[Documents were added to this folder in May 2008. These can be identified by the designation " TAEM 0:0" in the information box above the document image.]
This folder contains correspondence and other documents relating to Samuel Insull's role as Edison's private secretary, along with occasional items pertaining to his private life. Letters addressed to Insull in his capacity as Edison's secretary or representative that do not fall under the main subject categories are generally filed in this folder. Some of the documents for 1883 concern the installation of central stations. Also included is an undated list of cable codes for individuals and companies, including Edison, Insull, Charles Batchelor, Edward H. Johnson, John Kruesi, Francis R. Upton, Edison Electric Light Co., Edison Lamp Co., and Edison Machine Works; codes for numbers and phrases used in the telegraph messages also appear on this list.
All documents that provide significant information about Edison or his companies, along with a few significant pieces of Insull's personal correspondence, have been selected. Routine correspondence relating to the various Edison organizations has not been selected. Included in this category are routine letters pertaining to bookkeeping, the ordering of supplies, and the shipping of materials; letters of introduction; and requests for Insull to act as an intermediary with Edison.
Most of the documents relating to Insull's private affairs have not been selected. Included in this category are personal correspondence and accounts unrelated to Edison's activities; information about Insull's membership in clubs and societies; documents relating to Insull's role as a caretaker for the estates of various Edison associates, such as Edward H. Johnson and Charles Batchelor, while they were overseas; and correspondence pertaining to Insull's buying and selling of electric light stock.
Approximately 30 percent of the documents have been selected. Numerous other letters addressed to Insull that relate to a specific subject or to the business of a particular company can be found in their appropriate subject folders. Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.