CHAPTER XXX.
MARCH 15, 1848--JUNE 18, 1844 Work on first telegraph line begun .-- Gale, Fisher, and Vail appointed assistants .-- F.O.J.

Smith to secure contract for trenching .-- Morse not satisfied with contract .-- Death of Washington Allston .-- Reports to Secretary of the Treasury .-- Prophesies Atlantic cable .-- Failure of underground wires .-- Carelessness of Fisher .-- F.O.J.

Smith shows cloven hoof .-- Ezra Cornell solves a difficult problem .-- Cornell's plan for insulation endorsed by Professor Henry .-- Many discouragements .-- Work finally progresses favorably .-- Frelinghuysen's nomination as Vice-President reported by telegraph .-- Line to Baltimore completed .-- First message .-- Triumph .-- Reports of Democratic Convention .-- First long-distance conversation .-- Utility of telegraph established .-- Offer to sell to Government.