[D8940ABK], Letter from Charles J Hubbell to Thomas Alva Edison, December 5th, 1889
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Title
[D8940ABK], Letter from Charles J Hubbell to Thomas Alva Edison, December 5th, 1889
Editor's Notes
New York, December 5th, 1889 Mr. Thomas A. Edison, Dear Sir:-- I inclose you copy of letter addressed to me by Mr. A. Reasoner, Superintendent of the D.L. & W.R.R. Co. whicb provves most conclusively that I virtually secured the contract for the Edison Electric Light plant in their new depot and sheds at Hoboken, N.J., and yet Frank Chinnock ignoring his pledged word to be that he would divide his commission with me if the contract was secured", not only absolutely ignores my claim, but refused my request of the small sum of $50., although my sommission would foot up ovver $250., exclusive of engines and wiring, and calls me a blackmailer in addition. This plant consists of two 45o light machines, one eighty horse power N.Y. Safety Engine with wiring, fixtures etc.##During the period of eight months that I was connected with the Edison Co. I secured about eight contracts, none less than $2000 and at regular list prices, and I think I fairly earned my $150 a month and an aerage of not to exceed Five Dollars a week for expenses, or a grand total of about $1375. paid me inclusive of necessary expenses for the sale of the above, yet I was engaged upon a guaranteed salary of $1800 a year and 15% commissions, and when I refused to resign until my year was up, and by the advice of Mr. Batchelor sued the company, three of the officials swore I was engaged by the month, and I lost the case. I have made several demands for a statement of my account but could get no satisfaction. I expected that I would have had your support so long as I did my duty, and was successful, but I was cruelly disappointed. Mr. Tait said to me the other night that had you not, as it were, forced me upon Chinnock he would have treated me differently, he simply resented your interference with his perogative, and I suffered accordingly. I have paid oe $200 for furniture, supposing I was permanently engaged, and as it was purchased on the instalment plan, I was forced to give it up, and lose what I had paid as well as my home.##You are an old telegrapher, so am I. You were once poor, and I am now, and I only ask justice of you, will you give it to me? I shall trouble you no more, however, in this way. CJ Hubbell [Enclosure is D8940ABL]: Hoboken Station, Nov. 29, 1889 Mr. C.J. Hubbell, Dear Sir:-- At your request, I am perfectly willing in order to corroborate your statement made you say to the Edison United Mfg. Co. and their agent for this State, Mr. Frank Chinnock, whom you first introduced to me to say that I endorse your claim that you virtually secured the contract for the Electric Light plant at this Station, that it was primarily upon your representations, and personal efforts and recommendations that the matter was considered and entertained by me. You spend considerable time and had several interviews upon the subject and submitted a proposal before introducing Mr. Chinnock.Yours truly, A. Reasoner, Supt.
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1889-12-05
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8940-F
Microfilm ID
126:607
Document ID
D8940ABK
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University