[D0326AAJ], Letter from Thomas H Leonard to Thomas Alva Edison, April 9th, 1903
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D0326AAJ
Transcription
San Bernardino, Cal., April 9, 1903. Thomas A. Edison, Menlo Park, Orange, N. J. Dear Sir: I have been handling your machines and supplies exclusive of all others, for the past ten years. My only object has been, during that time, to sell as many Edison Phonographs as possible. My customers are scattered all over the State of California, and I can, of course, sell them more goods by going to them direct, than by correspondence. My object in writing to you is to ascertain if it would be possible for you, under the circumstances, to sell me an automobile at actual cost of manufacturing? It is just what I need in my business, as it would enable me to see many more customers, and thus materially increase my sales. Enclosed you will find bills to prove to you that my assertions, regarding the handling of your goods, are correct. Hope that I may receive an early and favorable reply, in which you will name the price of machine. I remain, Yours very truly, Thos. H. Leonard. P. S. I sold three Concert Phonographs when they first came out, before Mr. Bacigalupi of San Francisco, sold one. T. H. L. <Answered Apr. 21/03> <[illegible] Bills> [TAE Marginalia]