[D8849ACR], Letter from George Frederick Barker to Thomas Alva Edison, November 21st, 1888

https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8849ACR

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Title

[D8849ACR], Letter from George Frederick Barker to Thomas Alva Edison, November 21st, 1888

Editor's Notes

"You may have heard that last summer the University of Pennslyvania sent out an Expedition to Assyria, under the direction of Profesor Peters, to make archaeological explorations in the vicinity of Babylon and Minaveh. To make their efforts an entire success, a [unclear] from the Turkish government giving them the right to explore, became very necessary. ### The Provost of the University has said to me today that Professor Peters has had an interview with the Grand Vizier of Turkey, and that he had said to him that the Sultan was extremely, anxious to have one of Mr. Edison's phonographs immediately; and that he believed if this could be secured, the firman would be granted. This would be a boon now only to this University but also to all the Colleges of the country, who are anxious to make collections in this direction. Provost Pepper desired me to write to you and state the facts and asks if you would be willing to send a phonograph to the Sultan of Turkey, the presentation to him being made through Mr. Strauss, the American minister at Constantinople. It would enhance the value of the instrument greatly if the Sultan knew that it came from you. And it is desirable also that it should be presented either through the University of Pennsylvania or jointly with the University, in order that the University may secure the firman which it desired. The details of this part of the transaction can be arranged later. What is important to know now is whether you will furnish a phonograph to be sent to the Sultan of Turkey with your compliments, in the way and for the purpose indicated? And if you will in how shove a time it could be started? If you will answer at once, it would be a convenience as Provost Pepper will cable your promise, if favorable, to Constantinople at once. ### Personally I should be gratified if you could accede to this request. Of course we shall expect to pay our part of the expense." Yours very truly, George F. Barker [Marginalia: "Cable Gouraud. Say Sutltan Turkey desires a phonograph. If I send one with expert will you take expert on return to London + pay his wages + travelling expenses." Edison]

Date

1888-11-21

Type

Folder/Volume ID

D8849-F

Microfilm ID

124:605

Document ID

D8849ACR

Publisher

Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University
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