February 12, 1910
Dear Mr. Anderson:-
I have asked Mr. Hand twice for a copy of the first agreement with Mr.
Watkins, but have not received it. The second agreement was mailed Mr.
C. L. Watkins last Thursday week, and have heard nothing whatever from
him since. If I do not hear Monday, I think I shall write him, though I
have hesitated to do so for fear he might think I was crowding him.
I have explained my delicate situation here in the shop, having
undertaken the new machine because of his positive assurance that he would
go into it if we would. The business at present is left in a most
awkward and exasperating shape. I enclose experts' reports and replies.
I am much interested in the new machine, which seems to be working
out exactly as I had planned.
Mr. Watkins senior is so positive and the son is so dialtory [sic] that I
am extremely doubtful that they will go on with this business. If anything
turns up at Rockford, I think it would be well to follow it up,
no matter whether it is home or foreign patents they want. I lay off two
men for a time next week unless I hear from Mr. Watkins, as I am unable
to pay them. I am writing today a brief note to Mrs. Gilbert acknowledging
her letter and assuring her that we are doing all we can in the present
circumstances to forward the business.
I have mislaid your yesterday letter. As I understand it, you are to
telephone me Tuesday morning the hour when you and Mr. Hollister will
be here. I judge from his letter that we may look for Mr. Tanner about
that time.
Sincerely Yours
C. S. Nickerson
Mrs. Nickerson and I have read the pamphlet, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
You treat the matter in a very practical and convincing way.
(ed. Note: letter is typewritten on letterhead paper from The Nickerson Automatic Typewriter, 2244 East Belmont Avenue, Chicago)
Click here to see image of letter.
