American Petroleum Co.-Pipe Line Dept. [818], 1915-1916

Not all of James L. Autry's business files are represented in the numbered files. Autry wrote a memorandum describing the function, order and safekeeping of his files. From Memorandum concerning Jas. L. Autry's files (September 7, 1916): All of my files are regarded as personal...the plan of filing is numerical...each file takes a title of subject-matter. Although the various represented companies retained most of the correspondence that dealt strictly with the day to day business, there is still a great deal of important business correspondence and personal material in the files, especially that dealing with his Navarro County Ranch, since he apparently preferred that his secretary keep up such files. The files are arranged numerically indicated by number in brackets after file name (e.g., Hughes Rice Farm [510] 1904).

Numbered files pertaining to Autry's work for the Texas Company have been removed and organized numerically in the sub-series Business Papers. Also removed are files containing correspondence and records regarding the building of the Autry residence on Courtlandt Place. These have been organized within the sub-series: Personal. Numbered files relating to Autry's legal career have been removed and organized in sub-series: Legal.