Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company

Subsequently, the UP attempted to retake control of the lines in order to lease them to an additional, competing telegraph company, the American Union Telegraph Company.

[2] Through several complex transactions, which included patent negotiations with inventor Thomas Edison, financier Jay Gould acquired sufficient shares of A&P stock to obtain control of the company by 1875.

[3]: 196–201  (During this time, Gould was also increasing his ownership in the UP, which he ended up controlling by 1880.)

Gould's takeover was contested in litigation; meanwhile, Gould initiated a rate war with competing telegraph companies, most notably Western Union, the largest company in the industry.

[4] By 1878, Gould had sold the A&P to Western Union at a handsome profit.