He was liberal, generous, profuse, full of the best instincts of his nation.

But he lacked prudence in money matters, was loose in the use of it, had little veneration for contracts, was more anxious for personal fame than wealth.

He formed and broke friendships with equal rapidity, was bitter in his hates, was impatient of restraint.

My personal attachment to him was great and sincere.

We were friends for many years until he became the agent of F.O.J.Smith, and my duties threw me in collision with him." It was not until some years after his first connection with the telegraph, in 1845, that O'Reilly turned against Morse and his associates.