Keep him from running ahead too fast." Again writing to his brother George from Washington, on February 20, 1838, Alfred says: "In regard to Professor M.calling me his '_assistant_,' this is also settled, and he has said as much as to apologize for using the term." Why Vail should have objected to being called Morse's assistant, I cannot quite understand, for he was so designated in the contract later made with the Government; but Morse was evidently willing to humor him in this.
I have thought it best to refer to these little incidents partly in the interest of absolute candor, partly to emphasize the nervous tension under which both were working at that time.

That there was no lasting resentment in the mind of Vail is amply proved by the following extract from a long letter written by him on March 19, 1838:-- "The great expectations I had on my return home of going into partnership with George, founded, or semi-founded, on the promises made by my father, have burst.

I am again on vague promises for three months, and they resting upon the success of the printing machine.
"I feel, Professor Morse, that, if I am ever worth anything, it will be wholly attributable to your kindness.

I now should have no _earthly_ prospect of happiness and domestic bliss had it not been for what you have done.

For which I shall ever remember [you] with the liveliest emotions of gratitude, whether it is eventually successful or not." Aside from the slight friction to which I have referred, and which was most excusable under the circumstances, the joint work on the telegraph proceeded harmoniously.