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Telegram from Guglielmo Marconi to Alexander Graham Bell

A printed telegram form from Guglielmo Marconi to Alexander Graham Bell. The handwritten message reads, “Sorry, cannot accept your kind invitation as it is essential that site should be on ocean. Hope soon to have the pleasure of thanking you in person for your generous offer. Marconi.”

Marconi, Guglielmo. December 20, 1901. Location unknown. “Telegraph from Guglielmo Marconi to Alexander Graham Bell, December 20.” Manuscript/Mixed Material (MSS51268). Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

Marconi sent this telegram to Alexander Graham Bell on December 20, 1901. Telegrams were often short because companies charged by the word.

Image transcription: “Sorry, cannot accept your kind invitation as it is essential that site should be on ocean. Hope soon to have the pleasure of thanking you in person for your generous offer. Marconi.”