[LB039013], Letter from Alfred Ord Tate to Edison Phonograph Works, A MacGruthar, March 22nd, 1890
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/LB039013
Transcription
March 22nd 1890 Mr. A. MacGruthar, Edison Phonograph Works, Orange, New Jersey Dear Sir:- I have your letter of 18th instant, in regard to sending a formal order to the Phonograph Works, covering each requisition for material from the Laboratory and Silver Lake, and note what you say in relation thereto. The recent investigation that I had to make at the Phonograph Works, in connection with Col. Gouraud's account, proved me quite clearly the necessity of adopting new methods, so as to assure all shipments of material being recorded in a proper manner, and I will issue instructions in accordance with your suggestion. All Col. Gouraud's orders for material were filled in the Phonograph Works' letter file. This is a very bad method. All orders for machines and supplies should be numbered consecutively, and filed as "Orders," and not as "Letters," so that we would be able to trace these numbers on the open records in the office; the receipts in your shipping book, should give a reference to the requisition on which the goods were shipped. I would like you to put these suggestions into practice with as little delay as possible. Very truly yours, A.O. Tate Secretary