Vail
tried to compute the relative frequency of all the letters in order to
arrange his alphabet; but a happy idea enabled him to save his time. He
went to the office of the local newspaper, and found the result he
wanted in the type-cases of the compositors. The Morse, or rather Vail
code, is at present the universal telegraphic code of symbols, and its
use is extending to other modes of signalling-for example, by flags,
lights, or trumpets.
The hard-fisted farmers of New Jersey, like many more at that date,
had no faith in the 'telegraph machine,' and openly declared that the
judge had been a fool for once to put his money in it. The judge, on
his part, wearied with the delay, and irritated by the sarcasm of his
neighbours, grew dispirited and moody. Alfred, and Morse, who had come
to assist, were careful to avoid meeting him. At length, on January 6,
1838, Alfred told the apprentice to go up to the house and invite his
father to come down to see the telegraph at work. It was a cold day,
but the boy was so eager that he ran off without putting on his coat.
In the sitting-room he found the judge with his hat on as if about to go
out, but seated before the fire leaning his head on his hand, and
absorbed in gloomy reflection.
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