[LM003011], Letter from Samuel Insull to Edward Hibberd Johnson, January 8th, 1882
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Title
[LM003011], Letter from Samuel Insull to Edward Hibberd Johnson, January 8th, 1882
Editor's Notes
[9 pages. A good letter for reference and to quote from, esp. about Insull's role with TAE but probably not selectable.] Just wrote you about your account and will now "give you my views on men & things." I like general idea of the English contract, so does TAE. Discussed amongst TAE, Lowrey, Fabbri, & self; Lowrey and I to work out form of proposed alteration. Discusses at some length proposed relationship between 'A' and 'B' shares.. Briefly outlines some objections to terms of present proposal, eg. relationship to manufacturing, compensation for later improvements, etc. Strongly disapprove of Arnold White becoming secretary, and will say so to TAE, who will take my view. Don't know what your view is but I can't forget the memo White presented to board of Edison Telephone Co; it was very clear and can't be explained away; was apparently intended to "dish" holders of the Edison reversion. Edison very pleased by "substantial" backing of you by Drexel, MOrgan; Fabbri ordered the 10 machines you asked for. DM&Co people are "a little hard in some things but they do not make a lot of empty promises." Don't know much about French business but think Fabbri believes his proposition was not made properly to European directors; Wright would only take 'yes' or 'no' answer, no discussion. Don't know what I did to give Fabbri the impression he must have had when he talked with you; always try to give bad news gently. "I always try to remember that I am little more than a boy & when during the discussion of the English contract I noticed that such old business men as Mr Fabbri and Lowrey not only listened to but seemed to encourage my comments on various points I felt very much pleased not only for m y own sake but also because I think that in such matters I shall be able to render Edison a good deal of assistance. It just crossed my mind that probably your good offices I am indebted for such a happy state of affairs. I do all I can in an unobtrusive manner to counteract any tendency on Edison's part to take a prejudiced view of his financial affairs & I have pointed out to him frequently of late that DM&Co record on Electric Light matters is better than any of hte other monied people of the enterprise." TAE and Fabbri pleased with how you run things there. Big dynamo working fine--ran 1360 lights--only wish the engine was as good; think Porter-Allen will give much trouble. "Porter's reputation with Edison is 'petering' and he (E) would like to have an Armington & Sims engine to send over with the new machine." TAE testing modified dynamometer. Briefly discusses correspondence with Gouraud. Wrote letter of recommendation to Rogers, a partner of Mr. Shillito whom you've met.
Author
Recipient
Date
1882-01-08
Type
Folder/Volume ID
LM003-F
Microfilm ID
84:12
Document ID
LM003011
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University