[D8849ACA], Letter from George Edward Gouraud to Thomas Alva Edison, October 10th, 1888
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Title
[D8849ACA], Letter from George Edward Gouraud to Thomas Alva Edison, October 10th, 1888
Editor's Notes
"I beg to confirm your reply message as follows-: 'Understand you are negotiating with Maguire about South American Phonographs. Don't think he is right man, and suggest you do nothing as to any American countries with people here without enquiring of me their standing.--Edison' ### To which I immediately replied on receipt, as follows:-'Maguire, I shouldn't think of doing otherwise.' ### With reference to the above I will state to you what has really occurred in connection with said negotiations, which are as follows:- Sometime back Mr. Maguire wrote me asking for particulars as to the control of the South American rights, to which I replied that any suggestion from him would be fully considered. On the 3rd inst. I received the following message from him, which apparently emanated from him on receipt of my letter, as indicated above. The message ran as follows; and was dated from Philadelphia:- ### 'Proposition in few days. Maguire.' ### The next that I heard in connection with this matter was your own telegram, but almost simultaneously with it. I received from Maguire the following:- 'Hundred thousand, option twenty days, answer. Maguire.' ### TO this I replied in the following terms:- ### 'Parties here ready pay as many pounds. Gouraud.' ### From the above actual facts you willl see that I gave Maguire no encouragement whatsoever, and it may truly be said that no negotiations have yet taken place. I do not believe in view of what I cabled him, that he will proceed further in the matter, but as I indicated in my telegram again I should never think of parting with the South American rights without first consulting you. ### In reference to this I must ask you to give me definite instructions as to what you decide regarding the patent fights for these countries, as the matter at present is in abeyance, and until I get permission I should not think of proceeding further. You will no doubt appreciate the necessity of securing patents in these countries, and I would suggest that you leave this matter in Messers Dyer & Seely's hands, for them to set best in the circumstances. As I have before pointed out, and am advised by the Patent Authorities here, no harm can accrue to long term countries if short terms are filed and issues delayed until long time country patents are granted. ### This suggestion, if it meets with your approval. I have no doubt will be satisfactory to yourself as it will be to me, as the South American countries will unquestionably be more valuable if we have patents." Yours faithfully, G.E. Gouraud
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1888-10-10
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8849-F
Microfilm ID
124:571
Document ID
D8849ACA
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University