This letterbook covers the period February-September 1891. Most of the correspondence is by Alfred O. Tate and Thomas Maguire. There are also some letters by Edison. Many of the letters are addressed to James W. Gladstone. The correspondence deals mainly with the marketing of the Edison-Lalande primary battery for use with the telegraph and phonograph. Included are letters relating to advertising and foreign agencies. Many items pertain to the price and life expectancy of the company's batteries. There are a few letters regarding other applications of the battery, including its use with railroad signals, winding clocks, and cigar lighters. There are also letters relating to contract and royalty matters between Edison and Felix Lalande; Edison's supervision of the company's orders, shipments, and accounts; and the company's development of a fan motor business. A few items pertain to scrap phonograph wax. The front cover is labeled "Battery Book. Edison Manufacturing Company. 1891." The label (partially torn) on the spine contains the notation "[Batt]ery Book No. 4 [February 27?] 91 to Sept. 12, 91." The book contains 500 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 15 percent of the book has been selected.