Letters Home From Congress
Collection Overview
This collection features letters home from Warren R. Austin (Senator, 1931-1946), Jacob Collamer (Representative, 1843-1848; Senator, 1855-1865), and Samuel C. Crafts (Representative, 1817-1824; Senator, 1842-1843). The letters document travel to...
Show moreThis collection features letters home from Warren R. Austin (Senator, 1931-1946), Jacob Collamer (Representative, 1843-1848; Senator, 1855-1865), and Samuel C. Crafts (Representative, 1817-1824; Senator, 1842-1843). The letters document travel to and from Washington by horse, boat, train, and airplane; lodging in boarding houses, hotels, and homes; social life in Washington; significant local and national events; and legislative issues under consideration in Congress. Austin's letters are particularly strong in their coverage of his frustration at being a Senator in the minority party during the era of Roosevelt and the New Deal; his activities on the Judiciary Committee; and foreign affairs questions such as the Neutrality Act. The letters of Crafts and Collamer both extensively cover the question of slavery, discussing Missouri statehood, John Brown, the annexation of Texas, and the Civil War. All three Congressmen frequently discuss questions regarding appropriations and the Federal budget. Biographical information is available from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, at: http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp
Show less
Related Archival Collections
(1 - 5 of 5)
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, August 14, 1940
- Description
-
Topics include speeches by Senator Taft (OH), Vandenberg (MI), Norris (NE), and Wheeler (MT) against the Conscription Bill; Senator Lee (OK) amendment to the Conscription Bill.
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, June 18, 1940
- Description
-
Topics include France’s surrender; Republican National Convention; Drier Bill; request for Austin to second nomination of Senator Taft (OH) for President at Convention.
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, June 23, 1940
- Description
-
Topics include funeral of Senator Ernest Gibson (VT); Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and the candidacies of Taft and Wilkie.
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, June 26, 1940
- Description
-
Topics include Republican National Convention and the candidacies of Taft and Wilkie.
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, September 11, 1940
- Description
-
Topics include Export Import Bank and an amendment by Senator Taft (OH); Aiken's primary win for Vermont Senate seat.