[D9236AAD], Letter from John R Hargin to Thomas Alva Edison, February 1st, 1892
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9236AAD
Transcription
John Hargin to TAE Elizabeth N.J. Dear Sir, It is evident that the tenor of my letter was miscommunicated. I do not say that you should give attention to any of my inventions of mine, but to utilize one of your own. That you may fully understand the matter. On you have an invention which I understand will photograph the performers on the stage. Why can not our same invention photograph letters. Say by the arrangement of an endless sheet. Thus by presenting to the instrument a square surface on which has pasted any number so letters – thus having the advantage of transmitting the actual signature and penmanship of the writer.- This would be an advantage to the commercial world it would change ocean or long distance telegraphy and would ensure correct transmission. I dis claim any idea of the instrument – but I have drawn a plan for for the [illegible] shut, for the pasting of letters of cards thereon and or means by which the shut can be kept clean, a few minutes would give you my thought and if useful you might devote more time to it. That your reputation now is on your countrymen can be justly formed. I had an idea that by adding one more was to the instrument you now have you would be adding one more laurel to your brow. I have given you a point of my idea to convince that am no crank nor one who desires to money one when time is so precious. I will be glad to call on you if you desire or to consult with one of your aids on the subject. Respectfully John R. Cargin