Tesla microfilm letters

[Ernst]

You are still way ahead of me, but I have put new versions online:
G Scherff 0001-0100
G Scherff 0101-0200
G Scherff 0201-0300 (not completely formatted, yet)
JP Morgan 0001-0100

Thanks again!

Ernst.

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0028 (having a lot of trouble with 27)
Morgan
Jan, 9 1902

...By the time my present plant is completed and I have made demonstra-
tions to your satisfaction, all this preparatory work would be done and,
should (elect you?) before the next winter the large plant could be put in
operation. Now, Mr. Morgan, am I backed by the greatest financier of all
times and shall I lose great triumphs and an immense fortune because
I need a some of money!! Is it not due to the honor of this country, that
it be identified with this achievement. Have I not contributed to it's
greatness and prestige and have my inventions not _______a revolutio-
nary effect upon its industries. These are not my claims Mr. Morgan, only
my credentials.

[fab2g]

JP Morgan #84-89 and 97-99

Hi Ernst,

below some transcriptions
#87-88 from Tesla and #89 from Morgan are really interesting when Tesla thinks he has found financing from Frick to finish Wardenclyffe, and try to find a deal with Morgan
But I had a real hard time transcribing the handwritten answer from Morgan (I think it is but signature undecipherable, by me at least) : if someone could complete this #89 , it would be great !
Tesla seems happy in the beginning of #90 but his handwriting is really too difficult for me...
So I jumped to easier ones, ie 97-99

cheers

-----------------------------------------
JPMorgan 0084

New York, August 11th, 190[5?]

Mr J.P. Morgan

23 Wall Street, New York

Dear Sir,

Under enclosure, please find assignment of a patent recently granted to me on certain discoveries to which I have refereed in my previous correspondence.
In view of this, the specification I forward might possibly be of interest to you.
Rights havve been reserved in three foreign countries.

In this [missive], I take liberty to [enclose ] [??] a leter addressed to you shortly before your departure for Europe.
My Secretary who whas its bearer and in your presence, seems to be under the impression that it was miscarried

Yours faithfully,

---------------------------------------------------

JPMorgan 0085


New York, Sep 29th, 1905

Copy,
Mr J.P. Morgan

23 Wall Street, New York

Dear Sir,

I have developed conjointly with another well-known practical engineer a novel system for the propulsion of vessels, in all important respects superior to any now in use.
We eliminate virtually all moving machinery, reducing the whole apparatus to simple stationary elements, apply the energy of the fuel more directly and with a minimum loss and complication.
This means reduced cost of construction, much greater speed, cruising radius and carrying capacity. The system is readily applicatble to an existing vessel at small expense and without material alteration, except for the removal of engine, boilers, condensers, smoke-[sticks], etc...

I have never forgotten your generous help in the development of inventions which are so far in advance of time; that they have as yet brought no commercial returns. This is a peculiarly timely, strictly commercial engineering proposition, which should be of exceptional value in the present unsettled state of the art, and it is herewith respectfully submitted to you for refusal or acceptance on your own terms.

Yours faithfully,
(signed) N. Tesla


Yours faithfully,

---------------------------------------------

JPMorgan 0086

23 WALL STREET (paper header)


New York, Sep 30th, 1905

Nikola Tesla , Esq.
Waldorf Astoria, New York City

Dear Sir,

Referring to your letter of 29th inst. , Mr. Morgan has carefully read same but regrets he cannot do anything in regard to the matter which is entirely out of his line.

Yours truly,
(signed)[Brokings]
Private Secretary

-------------------------------------------------

JPMorgan 0087-88


New York, December 13th, 1905


Mr J.Pierpont Morgan,

23 Wall Street, City

Dear Sir,

Under enclosure please find Assignment of the two patents which have just been granted to me and come within the terms of our agreement.

These patents describe an important discovery which I made in Colorado in 1899. Ordinarily the Earth responds very feebly and only locally to electrical disturbances much like the Ocean to a stone thrown into it. But there are certain waves to which the Earth is sympathetically responsive and when these are impressed upon it the globe as a whole responds very vigorously.
I take liberty, on this occasion, to tell you that I have just recovered from a severe illness which has brought more vividly to my mind the unfortunate state of affairs confronting me since three years.Just fourteen years ago I undertook to solve the problem of transmitting electrical energy without wires and in 1899, after spending a large private fortune, I finally succeeded in achieving what seemed impossible. As you will kindly remember, I approached you with a very easy and simple proposition of establishing telegraphic communication across the Atlantic, in the hope that I might later interest you in the transmission of power for industrial uses. Circumstances which we did not foresee made the original proposition impracticable and I adopted a plan which would make my success absolutely sure, irrespective of what might be developed by others and which would lay the foundation to a development commanding universal respect. You never advised me with one word and I did the best I could myself.
The result has been that for want of a certain sum of money my work has remained, up to this day, unfinished. But despite the unfortunate delay I could still return twenty times your investment if I could complete my plant, for then I would be able to send messages in type, in handwriting and by telephone to any part of the world. More than this, I could establish clearly the fact that with my system, energy in unlimited amount can be transmitted practically without any loss to any distance.
As you will see, Mr. Morgan, all depends on my being able to complete this work. To do this, more money is required. Whoever advances this capital must receive a fair interest.
Consequently if there is much a person to be found it all depends on you for, as fas as I am concerned I am satisfied with the smallest interest. I believe that I found a man generous enough to advance One hundred Thousand Dollars. It is Mr. Frick, whom you well now. What has passed between us has impressed me with feeling that he will certainly do it if I can only frame some kind of a proposition in harmony with you. I beg you to consider what the completion of this work means to me and to the world and act accordingly in your noble magnanimous way in which you have already assisted me and for which I am profoundly grateful.


Yours very respectfully,


--------------------------------------

JP Morgan 0089

23 WALL STREET (paper heading)

Dec 14/05

Mister N. Tesla

Should [....] your letter of 13th Dec and [instantly] would [...] that I am NOT willing to [....] with other [...].
I should be glad if I could j... you. You could have [] bother [....]. I should be very glad to [...] with M. Frick [in] the matter, [...] in what I have against his $100,000 to [finish] your [illand..??].

Yours [....]
[Signed ????]


----------------------------------------------
JP Morgan 97

Copy
Feb, 15, 1906

Dear Mr Morgan,

We are committed in an enterprise which MUST be carried to success for you as well as my own sake. It WILL be fi you will me a reasonable foundation to build upon, to which I am justily entitled.

Will you agree, by letter, that in exchange for your patent interest you will take one third of the stocks and bonds in companies which I shall organize for the expoundations of my inventions in telegraphy and telephoning without wires and lighting by my system ? I suggest one third for you only because it is essential for me to show others, that all are coming in on the same basis. If you will do this before sailing you will give me a chance of putting my delayed projects through. You need not fear that anybody, whith whom you would not care to associate, will [fret] in. Out Caesar out Nihil is my principle.
Please do not spoil the letter by an unnecessary reference to your unwillingness of furnishing more money. The whole town knows it.
Yours faithfully.


----------------------------------------------------
JP Morgan 98

Copy
New York, Feb 16th, 1906

N. Tesla, Esq.
Waldorf Astoria, City

Dear Sir,

I would say that I am quite prepared to take one third of any securities of any Company that you may be interested in, or under your control, as full settlement, so far as that particular Company is concerned, for my loan, provided there is secured other capital adequate for the purpose of carrying out the business.

Yours truly,
(Signed) J. Pierpont Morgan


------------------------------------------------------
JP Morgan 99
COPY
Feb, 16, 1906

Dear Mr. King,

My letter to Mr. Morgan yesterday was written in a hurry and needs amplification.
As you know Mr.Morgan owns an undivided patent interest in some of my inventions. He could go ahead without me, and so could I without him. This destroys the value of both the separate rights. To enlist new capital it is essential that our interests be merged. A statement from Morgan to this effect is therefore indispensible. Both the necessity and justice of this will certainly not escape him.

In proposing a third for him I can only hope to get for my parent Company -the original owner of these franchises- sixteen per cent, as the control will have to be surrendered to the new capital. My personal interest will consequently be small.
Will you kindly bring this before Mr. Morgan at a favorable moment today. Should he sail without doing any thing in this matter he would make me absolutely helpless.
Although one of Mr.Morgan's partners has told me that he is disgusted with me, I have never believed it. On the contrary, I have always felt sure of his sympathy and feel all the more so now after passing through misfortunes the like of which can scarcely be found in history.

In granting my request, he will give me a chance. Only a slim one, unfortunately, for a project abandoned by Mr. Morgan is as dead as a door nail.
Yours very truly,
N. Tesla

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 0089 (content of letter only)

I have received your letter of
13th Dec and in reply would state
that I am not willing to invest
any more money in the
enterprise. It should be
very good if Mr. Frick would
join you. You could have
no better associate and I
should be very glad to work
with Mr. Frick in the matter
putting in what I have
against his $100,00 to which
you allude.

Yours very truly
(signed) JPMorgan

(on a side note, I have learned that kids are no longer taught to write in 'cursive' here in America anymore (at least not in Indiana) Me and my sister who has a son in school right now were talking about this BS. How long will it be before nobody can read this stuff even if it is legible??? JLP)

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #241


New York, Nov. 14th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the castings, brush-holders and brass parts of the oscillator. Mr. Uhlman is also having made rubber columns and spark rods for some of the oscillators down in the laboratory, which are lacking these attachments.

I inclose card and letter of introduction of a gentleman who called to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #242


New York, Nov. 15th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Two cases containing large transformer, a motor and the small oscillator arrived here to-day from Colorado.

Work on the new oscillator has been stopped for the present and the overhauling of the one just received begun. The mica condenser is being built in in place of the old one. Mr. Uhlman says he will try to improve and beautify the machine in every way.

In compliance with a request from Mrs. Lamadrid her inclosed letter is forwarded. The tickets are retained here.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #243


New York, Nov. 16th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The returned oscillator is being overhauled as rapidly as possible, and the shop is practically occupied on this work. The condenser is being built in the case and a new pump is also being made for this machine.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #244


New York, Nov. 17th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your two telegrams, one stating that I should return the money to Mr. Loewenstein and that Mr. Uhlman should go ahead on the modified oscillator, the other one directing me to draw the necessary money from the Chatham Bank, were received this Friday afternoon.

The fifty dollars have been at once sent back to Mr. Loewenstein by postal money order.

Mr. Uhlman says he understands the directions in the telegram to mean that he is to go ahead with the work on all parts of the oscillator embodying the features of the independent break.

The work to-day is on overhauling the returned oscillator, making a new pump for the same and on the castings of the new machine.

I inclose some press clippings and three letters obtained to-day at the Waldorf. Beside these, there were two communications from charitable societies, to which I have replied as before.

The same article which appeared in last Sunday's Herald, which I forwarded, seems to have been published in all parts of the country.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #245


New York, Nov. 18th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the castings and disk of the new oscillator and overhauling the old one. The condenser for the latter has been built up as far as there was mica, of which there was still not a sufficient quantity to complete the condenser. Mr. Uhlman thinks it will require about 6 pounds more of mica to finish it. This would cost about $36, and in view of the great expense he hesitates to go ahead on it and asks whether or not he should do so. He says he can see no way of using smaller sheets of mica and building the condenser more economically.

I inclose statement of the expenses of the past week. I have drawn $12 from the Chatham Bank.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #246


New York, Nov. 21rst, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the castings of the new oscillator and on overhauling the old one. Mr. Uhlman says it is difficult to define just what each man is doing.

Mr. Seibel called to-day. He was fairly well recovered from his illness and expects to come to work again next Monday.

The D. Van Nostrand Company to-day forwarded a new book on “The History of Wireless Telegraphy” for your inspection. I am mailing the same together with this letter under separate cover. They say they have not received the French book on transmission of energy.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #247


New York, Nov. 22nd, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the castings of the new oscillator and on overhauling the old one.

Mr. Uhlman says he has looked over the plant for boiling out condensers and familiarized himself with the process, he is confident that he will be able to turn out the mica condenser in good shape, if instructions are received to finish it.

The inclose letter was received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #248


New York, Nov. 20th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the castings of the new oscillator, and on overhauling the old one, as making new switchboard and other changes and additions.

This morning a crank called at the office, who labored under the illusion that you are persecuting him by electro-magnetic waves and have by this means ruined his health and brought all sorts of misfortunes upon him. It seems to be the same man who, about a year ago, was confined in the City Insane Asylum, and about whom the doctor or superintendent of that institution wrote you at that time.

The two inclosed letters were received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #249


New York, Nov. 23rd, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work on the old oscillator has been finished as far as possible, that is to say, all except the mica condenser, in regard to which instructions are awaited. The work of the shop is now centered on the new oscillator, as on the shaft, castings and other minor parts.

I inclose letter and bills received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________

Tesla Correspondence #250


New York, Nov. 24th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the armature, brush-holders and brass parts of the oscillator.

The mail obtained to-day at the Waldorf contained a request to lecture before the Congressional Clerical Union, and a request from a representative of Leslie's Weekly for an article on wireless telegraphy. I have informed both writers of your absence.

I inclose a few press clippings.

Respectfully,

Geo.
Scherff


I will start on the Scherff 251 to 300 to-morrow.

[Ernst]

The work in the shop to-day was on the transcripts of JP Morgan and G. Scherff.
New versions have been uploaded at once.

G Scherff 0201-0300,
JP Morgan 0001-0100



Thanks to all!

Respectfully,
Ernst.

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #251-252-253-254-255-256-257-258-259-260

Tesla Correspondence #251


New York, Nov. 25th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your check of $300 for shop account was received this morning. In view of the large sum I thought that probably it was intended to cover the amount of $125 drawn by me last Saturday on the authority of your telegram, but this could not be done, as my receipt had already been charged through the bank, and so I received the full amount of $300.

As no instructions have been received in regard to the mica condenser, the work of the shop is entirely on the new oscillator, that is, on the armature, brush-holders and brass parts.

I inclose statement of expenses of the current week. The change in the pay-roll, which amounts to $102 this week, is due to Mr. Czito's making the first return payment of five dollars, and also to the absence of Mr. Johannessen, who has been ill since last Saturday. The last day he came to work he complained of having a sore throat. I beg to ask, whether I am to pay him his salary for this week when he returns to work.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #252


New York, Nov. 27th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your telegram in regard to the condenser was received this afternoon, and in accordance with the instructions contained therein the mica condenser is now being finished with mica strips. Other work is on the armature, pump, brush-holders and parts of the condenser of the new oscillator.

Mr. Johannessen and Mr. Seibel have returned to work to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #253


New York, Nov. 28th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the armature, pump, brush-holders and other parts of the new oscillator and on the mica condensers. The patters for the castings needed for the new oscillator are being made.

The inclose note was received to-day from Mr. Page. The patent he requires is not contained among those in the safe, and I telephoned Mr. Page to this effect. He thinks, then it must still be in Europe, and said he would write over there to inquire.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #254


New York, Nov. 29th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the armature, pump, brush-holders and other parts of the new oscillator and on splitting the mica for the condenser. Mica strips are now being used, 1 1/16 x 6 1/2 inches.

The mail to-day contained, besides the inclosed letter, a request from the Home Magazine to write an article, a request for a contribution to perpetuate the Dewey Arch and a letter from a Dr. Vecki, of San Francisco, together with a medical book written by him. I have informed the writer of the inclosed letter of your absence and that the communication would be forwarded. In reply to the other letters I have also sent information of your absence.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #255


New York, Dec. 1rst, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the armature, pump, brush-holders and armature spider of the new oscillator and splitting the mica for the condenser. Mr. Uhlman says, all the work is being pushed in order to have it finished as soon as possible.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #256


New York, Nov. 27th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the revolving shaft, pump, spark rods and other parts of the new oscillator and on the mica condenser.

Mr. Uhlman inquires if the condenser for the new oscillator is to be built up of mica or wax paper. He says building up of mica strips reveals much trouble and great difficulty is experienced in laying the strips.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #257


New York, Dec. 5th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the revolving shaft, pump, spark rods, contact connections and on the mica condenser. The pattern for the casting needed for the new oscillator are at the foundry.

Mr. Uhlman and I beg to inquire again about your health and the success of the work, not out of idle curiosity, but prompted by anxiety for the former and our deep interest in the latter.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #258


New York, Dec. 6th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work to-day is on the pulley, pump, spark rod support, switch board and on the contact connections of the oscillator. The mica condenser is ready for boiling out.

Mr. Uhlman says everybody in the shop is taking much interest in the new oscillator and trying the best to make it a success.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #259


New York, Dec. 7th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the pulley, pump, switch, spark rod support and other contact connections of the new oscillator.

I have acknowledged the receipt of the inclose letter to its author and informed him, that it would be forwarded.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______

Tesla Correspondence #260


New York, Dec. 8th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the commutator, pulley, cover, switch, spark rod support and on the contact connections of the new oscillator. The mica condenser is being boiled out.

The gentleman, whose recent letter in regard to a souvenir for Mr. Samuel Insull I forwarded, telephoned again this morning and asked me to say that a line from you as contribution would be very highly appreciated.

The mail at the Waldorf this week consisted of only circulars and journals.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _________
Ernst,

I had a look at the documents that you have done so far and it is professionally laid out and looking great.

I hope a few that could benefit from the work presently done help in this exhausting work, specially those hand written documents by Tesla, Morgan that need proof reading and possibly have some of the blanks filled in.

Special thanks to Jeff Pearson who does magnificent work on the hand written texts.

Respectfully,

Michel

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #261-262-265-266-267-268-269-270

Tesla Correspondence #261


New York, Dec. 9th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your two telegrams of Dec. 6th were received this morning.

Two double focus Roentgen tubes which were in the laboratory, have been expressed at once. However, as we are not quite sure that these are what is wanted, as the telegram says “thick platinum”, two more tubes with extra thick platinum targets, have been ordered from Mr. Greiner and will be ready for shipment on Monday.

The work of the shop continues on the commutator, pulley cover, switchboard, spark rod support and contact connections for the fields. Mr. Uhlman begs to inquire, whether the condenser for the new oscillator is to be made of wax paper or mica strips.

I inclose statement of expenses for this week. I have drawn from the Chatham Bank $200 to-day, in accordance with instructions per telegram.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #262


New York, Dec. 11th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Two new double focus tubes, with thick platinum targets, have been expressed to-day.

The work of the shop is on the commutator, disk, switchboard, spark rods and other brass parts of the new oscillator.

The inclose letter was received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #265


New York, Dec. 12th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the pulley, commutator, switchboard, spark rod support and other contact connections of the oscillator.

I beg to inquire again, if it will not be necessary soon to take some steps in regard to the corporation tax of the Company. In a pamphlet containing a copy of the tax law of the State of New York, which has been addressed to you here, I read that if a report is not made until the 15th day of January, the comptroller will appraise the property and fix the taxes accordingly, and, besides all charges, a fine of one hundred dollars will be imposed.

Perhaps the matter has been attended to directly from Colorado, and in that case I beg pardon for my officiousness.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #266


New York, Dec. 13th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the commutator, stationary shaft, casting, spark rod support and other contact connections of the oscillator and on the assembling the old oscillator.

The inclosed letter was received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #267


New York, Dec. 14th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the commutator, condenser case casting, spark rod support and minor parts of the oscillator.

Mr. Uhlman regrets very much to report that he has not succeeded with the mica condenser, the same having been short-circuited, he thinks, in boiling up with mica strips, although great care was exercised. The condenser had to be boiled out twice, as the first time the wax showed bubbles. Mr. Uhlman asks, if he may take it apart and attempt to rebuild it successfully.

The French book on energy transmission has finally arrived to-day and was at once forwarded.

Permit me to offer my congratulations and best wishes for Dec. 18Th, the day of your patron saint.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #268


New York, Dec. 15th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the commutator, condenser case casting, spark rods, armature, brass strips for the condenser and on minor parts of the oscillator. Mr. Uhlman says the work is being pushed as rapidly as possible.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #269


New York, Dec. 16th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your letter of Dec 12th, inclosing check of $200 for shop expenses, was received this morning. I am very glad to know of your great success and that you will soon return.

Mr. Uhlman has put Alfred to work on some tubes at once and thinks that he will be able to make them after a little practice.

Since you have been in Colorado, I have drawn from the Chatham Bank without your check as follow:

May 27 -----------------------$200.00
Sep 19 ------------------------ 75.00 (Traveling Exp. For Mr. Czito)
Nov. 17 ----------------------- 125.00
Dec. 9 -------------------------200.00
600.00

The work of the shop is on the armature, stationary shaft casting, condenser strips, spark rods, contact connections and minor parts of the oscillator. Mr. Uhlman inquires, if the same size primary and secondary is to be used for this machine as for the old oscillator.

I inclose statement of shop expenses for the past week.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

Tesla Correspondence #270


New York, Dec. 18th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the stationary shaft casting, insulating of the armature, condenser case and parts for the condenser, spark rods and winding of the magnets of the oscillator.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ______

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #271-272-273-274-275-276-277-278-279-280

Tesla Correspondence #271


New York, Dec. 19th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on the stationary shaft casting, insulation of the armature, condenser case and parts of the condenser, spark rods and minor parts of the oscillator. Mr. Uhlman says, Alfred is working in the glass blowing room with great enthusiasm.

A letter was received to-day from Bennett City, British Columbia, containing an inquiry about your system of wireless telegraphy and expressing its interest of the same for distances of over three hundred miles, to the nearest ordinary telegraph station. I have informed the writer of the letter, that it would be laid as before on your return from Colorado.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #272


New York, Dec. 20th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop is on the insulation of the armature, stationary shaft casting, casting of the condenser parts, spark rods and on the condenser case for the oscillator.

Mr. Uhlman says four of the stationary shaft castings, after being turned down, have proved to be full of blow holes, which cause them to leak. The two remaining castings will be tried, but in the mean time more castings have been ordered from another foundry. Mr. Ohlman regrets the delay occasioned hereby, but says that otherwise the work on the new oscillator is progressing as rapidly as possible.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #273


New York, Dec. 21rst, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the stationary shaft casting, condenser case, spark rods and support, insulation of the armature and commutator we finishing and assembling other parts of the oscillator.

Mr Uhlman says all the stationary shaft castings have turned out to be full of blow holes at the bottom, but the best one has been chosen and plugged with a steel bushing, and so a perfectly tight casting has been secured. This procedure was resorted to in order not to delay the work until the other castings are ready, but if it proves unsuccessful, Mr Uhlman says, one of the new castings will be immediately used up when they arrive.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #274


New York, Dec. 22nd, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work continues on the stationary shaft casting, condenser case, spark rod support, winding of the armature and switchboard of the oscillator.

Mr. Uhlman is also having made one primary and three secondary coils, one set for the new oscillator and the remaining secondaries for the other oscillator.

I beg to ask what I may answer to the inclosed letter from Spain, which was received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #275


New York, Dec. 23rd, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on finishing of the pulley, assembling of the condenser case, stationary shaft and ----- castings and on various minor parts of the oscillator.

I send herewith bills of the Edison Illuminating Co. And a letter from Mr. Page. The statement of the Edison Co. Is correct, as last month no check was sent for the bills which I forwarded.

The patent which Mr. Page requires is not here in the safe and I so informed Mr. Page by telephone. He then said he thinks you have it in Colorado, and begs you to send it to him.

I inclose also a statement of the expenses for this week as no check was received to-day for the men's salaries, which will be ---- ---- your check ---- -- ---- in.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #276


New York, Dec. 24th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your check of $200 for shop acount. I presented the same at the Bank and ---- ---- -- in addition to the amount drawn by me last Saturday now on hand $72.42 cash.

I am mailing together with this letter a note from Mr.Uhlman. The information it contains will no doubt be a considerable disappointment to you. It has been apparent for the past few months that Mr. Uhlman was in bad health, and specially during the last couple of weeks he has failed visibly, until at present he is so weak that he is hardly able to be about. I was shocked this morning when he told me that, after a thorough examination, two – advised by them to leave this City as quickly as possible for a milder climate, and he expects to be ready to depart the early part of next week at the latest.

Nearly all parts of the new oscillator are now finished – except the condenser which will be started in a day or two – the rest of the work being mostly assembling. As the work is slacking

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Tesla Correspondence #277

up, Mr. Uhlman begs for instructions in regard to further work in order to keep all the men busy. He says he will try to arrange everything satisfactorily in case you do not return before he has to leave.

Mr. Lindeke came to the shop this morning more or less intoxicated and in his work committed an error in drilling and, Mr. Uhlman says, when he called his attention to it and to his intoxication, he left in a huff. Mr. Uhlman also wishes to mention than a number of times Lindeke came to work on Monday mornings considerably under the influence of liquor and that his work has been more or less disappointing.

The inclosed letter was received to-day.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #278


New York, Dec. 27th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Mr. Uhlman reports the work of the shop to be on assembling of the armature spider and pulley and on assembling of the magnet and stationary shaft castings and condenser case, on lacquering of the spark rod device and on other minor parts of the oscillator.

My apology for sending the inclosed article from the Electrician is, that it may perhaps contain some valuable reference for business purposes.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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Tesla Correspondence #279


New York, Dec. 28th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop continues on assembling of the magnet and stationary shaft castings and condenser case, on the spark rods, switchboard and building up of the condenser for the oscillator. Mr. Uhlman says, the work is nearing completion.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ ___

Tesla Correspondence #280


New York, Dec. 29th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work of the shop to-day is on the condenser case, switchboard, copper connections up and other minor parts of the oscillator. In the absence of other orders, Mr. Clark is turning up a stationary shaft casting for a second oscillator.

Mr. Uhlman expects to leave to-morrow, if he can perfect his arrangements.

I inclose some letters obtained to-day at the Waldorf.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

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[Ernst]

It is hard to keep up with you Michel!

I have just added some handwritten texts.

G Scherff 0201-0300,


Ernst.

[Michelinho]

Hi Ernst,

Good computers, great keyboard (old IBM ps2) and lots of eye straining, zooming in or out, playing with contrast and brightness and other filters and above all, a good computer chair. May be I'll change my nickname to Red Eyes... The last batch is the worst yet, washed out and plenty of deterioration and picture noise. I'll have to read most of the stuff in the archive, some good information and insight on the people involved.

Out of around 3800 files, how many need transcription? and will you make an archive with the original files and the new transcripts compressed when all are done? And make it available on Bit Torrent, I have cable and unlimited data transfer.

Take care,

Michel

[Ernst]

Hi Red Eyes ,

Found some time to put your fingers (and eyes) in some ice water?
I never expected such dedication from one single person, if only we could have 1% of that dedication in all Tesla fans and supporters the work would have been finished already.

The originals include probably 10 or so papers on which not a single character is discernible. Either it is all black or all white. I did not bother to scan those.
Now, there are
502 in G Scherff-1
373 in G Scherff-2
60 in G Westinghouse
354 in Westinghouse Co.
254 in JP Morgan
405 in RU Johnson-1
288 in RU Johnson-2
3 in S Clemens
2239 microfilm letters in total that I would like to have transcribed and of course made available to anyone who is interested. I am convinced that there are no (c) on these letters and most certainly not on our transcriptions, so any way to distribute them is a good way.
With or without originals. Would be good for bit-torrent or other programs where the more you share the more you can download.

To me, I found the Scherff files interesting from a technical perspective, Morgan from a historical perspective and the RUJ-files show Tesla as a friend/person.
The Westinghouse files are a mix of these and give you a more complete picture.

As Jeff already noticed, the number of people who can read cursive handwriting is getting smaller every day. There may come a day when no one can decipher these documents anymore, or maybe perhaps some dusty professor who is also doing hieroglyphs.
We (more hand would certainly help!) should try to get this work done before such time.


Ernst.

[Michelinho]

It is a must read for those involved in research and for all the fans of Tesla. On many files, Tesla gives instructions on how to build the equipment he needs and with what. ex.: How he wants his mica condenser built and the size of the mica strips that are to be split from a bloc by his employees, tedious work but I am sure the condensers are top rated. He gives the size of the mica strips to use and mentions that the partial unit is boiled in wax for many hours and then they are enclosed in a casting.

As Jeff already noticed, the number of people who can read cursive handwriting is getting smaller every day.

True, and the more you read it the better you get at deciphering cursive writing. I checked most of of those files and it is bad hand writing for the majority. If you are native English speaker it is a big plus as words come out naturally. Tesla is not a native of the English language, that add to the difficulty because words are often less predictable.

The only thing that counts at the end of the day is that all of them files have to be transcribe.

Take care,

Michel

[Michelinho]

Tesla Correspondence #281


New York, Dec. 30th, 1899
46 & 48 E. Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

Your two telegrams were received this morning. Mr. Uhlman has left to-day, as I have --- ------. He desires very much to stay until your return, but he was sinking rapidly and his physician advised him to go at once to the South, as the cold winters here are the cause of his illness. He says he will stop at his mother's in Missouri for a few weeks and try to ---- a little and we all feel very sorry for him.

Mr Uhlman has left very complete instructions in regard to the work with the men, and specially with Mr. Joannessen, so that they will be able to finish the oscillator under way, which is now nearing completion.

I have always had much difficulty in driving men at the Chatham Bank without your checks, and last week the cashier told me that absolutely I could not do so again without power of attorney, or unless they also received authority by telegram whenever I was to draw money without a check. This was the reason for the

__________________________________________________ _______________


Tesla Correspondence #282


---- answer had not ----- ---- --- --- ---- -- the bank was going to close. I anticipated the ---- -- admission of the President. (----)

I inclose statement of expenses for the current week. The charge in the payroll is --- to -----------------------. I beg to remain, ----------------------------.

------------------ missing ----- years.

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______________


Tesla Correspondence #283


New York, Jan. 2nd, 1899
46 & 48 East Houston Street.


Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.


Dear Mr Tesla:

The work on the oscillator is nearing completion. Mr. Joannessen thinks that all the parts will be finished in three or four days, only the boiling of the condenser will probably take a little longer. I would beg, therefore, for instructions in regard to further work. Mr. Clark is now working on parts of a second oscillator.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______________


Tesla Correspondence #288

T e s l a L a b o r a t o r y
Wardencliffe, Long Island, N.Y.



August 17th, 1902.

Nikola Tesla, Esq.,
The Waldork-Astoria,
New York City.

Mr. Warden spoke to me this morning about the taxation of your property, in regard to which he said he had already written you. He told me that the Board of Tax Commissioners will meet next Wednesday, on the 19th inst at Miller Place, and if you wish to make any claim it should be done there. Will you please let me know, if you wish me to go there and make a claim. ---------------------- if the tax this year on the ground, that you --------- ---------- instructions and not yet productive.

Respectfully,

Geo. Scherff

__________________________________________________ _______________

[Jeff Pearson]

Morgan 34

Michelinho you are a marathon runner in this!!
I have been messing around with these in a couple different photo editors (gimp and nero) but have absolutely no Idea what I am doing and have only had limited success with the ones that are overly dark. My eyes need a break. Skipping ahead to

Morgan 0034
New York, Sep 5th, 1902

Dear Mr. Morgan:-
Hoping that you may now have a free moment to spare, I
venture to respectfully submit the following:
1. Under inclosure please find assignment of some foreign
patents, chiefly relating to an invention, which I have mentioned
in my earlier letters to you. In this country my fundamental
rights are likewise assured on this beautiful principle which per-
mits of an indefinite cheapening and unlimited extension of tele-
graphy and telephony through natural and artificial channels.
Knowing your interest in scientific advances, I will attempt a
simple explanation. We are able to receive numberless distinct
impressioning, because the controlling nerve fibers lend themselves
to innumerable combinations, and we can distinguish as individual
from all others by reason of a great many characteristic features
which in no other individual exist, or if so, not in that particu-
lar combination. In this reside both the essence and virtue of the
invention. The transmitter is not primitively(underlined) characterized by a
single note or peculiarity, as heretofore, but represents a very
complex and, therefore, unmistakable individuality, of which the
receiver is the exact counterpart, and only as such can it respond.
To go a step farther, I make the operation of the receiving in-
strument dependent not only of a great number of distinctive ele-
ments in combination, but also on their order of succession and,
if necessary, I go so far as to vary continuously the character of
the individual elements. These latter refinements I shall intro-
duce in the transmission to the most important centers of the
world. You can see, how impossible it will be to intercept my mes-
sages or to interfere with them. With proper facilities for manu-
facture and technical assistance it is practicable to prepare in-
struments which would enable the transmission of ten thousand si-
multaneous dispatches through either the Earth or a wire.
2. Some time ago, finding that my inventions in the wire-
less transmission of energy and production of electrical oscilla-
tions had been, boldly appropriated, I came to the conclusion, after
carefully considering every course I could adopt, that the only
way to fully protect myself was to develop apparatus of such power
as to enable me to control effectively the vibrations throughout
the globe. Now, if I had recognized this necessity earlier, I
would have gone to Niagara, and with the capital you have so gen-
erously advanced I could have accomplished this easily. But, un-
fortunately, my plans were already made and I could not change. I
endeavored once to explain this to you, much to my sorrow, as I
impressed you wrongly. Nothing remained then but to do the best I
could under the circumstances. My efforts will be in a large

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