The History: Joseph Dosher subsequently gave Wilbur's letter to William "Bill" J. Tate one of the Kitty Hawk's leading and best educated citizens.

William Tate and Family on the Porch of the Kitty Hawk Post Office, September, 1900.

Tate had been intrigued with Wilbur's mention of his "scientific kite flying". Tate reported steady winds of 10-20 miles per hour, sandy hills and stretches of land without any trees or shrubs to change the wind. Tate conveyed to Wilbur that Kitty Hawk had a telegraph service, daily mail, healthy climate and Wilbur could obtain board [daily meals for a fee]. He urged Wilbur to come early in the season, since November's weather may be bad.

In closing, Bill Tate encourages Wilbur: "If you decide to try your machine here & come I will take pleasure in doing all I can for your convenience & success & pleasure, & I assure you you will find a hospitable people when you come among us."

The Wrights settled on Kitty Hawk after receiving Tate's letter.

Bill Tate had been Kitty Hawk's first postmaster (1878) and although his wife, Addie was the "postmistress" now, Bill still ran the post office. He also was a notary public and a commissioner in their county. He would become a captain of their life saving station. Bill Tate will play heavily in the story of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk over the next few years.

Quotation from the book Miracle at Kitty Hawk by Fred C. Kelly.