New York, March 22,1877. 10 pp., on legal size paper. The first agreement between Edison and the Western Union Telegraph Co. for funding Edison's telegraphic experiments: "Whereas the said Edison being the owner of an experimental laboratory at Menlo Park, New Jersey, provided with all necessary facilities for perfecting new inventions applicable to the business of the said telegraph Company, and being himself an expert in devising and perfecting such new inventions, is desirous of obtaining the aid and co-operation of the Telegraph Company...And Whereas the Telegraph Company is desirous of securing for its benefit the skill and experience of said Edison and the sole right within the United States to all his inventions and improvements capable to be used on land lines of telegraph or upon cables within the United States which may be made during the period covered by this agreement..." Signed by Edison and counter-signed by William Orton, President of Western Union Telegraph Co., also signed twice by A.R. Brewer, Secretary of Western Union, as well as Clarence Clay, notary public. Docketed on verso. Disbound, with red binding ribbon present, lightly soild, some small closed tears and creasing along edges.