[D0103AAD1], Letter from Louis Edwin Bomeisler to Thomas Alva Edison, February 18th, 1901
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D0103AAD1
Transcription
Feb 18th, 1901 My Dear Mr. Edison:- Won't you send me a short agreement covering our conversation of yesterday relative to the purchase of your new battery. The terms as discussed being satisfactory to you, it will aid and protect me during my negotiations to know that you and your Company will deliver to me or my nominees and assigns at the price and upon the terms discussed by us viz: $3,000,000 cash: you to retain right to manufacture and sell batteries to us at 20% over shop cost; purchaser to maintain open market at 50% over selling price of batteries to us by your Company; your Company to have 50% percent of any reduction in cost of manufacturing after 10,000 batteries have been produced; your Company to construct and maintain plant with sufficient capacity to supply market; all patents covering art (including station batteries) or improvements thereon now owned by you or your Company to to be taken out by you or your Company for five years from purchases to pass to us and be included in above terms. The above substantially covers the matter: details can be arranged. I do not want to do a lot of work on a matter of this magnitude and find when ready to close that I am bidding against the field. No more do I feel that you would place me on that position; for these reasons I suggested a figure which would be so high that you could not refuse it, thus enabling you to discount the future and still retain a fine manufacturing business, while I would have the opportunity of placing the business in strong hands at a profit and without fear of anyone going over or under me. Knowing your keen spirit of both business and fairness, I feel that you would not place me in this position and hence I ask for the above, which will enable me to get in a lot of good work while you are away. Should it be necessary I would even run down to Fort Myers to see you. I am rushed this week and know that you are, hence this letter; should you desire me to come out however wire me and I will come at my first opportunity. I feel that if I am in the above position I will be able to close this business shortly after your return or as soon thereafter as your tests and so forth will permit. I send this by hand to save time and answer by bearer will be welcome otherwise at your early convenience. With kindest regards, Yours sincerely, L.E. Bomeisler