This was in the early part of September, 1887, before he had met Vail.

The rough draft, which is still among his papers, was completed on September 28, and the finished copy was sent to Washington on October 3, and the receipt acknowledged by Commissioner Ellsworth on October 6.

The drawing containing the signs for both numbers and letters was attached to this caveat.

Having now safeguarded himself, he was able to give his whole mind to the perfecting of the mechanical parts of his invention, and in this he was ably assisted by his new partner, Alfred Vail, and by Professor Gale.
The next few months were trying ones to both Morse and Vail.

It must not be supposed that the work went along smoothly without a hitch.