TLS signed “Thos. A. Edison,” one page, 7.75 x 10.5, From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison letterhead, July 12, 1923. Letter to Mrs. Frederic C. Hirons, in part: "It has given me great pleasure to learn of the generosity and public spirit you have manifested in the presentation to the Town of Westbrook, Connecticut, of a house and memorabilia, as the nucleus of a permanent memorial museum to David Bushnell, the distinguished American, whose inventions entitle him to be regarded as the Father of Submarine Warfare. I trust that your undertaking will meet with the success to which it is so much entitled." Nicely double-matted and framed with the original mailing envelope, a portrait, and nameplate to an overall size of 20.5 x 16.5. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, and a small vertical tear to the lower left side.
Inventor David Bushnell of Westbrook, Connecticut, was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, and developed the first submarine to be used in battle. Bushnell's craft, the Turtle, was built in 1775 as a means of attaching explosive charges to British ships occupying North American harbors. Although all attempts to sink the Royal Navy's vessels failed, Bushnell's submarine holds an important place as a 'first' in the history of naval warfare. A fascinating letter connecting important American inventors across centuries.
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