ALS, four pages on two faintly lined sheets, 5.25 x 8, Telephone-Bell, Paris letterhead, August 28, 1878. Hilborne, an organ builder, early investor in the phonograph, and first cousin to Theodore Roosevelt, writes to Edison. In part: “I have delayed writing to you untill [sic] I could find out the situation. When I came here I told Mr. Puskas all you had said about being careful about the patents and fulfilling all details &c…. An advantageous offer has been made by responsible parties with cash in hand of $25,000.00 for your telephone for France and Russia, I am quite sure another such chance will not occur. Mr. P[uskas] says it is ridiculously small and refused same . I telegraphed you—’Can I accept offer $25,000 in cash’…. My brother Cornelius organized the Exhibition here, and sells the Phonographs in France, Mr. Puskas allowing him a small commission…. I must say a word about your press representative Mr. Beetle. You spoke to me in the highest terms of him and I assure you, you did not over rate him at all. I understand Mr. Puskas and Mr. Bailey are trying to get the press out of his hands. This I trust you will not tolerate…. I think your interests in the telephone are in a bad way but I trust yet something can be saved. No doubt Mr. Puskas tries his best—but his great want of decision of mind and utter lack of business education and his unfortunate way of making enemies makes it very hard for him to accomplish anything and when we add to this the absence of money—his cup of sorrow is indeed full….” In very good condition, with light show-through, partial separations at folds, and some scattered toning, feathering, and blots to text. R&R COA.
