Wilbur Wright to Octave Chanute

Dayton, July 16, 1905

Your letters of June 28 & July 13th, the latter enclosing copy of the Standard Encyclopedia article, have been received. I doubt whether the expression "in perfect safety" on page 4, line 4, is quite justified. Such experiments are dangerous even though the event is favorable.

We have made nearly ten trials with the 1905 machine but have accomplished nothing notable as yet, the longest flight being only 750 ft. We have made several changes in the operating handles and have had some trouble instantly acquiring familiarity with them. We are sure they will be a good thing when we have learned the combination properly, but they have cost us several rather unlucky breakages, aggregating several weeks of delay.

When the British representative comes we will be glad to let you know. We will not hurry matters till we get the machine under proper control.

Octave Chanute to Wilbur Wright, July 27, 1905