Today's post will be the first of several texts detailing a controversy 
between Francois Gouraud and Samuel F. B. Morse.  This series of 
volleys will last until March 19, 1840, although a lingering notice 
appears as late as June 1840.

On this day (February 21) in the year 1840, the following two items 
appeared in "The Evening Star" (New York) Vol. 7, No. 126 (21 February 
1840) not paginated, but both items appear on the second page:
- - - - - - -


   THE DAGUERREOTYPE EXHIBITION now open
at the corner of Chamber street and Broadway, will be conti-
nued for some time, the proceeds of which will be FOR THE
BENEFIT OF THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS OF THIS
CITY.  For the purpose of rendering the receipts as great as
possible for the above object, Mr. GOUROUD has reduced the
price of admission to 25 cents.                   J24 istf


* * * * *


    Mr. Editor--I am glad to learn, from a respectable journal of this 
city, that Professor Morse has executed a specimen of photogenique 
drawing as distinct as it could be done by Mr. Daguerre himself, and 
that he has, from Mr. Daguerre's work, constructed the instrument with 
great nicety himself.  Having endeavoured, during two months, to give 
to Mr. Morse all the instruction in my power, I am naturally pleased to 
hear of his success, as I should of the success of all the numerous 
amateurs who have attended my private or public instructions on the 
process of the Daguerreotype.
    I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
                          FRANCOIS GOURAUD,
                                Pupil of Mr. Daguerre.


(As always, original errors of spelling/grammar maintained,
including spelling error of "Gouraud" in the advertisement.)
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Posted for your enjoyment.     Gary W. Ewer     
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02-21-00