Series 4: Presidential Letterbooks and Writings, 1865-1911

The Letterbooks are divided into three smaller subseries:

1. Presidential Letterbooks, 1865-1893

2. Miscellaneous Letterbooks, 1887-1911

3. Writings, 1872-1890

The Presidential Letterbooks document the tenure of William Orton (November 3, 1865 to April 20, 1878) and Norvin Green (July 20, 1877 to January 12, 1893). There are twenty-one letterbooks for William Orton and eleven letterbooks for Norvin Green. An alphabetical index to surname of the addressee/recipient accompanies each volume. The miscellaneous letterbooks of 1887-1911 are divided into four volumes. The letterbook of Frank B. Rae, a Western Union employee and George W. Huddleston, a manager outlines tools and other supplies and repairs needed; details some personnel suggestions about firing, wage increases and hiring; and requests approval and subsequent payment of overtime for specific personnel. There are a few letters on similar subjects from A.P. Lauckhart. Jay R. Page and E.G. Scheckler's correspondence documents requests for supplies and repairs to equipment. There are letters from E G. Scheckler to F. H. Tubbs (Western Union Superintendent) protesting his "acting" status and salary. There are some letters about personnel, orders to outside companies, and requests for permission to string wires from property owned by others. The majority of the correspondence is internal to the company and pertains to operating matters.

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Revised: February 5, 2013