The History: Octave Chanute has written Wilbur a letter from Paris, France as Chanute and his daughters continue their travels in Europe. Chanute has made several presentations and has agreed to write an article for publication in the French aeronautical journal L'Aerophile [1893-1947]. He tells Wilbur that the Wrights' experiments have drawn great attention in Paris.

He needs a photograph of Orville and Wilbur for the article. "You are therefore upon receipt of this to go to the photographer and be "took," and to send me two copies of each at Chicago ..." Chanute tells Wilbur to have the photographer make many prints since he is getting many requests for the brothers' photographs.

Orville and Wilbur Wright

Chanute tells Wilbur, "It seems very queer ..." that the French who have ignored recent flight experiments are now fascinated with them. The English and Germans have followed recent progress, so that "... it does not come as a surprise to them that men actually take toboggan rides on the air."

Their mutual friend, Patrick Alexander, traveled from London to Paris to hear Chanute speak. Alexander believes Chanute's promotion of the St. Louis Exposition will be well received in London.

Chanute has ordered a French anemometer that he will give to the Wrights as a gift. Chanute should be in London, England on April 10th and will be sailing on the Kronprinz Wilhelm from Southampton, England on April 29th and expects to be back in Chicago by May 8th.

1902 Wright Glider Over Kill Devil Hills

Look at this photo of Wilbur gliding. Why do you think Chanute refers to gliding flights as "tobaggan rides on the air"?

Quotations from the book The Papers of Wilbur and Orville Wright, Volume 1 by M. McFarland.