minute privilege, when all were, in fact, one party's despatches.
Sternly and fearlessly I had to meet this duplicity; and as often as I detected
a party cheating the Line, I refused all further uses of the Line to him- And
thus soon tHe false hopes entertained of gaining unclue advantage were abandoned,
and with a few months of troublesome and expensive measures in detecting
the same reckless individual whom a portion of the New York press now
employ as agent at Halifax, I broke up the chief hindrances of business by
speculators, on Lines under my charge. Telegraph business then assumed a
reliable and satisfactory character in New England—and has continued so for
the most part subsequently, until the recent indisposition of the Nova Scotia
Line to join in a resolute discouragement of all irregular, practices with the
Telegraph, regardless of the pretensions and influences of parties.
The prominent irregularity, or departure from the early and steady policy of
Telegraph Lines in the service of the public, on the part of the Nova Scotia
Line, consisted in allowing one portion of the press, when it ceased to unite on
. an equal footing of privileges with,the rest of the press, in, obtaining and using
foreign news despatches, to have priority on that Line, to the prejudice of the
others, and seeking to force the Lines under my charge to carry out this injustice by reviewing and transmitting despatches known to have been thus favored
against right, and against all precedent, and as if they were the legitimate
despatches of the Telegraph service. The excluded class of the public press
claimed their rights, and the protection, which according to well established
laws of Telegraphing they were entitled to at, my hands. At this "juncture, I
could see no difference whatever, in either a moral, or business point of view,
between having my Lines adopt this system of favoritism, towards any set of

211
customers, and of oppression towards another set of customers, or becoming the
instrument of carrying these acts into effect, because olf their adoption by the
Nova Scotia Line. But to me it seemed nothing else than asking my Lines to
perform acts as the subordinate of another Line, which would be a positive
violation of its own rules, when acting as ah independent Line, and within its
own local sphere. It looked to me, moreover, like cowardice or corruption, to
consent to do on the authority of another, that which could, with no regard for
established rules, be done on my own authority.
1
1 accordingly reasoned and remonstrated with the Nova Scotia Line against
this partiality towards a portion only ,of the public press, and forewarned them
of the act of non-intercourse they would force ujk>n me, if persisting in such a
policy. But it was in vain. Their operator declined transmitting even the
despatches of the remainder of the press^ when reaching the office first in turn
for transmission, and held them up, under the assumption that another portion
of the press must have 'priority, because such wa,s the contract made with the
latter, and would transmit only in accordance with such priority. The Commissionsers of the Nova Scotia Line approved these proceedings. > Even the
despatches of merchants founded on foreign news, were forwarded to Portland
by the Nova Scotia Line, accompauied by the order of that Line, to delay the
forwarding of such despatches to Boston, and southwardly, until the foreign
news despatches of the press should have previously reached Boston by Railroad
Express, and New York by a pirate Line of Telegraph, having no other pretended justification for this, except that I would not yield my Lines up to this
invidious priority of one class of the public press over another class of the public
press.

In advance of all this, I urged the favored portion of the press to permit the
other portion to unite with them in terms of equality, and avoid the irregularities and disturbance among Telegraph Lines and customers which I foresaw
must otherwise ensue. But this was likewise in vain.
The necessity was then fixed upon me, either to submit to have the early
. and uniform lawof my Lines violated and abandoned, by which no priority
had ever been given to one class of despatches over another, except for the
press when all united and participating on an equal footing of the despatches
thus favored;_ or, to take the responsibility of refusing to transmit such favored
despatches.
I could not hesitate in self-defence, in defence, too, of the pres3es excluded
by the Nova Scotia Line, to adopt the latter course.
And when the Nova Scotia Line, for the purpose of carrying out this system
of favoritism, suffered the despatches of merchants to be detained in Portland
until the later despatches of the favored press could shoot ahead and anticipate
them in the markets of the south, the further necessity was forced upon me of

212
either, permitting my Lines to be used in this way to subserve the same end,
which, in the other way I had refused to become an instrument of, and with
the superadded wrongs practised upon the mercantile despatches which I have
stated; or, of enforcing rigidly the non-intercourse which I had forewarned the
Nova Scotia Line, was my certain alternative.
1 then unhesitatingly, though reluctantly, adopted this proceeding, also.
And now, sir, let me say, with this exposition before you, and with this justification of my proceedings, I shall neither Tetract, nor modify my position while
I have a post, or rod of wire left under my charge between the cities of N£w
York and Portland. I will wait until *he one shall rot down, and the other be
consumed with rust, and, my own ability to replace ; them shall have been
exhausted, before I shall change this policy, or relation towards the Nova
Scotia Line on the one side,1 or the press on the other.
Pirate Lines may spring up, and intolerant editors may lavish their abuse
upon me, but while firm in my conviction of being right, I shall withstand the
shock steadily, if I shall be unable to retaliate successfully; When the Nova
Scotia Line and the public press that is arrayed against me shall choose to
return to the early and proper, and long observed laws of Telegraphing—and
restore the rule of your own Line, viz: Ci first come, first served," the first
great difference will have been removed.
When the press shall unite upon terms of equality, or terms mutually satisfactory to themselves^ in the transmission of foreign news, I shall be, as I have
been uniformly, ready to accord them that priority which their relation to the
public justifies. » But, in negotiating for such a special privilege^ it is the conservative right and duty of every Line thus asked to negotiate, to see that
there enters not into it the employment of an, agent, who is known and has,
been detected in wilful and fraudulent breaking up of the,Telegraph, to give
one man's despatch an improper advantage over another man's despatch, and
particularly while the latter abstains from all such corrupt hindrances of the
business of the Telegraph.
From what has transpired, I do object to yielding any special privileges to
any parties, who will employ as agent, the present agent of the presses by the
Nova Scotia Line—-Mr. Craig.
I want no ^better .witness, or witness possessed of more knowledge of the
unworthiness, and recklessness, and infidelity of Mr. Craig* than Mr. Swain,
the "Director of your Board, who, jn person, moved the resolution you have sent
me. From Mr. Swain J have had as minute and full evidence of Craigrs unworthiness as a news agent, as I have had from my own personal experience in
ferretting out his mal-practice upon Lines under my control. When Mr.
Swain can say he has faith, or could ask me to place faith in that man, he will
be ready I know to say, that he has heretofore done the same man as much

213
injustice, as any man can accuse me of doing if all the opinions I entertain and
avow respecting Mr. Craig's past conduct with the Telegraph were proved i
groundless and false.
But, with the ^fifteen minute rule in force—with the special privileges accorded to one party over another discontinued—with an assurance ixom the
Nova Scotia Line, that no despatches from that line shall be held up at any
time, at any place, out of turn, or out of time, and that; each despatch which
comes, shall be transmitted in its turn, on the law of your line, requiring first
come to be first served, the^lines under my charge will be open as heretofore,
for interchange of business with all lines alike.
If, again, ,other persons desire to control the lines under my charge differently
from my control of them, let them invest their property in them as I have invested mine, and in lieu of mine, by purchase of my investments at a rate that
shall promise fair remuneration; or, let responsible parties lease these linens for
ten years, at ten per cent, interest, on the stock representing them, payable
quarter yearly, and return them in as good condition at the expiration of the
term as they shall be taken in, and I will cheerfully yield all the, control, and
all the responsibility which attach to my interest and my position.
If none are prepared to do either of these things, I think it becomes them as
little to find fault, as it would me to be intimidated, or influenced by their fault
findings so long as they leave me unconvinced of wrong towards either individuals, or the public.
As your censorious resolutions have been made matter of record by your
Board, I trust you will deemfit but just in turn to place this response to your
censures and opinions upon the same record.
With every consideration of respect and esteem,
I remain, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS O. J. SMITH.
P. S.—All lines East of Portland, under the dictation' of the favored press,
now utterly repudiate another law of telegraphing, universally adopted Heretofore, which says—" The arrival of every steamer from Europe shall be telegraphed gratis to every station on the line as soon as known in New York, and
posted upon a bulletin for the information of the public."—See iC Unalterable
Rules" of Magnetic Telegr&ph Company ,§ 56. Such an announcement is now
prohibited absolutely by,the lines East of Portland. And, yet, your Board pass
upon it a censure.
On motion, the Board then adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 11 o'clock.

214
THURSDAY, MAY 23,

1850.

The^Board met pursuant to adjournment—same persons present as on
yesterday*
The proceedings, were read and approved.
The President submitted for the consideration of the Board of Directors the
following resolution :—
Resolved, That this Board accept the proposition of Mr. Smith to lease the
New York and Boston Line of Telegraph, on the following tjerms, viz. : This
Company will pay for the use of said line ten per cent, on the capital of
$168,500, and divide equally the earnings over ten per cent., until the division
shall ndt the stockholders,of the New York and Boston Line, two per cent., in
addition to said ten per cent. Any earnings over said twelve per cent, shall
belong, exclusively, to The Magnetic Telegraph Company. Provided, That in
apportioning the earnings of said line, the charge for salaries in the New York
Office against the income of the New York and Boston Line shall not exceed
the proportion founded on the receipts of the two lines. And provided further.
That if this company shall deem it necessary to erect additional wires during
said lease, this Company will pay said Smith the sum of $800 per annum, in
lieu of rent on each additional wire that may be put up, and at the expiration
of the lease, such additional wires shall be appraised by disinterested parties,
at the actual value of the same, to be paid for by the issue of New Stock by
the said New York and Boston Association, in accordance with the articles of
association of said Association. And the President of this Company is hereby
directed to enter into a contract with Mr. Smith, embodying the foregoing
stipulations, in such legal form as the legal counsel 'of this Company may
prescribe.
After considerable debate and explanation, on motion, the Board then adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. M.
4 o'clock, P. M.
The Board assembled at the stated time, and resumed its deliberations.
Mr. Smith appeared before the Board, by invitation, and explained his propositions in relation to the leasing of the lines of the New York and Boston
Telegraph Association to this Company.
The following was also submitted :
I will vary the proposition so far as to make the rent 10 per cent, on $168,500,
and divide earnings equally, over ten per cent., until the division shall nett
New York and Boston Line 12 per cent., and all beyond shall belong* exclusively
to your Line.
But only a fair apportionment, say $1500, of the salaries of the New York
office shall be allowed to New York and Boston Line, or divided between the
two Lines, in the ratio of receipts of the two Lines.%

215
Or, I will rent your Company seven-eighths of the stock, with full power to
represent and control it at all meetings of the Association, for ten years, on
similar stipulations,as to care of Line and connection with Eastern Line, as in
my proposal, for an annual rent of eleven per cent.
F . 0. J. SMITH.
' The resolution offered by the President (Mr. French) was taken up, and, after
discussion thereof, Mr. Norton moved to strike out all after: the word " Resolved," and insert the following :
" That a Committee, consisting of the President and three Directors, be appointed, to confer with F . O. J. Smith, Esq., with regard to his proposal to
lease the Boston Line to this Company; said Committee to make such examination, and obtain such information, as they may deem proper. And, if said
Committee can agree upon such terms with Mr. Smith for the lease of that line
as, in their opinion, would be acceptable to this Company, they will notify the
President of the Company, who is hereby directed to call a special meeting of
the stockholders as soon thereafter as proper notice can be given, before whom
their report shall be laid for action thereon "
The question, upon motion of Mr. Canby, was taken by yeas and nays, and
resulted as follows:
Teas—Messrs. Abell, Canby, Hart, Hoe, Norton, Swain arid Mr. President.
Nays—None.
Mr. Kendall absent.
And the resolution, thus amended, was then adopted.
The President appointed Mr. Kendall, Mr. Swain, and Mr. Norton said
Committee.
Mr. French, from the Committee to whom was referred the resolution relative to the reduction of charges, submitted the following report, which was
agreed to, and the tariff of charges adopted to take effect on the 1st day of
June, 1850.
The Committee recommend the following tariff of charges :

Between New York and Jersey City,
..
"
"
Newark.
..
•.
"
"
New Brunswick........
"
"
Princeton.
u
"
Trenton
"
"'
Philadelphia....;...
"
"
Wilmington
"
",
Havre de Grace..•,
"
"
Baltimore
"
"
Washington
Jersey City same as New York.

First Each
10 add'nal
words. word.
10
1
1 10
1
10
1
15
1ft
20
H
20
H
30
2
35
3
40
3
40
4^

216
Between Newark and N e w Brunswick.
"
"
Princeton.......
"
"
Trenton
>
"
"
Philadelphia.....
:
"
"
Wilmington
"
"
Havre de Grace.
"
"
, Baltimore.......
""
Washington......
Between N e w Brunswick and Princeton 1 .
,
"
' " '
' Trenton..
«
"
^ Philadelphia
"
"
Wilmington....,
]
"
"
Havre de Grace..
"
"
Baltimore.......
"
"
Washington....,
Between Princeton and Trenton
"
«
Philadelphia....
"
"
Wilmington...,
"
/'
Havre de Grace.
"
"
Baltimore.......
"
"
Washington......
Between Trenton and Philadelphia.. * •>
"
"
Wilmington. * . . .
"
'"
Havre de £J-race.
"
"
Baltimore........
"
"
Washington......
Between Philadelphia and Wilmington
"
"
Havre de,Grace..
"
"
Baltimore........
tc
"
Washington
Between Wilmington and Havre de Grace.
."
"
Baltimore.......
"
"
Washington..'...
Between Havre de Grace and Baltimore...
"
"
Washington.
Between Baltimore and Washington

....*.....

M r . Ganby moved a reconsideration of the last vote, which, being agreed to,
the subject weis postponed until the n e x t meeting of the Board.
M r . H a r t submitted the following resolution, which was agreed to^
Resolved, T h a t the rates of charge, for messages between Philadelphia and
N e w York, coming from or destined to pass over either of the. Western Lines,
be hereafter 20 cents for the first ten words, and 1 j cents for each succeeding
w o r d , and that messages passing over this line between N e w York and
Washington, received from or destined to pass over the Washington and H e w
Orleans Line, to be chained 40 cents for the first ten "words, and 4 cents for each
additional word.
Upon motion, the Board then adjourned.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,

Secretary.

217
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of " The Magnetic
Telegraph Company" was held at the Office of the Company, in the city of
Philadelphia, on the 10th day of July, 1850, at 4 o'clock, P. M.
Present: B. B. French, President; Messrs. Abell, Canby, Hart, Hoe, Norton
and Swain.
The proceedings of the last meeting were read by the Secretary, and' approved.
The President, from a select committee, appointed at a former meeting for
the purpose, reported, that after a careful examination, it was esteemed inexpedient to lease the Boston Telegraph Lines, and hence the negotiations with
Hon. F . O. J. Smith were allowed to fail. The report was accepted.
The Treasurer submitted a quarterly report of receipts and expenditures of
the Company, which was read and approved.
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
GENTLEMEN :—A tabular statement of the business of the Company for the
months of April, May and June, 1850, accompanies this abstract or synopsis of
the financial operations for the quarter. The receipts for actual'business of the
Line fall short of the previous quarter about $3,000, and are not quite equal to
those of the corresponding three months of 1849.
The total receipts during the time above specified were as follows : For the
transmission of messages from Philadelphia Station to the different Offices on the
Lini, $3,0B7 91, and for other Lines, $1,670 26; from New York, $6,623 20
and $4,877 &3^Baltimore, $1,695 63 and $1,096 67; Washington,-$3,692 04
and $473 02; Wilmington, $459 14 and $28 75; Trenton, $123 69 and
$32 03; New Brunswick, $91 36 and $11 73; Jersey City, $70 37 and $18 20;
Newarfc $112 8$ and $|76 03; Princeton, $27 02 and $11 03; Havre de Grace,
$34 79 and $7 66—-together, $16,018 04 for the liine, and $8,303 21 for other
Lines, Th&re was also received for extra service, $147; fronl E . Gordon, on
note, $101 12.; property sold, $5'5 37.; refunded, $52 52; for delivery of messages and postage, $2 14,, and for additional subscription to stock, $2,200—altogether^ $26,879 40.
The disbursements were: For Salaries, $5,780 09; Repairs, $2,200 07;
Messengers, $692 23; Extra Service, $153; Rent of Offices, $801 25; Stationery) $312 67 r i g h t s arid Fuel; $2b7; Batteries, $375 93; Instruments,
$129 99; Refunded, $151 39; Miscellaneous, $877 2 1 ; charged to. .Construction an^ Repairs, $1 ? 6# 33; Contingent, $400; to other Liiae^ $8,374 27, and
for ODiyMqn^s, $S,290-rtogether, #27,304 42*

218.
To complete the amount of payments for additional stock, issued to defra^
expenses of erecting two additional wires from Washington to New York, there
is yet wanting $603 90. The cost of construction, as settled' by Committee,
was $22,000; amount received, $21,396 10.
There was deposited at New York Station, to the credit of the Treasurer,
$8,660; Philadelphia Station, $3,575; Baltimore, $1,600; Wilmington, $163 50;
Property sold, old poles on Somerville route, $25, and for additional Stock,
$2,200—together, $16,223 50.
From the above amount there was paid to Stations, $5,282 65y for Balances;
for Dividends, $5,290; Construction and Repairs, $2,994 22, Salaries of Officers, $941 59; Batteries, $300 93; Contingent, $400; Miscellaneous, $310 95;
Instruments, $43 74; Rent, $375; Stationery and Printing, $104 50; Lights
and Fuel, $44 53.
For some time past the wires have been much interrupted, and business consequently delayed, caused in numerous instances by the falling of the upper
wires from the cross pieces at the posts, and coming in contact with the others,
so deranged the current of electricity as to prevent even a good single circuit.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.
The President submitted a table, showing the working order of the several
wires of the Company, during the past quarter, which was read, approved, and
ordered to be printed with the Minutes.
TABLE
Of the Working of the Lines of " The Magnetic Telegraph Company," in Sections, for Three Months—•?April, May and June, 1850.
FIRST SECTION—BALTIMORE TO WASHINGTON.
DATE.

April,

UPPER.

LOWER.

EAST.

WEST.

Worked, 30 days. Worked, 30 days. Worked, 30 days. Worked, 36 days.
"
31 "
"
20 "
"
28 "
"
21 "
Broken* 4 times Crossed,' 2 " Crossed, 10 "
Crossed, 16 "
"
25 " Worked, 14 days. Worked, 30 " Worked, 21 «
Crossed, 5 " Interrup. 16 "
Cr'd, &c. 9 "
SECOND—BALTIMORE TO WILMINGTON.

May,

Worked, 30 days. Worked, 30 days- Worked, 29 days. Worked,
Crossed, 1 "
«
20 " Worked, 23 "
"
25 "
"
Interrup. 5 " Interrup. 11 " Interrup. 8 " Interrup.
Worked, 30 « Worked, 27 " Worked, 24 " Worked,
Interrup* 3 " Interrup. 6 " Interrup.

30 days.
22 "
8 "
19 "
11 "

ANNUAL. S T A T E M E N T , J U L Y 1, 1 8 5 0 .
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
ISep. 30, '49 jDec.31, } 49 Mar. 31,'50 1 June 30, '50
T o Balance in T r e a s u r y , J u n e 30, 1849,
li
u
«
at Stations,
"
" Receipts at Philadelphia Station, »
u
N e w Yorlc
"
u
"
"
Baltimore
»«
«
Washington
"
a
«
«
Wilmington
«
«
Trenton
"
(i
"
"
J e r s e y City
li
«
"
N . Brunswick
u
"
"
Newark
tc
«
«
Princeton
u
«
«
Havre de Grace

$2,945
4,376
1,849
2,498
453
117
92
52
51
34
10

$10,241 95 By Salaries paid at Stations,
1,026 38 " Repairs of Line,
"
(i
Messengers,
«
„
.
.
" Miscellaneous,
«
„
" Stationery and Printing, at Stations,
li
Lights and Fuel,
"
" Rents of Offices,
«
" E x t r a Service,
"
16
Batteries,
"
u
Instruments,
"
li
" Construction and Repairs,
" Paid other Lines,
" Refunded,
" Deduction of Carter's Bill,
61,355 65

02 $2,924 61 $2,948 22 $3,087 91
83
5,102 25 [ 9,056 27
6,623 20
80
1,749 89
1,647 27 i 1,695 63
94
3,178 96
4,597 66 | 3,692 04
79
436 09
425 14 !
459 14
49
115 98
117 54
123 69
43
114 63
70 96
70 37
91
51 39
80 99
91 36
88
75 09
89 02
112 89
00
21 84
14 16
27 02
30
21 38
14 88
34 79

$12,483 39 $13,792 11 $19,062 11 $16,018 04

.

$4,808
875
611
686
389
97
404
86
10
60
48
5,894
136

01 $5,004 11 $5,049 11 $4,838 50
68
1 089 73
1,320 77
855 18
25
615 32
656 21,
692 23
668 67
539 80
87
566 26
126 51
210 81
92
208 17
306 57
53
298 75
162 47
99
481 55
497 50
426 25
188 50
50
158 00
153 00
30 69
24
74 99
196 77
00
111 60
86 25
19
138 59
75
7,413 25 10,695 45
8,374 27
86 82
93
151 39
174 92
126 90

$14,110 84 $16,357 21 $19,910 46 $16,588 96
" Receipts for other lines at Philada. Station,
"
«
««
N e w York
"
«
<
<
«
Baltimore
"
<c
u
«
Washington
"
£t
«
"
"
Wilmington
li
u
"
Trenton
<c
"
«
"
J e r s e y City
"
tc
"
"
N e w Brunswick (e
iC
a
"
Newark
"*
"
«
"
Princeton
"
«
"
"
Havre de Grace "

760
4,095
584
224
36
19
26
19
51
16
1

75
61
81
90
03
52
45
66
43
66
03

905
4,929
1,036
371
21
26
16
11
56
11
1

62
76
77
46
47
23
25]
08
60
64
19

1,628
6,600
1,443
795
21
18
14
4
47
3

10
97
41
76
48
04
37
54
33
06
92

1,670
4,877
1,096
473
28
32
11
18
76
11
7

26
63
67
02
75
03
73
20
03
03
86

u

Dividends paid by T r e a s u r e r ,
" Construction and Repairs,
" Salaries of Officers,
" Repairs of Line,
"
"
"
"
"

Rent of Offices,
Lights and Fuel,
Miscellaneous,
Instruments,
Stationery and Printing,
c<
Loan Returned,
32,106 55\ " Repairs from
per order,
" Contingent Fund,
" Counsel Fees,

$5,837 29 $7,388 07 $10,577 93 $8,3 03 21
"
«
"
"
"
"
"
"

Receipts for Property Sold,
Refunded,
E x t r a Service,
Rents of parts of Offices,
Bills Receivable, Loan, at ninety days,
Delivery of Messages, Returned b y President, -

-

18
29
80
9

48
00
50
37

2 99
33 39
3 14

33
20
184
9
90
1,500
1
178
1

21
62
50
37
00
00
48
90
50

8 90
66 47
132 50

55 37
52 52
147 00

60 00

101 12

3 91

-

3,936 00
• i 11,845 55
1,022 36
756 53
101 16
!
119 52'
36 75
- |
470 45'

$6,234 77 $5,000 00

« Additional Stock,

-

00
00
90
52

48 42
129 41

00
00
00
68

5,290
1,649
941
1,344
300
375
44
310
43
104

00
33
59
89
93
00
53
95
74
50

400 00

$18,288 32J $15,005 67 $6,963 29 $10,805 46
" Balance at Philadelphia Station,
"
"
N e w York
«
u
"
"
Baltimore
1"
"
Wilmington,
"

2 09i

-

132 54
394 66
50 25
55

- j
-

786
960
125
476
37

-

51,062 74

578 00

05 j
$271 98

$358 15

2,828 58

$2,200 00

13,434 77
$120,993 88

T o Balance in T r e a s u r y ,
«
"
at Stations,

18
40
45
366

3,593 87
837 48
453 43

1,500
115
200
85

(i

$176 87 $2,021 58

83 00
13,501 94
950 31

$66,967 49

1

$2,385 65\
578 00|

Balance in Bank of Cammerce,
"
«
N e w York,
«
"
Wilmington,
tl
"
Baltimore,
<s
"
Washington, -

-

21
38
90
11
05

2,385 65

I

$120,993 8 8

GEORGE H. H A R T , Treasurer.

219
THIRD—WILMINGTON TO PHILADELPHIA.
DATE.

ill
April,.
May,..
June,..

April,.
May,.
June,.

UPPER.

LOWER.

EAST.

Worked, 30 days. Worked, 13 days. Wosked,29days.
Interrup. 17 " Interrup. 1 "
«
30 « Worked, 27 " Worked, 31 «
Crossed, 1 " Interrup 4 "
Worked, 20 " Worked, 24 "
"
25 "
Interrup, 10 " Interrup. 6 " Interrup. 5 "

WEST.

Worked, 19 days.
Interrup. 11 "
Worked, 28 «
Interrup. 2 "
Worked, 18 "
Interrup. 12 "

FOURTH—PHILADELPHIA TO JERSEY OITY.
[Worked, 28 days [Worked, 27 days [Worked, 26 days,[Worked, 26 days,
Interrup. 2 " Interrup. 3 " Interrup. 4 " Interrup. 4 "
Worked, 14 " Worked, 29 « Worked, 26 " Worked, 21 «
Interrup. 16 " Interrup. 2 " Interrup. 5 " llnterrup. 9 "
[Worked, 19 " Worked, 22 " |Worked,24 " [Worked, 25 «
Interrup. 11 " llnterrup. 8 "' Interrup. 6 " llnterrup. 5 "
FIFTH—JERSEY CITY TO NEW YORK.
[Worked, 8 days.)|Worked, 30 days Worked, 21 days. [Worked, 13 days.
[Interrup. 9 " Interrup. 17 "
Interrup. 22
31 " Worked, 28 " Worked, 20 «
Worked, 19
Interrup. 3 " Interrup. 11 "
Interrup. 12
Worked, 18 " Worked, 11 «>
[Worked, 17
«
20
Interrup. 12 " llnterrup. 19 "
Interrup. 13
[Interrup. 10

RECAPITULATION.
Upper Wire worked between Baltimore and Washington,
«
««
«
"
and Wilmington,
Wilmington and Philadelphia,
Philadelphia and Jersey City,
Jersey City and New York, Baltimore and Washington,
Lower Wire worked
Baltimore and Wilmington,
Wilmington and Philadelphia,
Philadelphia and Jersey City, Jersey City and New York, Baltimore and Washington,
East Wire worked
*'
Baltimore and Wilmington,
Wilmington and Philadelphia,
Philadelphia and Jersey City,
Jersey City and New York, Baltimore and Washington,
West Wire worked
Baltimore and Wilmington, Wilmington and Philadelphia,
Philadelphia and Jersey City,
Jersey City and New York, -

85
80
61
44
64
77
64
78
81
88
76
85
76
67
72
71
65
72
44

230
A great portion of those marked el Interruptions'' do not imply that the wire
was not worked, for whenever the wires were together they were marked so,
when in reality we used the wires, by working the two which were crossed as
one.
Respectfully submitted.
B* B. FRENCH, President.
The Secretary laid before the Board his Quarterly Report, which, was read
and approved.
OFFICE OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, }

Washington, July 9, 1850. S
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
Gi*NT£EMEN if-Xccompahymg are two tables, the first showing the receipts
of the Company during the quarter ending on the 30th of June last, and the
other exhibiting the amount of " materials consumed" at the several offices,
teing the same; period.
Ill health wilil excuse, I hope, the failure to present in greater detail the information 'e*j)e<bted oh such occasions from this office. The faithfulness of the
President and Treasurer will no doubt leave nothing to be desired.
Very respectfully,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary,

185Q.

*

"l I

April.,..; $2,190 121,373 m 945 62 573 70 166 67 43 28j29 17 38 4627 1510 56\ 7 43
32
May.. .. 2,483 181,219 5781,095 65 626 44 169 ,17 44 91 45 83 19 52 4110 2l| 8 96
12 39 31 80| 021 63
14 10
1,949 89 1,074 27 1,046,64 4;95 49 123 30 35 501
Total...J $6,623 1913,668 04(3,087 9111,695 631 459 141123 691112 891 70 37191 36(34 79|27 02

TTpbii motion of Mr. Cariby, the Tariff of Charges, which had been laid over
foir consideration, was taken tijp, and, on his Motion, was again laid over for the
ne&t Bdard of Directors.
On amotion of Mr. dahby, the Boara" then adjourned.
AKEL RATttBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

<m
MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.
JULY 11,

1850.

The Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company met at their office* in
Philadelphia, on the 11th day of July, 1850, at 10 o'clock, A. M., pursuant to
adjournment: the President, B. B. French, Esq., in the chair.
A list of the Stockholders was then read by the Secretary, and those preseitt
answered to their names, and presented the proxies held by them respectively.
Two thousand four hundred and four shares were represented.
The President then submitted the following communication:
To the, Stoc&faolders of <{ The Magnetic Telegraph Company."
GENTLEMEN :—It is proper that, as your executive officer, I should lay before
you, in writing, such of the transactions of the Company, during the past yeai,
as it may seem to me are of sufficient interest to you to command your atten^
tion for the brief space that I shall occupy in reading this communication.
At our last annual meeting, I stated to you that the Patentees, from whom
the Stockholders of " The Magnetic Telegraph Company" derive their legal
rights to use the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph, had, in conformity with the
fourth article of their Articles of Association, requested that two wires, in addition to the two then up, should be put up between Washington and New
York. I then informed you that the work of putting up those wires was in
progress. Since that time it has been completed, at an expense of $34,600,
$22,000 of which was for construction, and $12,000 for repairs incident to said
construction. Stock has been, or is to be, issued to the amount of $88,000, according to the provisions of our Articles of Association, on account of the construction above stated, viz: $44,000 to those who subscribed for the stock, and
$44,000 to the Patentees, or their order.
By this compliance with the request of the Patentees, they have, by their
own stipulation, forever relinquished any further claim to stock on account of
the right of this Company to use Morse's Patent, and this Company has, therefore, the right to put up as many more wires as it may deem necessary, without any accountability to the Patentees.
The large expense designated as repairs could not be avoided. A very large
number of the posts were found to be decayed, and unfit to sustain even the
two wires that were upon them, and they were replaced with substantial new
posts, that will last many years. The Line was found to be in such a dangerous and dilapidated state, from Havre de Grace to Port Deposit Bridge, that I
had it removed from the bank of the canal to the main road up the river, and
entirely rebuilt. This, being the old line, Was placed to the account of repairs,
while the two new wires were insulated with gutta percha, and carried across

222
the Susquehanna river, under water. The insulation used for the new wires
from Washington to New York was formed of a mixture of brimstone, gum
shellac and rosin. A heated mass of the mixture was used to confine a piece
of iron into each end of a piece of wood, about three feet in length, which piece
was placed across the posts, and the wire attached to the pieces of iron by a
washer, which was pressed down upon the wire, and there held fast by a screw
and nut.
The manner of fastening the irons into the wood was thoroughly tested, be*
fore any contract was entered into, by Mr. A. Kendall, Mr. Alfred Vail, and
myself. We submitted them to all the tests we deemed proper, to give them a
thorough trial, and they stood them all well. I then contracted with Messrs.
Livingston, Roggen & Company, to furnish a sufficient number for our purposes,
and they did so. I regret, however, to say that the composition used for a great
many of them was not properly prepared, and, during the hot weather, it melts
and the iron drops from the cross piece. Upon first ascertaining this, last summer, I notified the contractors, and they furnished, free of expense, several
hundred iron insulators, formed expressly to be fastened, with a bolt, on the
ends of the cross pieces. Many of these have been used, and have been found
to answer a good purpose. I have also caused several of Robbins' iron insulators to be fastened to the ends of the cross pieces, and find that it answers admirably, it being an excellent insulator. The cioss:piece insulation stood well
through the winter and spring, and was found, so far as insulation is concerned,
to be good. I hope that the recent extreme hot weather will have loosened all
that the hot weather can operate upon, and that hererfter we shall experience
no difficulty from the drawing out of the irons. I confess my mortification at
the disastrous result of this experiment.
After all the experiments, troubles and trials that I have gone through, in
regard to the selection of insulators, I have come to the settled conclusion that
there is no insulator, combining cheapness, facility of use, and certainty of
always keeping in place and never getting out of repair, so good as the gutta
percha insulator, formed in a mould made for the manufacture of our common
glass insulators, and placed upon an iron hook, as the glass insulators are.
These insulators can be made for about ten cents each—they shrink just enough,
after being placed upon the hook, to retain them firmly in their places, and they
cannot be removed without considerable effort. The operation of the weather
upon them hardens them, and they soon become almost like glass, without its
liability to be broken. Of the thousands that we have used, I have never known
one to be knocked off, or injured in any way. They will withstand the hardest
blows from stones or other missiles, by which our glasses are continually shat
tered. For some time past, I have been using them in place of broken glasses,"
and if this policy is pursued, it will not be long before our wires will be insu-

223
lated with them, in such a manner that the expenditure will hardly be felt; and
when that is done, we shall, in my opinion, have no further trouble from bad
insulation. The insulator recently invented by Mr. Z. C. Bobbins is an excellent one, and is admirably adapted to be fastened to the ends of our cross pieces.
In putting up a new line I should use it in preference to any other, as no hooks
are required.
A fatality seems to attend our line on the banks of the Hudson. After using
every exertion possible to get it to work well—after personally inspecting it
again and again, and after being disappointed time after time, I assumed the
responsibility, in April, of having one of the wires covered with gutta percha,
and carried across, under water, at Fort Lee. This wire worked admirably
from the moment it was placed in circuit, on the 11th of April, until some time*
I think, in June, when, by direction of a Committee of the Board of Directors,
appointed at the meeting in April, a second wire was laid down; since which,
there has been occasional interruption, but generally they have both worked
well.
With the concurrence of the Directors composing that Committee, I have
ordered the two wires up the river, which are thrown out of use by the carrying of the wires across at Fort Lee, to be taken down, rolled up in bundles of
convenient size, and taken to New York, there to await the order of the Board
of Directors. When these wires are taken down, I hope and believe we shall
have the four wires working constantly into and from the city of New York.
The wire thus to be taken down can be sold for between two and three thousand dollars, thus much more than meeting the expense of placing the wires in
the bed of the river.
" The Magnetic Telegraph Company" is now subjected to the most powerful
opposition of two rival companies, pretending to operate under other patents
than Morse's, but, as I believe, both infringing, one of them in the most open
and reckless manner, upon the rights of this Company, as secured to it by
Morse's patents. One of those Companies, the one just specially alluded to, is
generally known as li The Bain Line," although it uses a complication of patents, including Morse's, and has now, as I believe, very little to do with the
patent secured by Alexander Bain. The main spring of its action being the
electro magnet, the key, the telegraphic signs, and nearly all the other appliances secured by letters patent to Prof. Morse. I will not comment upon the
manner in which the business of this Company is conducted.
Although I would never recommend any course, on the part of this Company,
which should derogate in the least from the path of honor and rectitude, still I
believe it is the duty of the Company to seek every protection,, and secure every
means that can honorably be sought or secured.
With a view to this, we ought to advertise freely, to spread abroad hand-bills,

224
and post up handsomely printed notices in public places, to influence our own
friends to do what they consistently can to sustain us; to select conspicuous
and business positions for our offices, and to pay the most prompt and untiring
attention to the business entrusted to our care; and beyond all things we ought
to reduce our tariff of charges. In all these things I believe I am but stating
the views of the Board of Directors, and shall be sustained by them in carrying
out these measures fully.
The Bain Line has now secured one of the most favorable business locations
in Washington, and has taken special care to let it be known through some of
the papers of the city, in which the fact is paraded under the editorial head, that
" o n the 1st of August' The American Telegraph Company1 will move into the
room at the corner of the National Hotel," & c , and I have been many times
asked if that is the Company of which I am President, So little do the public
distinguish between the two Companies, especially when the Bain Company
assumes the name of " The American Telegraph Company."
Since writing the foregoing, I have been congratulated by one of the Editors
who published the article, upon obtaining so favorable a location for the office
pf this Company. He really supposed our Company had taken the room until
I informed him otherwise.
The only alternative left for this Company is to procure the next best location, and establish its office there. There is now for rent, a building in the
block occupied by Brown's Hotel, presenting nearly as many advantages as the
room taken by l< Bain's Line." The rent will be high—I believe $1100, or
$1150 per annum. The building contains six chambers, and possibly a portion
of it might be under-let. There is also a small room, on the corner opposite
the one taken for the Bain Line, which can be procured for about $500 per annum. I hope either the Stockholders or Directors will take prompt action on
this subject, for it is of vital importance to our interests in Washington.
The other Line now operating as a rival to the Line of this Company, is
" T h e House Line," which extends over the route of our Line, between Philadelphia and New York. This Line, although believed to be working under a
patent which infringes upon Morse's, has at least the merit of using a very ingenious invention of an American citizen, and in its rivalship I have never
heard of any action on the part of any one connected with it, either dishonest
or dishonorable. Indeed, I believe there have been many interchanges of favors
between that Company and this. The same Line extends from New York to
Boston, and has been proceeded against by the New York and Boston Telegraph
Association, using Morse's patents, for an infringement of them, and we may
hope soon to learn the result of that suit, by which this Company will probably
be governed in its future course in regard to the Company using House's
invention.

225
It will undoubtedly be asked by the Stockholders, why, if we are so certain
that those working under the Bam Patents are infringing on our rights, we have
not sooner commenced legal proceedings against them ?
Eminent legal counsel was early consulted in relation to the manner of pro.
ceeding—all the facts relative to the patents were placed in his possession, and
after much consideration it was determined that the most proper proceeding
would be for a repeal of the patent granted to Alexander Bain. A bill was accordingly drawn, to be filed in the Circuit Court of the United States for the
Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In this proceeding it was necessary that
service should be made upon Mr. Bain, and while the bill was in progress, I
received a despatch from New York, informing me that he was on the eve of
sailing for Europe; that, if it was our intention to commence proceedings, it
was necessary that I should hasten to New York, where I should meet Prof.
Morse and our counsel. I received the despatch at 3, P . M. on Sunday, and at
5 was on my way to New York. On my arrival in that city, I found Prof.
Morse, who had the bill in his possession, but Mr. Campbell, our counsel, whom
I expected to meet, was not there. I was introduced to other counsel, who
were employed by Mr. Smith in one of his Telegraph cases, and after much
consultation with them, and with Mr. Smith and Prof. Morse, and in view of
the immediate departure of Mr. Bain for Europe, I concluded to have the bill
altered to the District Court of New York, and to have it filed, which was done
on the 13th day of November last. I never performed an official act with more
reluctance, or with more doubt as to its propriety, and nothing but the peculiar
circumstances in which I was placed induced me to do it.
The case remained in Court about a month, when, after full consultation with
our Board of Directors, with our counsel, and with others, the conclusion was
arrived at that this Company would gain nothing, even if successful, in getting
the patent repealed, and the suit was therefore withdrawn.
After much further legal examination, Mr. Campbell came to the conclusion
that the best course to be pursued would be the filing of a bill, in the name of
the Trustees, who now hold the title in behalf of the Company, viz : Messrs.
French, Glossbrenner and Brodhead, directly against the persons owning the
Line known as « The Bain Line." This has recently been done, with the most
sanguine expectations on the part of our legal advisers of success.
Receiving, as we do, a very large amount of business from the W. & N. Orleans Company, it becomes our best policy to give to that'Company every
facility possible in connecting with us. With this view, at the last meeting of
the Stockholders of that Company, a resolution was adopted, on my motion,
requesting the President of that Company to consult with the President of this
Company on the subject of so connecting the two Lines as to give the utmost
expedition to business. It is proper that I should state that, by a recent in-

226
vention, any number of circuits may be connected, so as to work both ways
with the same facility that a single circuit can be worked. It is the intention
of the W. & N. O. Company to adopt this invention, and no doubt is entertained
that it will enable the operators to work the Line by a single manipulation, at
either end, between New Orleans and Washington, and it is very desirable that
the same thing should be done between New Orleans and New York city. I
respectfully recommend that full power be granted to the President of this
Company to make such a connection, whenever it may be found practicable.
If this can be done successfully, the pecuniary advantages resulting from it
can hardly be estimated.
Another system, which all the legitimate Morse Companies would derive
great advantages from the adoption of, is that of entering into an arrangement
by which each office, in the cities where different Lines terminate, shall receive messages for every other Morse Line, and thus, by a mutual interchange,
make sure of all the business that may be offered.
I will state a single occurrence, that accideutally fell under my own observation. I happened, with one of our Directors, (Mr. Norton,) to be in the Buffalo office, in New York, a few weeks since. A person came in to send a message to Philadelphia. The operator said to him, " We do not receive messages
for Philadelphia—you must go to the office in Hanover street, from whence it
will be sent." " Is that the Bain's Line ?" said the applicant. ei That is the
regular line by which it will be sent," replied the operator. e< But," said the
applicant, " I want to know where the Bain's Line is, for I want to send my
message by the Bain's Line," and so saying, he left the office, in search of the
<c Bain's Line," as he termed it. This is probably but an example of a daily,
and perhaps an hourly occurrence, where business that might easily be done by
the Morse Lines goes to other Lines.
The general business of the Company has kept up fully as well as could be
expected, considering the untoward circumstances under which it has labored
during the past year. I am sorry to be informed that a very considerable falling off has occurred in our receipts during the quarter which ended on the 30th
day of June last, as compared with the quarter immediately preceding. Still,
but for unavoidable special expenses, which will not be likely to occur again, a
dividend of two per cent, might have been made for the three months. Those
expenses were something more than $1500 in putting down the wire across the
North River; several hundred dollars for new posts to be put in between Havre
de Grace and Wilmington; a considerable expenditure in furnishing the Railroad Supervisors with tools, to enable them to comply with the terms of the
contract made with the Railroad Company, by which their Supervisors are to
attend to the repairs of our Line, together with sundry other special expenses.
I may also add, as a cause of the falling off, that a mast belonging to the W. &

227
N. O. Company was destroyed by lightning, which entirely interrupted the New
Orleans business for several weeks, and I am sorry to add, that we have been
very much troubled on our Line, during the two past months, by atmospheric
electricity, and pther causes, which can hardly be specified.
It is due to myself to state that the last report of the receipts of " The Mag
netic Telegraph Company, previous to my election as President, made in June,
1846, embracing five months, shows the entire receipts, as reported to the Secretary, to have been $4,228 77, and the same report states that the Line had
been stopped, on account of breaks in the wires, 36 days—nearly one-fourth of
the whole time that it had been in operation!
No dividend had then been declared.
I was elected President in July, 1847, and immediately devoted all my energies to get the Line into a permanent working condition, in which I was as
fortunate as, in the condition of things, I could have hoped to be.
In consequence of the almost utter annihilation of a portion of our Line, by
a storm of sleet, in the winter of 1845-6, all the income of the Company was
necessarily devoted to its repair, and in July, 1847, a dividend in stock was
made to the Stockholders, of nearly $11,000; creating additional stock to the
amount of $21,508.
fn July, 1848, a dividend of 6 per cent, was made on the then capital
stock of the Company, amounting to
$9,840
In January, 1849, one of 3 per cent.,
.
5,340
April,
'<
« 4
«
7,893
July,
"
" 2
"
3,934
April, 1850,
" 2
«
5,290
Showing a surplus of receipts over all expenditures, since I have been
at the head of this Company, of
$32,297
The above statement exhibits the fact that only a surplus of $5,290 accumulated between July, 1849, and April, 1850.
The cause of this is fully explained by the large expenditure unavoidably incurred in the repairs incident to putting up the two new wires. But for this,
the Stockholders would have received at least 4 per cent, more in dividends
than they have received.
The capital stock of the Company has been increased, until it now amounts
to $287,676. This increase is much larger than was necessary to give the Company all the facilities for business that were desirable, especially when we take
into consideration the rivalry that has sprung up against us. Still, it could not
be avoided, under the agreement with the Patentees, contained in our Articles
of Association,
i

228
As the details of the business of the Company have been placed by you exclusively in the hands of the President and Directors, I have forborne to allude
to many things to which I should have called your attention had I supposed any
action of the Stockholders thereon necessary.
I am just as well convinced this day as I was three years ago, when no rival
Companies were in existence, that this Company must prosper, under any circumstances which may reasonably be anticipated. If its tariff of prices is reduced to a reasonable rate; if its offices, in those places where there are rival
offices, are properly located; if its wires are kept constantly in working order;
if its agents and employees are industrious and energetic; and if, upon all occasions, the patrons of the Company are treated in a kind and gentlemanly
manner, and their business promptly attended to, the enterprise will be ulti"
mately crowned with complete success, and the stock of the Company will become one of the most permanent and reliable stocks in the country. So firmly
is this impressed upon my mind, that I have invested in its stock a large portion
of my worldly means.
B. B. FRENCH,
President of the Magnetic Telegraph Company,
Philadelphia, July 11, 1850.
On motion of Mr. Clark, it was referred to a Committee ojf three.
Clark, Swain and Smith were appointed said Committee.

Messrs.

The Treasurer submitted the annexed Annual Report, which was accepted,
upon the motion of Mr. Norton.
To. the President and Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company :
The accompanying Tabular Statement of Receipts and Disbursements of
" The Magnetic Telegraph Company" for the past year, ending June 30, 1850,
sets forth in detail the sources from whence the revenue of the Company was
derived, as well as the nature and description of services rendered therefor, together with a statement of the expenditures for which disbursements were made.
For convenient reference, the subjoined synopsis has been made.
The amount received for the legitimate business of the Company, for transmitting messages from and to the different Stations of the Line is $61,355 65,
as follows: At Philadelphia Station, $11,905 75; New York, $25,158 55; Baltimore, $6,942 5&; Washington, $13,967 60; Wilmington, $1,774 16; Trenton, $474 70; Jersey City, $369 38; New Brunswick, $255 66; Newark,
$328 88; Princeton, $97 02; Havre de Grace, $81 35. For other Lines, pay.
able at New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, $32,106 55. For
Property sold, $115 96; Extra Service, $546 50; E, Gordon^ on his note,

Q U A R T E R L Y S T A T E M E N T F O R A P R I L , MAY AW» J U N E , 185©»
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
J u l y 1, 1850.
T o Balance in hand, M a r c h 3 1 , 1850,
"
"
at Stations, "
"
11
Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for line,
•'
"
« N e w York,
"
"
" Baltimore,
«
a
«
« Washington,
"
"
"
" Wilmington,
«
"
«
" Trenton,
«
«
«
« N . Brunswick, "
"
"
" J e r s e y City,
"
a
«
u Newark,
«
"
"
" Princeton,
"
"
"
" H a v r e de Grace, li

April.

945
2,190
573
1,373
166
43
27
38
29
7
10

May.

June.

62 1,095
12 2,483
70 626
1,219
67 169
281
44
15|
32
19
17
45
431
8
56
10

1,046
1,949
495
1,098
123
35
31
12
37
10
14

64
90
49
27
30
50
80
39
89
63
02

June,
April.
May
1,629 831 1,592 06 1,616 61
284 66| 236 60 333 921
212 00 218 11 262 12
36 50
74 50
42 00
93 75
62 50 270 00
20 83|
77 00 110 34
54 97
47 23|
60 27
6 76,
50 87
17 36
86 25
#
40 96
54*0S|
56 35
202 89| 216 12 147 25j
7
3,084 61 2,880 49 2,409 1 1

J u l y 1, 1850.
$2,256 99 By Salaries paid at Stations,
1,221 68 " Repairs of L i n e , " Messengers, " E x t r a Service,
" R e n t of Offices,
(C
Stationery and Printing,
" Lights and F u e l , il
Batteries,
" Instruments, " Refunded,
" Miscellaneous,
" Other Lines,

5,780 17 5,785 95! 5,022 84 $16,588 96
5,406 15 5,756 06 4,855 83

16,018 04

<(
li

Receipts for other lines at Philadelphia Station, 552 70| 539
577 60
"
N e w York,
1,761 17 1,737 29 1,379 17
"
Baltimore,
453 77 368 77 274 13
"
Washington,
224 11 146 11 102 80
"
Wilmington,
13 52
8 81
6 42
"
Trenton,
13 53j
8 44
10 06
"
N . Brunswick,
1 39
4 07
6 27
"
J e r s e y City,
6 97
6 45
4 78
"
Newark,
21 13|
34 26
20 64
"
Princeton,
1 16
3 86
6 01
"
H . de Grace,
3 75
2 30]
1 81

11
(l

"
"
"
"
"
u

"

Construction and Repairs b y T r e a s u r e r ,
Salaries of Officers,
"
Contingent Fund,
«
Batteries,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Repairs,
Miscellaneous,
Instruments,
Rent,
Stationery and Printing,
Lights and Fuel, Gas Philadelphia Office,
Dividends,

979
291
300
54
390
85

84
61
00,
81
00
00

544
291
50
246

99
66
00
12

150 56
156 79
33 87

2 00 5,116 00

124 50
358 32
50 00
804
69
9
375
104
44
172

33
16|
87
00]
50
53
00

2,103 26' 6,589 99 2,112 21
3,051 75 2,861 77 2,389 69
To
«
"
*
"
*
*
C(

P r o p e r t y Sold at Stations,
Bills Receivable, Refunded,
E x t r a Service,
Messengers, Postage,
Additional Stock, T r e a s u r e r ,
P r o p e r t y Sold, posts,

50
40 00!
31 0(5!
72 50
37

3
30
7
39

12
00]
95]
50
62

26
31
13
35
1

By balance at Philadelphia Station,
"
N e w York
«
"
Baltimore
«
es
Wilmington
"

75
12
51
00
10
05

25 00
132 53

132 54
394 661
50 25
55\
578 00

Bank of Commerce,
N e w York,
Wilmington, Baltimore,
Washington, -

2,200 00
144 43 2,281 19

10,805 46

8,303 21

786
960
125
476
37

21
38
70
111
051

2,385 65

2,558 15
$30,358 07
$30,358 07

T o Balance in T r e a s u r y ,
"
"
at Stations,

2,385 65!
578 00;

GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer.

Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF MATERIALS
Consumed at the Several Stations of T h e Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 3 1 s t day of December, 1849.
N E W YORK.

Porous C u p s , . . . .
Nitric Acid,
Sulphuric Acid,..
Muriatic A c i c , . .
Quicksilver, . . . .
Zincs,
Envelopes,
Blanks,
Foolscap Paper,.
Letter P a p e r , . . .
Headings,
Pens, Metallic,..
Ink,
Pencils,
Telegraph Paper,
Stamp Wafers,..

PHILADELPHIA.

35 lbs., 10 c $3
24 lbs., 2 J c.
1 lb., $1 10
5, 22c.
5000, 90c.
1 ream

1
1
4
1

5 reams, $3
2 gro., $1 50 15
1 bottle
3
5000

3

6 7-12 dz. 60c j$3
50 115 lbs., 10 c. 11
60 20 lbs., 2 | c.
40 lbs., 2 | c. 1
10 |3 lbs., $1 20 3
10] 140, 8 c.
11
J8000, $1 50 12
50
[6 r m s . , $1 62 9
75] 1 r e a m , $3
1
8500, $3 50 29
00 6 gro., 50 c.
3
00 |6 quarts ; 50
3
50 1 dozen, 50
60 lbs.. 12£<
7
75

WASHINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

85
£6
50 57 lbs 9 oz, 16 £8" 21' 75 lbs., 8 c.
55\ 2 4 | l b s . , 8 c. 1 9 4 : 55 lbs., 2 j c.
10
[2 lbs., $ 1 20 2
60 2 lbs., S I 30
8 (16 lbs.) 10c1 1
20 |20, 10 c
3950
6
00 2000
42
1
75 6 r m s . , SI 55] 9 30, |2 reams
2 quires,, 25 c.
50
|2* r m s . $3 50 8
75 li- reams
00 1 gro., $1 50
50 f g 1.25, i g 75 1
00 1 quart, 50 c
50; I2 bott., 3 7 k
50 1 dozen, 75 c
75' U doz., 62% c
50 55\ lbs., 1 7 | c |
85: 50 lbs., 15 c. 7

(WILMINGTON.

00J 25 lbs.
79 b lbs.
40] oz.
60 9 lbs.
77! 600
30
75j 2f qrs.
50 l i «
75| 650
31 50
56| 1 pint
94l 1
50

TRENTON.

3
12 lbs.|
48 6 lbs.
66 2 oz.
8 lbs.
460
100
34 £ quirel
24 i quire
40 36
25|
6

JERSEY CITY.

NEWARK.

N.BRUNSWICK

1
16 lbs., 10c 1 60 6 lbs.
4 lbs.
4 lbs.
1-6 oz.
4 old ones
300
29
10 22- quires
1J ream
50 11 dozen
4 |2 2-6 q t s .
4
|l8 l b s .

1
13 lbs.
2 lbs.

1 50 4 oz.
5 lbs.
325
31
4 qrs.
1 "
350
5 doz.
63 1 pint
4
5 lbs.

59
35
20
36
19
25

HAVRE DE GRACE.

15 lbs.

PRINCETON.

6 qts.
16*| 1 "

:3 lbs., 5 * c .
[2 oz.
l b . , $1 50
2*
|265
125
25
5 q r s . 1 00| 123
i
"
12 3 qrs., 20 c.
1 «
225
120
1 doz.
1 vial
1

75

i lb
3
31 150
30
60 2 qrs.
25 1 "
150
|2 doz.
121 1 bot.
1

75

40
20
25
12

QUARTERLY R E P O R T OF MATERIALS
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of March, 1850*
N E W YORK.

WASHINGTON.

Porous C u p s , . . . . 8-12 doz., at 6 2 |
$
Nitric Acid,
40 lbs., 10 c.
i 4
Sulphuric Acid, |21 lbs., 2 1 c.
Muriatic A c i d , . . None.
Quicksilver,
7
|7 lbs., $ 1 10
Zincs,
2
11-12 doz., 22 c. each
Envelopes,
9
.10,050, a 95c. per 1000
Blanks,
29 (cost u n k n o w n )
Foolscap P a p e r , . 2 | ireams
6
L e t t e r P a p e r , . . . 2 quires, $3 50 per ream
Headings,
28
|8 reams, $3 50
P e n s , Metallic,. 1 gross
1
Q u i l l s , . . . . . . . . . - . - . | hundred, $2 50 per hund.
Ink,..
1
|2 btls. Red, 75, 2 Black, 75
Pencils, . .
1 dozen
T e l e g r a p h Paper, |78 lbs., 14 c,
11
Stamp Wafers,. 1000, 7 5 c , 1 lb. ord. w . 75 1
Sealing W a x , . . . [3 sticks, 6\

PHILADELPHIA.

41
00 81 lbs 6 o z . , 8 c.
$6 51 |274 lbs., 10 c. $27
53 29J lbs., 8 c.
2 42 J35 lbs., 2 1 c.
[90 lbs., 2f c.
2
None.
70 |2 lbs., $ 1 30
4
2 60 4 lbs. $1 20
42 \25 lbs., 7 | c.
1 87i
54 3000, $ 1 50
4 50' 6000, 90 c.
5
39
00 3 r m s . , $1 55, 3 q r s . , l 65 10 4 2 i | [4 r m s . , $1 62 6
35
I ream, $3
00 l j r e a m s
6 r m s , $3 50 21
00 1 gro., $ 1 , 4 gro., 8 7 1
2
1 4 3 f 4 g r o . , 50 c.
63
50 1 bot., 50, 1 b o t , 37J c.
quarts, 50
3
87i
75 |2 dozen, 75 c.
dozen, 50
1 50
31 26 lbs., 1 7 f c . 7 lbs., 15 c.
5 70 64 lbs., 121c. 8
50

BALTIMORE.

WILMINGTON.

40
87
48
80

OO' ,11 bottles, 371 251 11 doz., 621 c.
00 20 lbs., 121 c .

JERSEY CITY.

NEWARK.

N E W BRUNSWICK:.

18 lbs.
[4 lbs., 5 1 c

1 10 |2 oz.
2
325
9 m, 24 w
1 quire

18 lb., $1 50]
30 4 (worn out)
33 150, 28 c.
40
20 1 quire
12 3 qrs., 5 c.
140
i
25

10 lbs.
[5 l b s .

16 lbs. 10 c $1 60 9 lbs11 lbs.
6 lbs.

75 2 oz.
112 l b s .
400
|400
37i I quire
751 II quire

3oz.
lbs.
[325
21
^
4 qrs.
1 "
|400
|20

lib.
1 (old)

60 |25, 75c
12
20

56 1 pint
94 4
2 50 10 lbs.

1 pint
|2

•pint

HAVRE DE GRACE.

j
j

48 10 lbs,
55]

96 lbs., 8 c.
$7 68 31 lbs. 8c
|50 lbs., 2 1 c.
1 25 11 lbs. 5c|
None.
None.
121 lbs., $ 1 20
3 00 l i b . 1.50
|24 l b s . , 10 c.
2 40 10
40 1 6 0 0 , 1 . 8 7 , 2 5 0 0 , 1 . 9 0
7 751 512
16
50 p i reams, $ 1
2 50 3
75 2 quires, 25 c.
50 4
00 |21 r m s . $3 50
8 75 1125
00 ,1 gro., 1.25, I g r o . , 75| 1 62 100
c

TRENTON.

58
25
40
18]

1

a

400

150
15 12

PRINCETON,

17 q t s .
22 1 "
751 4 oz.
371
|3
30 150
|24
20 1 quire| 20
15
150
1 doz. 1 2 |

31
61
rolls

•19|

Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at t h e several Stations of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 30th day of June, 1850.
N E W YORK.

PHILADELPHIA

BALTIMORE.

WASHINGTON.

$ 621
$
52 1 dozen, 6 2 1 ,
101s 621 per dozen,
28 00 ; 31 lbs. 2 oz. 8c. 36 l b s . 1 2 i c .
8 45 280 lbs., 10 c.
841 lbs., 10 c. per l b .
90 ' 8 J l b s . 8 c . 11 lbs. 21c.
1 91 36 lbs., 2 1 c.
Iphuric Acid, . . 761 lbs -> 2 i c - P e r l b 2 32 j
85 lbs., 2 | c.
ariatic Acid,
2 40 1 lb. $1.30 1 lb. $1.20.
6 50 2 lbs., $1.20,
l i c k s i l v e r , . . . . t . 5 lbs., $1.30 per l b .
1 92 10 l b s . 71c.
1, 11-12 doz., 22 c. ea.
5 06 !24 lbs., 8 c.
6 60 1,000 $1.50 1,000 $1.35.
9,000, 95 c. per 1,000,
8 55\ 5,500, $1.20
40,
13 w e e k l y , 6 monthly,
25! 36
5 50 2 j reams, $ 1 , 6 2 1 , 4 06 61 reams, $ 1 . 6 5 . \ r e a m , $1.50
iolscap P a p e r , . . . 2 reams, $2.75,
75
2 37 | r e a m , $ 3 ,
131 quires, 17£ c .
10 50 \ \ reams,
41 reams, $3.50,
15 75 3 reams, $3.50,
2 00 ' l gross, 871- 1 gross, $1.25,
75 4 gro., 50 c.
1 gro., 75 c.
ns, Metallic,
2 00 2 quarts, 3 7 1 ,
31 4 bottles, 50 c.
1 gallon, 63 c.
37
37 1 doz., 75 c.
1 dozen, 75 c.
6 25 111 l b s . 1 5 | c . 11 lb. 17 j c .
legraph P a p e r , . . 82 lbs., m c. per l b . , 11 89 50 lbs., 12* c.
,mp W a f e r s , . . . .
| hundred, $2.50,
63
•Us,
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JERSEY CITY.

TRENTON.

WILMINGTON.

NEWARK.

N.

BRUNSWICK.

HAV. DE GRACE.

PRINCETON.

$
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229
$251 12; Refunded, $168 8 1 ; Delivery of Messages, $10 47; Postage, $4 67?
and for Additional Stock, $13,434 77. Altogether, $107,994 49.
The disbursements have been: For Salaries, $23,492 13; Construction of
two additional Wires from Washington to New York, $22,000; Repairs of the
One, $15,473 68; Dividends, $9,309; Messengers, $2,575 09; Miscellaneous
Expenses, $3,738 96; Stationery and Printing, $1,039 9 1 ; Rents of Offices,
$2,344 8 1 ; Lights and Fuel* $1,080 92; leaving a balance in the Treasury, at
the close of the year, of $2,385 65, and at the Stations, of $578-. together,
$2,963 65, and a balance due on Stock account, of $603 90.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.
The Secretary submitted his Annual Report, which was read and accepted.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, |

Washington, July 9, 1850.

$

To the President and Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
GENTLEMEN :—In accordance with my duty, I submit for your information
the following detailed statement of the amounts of money received at your
several offices, and charged against your Treasurer. To render the statement
perfectly comprehensible, the amount received at each office, during each month,
quarter, and year, is stated in a separate column. A glance at this table will
enable a Stockholder to ascertain, first, what amount, during each month and
each quarter, came into the hands of the Treasurer; and, second, from what
offices, and in what sums, he obtained the money.
This table shows the total receipts to have been, within the past year,
$61,383 98.
For the expenditure of this money the Treasurer will render to you a detailed account.
Besides the money thus directly received in the regular prosecution of our
legitimate business, a considerable amount has been collected from persons, for
other Telegraph Companies, and paid over to them—this amounted, during the
^year, to the sum of $32,106 55.
The annexed Table is a copy of three Quarterly Reports of Chief Operators,
©f * Materials Consumed." (The returns for the first quartet were too imper*
te&t for publication.)
This tabtilai1 statement is ihe best possible exhibition or" the business quali'fi^satidiis of -the Several Chief Operators. It shows who is lavish, who is economical in sdme things, who in 'ikanh/ things, and who in atl things. The attention of the Stockholders is .specially invited to this table*

230
The following table will exhibit the amount of receipts of this
from January, 1846, to July, 1850 :
From January 27, 1846, to July 1, 1846,
" July 1, 1846, to July 1, 1847,
" July 1, L847, to July 1, 1848,
.
.
.
.
.
" July 1, 1848, to July 1, 1849,
.
" July 1, 1849, to July 1, 1850,
*
- ' . ' , .
.

Company^
$4,228
32,810
52,252
63,367
61,383

77
28
81
62
98

Total amount received,
.
.
.
.
.
$214,037 46
Of this sum, $32,297 have been paid to the Stockholders, in the shape of
dividends. In 1846 and in 1847 no dividends were paid; in 1848, (on the 1st
of July,) a dividend of six per cent was declared and paid; in 1849, three dividends were declared and paid, viz: one of three per cent, on the 1st of January,
one of four per cent, on the 1st of April, and one of two per cent, on the 1st
of July; in 1850, one dividend (on the 1st of April) of two per cent. In addition to this, a dividend was made, in July, 1847, payable in stock, amounting
to $10,754 26. Adding the cash and the stock dividends together, and it appears that the sum of $43,051 26 has been paid to the Stockholders, out of the
profits of the Company, during the last four and one half years. It is a pleasant duty to be able to add, that the capital stock of the Company is sound and
unimpaired j the Company is free from debt, and there is now on hand, in cash,
the sum of $2,963 65.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
Mr. Smith offered the following resolution, which was adopted, and the
Secretary directed to furnish Mr. Campbell a copy thereof:
Resolved, That St. Geo. T. Campbell, Esq., the special counsel employed to
institute and conduct legal proceedings against the proprietors of the Bain Telegraph Line for infringements upon the rights of this Company j be requested
and directed to proceed with all practicable despatch in bringing said proceedings to an issue and trial; and for this purpose, that he be authorized, empowered
and requested to employ any and such assistant counsel as he may deem expedient, and that he be requested to proceed at once to take such testimony, and
incur such expenses in the premises, as he may judge expedient to the most
prompt and vigorous prosecution of said proceedings, and that the President be
empowered to draw such orders on the Treasurer of this Company, to meet
such expenses as may be necessary; and that the Treasurer cause payment
thereof to be made; and that said Counsel be assured of the earnest desire of
the Stockholders that no more delay in the premises may be incurred.
Upon motion of Mr. Sailer, the meeting then adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. M.

231
4 o'clock, P. M.
The Stockholders met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. Smith submitted the following preamble and resolution:
Whereas, In all matters of legislative and corporate concerns, it is a rule
extensively recognized and practised, that a member interested in a question
that is pending, ought not to cast his own vote, directly to settle a decision in
his own favor, therefore
Resolved, That no member of this Company shall be allowed to vote either
in person, or by proxy, upon any question involving his own individual interest,
or election to office.
The resolution was ruled out of order by the President, as being inconsistent
with the sixth article of the charter of the Company.
Upon motion of Mr. Sailer, the Stockholders then proceeded to ballot for
President of the Company. Messrs. Norton and Abell were appointed Tellers.
The whole number of votes cast for President was 2,363, of which Wm. M.
Swain received 1,676, and B. B. French, 687. Mr. Swain having received a
majority of all the votes cast, was declared duly elected President of this Company for the ensuing year.
Upon motion of Mr. Abell, the meeting then proceeded to ballot for Treasurer and Secretary—both officers upon one ballot; when, after counting the
votes, it appeared that George H. Hart received 2,349 votes, and B. B. French,
28 votes, for Treasurer; and Abel Rathbone Corbin received 2,346 votes, W.
L. Lane, 36 votes, and H. A. Brown, 11 votes, for Secretary. It appearing
that George H. Hart had received, for the office of Treasurer, a majority of all
the votes cast, and that Abel Rathbone Corbin had received, for the office of
Secretary, a majority of all the votes cast, they were declared duly elected to
those offices (as above designated) for the ensuing year.
The vote was then taken for Directors, and resulted thus:
Amos Kendall received
1,867 votes.
B. B. French,
2,444 "
A, S. Abell,
2,444 «
M. Canby,
2,317 "
Joseph Sailer,
1,807 "
R. M. Hoe,
1,969 "
Thomas M. Clark,
1,637 "
J. W. Norton,
1,409 "
George H. Hart, 637 "
J. R. Trimble,
127 «
Whereupon, Messrs. Kendall, French, A. S. Abell, M. Canby, Joseph Sailer,
R. M. Hoe and Thomas M. Clark were declared duly elected as the Directors
of this Company for the ensuing year.

232
Mri Smith, from the Committee to whom was referred the communication
of the President, submitted the following report, which was read, and, upon the
motion of Mr. Smith, was referred to the Board of Directors.
The Committee to whom was referred the President's annual communication
of this date, have attended to the service assigned them, and in the absence of
specific instructions to guide their deliberations, respectfully report as follows;
That they concur in the recommendation of the President's suggestions respecting the use of gutta percha^for insulators, so far as to prefer it to any and
every other substance, except glass—and as between these we think there is
very little preference, except so far as durability in exposure may determine
the one to be more economical in use than the other, we feel justified in recommending the use of either, to the exclusion of all other plans and substances,
as far and fast as new insulators shall be resorted to on the Line.
The Committee would suggest a careful examination of the President's recommendation for taking down two of the four wires that now extend from Fort
Washington, on the east side of the North River, to Fort Lee, on the west side,
via Anthony's Nose, over the North River, and a further trial of the two gutta
percha covered wires across the river at Fort Washington, as adopted recently
by the President, as an advisable alternative.
The subject of hand-bills, and advertising the rates and facilities of the Company for doing business, as also suggested by the President, is believed to be
worthy the adoption of the Board of Directors, while competing Lines, resorting liberally to such advantages, exist. And, without assuming to direct the
extent and details of such policy, we concur in recommending it to the attentive consideration of the next Board of Directors.
The reduction of the Tariff of the Company to the more extended use by'
the public of the Telegraph than hitherto, has been invited, as also to adapt it
to the necessities of a successful competition, is believed of the highest interest
to the reputation and prosperity of the Company.
Without deeming it needful to enter into detailed arguments on the subject,
your Committee suggest the inquiry, whether the following tariff of charges
may not be adopted, in the place of the existing one, so far as the same pertains to private messages between the points herein specified, viz:
That on each message of ten words, or less, transmitted between New York
and Philadelphia, or Philadelphia and Baltimore, or Philadelphia and Washington, twenty cents.
On each word additional to ten, of such message, two cents.
On each such message, between New York and Baltimore or Washington,
thirty cents; and on each word of such message, additional to ten,, three cents. •
In respect to arrangements for despatching messages received from other
Lines, to pass over this, or this and other Lines, the Committee would recom*

233
mend that the suggestions of the President be so far adopted as to empower the
President of this Company to enter into such precise and determinate arrangements with the competent officers of such Lines, for effecting such despatch of
the class of messages herein referred to, as he shall deem practicable and expedient, and to continue the same during pleasure, until otherwise ordered by the
Directors. And for this purpose, to appropriate, if he shall deem expedient,
one of the wires of this Line, exclusively to the transmission of such through
messages.
One other recommendation of the President is deemed of great practical
utility, if carried out with efficiency, and reduced to proper mutuality of services with other Companies. "We advert to the idea of having the stations of
different Morse Lines, in each city or town where more than one Line has a
station, officiate as receiving offices for each other, and to take in messages reciprocally, to be sent over their respective and appropriate Lines. An interchange of such services would not only answer the public necessities, but avoid
an exposure of instances to the employment of opposition Lines, either through
misapprehension, or because more readily reached or found, when in pursuit of
the Telegraphic agencies. This arrangement we also commend to the special
consideration of the Directors of the Line.
Other topics of interest are presented in the report of the President, yet less
obviously demanding special remark than those we have here adverted to, as
that of proceeding against the opposition Lines has been acted upon. They will
doubtless commend themselves to the consideration of the Directors. We may,
however, remark that they evince the earnest concern of the President for the
best interests of the Company, and his good judgment in devising the means
most effective for promoting those interests.
The whole business of Telegraphing by electric agencies being a new creation when extended upon a commercial or national scale, it would be extraordinary if some failures of devices employed in the execution of its system did
not prove unsuccessful, and if the minds engaged in them did not encounter
from experience, lessons of wisdom, though offsprings of error; and in all this,
more or less expenditure, if not waste of means, is incident/j It is this loss
and suffering of the pioneer Lines, and of the early fathers of this new enterprise, that signally entitles them to the special favor and patronage of a liberal
and benefited public, and the capital so employed to the watchful guardianship
of an enlightened jurisprudence against the cupidity and lawless incursions of
piratical dispositions.
All of which is respectfully submitted.

THOMAS M. CLARK.
FRANCIS O. J SMITH.
.
WILLIAM M. SWAIN.
Upon motion of Mr. Norton, the meeting then adjourned.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

234*

MEETING OF THE febARI) OF DIRECTORS.
At a meeting of the Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, held at
the Office of the Treasurer, in Philadelphia, on the 11th of July, 1850, at 6
o'clock, P. M., there were present Messrs. Swain, President, and French, Abell^
Sailer, Hoe, and Clark, Directors.
The President appointed Messrs. R. M. Hoe and Thomas M. Clark as the
Committee on Accounts for the present year.
The President laid before the Board, at the request of Mr. Kendall, a communication from George R. Dodge, Esq.; read, discussed, and laid upon the table.
Mr. French submitted the following resolution; which was adopted.
Resolved, That the President of this Company have full power and authority
to connect the lines or the wires of this Company with those of any other Company, in such manner as may be agreed upon between him and such other
Companies.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoe, the Treasurer was directed to attend all meetings
of the Board of Directors.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the communication of the President, and the Report of the
Committee thereupon, be referred to the President of this Company, to act upon
the suggestions therein contained as he may think proper.
Upon motion, the Board then adjourned.

235
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC. TELEGRAPH COMPANY, i

Philadelphia, September 19, 1850. )
Pursuant to notice given, a Special Meeting of the President and Directors
was held at the office of the Company, on Thursday, the 19th of September*
1850, at 4 o'clock, P. M., to take into consideration the propriety of leasing
one or more lines to pther Telegraph Companies. Were present—Messrs.
Swain, (President,) and Canby, Abell, Hoe and Sailer, Directors.
The President stated tne object of the meeting, and submitted a proposition
from James D. Reid, Esq., in behalf of the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph
Company; also, a proposition from Frederic Hudson, in behalf of James G.
Bennett, Esq., which were read. They were as follows :—
WM. M. SWAIN, ESQ., President of The Magnetic Telegraph Company :
Sir—I am authorized to contract with you for the use of a wire to New
York, under the following stipulations ;
1. The Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company to have the right to open
offices of its own in the City of New York, with the wire rented in connection
therewith. ,
2. The privilege of a register, &c., in the office of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company, with an operator, for the transmission of business offered at that
office for the West.
3. The Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company to have no right to transmit
despatches, between the cities of New York and Philadelphia, from either of
these, cities to the other, or between any two stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, save by special permission from The Magnetic Telegraph
Cpmpany, under circumstances which may make it mutually useful.
4. The Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company to have absolute supervision
of its business over said wire, and delivery in the City of New York.
5. The.Magnetic Telegraph Company to keep said wire in good repair and
working condition; and, in case of breaks, to give the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company the facilities of transmission afforded by other wires in working
condition.
6; The Magnetic Telegraph Company to agree to give us all answers to
despatches sent by the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company to the City of
Washington, by their line.
7. The consideration for the rent of said wire to New York to be at the rate
of fifteen cents for every despatch often words or under, and one cent for each

236
word in addition, to be> proven by the inspection of the books of the Atlantic
and Ohio Telegraph Company at New York, and the amount paid monthly or
quarterly, as may be agreed.
8. This; agreement to continue for one year, with privilege of renewal.
Yours, respectfully,
J. D. KEID.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, a

5 Hanover Street, New York) Sept. 14, 1850. )
FREDERIC HUDSON, E S Q . :

Dear Sir—When I had the pleasure of seeing, you a few days since, you
suggested that if our Company could give to the press the use, of one wire
arbitrarily, for the next session of Congress, you thought the New York press,
for which you act as an agent, would do their business altogether over our line.
While I am still of the impression, as I stated to you, that we s'hall be able
to do the business of the press to their better advantage so far as expedition is
concerned, than it can be done over one wire, (because we mean to try hard to
put two wires, or three, if required, at work upon the same despatch, if of any
length, at the rsame time, on Congressional or other important news for the
press,) still, as 1 have called a Special Meeting of our Board to take into consideration proposals made to our Company by other lines, I should be glad to
receive your proposition in such form as to lay it before the Board at the same
time.
I am trying hard to put the line in such condition that we can work four
wires through from Washington into the city of New York, reliably.
We are now working four wires from Washington to Jersey City, two into
the City of New York, and hope next week to have the other two wires across
the Hudson.
Will you do me the favor to furnish me with such proposition as you see
proper to make, at your earliest convenience, and oblige
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. M. SWAIN,
President of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.,
HERALD OFFICE, New York, Sept. 18, 1850.

DEAR SIR :—It is our desire to obtain the exclusive use of one wire for the
transmission of our reports of Congress to this city. We think that with this
facility we might be able to obtain our reports more expeditiously and correctly

237
than if allowed to have the proceedings sent over with the messages of the
public. There would be less confusion? and consequently fewer errors. If?
however? we cannot obtain the exclusive use of a working wire, we would like
to effect an arrangement with your Company for the transmission of daily
Congressional Reports, to be of two columns in length, provided we can have
the same sent to us at a low rate—lower than existing rates. If an arrangement can be made, we would wish it to take effect on the opening of the second
session of the present Congress. Our object in this arrangement is to obtain
expedition, cheapness, and accuracy.
Very truly, yours, &c? &c,
FREDERIC HUDSON,
for JAMES G. BENNETT.
WM. M. SWAIN? ESQ., President of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,

OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, I

Boston, Sepiemher 19, 1850.
To

W.

\

M. SWAIN : — \

I have received a copy of your letter, and Reid's proposal; having the
most implicit confidence in you as President, I will agree to any thing for the
benefit of the Company? in the premises. Sorry I cannot be with you.
B. B. FRENCH.
The President also submitted the following letters from Hon. Amos Kendall:
WASHINGTON, SEPT. 3D,

1850.

MY DEAR SIR :—The affairs of the New Orleans and Ohio Line of Telegraph
are rapidly approaching a crisis which must, if possible, be averted. It is unquestionably the interest of The Magnetic Telegraph Company that this Line
shall be placed on a stable footing, and its present managers have agreed to
submit every thing to my discretion. And I have little doubt that I shall
obtain the control of the Western Line from Baltimore^ if I desire it.
Mr. Hart has sent me a proposal of Mr. Reid, to rent a wire from Philadelphia to New York, at one and a half cents for each word not over ten} and one
cent each for all words over ten, of which he says he thinks favorably. I am
now prepared to propose renting one for the Western and one for the Southern
Lines, at the same pro raid reduction from present prices. The present business
West would not pay expenses to the lessee? but I look for an increase, and I
think the Southern and Western united, would now pay expenses, but not much
more. These rents, I verily believe, would give The Magnetic Telegraph
Company six to eight per cent, per annum, soon increasing to ten or twelve.

238
By a consequent reduction of expenses under your management, I am sure our
local business may be made to pay expenses, and leave us these rents for
dividends.
The condition of the Western Line induces me to urge you to call a Meeting
of our Board of Directors, as soon as practicable, to receive and act upon these
propositions. Nothing but the extreme urgency of the occasion would induce
me to ask a Special Meeting; but it is essential that something be ddne forthwith, and that I should know whether this project can be eifected. If not, I
must devise something else, or give up in despair;* and I confess I have so far
been unable to think of any thing else which seems adequate to the emergency.
Doubtless, you will have all the wires at work before the 1st of October, and
it will be important to you in reference to office arrangements, that you should
know whether your force is to be graduated to the present, or to a reduced
business.
With high regard, your obedient servant,
AMOS KENDALL.
W M . SWAIN* ESQ.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )

Washington, Sept. 1850.
To W M

M.

)

SWAIN : —

What I consider a rateable proportion to Mr. Raid's proposal, applied to
the Southern and Western Line, is one-fourth deducted fromjhe present charge
on the first ten words, and one-third on all words over ten, whether the messages come over the whole line or over any part of it. Mr. Reid's proposal to
deduct five cents from twenty, and a half cent from one and a half.
AMOS KENDALL.
OFFICE OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, I

Washington, Sept. 1 3 ^ , 1850.

J

To W. M. SWAIN, ESQ. : —

The Board of Control of the New Orleans and Ohio Telegraph Line have
turned it over to me, on my own terms. The Board ofWestern Company, last
night, acceded to my terms; but, though representing about half the stock individually, deemed it best to have the formal concurrence of the stockholders,
and a meeting is called. They all pledged their support, and bade me proceed
with arrangements. I wish to take possession on the first of October. I now
beg as early meeting of our Board as practicable, to consider my proposals. If
more favorable terms are made with Reid, I shall expect, more favorable also,
as there is to be hot competition as well for Southern as for Western business.
AMOS KENDALL.

239
The President submitted a letter from E. Cornell.

It is as follows:—

NEW YORK, SEPT. 14,

1850.

FOR W M . M. SWAINE, ESQ. :

Sir—I will purchase one of your lower wires, from Sing-Sing to the point
where you leave the road to go to the river, above Peekskill, and pay you
fifteen dollars per mile for it, in ninety days from date of your acceptance of
my proposition.
Yours, respectfully,'
E. CORNELL.
The Board then adjourned, upon motion of Mr. Canby, (Mr. Kendall being
too ill to attend,) until Friday morning, the 20th inst., at 10 o'clock.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20,

1850.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment; were present—Messrs. Swain,
(President,) and Kendall, Abeli, Canby, Sailer and Hoe.
The proposition of Mr. Reid, submitted yesterday, was read,, and, upon
motion of Mr. Hoe,
Resolved, That the proposition of James D, Reid, on behalf of the Atlantic
and Ohio Telegraph Company, in relation to renting a wire; and also the
proposition in behalf of the Southern and Western Telegraph Companies, by
Mr. Kendall, on tlie same subject, be submitted to the President with power to
make such contracts with one, or all, or not to make a contract or contracts, as
he may deem most for the interest of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
The proposition of Mr. Cornell was referred to the President, with power to
do what he may deem most expedient.
Mr. Hoe moved the following resolution, which was agreed to:—
Resolved', That the President be fully empowered to have put up the necessary poles, and do or have done all things necessary to make the four wires of
our Company fully reliable.
An account or claim of Mr. A. L. Cook was laid before the Board; referred
to the Committee on Accounts.
On motion, adjourned.

241
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
BALTIMORE, OCTOBER 10,

1850.

The regular quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors was held at Barnum's
Hotel, in the Gity of Baltimore, on Thursday, Oct. 10th, 1850, at 3 o'clock, P.
M. Present—Wm. M. Swain, Esq., President, Messrs. Kendall, French,
Abell and Canby, Directors.
In conformity with an order of^the Board, Geo. H. Hart, Esq., Treasurer,
was also in attendance.
A. R. Corbin, Esq., Secretary of the Board, being absent,
On motion of Mr. Canby,
B. B, French was elected Secretary pro tern.
Telegraphic despatches were received from Messrs. Hoe and Clark, of New
York, stating their inability to be present.
The President laid before the Board, the quarterly report of the Treasurer,
which was read, and is as follows :—
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company:
GENTLEMEN—In submitting for your consideration a quarterly statement of
the financial operations of the Company for the past' quarter, embracing the
months of July, August and September, 1850, the Treasurer begs leave to call
your attention to the amount received for the legitimate business of the line,
when compared with that for the corresponding months of 1849; there being
an excess of $2,775.73, and {his while other lines have been contending for a
portion of business over the same and other routes.
For the immediate workings of the. line there was received at the Philadelphia Station, $3,901.13;, at New York, $6,053.11; Baltimore, $1,638.28;
Washington, $2,787.12; Yfilmington, $399.71; Trenton, $143.9?; New
Brunswick, $96.45 ; Jersey City, $46.72 ; Newark, 96.01'; Princeton, $27.08;
and Havre de Grace, $69.52 ;—together, $15,259.12. There was received for
other lines, $6,095.26; refunded on messages, $70.08; property sold, $8.70;
extra service, $49.60; delivery of messages and postage, $8.26 ;—making the
entireTeceipts for the quarter, $21,493.02.
During the same time, there was paid for repairs of the line, $3,440.44;
salaries, $5,717.51; messengers, $925.37; extra service, $50; rent, 718.75;
stationery and printing. $339.75; battery, 367.38; light and fuel, $L40.72;
instruments, $85.05; miscellaneous expenses, 2,127.15; dividends, $52; refunded, $156.15; to other lines, $6,192.22;—making a total of $20,289.49;
and a balance in Treasurer's hands of $3,101.55, and at stations of $1,063.63.

242
Of the amounts received there was deposited to the credit of the Treasurer,
at New York Station, $5,535:00; at Philadelphia, $3,485.00; Baltimore,
$925/00; and at Wilmington, $135.00—together, $10,080.00; from which the
Treasurer has paid for repairs, $1,852.61; ,for salaries^ $884.87; rent, $277.50 ;
battery, $280.91; stationery,1 $16:60; lights and fuel, $30.45; instruments,
$40.75; miscellaneous expenses, including certain counsel fees, $1,700.82;
dividend, $52; all of which is included in the preceding paragraph; leaving a
balance in hand of $3,101.55. ;
There is still a balance due on stock account, of $603.90, as a portion of
subscription for the erection,of two additional wires in 18,49.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.
On motion of Mr. French,
Ordered, That the said report be entered on the minutes of the proceedings,
and be\placed on file.
On motion of Mr. Canby,
Resolved, That the Committee of Accounts be requested to produce at the
next regular meeting of this Board, their certificate of examination of the
Treasurer's accounts', from the commencement of the last quarter to January
1, 1851.
The President laid before the Board, letters from E. M. Heist, Frederick
Koons, and W. H. Beebe, asking for certain allowances, which were read,
considered, arid the allowances asked for, were granted, and the letters were
ordered to be placed on file.
On motion of Mr. Kendall,
Resolved, That the President make an examination, and ascertain whether
there is anything due from this Company to The New Jersey Railroad Company, and if he finds that anything is due, that he cause the same to be paid.
On motion of Mr. Canby, the Board then adjourned sine die.
ATTEST:

B. B. FRENCH, Sec'ry $ro tern*

QUARTERLY STATEMENT FOR JUI.Y, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 1850.
GEORGE H- HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
October 1, 1850.
T o Balance at Stations, June 30, 1850,
ei
"
in Treasury,
"
"
" Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for line,
"
"
" New York,
"
"
«
« Baltimore,
"
"
"
" Washington,
"
"
"
« Wilmington,
"
"
"
" Trenton,
«
<t
u
a N . Brunswick, "
"
"
" Jersey City,
"
cc
cc
« Newark,
"
"
"
" Princeton,
«
a
cc
cc Havre de Grace, u

July.
1,104
1,843
506
820
133
33
28
11
25
5
12

August, i

47 1,304
01 2,185
21 522
32! 894
45! 135
35
82
29
25
19
14
31
09
!
8
05
33
04

Sept.

21; 1,492 45]
99; 2,024 11!
•93| 609 14!
22i 1,072 58
8 l | 130 45
74 40
38 98
16 22|
39 20|
13 83
23 72

October 1, 1850.
$578 00] By Salaries paid at Stations,
2,385 65 " Repairs of Line, u
Messengers, " E x t r a Service,
<{
Rent of Offices,
" Stationery, & c ,
" Lights and Fuel, " Batteries;
" Instruments, ei
Miscellaneous Expenses,
" Refunded,
l<
Other Lines,

July.
Sept.
August.
1,616 61 1,599 42 1,616 61
382 54 954 97] 250 32
209 25] 346 37 369 75
22 50
16 00
11 50\
37 50 187 50! 216 25!
197 991 41 57! 83 59
25 47| 41 08| 43 72]
42 51
27 15]
16 81
18 44
16 25
9 61
155 62 132 21 138 50
81 901 44 93
29 32
1,806 42| 2,123 90 ! 2,238 90
4,533 17 5,557 84 5,061 97 $15,152 98

4,522 85 5,201 19| 5,535 08 15,259 12
Receipts for other lines at Philadelphia Stati
"
New York,
"
Baltimore,
"
Washington,
"
Wilmington,
"
Trenton,
"
N. Brunswick,
"
Jersey City,
"
Newark,
"
Princeton,
"
H. de Grace,

1,791 44 2,095 74 2,208 08
To
"
«
"
"

Receipts for Refunded Messages,
Property Sold,
Postage,
Extra Service,
To Delivery of Messages,

By
"
"
"
"

Repairs paid b y Treasurer,
Salaries,
Rent, Batteries,
Stationery, & c ,
u
Lights and Fuel,
" Instruments,
c:
Miscellaneous,
C(
Dividend,

64 279 25 358 77
88 1,433 99 1,357 66|
84 202 85 244 74
99 124 50 165 06]
34
18 18
37
6
13 95
56
4
7 60j
7 10j
1
5 18|
15 80j 27
29 46
371
7
3 83
1
1 55
3 651

450
995
224
82
7
3
1

12 21
3 70
35
6 00!
1 58

24 26

55 91

56 89

6,095 26

14 50
3 78]

23 84

846
214
125
259

34 494 73
05| 295 83
00
91
21 00

16 60|
30 45|
40 75|
371 70

54 95 1,274 17
52 00

1,468 08 1,552 25 2,116 18

33 61
5 00

29 10
2 55

511 54
374 99
152 50

136 64

813
131
74
43

By balance at N e w York Station,
"
"
Philadelphia "
11
"
Baltimore
«
«
"
«
Other Stations,
in 7th Ward Bank, Bank of Commerce,
Baltimore,
Wilmington, •
Washington, -

1,568
1,062
381
52
37

90
78)
91
04!

5.136 51

1,063 63

05
26
26!
93
051
3,101 55

$24,454 67
($24,454 67

243
Mr. French moved that the report and accompanying tables be printed with
the proceedings; and the question being taken, the yeas were Messrs. Kendall,
€anby, Hoe, French; nays, Mr. Sailer and Mr. Swain.
OFFICE OF THB MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, i

Washington, January 7, 1851. >
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
GENTLEMEN :—I respectfully submit the following tabular statements of
" Materials Consumed" at the several offices of this Company during the first
two quarters of the present fiscal year.
The following table will exhibit the amount of money received by the Treasurer during the past six months, distinguishing so as to show, at a glance, the
amount received in each month, quarter, and in the half year, as also the
amount derived from each office in any given month or quarter, thus exhibiting
their relative importance. (See table on next page.)
,
From this table it is seen that the amount of receipts (of course not including
•sums received for other lines of telegraph) during the months of July, August
and September, 1850, composing the first quarter, was $15,259.46, whereas
l>ut $12,483.29 was received during the corresponding quarter of the preceding
year.
During the months of October, November and December, 1850, composing
the second quarter, the sum of $16,190.44 was received—during the corresponding quarter of the preceding year the sum of $13,848.27 was received.
The total receipts thus far, this year, being for two full quarters, amount to
$31,449.90—last year, during the corresponding months, they amounted to the
sum of $26,331.56. The increased receipts, in the face of the sharp competi*
tion from two rivals, is thus seen to be the sum of $5,118.34.
During the last fiscal year the receipts were $61,383.98. Of this sum
$26,331.56 were received during the first two quarters, and $35,052.42 in the
last two.
It is a singular fact that the relieving the line of Congressional business, by
the adjournment of Congress, increased the receipts even in the city of Washington.
Very respectfully,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,
Seereta?y Magnetic Telegraph Co,

2U

0

<

P
cq

PRINCETON

JL

P4

JERSEY CITY.

O
'A

NEWARK.

0
H

TRENTON.

BALTIMORE.

WASHINGTON.

PHILADELPHIA.

NEW

1850.

YORK.

Receipts of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the first two quarters
of the year 1850--'51.

July.... $1,843 01 1,104 27 820 32 506 21 133 45 33 82 25 0928 2512 04 11 14 5 05
August. 2,185 99 1,304 21 894 22 522 93 135 81 35 77 31 7229 22 33 76 19 36 8 20
Sept
2,024 11 1,492 45 1,072 58 609 18 330 45 74 40 39 2038 98 23 72 16 7213 83
Total...i $6,053 11 3.900 932,787 12 1,638 32! 399 71 99\ 96 0 ' 9 45 69 52 47 22 27 08
li6
143
,
October $1,656 74 1 285 911,398 33 638 17 145 16 81 53 52 25 35 7521 69 23 5710 83
35
1,907 08 1,286 07 1.385 U6 7 U 58 136 08 54 40 55 40 34 92 24 13 fS 7 74
Nov
27 14 27 7011 34
1,955 96 1,203 50 1,175 44 593 69 131 72 44 20 42 67

Dec...

Total. . SS.S19 78 3,775 483,958 831,943 44 412 96 1801.3 150 32 70 67 84 07 64 8529 91

A correct statement of the receipts of the Company, as1 returned to the
Secretary by the chief operators and clerks, and by him entered of record in
the books.of the Company.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,
Secret my Magnetic Telegraph Company.
January 9tk, 1851.
The President submitted the following communication, which was read and
ordered to be printed with the proceedings—Mr. Sailer, declaring himself opposed
to expense of publishing the proceedings of the quarterly meeting, voted nay.
The Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company are respectfully informed, that in accordance with a resolution passed by the Board at a
special meeting, held at Philadelphia, on Thursday, the 19th day of Sept. 1850,.
authorizing the President of this Company to contract with the Atlantic and
Ohio Telegraph Company, running west from Philadelphia, for leasing to that
Company the use of one of the wires of this Company to New York, and also
authorizing the lease of the use of another of the wires of this Company to the
Washington and New Orleans Telegraph Company, and the Western Co. from
Washington and Baltimore South and West, I have concluded contracts with
the said Companies, by which this Company let, lease, and suffer to be used
by the Atlantic and Ohio Company, for its Western business, one of our wires
to the city of New York—and have also leased to the Washington and ^Sew
Orleans Telegraph Company, for the use of its own business South of Washington, and with the cognizance and approval of the management of the Western
Company from Baltimore, for the use of business from Baltimore or Washington, West. Both these contracts are made for the period of three years from
their respective dates. The articles of agreement with them I herewith lay
before the Board..
I may here say that it was not without feelings of apprehension that I have
performed this responsible duty, which the Board deemed proper to devolve

QUARTER!*'!' STATEMENT FOR OCTOBER, N O V E M B E R A N D D E C E M B E R 1850.
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Nov.

Oct.
T o balance from Sept. 30, 1850,
61
"
at Stations,
" Receipts at Philadelphia Station,
N e w York,
"
Baltimore,
"
((
• Washington,
Wilmington,
"
Trenton,
"
N . Brunswick. "
Jersey City,
"
Newark,
"
Princeton,
"
Havre de Grace, li

Dec.
$3,101 55
1,063 63

1,285
1,656
638
1,398
145
81
35
23
52
10
21

91 1,286
74 1,907
17 711
33 1,385
16| 136
54
53
34
75
13
57
55
25
7
83
35
69

07 1,203
081 1,955
58] 593
1,175
08j •131
40
44
92
30
58|
27
40|
42
84!
11
24
27

50
69
44
72!
20
52!
70
67
34
19|

By
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
cc

"
"
"
"
11

5,349 93 5,627 251 5,243 93
Receipts for other lines at Philadelphia Station. 329 60) 389
u
i£
"
N e w York,
1,800 00J 2,238
£i
(i
"
Baltimore,
333 56| 410
"
«
"
Washington,
138 96' 148
9
"
"
"
Wilmington,
14 15
u
7
"
"
Trenton,
9 90|
cl
8
«
"
N . Brunswick,
4 41
7
"
"
"
Jersey City,
5 92
36
"
"
"
Newark,
32 44
3
"
"
"
Princeton,
5 17
6
"
"
"
H . de Grace,
2 83
T o Miscellaneous Receipts,
" Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Co., rent,
" Atlantic and Ohio
"
" for repairs
f(
Refunded on Messages, et
E x t r a Service,
" Delivery of Messages,
" Refunded on Property, (e
Property Sold,
u
Postage,
-

31
00
95
89
00

66 15

2 20
77 00
4 93!

84 13|

12
20
3
10
6

Paid for Repairs of Line by Treasurer
u
Salaries paid by
do.
" Rent,
do.
do.
" Battery, do.
do.
" Stationery, do.
do.
u
Lights and Fuel,
do.
" Instruments, do.
do.
il
Miscellaneous, do.
do.
Ci
Dividend,
do.
do.

By balance at Philadelphia Station,
u
«
N e w York
«
"
"
Baltimore
«
«c
cc
Newark
"
(l
«
Trenton
"
<l
u

"
il

204 32

2,889 32 1,781 11 3,520 36
1,083 33 145 83 108 33!
125 00|
9 60
58 00
67 40 128 00 240 04
58 26
2 00

67 181
10 48

129 35;
75 08 !
36 00!
10,534 67

4,100 31 2,190 60j 4,243 76

8,874 81

321
50
18
64
92|
48

54 04

225 00
2,717 41 3,295 75 2,957 87j
6,170 32 6,301 11 5,803 56 $18,274 99

668 32
174 89
14
31
2
14
3

Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
1,644 49 1,546 23] 1,597 58|
799 70 219 14 171 72
25 00
39 501
74 50
87 50 230 00 128 18
76 66\
91 67
82 07
69 93
68 381 139 05|
36 12|
34 61
63 13
52 56
254 48 262 07 247 43|
374 85 446 07 383 37
17 12
27 08!
13 77

16,221 11

27 344 12
14 1,046 79
12 376 08
29
93 59
65j
12 22
86
9 16
48;
1
94;
6
60i
31 99
05:
3 54
58!
6 45!

2,676 94 3,265 98 2,931 89

Salaries at Stations,
Repairs of L i n e , E x t r a Service,
Rent,
Stationery,
Lights and F u e l , Battery,
.
.
.
Instruments, Miscellaneous Expenses,
Messengers, Refunded,
Paid for Repairs at Baltimore, \
u
to J . City and N e w York, )
Other Lines,

"

!

177
463
90
28
28

53
76
42
61
56t

94
167
181
4
37

54|
90
26
34
05

788 88
"
"
"
«
£
'

in 7th W a r d B a n k , Bank of Commerce,
Baltimore,
Wilmington, Washington, -

485 09
$30,308 63

$30,308 63

QUARTEIMLir R E P O R T OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 30th day of September, 1850.
N E W YORK.

PHILADELPHIA.

WASHINGTON.

Porous Cups,... .
Nitric Acid,
112 lbs., 10 c.$11 20
S u l p h u r i c A c i d , . . j45|lbs., 2£ c. 1 28
Muriatic Acic,. .
Quicksilver,
6 55
5 lbs., $1 31
Zincs,
2 9-12 dz. 22c. 7 26
Envelopes,
17,800, 95c. 16 91
Blanks,
19 Reps. 3c.
57
F o o l s c a p P a p e r , . l£rms.,$2 60
3 90
L e t t e r P a p e r , . . . 1 do.
3 00
Headings,
10 do., $3 50 35 00
Pens, Metallic,,.
1 45
Quills,
50
1 bunch.
Ink,
i gal. 62c.
31
Pencils,
h doz., 75c.
38
T e l e g r a p h P a p e r 85 lbs., 14jc. 12 33
Stamp Wafers,.,
S e a l i n g W a x , . . . ilb. SI 12c.
28

BALTIMORE.

WILMINGTON.

5 lbs., 1 2 j c . $9
88 lbs., 121c. $11 00 2 7 5 l b s . , 10c. $ 2 7 5 0
95
27 lbs., 2 | c .
67^ 3 8 l b s . , 2 ± c
27 lbs., 2 | c .
95 l b s . , 2 | c .
62
4 l b s . , $1 20
3 60
| 2 | l b s . , $ l 30!
3 lbs., $1 20
4 00 ' 1 3
2 62-| 5 0 l b s . , 8 c .
|
35 lbs., 7 | c .
8 77 3650
I
3 37-| 6 , 5 0 0 , $ 1 3 5
2500, $ 1 35
j
36
34
40
6 rms., $1 50 9 00 |3 r m s . , $ 1 2 5 3 75 1 r e a m $ 2 0 0
75 |
do.
3 00
3 00
4 r e a m s , 3 501 14 00 2i r m s . $ 3 50\ 8
2 reams,
2 00 l \ g r o s s .
| 1
2 25 4 g r o . , 5 0 c .
2 gro.,

8 7 | 4 b o t t l e s , 50c,
75 \ d o z e n , 7 5 c
2 6 2 J !|70 l b s . , 1 2 J c .

2 quarts.
1 dozen, 75
16 lbs.,

5 00 1 b o t t l e .
37|| 1 doz.,
8 75 2 4 l b s . , 1 2 j c .

371 5 2 l b s . 1 2 |
68 9 lbs. 3c.

NEWARK.

TRENTON.

8 lbs.
3 lbs.

10 l b s .
7 lbs.

1 oz.
10 1 o z .
2
! 2 | lbs.
1 521 1 1 5 0
1 381 | 6 2 5
22
34
5 q r s . 1 00 3 q r s .
<
1 q u i r e ! 25 I± <
1150
500
.
1
63 ,2 d o z .
16 |36

19
700
30
4 qrs.
3 "
75| 1447
31 | gross.

38| 1 b o t t l e .
62 5
3 0 0 14 l b s .

JERSEY C I T Y . N.BRUNSWICK.

H . r>E GRACE.

8 qts.

6 qts.
|2 "

2

3
425
24
6 qrs.

•80

18 lbs.
3 | lbs.

500

12i

ilb.

1

31 J|

3
214
40
75 1 quire
2
"
212

32
25
40

1 roll,
sund's. 1

50

12

12^ 1 b o t .
3 |2

1 vial
3
|2 r o l l s .

|2

lb,
[4
125
25
2 qrs.
160
1 doz.

12
12

38

10 1 p i n t

1 gill.

PRINCETON.

1 roll.

56\
1 stick.

Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of December, 1850N E W YORK.

Porous C u p s , . . . .
Nitric Acid,..
Sulphuric Acid,.
Muriatic Acid,.
Quicksilver, . . .
Zincs,
Envelopes,
Blanks,
Foolscap Paper,
Letter Paper,..
Headings,
Pens, Metallic,.
Quills,
Ink,
Pencils,
Telegraph Paper,
Stamp Wafers,
Sealing W a x ,

1 8 - 1 2 d z 6 2 | c ! $1 0 4
lbs. 1 2 | c
1 6 5 l b s . 10 c. i 16 5 0 |
93 lbs. 2 f c I 2
40 lbs 2 | c.
6 l b s . 1.25 c .
1 9 12 d z . 2 2 c
1 1 , 0 0 0 1.35
19
3 c.
1 | r m s . 2.60

7 501 1 | l b . 1.20 c.
4 6 2 3 0 7 | c.
1 4 851 3 , 0 0 0 1.35 c.
57 4 3
3 901 4 r s 1 . 5 0 , 1 1 . 5 5

8rs.3.50&3.25

2 7 75! 2 r e a m s
3 15| 2 g r o . $ 1

| g a l . 6 2 4 c.
| d o z . 4 c.
3 6 l b s . 1 4 * c.
i l b . 1 . 1 2 | c.

PHILADELPHIA.

WASHINGTON.

31
25
5 22
281

* Cost u n k n o w n . — J . T . B R A D B E R R Y ,

2 doz 62 | c . $1 25
275 lbs. 1 0 c 27 50 70 lbs. 1 2 | c
75 20 lbs. 2 J c.
30 lbs. 2 | c.
2 48
i90 lbs. 2-| c
7 80 1 | 1.30
8 0 6 lbs. 1.30c.
4 00 13 a b . 2 lb. 10
2 5 feo 8 c.
0 5 8,000 1 35 c. 10 70! 1,500 1.25
36
36
55 3 r m s . 1.25 c. 3 75 l j r m s d b l . $2
U r e a m 3.00c.
75 l\ qrs. 25 c.
3 r m s . 3.50 13 25 2 | r m s . 3.50
2 00 I f gro.
00 U j g r o . 50

$8 2 5
1 00
1
2
4
7

2

BALTIMORE

WILMINGTON.

$$ 95
45

5 lbs.
4 lbs.

9 lbs.
4 lbs.
$0

1 95
2 60
5 62
2 50|
38j
8 751
1 62

1 50 ll. bottle
2 b o t t l e s 5 0 c. 1 0 0 2 gal. 75 c.
37!
50 1 doz.
| doz. 1.00
75
631
1 dozen
i
75 lbs., 12J c. 9 38 BO lbs. 12£ c. 2 50';
2 8 l b s . 1 5 | c . ' 3 62i
50 % lb. 80 c.
\h lb. 1.00
40'
3 sticks
j
18,

NEWAEK.

TRENTON.

2 oz.
2
720
25
3 qrs.
37 1 q r .
6 25| 800
1 50) 2 0
25l
•10 2
1 87 1 r o l l

JERSEY CITY. N . B R T J N S W T ' K

20 lbs.
10 l b s .

8 qrts.
1J qrt.

ilb.

|lb.
3
425
25
6 qrs.
1 qr.
525
3 doz.

H . DE GRACE.

PRINCETON.

16 l b s .
3 lbs.

7 qrts.
qrt

lb.
4
376

lib.
4
175
|26
2 qrs.
1 qr.
1200
2 doz.

25

3oz.
3 lbs.
1 10' ,425
|26
3 qrs.
qr.
550
30

10
150
50
251

[25

25

1 bot.
12 |2
12 l b s .

3 50
2 qrs.
1 qr.

52

42

50 1 b o t .

5 lbs.

72

2
1 roll

75 1 q r .
20
353

25

lbot.
|2
1 roll

J200
|1 stickl

12
25
12

37
[3 s t i c k l

30

Operator.
PRINCETON S T A T I O N . — S t o n e Coal, 2340 lbs, $7 03—Charcoal, 25—Fluid, 1 gal. 75—Brush, b a t t e r y , 2, 6 2 — T o t a l , $8.65..

245
upon me. There were many considerations both against and in favor of this
course, the preponderance of which, if the contracts are carried out in good
faith, I deem in favor of leasing the wires, under the peculiar circumstances
in which our company finds itself placed in regard to its Western connections.
By them we hope to avoid the jealousies there existing and growing between
the two Western Companies, by suffering them to transact and be responsible
for their own business, and to secure to the benefit of our Company nearly
the entire Western and South Western business, appropriately passing via Philadelphia and Baltimore, by having the same pass over our wires, those who
use them alone being responsible to the public for their correct use. Another
advantage which 1 deemed of importance, is the multiplication of offices in New
York, for the accommodation of the public in the receipt of such business to be
transmitted by these routes, as appropriately might go by them over the wires
of this Company.
It appears by the Reports of the Treasurer of this Company, that there has
been paid for repairs of the line during the six months from July to January,
the sum of thirteen thousand forty-six dollars and eighty-one cents. During the
first quarter three thousand four hundred and forty dollars and forty-six cents,
and during the last quarter to the present month of January, nine thousand six
hundred and six dollars and thirty-five cents. Much of the expense of the first
quarter was incurred in trimming out the line, renewing the broken glasses,
substituting glass for iron, and sulphur insulators, and for uprighting poles,
and for, river wire, and in keeping the line in any kind of condition to do
business, as well as in settling claims for work previously done, and materials
furnished The larger expense of the last quarter has been incurred in purchasing, transporting, and setting new poles, of which there have been nearly
two thousand; of resetting old ones to i ender them as nearly equi-distant in
connection with the new as possible, in uprighting old ones, in hooks and glasses
with which to supply these additional poles, in river wire with which the Hudson river is now crossed under water, and in labor by which the improvements
of the line authorized by your Board have been carried out. There are many
improvements yet to be made at the river crossings, at the Bush and Gunpowder, Susquehanna ; at the JRaritan, the Passaic, Hackensack and Hudson rivers ;
and I may as well add that I fear the sulphur insulators and cross pieces may
require, when warm weather approaches, to be substituted by the hook and
glass, the best mode of insulation, in my estimation, yet used upon any line,
when rightly done. I fear this from the daily and constant difficulty experienced
by'the line during the past season with the cross piece insulators of sulphur.
The repairs of the line have mostly been made under my personal supervision or direction, and I hope and trust have been judiciously made. They were
necessary in any event to maintain the line in operation, and for the reputation
of the Company, in being able to do the business of the public with certainty and

246
regularity5 and especially were they necessary when we came to rent to other
companies wires under the idea on their part that we could keep them in any
kind of working order.
Had the line "been individual instead of company property, I should have
deemed it true policy for its interest to have expended twice the amount I have
expended in its repairs, to render the line at all times reliable against every
contingency which can be foreseen, for upon its reliability must it depend for
public confidence. I should have removed the cross-pieces with their sulphur
insulators, and substituted the spike and glass. I should have removed the old,
weak formed glass insulators, and sold them to those who might use them,
and have substituted the stronger form latterly used on the line, not one of
which has been found broken yet to my knowledge, although thek strength has
been pretty severely tested in many instances.
Many improvements are doubtless yet to be made in rendering telegraph
lines reliable, but we hope hereafter to have the confidence of the public in the
reliability of our line, and the transaction of our business, and, as a consequence, that it will be daily increasing.
The report of the Treasurer will show the progress of our business, by which
it will be seen that unless some unforeseen circumstances occur to change the
appearance of things, the stockholders of this Company may hope ere long to
be remunerated for their outlay, and for the patience with which such remuneration has been awaited. I think the prospect is fair before us.
Very respectfully,
WM. M. SWAIN, President.
The President having submitted contracts with the Washington and New Orleans Telegraph Company, and with the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company, Mr. French submitted the following resolution, which was agreed to—
yeas, Messrs. Abell, Canby, Clark, French, Hoe, Kendall, Sailer and Swain;
nays, none.
Resolved, That this Board hereby approve the two contracts entered into by
the President of this Company with the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company,
dated Nov. 11, 1850, and with the Washington and New Orleans Telegraph
Company, dated Dec. 3, 1850, for itself and the Western Company from Baltimore.
Mr. French submitted a letter from Lambert Tree, Jr., asking for an allowance, which was read, considered and rejected.
Upon motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company pay to Mr. A. L. Cook, of
the Baltimore office, forty-five dollars, for so much money expended in erecting
the line between Baltimore and Washington, which was allowed by the Committee and the voucher lost.
Upon motion of Mr. Canby, the Board then adjourned.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

247

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
OFFICE O^ T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )

Philadelphia, April 10, 1851. V
At the regular quarterly meeting of the President and Directors of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, held at the office of the Company, in Chesnut street.
Philadelphia, on the 10th day of April, 1851, at 4 o'clock, P. M . ; were present,
Messrs. Swain, (President,) and Canby, French, Hoe, Clark, Sailer, and the
;
Treasurer of the Company, Mr. Hart.
The Treasurer submitted his Quarterly Report and Fiscal Statement, which,
on motion of Mr. French, was accepted and ordered to be filed.
To the President and Directors of The MagnetiS Telegraph^ Company*
GENTLEMEN :—The subjoined synopsis of the accompanying tabular statement
of business of The Magnetic Telegraph Company for the months of January,
February and March, 1851, is made for the convenience of a comparative view
of the receipts and proportions thereof at the different stations of the line; which,
with the quarterly statement of receipts and disbursements, is respectfully submitted for examination of the members of the Board of Directors.
The gross receipts amount to $22,1.67.39, of which there was received for
the legitimate and immediate workings of the line $14,463.63 ; for rent of wires
for the months of January and February, $3,524.02; for other lines $3,972.25 ;
and for miscellaneous items $207.49 ; the revenue for direct workings of the line
and rent of the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company and Washington and New
Orleans Company, exceed by $1,098.22 the receipts of the preceding quarter;
notwithstanding the absence of Congressional reports since the 4th of March.
During the quarter, there was received at Philadelphia station, $3,999.36;
New York, $6,413.49; Baltimore, $1,701.02; Washington, $1,281.00; Wilmington, $388.23 ; Trenton, $209.17 ; New Brunswick, $123.84 ; Jersey City,
$69.53; Newark, $204.97 ; Princeton, $28.52 ; Havre de Grace, $44.50 ; from
the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company for rent, $791.93; Southern Line,
also for rent, $2,732,09 ; property sold, $48.00 ; extra service, $116.00 ; delivery of messages, $21.26, and amount refunded by other lines, $21.49.
Disbursements for the same period were as follows : for repairs of the line,
$3,301.32 ; salaries for officers, operators, clerks, & c , $5,127.28 ; messengers,
1,300.68; rent of offices, $579.23; light and fuel, $419.57 ; extra service,
$130,50; stationery, printing, & c , $287,74; battery, $76,7\; refunded ©n
messages, $94.63 , instruments, $50.96 ; dividends, $4 ; miscellaneous expenses,
$512.64; other lines, $3,990.76; and certain expenses on account of suit,
$1,253.00; altogether, $17,129.02, and leaving a balance in the Treasury of
$5,470.24, and at the stations $842.10, independent of the amounts due from the

248
Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company, and the Washington and New Orleans
Company, for the month of March, which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. H. HART, Treasurer.
The Secretary submitted his Quarterly Report accompanied by two tables.
Ordered, on motion of Mr. French, that it be accepted and filed.

Pi

w

PRINCETON

I

JERSEY GITT.

§

0
NEWARK.

0
H

TRENTON.

. BALTIMORE.

WASHINGTON.

PHILADELPHIA.

1850.

NEW YORK.

Receipts of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the first three quarter*
of the year 1850--'51.

July.... $1,843 011,104 27 820 32 506 21 133 45 33 82 25 09 28 2512 04 11 14 5 05
August. 2,185 99 1,304 21 894 22 522 93 135 81 35 77 31 7229 22 33 76 19 36 8 20
;
Sept
2,024 111,492 45 1,072 58: 609 18 130 4574 40 39 20 38 98 23 72 16 72 13 83
I
Total.... $6,053 113,900 932,787 121,638 32 399. 71 99 96 01 |96 45 69 5247 2227 08
143
October $1,656 741.285 91 1,398 33 638 17 145 16 81 53 52 25 35 752i 69 23 57 10 83
35
Nov.... 1,907 08 1.286 07 1.385 06 711 58 136 08 54 40 55 40 34 92 24 13 58 7 74
27 14 27 70 LI 34
Dec... 1,955 96 1,203 50 1,175 44 593 69 131 72 44 20 42 67
Total... $5,519 783,775 483,958 83! 1,943 44! 412 96 13 150 32 70- 67 84 07 64 85|29 91
8
1851.
January
Febru'y
March.

$2,044 761,416 08 419 56 578 02 147 \)0 73 64 74 46 39 4 »18 1019 67 10 25
J
2,242 681,2W 78 453 11 616 84 115 78 68 70 77 5937 30 14 4121 60 7 85
2,126 05 1,307 50 408 33 606 66 125^45 66 83 63 02 47 11 11 9928 36 9 64

Total . . $6,413 493,939 361.281 00 1.701 Q2 388 ,23209 17 204 98 123 8444 5069 63*18 74

A correct statement of the receipts of the Company, as returned to the
Secretary by the chief operators and clerks, and by him entered of record in
the books of the Company.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,
Secretary Magnetic Telegraph Company.
April 10, 1851.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, >

~Washingto?i, Aprils, 1851. )
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
GENTLEMEN :—Herewith I respectfully submit tabular statements of the
amount of money received at the several stations of this company, and the
quantity and value of u Materials Consumed," during the past quarter; they
have been carefully compiled from the returns made to this office by the persons charged with that duty. To the table—showing the amount of money
received during the past quarter, is prefixed a statement exhibiting the sums
received during the two preceding quarters of the present fiscal year.
The receipts have, amounted to $14,462 96. Add to this sum $2,732 09,

249
being the amount received from the Washington and New Orleans Telegraph
Co., for the rent for January and February, of a wire belonging to this company, and $789 93 received from the Philadelphia and Pittsburg Co., for the
rent of another wire for January and February, and the sum total of receipts,
from ordinary resource's, is $17,984 98. Add $2,046 59, for estimated rents
of wires for March, and the sum total is $20,031 57.
The corresponding quarter, in 1850, yielded a gross revenue of $19,058 39 ;
that of 1849, $17,814 87 ; and that of 1848, the sum of $15,399, 64.
Of the revenue of the company collected during the quarter which closed on
the 31st of March, u l t , there was obtained from the six smallest offices :
For January,
.
.
.
.
.
$235 55
" February,
227 36
" March,
216 Q5
Total,
* .
$679 86
There was collected, during the same period, at the remaining five offices :
For January,
- ;
$4,605 42
; *
<' February,
4,603 69
" March,
4,573 99
Total
.
.
.
.
$13,783 10
All of which is respectfully submitted.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
Upon motion of Mr. French, it was
Resolved, That the explanation of the Treasurer, giving the reasons why his
books were not submitted for examination to the Committee on accounts, during
the last quarter, is deemed satisfactory, and that the Committee be allowed until
the regular meeting in July next, for examining the same.
Mr. Clark offered the following resolution, which was considered and agreed
to:—
Resolved, That the President of this Company be authorized to dispose of all
the material used in the line of this Company, between Fort Lee and Fort
Washington, up the river Hudson, in such manner as he may deem most advantageous to the interests of the Company.
Upon motion of Mr. French, it was
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company be requested to offer to this
Board any explanations or suggestions relative to the affairs of the Company*
that he may deem of interest or advantage to the Company, at any meeting of
the Board.
The President submitted a claim asserted by Wm. H. & A. J. Montross.
Upon motion of Mr. Canby, the claim was referred to Messrs. Hoe and Clark,
with authority to do what may be advisable in the premises.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark,
Resolved, That the account rendered by J. W. Norton against this Company,

250
for his alleged fulfilment of a contract made by the Company with D. 0 .
Griffin, be referred to the President and. Treasurer! with power to settle.
The President having submitted the claim of Mr. Annet, it was
Resolved, That there be paid to Mr. Annet, of Fort Lee, such sum as may be
agreed upon by him arid the President, in full, for the use of his property from
Apiil 1st to July 1st, 1850.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark,
Resolved, That the President be authorized to rent an additional office in the
city of Philadelphia, and also one in Broadway, in the city of New York, for
the use of this Company, as soon as a suitable location can be obtained at a reasonable annual rent.
Upon motion of Mr. Sailer, the Board then adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 10 o'clock.
April 11, 1851.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment; were present, Messrs. Swain, (President,) and Kendall, Canby, French, Abell, Hoe, Clark and Sailer.
The President called attention to the decision of the New York Courts in the
case of the Express Newspaper Proprietors vs. The Magnetic Telegraph Company. Upon motion of Mr. Kendall, it was
Resolved, That the President of this Company be requested to instruct the
counsel of this Company, in the case of the Proprietors of the New York Express
vs. The Magnetic Telegraph Company, to make efforts fo obtain a new trial in
that case.
Resolved further, That the President be authorized to compromise the suit
above named, either before or after the procurement of a new trial, on such
terms as he may deem expedient. [Carried.]
Mr. Sailer offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That a dividend of two per cent, on the capital stock of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, be paid from the profits of the Company to the
Stockholders or their legal representatives, on and after the 21st instant.
The iresolution was read, considered, and unanimously agreed to.
Mr. Clark laid before the Board a communication from Mr. Van Emburgh.1
Upon motion of Mr. Canby, laid on the tables
Mr. Clark laid a second letter before the Board from the same gentleman. On
motion of Mr. Hoe, referred to the President of the Company for final disposition.
On motion of Mr. French, the Board adjourned until4 o'clock, P. M., of this
day.
4 o'clock, P. M.
The Board met at the hour appointed. Members present as in the morning.
After considering the subject of controversy with the Bain Telegraph Company, the Board adjourned sine die,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

Q U A R T E R L Y STATEMENT FOR JANUARY, F E B R U A R Y A N D MARCH, 1851.
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Jan.
T o balance in T r e a s u r y , from D e c . 3 1 , 1850,
«
"
at Stations,
" Receipts a t Philadelphia Station,
"
"
" N e w York,
"
"
"
" Baltimore,
"
(e
"
ce
si Washington,
«
«
« Wilmington,
"
<c
«
« Xrenton,
"
"
«
« N . Brunswick, "
"
"
" J e r s e y City,
«
"
"
« Newark,
"
«
cc
« Princeton,
"
<e
ci
"
Havre de Grace, li

Feo.

Mar.
$485 09(
788 88
,307
,126
606
408
125
66
47
28
53
9
11

1,275
2,242
516
453
115
68
37
21
77
8
14

1,416
2,044
578
419
147
73
39
19
74
10
18

50
05|
66
33
45|
83
11
36
02|
64|

By
"
"
"
"

Salaries paid at Stations,
Messengers, Rent,
E x t r a Service,
Stationery, Printing, & c ,
ei
Lights and F u e l , " Battery,
ei
Miscellaneous,
" Instruments, -

ei

« Paid to W . H. Bebee,
" Refunded,
" Other Lines,

4,840 871 4,831 82; 4,790 94 14,463 63
Receipts for other lines a t
"
"
"
"
u

"
u

"
"
"

Philadelphia Station,
N e w York,
Baltimore,
Washington,
Wilmington,
Trenton,
N . Brunswick,
J e r s e y City,
Newark,
Princeton,
H . de Grace,

258
705
263
32
13
5
3
2
26
3
2

15
51
31
97j
67
62
58
02
40
16
50

230
744
190
56
6
14
2
7
27

49
46
49j
05
10]
95
56
29,
22
77
1 07

241
788
204
55
20
11
9
5
32
1
2

15)
99
31
85|
27
47

Receipts for E x t r a Service,
" Delivery of Messages,
(i
Property Sold,
" Refunded,

3,972 25

436 5
355 37
1,416 241 1,315 85j

3,524 02i

21
9
6
5

00
35
97
82

43 14

38
1
9
6

50
80
83j
43|

56 56

56
10
31
9

9 87i

106 64
703 501

207
108
74
96
125
11
549

12,727 67

44|
33
95
41
00!
13
50

4 00

By balance at Philadelphia Station,
"
"
N e w York
"
tc
"
"
Baltimore
"
"
Trenton
»
(i
«
Newark
"
6i
" '
N . Brunswick,

145
457
53
82
100
3

4,401 35

09
45
98
32
01
251
842 10

50j
21
84|
241

107 79:

494 45 1,478 27
279 03| 145 83
7 00

794 35 2,434 24 1,172 76

1,316 891 1,281 45 1,373 91
T o Miscellaneous Receipts,
" Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Co., rent,
" N . 0 . and Washington Telegraph Co.

4,297 96 4,147 07 4,282" 64
Amount paid b y Treasurer,
il
F o r Repairs of the Line,
iC
Salaries of Officers, & c ,
" Stationery, Printing, & c ,
tc
Lights and Fuel,
" Rent,
.
.
.
.
c:
Miscellaneous,
" Suit Expenses,
cc
Dividends,
-

78,
06
47

Jan.
Mar.
Feb.
1,579 92| 1,514 25 1,499 92
394 59 419 60 486 49
.106 66 230 16 117 41
22 00
44 50
64 00
60 76
28 65 116 38
102 37i 132 27
88 52
52 48
10 56
13 67|
171 00| 120 84
93 16:
47 13
3 83|
101 45
63 01 115 58
300 00) 250 00 291 12
34 10|
19 92
40 61
1,325 50 1,292 621 1,372 641

207 49

By balance in T r e a s u r y in 7th W a r d N . Y. Bank, 2,368 40
16
"•
Bank of Commerce,
2,569 591
"
"
Baltimore,
426 00
(l
(C
Wilmington, 69 17
"
"
Washington, 37 081
5,470 24

23,441 36

|
^$23,441 3fc

Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of March, 1851.
N E W YORK.

WASHINGTON.

$ 35
7 5 c.
Porous Cups,
6 05| 60 lbs. 1 2 | c. $7
Nitric A c i d , . . . . . 55 lbs. l i e .
77 42 lbs. 2 | c. | 1
Sulphuric Acid,. 128 lbs. 2 | c.
Muriatic A c i d , . .
4 50 1 l b . 1.20 c.
Q u i c k s i l v e r , . . . .| 4 lbs. 1.12 J c.
6 38] |25 n\ c.
J29 22 c.
Zincs,
10,000 1.35 c. 13 50 3,000 1.35 c.
Envelopes,
M . & W . Rpts
25 J45
Blanks,
2 60 4 | r m s . 1.55. 6
Foolscap Paper,. 1 rm. 2.60.
1 00
L e t t e r P a p e r , . . . § rm. 2.0,0.
8
8 rms. 3.25.
26.001 2 reams $ 4 .
Headings,
3 08| l g r l . 2 5 , 2 $ l 3
P e n s , Metallic,.. 3 | gro. 88 c.
Quills,
| gal. 62 c.
31 |2 bottles 50 c. 1
Ink,.
25 1 doz. 75 c.
\ doz. 50 c.
Pencils,
8 991 |24 lbs. 1 5 ± c . 3
Telegraph Paper 62 lbs. 14* c.
62
lib.
Wafers,
131
Sealing W a x , . . .

PHILADELPHIA.

WILMINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

7
50
05
20
87i
05
97
00
25

250 lbs. 10 c. $25
35 lbs. 2 | c.
65 lbs. 2 | c.
1
2 lbs. 1.25 c. 2
45 lbs. 8 c.
3
9,500 1.35 c. 12
36
2 rms. 1.25 c. 2
| ream 3.00c. 1
4 rms. 3.50 c 14
3 gro. 50 c.
1

00 2 gal. 75 c.
75 \i doz. 1.00
72 60 lbs., 1 2 | c .

2 lbs. 75 c

00 60 lbs. 1 2 | c. $7
87 20 lbs. 2J c.
79|
2
50 If 1.25
60 20 lbs. 10 c.
2
82 3,500 1.25
4
37
50 l | d b l . rms $2 2
50 1 qr. 25 c.
00 2 rms. 3.50
7
50 | g r 7 5 ; f 1.25 1

1 50
25
7 50
1 50

50 43 lbs.
45 18 lbs.

NEWARK.

11 & 77
8i 3 66| 14 lbs,
81 4 lbs.
H

18 l f l b s . 1 . 2 5
00 |27 lbs. 8
35 1500
30
50 1

25 i
00 1400
31 [40

1 bottle
38 I bottle
62 15
5
1 doz.
18 lbs. 12J c. 2 .25 I I lbs. 15
40
ilb.
1 stick
0611

40| 3 oz. |$0
16 13 zincsj
75 900
50 34
1
50 8 qrs.
75 1 qr.
4 00 1000
30| gross;
1
2
2.
1
1

\5 lbs.
6
25 2 oz.
lbs.
800
24
20 |2 qrs.
20 " qr.
!
875
25 50

621 1 gill
25 3
1 65\ l | r o l l s |

^Ibs.

| | JERSEY CITY.||N.BRIWSWI'K|| H . D E GRACE. | | PRINCETON.

15 lbs.
\5 lbs.
lb.
13
300
300
2 qrs.
1 qr.
[2 doz.

8 qrts,
1 qrt.
31 8 ozs.
3
450
28
38 4 qrs.
25
400
12J 3 doz.

441 l b o t .
1 bot.
15 lbs. 2 10
1500
6 lroll

20 lbs.
5 lbs.

6 J qrts
17 2 | qrt,

|lb.
6
240
|40
1 qr.

62 l i b .

1220

69

1
4
71 150
123
25 1 qr.
1 qr.
175

20
20
12

1 vial
4

|2
lroll

12
12
18

06
2sticksl

3sticks

15

T h e foregoing tabular statement is a correct compilation from the reports of the Chief Operators of the several stations of T h e Magnetic Telegraph Company, as made to the Secretary b y t h e m ; t h e
details are copied, literally, from the aforenamed reports.
A B E L R A T H B O N E C O R B I N , Secretary Magnetic Telegraph
Company.

251
MEETILVG

OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

The regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of " T h e Magnetic
Telegraph Company," was held at Barnum's Hotel, in the city of Baltimore, on
the 10th day of July, 1851, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
Present, i Messrs. Swain, (President,) Abell, Canby, Clark, Hoe, Kendall,
French and Sailer.
The minutes of the proceedings at the last meeting of the Directors having
been read and approved,
The Treasurer submitted his Report, which was read and ordered to be
printed.
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company*
GENTLEMEN :—The accompanying report of receipts and disbursements for
the Company for the quarter embracing the months of April, May and June,
1851$ show a continued improvement in the business of the line, and the means
afforded for making another dividend at this time, is the best evidence of the
continued prosperity of the enterprise.
v
The receipts for the legitimate working of the line for the quarter are as
follows: At Philadelphia station, ,$4,034.71; New York, $4,559.72; Baltimore, $1,872.02; Washington, $916.74; Wilmington, $318.35; Trenton,
$150.23; New Brunswick, $16121; Jersey City, $89.35; Newark, $160.30 ;
Princeton, $37.69; Havre de Grace, $65.85; for leased wires to Atlantic and
Ohio Telegraph Company, $1,506.00; Southern and Western Telegraph,Company, $3,728.75—together, $17,600.92. For other lines, the sum of $2,909.74;
property sold, $77,04; extra service, $128.25; extra delivery of messages,
$22.56; refunded, $4.04; postages? $1.14; J. T. Carnahan, balance returned,
$4.18; from C F . Wood and E . Gordon, $40; and additional stock, $350—
altogether $21,137;87.
The disbursements for the same period were, for salaries, $5,114.45; repairs,
$2,632.94; messengers, $1,239.26; extra, service, $128.50; rent, $917,48;
stationery, &c, $609,28; lights and fuel, $240.10; instruments, $53.61; miscellaneous, $673.41; battery, $372.92; refunded, $41.67 ; other lines, $2,921.43;
expenses paid for lawsuit, $1.347.55, dividends, $5,618.00; for C. F. Wood,
$20—together, $21,930.58,
The proportions of the above amount paid directly by- the Treasurer is as
follows: For repairs of the line,*$l,877.08; salaries of officers, $691.65;
stationery, &c, $203.94; lights and fuel, $46.23; instruments, $37.11; miscellaneous, $204.34; rent, $250.00; suit, $1,347.55; battery, $211.65.; dividends, $5,618.00—together, $10,487.55—-leaving a balance in the Treasury of
$4,776.09.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. H, HART, Treasurer.

252
The Secretary submitted his report.

Read, and ordered to be printed.

OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )

Washington, July 9, 1851. S
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.

(A

o

!=>
PQ

w

PRINCETON.

1

6

JERSEY CITY.

o

NEWARK.

WILMINGTON.

WASHINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

PHILADELPHIA.

1851.

NEW YORK.

|

GENTLEMEN :—The accompanying tables exhibit the ordinary receipts of the
Company, derived through the several operators, exclusive of retits> during the
past quarter, and the amount and value of iC materials consumed " The last is
but a transcript, and cannot be relied upon—it is full of inaccuracies.
Very respectfully,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

April. . $1,414 761,434 89 668 41 283 76 129 96 55 02 45 01 42 9332 48 20 7719 22
.
May.... i,620 95 1,311 91 636 62 330 98 130 79 46 80 60 13 53 93 17 93
11 75
June.'.. 1,514 31 1,297 92 569 99 302 74 58 55 48 41 55 16 63 35 14 94
14 47
Total.

$4,550 024,044 72
'1,875 021 917 48 319 30150 23160 30160 2165 35

45 44

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
The Committee on Accounts submitted the following report, which was considered and agreed to:
The Committee of Accounts having carefully examined the books and vouchers of the Treasurer, report that they have not been able to discover a single
error.
RICH'D. M. HOE,
THOS. M. CLARK.
July 10th, 1851.
The Committee on Accounts also made a report, in part, upon the case of the
Messrs. Montross. Additional time allowed*
The President submitted reports as follows, which were agreed to:
That* in accordance with a resolution passed by our Board of Directors at
their last meeting, he has rented a part of the store No. 74 South Third street,
in the city of Philadelphia, at a rent of $100 per year, and had the same fitted
up for an additional or branch office, and that he has also leased the store No.
203 Broadway, in the city of New York, for two years, from the 1st of May
last, at an annual rent of $1500, and has had the same fitted up as an additional
or second office in the city of New York--both of which having been supplied
with instruments and had a wire carried into them, are now in operation, and
are commencing, apparently, a fair business:

253
That he has effected an amicable settlement with Mr. Annet, of Fort Lee,
N. J,, in relation to the claim which he made upon the Company for the use of
his premises without permission, as he alleges, at the Hudson river crossings
previous to the past year.
That he and the Treasurer of the Company, to whom was referred the matter
of settlement of accounts with J. W. Norton, have not yet had an opportunity of
meeting together with Mr. N. to adjust such settlement, and respectfully asks
for further time; [Granted.]
That in accordance with a resolution passed by the Board at last meeting, the
matter of the suit against this Company by the proprietors of the New York
Express newspaper, for damages alleged to have been sustained by them in the
year 1849, by the refusal of the chief operator of the New York station at that
time to deliver to them a message, except upon payment of past Ijill, and in
which said proprietors recovered a verdict of three hundred dollars damages
and costs, has been settled by the payment by the Company of the costs of sui t
and the plaintiffs' counsel fees only, amounting^ however, altogether, to between
five and six hundred dollars.
Mr. French submitted the following resolution:.
Resolved, That a dividend of two per cent, be declared ^from the profits of
this Company for the last three months, payable on and after the 1st of August
next, in New York, or in Philadelphia.
Which said resolution was agreed to by the Board.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the Board then adjourned, sine die.
ABEL RATHBOJSTE CO&BIN, Secretary.

254

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.
The Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company met at Barnum's
Hotel, in Baltimore, on the 10th day of July, 1851, at 12 o'clock, M., pursuant
to previous notice. The President, W. M. Swain, Esq., in the chair.
A list of the Stockholders was then read "by the Secretary, and those present
answered to the call of their names, and presented the proxies held by them
respectively. Two thousand four hundred and sixty-five shares of the two
thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine shares were represented.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark, the Stockholders adjourned until 4 P. M.
4 cfclochy P . M.
The Stockholders re-assembled, the President in the chair.
The President submitted his annual report; upon motion of Mr. Corbin, it
was accepted and ordered to be printed.
The Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company are respectfully
informed that, having been honored, unsolicited and voluntarily upon your part,
with a testimonial of your confidence in the flattering form of an election to the
chief executive officership of the company> one year since, I entered upon its
duties, though not without much diffidence and embarrassment, founded upon
a question of my ability to fulfil the expectations of the Company, as well as
upon a consciousness of its necessary interference with the duties, theretofore
incessant, of my own business.
My first business was to traverse the line and survey its condition from place
to place, and city to city, to take notes, and make memoranda of that which
was necessary first to be done. My memoranda of defects upon the line through
and in the immediate vicinity of the towns and cities where the Company have
stations, were furnished to the operators having charge of such stations, as I
passed through, with instructions to have the defects noted, remedied. Men
were next employed and furnished wTith memoranda, with instructions,' and
with tobls to clear the line of obstructions from station to station. The obstructibns which were found upon the line, and which in my opinion demanded immediate removal and remedy, were, generally, contacts of the wires with trees,
within the thick midsummer foliage of many of which all four of the wires
were intertwined and embedded, and resting against, over and under the limbs;
—broken glasses, which allowed the wires to rest upon the bare hooks of iron;
—the sulphur insulators of the wooden cross pieces drawn out, and the wires
thereby loosened, swinging down in some cases against the poles below, and in
others, especially where drawn, from two or three continuous poles, resting

ANNVAJL S T A T E M E N T OF B U S I N E S S R E C E I P T S A N D D I S B U R S E M E N T S
Of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, from June 30,1850, to June 30,1851July to Oct.jOct.to Jan.Jan.to Ap'l; Ap'l to July!
T o Balance in T r e a s u r y , J u n e 30, 1850,
l<
"
«
at Stations,
«
" Receipts at Philadelphia Station, "
N e w York
"
"
Baltimore
"
"
Washington
<c
"
Wilmington
"
"
Trenton
"
"
N . Brunswick
"
"
J e r s e y City
"
"
Newark*
c£
"
Princeton
u
"
Havre de G r a c e '

$2,385 65\
578 00

By Salaries

paid by Stations,
Repairs of Line, Messengers, Stationery and Printing,
Lights and Fuel,
.
.
.
Rents of Offices, E x t r a Service,
Batteries,
Instruments, Refunded,
Miscellaneous,
W . H . Iglehart, on acc't repairs at Bait
W . H. Bebee,
"
«
N. Y
Other Lines, -

$3,901 13 $3,775 48 $3,999 36 $4,034 71
5,519 78] 6,413 49
6,053 11
4,559 72
1,638 28j 1,943 44 1,701 02| 1,872 02
3,958 83| 1,281 00;
2,787 12
916 74
412 96
388 23|
399 71
318 35|
180 13
209 17
143 991
150 23
101 19
123 84
96 45|
161 21
46 72
64 85
69 53]
89 35|
96 01
150 32|
204 97
160 30]
27 OS]
30 01
28 52
37 69
69 52
84 12
44 50
65 851
$15,259 12 $16,221 11 $14,463 63 $12,366 17

J u l y to Oct Oct. to J a n . Jan. to Ap'l Ap'l to J u l y
$4,832 64] $4,788 30 $4,594 09 $4,422 78
280 041
1,587 83
1,190 56]
4 1 3 86,
1,300 68
1,204 29
925 37
1,239 26
250 40j
205 79
405 34]
323 15|
277 36
323 16
193 87
110 27
445 68
454 23
667 48]
441 25|
130 50]
139 00
128 50
50 00
76 71
133 86
86 47
161 27
50 96]
52 56]
44 30
16 5q
94 63]
57 971
156 15|
41 67
385 00]
763 981
469 07]
426 33
225 001
841 12J
342 00
6,169 22
8,971 03 3,990 76
2,721 43]

58,310 03
$15,152 98 $18,274 99 '$12,952 67j $11,423 03

" Receipts for other lines at Philada. Stati
«
N e w York
iC
Baltimore
"
Washington
te
Wilmington
li
Trenton
"
N e w Brunswick
"
J e r s e y City
<e
Newark
"
Princeton
"
Havre de Grace

1,088 66j
3,787 53
672 43
372 55\
32 46
23 70|
13 51
13 37
72 76|
11 45|
6 84

1,062 99
6,084 93
1,119 76
380 84
36 02
26 92|
14 75|
19 95
101 03
11 76
15 86

$6,095 2« $8,874 81

729
2,238
658
144
40
32
15
15
86
4
6

79
96
11
87
04
04
82
19]
40
04|

586 08
1,562 72
353 78
148 32]
23 09
33 43]
24 92|
30 07
124 77
10 30|
12 26]

$3,972 25 $2,909 74

lc
((

"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
21,852 06!

Amounts paid b y Treasurer,
Repairs of the Line,
Salaries of Officers,
Stationery, Printing, & c ,
Lights and Fuel,
Instruments, Miscellaneous,
Rent ©f Offices,
Batteries,
Suits, Dividends,

1,852
884
16
30
40
444
277
280
1,256
52

61
87
60]
45
75
74
50]
91
08
00

8,190 79
1,337 49
435 44]
196
143
125
67

53]
82
00
60!

38 00

2,180
533
81
96

16
19
95]
41

127 64
125 00
1,253 00
4 00

1,877
691
203
46
37
204
250
211
1,347
5,618

08
65
94
23]
11
34]
00
651
55J
00

$57,803 67

QUARTERLY R E P O R T OF MATERIALS
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 30th day of June, 1 8 5 1 .
N E W YORK.

6-12 doz. 62c. $
Porous Cups,
Nitric Acid,..._. 2024 lbs. l i e 22
3
Sulphuric Acid,. 144J 2f.
Muriatic Acid,..
Quicksilver, . . . . 5 lbs. 1.13.
5
Zincs,
1 | doz. 22 c. 2
10,000 $1.35 13
Envelopes,
Blanks,
lOM&WRep
Foolscap Paper,. 1 ream
2
Letter Paper,... 8 quires 1 2 | 1
Headings,
11 r ' m s $3.25 35
Pens, Metallic,.. 3 gross 75 c. 2
Quills,
i gallon 62 c.
Ink,.
| doz. 50 c.
Pencils,
10
Telegraph Paper,| 70 lbs. 14*
Wafers,
1-| lbs. 60 c.
S ealing Wax,..

WASHING-TON.

PHILADELPHIA.

2 doz. 624 c.
31|
2 7 | 58 lbs. 11 c. j|$6 38 245 lbs. 10 c.
99 30 lbs. 2 | c. |
75 35 lbs. 2 | c .
90 lbs. 2f c.
1 20 4 lbs. 1.25 c.
65 1 lb. $1.20
90 40 lbs. 8 c.
86 12 lbs. 7 | c.
8,500 $1.35
50 |2,000 $1.35
2 70 36
40 .39
2 r m s . $1.25
60 34 r'ms $1 55
5 42 J ream $3.00
00 None.
4 rms. $3.50
75 14 reams 4 c.
25 |3 gross $1,124 6 00 4 gross 50 c.

$1 25
24 50
87
2-48
5 00*
3 20
11 47
2 50
75
14 00
2 00

3 37
50
3 1 * 1 quart
25 1 doz.
75
15 15 lbs. 151 c 2 32
90

2 gal. 75 c.

4 doz. $1
70 lbs. 12 c.
14 lbs, 75 c.

1 50
50
8 75
38

BALTIMORE.

WILMINGTON.

Q5 lbs. 124 c. $ 8 12 314 lbs.
67 12 lbs. 41
30 lbs. 2 J c.
I f lbs. $1.25
12 lbs. 10 c.
3,750 $1.25
34
\ ream $1.75
! 1 quire
2 J r'ms $3.50
14 gross
1 bottle

2 18 l i b .
1 20 12 1b.
4 68 900

43
87 1 ream
25 1
7 87 1,050
1 50 i gross
37

1 bottle
6 pencils
31 1
4
14 lbs. 124 c. 1 50 10
57
4 lb. $1,124
14 sticks
1
9|

NEWARK.

$2 99 134 lbsj
54 9 lbs.
25 l i b .
2
50 1060

|28
50 7 qrs.
56 1 qr.

|6 lbs.
4 lbs.

H

|4 lbs. 4 00
10 lbs.
10 lbs.
|2 lbs. 2 62 4 lbs.

i$l 50 1 oz.

lbs.
J674
33

ki
724
111
19

50
12
1 501

JERSEY CITY. N.BRUNSWI'K

4 pint
2
21b 6oz|

150
|200
|24 qrs,

H. DE GRACE.

17 lbs,
15 3lbs.4i

lb.
3
15 270
25
44 4 qrs.

lib.
3
93
|49
50 1 qr.

73 260
3 doz.

PRINCETON

13^1

60

1 bot.
2
4 roll
I box
3sticks|

3
2 rolls

1 25
20
20

03

1 stick

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary Magnetic Telegraph Company.

Q U A R T E R L Y S T A T E M E N T F O R A P R I & , MAY AW» J U N E , 1 8 5 1 .
GEORGE H. HART, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
April.
T o balance in T r e a s u r y , March 3 1 , 1851,
"
"
at Stations,
" Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for line,
<c
(c
« N e w York,
«
"
"
«
« Baltimore,
"
«
"
"
« Washington,
"
«
«
<c
« Wilmington,
«
«
«
«
« Trenton,
"
«
<c
u
u N . Brunswick, "
"
"
«
" J e r s e y City,
«
"
"
"
" Newark,
"
"
"
"
" Princeton,
"
"
"
«
" Havre de G r a c e , "
"

1,434
1,413
668
283
129
55
43
20
45
10
32

June.

May.

89 1,311 90 1,287 92
96 1,626 45 1,519 31
41 ! 636 62 566 99
76 330 98 302 00
57 55]
96| 130 84
48 41
46 80]
02
53 93]
63 35|
93|
30 61
37 97
77
60 12j
Oil
55 17
77
12 45]
14 47j
98
17 93
14 94

4,139 46 4,265 99 3,960 72

1,470 24 By Salaries paid at Stations,
«
842 101 " Repairs of line
IC
Messengers
< « - . . " E x t r a Service
"
il
Rent of Offices
< « - - - iC
Stationery, Advertising, &c. at Stations, " Lights and F u e l at Stations, •
" Battery
"
lt
<{
Instruments
(i
Miscellaneous
«
<c
Refunded
«
.
.
.
" Other Lines
"
" Bebee & Westervelt for Repairs, u
C . F . Wood, for cash paid at Wilmington,
12,366 17

1 April.
June.
May.
1,470 28 1,461 00 1,491 50
123 20 138 99 151 67
399 16 452 71 387 39
f 51 50
30 50
46 50
135 41 421 66 110 41
91 65
1 128 99 184 70
! 54 15
65 32
74 40
49 79
44 74
66 74
8 50
8 00
70 70 128 13 270 24
1 89
21 48
18 30
1,060 10 999 16 862 17
57 00 135 00
150 00

20 00
3,723 26 4,039 29 3,680 48

Keceipts for other lines at Philadelphia Station,]
iC
"
"
N e w York,
"
"
"
Baltimore,
"
"
"
Washington,
"
"
"
Wilmington,
"
"
"
Trenton,
ct
"
"
N . Brunswick,
"
"
"
J e r s e y City,
«
"
«
Newark,
"
"
"
Princeton,
(l
u
«
H . de Grace,

200
585
153
43
8
13
8
6
30
3
5

96]
91
20
06
72
681
08
47
79
05
27

1,059 19

191
528
112
55
6
10
7
11
58
2
4

53
64
43|
60
55
43
08|
22
04-1
35]
67

988 54

193
448
88
49
7
9
9
•12
35
4
2

59
17
15
66
82
32
76
38]
94
90]
32

862 01

Accounts paid b y Treasurer,
" For Repairs of Line,
u
Salaries of Officers,
" Stationery, Advertising, &c.,
u
Lights and Fuel,
le
Instruments,
ei
Miscellaneous,
" Rent,
.
.
.
.
" Suits,
.
.
.
ce
Dividends,
" Battery,

892 46
333 33
133 69
16 49
170 09
363 00
5,326 00

471 92
187 49
60 25
8 15
150 00
495 60
280 00

542
170
10
46
20
26
100
488
12

70
83
00
23
62
10
00
95
00

211 65

2,909 74
7,446 71 1,623 41 1,417 43

" Southern and Western line, " Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph line, -

10,487 55

1,575 59 1,071 58 1,081 58
452 87 487 97l 565 16
2,028 46 1,559 5^, 1,646 74

Receipts for P r o p e r t y Sold, u
E x t r a Service,
" Delivery of Messages,
" Refunded on Messages, " C. F . Wood, at Wilmington, and paid N . Y.
" E . Gordon on acct,
« Additional Stock,
fl
Postages,
" James Carnahan's E s t a t e , refunded,

11,443 03

41
51
4
1

04
25|
02
38 !

21
30
S
2
20

25
00]
71
6b
00

5,234 75

14 75
47 00
9 83

82 86

By balance in Bank of Commerce,
"
«
N . Y . 7th W a r d Bank,
<c
u
Baltimore,
el
"
Wilmington, ci
"
Washington, -

24

248 59

166
413
87
21
14
40

16
2}
24
58
99
36
743 54

20 00
200 00

150 00
90

By balance at Philadelphia Station,
iC
"
«
N e w York
"
"
Baltimore
«
li
"
"
Trenton
6i
"
N. Brunswick, <l
"
"
Newark
"
-

4 18
295 76

2,960
1,483
258
36
37

58
42
68
33
08

627 21

4,776 09

$27,450 21

$27,450 21

255
upon the ground. My notes of defects, taken at the time, being counted, show
an aggregate of over three thousand circuits formed by these and other obstructions calculated to divide, dissipate and carry off the galvanic current. The first
object, therefore, was to dear the line ,of these circuits, and three months
were pretty much consumed in accomplishing it, owing to the difficulty of
obtaining permission to trim shade, ornamental and fruit trees, at many points
upon the route, as well as to see how thoroughly and correctly the work of
trimming, reinsulation,'&c., might be done, my personal attention and supervision, in passing and repassing over the line, was bestowed upon it. A considerable portion of the distance between Harlem and Fort Washington the
line had to be changed ancl put up of new poles, to clear the wires from the
rows of trees in which they were embedded.
Meanwhile, upon the expiration oi* the year of contract with P . 0 . Griffin,
transferred as I found to John W. Norton, for keeping the Hudson river crossings
and line, by way Of Caldwell's Landing, in order at a stipulated sum, I traveled
over, surveyed, and noted the condition of that part of the line. I found it such
as to require to be rebuilt or abandoned, and resolved to adopt the suggestion of
my predecessor, as made in his annual report, and cross the Hudson at the
nearest eligible point to the City of New York under water, by means of the
gutta percha covered wire, at least until some other more convenient and
suitable, perfect and permanent location and mode of crossing might be adopted.
It was found on careful examination, by inquiry and personal inspection, taking
into view the dangers from anchorage, safety from chafing by rocky beds, and
the shortness of distance across, that the vicinity of the location mentioned and
adopted for laying the two first wires, viz., from Fort Washington to Fort
Lee, to be the most favorable that I could select for the present mode of crossing under water.
Notwithstanding the two wires which had been laid and were working
across here were found to be much more reliable than those running around
through Peekskill to Anthony's Nose, we experienced much difficulty with
them from anchors, not only from their being dragged up and broken or cut,
but owing to the form of the weights used upon them, being large, oblong
square blocks of cast iron, of size and form which caught and would not pass
through the flukes of the anchors^ the wires were often broken into three parts
each, and the centre pieces forming sometimes no inconsiderable portion
carried away. Some of these pieces were found in our examinations of the
bed of the river, having been carried variable distances above and below.
One piece, of several hundred feet in length, was found about two and a half
miles above the line of crossing. Much was lost.
From these evidences of the cause of evil I contrived the oval form of small
weights of about a pound, to glide through the flukes of anchors without
obstruction, had moulds made for casting them, and had several tons of lead

256
cast into this form of weights, with which the iron weights of the two laid
wires were substituted, and which have been used on the wires subsequently
laid. I believe this plan remedied the evil of losing wire from that cause.
In laying down the subsequent wires, ,we had them all separated, each about
one quarter of a mile from the other, to guard as much as practicable from the
danger of having all torn up at once. I think this has had some good effect.
Handbills which we have had printed^ and on two occasions posted up in all
the principal cities, towns and landings on the Hudson, between New York and
Troy, and placed on board each vessel traversing it, appealing to those managing them to guard against disturbing the Telegraph crossings, together with
large signs of Telegraph crossings'placed on each side of the river to indicate
where they were, there is reason to believe have hot been without favorable
influence; But with all the efforts of ingenuity, industry, care and energy
which I have been able to bestow on this mode of crossing, I am not fully satislied with it, and doubt not that the Company may yet find it to their interest to
adopt a more reliable arid permanent mode of crossing for the summer season,
though at considerable larger outlay in first cost.
Having cleared the line of the obstructions alluded to, and crossed the river
below with the two remaining wires, my attention was next directed to a more
thorough and deliberate survey of the condition of the line, with a view of rendering it stronger and more reliable throughout.
When that portion of the line between Philadelphia and Baltimore was first
built, the contractor, Mr. O'Reilly, erected I believe twenty-eight to thirty
posts to the mile. Through some misunderstanding on the part of the management or superintendence of the line at that time, and under the idea that the
troubles experienced in working it, arose in a measure from the too frequent
connections at the poles, and might be obviated by their removal, each alternate
pole, except at curves and particular places, was cut down. In many places I
found those remaining, by measurement, between four and five hundred feet
apart, and many of them so decayed, that on the occurrence of every severe
storm, more or less of them gave way. New poles were procured, and under
the charge of Mr. Wm. C. M'Rea, this portion of the line was repaired and
improved, by setting new, larger and stronger intermediate poles where' required, by which many of the decayed and weaker of the old are now held up.
The number of new poles purchased and set on this part of the line was nine
hundred and thirty-two.
Between Trenton and New York, also, I found it necessary to have the
number of poles increased, a portion of the way by one quarter more, in some
parts one-third more, and in many places doubled. Under charge of Wm. H.
Bebee, as superintendent of the part between New Brunswick and Fort Lee,
and Mr. Carnahan, as superintendent of the division between Trenton and
New Brunswick, the work of repairs was done on this portion of the line. The

257
poles that were set anew, although costing more each than those previously
used, are larger and more substantial. The first three or five hundred which
we procured, were by contract thirty feet in length, barked, and not under
five inches in diameter of timber at t.he top- Finding that by the slimness
of some of these, which were of white cedar, although of contract size at the
top, they would measure but seven, eight or nine inches at the lower end, in
all subsequent contracts for poles, it was stipulated that they should be at least
five inches at the top, and not less than ten inches in diameter at the butt, and
no poles were afterwards received or set less than that size. For such poles
we Have had to pay on all the New York end of the line, prices varying fiom one
dollar and a half to two dollars each.
In accordance with a resolution^passed by the Board of Directors at a special
meeting held in Philadelphia, on the 19th of September last, to take into consideration proposals made to this Company by other Telegraph lines, I have
leased to the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Co., for the period of three years
from the date of the contract, one of the wires of this Company, extending between Philadelphia and New York, over which to transmit and be responsible
\ for their own Western business,
I have also, in accordance with said resolution, leased to the Washington and
New Orleans Telegraph Company, for three years from date of contract, for its
own use and that of the Western Telegrapli Company from Baltimore, another of
the wires of this Company, extending from Washington to New York, over which
to transmit and be responsible for their own business. For the particulars of these
contracts, the stockholders are respectfully referred to the published minutes of
proceedings of special meeting, to my communication to the Board at their regular January meeting in New York, also published, and to the contracts. By these
contracts, no message can be transmitted by the leased wires or otherwise,
directly or indirectly, between any two stations on the line of this Company,
and the use of the leased wires is confined exclusively to the transmission of
messages which may reach Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, by the
lines of the lessees from points beyond the stations of this line, and also for those
which may be destined for places West and South of any station upon this line.
Having thus leased one wire of our four from Washington and Baltimore to
New York, and another from Philadelphia to New York, we were left for our
own use but two wires between Philadelphia and New York, while we had
three remaining between Philadelphia and Washington, where, from the comparative amount of business done, the superior number of wires were least
needed/
I have therefore had two of the wires of the Hudson river line above the present crossings taken down,' and with them, and with new hooks and glasses,
have put up a fifth wire between New York and Philadelphia. This now gives
to the Company, in addition to the two wires leased, three through wires from

258
New York to Washington for the purposes of its own business, by means of
which we can transact with promptness a large amount of business, provided
they can be kept constantly in working order.
Finding shortly after the line was placed under my charge as its executive
officer, that the thin glass insulators then in use were liable to constant breakage
from a variety of causes, among which were the blow given to them upon the
hooks by the swing and vibrations of the wire by the wind, I contrived another
of different mechanical form and strength, which I was confident would be less
liable to give out from slight causes. The principle of it in form is globular,
the strongest form in which matter can be shaped, but elongated to save weight
of material as much as possible while retaining sufficient strength for its pur*
pose. I had moulds made for casting this form of glass, and have had between
fifteen and twenty thousand of them manufactured and put upon the line. They
have been substituted for all the old glasses which have been found broken
upon the line, have been used for all the wires upon the new poles which
I have had set, and have also been used altogether in putting up the fifth wire
between, Philadelphia and New York, and have been used too, as I have rfeason
to believe, with great advantage to the line.
In my judgment, there is no mode of insulation yet used which combines all
the qualities of value for its purposes equal to the iron hook and glass, if both
are of the right size, form and shape, and rightly adapted to each other. The
hooks which I have had made and used, are all of five-eighths of an inch rod iron,
with four inches of turn up inside, and flattened to be driven in, cutting crossways of the grain of the pole. By this means we guard against splitting the
pole, and the hook is held firmly from turning by the strain of the wires. The
bore of the glass we now use is two and a quarter inches in depth, giving it that
amount of.bearing upon the hook, with a strictly conical formed • drip" of one
«
inch, leaving three-quarters of an inch space between the bottom of the drip
and the bar of the hook. The hooks which we have had made and used are all
of similar size, form, and fashion, except that they are of two different lengths.
For the two upper wires they are thirteen inches length of rod, and for the two
below, they are twenty-two inches in length of rod, each of which is extended
somewhat by the blacksmith's work of drawing and shaping to their purpose,
including the four inches of turn up for the glasses to rest upon. The short
hooks are driven into the poles four inches or thereabouts, and the long ones
five inches. This separates the two upper wires horizontally an average of
about fifteen inches, and the two lower about three feet. This, in addition to
the difference in height, from hook to hook, on either side of the pole alternately, it is believed would be ample separation of the several wires, were the
old wooden cross pieces with sulphur insulators upon the old poles, substituted
by the hook' and glass so as to allow of having the wires drawn up tight, that
they might remain equi-distant from pole to pole.

259
For the fifth wire which I have had put up between Philadelphia and New
York, the short hodk above described has been used, and the wire is attached
beneath all four of the others.
I am thus particular in describing the size and shape of hooks, and the mode
of their use, and of the insulation generally, that whoever may have the direction of fuither repairs of the line, may, as far as he goes, render it uniform in
appearafice, and so far as my study and experience goes, substantial and reliable.
We have the gratification of knowing that this, " The Magnetic Telegraph
Company," was the first Telegraph Company ever started in the United States,
and put into successful operation. That it was the first chartered Company,
and that the State of Maryland was the first State in the Union which chartered
a Telegraph Company, is shown by the records of the laws of that State. We
have the gratification of knowing also, that ours was the first Telegraph Company ever started, chartered, and put into successful operation for the transmission of ifttellig ence, arid recording it cit a distance^ in the world I That the
names of the Stockholders of this Company, are to go down to posterity as a
matter of history for all time to come, as the persons who could first understand
and appreciate sufficiently to step forward and invest their means in the progress of this great improvement. In view of these facts it is hardly to be
wondered at, that much money has been expended in experiments by this
Company, some of which proved valueless, and others of value, of which other
Companies succeeding this and extending throughout the' country have had the
benefit.
In view of these facts too, I may be allowed to trespass upon your time,
and engage your attention for a few moments longer in detailing some changes
which were deemed essential as connected with the business of the offices, inside. The mode of delivery of messages was found to be one not in consonance
with the nature of the business of telegraphing, and without check or safety to
either the Company or its customers. Messenger boys were employed by the
Week, who, to save labor were allowed to take a handful of despatches to distribute, as the letter carriers distribute letters when the mail arrives and has
been assorted, but,with this difference, that upon the envelope of each despatch
was stated u t h e bearer will wait an answer if desired," so that with a dozen,
more or less, of despatches in his hand, the messenger was bound to wait the
delay of writing out the answers by whomsoever desired, and then to carry
these answers around with him to the completion of the delivery of all the
messages he might have, before the answers were returned to the office.
This mode of delivery has been changed, and although the change adds materially to the annual expense of this branch of duty to the Company, yet I
Relieve it to be riot without a much more than compensating benefit. Boys
were employed to deliver at the price of three cents each message, with in-

260
structions to those having charge of the offices, to have no one boy take more
than one message out at once, and to employ boys enough to have them in
waiting for messages, instead of ever allowing any despatch to lie in waiting for
delivery. Those who understand the difference in the amount of labor required
between picking up fifteen or twenty peaches one yard apart, and bringing and
depositing them all in a basket at once, and picking up, bringing and depositing only one at a time, will readily comprehend the greatly increased
amount of labor, and of course expense required by the new mode of delivery.
As regards the safety of delivery, each messenger is now furnished with a book
printed in blank for the date, hour, and minute of receipt, and the names of the
receivers of despatches, which blanks the receivers fill up. Advantages are
derived from this plan as well to the honest customer who desires to see the
telegraph business systematized and improved, as to the Company itself, for it
not only affords the safest guarantee of the delivery of,his correspondent's or
his own message, but affords to the Company the means of knowing the message to have been delivered, of checking the time of delivery of a despatch with
the time of its receipt from the distant station, and of guarding against unfounded charges against the Company of delay or default. The messengers
and their books go by numbers, and the number of each one is entered in a
column of the delivery clerk's record book as he receives and departs with a
despatch.
The adoption of this system, of deliveiy has detected the fault, and corrected
numerous cases of complaint against the Company which were without foundation^ though made innocently enough by the complaining parties, but which
otherwise, perhaps, might never have been corrected. May I instance one of
many cases.
A highly respectable merchant of New York called at our New York office,
and exhibited a letter dated 8 days before, from his New Orleans correspondent,
in which the latter stated that he had on the day of the date of the letter telegraphed him to make certain purchases, and he complained with much warmth
that he had never received the despatch, and accompanied it with a bitterness of
invective against what he termed the " humbug telegraphs," unnecessary for me
to repeat. The clerk examined the record book of the office, and found that a
message had been received for the gentleman from his New Orleans correspondent on the day stated in the letter, and running his eye across to the
delivery number column, found that it had been taken out by No. 5. Messenger
boy No. 5 shortly came in, and on examination of his book theie was found a
receipt for the message. This being shown to the merchant he at once said,
u
why that is the receipt of my book-keeper." Upon inquiry of his bookkeeper, he recollected nothing of. having received any such message, until
reminded that he had receipted for it in the book of the Company, when on

261
searching his pockets, he pulled out, to his own surprise, and passed over the
despatch unopened and unattended to.
The importance of the use of a receipt book in the transfer of despatches
between different Telegraph Companies which we have also adopted, was
shown to me soon after the duties of attention to the line came under my
charge. The Company was called upon to account for a message which had
some months previously been sent from a house in Mobile to a house in Halifax,
destined for Europe by one of the steamers, but which had never reached the
firm to whom addressed at Halifax. For the transmission of this message
between eighteen and nineteen dollars had been paid at Mobile. The proportion of this amount coming to The Magnetic Telegraph Company was about
three dollars. The despatch and this amount, together with between eight and
nine dollars to be paid to the Companies east of New York, were passed over
to this Company by the W. arid N. 0. Telegraph Company at "Washington, and
the despatch was shown by OUT books at New York to have reached that city, and
the money charged as having been paid out for its transmission east. Each of
the different Companies east certified to me that no such message, nor payment
for its transmission, had been received by them. livery effort to trace the message or money further proved futile* This Company had therefore to refund
between eighteen and nineteen dollars for only three received. The use of the
receipt book we have found ah effectual safeguard against all such mortifying
occurrences.
One of the great embarrassments still connected with the business of tele*
graphing generally, is a want of due appreciation of the importance of exactness
and precision in the transmission and copying of messages by some of those
engaged in the business. While I express my belief that the remark has less
signification in its application to the persons employed by this Company than
to any or at least most others. I wish I could express confidence in the entire
removal of this embarrassment. The business is yet comparatively new, is
far from being duly appreciated in all its bearings by either the public or
ourselves, and it would be a wonder if it had yet arrived at such a degree of
perfection as it is destined to attain.
In connection with this point I would express my impression that the tariff
of charges for telegraphing in this country were commenced at too low. a rate
for the interest of the business, or for the enlarged interests of the public. The
mutual interests of the public and the telegraph, are best promoted by the
ability as Well as disposition of the latter to do the business of the former with
reliability, correctness, despatch and certainty. With the telegraphing portion
of the public, price is less an object than the qualities I have named. Competition should therefore consist in trying who can do the business best in all these
qualities rather than in trying to see who can receive despatches at lowest price.
Telegraph tolls in England are about five times as high as the average foils in

262
this country, in addition to which half of those high prices are charged for
repeating a message in case of doubt as to its correctness. Add to this an additional charge for insurance, at a cost proportioned to the amount, in case the
despatch involves any pecuniary responsibility, and still further the ordinary
Tates of porterage and cab-hire for the delivery of a message, and we have an
idea of the cost of telegraphing in England, and of the contrast of advantages
afforded by its use between that country and the United States. The prices
abroad have been more than as much too high as they have hitherto been, at
home too low. Do not understand me as being favorable to an increase of
prices in this country now, especially for the longer distances. My impression
is, that the present rapidly increasing business, growing with the improvement
of the lines, and the daily greater familiarity of the public with the Telegraph,
ancl the advantages it affords, will ere long be sufficient at present prices to
afford Companies the means of improving the7 condition, conduct; and reliability
of their lines, as well as of making fair dividends upon their investment.
In accordance with a resolution passed by our Board of Directors at their
meeting, held in Philadelphia in April last, I have rented part of the office,
No. 74 South Third Street, in Philadelphia, and also the store, No. 203, Broadway, in New York, the latter for a period of two years from the first of May
last, at an annual rent of $1500, both of which have been fitted up in good style
as branch offices for the accommodation of the public of the two cities, with
wires carried and instruments placed in them, from which telegraphing can be
done direct, and they are now in successful operation.
The Washington office of the Company has been changed from the south to
the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue, where,deemed by our Washington
Directors a more elegible location. Our Baltimore office has been changed from
a dark and dismal recess of the Exchange, corner of Lombard and Gay streets,
to the more central,>priblic and elegible location of The Sun New Iron Building,
corner of Baltimore and South streets. The H^ew Brunswick office has been
refitted in safer and more convenient shape, and by an arrangement with the
New York arid Boston Telegraph Association, a material alteration and fitting
np has been effected in the joint offices on the corner of Hanover and Beaver
streets, in the city of New York. Here, instead of requiring our customers to
enter by the narrow and dark passage way from No. 5 Hanover street, and receiving their messages by gas light, the corner itself is opened from both streets
into a light, airy and respectable court of entry for the public, and their despatches are both received and transmitted by the light of day. This change is
much more satisfactory to the customers, and it is believed is more convenient
to both Companies.
The number of messages which have been received at the desks of the several
offices, and transmitted over the wires of this Company, exclusive of those
passing over the leased wires, or over our wires for the Companies leasing

263
them, for the year between July 10th, 1850, and the same date of 1851, have
been as follows:
1,873
Sent from Washington, . . 18,913 Sent from New Brunswick, .
"
" Newark,
. . .
1,700
"
" Baltimore, . . . 20,249
61
948
" Havre de Grace, .
1,685
"
« Jersey City, .
«
a
<c Wilmington, . .
6,753
"
" New York, . . . 36,411
"
« Philadelphia, . . 40,277
"
" Trenton,* . . . 3,705 Whole number of messages, 133,163
te cc Princeton, • . •
649
The Treasurer's Report will show the progress of the business of the Company for the past year, in its expenditures and receipts. By this it will be
observed that the receipts from the legitimate business of the line has been increased over those of the preceding year to the extent of six thousand three
hundred and eighty-one dollars and forty-seven cents, exclusive of the sum of
sixteen hundred and eighty-two dollars and forty-nine cents, rents due from
other lines for leased wires for the month of June, not yet paid in, and therefore
not shown in the Treasurer's account. This makes the receipts of the line
increased by the sum of eight thousand and sixty-three dollars and ninety-six
cents for the past year over the year previous. About two thousand new poles
have been procured and set, over seven thousand hooks have been manufactured
and used, and over fifteen thousand of the globe insulators have been put on the
line.
About four thousand dollars have been paid for gutta percha wire for the
various river crossings, and nearly four thousand dollars costs have been paid in
law suits commenced previous to the past year.
So anxious have I been to put and keep the line in working condition, that I
have kept but little acccount of my own personal expenses while traversing the
line, except my receipted hotel bills at places and stations where stopping.
These I have gathered up, and find by them that I have traveled over the line
to the extent of about seven thousand miles during the year.
I have been rendered every aid, willing and ready aid, by all in the employ
of the Company, each of whom appears to take a deep interest in its success
and prosperity.
My thanks are due also to the Directors and Officers of the Company for the
interest they have taken and the aid they have willingly afforded.
To conclude, I would say that whatever might be shown to have been done,
the line is yet far from being in a perfect condition, to be relied upon in all
weathers and under all circumstances. To render it more nearly so, I would
suggest that the wooden cross pieces upon the old poles be removed, and their
places supplied with the hook and glass, upon which the wires can be drawn
up tight, to avoid their swinging together, and getting entangled with the others,
from which we have great trouble and expense. The wires are also frequently

264
drawing their sulphur insulations, and the cross piece has no "drip," from
which to throw water at the insulating point, the consequence of which is that
in very wet weather the current of electricity passes across from wire to wire,
and the instruments upon the east and west wires, where they can receive at
all, not unfrequently receive each other's writing. I would also suggest for all
under water river crossings* except that at the Hudson river, No. 9 iron, or No.
12 copper wire, covered first with two coatings of gutta percha, next with at
least two wrappings or windings of india rubber cloth, this slushed with a thick
solution of india rubber, and inserted in an air-tight lead pipe. I doubt if with
this mode we should have any further trouble at crossings where not disturbed
by anchors or other such causes.
Respectfully,
WILLIAM M. SWAIN.
The Treasurer submitted his annual report. Upon motion of Mr. Clark, it
was accepted and ordered to be printed.
To the President and Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company:
GENTLEMEN : —The accompanying tabular statement of the receipts and disbursements of The Magnetic Telegraph Company for the past year, ending
June 30, 1851, sets forth in detail the business and stations from which the
income has been derived, and the description of services and character of expenditures for which the disbursements have been made.
The entire receipts for the legitimate business of the Company amounted to
$67,737 12, from the following sources : Philadelphia station, $15,710 68; New
York, $22,546 10; Baltimore, $7,154 76; Washington, $8,943 69; Wilmington, $1,519 25; Trenton, $683 52; New Brunswick, $482 69; Jersey City,
$270 45; Newark, $611 60; Princeton, $123 30; Havre de Grace, $263 99;
for leased wires, $9,427 09; amounting as above to $67,737 12. Receipts for
other lines, $21,852 06; refunded on messages, $124 44; property sold, $144 30;
extra service, $422 35; extra delivery of messages, $62 89; Postage, $1 97 ;
refunded on gutta percha, $25 5 3 ; Atlantic & Ohio Company on repairs, $174
89 ; additional stock* $350 00; from E. Gordon and J. Carnahan,$24 18; altogether, $90,919 93.
Disbursements for the year, for Salaries, $22,085 0 1 ; Repairs, $18,981 05;
Messengers,$4,669 60 ; Stationery, $1,922 6 1 ; Light and fuel, $1,077 75; Rent,
$2,786 14; Extra service, $448 00; Batteries, $1,018 47; Instruments, $438 63;
Miscellaneous, $2,964 92; Refunded, $350 42; for expenses of suit, $3,856 63;
Dividends, $5712 00; Other lines, $22,052 44; leaving a balance at stations of
$743 54, and in the hands of Treasurer, $4,776 09 cents, which is
Respectfully submitted,
G. H. HART, Treasurer,
The Secretary laid before the Stockholders the usual annual report from that
office> which was, on motion of Mr. Canby, received, accepted, and ordered to
be printed.

365
OFFICE OF T U E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, .
»

Washington, July 9, 1851. )
To the Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company :
GENTLEMEN—The following table exhibits, at one view, the ordinary receipts
of this Company, at each office thereof, during each month for the past fiscal
year. No notice is taken of the rents of the Company, as they are not officially
reported to this office. All of which is most respectfully submitted.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

<
Pi

g
P4

pq

PRINCETON -

1

JERSEY CITY.

NEWARK.

M
TRENTON.

I

WILMINGTON.

o

BALTIMORE.

PHILADELPHIA.

1850.

NEW YORK.

II

II

Receipts of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the year;1850--'51«:

July-... $1,843 01 1,104 27 820 32 506 21 133 45 33 82 25 09 28 2512 04 11 14 5 05
August. 2,185 99 1,304 21 894 22 522 93 135 81 35 77 31 7229 22 33 76 19 36 8 20
Sept..... 2,024 111,492 45 1,072 58 609 18 130 45 74 40 39 20 38 98 23 72 16 72 13 83
Total.... $6,053 11 3,900 932,787 121,638 32 399 71 143 99 96 01|96 45 69 52 47 22 27 08
October $1,656 741.285 91 1,398 33 638 17 145 16 81 53 52 25 35 75 21 69 23 57 10 83
Nov.... 1,907 08 1.286 07 1,385 06 711 58 136 08 54 40 55 40 34 92,35 24 13 58 7 74
• 27 14 27 70 11 34
Dec... 1,955 96 1,203 50 1,175 44 593 69 131 72 44 20 42 67
Total... $5,519 783,775 483,958 831,943 441 412 96813

150 32 70 67 84 07 64 8529 91

1851.
19
January $2,044 76 1,416 08 419 56 578 02 147 00 73 64 74 46 39 4b 18 10 6710 25
!
1
Febru'y
2,242 681,275 78 453 11 516 34 115,78 68 70 77 59 37 30 14 4121 60 7 85
28
March
2,126 05 1,307 50 408 33 606 66 125 45 66 83 53 02 47 11 11 99 36 9 64
123 84 44 5069 6318 74
Total . . $6,413 493,999 361.281 00 1,701 02 388 23209 17•204 98
April.... $1,414 761,434 89 283 76 668 41 129 96 55 02 45 01.42 9332 4820 7719 22
It 75
May., -. 1,620 95 1,311 91 330 98 636 62 130 79 46 80 60 13 53 9317 93
14 47
June.... 1,514 31 1,297 92 302 74 569 99 58 55 48 41 55 16 63 35 14 94
65
Total... $4,550 024,044 72 917 48 1,875 02 319 30 150 23 160 30160 21 35

45 44

A correct statement of the receipts of the Company, as returned to the
Secretary by the chief operators and clerks, and by him entered of record in
the books of the Company.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,
Secretary Magnetic Telegraph Company.
Washington, July 9tk, 1851.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the Stockholders then proceeded to the election
of the officers of the Company for the ensuing year. Messrs. Glossbrenner and
Sailer were appointed tellers, and the vote was first taken for President^ with

266
the following result: William M. Swain, 1708 votes; for all others, none. Mr.
Swain having received all the votes thrown, was declared duly elected President of this Company for the ensuing year.
Mr. Sailer then offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the duties of the offices of Secretary and Treasurer of this
Company be confided to the same person, and that the salary for the performance of .botfr duties shall not exceed one thousand dollars per annum.
Mr. Canby moved to amend the resolution by striking out $1000 and inserting
$1250. Agreed to.
The question recurring on the passage of the resolution, Mr. French asked
for the yeas and nays, which being granted, resulted as follows :
•Teas—Mr. Hoe, 44; Mr. Sailer, 706; T . M. Clark, 196; Mr. Canby, 17—963.
Nays—m.
Kendall, 497; B. B. French, 358; Mr. Corbin, 188; Z. C. Robbins, 44; Mr. Glossbrenner, 1—1088. Lost.
The Stockholders then proceeded to ballot for a Secretary, with the following
result: Number of votes cast, 1871; of which there were cast for Abel Rathbone Corbin, 1121 votes; for W. W. Fulton, 706 votes, and for Mr. Thomas
M. Clark, 44. Mr. Corbin having received a majority of all the votes cast,
was declared duly elected Secretary of this Company for the ensuing yeai.
The Stockholders next proceeded to ballot for Treasurer, with the following
result: Votes cast, 1909; of which 822 votes were for George H. Hart, and
1087 votes were given for William Selden. William Selden having received a
majority of all the votes cast, was declared duly elected Treasurer of this
Company for the ensuing year.
The Stockholders 'next proceeded to the election of Directors, which resulted
as follows: Votes cast, 2051; of which Amos Kendall received 2050 votes; A.
S. AbQll, 2050; R. M. Hoe, 2050; M. Canby, 2033 ; T. M. Clark, 1862; George
H. Hart, 1554; B. B. French, 1300 ; and Joseph Sailer, 1264. Messrs. Kendall,
Abell, Hoe, Canby, Clark, Hart, and French, having received a majority of
all the votes cast, were declared to be duly elected Directors of this Company
for the ensuing year.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. French, and agreed to unanimously—
Resolved, That the thanks of this Company are due, and are hereby tendered
to George H. Hart, Esq., for the faithful, able and correct manner in which he
has ever performed the duties of Treasurer of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company.
'

267
On motion of Mr. Sailer, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the regular quarterly meetings of the Directors of this
Company be held at four several points, namely: the January meeting at Washington City; the April meeting at Baltimore; the July meeting at Philadelphia;
and the October meeting at New York, and that the annual meeting of Stockholders be hereafter held in Philadelphia.
Mr. Abell offered the following resolution, which was considered and agreed
to unanimously:
Resolved, That the contracts by the President of this Company, under the
authority of the Board of Directors, with the Atlantic and Ohio Telegiaph
Company, and with the Washington and New Orleans Company, for itself and
the Western Company, made in November and December last, for the use to
said companies of wires of this Company, for the period of three years from
their date, be hereby approved and confirmed.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark, the meeting then adjourned, sine die.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

268
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, I

July 10, 1851. \
At a meeting of the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph
Company, held at Barnum's Hotel, Baltimore, on the 10th day of July, 1851,
were present, Messrs. Swain, (President,) and Kendall, Abell, Hoe, Canby,
Clark, Hart, and French.
On motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Board be requested to notify William
Selden, Esq., of his election as Treasurer of this Company, by the Stockholders.
That he inform him of the requirements, of him, by the laws and regulations
of this Company, before entering on his duties, and that the late Treasurer be
respectfully requested to continue the discharge of the duties of Treasurer
until Mr. Selden can enter upon them.
The bill of A. B. Patterson & Co., was referred to the President, with power
to settle it.
The Board then adjourned till to-morrow, at 9 o'clock, A. M.
July 11, 1851.
The President and Directors met at the hour previously designated—were
present, Messrs. Swain, (President,) Kendall, Canby, Clark, Hart, Abell and Hoe.
The minutes of the proceedings of the previous meeting having been read
and approved, the Board proceeded to business.
The President appointed Messrs. George H. Hart and Thomas M. Clark, as
the Committee on Accounts for the ensuing year.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark, it was
Resolved, That the security required of the Treasurer of this Company for
the faithful performance of the duties of his office be a bond in the sum of ten
thousand dollars, with sureties, to be approved by the President and two of
the Directors, as the President may select, or should he deem proper, by the
Board of Directors.
Messrs. A. S. Abell and R. M. Hoe were appointed by the President the
committee to approve the Treasurer's sureties, agreeably to the foregoing
resolution.
The claim of Mr. James L. Morrow was laid before the Board. On,* motion
of Mr. Kendall,
Resolved, That the application of James L. Morrow, to be re-imbursed
money paid for service during his absence, is incompatible with the spirit of a
resolution of this Company, passed 10th January, 1850.

269
The President laid before the Board a communication from the authorities of
the Bain line of Telegraph, in relation to rates to be charged for communications to be forwarded by either company over their respective wires. Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Hart, it was
Resolved, That the price to be charged for the transmission of messages
between any two stations of this line, even for the shortest distance, be not less
than twenty cents for the first ten words, and one cent for each additional word
under one hundred.
Resolved, That for all drop copy messages, one-fourth of the regular charges
for transmission to the station where dropped, shall be charged; provided, that
no drop copy of any message shall be made for less than the regular price for
ten words between any two nearest stations.
Upon motion of Mr. Abell,
Resolved, That the President of this Company be authorized to regulate the
Sunday hours of opening and closing its offices as he may deem most expedient.
On motion of Mr. Hart, the Board then adjourned.

271
MEETING; OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
OFFICE OF T # E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, (

New Yor&, October 9> imi.
J
The regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of " T h e Magnetic Telegraph Company," was held at the office of Col. HOE, in New York,
at 1 o'clock, P . m on tlie 9th of October, 1851.
Present, Messrs. Swain, (President,) and Messrs. Clark, Hoe^ Hart, Abell,
and French.
The Secretary submitted a Tabular Summary of the Keports of Materials,
consumed at the* several stations of the Company, during the Quarter ending
Sept. 30th, 1851.—Upon motion of Mr. French, the report was accepted, and
ordered to be printed. (See Table No. 1.)
The Secretary submitted the usual report of receipts, for the last Quarter.-—
Ordered, that it be accepted and printed. (See Table No. 2.)
The Treasurer submitted a repoH of the receipts and expenditures, during
the past Quartei\~Ordered, upon motion of Mr. Abell, that the report be accepted and printed.
Washington, October 1, 1851.
To the President and Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
GENTLEMEN :—I beg,leave respectfully to present the accompanying statement of Mr. George H. Hart, late Treasurer, showing the receipts and disbursements of the Company, for the months of July and August, 1851; the amount
on hand at the stations on the 1st September, and the balance due from him
on the 15th September;
I also submit my own account, as Treasurer, of receipts and disbursements,
embracing the past month.
Not having received the books of the Company until the 17th ultimo, and
the accounts being of a complex nature, I have been compelled, in making
up my accounts for the remainder of the quarter, to found them upon the
balances as reported in the account of Mr. Hart, presuming the same to be
correct.
Should any error be ascertained, when I shall have had opportunity for
thorough examination, it will be corrected in a subsequent report.
It will baseen from the within that the balance in the Treasury is $1180.83.
All which is respectfully submitted,
W . SELDEN, Tr. M. T. Company.
(See Tables A and B.)
The President submitted a letter from Alfred Vail, Esq.—Ordered, that it
be referred to B. B. French, Esq., and, \i his bill is found to be correct, that
the treasurer pay it.

272
The President called attention to the suit in the U . S . Court at Philadelphia,
between this Company and the Bain Line of Telegraph, and submitted the accounts of the lawyers in relation thereto.—-Ordered, that the bills of expense
and of disbursements, in full, be referred to the President, and that he adjust
and pay the same.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the bills for Printing and Binding, presented
by H. A. Brown, were referred to the Committe on Accounts.
The President submitted the claim of E. W. Clark & Co.—Ordered, that it
be referred to the President.
tfpon motion of Mr. Hart,
Resolved, That the President of this Company be, and hereby is empowered, to appoint any chief operator superintendent of the line, and while he
acts in that capacity, he shall receive, in addition to his regular salary as chief
operator, at the rate of two hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
Upon motion of Mr. Hart,
Resolved, That no person shall send oyer the lines of this Company
messages relating to different subjects, delivered at the offices at different
times, as a single message, but as separate messages; provided, that all Congress and Foreign News, or separate messages, on. any continuous subject, although delivered at different times, shall be computed as single messages.
Upon motion of Mr. ABell,-the Board then adjourned.

(No. 2.)

J u l y . . . . $1,203 94 1,060 37
August . . 1.513 32 1,565 75
1,158 56 1,458 72
September

5

I

m
ft

PRINCETON.

JERSEY CITY.

N. BRUNSWICK.

NEWARK.

TRENTON.

WILMINGTON.

WASHINGTON.

1851.

BALTIMORE.

NEW YORK.

PHILADELPHIA

1

1

TABULAR STATEMENT
Of the Receipts of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, for the Quarter ending
September 30, 1851, reported by the Chief Operators, to the Secretary of the
Company,

11 43
5J4 79 268 93 37 03 49 50 59 08 60 88 11 97
573 73244 87 51 71 59 23 65 52 74 77 16 33 26 00 17 29
572 74 218 62 29 04 75 79 73 85 68 70 15 02 27 16 15 50

Total . . . $3,875 82 4,084 84 1,661 26 732 42 117 78184 57 198 40 204 35 43 32 53 16 44 22

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
TABTOAR STATEMENT
Of the Receipts of the Company, for the Correspondent Quarter in 1850.

July . . $1,843 011,104 27 820 32 506 21133 45 33 82 25 09 28 25 12 04 11 14 5 05
August . 2,185 991,304 21 894 22 522 93135 81 35 77 31 72 29 22 33 76 19 36 8 20
Sept. . . 2,024 111,492 45 1,072 58 609 18130 45 74 40 39 20 38 98 23 72 16 72 13 83
Total . .] $6,053 1113,900 93J2,787 12*1,638 32(399 711143 991 96 01| 96 45) 69 52| 47 221 27 08

July . . $1,331 21 1.044 75 1,044 84
August
1,490 61 1,003,34 751 90
Sept. . . 1,555 01 896 94 705 20

PRINCETON.

N.BRUNSWICK.

TRENTON.

o

1

NEWARK.

JERSEY CITY.

BALTIMORE.

O

WASHINGTON.

1849.

PHILADELPHIA

TABULAR STATEMENT
Of the Receipts of the Company, for the Corresponding Quarter in 1849.
H
O

ft

w

648 79164 08 38 36 24 33 16 28 18 42 5 31 3 47
96
542 42 146 66 35 46 48 93 19 45 18 24 15 08
658 59 143 05 43 67 19 07 20 52 16 28 9 24 5 87

Total . . $4,376 83 2,945 02 2,498 94 1,849 80 453 79 117 49 92 33 56 25 52 91 29 63 10 30

III

$1,455 49 120 57 ^29 81 8 42 18 36 1,253 04 161 97 2 70 462 11
1,677 41 102 60 25 92 4 76 32 96 1,268 77 170 25 4 45 604 78
1,445 33 71 34 27 75 8 49 38 621,044 65 162 05 11 11 838 96

589 34
648 71
972 44

TOTAL.

t-

WASHINGTON.

©

BALTIMORE.

WILMINGTON.

PHILADELPHIA

TRENTON.

PRINCETON.

N. BRUNSWICK.

1848

JERSEY CITY

,NEW YORK.

TABULAR: ST ATEMENT
Of the Receipts of the Company, for the Corresponding Quarter in 1848.

4,101 81
4,540 61
4,620 74

Tot. $4,578 23 294 51 83 48 21 67 89 943,566 46 494 27 18 26 1,905 85 2,210 49 13,263 16

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

(No. 1.)
SUMMARY OF Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T S OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at the Several Stations of the Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending 30th September, 1851, made by the Chief Operators at Stations to the Sec'y of The Magnetic Tel. Co.
ARTICLES.

NEW YORK.

|

PHILADELPHIA.

1

BALTIMORE.

WASHINGTON.

Porous Cups, - None
!* doz. 62c.
$ 31 None
None
Nitric Acid, - - 135 lbs. a l i e . $14 85 230 lbs. I l l
23 00 50 lbs. a 12*
$6 25 94 lbs.
10
Sulphuric Acid, 95 lbs. a 3c.
2 85 40 lbs. 2*
1 00 20 lbs. a 2\
45 56 lbs. a 2b
1
Muriatic Acid, - None
80 lbs. 21
2 24 None
6 lbs. a 14
Quicksilver, - - 6 lbs. a $1.20
7 20 3 lbs. a U
3 75 \\b lbs. a $1.25 1 87 2 lbs.
2
Zincs,
- - - One
18 20 lbs. a 8.
1 60 20 lbs. a 10c.
2 00 30 " [unknown
Envelopes, - - 12,000
16 80 10,00 a 1 35
13 50 3250 a $1.25
4 06 2000 a $1.35
2
Telegraph Paper, 73 lbs.
10 53 65 lbs. a 12*
8 18 15 lbs. a 12b
1 88 10 lbs. a 15b
1
Writing Paper, - 2* r'ms 15 q'rs 4 75 2b reams a 125 3 12 1 ream
1 75 3 reams a $1.65 4
Headings, - - 4 1 b l & 1 2 r M e s 40 23 4 reams a 3 50 14 00 2b reams a 3.50 7 87 1* reams
6
Pens, Metallic, - 4 gross a 70c.
2 80 4 gross a 35
1 40 If gross
1 69 2 gross
2
Ink, - - - - 3 quarts a 15c.
45 2 gallons a 75
1 50 b bottle
50 2 quarts
1
Pencils, - - - 6 at 4c.
24 b doz. a $1
50 Three
15 1 dozen
Total, - - Washington, Oct, 7, 1851.

100 88

64 06

28 47

WILMINGTON |

TRENTON.

None
,None 1
$
94
$3 35* 20i lbs.
40
50 m ibs.
84 None
None
5 oz.
57
2 Three
,One
70
3 16 768
55
1 35 lib rolls
95
1 75 3 quires
* ream
00 1179
25
75 k gross
00
62 b bottle
75 None
Head

34 95*

m

13 13 |

A correct copy of the Reports,

NEWARK.

None
$
7 lbs.
6 lbs.
None
3 lbs.
4 oz.
600
2b lbs.
4 quires
776
37
part bot
None

N. BRUNSW'K H. DE GRACE.

None
$
10 qu'ts
1 quart
None
Hb.
3 zincs
794
iroll
5 quires
780
3 dozen
1 bottle
3 lead

None
12* lbs.
1* lbs.
None
66 H b .
2 cups.
221
8 Iroll
62
221
37
25
12

JERSEY CITY.

PRINCETON.

$' None
54 lbs. a l i e . 5
8 35 lbs. a 3c. 1
None
37* 2 lbs a $1.25 2
3 a 28c.
60 750 a 50c.
3

None
94 7 quarts
05| 3 quarts
None
50 H b .
84 5 zincs
75 175
Two
20
25 3 quires
* r ' m a $ 3 . 5 0 1 75 250
25
25 2 dozen
12* Bot&Wafers
63 1 bottle
4
17 14

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, SECRETARY.

75

61)
12
12
1 71

281
QUARTERLY MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
O F F I C E OF T H E MAGNETIC T E L E G R A P H COMPANY,

Washington,

Jan. 8th, 1852.

)

)

At a regular Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors of " The Magnetic Telegraph Company," convened, pursuant to regular notice, at the office
of B. B. FRENCH, ESQ., Washington City, at 10 o'clock, A. M., on the 8th day
of January, 1852, were present, Messrs. Swain, (President,) Kendall, French,
Abell, Canby, and Clark, and Mr. Selden, Treasurer.
The minutes of the last meeting of the Board of Directors were read by the
Secretary, and were, on motion of Mr. Canby, approved.
The Treasurer submitted his regular Quarterly Report; was read, approved,
and ordered to be printed.
To the President

and Directors

of The Magnetic

Washington,
Telegraph

Jan'y 8, 1-852.
Company.

GENTLEMEN :—I have the honor to submit to you herewith, my first official
Quarterly Statement as Treasurer of this Company, being a Report of Receipts and Disbursements for the Company for the Quarter, embracing the
months of October, November and December, 185L
The regular receipts for the line for the Quarter* are
$13,852 7 9
For other Lines,
1,821 16
For leased Wires,
5,518 42
Property Sold,
216 00
Extra Service,
249 50
Extra delivery of Messages,
22 73
Refunded,
,
4 75
Per Centages,
82 43
Kent,
.
150 00
Total receipts of the Company for the Quarter,
$21,917 78
Add to this the available resources of the Company on (
- ,„ _
.the 30th September, 1851,
'
}
'
$23,319 65
'The disbursements for £he quarter were
By the different Stations,
"
Treasurer in this city,
Making,
.
.
.
.

$10,431 30
7,713 09
$18,144 39—18,144 39

iLeaving the total available resources of the Company,
.
$5,175 26
Inclusive of all its operations, on the 31st December, 1851, to be $5,175 26, as
will fully and particularly appear by the detailed statement herewith present-

282
ed, to which I beg leave respectfully to refer for the various items. (See
Table A,)
The returns from the Southern and Western Lines, for leased wires, for the
month of December, are not yet in. It is thought the amount due from those
Companies, and which will be paid in a few days, will reach about , $2,000
There is also due, for costs of suit, from the Bain Line, as estimated, 2,500
Making,
$4,500
Of this the Company owe, as far as known to the Treasurer, say,
For Salaries, & c ,
$1,500
" Loan procured in August last, by Mr. Hart,
.
1,200— 2,700
Leaving about
$1,800
Which, with the balance reported, makes the total sum of
$6,975 26
This may safely be taken as the amount of the Company's resources at the
close of the quarter. The Directors can judge from this, their ability to declare
a dividend.
The Treasurer would here take occasion to suggest that if the Quarterly
Meetings of the Company could be held at a later period, say about the third
Wednesday, instead of the second Thursday, of the month succeeding the expiration of the Quarter, it would aid his operations by affording time for the
returns to come in, which are necessary to the complete rendition of his
quarterly accounts, and for a critical examination of those returns.
This change would also enable the Treasurer to include in his quarterly accounts, all the receipts from the Southern and Western Lines, and thus to lay
before the Board a more full and complete statement of the financial operations of the Company.
All which is respectfully submitted.
W M . SELDEJNT, TREASURER M. T. CO.

The Secretary submitted, and read, his regular Quarterly Report of Receipts of the Line, and also of " Materials Consumed"—on motion of Mr.
Clark, it was accepted and ordered to be printed.

To the President

OFFICE OF THE MAG. TEL. CO. \
Washington,
Jan. 7, 1852. )
and Board of Directors of The Mag. Tel. Co.

GENTLEMEN :—Herewith is respectfully submitted .a Tabular Statement of
Receipts of the Line, for Messages sent and received during the last quarter,
ending December 31st, 1851. Also, a summary of "Materials Consumed" at
the several Stations of this Company during the last quarter.
Yery Respectfully,
ABEL R.ATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.

(A.)
Q U A R T E R L Y S T A T E M E N T F O R J U I i Y & AUGUST. 1851, W I T H CASH ACCOUNT 15th S E P T .
GEORGE H. HART, late Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
j u L i r 1, i 8 5 i .
To Balance in hands of Treasurer, June 30, 1851
"
at Stations
"
"
Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for Line, in July and August,
"
New York
"
11
Baltimore
"
"
Washington
"
"
Wilmington
"
"
Trenton
"
"
New Brunswick "
"
Jersey City
"
<'
Newark
''
"
Princeton
"
"
Havre de Grace "

2,626
2,717
1,088
513
88
107
135
57
124
28
28

12
26
52
80
74
93
65|
11
60]
72]
30

Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for other lines in July and August,
"
New York
"
1
'
Baltimore
''
11
Washington
"
"
Wilmington
"
"
Trenton
"
"
New Brunswick "
"
Jersey City
"
"
Newark
"
1
'
Princeton
''
"
Havre de Grace "

319 32]
992 89
200 98]
104 74
29 35
18 32
23
19 95]
82 35
7-94
7 03

Receipts from Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Co., rent June and July,
•"
" Southern Line
"
"
"
"

J t J I - T 1, 1 8 5 1 .
4,776 09 By Salaries paid at Stations, for Operators, Clerks, &c. A c ,
743 54 " Repairs of the Line,
.
" Messengers,
.
.
.
" Extra Service,
" Rent of Offices,
Stationery, A c ,
Lights and fuel,
Batteries,
Instruments,
.
.
.
Misellaneous,
Refunded on Messages,
Other Lines,
7,516 75

976 2l[
1,890 52

;

Amounts paid by the Treasurer,
Salaries of Officers, &c,
Repairs of the Line,
Stationery, A c ,
Rent of Offices,
.
.
Battery,
Suit Expenses,
.
.
Miscellaneous,
Dividends,
-

.

2,964 95
233 58
! 898 68
32 00
95 82
274 95
85 42
140 71
5 24
615 86
14 68
1 804 11

-

.

.
.
.
.
•
,,

1,761 66
2,051 74
241 47
400 00
152 31
998 99
384 92
5,412 00

$7,166 00

11 404 09
;

1,805 96
f

Balance at Stations,
$883 25
Less amount due at Washington Office, payable for Southern
Line, Messengers, & c ,
384 68
Balance in Treasurer's hands

498 51
189 43

-

2,866 73
Receipts for Property sold for J u l y and August,
.
.
.
"
Extra Service
"
"
"
Delivery of Messages,
"
"
Refunded on Messages,
"
.
.
.
.
"
E. Gordon, on account of deficiency in N. Y. office.
Loan from Swain, Abell & Simmons,
Eor additional stock, from A. R. Corbin,

.

.
.

.
.

.

12
31
12
2
40

688 00

65
00
87
50
00
99 02',

.

1.200 00
250 00

.

I"

1,450 00,

$19,258 09

$19,258 09
S E P T . 1, 1 8 5 1 .
To Balance as per Contra,
' Receipts from Philadelphia Station,
" New York
New Brunswick, Newark,
W. M. Swain, refunded,
Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Co., Rent

$688 00
• $575
150
• 50
50

00
00
00
00

P
1 Repairs of Line, paid S E G. T .
By
by
H.

•' Rent,
1
Instruments,
< Dividends,
' Lights and fuel,
825 00
1
Suit Expenses,
1 32
< Salary of G. H. Hart,
540 45
2 054 77 ' Miscellaneous,
2 054 77

' Balance due from late Treasurer, G. H. Hart,
By Transfer in account Bank Commerce,
i:
Check on Bank of Washington,
"
"
C. & Riggs,
Sept. 15, 1851, Balance due from G. H. Hart,

1
1

-

-

1, 1 8 5 1 .
Hart,

-

.

.

.

Balance at Stations, September 1, 1851, as above,
"
in Treasurer's hands, G. H. Hart,

275 82
26 00
37 50
125 00
26 52
142 99
41 66
2 90
498 57
877 80

678 39
1,376 37

877 80
$575 00
31 55
5 50

-

$2,054 76
621 05
265 75

(B.)
W I L L I A M S E L D E N , T R E A S U R E R , I7¥ ACCOUNT W I T H T H E MAGNETIC T E L E G R A P H COMPANY.
To Balance at Station as per statement of late Treasurer, 1st Sept.
" Amount received from the late Treasurer " Amount still remaining in his hands,
i* Receipts for the line during September, to wit. " Philadelphia Station,
$1,458 72j
"
Less amount paid over to late Treasurer
575 00

$498 57| By Salaries paid at Stations, for Operators, Clerks, &c.
612 05
Repairs of the Line,
265 65
Messengers, Extra Service,
Rent of Offices,
Stationery, &c,
Lights and fuel,
.
.
.
Batteries,
Miscellaneous,
.
.
.
Refunded on Messages, Other Lines,
-

883 72

New York Station,
Less amount paid over to late Treasmor,
Baltimore Station,
Washington "
Trenton
"
Wilmington "
New Brunswick "
Less amount paid over to the late Treasurer
Jersey City Station,
Newark
do
Less amount paid over to late Treasurer
Princeton Station,
Havre de Grace,

1,157 36
150 00
1,007
569
218
75
29

36
84
62
69
03

By Amounts paid by the Treasurer,
Salaries of Officers, &c,
Repairs of the Line,
Rent of Offices,
Suit Expenses,
Miscellaneous,
Dividends,
•

68 69
- 50 00i
73 85
50 00

18 69
27 16
23 85
15 50
15 02
2,884 48;

To Receipts at Philadelphia Station, for other Lines,
"
"
New York
"
"
"
Baltimore
"
"
" "
"
Washington
"
"
"
"
"
Wilmington
"
"
" u
«
Trenton
"
"
"
New Brunswick"
"
" "
"
Jersey City
"
"
"
.u
a
Newark
"
"
" •u
u
Princeton
"
"
"
u
"
"
Havre de Grace"
"
" Receipts for Southern Line Telegraph Company,
" Receipts for extra Service,
"
"
Delivery of Messages,
"
"
Amount refunded on Messages,

139 70
338 91
80 72
32 89
7 47l
7 841
6 52
6 381
37 64
4 481
4 54

Balance at Stations,
" in hands of late Treasurer,
" in Treasurer's hands,

965 021
245 72
373 87
16 00
110 41
179 91
48 70
49 19
273 77
26 68
680 04
599 32)
533 11
132 501
79 81
17 25
170 00
669 07
265 75
246 01

667 09!
729 42!

17 00
4 54|
3 2;
24 77;

$5,682 13
Washington City^ October 13 1851.

W. SELDEN, Treasurer.

283
SECRETARY'S

REPORT

Ill

w

PRINCETON.

<
R

JERSEY CITY.

o
NEWARK.

N. BRUNSWICK.

TRENTON.

"WILMINGTON.

WASHINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

PHILADELPHIA.

1851.

NEW YORK.

Of Quarterly Receipts of the Line, excluding Rents and Moneys from Miscel*
laneous So2crces, and for other Companies*

$1,353 541,669 73 846 95 304 67 33 11 82 83 70 03 91 37 18 87 32 40 22 36
1,1 (2 30 1,311 20 802 25 322 44 33 31 62 97 88 43 55 36 25 05 21 07 10 33
2,256 08 1,814 64 735 66 412 71 29 31 54 90 75 38 54 44 14 24 22 55 9 73

2,384 86 1,039 82 95 73'200 70233 84
201 17 58 16 76 02 42 42
Total, . 84,721 924,795 57

The preceding Tahle shows the regular receipts of the Company, during the
past quarter, to have heen, excluding Kents of "Wires and moneys received
from miscellaneous sources, and moneys received for other Telegraph Companies, the sum of $13,850 21, and for this sum the Operators and Treasurer
are responsible.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretmy.
WASHINGTON, Jamcary 7, 1852.

(See Table B.)
Mr, French submitted the following Resolution:
Resolved, That a dividend of two per cent, be declared on the capital stock
of this Company, issued prior to the 31st day of December, 1851, payable by
the Treasurer, on and after the 15th inst., out of the profits of said Company.
And, after consideration of the affairs of the Company, debts due by and to
it, the resolution was unanimously adopted.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark, it was
Resolved, That the bills standing against Smith & Hughes for $32.62, New
York Express for $5.26, and money unaccounted for, supposed to be stolen,
$16, now standing on the books of the New York Office, unsettled, be charged
to account of Profit and Loss.
Upon motion of Mr. Clark,
Resolved, That the President be directed to put up another wire on the
poles purchased of the Bain Line, in addition to those now up, between New
York and Philadelphia, as soon as practicable.
Upon motion of Mr. Swain,
Resolved, That the President of this Company be authorized to procure, and
have put up on the masts for crossing the North River, such number of wires
as may be considered for the interests of the Company, or the masts may advantageously bear, as early as the season will warrant for safety against the
sleet of winter.

284
Mr. Swain, from the Committee appointed at the last meeting, to consummate the arrangement authorized on the 17th of December, 1851, by the
Stockholders of this Company, with Barnum, Lee, and Eogers, reported their
proceedings in part, and then read to the Board of Directors the several conveyances made by Messrs. Lee, Barnum, and Rogers, to The Magnetic Telegraph Company. Also, inventories of the property conveyed.
On motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company be directed to pay Fifty
Dollars per Share to the Proprietors of Morse's Patent, or their Assigns, for
any amount of Stock which may be due them, not exceeding twelve shares, on
the certificate of the Trustees.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the Board then adjourned.
ABEL RATHBONE CQRBUST,
Secretary,

(A.)
Q U A R T E R L Y S T A T E M E N T F O R O C T O B E R , N O V E M B E R AIVD D E C E M B E R , 1851.
WILLIAM SELDEN, Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
[OCTOBER.(NOVEM'R. [DECEM'R

To Balance in Treasury, September 30, 1851
"
hands of late Treasurer, Sept. 30,
b.
"
at Stations,
:
Receipts at New York Station, for line,
'
"
Philadelphia, "
"
1
«
Baltimore,
"
"
:
"
Washington,
"
"
'
"
Wilmington,
"
"
'
"
Trenton,
"
"
*
"
N . Brunswick, "
"
'
"
Jersey City,
"
"
<
«
Newark,
"
"
<
"
Princeton,
"
"
<
"
H. De Grace, "
"

OCTOBER. I N O V E M ' R . J D E C E M ' R .

246 01 By Salaries paid at Stations,
265 751
Repairs of Line
669 07
Extra Services
Rent of Offices
Stationery, &c.
Light and Fuel
Battery
Miscellaneous
Refunded
Other Lines

1,353 54 1,112 30 2,256 08
1,669 73! 1,311 201 1,814 64|
802 25
735 66
846 95
322 44) 412 71
304 67
33 31
33 11
32 131
62 971
82 83|
54 90
88 42|
70 99
75 38
21 07
32 40
22 55'
54 361
54 44|
91 37
10 38!
9
22 36
25 05
14 04j
18 87

337
184
40
51
7
9
3
9
60
7
2

lines at New York Station,
"
Philadelphia
"
Baltimore
"
Washington
u
Wilmington
"
Trenton
"
N . Brunswick,
"
Jersey City
"
Newark,
"
Princeton
"
H. De Grace,

33|
70
291
33|
01
71
76|
59
11
701
71

714 24
Receipts for W. & N. 0. Telegraph Company,
"
Atlantic & Ohio "
"

.

277
125
46
48
5
8
7
8
34
1
5

09
16
66
03
55
551
13
531
18
851

568 11

235
118
37
86
7
5
2
8
32
1
1

51!
97
621
57
70

50|
00
61
85
41

198 50
82 50
6 13]
30
26 68

142 37)
Receipt for rent of Broadway Office, New York,
.
.
.
.
Amount included in last Report, as paid by the present Treasurer, on
account of sundry Bills for repairs, A c , not actually paid at the
date of that Report, but carried to the credit of the parties on the
books of the Company,

17
80
7
2
34

314 11

PAID BY TREASURER.

321 54
155 47:
128 38
19
44
650
2,237
36

37
54|
00
00

628 96i 1,460 98
170 83|
208 33
218 75
45 24|
15 00
27 00
126 10
125 00
70 00
938 60
66 00
20 O l
O

3,592 30 1,991 99! 2,128 80
1,821 16

1,302 05| 1,303 63 1,304 70
494 11
651 12
462 81
1,796 16 1,954 75 1,767 51

Receipts for Property sold,
•'
extra service,
"
delivery of messages,
.
.
.
.
"
refunded on
"
"
per centage from Albany & Boston Company,

By Error in Balance at Stations as heretofore reported,
For Repairs of Line,
" Salaries of Officers,
" Stationery, A c ,
" Lights and Fuel,
" Instruments,
u
Miscellaneous,
" Rent,
u
Suit,
" Dividends,

48
24
92
69
45|

538 81

56 1,486 60J 1,483 98
150 47!
76| 110 95
475 81
439 37
99
96 50
00!
89 25
66
71 66
67 62
341 221 22
92 40
17
71 10
1 68
8 22
68
555 87
309 19
60
16 17
12 78
26
538 53|
568 10
49

3,563 51 3,424 88 3,442 59

4,526 82 3,843 75 5,482 22 13,852 79
Receipts for other
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"

1,448
216
418
84
66
41
77
14
448
15
731

5,518 42

By Balances at Stations, to wit:
At Philadelphia Station,
" New York
"
u
" Baltimore
u
Washington
"
" New Brunswick u
" Trenton
"
u
" Newark

522
622
339
19
76
81
78

13
99
73
90
07
47]
65

87 00

By Balance in Treasurer's hands, including the amount at the several Depositories,

1 60
21 34
118 93

575 411
150 00

221 04
$23,319 65
Washington

City, December 31, 1851.

WM. SELDEN, Treasurer

Magnetic

Telegraph

Company.

(B.)
Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF MATERIALS
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of December, 1851.
ARTICLES.

j

N E W YORK.

Porous Cups,
1 None
I$
Nitric Acid,
104 lbs. a 11 c. 11
Sulphuric Acid,
84 lbs. a 3c.
2
Muriatic Acid,
None
Quicksilver,
5 lbs. at $1.20 6
Zincs,
16 lbs. at 18c.
2
Envelopes,
11,800 a $1.35 15
Telegraph Paper, 30 lbs. a 1 3 ^ c . 4
Writing Paper,
3 rms. 15 qrs.
3
Headings,
:8>£ rms.a$3.25 27
P e n s , Metallic,
2 g. a 70e.
1
Ink,
4 qts. a 15c.
Pencils,
6 a 4c each
Total,

Washington, January 7,

]

1
44
52
00
88
88
05
25 1
62 X
40
60
24

®17M%

PHILADELPHIA.

BALTIMORE.

None
60 lbs. a 1 2 # c .
25 lbs. a 2 ^ c .
None
2 lbs. a $1.25
12-24 lbs. 10c.
3,150 a $1.25
12 lbs. a l 2 ) £ c .
1 ream cap
2)£rms a #3.50
2 gross
W bottle
Three

}

$7
2
2
3
1
1
7
2

WASHINGTON. • J

! j WILMINGTON, j

$

None
50 57 p . 12c.25al6 10 84
56j 48 lbs. 2}£c.
1 20
None
None
50 \l% lb a $1.37
2 06%
40 23 lbs.
93 2,500 a $1.35
3 37^
50 13 lbs. a l 5 ) £ c . 2 02y2
50 \3j4 reams
5 62
87 2 reams a $ 4
8 00
1300
00 2 ) £ g . a $ 1 . 1 2 X
2 81*
33 i2 qts. a 50c.
1 00 |
12 11 doz. a 75c.
75 j

$30.26]

$37.69 ]

$2
1
3
1
2

TRENTON.

None
98 \n% lbs.
40; \h% lbs.
None
62 W\h.
321 3 zincs
00 748
05 1}£ rolls
25 5 qrs.
769
50
37 \% Pint
jOne

\a gross

$12.49

1

NEWARK.

1 N. BRUNSWICK. I HAVRE D E GRACE.!

None
12 lbs.
4 lbs.
None
1 lb.
3 zincs
800
\Y% roll
5 qrs.
800
2 doz.

r

None
26 lbs.
16j 3 lbs.
None

l&lb.

3 cups
150,39 )
blanks \
62' P . cap )
let 150 S
25
25
10

37X
37^
37^
06 X
1%%
$1.37^

JERSEY CITY.

1

PRINCETON.

None
6 qts.
2 qts.
[lib.
None
Five
200
5 rolls
3 qrs.
400
Twelve
1 bottle
One

None
6
3
None
1*
Twelve
400
6
3 qrs.
500
1 doz.
|l bottle
[Pour
$4.87^

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Sec'y Magnetic Telegraph Company.

1 75

60
12
12
02

285
QUARTERLY MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
O F F I C E OF T H E MAGNETIC T E L E G R A P H COMPANY, \
Baltimore,
April 8, 1852.
)

At a regular quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic
Telegraph Company, convened, pursuant to regular notice, atBarnum's Hotel,
Baltimore, at 4 o'clock, P . M., on the 8th day of April, 1852, were present—Mr. Swain, (President,) and Messrs. Abell,X5anby, Hart, Hoe, French,
and Mr. Selden, Treasurer.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the minutes of the proceedings of the last
meeting were, after having been read by the Secretary, approved.
The Treasurer, Mr. Selden, submitted his usual' Quarterly Eeport, which,
after being read, was, on motion of Mr. Hoe, accepted and ordered to be
printed.
WASHINGTON, CITY, 7th APRIL, 1852.

To the President and Directors of The Mag7ietic Telegraph Company :
GENTLEMEN,

I have the honor to submit to you herewith, my quarterly account of receipts and disbursements for the Company, for the quarter embracing the
months of January, February and March of the present year.
The regular receipts of the line for the quarter,
.
.
. $27,336 73
The receipts for leased wires,
9,563 09
The receipts from all other sources, inclusive ofreceipts for other lines,
amount to
.
.
•
.
4,017 89
Total receipts of the Company for the quarter,
$40,917 71
Add to this the available resources of the Company on the 31st of
December, 1851, as* reported in my last quarterly account, .
5,175 26
The disbursements for the quarter were—
By the different stations,
"
Treasurer,
.
.
.
.

.

.

46,092 97
$15,158 69
12,927 30—28,085 99

Leaving the total available resources of the Company, on the 31st
of March, 1852, to be
.
$18,006 98
For the details I respectfully refer to the accounts herewith submitted.
In order that the financial condition of the affairs of the Company may be
seen by months, and the Directors may be able to observe the increase of business at each of the various stations, I have caused to be prepared, at great labor, separate monthly exhibits for each of the months of January, February
and March, showing first the receipts, and secondly, the expenditures during
the month.

286
^These monthly statements.contain, by months, what the quarterly account
exhibits for the quarter, being a complete exhibit in detail of all the receipts
and expenditures from all sources for the month, and showing also the amount
deposited within the month to the credit of the Treasurer by the stations, and
the balance on hand at each station at the close of the month. By these tables,
the progress, condition and affairs of each station can be minutely observed in
all their operations for each separate month, together with the expenses incurred
by each station within the month. All which is respectfully submitted, by
Your obedient servant,
W. SELDEJST, Treas. Mag. Tel. Co.
The Secretary submitted his report and the accompanying Tabular Statements—ordered, on motion of Col. Hoe, that the report be accepted, spread
upon the minutes, and be printed with the proceedings.

the President

OFFICE OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )
Washington,
April 7th, 1852.
)
and Board of Directors :

GENTLEMEN,—Herewith is submitted the usual Quarterly Report of Materials
consumed at the various stations of this Company, during the quarter ending
March 31, 1852: also, the Report of Receipts of the Line, (excluding receipts
for other lines,) for the same quarter.
The report shows that the receipts have amounted to the large sum of
$26,998 57, during the past quarter. To this sum is to be added the sum of
$9,901 25, derived from rent of wires, the receipts at Port Deposite, and the
moneys received at the Bain offices in New York and Philadelphia, during the
early part of January, and not reported to this office—in all, $36,899 82.
The receipts, from corresponding sources, during the preceding quarter,
were $19,371 21. All of which is most respectfully submitted.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary*
Upon motion of Mr. Hart, it was
Resolved, That the following Report, omitted to be made at a previous meeting, be entered with the minutes of the present.
To the President

and Directors

of the Magnetic

Telegraph

Company.

The Committee appointed by the Board in April, 1851, and to whom was
referred an account rendered by John W. Norton against The Magnetic Telegraph Company, for his alleged funlment of contract, respectfully report: that
after various interviews with Mr. Norton, they, in accordance with the authority
delegated, finally closed the account by paying to him the sum of One Dollar,
in full of all demands to that date, August 30th, 1851; the receipt for the same
was forwarded to the Treasurer on the 5th November, 1851, for safe keeping,
and that the books might be regulated accordingly.
¥ M . M. SWAIN, I n„
,..
PHILA., NOV. 5th, 1852.
GEO. H. HART, ^ o m m i t t e e -

(A)

Ill
Total,

Pi

W

TOTAL.

O

PRINCETON.

NEWARK.

JERSEY CITY.

M
a

8
TRENTON.

WASHINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

PHILADELPHIA.

1852.

NEW YORK.

Secretary's Tabular Statement of Quarterly Receipts.

$3,277 02
1,083 39 822 18 92 97 58 01 57 13 82 46 23 54 10 09 11 16 10 65
-$8,632 72
3,104 82
3,320 97
1,328 71 970 84 98 05 59 79 85 85 37 21 24 60 11 92 11 23 10 39 8.999 79
3,040 17
3,198 87
1,465 41 865 24102 68193 36 83 39 39 58 33 23 17 75 16 27 13 01 9,366 06
3,337 08
293 70311 36226 38159 25 80 67 39 76 38 66 34 1126,998 57
2,658 26
$9,796 86)9,482 07
3,877 51

ABEL RATHBOJSTE CORBIN,
SEC. OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY.

Washington) April 7tk> 1852.

(A.)

It

Q U A R T E R L Y S T A T E M E N T F O R J A N U A R Y , F E B R U A R Y A N D MARCH, 1853.
WILLIAM SELDEN, Treasurer, in account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.

To Balance on hand, 31st December, 1851,
"
"
at Stations, "
"
.
" Receipts at New York Station, for line,
<
Philadelphia "
"
u
'
Baltimore
"
'
Washington
"
"
'
Wilmington
"
"
1
Trenton
"
"
'
N . Brunswick "
"
'
Jersey City
"
"
«
Newark
"
"
'
Princeton
"
"
1
H. de Grace
"
«
1
Port Deposite "
"
1
New Hope
"
"

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
.

.

.

.

.

.

3,435
3,257
1,083
822
92
58
82
, 23
57
11
10
9
10

JANUA'Y. F E B R U ' Y .

AGG'TE.

JANUA'Y. FEBRU'Y. MARCH.

3,434 32 jBy Salaries paid at Stations,
1,740 94 " Repairs of Line
"
u
" Messengers
" Extra Service
"
" Rent of Offices
"
11
a
Stationery
" Lights and Fuel
"
" Battery
"
" Instruments
"
" Miscellaneous
"
.
" Refunded
"
" Other Lines
"
" Profit and Loss
"

95 3,320 97 3,198 85
28 3,040 17 3,337 08
39 1,328 71 1,465 41
18
970 84
865 24
97
98 05
102 68
59 79
01
193 56
46
37 21
39 58
44
24 60
33 23
13
85 85
83 40
16
11 11
16 27
11 92
17 75
09
5 89
11 14
26
65
10 45
13 01

for.

.
.

.

.

.

.

.
.

.
.

.
.

.
.
.

.

.
.

.

.
.

.

.
.

2,147
325
821
121
3
152
132
73

.
.

.

.

.
.

.
.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
.

.
.

.
.

.

.
.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
.

,
.

.
.

.
.

597
23
868
53

,
.

.

AGG'TE.

MARCH.

89 2,114 73 1,969 94
97
404 84
420 56
89
754 57
683 62
00
54 00
23 00
00
615 50
105 92
92
262 05
179 36
53
72 59
120 03
65
56 29
23 67
45
63
30
90

397
71
531
10

94
36
75
00

388 01
9 70
567 13

5,322 13 5,345 62 4,490 94 15,158 69

8,953 97 9,005 56 9,377 20 27,336 73
Receipts for other
'
"
1
"
<
"
<
"
<
"
1
"
*
"
'
"
'
"
*
"
1
"
*
"

lines at New York Stati on,
"
Philadelphia '
"
Baltimore
*
"
Washington
'
"
Wilmington
'
"
Trenton
<
"
N. Brunswick '
"
Jersey City
'
u
Newark
'
!
"
Princeton
"
H . de G-race '
"
Port Deposite '
l
New Hope
'

.

260
152
48
297
17
12
8
2
26

63
57
02
90
36
17
26
57
57
78
25
10
3 13

830 31
To W. & N. 0. Telegraph Company,
" Atlantic and Ohio "
"
" Western
"
"

.
.

.
.

.

.
.

.

.
.

.

.
.

.

.

129
130
56
128
7
4
3
6
38
4

56
73
68
37
28
20
60
75
44
31
52
50
2 67

513 61

136
159
72
95
17
37
5
3
30
2
1

17
40
40
51
55
28
21
11
27
43
82
27
4 03

565 45

.
.
.

113
10
3
26
20
1,438
140
16

50
58
00
18
00
77
00
50

1,768 53
To amount received from A. and 0. Telegraph Co. for March, .
"
"
"
W. and N. 0. "
"
"
[NOTE.—The rent from Wash. & N. 0 Co., and from Atlantic and Ohio Co.,
entered received in Jan'y, Feb'y and March, in the columns above, is for the
previous months, say December, January and February.]

361 32 1,078 13 1,235 13
1,057 25
162 50
100 00
217 00
52 33
105 75
209 72
220 00
125 00
5,048 00
650 00
28 00
350 00
153 02
1,230 40
150 00
393 75

1,657 99 1,397 86 1,592 32
471 72
660 71
637 64
269 29
277 62
311 47
2,399 00 2,336 19 2,541 43

To amount received for Property sold,
.
.
.
.
"
"
"
extra services,
.
.
.
.
"
"
"
delivery of messages,
.
.
.
To amount refunded,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" per centage from Albany and Boston lines,
.
.
.
u
amount received from E. Gordon, on account,
"
"
"
Z. Barnum, on account of bill of costs,
"
"
"
A. Kendall, for account of J . M. Smith,
"
"
"
Post Deposite Association,

By amount paid by the Treasurer :
For Repairs of Line,
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Salaries.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Stationery,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Lights and Fuel,
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Instruments,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Miscellaneous,
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Rent,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
11
Dividends,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Suit,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Battery,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
" Amount paid Swain, Abell & Simmons, for money borrowed by the late Treasurer,
.
.
.
.
" Amount paid Patentees, under resolution of the Board of
Directors, dated Jan. 8, 1852, viz:
1,909 37
To F . 0. J. Smith,
" A. Kendall,
.
.
.
.
.

31
45
24
3
24
20

50
50
42
00
68
00

25
32
11
16
30
20

8,846 71 2,040 63 2,039 96 12,927 30
7,276 62

80
50
50
89
70
00

By Balances at Stations on 31st March, to wit:
New York,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Philadelphia,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Baltimore,
.
*
.
.
.
.
.
Washington,
.
.
.
.
Trenton,
.
.
.
.
.
.
New Brunswick,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Newark,
.
.
.
.
.
.
j
New Hope,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

.

.
.

.
.

684
961
597
71
151
83
104
11

97
22
66
52
45
15
28
07
2,665 32

30 64

22 86

179 74

160 25

By Balance in hands of Treasurer,

.

.

.

.

.

15,341 66

2,108 52
530 72
1,755 75
$46,092 97

$46,092 97

Statement of Receipts and Disbursements at the Several Stations, during the Month of January, 1852.
RECEIPTS.
STATIONS.

For
For Other For Extra
For
Total
For Prop- From other
Balance on Aggregate
Lines.
Service. Messages.. Refunded. erty Sold. Sources. Receipts. 31st Dec'r.

For the
Line.

Kew York,
Philadelphia, .
Baltimore,
Washington, .
"Wilmington, .
Trenton,
New Brunswick,
Jersey City, .
Newark,
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,
Port Deposite,
New Hope,

3,435
3,257
1,083
822
92
58
82
23
57
11
10
9
10

•

$8,953 97

Total,

260
152
48
297
17
12
8
2
26

63
57
02
90
36
17
26
57
57
78
25
10
3 13

48 00
36 50
29 00

$830 31

$113 50

95
28
39
18
97
01
46
44
13
16
09
26
65

2
2
3
1

50
94
38
76

40

26 18

B.
C.

18 73
20 00

B.
B.
B.
D.

$10 58

A.

37
45
62
16

2 60

$3 00

60
56
70
50

3,773
3,449
1,163
1,124
129
90
90
63
83
57
73
25
13

66
29
79
44
06
18
72
61
70
50
04
86
78

622~99
522 13
339 73
19 9C
81 47
76 07
78 65

4,396
3,971
1,503
1,144
129
171
166
63
162
57
73
25
13

REMARKS.

65
>
42
52
A.—Per centage on Boston and Albany
34 Lines.
06
65
B.—Balance due Stations and paid by
79 the Treasurer.
61
35
C.—From E. Gordon, on account.
50
04
D.—From Port Deposite Association.
86
78

$227 27 $10,138 63 $1,740 94 $11,879 57

DISBURSEMENTS.
STATIONS.

For Rep'rs
For
of Line.
Salaries.
181
15
26
28
37

New York,
. . . .
Philadelphia,
Baltimore, .
"Washington,
Wilmington,
Trenton, . .
New Brunswick
Jersey City, .
Newark, . .
Princeton, .
Havre de Grace
Port Deposite,
New Hope, .
Total,

07
98
95
14
92

4 50
4 14
8 87
17 91
49
|

595
673
287
283
50
41
41
41
41
41
41

13
19
48
79
00
66
66
66
66
66
66

For
For Extra
Service. Messengers
40
53
15
11

50
50
50
50

318
269
82
75
20
10
10
8
12
6
8

76
76
30
82
50
00
00
00
50
00
25

For
Battery.

For
For Print'g and For Light
For
Miscella. Profit and
Paid
Rent. Stationery. and Fuel. Refunded. other Lines Expenses.
Loss.

44 93
21 97

12~44
79 15
54 13
4 00
3 00

4 00
2 06
31
38

20
3 00

49 45
5 35
20
8
8
4
10
5
8
10
1

13
14
41
37
33
75
75
13
72

9 73
7 73
50
5 67

2'58
210
260
139

29
28
01
72

8 34

$325 97 $2,147 89

$121 00

$821 89

$73 65 $3 00

$152 92

$132 53

$23 63

$868 30

*384
105
50
23
9
2
1
2
8

87
34
89
62
50
16
17
64
05
89
4 13
91
3 28

$597 45

•Includes $140 paid to J. M. Smith, for "W. & N . O. Line, and subsequently paid to the Treasurer by A. Kendall, Treasurer of that Company.

Total
Deposited Balance Aggregate.
31st Jan.
Expense.

53 90 ~1~949~07 17520
1,442 25 1,800
777 76
244 50
596 39
460
129 06
64 29
62 01
63 01
72 10
57 50
73 04
23 54
12 11

927
729
481
87

58
17
26
95

107 36
104 78
60
90 25
2 32
1 67

4,396
3,971
1,503
1,144
129
171
166
63
162
57
73
25
13

65
42
52
34
06
65
79
61
35
50
04
86
78

$53 90 $5,322~13 $4,024 50 $2,532~94 $11,879 57
See Quarterly Statement.

Statement of Receipts and Disbursements at the several Stations, during the Month of February, 1852.
RECEIPTS.
For the
Line.

STATIONS.
New York,
.
Philadelphia, .
Baltimore,
Washington, .
Wilmington, .
Trenton,
New Brunswick,
Jersey City,
Newark, .
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,
Port Deposite,
New Hope,
Total,

.

.

.

.

.

3,320
3,040
1,328
970
98
59
37
24
85
11
11
5
10

97
17
71
84
05
79
21
60
85
11
92
89
45

1 $9,005 56

For other For Extra For MesLines.
Service.
sengers. Refunded.
129
130
56
128
7
4
3
6
38
4

56
73
68
37
28
20
60
75
44
31
52
50
2 67
$513 61

27 50
8 00
10 00

Total Balance on
Property From other
Sold.
sources. Receipts. 31st Jan'y. Aggregate.
A.

20 71
1 20
1 43
84

24 68

B.
30 00 C.

53 15
20 00

1 50
3 00

12
B.

$45 50

$24 42

$3 00

54 25

B.
B.
D.

12

32 62
63 41
39 62

$31 50

3,502
3,199
1,398
1,103
159
113
40
85
124
48
75
46
13

71
61
09
64
32
99
93
60
29
16
85
01
12

927
729
481
87

58
17
26
95

107 36
104 78
60
90 25
2 32
1 67

4,430
3,928
1,879
1,191
159
221
145
86
214
48
75
48
14

REMARKS.

29
78
35 A.—Per centage from Albany and Bos59 ton Lines.
32
35 B.—Balance due Stations, and paid by
71 the Treasurer.
20
54 C.—From E. Gordon, on account.
16
85 D.—$30 64 from Port Deposite Ass'n.
33
8 98 from the Treasurer.
79

$287 73 $9,911 32 $2,532 94 $12,444 26

BISBSJRSEMEIVTS.
For repairs
For
of Line.
Salaries.

STATIONS.
New York,
Philadelphia, .
Baltimore,
Washington, .
Wilmington, .
Trenton,
.
.
New Brunswick,
Jersey City,
Newark, .
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,
Port Deposite, .
New Hope,
Total,

.

1

.

215
102
53
5
17

75
82
24
00
35

.
2 25
2 50
5 93

1

562
608
287
287
80
41
41
41
41
41
41
30
8

46
99
51
48
00
66
66
66
66
66
66
00
33

$404 84 $2,114 73

For Extra For Mes- For
Service. sengers. Battery.
22
24
5
2

50
50
00
00

254
226
83
94
34
8
8
8
10
6
11
10

88
38
11
51
50
00
00
00
00
00
19
00

$54 00 $754 57

8 61
1 50
45 81

For
Rent.
525 00
50 00

Printing & For Lights Refund- Paid Other Miscellan's Profit
Total
Balance on
Stationery. and Fuel.
ed.
Lines.
Expenses. and Loss. Expenses. Deposited. 29thFeb'y. Aggregate.
181 63
77 98
17
1 37

25 00

52 90

45 29
22 90
82
1 30

2 64
87
7 60

20

50
26
37

276
72
42
140

24
46
38
67

3 75
4 83

45

14

$56 29 $615 50

$262 05

$72 59

$71 36

29
06
23
75
30
58

1 44
10 76
24

40

12 50
3 00

119
112
70
42
27
11

36
1 93
$531 75

$397 94

10 00

2,274
1,299
588
573
159
65
52
86
63
48
75
48
10

55
59
10
71
32
45
78
20
32
16
85
33
26

1,430
1,700
717
390

00
00
83
00

725
929
573
227

74
19
42
88

155 90
92 93
151 22

4 53

4,430
3,928
1,879
1,191
159
221
145
86
214
48
75
48
14

29
78
35
59
32
35
71
20
54
16
85
33
79

$10 00 $5,345 62 $4,237 83 $2,860 81 $12,444 26

Statement of Receipts and Disbursements at the several Stations,.during the Month of March, 1852.
RECEIPTS.
For other For Extra
For
For Pro- From other Total
For
Balance on
Lines.
Service. Messages. Refunded. perty Sold. Sources. Receipts. 29th Feb'y. Aggregate.

For the
Line.

STATIONS.

3,198
3,337
1,465
865
102
193
39
33
83
16
17
11
13

New York,
Philadelphia, .
Baltimore,
Washington, .
Wilmington, .
Trenton,
New Brunswick,
Jersey City, .
Newark,
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,
Port Deposite,
New Hope,

17
40
40
51
55
28
21
11
27
43
82
27
4 03

$32 50

5 00
3 75
48
2 03

1 11
15 78

A.

30 70

B.
C.

50 91
20 00

B.

21 65

B.
B.
D.

136
159
72
95
17
37
5
3
30
2
1

j $9,377 20

Total,

25 50
5 00
2 00

$565 45

85
08
41
24
68
56
58
23
40
27
75
14
01

33 78
39 59
38 90

22 75
3 05

24

$11 50

$16 89

$25 80

3,397
3,543
1,543
962
171
250
45
57
113
52
59
50
17

33
76
34
78
14
84
03
99
67
48
16
31
04

725
929
573
227

74
19
42
88

155 90
92 93
151 22

4 53

4,123
4,472
2,116
1,190
171
406
137
57
264
52
59
50
21

REMARKS.

07
95
76 A.—Per centage from Albany and Bos66 ton Lines.
14
74 B.—Balances due Stations, and paid by
96 the Treasurer.
99
89 C.—From E. Gordon, on account.
48
16 D—From Port Deposite Assoc'n, $22 86
31
" Treasurer,
.
16 04
57

$235 53 $10,264 87 $2,860 81 $13,125 68

DISBURSEMENTS.
For
1 Print'g I For
| Paid 1 Miscel-1 Profit
For RepairFor
Extra ForMes- For
For and Sta- Lights For Re- ! other laneous and
ing Line. Salaries. Service. sengers. Battery. Rent. tionery. & Fuel. funded. Lines. Expense Loss.

STATIONS.
New York,
.
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Washington,
. .
Wilmington,
Trenton, .
New Brunswick,
Jersey City,
Newark,
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,
Port Deposite,
New Hope,
Total,

.

•

.

•

.

234
34
102
10
31

60
09
06
40
72

7 25
44

416
640
287
287
50
41
41
41
41
41
41
30
8

09
48
69
43
00
66
66
66
66
66
67
00
33

$420 56 $1,969 94

20~63
31 15
30 90
8 36
40
4 60
1 50
5 53
9 35
1 88
31
5 42

7 53 ~328~lo i~190~29
94 69 53 42 27
36 86 104 62
80 132 34 18 14
10 77
1 03
43
1 18
2 49
13 73
49

$23 00 $683 62 $23 67, $105 92, $179 36, $120 03

$9 70 $567 13 $388 01j

10~50 268~lTl
11 50 179 18
1 00 85 38
74 45
16 25
8
8
8
10
7 50
8 05
10 00

4 86
16 46

~ll~25
16 67 131 11
12 32
19 61
61 25
75

25 00
75
98
62

3 00

2 04
31
87
20
90

1 27
1 73

I

Total
Exp's.
1,488
1,161
660
567
171
55
54
57
100
52
59
50
10

Deposited.

| Balance
on 31st
March.

IP 1,950 00
73 2,350 0C 1
88
858 27
99 551 15
14
29 200 00
81
99
61
60 00
48
16
31
51

684~97
961 22
597 66
71 52
151 45
83 15
104 28

11 07

Aggregate.
4,123 07
4,472 95
2,116 76
1,190 66
171 14
406 74
137 96
57 99
264 89
52 48
59 16
50 31
21 57

4,490 94 5,969 42 2,665 32 13,125 68

(B.)
Q U A R T E R L Y R E P O R T OF M A T E R I A L S
Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 31st day of March, 1852.
ARTICLES.

1

NEW YORK.*

$

j

Pens, Metallic,
Ink,
Pencils,
Total,

$141.43)

Writing Paper,
Headings,

Washington,

April 7, 1852.

]

PHILADELPHIA.

None
|2 doz. a 6 2 ^
225 lbs. a 11 c. 24 75
240 lbs. a 10 c.
155 lbs. a 3c.
4 65 50 lbs. 2>£c.
iNone
70 lbs. a 2% c.
3 lbs. a 1.12X
3 3 7 ^ 3 lbs. 1.20, '
37 lbs. at 18c.
6 66
40 lbs. a 8 c.
| l l , 5 0 0 a $ 1 . 4 4 16 50
15,000 a 1.35,
69 lbs. a l 3 ^ c . 9 31 90 lbs. a 1 2 ^ c .
< 5 qrs. l e t t e r , 0 8 7 ^ ( 4 rms .f. 1.25,
J 3 rms f.$2.25 6 25
j ^ ™ 1.3.00
< 17 rs.a S3.25 55 25
8 r m s . a 3.25
} Other $1.23
1 23
3 ^ gross,
3 50 4 gross a 35 c.
4 qts. a 15c.
0 60
2% gals, a 75 c.
2 a 4c. each
0 08
1 dozen,

Porous Cups,
Nitric Acid,
Sulphuric Acid,
Muriatic Acid,
Quicksilver,
Zincs,
Envelopes,
Telegraph Paper,

1 1
24
1
1
1 3
3
20
11
5
1
26

25
00
25
92
60
20
25
25
00
50
00

BALTIMORE.

|

WASHINGTON.

3
2
9
1

1% ream al.50

2 25 5 rms. a 1.55

8
0

4 ^ rms a $3.50 15 75 1 ream,
4 reams,
1 50 2 gross
1 75 3 gross,
1 87 1 2 bottles,
0 75 3 bottles.
1 00 3 a 4 c .
0 12 y2 dozen,

$103.59

WILMINGTON.

None
75 87 lb. a 12c.
10 44
68 4 8 a 8 c . , 9 a 2 # 4 04 J£
None
75 [2 1b. a $ 1 . 3 7 ^
2 75
40 29 lbs.
50 7000 a $1.35
2 70
25 28 lbs. a 15Xc.
4 34

None
70 lbs. a 1 2 # c .
30 lbs. a 2 # c .
None
3 lbs. a $1.25
12 (24lbs.)
17,600 a $1.25
10 lbs. a l 2 ^ c .

$46.95

4 00
2 37%
1 50
0 37^
$40.27^

TRENTON.

1

.NEWARK.

None
1
|18# lbs.
3& lbs.
None
0 75
0 62 # \% lb.
0 68 2 lbs.
3 25 809
0 75 4 rolls,

7 75

•

J

jNone
One
\7 lbs.
'6 lbs.
4 oz.
2% lbs.
600

4 qrs.

9 qrs. f.
y3 q . l e t .
650

I 0 25
3 07
0 40

3 00

793

1,250
0 75
0 25
$13.02^

X gross, 0 25
20
\% pint, 0 1 2 # X Pint,
One
0 08f Two

N. BRUNSWICK. HAVRE D E GRACE.

None
10 qts.
4 lbs.

0 13

1* ib.
[Three
450
half roll
12 qrs.

None
16 lbs.
8 lbs.
#lb.
1 cup,

8 quarts,
40 4 quarts,
37>*
tflb.

150
1 piece,

47

1 50

450

JERSEY C I T Y .

375
12 rolls,
j3 quires,

375

J

5 # qts.
2 qts.
1 75 k lb.
14 Pour,
150
4 rolls.

75

75 1 quire,

20

400

3 doz.
0 37
1 bottle, 0 25
Three
0 18 £

1 gross,
1 bottle,
Six,
ffl.33#

ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN", Sec'y

PRINCETON.

175
75 12
31
37 One,

06 tf
02

S3.8^

Magnetic

Telegraph,

Company.

New York, March Z\st, 1852.
# M R . CORBIN—Dear Sir.
I had intended t o make an addenda upon t h e face of my Quarterly Beport, giving an account of articles furnished to t h e Broadway and J e r s e y City Offices, but fearing lest it might lead to some confusion
appearing thereupon, I have determined to make it h e r e . The whole amount appears as usual, embodied in my Report as Materials consumed at t h e New York Office.
Broadway Office, 40 lbs. nitric acid. (Quarter.) Jersey City Office, 20 lbs. (Month of March.) Broadway Office, 5 lbs. Sulphuric. (Quarter.) Jersey City, none. Broadway Office, 500 Envelopes. Do. 3 lbs. telegraph paper. J e r s e y
City Office, 6 lbs. telegraph paper. Broadway Office, half ream foolscap. Jersey City, 3 quires foolscap. Broadway, 1 ream message headings.
Yery truly, your obedient servant,
CHARLES F . WOOD,
f l have given t h e price of all t h e articles t h a t I k n e w , t h e re»t I have left blank.
GORDON.

287
Mr. Canby submitted the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Treasurer be requested to pay all the rents and the
salaries of the persons employed regularly by fhis Company, and that he require the moneys of each station to be as promptly and closely i deposited to
his credit as practicable, and require each operator having in charge any office
other than New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington, to \jlose his
account with each month, and remit the balance, if any on hand, by draft or
otherwise, to the Treasurer.
The President submitted the correspondence between himself and Mr. Faxton,
President of the New York, Alban^ and Buffalo Telegraph Company, in relation to the New Orleans business, transacted by the last named Company.
After consideration, the correspondence, upon the motion of Mr, French, was
laid over, to be submitted in July.
Mr. French offered the following:
Resolved, That the matter of Samuel Cooper, brought before the Board by
the President, be referred to him to dispose of as he may think best. Adopted.
Upon motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That any Operator or Clerk who shall permit the account of any
one, to whom the privilege of a credit of two weeks is given by a resolution
of the company, to run beyond two weeks without payment, shall be held responsible for any loss that may be suffered by the Company, in consequence of
credits given to the same person or party upon any future messages, until such
past bill shall have been paid.
Mr. French laid before the Board a communication from N . S. Waldron,
and offered the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Company be authorized to arrange, in
relation to the fractions of stock now standing on the books of the Trustees,
either by purchase or otherwise.
On motion of Mr. Hoe,
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to have bound twenty copies of
the proceedings of the Company in a similar style to the copy shown by Mr.
French ; the volumes to contain the proceedings of the next July meeting.
For the Directors and officers, one copy each.
Mr. French offered the following :
Resolved, That a dividend of three per cent, be declared on the capital stock
of this Company, payable on and after tne 15th inst.
On motion of Mr. French, the Board adjourned until to-morrow morning^at
10 o'clock.
Tuesday, April 9th, 1852.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. The minutes of the proceedings
had on yesterday were read by the Secretary, and, on motion of Mr. Canby,
were approved.

288
Upon motion of Mr. French,
Resolved, That the President, in conjunction with a committee of two Directors of this Company, be, and they are hereby authorized, to grant such
facilities to the several railroad companies betweeen Washington and New
York, along the routes of which one of the lines of wires of this Company
passes, for the transmission of messages connected with the business of their
roads exclusively, as he may deem not inconsistent with the interests of this
Company.
The President appointed Col. Hoe and Mr. Canby said Committee.
The resolution submitted on yesterday by Mr. French, in relation to a dividend, was taken up and adopted.
The President laid before the Board contracts with persons at Port Deposite
and New Hope. On motion of Col. Hoe, referred to the Treasurer of this
Company.
The President laid before the Board the following notice, which, on motion
of Col. Hoe, was approved and ordered to be spread upon the minutes.
94 South Fourth street.
Gentlemen:
The proprietors of the Morse Patents for the lines between Washington and
New York, have received information that it is proposed to extend what is
known as the " House Line," to some point or points southward of Philadelphia.
Upon their behalf, I feel it my duty promptly to give you notice, that they
regard the mode of telegraphing now pursued upon that line, as an infringement of the Patents of Samuel F . B. Morse, and as covered by the recent decision upon that subject, in this circuit.
Whatever might be the disposition of my clients with reference to the line
as it now stands, any attempt to extend or continue it, will compel them to an
immediate recourse to legal measures. I must not, however, be understood to
say, that they directly or indirectly sanction even the present limited infringement, but desire to be regarded as notifying you, that all telegraphing, by what
is called the " House system," is considered as an infringement upon their
rights, and that all persons engaged in it will be held responsible accordingly.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully, your Obedient Servant,
ST. GEORGE T. CAMPBELL.
Upon motion of Mr. French, the Board of Directors then adjourned sine
die.
JANUARY 21st,

1852.

289
QUARTERLY MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
OFFICE OFV THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )

Philadelphia, Jidy 8, 1852.

)

At the regular quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, convened, pursuant to regular public notice, at
the Directors 5 Room of the Company, in Philadelphia, at 10 o'clock, A . M . ,
on the 8th of July, 1852, were present—Mr, Swain, (President,) and Messrs.
Abell, Canby, French, Hart and Clark, Directors; also, the Treasurer, Mr.
Selden.
The minutes of the proceedings of the last meeting were then read, and,
on motion of Mr. Canby, were approved.
Mr. Selden submitted the usual quarterly report of the Treasurer, which
was read, approved, and ordered to be spread upon the minutes of the proWASHINGTON, July 8th,
To the President

and Directors

of The Magnetic

Telegraph

Company

1852.
:

G-ENTLEMEN :—I have the honor to submit to you herewith my•.quarterly
account for the last quarter of the fiscal year, embracing the months of April,
May, and June, showing the Receipts and Disbursements during the Quarter,
marked A :—
The regular receipts of the Line for the Quarter, amount to . $27,640 60
The receipts for leased wires for April and May,. (June not yet
received,) amount to
,
. . 4,586 38
The receipts from all other sources, inclusive of receipts for
other Lines, amount to
2,023 07
Total receipts of the Company for the Quarter . . . • $34,250 ,0,5
Add to this, the available resources of the Company, on the
31st March, 1852, . . . . ,
18,006 98
Making,

^. $52,257 03

The Disbursements for the Quarter were,
By the different Stations,
$7,250 54
By the Treasurer,
24,059 39
By the Treasurer, being amount transferred to credit
of New York Office, per acc't of E. Gordon, . 140 00
31,449 93
Leaving the total available resources of the Company on the
30th June, 1852, to be
$20,807 10

290
As will fully appear from the Quarterly Statement herewith, together with
the Exhibit by months, marked B, C and D, showing the detailed operations
of the Company for each of the months of April, May and June, respectively.
The amount on hand on the 30th June, 1352, will probably be increased
about $2,200 for the rent of leased wires for the month of June, 1852, the
returns for which month are not yet in.
I also have the honor to submit herewith, my Annual Statement, marked
E, showing the Receipts and Expenditures of the Company for the year,
commencing 1st July, 1851, and ending 30th June, 1852.
The union with the Bain Line was consummated on the 1st January, 1852.
I t is gratifying to me to invite your attention to the fact, that the receipts for
the six months prior to that event, inclusive of leased wires, were upwards
of $34,000 ; while for the last six months of the year, since the union, they
will exceed $71,000, including the estimate for the leased wires for June ;
and this, too, while the expenditures have not increased in a corresponding
proportion.
I beg leave to defer to the suggestion heretofore made in my Quarterly
Report of 8th January, 1852, in respect to the change of the Quarterly Meetings of the Company. My experience shows that the change from the
second Thursday of the month succeeding the expiration of the Quarter, to
the third Wednesday of that month, would, for the reasons heretofore stated,
be a salutary one.
In conclusion, I congratulate the Company upon the steady increase of its
business, and the general prosperity of its affairs, which must be gratifying
to them, and afford confidence to the stockholders.
Most respectfully submitted,
W. SELDEN.
The Secretary submitted his usual quarterly report, which, on motion of
Mr. French, was accepted, spread upon the minutes, and ordered to be
printed.
OFFICE OP THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, *

Washington, July 7th, 1852.
}
To the President and Board of Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company:
GENTLEMEN :—I submit the following copy of the several accounts rendered by the chief operators of " Materials Consumed/ 5 during the quarter
ending June 30,1852.
The receipts of the line, at twelve offices, during the last three months,
from its regular business, are shown by the following tabular statement.
The table has been so constructed as to show, 1st, the receipts, at each office,
for each month j 2d, the receipts, at each office, for the entire quarter j 3d,

>•

QUARTERLY STATEMENT FOR APRIL,, MAY AND JUNE, 1 8 5 2 .
WILLIAM SELDEN , Treasurer, in Account with The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
•

May.

April.

June.

Aggregate.

April.
1

$15,341 66
2,665 32
2,953
3,263
1,441
785
93
112
55
33
69
12
30
30
12

57 2,942 65
99 2,702 09
91 1,467 56
34 993 69
40 176 78
46
56 14
32
61 85
17
42 93
36
61 17
41
20 13
05
23 10
56
25 06
66
9 92

3,569
3,218
1,859
1,002
210
54
54
42
76
25
21
18
10

11
20
16
92
19
49
95
67
36
09
73
07
41

'•' Rent of Offices
" Lights and Fuel

108
162
92
140
11
45
4
4
34
1
3
9
3

82
16
05
98
85
54
43
11
18
80
40
88
99

624 09

109
131
72
102
19
10
7
16
22
1
2
2
2

86
57
36
70
34
05
77
38
63
53
59
97
46

502 21

102
123
155
94
16
7
2
18
32
6
3
2
1

07
16
77
22
16
16
64
43
91
45
13
10
34

565 54

By amount paid b y the Treasurer :

ii

Lights and Fuel

« Rent
« Suit
<( Battery

a

£i

a

Refunded

36
6
1
22
10
20

00
04
12
94
72
00

A m o u n t received from Port Deposit Association.
108 28

96 82

34
60
37
00
00
88
62
44
97
14
44

138
456
674
67
28
95
60
3
491
16
576

|

Aggregate.

86
45
28
00
00
84
31
69
01
49
94
7,260 54

15,714 10 5,839 45 4,505 81 24,059 39
1,691 84

" Amount transferred to credit of N e w York Office,
140 00
809
1,048
797
11
42
21
55

T o Washington and N e w Orleans Telegraph C o . . . . 1,476 69 1,696 62
" Atlantic and Ohio
"
. . . . 523 33 434 50
(i
tc
220 35 234 89
Western
....

7 17
62 00
7 91
46
30 74

118
310
772
35
3
46
38
27
348
17
517

1,731 84 1,325 96 2,063 84
1,955 79 2,112 42 1,980 03
31 00 129 00
186 89
37 80
15 00
46 25
2 25
104 27
41 67 161 67
979 06
10,710 00 153 00
30 00
158 15
48 70
37 50
17 30

" Balance at Stations, to w i t :

4,586 38!

2,220 37 2,366 01

26
84
06
00
17
45
92
68
4i
62
46
00

2,405 87 2,235 80 2,608 87

8,894 20 8,583 05 10,163 35 27,640 60
T o receipts at N e w York station for other lines
"
Philadelphia

105
380
630
56
32
102
66
39
333
18
639
1

June.

May.

60 50
7 37

24
87
29
23
06
99
8S

2,786 56
18,020 54

36 45
20 00
1 81
126 13

331 23;
$52,257 03

i

$52,257 0 3

291

April,
May,
June,
Total,

NEW HOPE.

PRINCETON.

H. De GRACE.

JERSEY CITY.

N. BRUNSWICK.

NEWARK.

TRENTON.

3,

WILMINGTON.

«

WASHINGTON.

3

BALTIMORE.

1S52.

NEW YORK.

the receipts of the whole twelve offices for each month; and, 4th, the receipts
of the entire line, for the entire quarter, from its regular business.

<
•A

H
o,

H
$2,953-57',3>-253 99 1,441 91 785 34 93 40 112 46 69 36 55 32 33 17 30 05 12 41 12 66 $8,863 64
8,558 72
2,942 65'2 702 00 1,467 56 993 691176 78 56 14 61 17 61 85 42 91 23 83 20 13 9 92
3,569 113,218 20.1,859 16 1,002 92J210 19; 54 49 76 36 54 95 42 67 21 73 25 09 10 41 10,145 28
$9,465 3319,184 23(4,768 63 ,2,781 95 480 37 223 09 203 89 172 12'll8 751 75 6l( 57 63 32 99 $27,567 64

The receipts, from rented wires, amount to the sum of $4,586.38, for the
past quarter.
Having had six months' experience as to the working and earnings, and
expenses df the line since adding the Bain Line to it, I have supposed it
would be agreeable to the Board to be furnished with the means of making
a careful comparison of present with past results. Hence I have prepared the
annexed tables [marked F,] which show the business of each office, during
each month, and each quarter of the preceding five years. The fluctuation of
business at certain offices is very striking, and may be accounted far,, in part,
at least, by the completion of the Eastern, Western, and Southern lines,
and the occasional improvement of them in important business respects; by
Congress being in session; by seasons of the year; by leasing wires; bytransferring places of payment, and by the natural increase of business and
population at the stations.
It is very rare that the business at any station on any one day exceeds
$200, and yet as far back as 1848 near $250 were taken in at one station in
one day with but two wires up. v This, however, was to the deprivation, in a
great measure, of the remaining offices of the use of the wires; whereas,
now all of the business, at each of the stations, can be done, r and that with
prompitude. This increased facility, and the rapid growth of those places,
have caused our business in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Newark to
increase in a ratio quite as satisfactory as even that of New York. The
business of Washington, Wilmington and Trenton is so much under the
influence of political causes as to forbid speculation as to future results, but
it is certain that the telegraphic business of Baltimore must be largely increased after the 1st of January next, when its railroad will be completed to
Wheeling, if the telegraph line between the two places is kept in good'order,
as we have every reason to believe it will. Bo with Philadelphia, when the

292
road is completed from Pittsburgh west, through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and
Missouri, to the Indian country; a period not exceeding three years.
Very respectfully, & c ,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,
Secretary of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
Mr. French offered the following resolution:—
Resolved, That a dividend of three per cent, on the capital stock of this
Company be declared payable on or after the 15th inst; which resolution
was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Clark, it was
Resolved, That an extra dividend of one per cent, on the capital stock of
this Company be declared payable on and after the 15th inst.
Mr. Hart, from the Committee on Accounts, submitted the following
report:—
To the President and Directors :
Ge?itlemen—The Committee of Accounts beg leave to report, that owing to
the circumstance of there not being a sufficient time allowed the Treasurer
after the close of the month ending the last quarter of the year, to bring up
his accounts in time for the committee's examination, they have been prevented from the fulfilment of that duty in accordance with their intent and
readiness to perform, consequently submit this report.
GEO. H. HART,
THOS. M, CLARK.
Philadelphia, July 8, 1852.
On motion of Mr. French, the Board adjourned sine die.
ABEL RATHBOJSTE CORBIE,
Secretary of The Magnetic Telegraph Compatiy,

Receipts and Disbursements at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Month of April, 1852.
RECEIPTS.
For the For other For Extra
For
Line.
Lines. Service. Messages

STATIONS.
N e w York
Philadelphia
Baltimore

2,953
3,263
1,441
785
93
112
N e w Brunswick
55
33
69
Princeton
12
Havre-de- G r a c e . . . .
30
30
12

57 108 82
99 162 16
91
92 95
34 140 9 8
40
11 85
46
45 54
32
4 43
17 i
4 ii
36
34 18
41
1 80
05
3 40
56
9 88
66
3 99

8,894 20 '

41 50
11 50
9 00

•---faiPi'&rSSr
A

46
3 09
1 56
2 17
72

Total
1 Balance on 1 .
Receipts. [31st March.) Aggregate.

30 74

a is*
3,447
1,545
928
105
158
60
37
103
14
33
52
16

7 17

37

B.

624 09

A2 00

7 ]9 [

46

12 47

7 17|

43 2 l |

no
91
42
49
97
00
12
28
54
21
45
91
65

««*
905
597
71

o*»
34
66
52

3,820
4,353
2,143
1,000
105
309
143
37
207
14
33
52
27

151 45
83 15

104 28

REMARKS.

06 A . — P e r c e n t a g e from Buffalo L i n e . . . 2 0 08
'•
«
"
Boston " . . . 1 0 66=~$30 74
25
08
01
97
45
27
28
82
21
45
91 B.—Balance due Stations and paid by the Treasurer.
72

11 07
2,609 44 $12,248 48

9,639 04

DISBURSEMENTS.
STATIONS.

For Repairs
For
For Extra
For
For
For For Printing For Light
Paid other Miscella- Profit and Total
'Balance
of Line.
Salaries. Service. Messengers. Battery. Rent. & Station'ry and Fuel. Refunded. Lines.
neous.
Loss.
Expense. Deposited 30th April Aggregate.
184 35
11 76
157 62

N e w York

19
23
5
8

24 00

19 87

00
50
00
00
50

239
176
82
64
16
8
8
8
10
6

41 66

New Brunswick....

9 60
Havre-de-Grace....

75
99
32
75
25
00
00
00
00
00

19 82
19 13

12 50

10 00

8
9
*
1
3
2
3
2
2

39 68 32 17

330
124
93
91

36
32

21
97
18
10

A1

50
79
93
20
62
60

18 62

192
23
44
4
49
2

62
* 4 57

66 92

3 00

630 06

12 18
1 00
25

29 13

25
25

09
25
39

6 96
30 00

7 13;
27 69
63 50;
1
I
3 63

16 67

3
4
2
2
2
1

28
Total

380 84

105 26

56 00

102 45

639 46

84
73
16
52
39
44
12
12
57
27
13
74
38

1,058
406
465
176
95
30
51
15
1 00
28
11
12
52
1

41 1,775 00 986 65
31 2,800 00 1,146 94
16 1,006 34
671 58
73 600 00
223 28
10 64
33
04 279 41
28
91 99
22 12
16
44 137 32
42 06
2 49
72
20 73
72
91
66
26 06

3,820
4,353
2,143
1,000
105
309
143
37
207
14
33
52
27

06
25
08
01
97
45
27
28
82
21
45
91
72

1 00 2,405 87 6,654 05 3,188 56 $12,248 48

333 41

• Refunded to the Port Deposit Association.

c.
Receipts & Disbursements at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Month of May, 1852.
RECEIPTS.
For the For other For Extra! For
From other
Total
Line.
Lines. Service Message Refunded, Sources. Receipts.

STATIONS.
New York
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Washington
Wilmington
Trenton
New Brunswick
Jersey C i t y . . . .
Newark
Princeton
Havre-de- Grace
Port Deposit...
New Hope

2,942 63
2,702 09
1,467 56
993 69
176 781
56 14
61 85|
42 91
61 17
20 13
23 10
25 06
9 92

109 86|
131 57
72 361

Total

8,583 05

502 21

27
9

102 70

19
10
7
16
22
1
2
2
2

1 12 A.
B.

3 22
68
1 42
72

34
05|
77[
38
63
53
59
97
461
36

6 04

22 28
75 94

1 121

REMARKS.

22| A.—Per centage from Buffalo Line.
54 B—Gas used by Bain Office
Postage
18|
09
84
19 C.—From E. Gordon, on account.
61
291
86|

986
1,146
671
223

9,204 3®

20

D.

4,090
3,994
2,221
1,321
196
86
161
59
125
21
25
50
38

3,103 57
2,847 6(X
1,549 60|
1,097 81
196 841
86 19
69 62
59 29
83 8«
21 6fl
25 69|
50 31
12 381

22 94
10 72

'C.

Balance
30th April. Aggregate.

3,188 561 12,392 92!

65|
94
581
28

91 99
42 06

26 06|

10 38
34=$10 72

69
31 D.—Balance due Stations and paid by the Treasurer.
44

DISBURSEMENTS.
STATIONS.
N e w York
Philadelphia

I

For Extra
For
For 1 For For Printing For Light
Paid other Miscella- Total Deposited Balance Aggregate.
For Repairs
For
31st May
neous. Expense.
of Line.
Salaries. Servict. Messengers Battery. Rent. & Station'ry and Fuel. Refunded Lines.
274 65
30 72

30

9
17
9

1 42
Trenton
41 67

!
3 37
44
310 60

30
16 67
118 34 1

258
230
113
81
21
10
12
8
12
6
8
10

80
90
35
46

25
50

63
2 06
75

81

22 22

10 25

8 74

30 32
14 57

24

1 10
1 75

2 10
68
2 38
I 75

291
94
30
10]

19
48
11
66

51

97 1,112 40 2,150
46 465 13 2,6.05
19 211 78 1,243 92
61 200 64 959 £4
33 19 163 65
19
72 30
13 89
79
55 79
19
45 60
13 69
87
43 03
40 77
95
14 39
7 27
27
13 67
12 02
38
50 31
3 22
18 92
88

185
53
58
5
12
1
1
1
23

25
3 53

19
56

08
3
93

35

1

772 37

27 44

46 88

3

17 14

38 62

517 44

1

827
874
765
160

82
41
48
61

105 82
42 06

19 52

348 97 2,235 80 7,361 40 2,795 72

4,090
3,994
2,221
1,321
196
86
161
59
125
21
25
50
38

22
54
18
09
84
19
61
29
86
66
69
31
44

12,392 92

D.
Receipts & Disbursements at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Month of June, 1852.
RECEIPTS.
STATIONS.
N e w York
Philadelphia....
Baltimore
Washington . . . .
Wilmington
Trenton
N e w Brunswick.
Jersey City
Newark
Princeton
Havre-de Grace .
Port D e p o s i t . . . .
N e w Hope
Total

For the For other] For Extra For
From other
Total
Line.
Lines Service. Messages! Refunded Sources. Receipts.
3,569 11 102 07
3,218 20 123 16|
1,859 16 155 77
1,002 92'
94 221
210 191
16 16
54 49]
7 16|
54 95|
2 64
43 67
18 43|
76 36;
32 91
25 09!
6 451
3 13
21 73
2 10
18 07]
1 34]
10 41

30
10 50
16

110,163 351 565 54J

60 50

A.
B

C.

2
2

36 45|
88

20

D.

31 91

3,827 82
3,354 46
2,032 43|
1,098 67
228 591
83 65
57 59
61 10|
109 27
31 54
24 861
52 08
11 75

177 051 10,973 81

7 371

Balance
31st May.
827
874
765
160

82
41
4^
6

105 82
42 06

19 52

REMARKS.

Aggregate.
4,655 64
4,428 87]
2,797 9
1,259 28;
228 59
83 65
163 41
61 10
151 33
31 54
24 86
52 08
31 27

A.—Per centage from Boston and Buffalo Lines.
B.—Amount deposited by Newark and Jersey City
Offices.
C.—From Ed. Gordon, on account.

D.—$1 81 from Port Deposit Association.
30 10 from the Treasurer.

2,795 721 13 ) 7 69 53l

DISBURSEMENTS.
STATIONS.

Pa id other Miscella- Total
Balance
For For Printing| For Light
For Repairs For I For Extra I For
For
of Line. Salaries. I Service. Messengers! Battery, Rent. [& Station'ry land Fuel. Refunded Lines.
neous. Expense. Deposited 30th June. Aggregate.

N e w York
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Washington . . .
Trenton
N e w Brunswick
Jersey City . . .
Newark
Princeton
Havre-de-Grace
Port Deposit. . .
N e w Hope
Wilmington....

429 19
22 39

Total

456 45l

37

24 00

15
24
16
6

00
00
50
50

41 66
28 37

4 00
50

36 50
8 33

225
190
100
82
8
8
8
10
6
8
10

51
10
35
26
00
00
00
00
00
06
00

5 00
138 86!

674 281

8
13
51
17
3

1 00
1 25

25 00

25
88]
461
40
00
20
37
50
26|
19

11 01]
28 20l
6 49
1 50

368 03
95 76
3 18 20 37
2 85 92 78

289 91 1,381 40i*2,465 00 809 24 4,655 64
58 21 405 00 2,775 00 1,048 87 4,228 87
90 08| 310 14] 1,690 48 797 291 2,797 91
1,259 28
17 06 226 34 1,032 94
83 65
7 381 21 1 1
3
62 52
163 41
1 95] 52 18
11 23
100 00
61 10
1 94
12 47
48 63
151 33
13 81 85 00
24 27( 42 06
51 54
79
7 80
23 74
24 86
3 61
7 00|
17 86
52 08
581 52 08)
21 99
31 27
69|
9 28
228 59
200 401
5 00 28 19

16 491 576 94

491 01|2,608 87 8,426 9812,730681 13,769 53

9 80
66

3 00
14
191

18 00

67 00

70

3 69! 28 00

95 84

60 3H

* Includes $140 trans/erred to credit of N e w York Station on account of E . Gordon.

E.
ANNUAL, S T A T E M E N T
Of Receipts and Disbursements of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, from the 1st July, 1851, to the 30th June, 1852, inclusive.
|July to Sep October to
December.
tember.
T o balance in Treasury
"
"
at Stations
Recipts of Line at N e w York Station
"
"
Philadelphia
u
"
Baltimore
"
"
Washington
;i
u
Wilmington
««
"
Trenton
c
<
"
N e w Brunswick
{<
(e
J e r s e y City
<(
*<
Newark
"
"
Princeton
u
"
Havre-de-Grace
"
"
P o r t Deposit
u
<<
N e w Hope

4,776 09
743 54

January to
March.

5,519 63
$3,874
4,084
1,658
732
117
183
204
84
198
44
43

1

62 $4,721 92
4,795 57
84
36 2,384 86
42j 1.039 82
' 98 55|
77
200'70
62|
234 79
34
76 02
27|
200 17
45|
42 43j
22
57 96!
32

9,955
9,634
3,877
2,658
293
311
159
81
226
38
39
26
34

77!
53
51
26
70
36
25
27
38
54 j
76
29
11

July to Sep-i October to January to
April to
March. I June 30th
tember. ] December.

April to
June 30th. Aggregate.

9,465
9,184
4,768
2,781.
480
223
172
118
206
57
74
73
32

33
28
63
95j
37
09
12
751
891
63
88]
69

By
"
'<
"
"
«
"
"

Salaries paid
Repairs of the L i n e . . .
Messengers
Printing and Stationery
Lights and Fuel
Rent of Offices
E x t r a Service
Batteries
e<
Instruments
" Refunded
" Other Lines
iC
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . .
" Profit and Loss

3,929
479
1,272
454
134
206
48
189
5
41
2,484
889

97
30
55
86
12
23
00
24
36]
15\
63

$10,135 31

4,419
478
1,334
330
240
138
269
24

44 21
1,838 12
1,313 66

Receipts for other Lines at N e w York Station.
i(
'•
Philadelphia
u
"
Baltimore
"
"
Washington
"
"
Wilmington
u
"
Trenton
"
"
New Brunswick..
e(
"
J e r s e y City
u
"
Newark
lc
l(
Princeton
Cl
ir
Havre-de-Grace...
"
"
P o r t Deposit
"
"
N e w Hope

$1,331
459
281
137
36
26
29
26
119
12
11

80
02|
70]
63
82
16|
61
33]
99f
42
571

$2,473 05

849
428
124
186
20
23
13
26
127
10
10

90j
10
87
05,
Olj
92
65
26
45|
26

1,821 1(

Washington and N . Orleans T e l . C o . for leased wires $2,619 94
1,516 66]
Atlantic and Ohio.
-,
Western

3,910 38;
1,608 04

$4,136 60

5,518 42

A m o u n t received for Property sold
,
li
"
for E x t r a Service
tl
"
Delivery of Messages
"
Refunded
11
Per centage from Albany and Boston L i n e .
E Gordon, on account
Z. Barnum, on account of bill and costs
A . Kendall, for account of J. M. Smith
F r o m Port Deposit Association. . .
A m o u n t borrowed from Swain, Abell & Simmons. .
"
for additional Stock from A. R. Corbin . . .
Rent of Broadway Office
Charged to Repairs—see Report, dated Dec. 3 1 , 1851
Miscellaneous Receipts

$12
48
17
7

651
00|
41
05|

216
249
22
4
82

00
50
73
75
43

40 Ool

6,403 92
2,300 7
858 38

3,173 31
957 83
455 24

9,563 09

4,586

57
191
46
22
81
60
1,438
140
70

30
50
50
89
56
00
77
00
00

7
158
21
1
90
40

2,861
2,402
241
26
37
405
558
5,707
1,221
152

67
65
47]
52|
50
07
50
00
79
31

)
)
(
)

56
37;
08'
33 !
151
42 !
00
61

362
1,147
2,076
245
165
63
158
70

71
17]
B5\
17
00
81

104
1,967
1,383
63

69
18
40
90

52
1,733
1,173
1

25|
84
39
00

2,411
534
347
45
34
197
845
122
3,175

48 !
63 1
13
24
37
64
00
00
60

2,674
1,319
217
52
105
209
345
5,726
350
153

58'
75
00
33
75
72
00
00
00
02

46

7,250 54
5,121
6,048
346
37
61
106
1,182
10,893
158
48

64
24
891
801
25
52
40
00
15|
70

1,230 40]
543 75
37 50;
17 30|
$13,614 4&;

Amount transferred to credit of N e w York Office,
for account of E . Gordon
38] 23,804 49! Balances at Stations, as per Quarterly Statement
herewith
17
Balances in T r e a s u r e r ' s hands
50
32
58
13
00

6,232
1,151
2,260
594
325
724
198
153

10,430 98! 15,158 69

$11,226 23 $13,852 79j 27,336 73

27,640 60 80,056 35 Error in Balance at Stations—see Rep., Dec. 3 1 , 1 8 5 1
By amount paid by the Treasurer for Repairs of Line
526 36
'< Salaries
320 75]
442 70
* Printing and Stationery
*
416 89
177 10
« Light and Fuel
321 08|
521 78
" Instruments
337 90j
42 19
" Miscellaneous
47 35
" Rent
53 65|
62 75|
17 07
" Dividends
14 84
12 43
•< Suit
'
38 92
95 28
" Batteries
89 72]
7 52
" Swain Abell & Simmons, for,money borrowed
9 78]
2 59
by late T r e a s u r e r
9 121
87
" Rent paid Patentees under resolution of Jan. 8,
14 95]
9 83
1852
7 79
Profit and Loss
"
1,909 37
1,691 84
Fractions of Stock
7,895 42

14
18
17
18
67
32
75
58]

7,713 09

12,927 30 24,059 39

2,786 56
18,020 54

1 SI

1,200 00
250 00.
150 00
221 04
10 721
$1,575 11

946 45

2,408 52

331 23

4,961 31
122,237 20

122,237 20

WILLIAM SELDEN, Treasurer.

Quarterly Report of Materials Consumed at the Several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company, during the Quarter ending on the 30th day of June, 1852.
ARTICLES.

Porous Cups

NEW

YORK.

PHILADELPHIA.

None

None

184 lbs. l i e . $20 24

260 lbs. 10 c

Sulphursc Acid,. 136 lbs. 3 c.
Muriatic A c i d . . . None
Quicksilver
7 lbs. $1 12J
24 at 18 c.
i 18,000 at
} $1 40 1000
Telegraph Paper. j 61 lbs. at
\ 1 3 | c. lb.
W r i t i n g P a p e r . . { 2 r m s . 1 75
1 3 qrs.letter
j 18,000 1 75
\ 41 «
>.ns, M e t a l l i c . . . 4 gro. at 75 c
.nk..
| gal. at 75 c.
4 at 4 c.
Total

4 08

40 lbs. 2 | c .
100 lbs. 2 | c .
7 871' 8 lbs. $1 20
4 32 j 30 lbs. at 8 c.
25 20

10,000 $1 35

8 23 100 lbs. 12Jc.
3 00 i
15 3 r m s . $1 25
32 37J
1 23 9 r m s . $3 25
3 00 5 gro. at 35 c.
3 7 | j2 gals, at 75c.
16 None
| $ 1 1 0 23

WASHINGTON.

BALTIMORE.

None
26 00 U 30 lbs. 12*
) 45 lbs. 10*
1 00 25 lbs. 2 | c .
2 75 None
9 60 3 lbs. $1 25
2 40 32 lbs. 10 c.
13 50 19500 $1 40
12 50 17 lbs. 12-ic.
5
3 7 2 r m s . $ 1 50

None
None
j 124 lbs. 16c
8 25 } 60 lbs. 12c. 9 20
56 43 lbs. 2 | c .
96j
None
None
1 25
1 lb 1 25
3 20 21 lbs.
13 30 6500

3 00 3 | r m s . $1 75

$55 43

TRENTON.

|

NEWARK.

N E W BRUNSWICK.

HAVRE-DE-GRACE.

None

None

None

None

21 lbs.

2 quarts

|l9 lbs.

10 quarts

8 quarts

3 quarts
None
|lb.
12

3 quarts
None

40 |4J lbs.
INone
62* ll lb. a t $ l 25
1 80 1 3 zincs

1 25

10 10 lbs.
None

3 lbs.
jNone
lib.
3 zincs

50
18

3 cups

732

700

2J rolls

4 roll

1 roll

None

4 J quires

5 quires

1 quire

1470

,768

700

225

None

75 ! | gross
37f ! | pint
|1

70|' 500

219

1 00

A gross
1 bottle
2 at 6 c.

37 None
25 1 bottle
12 None

18

1th, 1852.

63

4lb-

75

INone
75

'

4 rolls

8

!

3 quires

75 2 quires

40

140

650
2 doz

25 6 pens
1 bottle

64

8 15 |
A B E L R A T H B O N E C O R B I N , Secretary

WASHINGTON, July

PRINCETON

JERSEY CITY.

None
3 20

1427

2 13 26J lbs.

29 35 6 r m s . $3 00 18 00 4 r m s .
( 1 | gro. 90c.
1 75 ] 14 gro. 25c. 2 62 3 gro. 75 c.
50 2 bottles 50 c. 1 00
1 50 4 gal.
12
3 at 4 c.
$104 00

WILMINGTON.

Magnetic

Telegraph

Company.

6
6

F.
Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts, at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
from July 1st, 1846, t o June 30th, 1847.

PHI

H

M

o
H
W

$748
643
83G
662
721
580
1,005
1,383
874
553
1,104
I 1,189

86
20
75
58
20
95
15
05
37i
78,
64
27

K

| BALTI

00

!

W

o
X

H
C

A

w

July
August
September.
October
November.
December.
January...
February..
March
April
May.
June

O

PHILA

©
^H

$128
116
205
116
135
86
126
217
204
158
290
289

45,
71:
97i
751
83!
85!
59;
73
60!
85;
83!
06

$735
591
846
805
832
858
1,075
1,176
1,117
791
1,355
1,338

a\
$101 40
76 50
& 35
G
109
1(4
145
1,'3 101
i::4 55!
118 55
1«.0 83
M0 101
146 65

05
76
62
79
35
68
79
83
92
13
29
00

$223 58:
204 71!
475 50;
353 70!
397 19!
375 26|
499 Hi
619 46|
486 6 1
9
284 92
751 44
710 50;

$144
144
130
59
110
199
190
246
210
120
264
294

58:
40!
50j
50!
25|
24|
22!
92|
25!
09!
72!
87'

36 581

$10,203 80 $2,078 22$11,525 21 $1,4^7 77| $5,382 061 $2,115 54;

$2,091
1,677
2,591
2,108
2,331
2,246
3,049
3,778
3,012
2,009
3,917
1 10! 4,006

$36 58|

92
28
69
07
37
42
96
54
38
60
02
03

$1 10i$32,810 28

Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
from July 1st, 1847, to June 30th, 1848.

w

W
©

P
Q

O

g
a

W

July
August
September...
October
November...
December...
January
February
March
April
May
June

$828
1,332
1,157
1,286
1,140
1,616
2,533
1,720

80!
47
44|
01
22
86
98
69!

2,162

77

1,514 76|
1,495 26
1,327 90)

$171
172
161
164
175
184
156
188
248
211
174
97

$9
5
5
3
10
11
13
12
18
17
21
22

03
80!
08!
75]
32|
24
391
99'
04!
35|
99!
69/

65
90'
70
59!
96!
41
60
56
52;
7Z
95!
78;

60
3 45;
6 12'

1 80J
4 081
8 64;
5 69:
8 88]
9 23j

|$18,117 16! $2,106 67: $154 34

TOTAL,

O
H

£

$36 701 $1,170 34; $151 35
29 88! 1,585 89! 135 90
28 81 1,577 16| 112 75
36 78, 1,533 17
148 91
30 731 1,300 17
122 74
32 76| 1,226 45I
132 92
35 54 1,237 94' 164 71
39 49| 1,344 41
142 69'
197 90|
23 07 1,634 941
24 50| 1,469 06| 274 27
262 46i
29 071 1,561 12
22 90 1,233 58, 157 81

$203
339
319
370
364
339
478
572
748
703
539
683

$492 31j
713 76;
674 52;
3 10
4 10!
558 63!
6 73!
569 18!
449 88i
8 47:
449 56
70!
516 85
10!
682 99!
9 18!
540 49|
10 55!
726 32!
3 89j
538 61
4 91!

$ 20;
!

$48 44; $370 23;
116,874 20' $2,004 41

85 $3,064 21
02 4,315 59
27, 3,939 83
21; 4,106 75
26! 2,723 76
89| 4,009 00
62 5,122 84
37 4,542 18
57 5,734 62
04 4,771 43
291 4,823 23
96 4,099 37

$51 93 $6,863 10 $5,662 33!$52,252 81

||

|l

1

Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
from July 1st, 1848, to June 30th, 1849.

«
O

*
0

$1,455
1,677
1,445
1,389
1,241
1,342
1,909
2,373
2,319
1,930
2,090
1,689

October
November
December

May

P\

02

PlINCETON.

JERSEY CITY.

0

W

49120 57 29 81
41,102 60 25 92
331 71 34 27 75
83l 79 22 29 36
64! 78 91 34 58
69 49 21 26 36
48 41 37 34 94
62; 40 70 24 71
16; 36 98 18 68
52; 52 13 26 98
37! 29 57 15 86
52! 17 80 12 21

8
4
8
9
12
7
1
6
3
3
4
7

0

18 36
32 96
38 62
47 73
55 42
40 22
36 03 '
44 08
34 16
41 85
34 61
36 94

W
A
W

s

•
3

W
m
EH

42
76
49
32
74
35
10
94
90
04
47
85

O

0
H
O

1,253 05
1,268 77
1,044 65
1,159 81
1,017 09
1,010 85
1,170 11
1,334 59
1,459 25
1,346 89
1,305 83
1,095 27

M

1

Pi

161
170
162
165
173
134
160
137
155
132
152
162

97
25
05
98
46
65
02
03
14
16
90
76

2
4
11
9
15
8
7
11
4
5
8
11

70
45
11
59
38
40
36
67
94
34
82
59

$20,865 06 720 40 307 16 78 38 460 98 14,466 15 1,868 37 101 35

TOTAL,

0
H
O

«
0
PQ

•J

B

<

a
589 34
648 71
972 44
1,220 15
1,189 93
988 41
1,162 58
1,356 55
1,321 42
1,170 27
1,244 18
1,159 80

462 11
604 78
838 96
730 59
909 62
662 04
856 89
948 09
863 38
844 98
1,026 66
6 98 724 68

4,101 81
4,540 61
4,620 74
4,841 58
4,728 77
4,270 18
5,379 88
6,277 98
6,217 01
5,554 16
5,913 27
4,925 40

6 98 9,472 78 13,023 78 61,371 39

Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts, at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
from July 1st, 1849, to June 30th, 1850.

W

o

g
H
•J

July
August....
September.
TOTAL,

$1,331 21 1,041
1,490 61 751
1
7i"
1,555 01 705
T4,376~83j 2,498

October
November.
December.
JTOTAL,.,

~"18S07

$1,734
1,530
1,836
$5,102

84 1,044 , o |
< 9fl64 08
146 66
9011,003 34 1 648
'
- - 20! 896 93 542 59 143 05
658 42
94! 2^45~02 ^1,849 8oj453~79

98 1,104 68 1.264 63 688 99 161 08
97- 1,236 34 858 95! 668 34|l49 03,
30 887 94 801 03 397 561126 Oil
25j 3,228 96 j' 2,924 61 j 1^754 89436_12

TOTAL,.

$3,463 80; 1,456 68 993 141 499
3,000 36* 1,451 49* 890 65 456
2,592 111 1,689 39; 1,064 43 490
$9,056 2714,597 56 j 2,948 22 1,647

TOTAL,.

$2,190
2,483
1,949
$6,623

January..
February.
March

April .
May..
June.,

93,148
66'lS2
68;140
27)422

38 70 18 84; 64 69
32 38 20 01
44 90, 38 24
115 9 8 j ; 5 09,114 73, 51 39

86j 38
65 37
91] 40
421116

12 1,373 99; 945 62 573 70 166
18 1,219 78'1,095 65 626 44|169
8911,074 27j' 1,046_64|_49_5 491123
19 3^668 "04 3}087 9l! 1,695~63;459

97
41
26^
G4J

38
22
28
89

15!
741
13,
02j

36
21
28
86

15;
32!
67!
14;

67 43 28; 29 17 38 46
17| 44 91! 45 83! 19 52!
301 3550J 37_89| 12 39|
!
14 123 69 112 89j 70~37

24
18
23
65

05
241
52!
811

6
3
6
14

34
12
42
88

27 15 10 56 7 43
32 41 10 2 l | 8 96|
31 80|_14_02|_10_63|
9r36!"34 79; 27 02! 61,383 98

Secretary's Annual Report of Monthly Receipts, at the several Stations of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
from July 1st, 1850, to June 30th, 1851.

M
O

H

93

w
p

o

TOTAL, .

$1,843 01 1,104 27 820
2,185 99! 1,304 21 894
2,024 111 1,492 45|1,072
"$6",053~li|3,'900~93| 2,787
74 1.285 91 1,398
08 1.286 07 1,385
96!1,203 5011,175
78| 3,775 48 3,958

TOTAL,.

$2,044
2,242
2,126
$6,413

76 1,416
68 1,275
0511,307
49]3,999

TOTAL,.

$1,414 76 1,434 89'
1,620 95 1,311 91
1,514 311 1,297 92|
"$4,551)1)2j 4,04T72|

TOTAL,.

1851.
January..
February.
March....

April.
May..
June..
Washington, July 1th, 1852.

Pi
_PQ_

$1,656
1,907
1,955
$5,519

October...
November.
December.

w

TO

3
July
August
September.

(A
PQ

3

08 419
78 453
60! 408
36 1,281

32, 506
22 622
58 609
12 1,638

__

82;
77
401
99|

25
31
39
96

33 638 17 145 16[ 81
06 711 68[ 136 08 54
44 _693 691131 72 44
83 1^43 _ 4l|4T2 _ 96 180

53
40
20
13

00
78
45
23

73
68
66
209

64 74
70! 77
83 53
17J204

46
69
02
98

28
29
38
96

25
25
98:
45

<
H
O
H

35 75 21 69 23 67 10 83
52
55 40 34 92 35 24 13 58 7 74
27 14 27 70 11 34
42 67
150 32! 70 67 84 07 64 85 |T9~91

02 147
34'll5
66:125
02J388

09!
72
20
0l|

w
•-9
12 04! 11 14] 5 05
33 761 19 36! 8 20'
23 72j 16 721 13_83
69"^2!~47 _ 22|"27^8I

45] 33
Wj
81 1 35
451 74
7l!l43

56 678
11 516
33 606
00| 1,701

2Lxvv
133
93'l35
18J130
32[399

3

39 43
37 SO
47 11
12314

18 10
14 41
11 991
44~60!

19 67 10 25
21 60 7 85
28 36 9 64|
69 63 18 74

283 76 668 41 129 96 55 02 45 01 42 93 32 48
330 98 636 62(130 79 46 80| 60 13 63 93 17 93
302 74| 669 991 68 55 48 41 65 16 63 351 14 94
"9i'7~48 1,875 02j319 30^50J!3]160J()^ 160 21 65 35
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary of The Magnetic Telegraph Co.

293
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.
The Stockholders of The Magnetic Telegraph Company met at their office
in Philadelphia, on the 8th day of July, 1852, at 4 o'clock, P M., pursuant
to public notice—the President, "William M. Swain, Esq., in the chair.
A list of the Stockholders was then read by the Secretary, and those
present answered to the call of their names, and. presented the proxies held
by,them respectively ; a large majority of stock was represented.
The President submitted the resignation of f m , Selden, Esq., as Treasurer of the company, which, on motion of Mr. Kendall, was accepted and. filed.
On motion of Mr. French, it was unanimously
Resolved, That ¥ m . Selden, Esq., having performed, the duties of Treasurer of this Company for the last year in the most satisfactory manner, retires
from office with the highest respect and confidence thereof.
The Secretary then read .the minutes of the proceedinss of the special
meeting of Stockholders!, held on the 17th of December, 1851; which, on
motion of Mr Clark, were approved.
On motion of Mr. Canby, the reading of the minutes of the proceedings
of the Stockholders, at their last annual meeting, was dispensed with.
The President submitted his annual report, which, on motion of Mr,
Corbin, was accepted and ordered to be printed.
P R E S I D E N T ' S REPORT.
GENTLEMEN:—

I take this occasion to congratulate the Stockholders of
The Magnetic Telegraph Company, upon the continued enjoyment of the
blessings of life and health by which we are again permitted to meet, to gree^
each other, to confer together, to deliberate and consider what further may
be done to promote the convenience of the public, whereby the interests and
prosperity of this Company may be still further advanced.
I have the pleasure to inform you that since our last regular annual meeting
in July of last year, the equity suit then pending in the United States Circuit
Court for this district, between this Company and the Bain Line of Telegraph,
extending between New York and Washington, has been happily terminated
in favor of this Company, and the validity of the Morse patents fully sustained, as will be seen by the following
OPINION OF THE COURT DEDIYERED BY JUDGE KANE,
November 3, 1851.
This case is before us on final hearing upon the pleadings and proofs.
Professor Morse, under whom the complainant:* hold, has three patents : the first,
dated 20th June, 1840, re-issued after surrender on the 25th January, 180, and again
re-issued after a second surrender on the 13th June, J.848, which has been referred to

294
in the argument as the Magnetic Telegraph P a t e n t ; the second, dated 11th April,
1846, also re-issued on the 13th June, 1848, referred to as the Local Circuit Patent;
the thitd, dated 1st May, 1849, referred to as the Chemical Patent. The Bill charges
that the respondents have infringed all three of these patents : the answer denies the
infringements and controverts the validity of the patents.
1 . The objections to the validity of the first patent, that for the Magnetic Telegraph,
are stated in the defendants' brief, as follows :
u
I. That it does not run from the date of Morse's French patent.
" II. That the Commissioner of Patents had no authority in law to re-issue a second
time.
"III. That the claims set out in the first re-issue are broader than the claims in the
original patent; and the claims in the second re-issue are broader than those of either
of its predecessors, and are not for the, same invention."
1. The first of these objections founds itself upon the fact, that Mr. Morse had obtained a patent in France for this same invention twenty-two months before his patent
issued here ; and it asserts, that under the second proviso of the 6th Section of the Act
of 1839, his American patent should in consequence have been limited to the term of
fourteen years from the date of the French patent; and that not having been so limited, it is void.
This objection was fully met in the argument of the complainants. Mr. Morse's
application for a patent in this country was made in April, 1838, and was filed and
acted on in the Patent Office before the 10th of that month ; his French patent bears
date the 18th of August following. There is iherefore no room for the questions,
which were argued so elaborately, of the proper interpretation of this proviso in the
6th Section of the Act of 1839, and the 8th Section, second clause, of the Act of 1836,
which was also invoked, in any possible bearing upon the case of Mr Morse.
The proviso of 1839 must be interpreted by reference to. the enacting words of the
section which it limits ; and the provision's of both the sections relate only to such
patents as are applied for here, after the issue of a foreign patent. But Mr. Morse's
application here was before his patent abroad—in nowise alter it;—and his American
patent was granted therefore under the general enactments of the Act of 1836, not
under any special proviso or exception whatever ; and its term runs properly from
its date.
,,
"We do not see the justice of the criticisms upon his application, that the jurat affixed
to it is without date of day or month ; and that the drawings, which accompanied itf
were not in duplicate. There is no act that requires the jurat to be dated at all; and
the supplementary provision of the 6th Section of the Act of 1837, that ''the applicant
shall be held to furnish duplicate drawings," though directory in its terms, is not a
condition; and it has obvious reference in point of time to the issuing of the patent,
and not to the filing of the petition for it Such has heretofore been the interpretation
of the Patent Office, announced in the official circulars for the instruction and guidance
of inventors; the practice founded on it is both reasonable and convenient; and no Act
of Congress appears to conflict with it. If Mr. Morse's patent is invalid on this ground
more than halfthe modern patents for mechanical inventions must probably fall with it.
2. The second objection to the patent is, that the Act of Congress makes no provision for a second surrender and re-issue.
The 13th Section of the Act of 1836, which provides in certain cases for the surrender of a defective patent, and its re-issue in an amended form, regards the new patent
as substituted for the old one, with just the " same effect and operation in law" as if
the specification had been filed at first in the form which it takes in the re-issue. It
is difficult to see why, if the original patent could be amended, its substitute, having
all the legal attributes of the original, cannot be amended al.«o.
There is nothing in the words of the act, or in the policy which it proclaims, that
limits the correction of errois to such as may have been the first discovered. .On the
contrary, if it be true, as we have supposed in determining the recent case of Battin vs.
Taggert, that the patent is granted to the inventor in consideration of some benefit to
be derived by the public from his disclosures, and that the re-issue is in consideration
of some more full or more accurate disclosure than that which he had made in his
original specification, or some renunciation on his part of an apparently secured
right,-—it is/for the public interest, that the surrender and reissue should be allowed

295
to follow each other, just as often as the patentee is content to be more specific or
more modest in his claims.
Besides ; it might not be safe to assume too readily, that the act was intended to
withdraw altogether from the officers of the executive department the power, which
they had before, to accept a surrender and grant a re-issue, and which would sanction a second re-issue quite as readily as a first. The act might perhaps be regarded
more justly as affirming the property of the usage which had obtained under the
iormer laws, and had been repeatedly recognized by the Courts, (Morris vs. Huntington, 1 Pain. 355 6; Grant vs. Raymond, 6 Pet. 220; Saw vs. Coopher, 7 Pet.
315,) arid as prescribing in addition the conditions and incidents which should attach
to it thereafter in certain cases. It is hardly to be supposed that the merely clerical
error of an engrossing subordinate, or the, accidental inadvertence of the Commissioner himself, is not capable of being rectified or supplied now, just as it was before
the passage of the act. And yet the construction, which regards this section as superseding the implied power of the Commissioner, might lead to this, since the act
makes,no provision for correcting such mistakes on the part of the patent officers.
Still further : it must, as we think, be conceded, that if the Commissioner's power t
to re-issue, is so restricted, by the Act, as to be exhausted by a single exercise, his
power to accept the surrender must be equally restricted, and equally transitory. And
the argument then resolves itself only into another form of the question, whether the
patent was for any purpose a valid one as it stoodafter the first re-issue; because, if
the second re-issue was invalid for want of authority to make it, the second surrender
Was ineffective for want of authority to accept it—and so the patent stands as if it had
not been surrendered the second time; The surrender and there-issue, no matter
how often they recur, are reciprocal—each in consideration of the other—and forming
together but a single act between the parlies It would be unconscientious to retain
the consideration, while denying the validity of the grant. See Woodworm vs. Hall,
1 Wood C. & M. 400.
3. W e pass to the third objection, the supposed variance in the re-issues.
From the course of some parts of the argument on this point, it might be inferred
that the objects as well as the import of the 13th Section of the Act of 1836, had been
misapprehended by the learned counsel for the respondents. It is not the meaning of
the law, that the patentee, who applies for a re-issue, must at his peril describe and
claim in his new specification, either in words or idea, just what was described and
claimed in his old one His new specification must be of the s same invention, and
his claim cannot embrace a,different subject matter from that which he sought to
patent originally. But, unless we narrow down the correction which the statue contemplates, till it becomes a mere disclaimer, it is not possible in any case to frame a
corrected specification, which shall not be broader than the one originally filed. T o
supply a defect, to repair an insufficiency, is to add—either directly or by modifying
or striking out a limitation:—in either form, the effect is to amplify the proposition,—
in the case of a specification under the patent laws, it is to amplify the description and
enlarge the claim.
There are few things more difficult, even for well educated and practised lawyers,
than to describe a new invention clearly, and point out the principle which distinguishes the subject of itfrom all things known before :—And as inventors are rarely
experts either in philology or law, it has long been established as a rule, that their
writings are to be scanned with a good degree of charity. But it is easy to abuse
this liberality to the purposes of fraud. The public has rights to be guarded also ;
and these exact, that the patentee's specification shall set forth his invention so fully
and definitely that it cannot be readily misunderstood.
It is the purpose of the statute, to reconcile this seeming conflict; and it effects it
by allowing the inventor to amend the mistakes he has honestly fallen into in his
description and. claim of title, as soon and as often as he discovers them. And there
is the more reason for this indnlgence, since under the act of 1836, sec. 7, the specification is reviewed by the Commissioner before the patent issues, and is very often
modified in accordance with his suggestions, or to obviate objections made by him
to its original iform. He may be supposed to know, therefore, better than any one
else but the patentee himself, what the invention was for which the patent was sought
at first; and he may also know whose inadvertence, accident, or mistake it was, that

296
made the first specification inoperative or invalid. It is not absolutely impossible
that it may have been his own ; as certaintly it had his implied concurrence.
And this consideration furnishes a strong argument for the rule, that the Commissioner's action in ordinary cases of re-issue shall have more than &p>ima facie influence in finally deciding the question of indentity of invention. Whatever be the
extent of that rule ; wheiher it leaves nolhing open for discussion before the Court,
but the issue of fraud ; as appears to have been theundiyided opinion of the Supreme
Court, in the case of Stimpson, 4 Ho.w. 404 ; or whether we permit ourselves to except from it, as w e did in Battin vs. Taggert cases in which the invention claimed
in the re-issued patent is obviously different from that claimed in the original; or
whether, with Judge Ptory, in Allen vs. Blunt, 3 Stor. 740, and in "Wood worth 'vs.
Stone, ibid. 749, w e hold the grant of the amended patent to be " conclusive as to the
existence of all ihe facts, which by law are necessary to entitle the Commissioner to
issue it; at least, unless it is apparent, on the face of the instrument itself, without
any auxiliary evidence, that he was guilty of an excess of authority, or that the patent
was procured by a fraud between him and the patentee." Whatever be the rule, or
its limitations, the piopriety of the re-issue in the case before us can hardly claim a
judicial review. There is no want of jurisdiction, either apparent on the face of the
proceedings or asserted by the evidence: and theie is no fraud imputed, or justly
imputable.
Nor is there any flagrant diversity of claim. After a repeated'and carefulexamination of the three specifications, with their respective claims, fully aided by the acumen
of highly ingenious counsel, we have not found a maierial difference of import between
any of them. The order in which the subjects of claim are marshalled is not the same
throughout; aphiase is more concise in one, in another more popular; in one a scientific term, or a general expression, takes the place of the descriptive or defining
language, or the detailed patticulars of another ; in a word, they are unequal as specimens of artistic writing, and a close examination may detect defects in the two first,
which are repaired in the last. But they all describe the same thing essentially ; and
w e should find it easier 10 argue, that neither the first nor the second specification
could be rightfully regarded as •' inoperative or invalid" for wrant of precision and
clearness, than that there was an important variance in the second from the first, or
in the third fiorri either.
These observations form the answer to the third objection.
Mr. Morse's patent of 1840, in all its changes, asserts his title to two distinct patentable subjects; the first, founded on the discovery of a new art; the second, on the
invention of the means of practising it.
1. That he was the first to devise and practise the art of recording language, at telegraphic distances, by the dynamic force of the electro-magnet; or, indeed, by any
agency whatever, is, to our minds, plain upon all the evidence. It is unnecessary to
review the testimony for the purpose of snowing this. His application for a patent,
in April, 1838, was pieceded by a series of experiments, results, illustrations, and
proofs of final success, which leave no doubt whatever but that his great invention was
consummated before the early spring of 1837. There is no one person, whose invention has been spoken of by any witness or referred to in any book, as involving the
principle of Mr. Morse's discovery, but must yield precedence of date to this. Neither
Steinheil, nor Cooke and Wheatstone, nor Davy, nor Dyar, nor Henry, had at this
time made a recording telegraph of any sort. The devices then known were merely
semaphores, that spoke to the eye for the moment—bearing about the same relation to
the great discovery now before us, as the AbbeSicard's invention of a visual alphabet
for the purposes of conversation bore to the art of printing with moveable types. Mr.
Dyar's had no recording apparatus, as he expres>ly tells us; and Professor Henry had
conten'ed himself with the abundant, honors of his laboratory and lecture room.
When, therefore, Mr. Morse claimed, in his first specification, " t h e application of
electromagnets" "for transmitting, by signs and sounds, intelligence between distant points," and " the mode and process of recording or marking permanently signs
of intelligence iransmitied between distant points;" and when in his second specification he claimed " t h e making use of the motive power of magnetism,^when developed"^ the action of currents of electricity, as a means of operating and giving
motion to machinery, which may be used to imprint signals upon paper or other

297
suitable material," "for the purpose of telegraphic communication ;" characterizing
his "invention as the first recording or printing telegraph by means of electromagnetism;" and when, in his third, after again describing his machinery and process, he once more characterized it in the same terms, and claimed " a s the essence
of his invention the use x>f the motive power of the electric or galvanic current,
(electro-magnetism as he now terms it,) however developed, for marking or printing
intelligible characters, signs or letters at any distance;" through ihese several forms
of specification, claiming and renewing his claim of property in the same invention,
as it seems to us—and claiming in each and all of them no moie, as it also seems to
us, than he was justly entiltied to claim,—he declaied the existence of a new Art,
asserted his right in it as its inventor and owner, and announcing fully its nature and
elements, invoked in return the contracted protection of the Laws.
From, this time his title was vested as patentee of the art, and other men became
competitors with him only in the work of diversifying and perfecting his details. He
himself used the stylus, to impress paper or parchment, or wax coated tablets, it may
be; though he sometimes made a colored record by the friction of a pencil: another
substitutes a liquid pigment, or stains his paper with a chemical ink: the next perhaps stains his r3aper beforehand, and writes on it by decomposing the coloring
matter: and another yet, more studious of originality than the rest, writes in a cyclovolute, instead of a straight line, and manufactures his ink as he goes along, by decomposing the tip of his stylus on a chemically moistened paper. They are no doubt all
of them inventors; as was the man who first east types in a mould, or first bent metal
into the practical semblance of the gray goose qui 11, or first devised sympathetic ink,
that the curious in letter-writing might veil their secrets from the profane. All these
toiled ingeniously and well, to advance and embellish a pre-existing art. But they
had no share in the discovery of the art itself, and can no more claim to share the
property, which its discovery may have conferred on another, than he who has devised some appropriate setting for a gem, can assert an interest in the gem itself.
Yet admitting, for the sake of argument, that Mr. Morse's leading invention is
correctly designated as a new art; and that he has sought to patent it accordingly, by
a compliance with all the requisitions of the statute—it is still contended, and with
much of elegant research into the radical meaning of Hhe term, that an art, as such,
cannot be made the subject of a patent But interpreting language as men use it
around us and as it reflects ideas, the question can hardly be regarded as doubtful.
The constitutional provision, under which our patent laws are fiamed, looks to the
promotion of "useful arts." The Act of Congress places " a new and useful art"
among the discoveries it professes to protect, and assigns to it the first place on the
list. The statute of 21 James I, c. 3, from which the patent system of England has
grown up, speaks only of " new manufactures." Yet the Judges of that kingdom find
a warrant in this limited expression for sustaining patents for an art; and even for the
renewed discovery of an art that has been lost. (See the Hot Blast case, Webster P.
C. 683, 717, and Mr. Webster's note at p 718, and the case of Wright's patent, ibid.
736, and the cases grouped vin Hindmarch, pp. 77—102
Indeed, the author whose treatise we have cited last, asserts with much emphasis,
that is the art, and nothing else, which is the characteristic subject of every privilege
granted by a patent under the statute: p 92. And it may be noted, as not without
interest, that in just accordance with the spirit of the English law cases, the English
patents of Cooke & Wheatstone, Davy, and Bain, claim ^property in the arts for which
their mechanical devices are respectively adapted; not, indeed, in so many words,
but in language as unequivocal as that employed by Mr Morse
Nor can w e see that there is any reason of policy, which should deny protection to
an art, while extending it to the machinery or processes, which the art teaches,
employs, and makes useful. W h y should the type, or the inkball, or the press itself,
be dignified beyond the art«»to which they minister in such humble subordination, and
without which they are rubbish? Will you patent the new product, and the new elemental means, and the new process tyy which they act, and then debate whether you
may patent the art? You have patented it already.
W e are aware, of course, that it has been held in some cases under the English
patent law,-that the art to be patented must have some reference to a manufacture.
(See Hindmarch, ut supra.) But while such a deduction might be legitimate from the

298
words of the statute by James, it would be obviously otherwise under the more
liberal phraseology of our Act of Congress. And even in England, it must be apparent to every one who has watched the progress of their patent system, that this
limitation is practically disregarded already, and that it is to be repudiated so soon as
it shall interfere with the protection of an important invention.
Yet, in truth, there are few discoveries of practical moment to the daily concerns
of men, even in the lapse of many years, that are not more or less directly connected
with some department of manufacturing industry or skill. The convex lens—the
steamboat—the iron road, on wnich cars are propelled by the friction of driving
wheels—some of these may be so indirectly connected with manufactures, or'rather
they are v associated so intimately with the leading pursuits and interests and enjoyments of all of us, as to make it difficult to refer them to the category of a particular
manufacture. Would it not be strange if, on this account, they were excluded from
the benefits of the patent system ! If we go back to the early story of our race, and
mark the stages of its long and difficult advance,—from language, the first exponent
of thought, to letters, its first record,—and from letters to-printing, which first diffused
letters, widely though slowly among men,—and from printing to the telegraph, the
electric register of thought, spreading its fibres of sympathy over the intelligent
world, and making it throb simultaneously everywhere, as with the pulsations of one
heart;—who will say that each transition between these great epochs, that signalize
the moral and intellectual progress of mankind, should not be marked by a memorial
as stately, as ihe first clipping of a cut-nail, or the compounding of a new variety of
liquid blacking ? or that the men, to whom we owe them, should not be dealt with as
liberally, or at least as justly, by the State?
_ 2. The second general subject of Mr. Morse's patent of 184Q, includes many particulars; all of them interesting and valuable in connection with the claim we have
just been considering. Taken together, they give a practical form to his leading
invention, and guard it from the imputation of being a mere abstract notion, a principle resting in idea. Taken singly, some Of them appear to us to be n e w ; as'his
alphabet (claim 5); his combined series (claim 4), by which the electric current from
one battery, before entirely expending itself in its lengthened circuit, is made to set
another battery in action, from which another circuit traverses to a battery still beyond,
—and so onwards; his adaptation of clock-work to the recording cylinders, (claim 2):
—others again are only new, as they a^e elements of a novel combination. There is
no proof before us, that any of the devices, which Mr. Mcrse has claimed in this
atent, whether as independent inventions or parts of a combination, are not really
is so far as he has claimed them. It is unnecessary to discuss them in detail, for they
are all substantially protected, as appliances of the Art, which is the great subject of
his patent.

I

, I I . The second patent of Mr Morse is for what has been termed his Local Circuit.
To understand ihe questions which arise upon this, it is necessary to refer back to the
Apparatus which he had patented before, and to explain in-general terms its principle and modes of operation I shall attempt to do this in popular language, and
without stopping to consider very carefully the varying niceties of scientific nomenclature.
It is well known that a current of galvanic electricity, while passing along a wire
that has been wound spirally round a bar of soft iron, communicates to the iron a
certain degree of magnetic virtue, and that the iron loses this magnetic character
again as soon as the electricity ceases to pass along the wire that surrounds it. It is
also well known that the electric fluid may be passed along a wire of great length,
and yet retain even at the farthest extremity of the wire a sufficient degree of energy
to impart this occasional magnetism to the iron, and to make it capable for the time
of attracting any small body of iron that may be near it. If such a small body of iron
be made to form the extremity of a nicely balanced lever, it is plain that while the one
extremity of the lever is attracted towards the temporary magnet, the other extremity
will be moved in the opposite direction; and if to this other extremity we affix a
pencil or stylus, this will press upon whatever surface may be interposed in the way
of its motion, and may either mark the surface, Or, if it be of a yielding nature,
indent it. It is plain also, that when the bar of soft iron ceases to be magnetic, in

299
consequence of the electric fluid ceasing to pass round it, the lever will take its original position, and the stylus cease to press upon the resisting surface.
If, now, we suppose that surface to be moved uniformly below the stylus, it is obvious that the surface will be marked with a straight line, and that this marked line,
will be interrupted during any intermission of the electric current, so as to form a
broken series of straight lines, or if the electric current passes and intermits in rapid
alternation, a series of dots or points. These broken traces of the stylus, the lines
and dots, constitute the alphabet of Mr. Morse; a certain succession of either or a
certain combination of the two being arbitrarily chosen to indicate a particular
letter.
,
The galvanic battery generates the electric fluid continuously, whenever the two
extremes Or poles of the,battery are connected by a suitable conducting medium-—
such as a metallic wire, water, or the earth itself—along which conductor, as it is
called, the electric fluid may pass between one pole of the battery and the other, thus
performing what is termed an electric circuit.
Let us now extend a continuous wire from one of the poles of the galvanic battery
to a distant point, taking care that it shall not be intermediately in contact with the
earth or with any other good conductor of electricity, and let us at the distant point
pass the wire in a spiral coil round a bar of soft iron, and thence lead it back again
to the otherj)ole of the battery, or avail ourselves of the earth itself as part of the
circuit. It is obvious from what w e have said before, that the electric fluid, passing
from the battery along the wire, around the occasional magnet, and back to the
battery, and then at appropriate intervals, of time interrupted in its circuit, will cause
the stylus to make its trace of lines or dots, or in other words, its alphabetical record,
at the distant station.
It only remains then to devise a mode of interrupting and renewing at pleasure
the flow of the electricity—breaking and closing the circuit, in the language of the
experts. This is done by dividing the wire near the battery, and then arranging a
simple finger-key, which, when struck or pressed upon by the finger, brings a short
metallic conductor into intimate contact with the two ends of the divided wire, and
thus restores the continuity of the circuit while the pressure continues on the key.
This may serve as a rude explanation of Mr. Morse's Electro-Magnetic Telegraph
in its simplest form.
It was found, however, at an early period, that though the electric current was still
appreciable after it had passed over a great length of wire, yet in traversing the very
long circuits that were required to include distant telegraphic stations, it ceased to
impart a sufficient degree of energy to the temporary magnet to work the stylus
effectively. T o meet this difficulty, Mr. Morse 1 esorted to the simple device of employing a series of batteries distributed over his line of telegraphic communication,
with as many shorter circuits, each operating, by means of a magnet at its extremity,
to control the movements of a small lever, that opened or closed the circuit of the
battery beyond The last battery gave efficiency to the recording apparatus at the
distant station. This formed the combined series of Mr. Morse's first patent.
It is easy to see, that the intermediate magnets of the combined series, besides
opening and closing the circuits, might be also made to act as recording magnets, by
merely adapting to them the. stylus with its appendages; an^l that there would thus
be as manv stations of telegraphic communication as there were batteries and minor
circuits. But there still remained this objection to the combined series, that it could
only be worked in one direction, and it was necessary therefore to have two complete lines of wires^ with their batteries arid magnets, in order to establish a reciprocating communication.
T o dispense with this duplication of machinery and expense, was the object of Mr.
Morse, in the invention Which is the subject of his second patent. It had been found,
that the magnetism excited by the electric coil was capable, at^ the end of an almost
indefinitely extended circuit, of giving motion to a delicately adjusted lever, but that
this was the apparent limit of its dynamic power. A single wire might be ; employed
then, without intervening magnets, by connecting it at the extremities with electromagnets, of great; sensibility of mechanism, and employing the force of those magnets
merely to open short local circuits, frdm. which local circuits the degree of magnetic
energy adequate to the purposes of the recording apparatus could be derived.

300
-It is found, however, that the magnetism induced in soft iron by the electric current,
though truly occasional, does not absolutely cease at the instant of breaking the circuit,
but seems to linger in the iron for an appreciable interval of time afterwards, with an
intensity, which, though slight, bears an apparent relation to the intensity of the current that induced it This would interfere greatly with the very rapid operation of
the telegraph, if the lever were left to withdraw itself from the magnets to which it
serves as armature, by the force of gravity alone. A small compensating spring is
there!ore connected wilh the machine, of sufficient strength to overcome the attraction of this lingering or continuous magnetic force, but not sufficient to resist the
attraction of the magnet when the circuit is closed.
But ihe electric current, after passing over a long wire, does not exert a uniform
dynamic energy. However carefully insulated at first, the wire becomes, after a
time, more or less exposed to atmospheric action, and the fluid is more or less dissipated in consequence The posts, on which it is supported, become conductors during
storms of rain, and carry off the fluid to the earth. Under other circumstances, the
electro-magnetic phenomena are exaggerated at the receiving station by atmospheric
electricity from the regions through which the conducting wire has passed. The
batteries too, do not always 'generate tne fluid with the same rapidity. In a word, the
current at the extremity of the circuit is irregular.
Now it is apparent, that under these varying states of the magnetic energy, the
adjustment of the compensating spring at the receiving station must not be uniform.
If its tension were just that which would neutralize or barely overcome the continuous
magnetism induced by an electric current of small intensity, it would not draw back
the armature when the inducing current,had been in greater force; and on the other
hand, a stronger spring, adapted to the case of a powerful current, would oppose a
controlling resistance to the magnetism induced by a feeble one. The Adjustable
"Receiving Magnet, described in Mr. Morse's second patent, meets perfectly the conditions of this difficulty, and enables the operator, by the mere touch of a finger on ail
adjusting screw, to regulate the tension of the spring, and adapt his apparatus to the
circumstances of the moment.
The main line, thus arranged with its delicate receiving magnet and its short
recording circuit at each extremity, made no provision for intermediate or collateral
stations But, as it had been found desirable in practice to distribute the batteries, in
which the electric fluid was generated, over different parts of the line, so as to reinforce the energies of the current in its progress, it was almost an obvious suggestion
to connect at these several points a receiving magnet of adjustable character, either
with the main line, or with the battery forming part of it, and to attach to this receiving magnet a local registering circuit, or a branch circuit leading to one or more
collateral stations.
Such I understand to be Mr. Morse's Local or Lidepende?U Circuit. His patent of
1846, as re-issued in 1848, claims it in these words:
" The employment in a certain telegraphic circuit, of a device or contrivance
called the receiving magnet, in combination with a short local independent circuit or
•circuits, each having a register and registering magnet or other magnetic contrivances
for registering, and- sustaining such a relation to the registering magnet or other
contrivances for registering, and to the length of circuit of telegraphic line, as will
enable me to obtain, with the aid of a main galvanic battery and circuit and the intervention of a local battery and circuit, such motion or power for registering, as could
not be obtained "otherwise without the use of a much larger galvanic battery, if at all."
That the local or independent circuit, as w e J?,ave described it, and as it is more
accurately and perhaps more intelligibly set out by Mr. Morse in his specification,
was original with him, cannot be seriously questioned. The devices referred to in
the patents of Cooke and Wheatstone, and Davy, are at best imperfect modifications
of the combined series of Mr. Morse's first patent; one of them not improbably borrowed from it. The adjustable receiving magnet, the indispensable and characteristic
element of the local circuit patent, no one has claimed but himself.
It is only to make the first approach to a controversy on this point, to prove to us
that Professor Henry had as early as 1828 made the intensity magnet, with which the
scientific world is now familiar—or that he afterwards, and before Mr. Morse's first
application for a patent, had illustrated before his classes at Princeton, the manner

301
in which one circuit could operate to hold another closed or to break it at pleasure—•
or that he had foreseen the applicability of his discoveries to the purposes of a telegraph. The question is not one of scientific precedence; and if it were, ihis is not
the forum that could add to or detract from the eminent fame of Mr. Henry. It is
purely a question of invention applied in a practical form to a specific use; and so
regarded it admits of but a single answer.
In passing from the questions of originality and identity of invention, that have
been raised in the cause, without a mole detailed review of all the testimony, there
is occasion perhaps for an explanatory remark. It is this: the deciee of a Judge
find its appropriate andonly justification in the facts proved before him, not in theories,
however ingenious, or the less speculative inferences of other minds; and where the
essential facts of a case are as clearly established as they are here, it would be unprofitable as well as painful perhaps to discuss the particulars of variance between
the witnesses. There is no place in which the evidence of scientific men upon topics
within their own departments of knowledge, is more to be desired than in this Court,
when sitting,for the trial of patent causes; and the opinions also of such men, when
duly supported by reasonings founded on ascertained facts, must of course be valued
highly, but it is a mistake to suppose that even on a question of science, opinion can be
dignified here or elsehere with the mantle of authority. Still less t can we allow it to
avail us here, when it assumes contested facts, or .volunteers to aid us in determining
the import of written instruments.
These remarks ate not dictated by a spirit of unkind or uncourteous commentary on
the depositions before us. W e know that when opinion is active, it is not always
easy to limit its range. There is besides very much of accurate scientific history,
and of just and well guarded deduction from it, in these two volumes of exhibits. But
it must be confessed also, that there is to be found here and there not a little of imperfectly considered dogma, as well as something of doubtfully regulated memory—and
it has seemed to us, in this case as well as in some others, that the toil and expense
and excitement of litigation might have been moderated perhaps, if the appropriate
tone and province of testimony had been more exactly understood by some of the
witnesses.
The objections which have been taken to the terms of the re-issue of Mr. Morse's
patent of 1846, may be answered by a simple reference to that part of our opinion,
in which we have considered the arguments of the same character that were urged
against the patent of 1840.
It is beyond controversy, that the Local Circuit Patent has been infringed upon at
some of the stations of the respondents' line; and it is the opinion of the Court, that it
is also violated whenever the Branch Circuit of Mr. Rogers is employed W e have
not been able to see the asserted difference in principle between the two devices.
Both are equally well described as Branch or as local Circuits. They have the same
purpose; they effect it vby the same instrumentality, even in appearance, to a great
degree; and they seem to vary only in, this, that the one derives its electric fluid from
a battery placed within the line of the main circuit, the other fronf a battery placed
without it. The change may be for the better; or it may not:—if it be, it is patentable
as an improvement; but it cannot be used without Mr. Morse's license, until after
his patent has expired.
I I I . The third patent is for the Chemical Telegraph. W e do not propose to enter on
the discussion of this. The Subject ot it is clearly within the original patent of Mr.
Morse, if we have correctly apprehended the legal interpretation and effect of that
instrument. # We will < nly say, that we do not hold it to have been invalidated by the
decision of the learned Chief Justice of the District of Columbia on the question of
interference. The forms of the two machines before him were not the s a m e ; and
the leading principle of both having been already appropriated and secured by the
Magnetic Telegraph patent of 1840, nothing remained but form, to be the subject of
interference.
The couasel for the complainants will be pleased to prepare, for the consideration
of the Court, the draft of a decree in accordance with the prayer of their bill.

In accordance with the opinion of t|ie Court, the following interlocutory

302
Decree was entered, preparatory to an assessment of Damages, upon which to
found the general decree, viz :

DEGREE ORDERED BY THE COURT.
And now, Nov. 7th, 1851, this cause having been brought to final hearing upon the
pleadings and proofs, and counsel for the parties respectively having been heard thereupon, and the same having been duly considered by the Court, it is found and hereby
ordered, adjudged and decreed by the Court, that the patents granted to S.F. B MORSE,
and set forth, in the bill filed, are valid, and that the complainants thereby, and by the
assignments'in the bill alleged, are vested with the exclusive rights thereby granted
as therein claimed. And it is further ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the defendants have disturbed, violated and infringed upon the complainants in these their exclusive rights, as in the said bill is set forth. And it is further ordered, adjudged and
decreed, that the complainants do recover of the defendants the profits and gain, or
such sums as the Court may hereafter decree to be recoverable, by them made and
received in consequence of the infringements and violations of the exclusive rights of
the complainants, which it is adjudged to have been so committed by the defendants,
together with their costs in the prosecution of this cause expended. "And further, that
it be and is hereby referred to Thomas Dunlap, Esq , as Master, to compute and ascertain the amount so had and received, and to take proofs and report the same to the
Court, with leave to either party to move the Court upon notice for special instructions to said Master, in reference to the taking of .said account.
And it is further ordered, adjudged and decreed, that a writ of injunction be issued
in this cause, pursuant to the prayer in such bill, enjoining and restraining the defendants, their agents or servants, from any further construction or use, in any way or
manner whatsoever, of any or either the several inventions and improvements
mentioned or described in the said patents granted to the said Morse, and set forth in
the bill, during the respective terms of said patents. But it is further ordered that the
issuing of this writ be stayed until the decree of the Court upon the report of the
Master, provided the defendants shall, within ten days, give bond with sufficient sureties, to be approved by the Court, in the sum of *$ 15,000, Conditioned that the respondents shall answer and account to the complainants in such a manner as shall be finally
adjudicated, for all gains and profits, or such sums as the Court may hereafter decree
to be recoverable, which the respondents, or either of them, may receive at each and
every office or station either within or beyond the jurisdiction, of this Court, for the
transmission of messages, in whole or in part, over this line of telegraph, within its
jurisdiction, from the date of this order to the lime of the decree of the Court, upon
the report of the Master. And also to pay and satisfy all sums to which complainants
may be adjudged at law or in equity entitled to recover by reason of the injury done
to them by the continuance of the infringement of the aforesaid patents, during the
period from the date of this order to the time of the decree last aforesaid; and any
of the parties shall be at liberty to apply to the Court as occasion shall require.
At this stage of the proceedings a proposition was received from Messrs.
Barnum, Lee and Rogers, the proprietors of the Bain Line, (their Company
never yet having organized under its charter) to dispose of to this Company
all their property, rights, privileges and effects connected with their Line,
consisting of the poles and wires, masts, rights ofway, leases, furniture, instruments and material of every kind, patents, &c.
Not deeming their first, nor indeed any of their first several propositions
such as would be acceptable to the Stockholders of this Company, I did not
feel it to be my duty to call a special meeting of the latter, to be held at no
inconsiderable expense and inconvenience to them to consider the matter, and
so informed the other parties.

303
A proposition was however eventually received, (the terms of which are
recorded with the minutes of the proceedings of this Company,) upon which
I felt warranted in calling a special meeting of our Stockholders to consider.
In pursuance of the call, the special meeting was held in the City of Baltimore, on the 17th of December last, at which a large majority of the Stock
of the Company (2,175 shares—$217,500) was represented.
The proposition of Messrs. Barnum, Lee and Rogers, together with a statement of the cost, present condition, &c , of their Line, (which is also recorded
with the minutes) and also an inventory of the property with which I had been
furnished by the parties, having been read to the meeting, a resolution was
passed accepting the proposition, and authorizing the President of this Company to carry into effect an arrangement in accordance with its terms and
conditions.
In compliance with this resolution, legal conveyances were executed of alj
the property, rights, &c , of the Bain Line to this Company^ the same taken
possession of, and certificates of Stock to the amount of eighty-three thousand
dollars were issued and delivered to Messrs. Barnum and Lee, in payment
thereof, on the 1st of January of this year, since which time th|s Company
has enjoyed the use of the two routes or lines of wires between the Cities of
JSTew York and "Washington.
By this transaction the amount of the Capital Stock of The Magnetic Telegraph Company has been enhanced,'to abbut three hundred and seventy
thousand dollars.
The union of the business of the two lines it will be seen by the reports of
the Secretary and Treasurer, as well as by the table to which I here refer
below, has augmented the receipts of the Company without increasing the
working expenses in a corresponding ratio.
Subsequently to purchasing and taking possession of the Bain Line, the
offices of that Company at New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore were disposed of, while those at "Washington, Wilmington and Jersey City, which
were deemed to possess advantages over those previously occupied by this
Company, were adopted by us, moved into, and the others disposed of.
The annexed table, showing the number of messages transmitted over the
wires used by this Company, for each station upon the Line, as well as the
number transmitted over the wires rented of this Company by others, each
month during the past year, with its corresponding table of receipts as reported to the President, with their aggregate for each half of the year, may be
found not uninteresting to the Stockholders, as showing at one view the progress of the'business of the Company with its monthly variations.
Understanding that the House Line of Telegraph between Philadelphia and

304
New York had changed ownership, and that the new proprietors contemplated
extending the same on South from Philadelphia to "Washington, and believing
their system of Telegraphing to be an infringement of Professor Morse's
Patents, and its use upon the route of this Company, to be in violation of the
rights of the Company as the assignee of the Morse Patents,'due notice was
promptly served upon the officers, owners and proprietors of said line, a copy
of which notice from our Counsel, will be found with the minutes of the April
proceedings of the Board of Directors For any further action in these premises, I await the instructions of the Company.
The frequent and severe storms of the past winter and spring, have proved
unusually annoying to Telegraph Lines generally, and especially annoying
upon the lines of this Company, causing much of the outside expense to be
devoted to travelling over the routes to repair breaks, much of which might
have been avoided by more thorough, permanent improvement of the condition of the lines The latter appears to me to be the true course for the enlarged economy of the Company.
On the whole I think we may congratulate ourselves upon growing in favor
with the public, a steadily increasing business, and an advancing prosperity
of the Company.
Kespectfully,
WM. M. SWAIJNT,
President of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
Philadelphia, July 8, 1852.
The Secretary submitted his annual report; on motion of Mr. Kendall, it
was accepted and ordered to be printed.
OFFICE OF THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, )

Washington, July 7th, 1852.
To the Stockholders of The MagJietic Telegraph Company:

)

GENTLEMEN : In accordance with my duty, I submit for your information the
annexed statement [marked No. 1,] of the amounts of money received at your
several offices, and charged against your Treasurer. To render the statement
perfectly comprehensible, the amount received at each office, during each
month, quarter, and year, is stated in a separate column. A glancehat ^this
table will enable a Stockholder to ascertain, first, what amount, during each
month and each quarter, came into the hands of the Treasurer; and, second,
from what offices, and in what sums, he obtained the money.
This table shows the total receipts to have been, within the past year,
$103,860 84.
For the exnenditure of this money the Treasurer will render to you a detailed account.

Table Showing the Number of Messages Transmitted each Month, from July 1, 1851, to July 1, 1852.
1852.

1851.

as i-3
O -*!

^ W pi

£ tfW

STATIONS.
©

3
Philadelphia,
JSTew York,
Baltimore,
"Washington,
Wilmington,
Trenton,
New Brunswick,
Newark,
Jersey City,
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,
New Hope,
Port Deposit,

3,298
2,182
l,247j
1,033]
331
2291
279|
211
67|
391
46

,
,

8,962|

TOTALS,

11,522

3,878
2,329
1,442
682|
331
231!
236
248|
7
69]
70

9,594]

4,138
3,533
1,567
9091
228
184
230|
308
88i

11,350]

N

fe

CQ

4,876
3,030|
1,411
9341
365
238
261
2301
93
33
51

^

3

3,364
2,783
1,360
809
252|
202
247
218|
56
56,
90

9,437

3,493
3,138
1,555
1,034
293]
203
239
151
79
44|
81

10,310

23,0471
16,995!
8,582;
6,401|
1,800;
1,287!
1,492]
1,366
461i
310!
444]

61,175!!

5,274
4,433
2,4
2,012]

572
183!
185
191
103
41
110|
38
45
15,675

5,690
5,098
2,6"
2,077!
508
183
103I
211!

42
62i

5,9611
5,435i
3,370
2,223!
543
196
208
264]
105]
66
84]
29
47j

34,999
31,014
17,694
12,005
3,082
1,302
1,048
1,375
.660
313]
595]
216
285]

58,046
48,009
26,276
17,406
4,882|
2,589
2,540
2,741
1,071
623]
1,039
216
285

17,655]

16,238

18,531

104,528|

165,723;

42
125
28
39

6,332
5,769
2,965
2,003
544
284
119
249
108
54
83
36
36

5,940
5,3421
3,121
1,741
458]
2;
2291
288j
104]
51
98
43]
56

5,802
5,857
3,061
1,949]
457
222]
206
222
104
59

16,879

18,562

8Q\

<

!§*

P

d

Q

95J

Number of Messages by Leased Wires.
2,605
1,896

2,441
2,617

4,739
2,421

4,170
3,121

4,273
2,269

5,321
2,265

23,549
14,589

4,546
2,917
824

6,148
2,851!
1,002

5,748
2,411
1,213

4,588
2,378
902

5,628
2,066
1,001

3,672
2,078
1,017

29,330
14,697
5,959

52,879
29,286
5,959

4,501

Washington and New Orleans,...
Atlantic and Ohio,
"Western, Ohio, and JSTew Orleans,

" 5,058

7,150

7,291

6,532

7,586

38,138

8,287j

9,001

9,372

7,868

8,695

6,767

49,986

88,124

253,85*;

Table of Receipts for Each Month of the Year.
Philadelphia,
New York,
Baltimore,
Washington,....
Wilmington,
Trenton,
New Brunswick, .
Newark,
Jersey City,
Princeton,
Havre de Grace,.
New Hope,
Port Deposit,

$1,060
1,203
514
268
37
49
60
59
31
11
11

37
94
79'
93
03
50|
08
11
43
97

1,565
1,513
573
244
51
58
74
65
26
17
16

75
32
73
87
71
43]
77]
52
00|
29i
33

1,458 72
1,157 36
569 84
218 62]
29 13
75 691
68 69
73 85]
27 16
15 50j
15 02

1,669
1,353
846
304
33
82
70
91
32
22
18

73;
541
95
67i
11
83
99]
37]
40|
36
87;

3,709 48i

4,526 82]

1,311
1,112
802
322
33
62
88
54
21
10
25

20]
30
25|
44j
31
97|
42|
36
07
38]
05

1,814 64
2,256 08
735 66|
412 71
32 13]
54
• 75 381
54 44
22 55;
9 69
14 04

8,880
8,596
4,043
1,772
216
384
439
398
159
86
101

*
TOTALS,

I $3,309 13

4,207 72

3,843 75

41 1 3,257 28 3,040 17 3,337 08! 3,263 19! 2,702 09 3,218 20 18,818 01 27,698 42
3,435 95 3,320 97] 3,198 85] 2,953 57] 2,942 65 3,569 11 19,421 101 28,017 64
54
1,083 39 1,328 71| 1,465 41 1,441 91 1,467 56] 1,859 16 8,646 14 12,689 36
22
1,002 92 5,440 21 7,212 45
822 18
865 24]
970 84]
993 69
785 34]
24
990 49|
-774 07
210 19
92 97;
102 68]
98 051
176 78]
93 40
42
918 77
534 45|
54 49
58 01
193 56
59 79
32
112 46]
56 14
770 49|
331 36,
54 94
13
82 06!
37 21|
39 58
61 85
55 32
831
433 27;
76 36
62
57 13;
85 85j
83 40
69 36
61 17
349 36]
42 67
190 07j
23 44,
29
24 60,
33 23,
33 17
42 91;
182 82
25 09
96 17
11 161
11 11
16 27;
65
12 41
20 13
216 65
115 37
21 73
28
10 09
11 92
17 75]
30 05!
23 83
67 10
67 10
10 41
10 65
10 45
13 0V
12 66'
9 92
lOO 08
100 08
18 07
11 14
9 26]
5 891
25 06
30 66

5,482 22| 25,078 12(|

8,953 97

9,005 56;

9,377 20) 8,893 46]

8,583 78 10,163 34j 54,967 40| 80,045 52!

Amount Received for Use of Leased Wires,
Washington and New Orleans,..
Western, Ohio, and New Orleans,

3,143 34 6,268 04
8,888 36 15,418 68
1,500 13 1,500 13

569 71
1,112 78

406 50
777 74

540 45
729 42

494 11
1,302 05

651 12
1,303 63

462 81
1,304 70

3,124 70
6,530 32

471 72
1,657 99
269 29

660 71
1,397 86
277 62

637 64
1,592 32
311 47

523 33
1,476 69
220 53

434 50
1,696 62
234 85

415 44
1,066 88
186 37

$1,682 49

1,184 24

1,269 87

1,796 16

1,954 75

1,767 51

9,655 02

2,399 00

2,336 19

2,541 43

2,220 55

2,365 97

1,668 69 *13,531 83 23,186 85 103,232 87

= In Statement of Treasurer ,One Month's Receipts for Rented Wires of previous Year are included.
*

S05
Besides the money thus directly received in the regular prosecution of our
legitimate business, a considerable amount has been collected from persons,
for other Telegraph Companies, and paid over to them—this amounted,
during the year, to the sum of $7,895 4.
The following table will exhibit the amount of
from January, 1846, to July, 1852:
From January 27, 1846, to July 1, 1846, " July 1, 1846, to July 1, 1847,
" July 1, 1847, to July 1, 1848,
« July 1,1848, to July 1, 1849,
" July 1, 1849, to July 1, 1850,
" July 1, 1850, to July 1, 1851,
« July 1, 1851, to July 1, 1852,
-

receipts of this Company,
-

-

-

-

-

-

$4,228
32,810
52,252
63,367
61,383
67,737
103,860

77
28
81
62
98
12
84

Total amount received up to July 1, 1852,
$385,64142
Of this sum $60,000 have been paid to the Stockholders in dividends. In
1846 and in 1847 no dividends were paid; in 1848, (on the list of July,) a
dividend of six per cent, was declared and paid; in 1849, three dividends
were declared and paid, viz : one of three per cent, on the 1st of January,
one of four per cent, on the 1st of April, and one of two per cent, on the 1st
of July ; in 1850, one dividend (on the 1st of April) of two per cent.; in 1851
but one dividend (on the 1st of July) was declared and that for but two per
cent.; in the year ending July 1, 1852 but three dividends were declared,
viz : one on the 1st of January, of two per cent, one on the 1st of April of
three per cent, and one on the 1st of July, inst., of four per cent. In addition to this, a dividend was made in July, 1847, payable in Stock of the Company ; the amount was $10,754 26. Adding the cash and the Stock dividends
together, and it appears that the sum of $70^000 have been paid to the Stockholders out of the earnings of the line, since the organization of the Company
in the year 1845—seven years. It is thus seen that many dividends have
been postponed, and are now due and unpaid.
Respectfully submitted,
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN,
Secretary of The Magnetic Telegraph Company.
The Secretary then read the annual report of the Treasurer; on motion of
Mr Clark, it was accepted and ordered to be printed.
Messrs. Kendall, Canby and French were appointed tellers—the Stockholders having resolved to proceed to the election of officers.
The Stockholders proceeded to ballot for President, with the following result : for William M. Swain, 2,869 votes; for all others, none. Mr. Swain
having received all the votes thrown, 2,869, was declared duly elected President for the ensuing year,

306
The Stockholders then proceeded to ballot for a Secretary, with the following result: number of votes cast 2,869; of which there were cast for Abel
Rathbone Corbin 1843 votes; for Alfred Vail, 997 votes; and for Mr. Joseph
Sailer, 29 votes. Mr. Corbin having received a majority of all the votes given,
was declared duly elected Secretary of the Company for the ensuing year.
The Stockholders next proceeded to ballot for Treasurer, with the following result: votes cast, 2,919; of which 1503 votes were given to George H .
Hart; 792 votes were given for B. B. French, and 624 votes were given for
L. P . Bayne Mr. Hart, having received a majority of all the votes given,
was declared duly elected Treasurer of the Company for the ensuing year.
Mr. Sailer offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That this meeting now proceed to the election of eight Directors,
two of which shall reside at the city of Washington, two at the city of Baltimore, one at the city of Wilmington, one at the city of Philadelphia, and two
at the city of New York.
To this Mr. Tail of New Jersey offered the following amendment: That a
Director for the State of New Jersey, be added to the list of Directors of this
Company.
The question being taken on the amendment it was rejected, and then the
original resolution was adopted.
The Stockholders then proceeded to the election of eight Directors, which
resulted as follows: votes cast, 2,909 ; of which Amos Kendall received 2,909
votes; B. B. French received 1504 votes; A. S. Abell received 2,909 votes;
Zenas Barnum received 2,909 votes; M. Canby received 2,909 votes; Mr.
Joseph Sailer received 2,909 votes ; R. M. Hoe received 2,909 votes ; scattering, 1215 votes; Thomas M. Clark received 2,880 votes Messrs. Kendall,
Abell, Hoe, French, Sailer, Clark, Barnum and Canby, were declared duly
elected Directors for the ensuing year.
On motion of Mr. Swain, it was
Resolved, That the President and Directors of the Company be authorized
to adopt and carry into effect, rates of charge, for which the correctness and
reliability of transmitting messages over the line involving pecuniary responsibility may be guarantied by the Company, should they deem it expedient.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, it was :
Resolved, That the Board of Directors of this Company be authorized to
take such steps in relation to the infringement of the rights of this Company,
by the Proprietors of the House Line, so called, as they may think most conducive to the interests of the Company.
TJpon motion of Mr. Alfred Vail, it was :
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Board of Directors, to consider
the expediency of reducing the salary of the Secretary,'to the sum of five
hundred dollars per annum.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN, Secretary.
On motion, adjourned.

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307

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS.
OFFICE OF T H E MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, F

Philadelphia, July 9th, 1852.
)
At a Special MeetiHg of the Directors of The Magnetic Telegraph Company,
at the Office of the Company in Philadelphia, on the 9th of July, 1852, at 10
o'clock, A. M , convened at the request of the President of the Company,
there were present, Mr. Swain, President, and Messrs. Abell, Sailer, Kendall,
French, Hoe and Clark, Directors.
The President submitted a proposition from Benjamin H. Green & Co.,
which was read and laid on the table. A communication from Lambert Alexander, after being read, was also, on motion of Mr. Kendall, laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, it was
Resolved, That a Committee of three, including the President, be appointed
to report to this Board at their next meeting, their opinion as to the expediency of increasing the compensation of Operators and others employed in
the service of the Company, detailing the cases in which, in their opinion,
such increase should be made.
Committee, Messrs. Hoe and Barnum.
On motion of Mr. French, it was
Resolved, That a Committee of three, of which the President shall be one,
be appointed to revise the rules and regulations of this Company.
Committee, Messrs. French and Sailer.
Mr. Clark, submitted the following resolution, which was agreed to :
Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary of this Company be reduced to
five-hundred dollars per annum.
Mr. French, offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the salary of the Treasurer of this Company be twelve hundred dollars.
Mr. Sailer moved to lay it upon the table—Yeas, Messrs. Abell, Hoe, Kendall, Sailer and Swain—5. Nays, Messrs. French and Clark—2.
Mr. Kendall, offered the following resolution, which was agreed to :
Resolved, That all travelling and Hotel expenses, incurred by members of
Committees in the performance of any service imposed by resolution of the
Company or Board of Directors, shall be paid by the Treasurer, upon the certificate of the claimant, specifying the service in which the expenditure has
been incurred.
On motion of Mr. French, it was

308
Resolved, That the President cause to be paid to any Operator whom he
may appoint, to act as Chief Operator, (in the absence of a Chief Operator,)
such additional compensation as he may think proper.
The President appointed Messrs. Clark and Sailer the Committee on Accounts.
On motion of Mr. Clark, it was
Resolved, That the Books and Accounts of the late Treasurer be referred
to a Special Committee of two, consisting of the Treasurer and Mr. Sailer,
for examination.
On motion of Mr. Kendall, it was
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to communicate to William Selden, Esq , the complimentary resolution passed by the Stockholders yesterday.
On motion of Mr. Swain, it was
Resolved, That a Committee of three Directors and the President be appointed to consider and report to the next meeting of this Board, as to the
expediency of adopting rates of insurance, for guaranteeing the correctness
and reliability of messages, transmitted through this line.
Messrs. Kendall, Hoe and Sailer, were appointed the Committee.
On motion of Mr. French, the Board then adjourned.
ABEL RATHBONE CORBIN.
Secretary

of The Magnetic

Telegraph

Company*