[kristopolous]

Telegraphs charged by the word, a lot

"In 1860, for example, a ten-word telegram sent from New York to New Orleans cost $2.70 (about $65 in 2012 currency). When the transcontinental telegraph opened, the cost was $7.40 for ten words (about $210), while a ten word transatlantic message to England cost $100 (about $2,600)."

https://newatlas.com/last-telegraph-message/28314/

That's why in those old movies and plays everyone always looked dreadfully concerned about making sure someone got their telegraph message, that thing was pricey.

[dTal]

Incredible that it's cheaper now to physically travel across the Atlantic and deliver your 10 word message in person, all expenses paid, than it was to send it by wire.