The Whig party were to hold their convention at Baltimore, in May.
The managers of the telegraph worked hard to get the line done before the meeting.
And, although the line was not finished, signals were arranged by which the message could be given.
At last the day came.
Henry Clay was nominated for President.
The news was sent by the wires to Washington.
Passengers arrived from Baltimore an hour later.
They were astonished to find the news already known.
On the 24th of May the line was ready for its test.
Every one was anxious.