[George Cruikshank, celebrated caricaturist, on Sir Charles Wheatstone and the 'Submarine Telegraph'.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geoe Cruikshank') to C. Le Motte, describing Wheatstone's attempts to 'lay a wire across the Thames' and in Swansea.

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. With Cruikshank's splendid sprawling signature. Addressed to 'C. Le Motte Esq' and beginning: 'Sir, | Professor Wheatstone did not lay the wire across the Thames as he proposed to do, on account of the “Trawling” in that River and also finding some trouble in obtaining permission from the Lord Mayor – as “Conservator of the Thames” - In 1840 he had all the plans and apparatus ready – and in 1844 he in company with the Member for Swansea [i.e. John Dillwyn Llewelyn (1810-1882)] – laid down a “Submarine Telegraph” in the Bay of Swansea.' The letter ends with a brief description of the method employed 'with perfect success'. See Cruikshank's long letter in The Times, 15 October 1866, describing, as 'a friend of Mr. Wheatstone', 'his part in the discovery and introduction of the electric telegraph'.