That, by virtue of the power of adding to their numbers, they called to their aid the gentlemen whose names are hereunto annexed, with those of the original members of the committee, and proceeded to examine Professor Morse’s electro magnetic telegraph. Having investigated the scientific principles on which it is founded, inspected the mechanism by which these principles are brought into practical operation, and seen the instruments in use in the transmission and return of various messages, they have come to the conclusion that it is admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is intended, being capable of forming words, numbers, and sentences, nearly as fast as they can be written in ordinary characters, and of transmitting them to great distances with a velocity equal to that of light. They, therefore, beg leave to recommend the telegraph of Professor Morse for such testimonials of the approbation of the American Institute as may in its judgment be due to a most important practical application of high science, brought into successful operation by the exercise of much mechanical skill and ingenuity. All which is respectfully submitted. JAMES RENWICK, LL. D., _Prof. Chem. and Nat. Phil., Columbia Col., N. Y._ JOHN W. DRAPER, M. D., _Prof. Chem. and Min., University, city of New York._ WILLIAM H. ELLET, M. D. _Prof. Chem., &c. Col. of Columbia, S. C._ JAMES R. CHILTON, M. D., _Chem., &c., New York._ G. C. SCHAEFFER, _Associate Prof. Chem., Columbia Col., N. Y._ EDWARD CLARK. CHARLES A. LEE, M. D. Extract from the minutes of the Institute: _Resolved_, That the report be accepted, adopted, and referred to the premium committee, and that the recording secretary be directed to publish the same, at the expense of the Institute. No. 13. _Letter from S. F. B. Morse to the Hon. C. G. Ferris._ NEW YORK, _December 6, 1842_. DEAR SIR: In compliance with your request, I give you a slight history of my electro magnetic telegraph, since it was presented for the consideration of Congress, in the year 1838. During the session of the 25th Congress, a report was made by the Committee on Commerce of the house, which concluded by unanimously submitting a bill appropriating $30,000 for the purpose of testing my system of electro magnetic telegraphs. The pressure of business at the close of that session prevented any action being taken upon it.