[MU022], Letter from Francis Robbins Upton to Charles B Farley, July 11th, 1879
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Title
[MU022], Letter from Francis Robbins Upton to Charles B Farley, July 11th, 1879
Editor's Notes
I have entered into a new arrangement with Mr. Edison as you may know. I thouth it as well to take a share in the light, although it may never bring me anything. My reasons were largely these. I knew that if I could get an interest my place here would be far pleasanter, for I should be free to do as I like. Since I changed by agreement I notice M. Edison take it for granted that I can direct my own and other's work, much more than when i was working for fixed wages. Another reason was that if the light does not succeed, I shall have the run ofthe place here for experimenting if ever I may want it, and stand a much better chance of getting any positions that my be offered in which Mr. Edison is interested. This is prospective, actually we have now a machine for generating currents that is bound to come into great use for transmitting power and for plating. I admit that my reasons were largely personal, that I would rather lose a years wages in order to run the risk of gaining a large amount in company with a man like Ediosn. Just think a moment of the amount that a year will decide one way or the other $5,000 in cash and $1,500 a year for 17 eyars and nothing to do except to draw it. Then I know that the electric light can in all probability be made to work if sufficient time and money are expended for there is nothing in the nature of things against it, and all theory is in its favor. We have not as yet what we want, but we have as good if not better than than any one else in the world. The natural result of my change of gace is that I must draw on my money at home. I wish you would send me a check for $50 drawing the money from the bank. I do not feel that I have made a mistake for I have grat hopes of ultimate success, and success that is far beyond the dreams of experimeners oft he past, for light in iitself does not cost anything scarcely, it is the enormous amount of heat that by known processes goes with it that costs.
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1879-07-11
Type
Folder/Volume ID
MU02-F
Microfilm ID
95:545
Document ID
MU022
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University