A Very Early Letter Mentioning Lighting: “Give Him The Name Of The Best Lighting Apparatus…Here Is On The Draughting Board Of One Of Our Architects, A Plan For A Reformatory…I Want To Incorporate Our Lighting Therein”

Book Description

ALS. 1pg. 8 ½” x 11”. May 24, 1884. Philadelphia. An autograph letter signed “John Hoskin” on “The Edison Company for Isolated Lighting” letterhead. It was penned by Hoskin, the “Agent for the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware” to Henry A. Clark in Baltimore. As Edison patented the light bulb in 1880, this letter represents a very early mention of the invention: “…I note extension of time in re Mr. Singerly’s mill – thanks – I am regretful I said anything to you about your going to Cornwall because I must unsay my permission for you to canvass Mr. Coleman, because that job is now progressing, & it will not do any service to work at cross purposes with what is now going on. I ask you to do me the favor to cancel what I said about this. In Harrisburg also I would much rather that you did nothing, as I have some work going on there, & I would rather pull all the strings myself for the present in that city. How much have you done there? Mr. D.D. Cone 1205 F St N.W. Washington (agent I believe of Pusey Jones & Co) has written a friend to give him the name of the best lighting apparatus. It is turned over to me to reply to, & I send him your name & address. He knows of the Ledger plant – I think you had better write him. Here is on the draughting board of one of our architects, a plan for a Reformatory, which it is desired be put through & an appropriation made. It will go into your territory when built – just now it is a plan only. I want to incorporate our lighting therein. What you say, if I can get it, & pay you 50& on dynamo, will that suit. I note your obliging offer to do anything for me. Have you any idea that any part of my territory is lying convenient to yours so that you can work it. If so let me hear from you.” The letter has mailing folds and is in fine condition. It is accompanied by the original envelope.

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