You have it in your power, by a simple order, to obtain from the Government these 5000 men.

In this case what would you do ?' "He replied without hesitation: 'I should order the 5000, of course.' "'But,' I rejoined, 'the material of the army would be greatly increased by such an order.' "He comprehended the case, and, laughing heartily, abandoned the objection, but took refuge in the general skepticism of that day on the practicability of an electric telegraph.

He did not believe it could ever be put in practise.

This was an argument I could not then repel.

Time alone could vindicate my opinion, and time has shown both its practicability and its utility.".