[D8849ACM], Letter from Willis N Stewart to Thomas Alva Edison, November 15th, 1888
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Title
[D8849ACM], Letter from Willis N Stewart to Thomas Alva Edison, November 15th, 1888
Editor's Notes
"James Doyle was chief engineer of the Santiago Station for five years, in which time he never failed in his duty for any cause one single day. He came here in the same capacity and made the same record. From the incessant night work in the trying climate of Santiago he contracted a slight lung trouble, and here he caught cold and in three weeks went to his last rest. His family consists of an aged mother-in-aw, wife, sister-in-law, three little girls and a child shortly to be born, all left in the greatest destitution. He was a stranger here, and the subscription we have started cannot be expected to do much for so many, although all who knew the sterling good qualities of the man and his devotion to the Edison Light have contribued most generously. His death will postpone or entirely preclude my voyage to the States, as I do not care to see this Station, now successful, ruined by incompetent men. Feeling conviced that you appreciate faithful service wherever rendered, I do not hesitate to place the facts before you. And should you care to sell the Phonograph rights in Chile I can add to the price paid to you a sum sufficient to greatly aid the family, as a permanent investment ofone, or two thousand dollars, would give them a monthly interest sufficient to live upon in this country. ### I can form a Phonograph Co. in Chile for a large sum on receipt of powers and a sample instrument. Should you care to try the business calbe me "Steward, Concepcion, Chile, accept" and I will forward at once cash for sample instrument and commence the work. You should at the same time send me the price you ask for rights contract authorizing me to form a Co., and full printed matter and explanations and electrotype cut of instrument, etc. When instrument is sent you should send a cylinder addressed to Senor Balmaceda, President of Chile, in your own voice, asking that your latest invention shall be favorably received in Chile and be useful in increasing the friendship and comercial relations between the two Republics. ### This will combine charity with business. If you have other views for the Phonograph, an order on Grace & Co. to pay the family a small sum would be most gratefully received and give heart to every many working in your interest in Chile. I am still "sticking" but am poor sick and homesick." Ever Yours, W.N. Stewart
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1888-11-15
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8849-F
Microfilm ID
124:597
Document ID
D8849ACM
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University