[LB063512], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Edward Dean Adams, May 25th, 1899
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/LB063512
Transcription
May 25, 1899. Edward D. Adams, Esq., 35 Wall St., New York. My dear Adams: I have your letter of the 9th, advising me that Mr. Edward H. Harriman is about to make a trip to Alaska and suggesting that I send one of the new large phonographs with an operator for the purpose of taking records of the different tribes of Indians located in that far distant country. I very much regret my inability to do anything at this time, as my Manager informs me that we are simply so overcrowded with orders for the new type phonograph that it will not be possible to get one out in time for this trip. There is no doubt that from a scientific standpoint these records would be very useful indeed. Furthermore, in order to obtain satisfactory results, it would be necessary to send one of our best experts for the purpose and a special apparatus would have to be gotten out, but the time is too short in which to make up same, and the apparatus that is at present in use is used continuously and could not be spared. Regretting that I am unable to take advantage of your very kind suggestion, I am, Yours very truly Thos A. Edison