[D8848ACW], Letter from George Parsons Lathrop to Alfred Ord Tate, July 19th, 1888
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Title
[D8848ACW], Letter from George Parsons Lathrop to Alfred Ord Tate, July 19th, 1888
Editor's Notes
"Your two notes about 2 weeks ago, found one here on my return, July 5th. I was sorry that the severe attack of illness, which kept me for a week in New York, prevented my coming out to see Edison before my return to this place.# I wish to inquire whether the transfer of the Phonograph to the new North American Co., or Lipincott's syndicate, extinguishes my chance of doing anything in the line I was contemplating.#The last time I was at the Laboratory, speaking with Edison about a possible sale of the whole Phono. Interest, I said: "In that case, it seems to me that I shall get left." He replied quite earnestly: "No, you won't get left." I have no doubt he will recall this brief conversation; for my notion is that he remembers pretty nearly everything.#My contract with Edison for the use of the "Amusement Phonograph" was what he called "the best kind of contract," viz. "his mouth." I was ready, all along, to carry out my end of it; and was prevented, not by my end of it; and was prevented, not by any fault of mine, but, as you are aware and as I explained to Edison, by the delay of Gilliland and Tomlinson, who suddenly put down the brakes on the incorporation of the Amusement Phono. Co., and could not even be induced to consult any further about it.#I haven't any idea that Edison meant, or means, to drop me out unceremoniously; especially after what he said about my not getting "left." So what I am desirous of finding out is, what sort of loophole has been left for me; or whether I have been to any extent included in the new deal, and how.#I write to you, instead of to Edison directly, because I don't want to risk bothering him by sending a letter which might reach him at a busy moment.#Will you kindly bring this matter to his attention soon, at a convenient time for him, and give me his reply? Perhaps you will find it the shortest and best way to just show him this note, and talk it over.#With regards to your wife, and best wishes for you all," Sincerely yours, G.P. Lathrop [Marginalia: "Ans 27/3/88" - answered on 23 July D8818APV, Tate merely states he will write on subject when he has info - no later corr about this]
Author
Recipient
Date
1888-07-19
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8848-F
Microfilm ID
124:385
Document ID
D8848ACW
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University