James S. Warden vs. Nikola Tesla

James S. Warden of Wardenclyffe brought a suit against Nikola Tesla, the well known wireless telegraph exponent and electrician, to recover interest claimed to be due on a real estate deal. Mr. Tesla has a large electrical plant at Wardenclyffe. When he came to the place he bought 200 acres of property of Mr. Warden, and asked for an option for two years on a tract supposed to contain 410 acres. After some dickering Mr. Warden told Mr. Tesla if he would pay 4 per cent. per year on $10,250, the agreed price of the property, he would give the option. It was claimed by the plaintiff that the contract was agreed upon, but that interest, amounting in all to $820 for the two years, was not paid, so Mr. Warden sued to recover. The defendant contended that the tract did not include so much property, and consequently he was not bound to pay a percentage upon the valuation set. The jury brought in a verdict for plaintiff for full amount.