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
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- Letter to Col. Joseph Scott, April 9, 1820
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Topics include Spanish war; Florida and slavery; Representative Henry Clay's (KY) aspirations to become President after President James Monroe; Secretary of State John Quincy Adams; Representative Joel Crawford (GA).
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- Letter to Eunice Todd Crafts, December 10, 1820
- Description
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Letter to wife. Topics include question of Missouri's acceptance into the United States by Congress and split between Northern and Southern members; federal deficit and consideration of reduction of pay for government employees; social life; invitation to dine at President James Monroe's.
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- Letter to Eunice Todd Crafts, February 19, 1821
- Description
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Letter to wife. Topics include health of Crafts family; coming inauguration of President Monroe; death of Representative William Burwell (VA).
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- Letter to Eunice Todd Crafts, November 27, 1820
- Description
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Letter to wife. Topics include social life; parties hosted by Secretary of War John Calhoun and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams; President James Monroe.