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 - 4 of 4)
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, April 19, 1939
- Description
-
Topics include speech by Senator Norris (NE) answering charges made against him; introduction of a bill by Austin to farmers.
- 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, February 25, 1938
- Description
-
Topics include Senator Norris and the Tennessee Valley Administration; Bill for Appropriations to the Executive Office.
- Title
- Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, June 10, 1938
- Description
-
Topics include Iowa Primary results, indications of declining popularity of President Roosevelt, and Roosevelt's continued hold over the Senate through the actions of Senator Norris (NE); Roosevelt and the upcoming elections.