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
Topics include Bill for Reorganization of Agencies of the Government; Presidential power; office of the Comptroller General; Congressional power; Austin's presiding over a session of the Miltary Affairs Committee.
Topics include debate over Hatch Bill to provide against pernicious political activities; appropriations for agriculture; Trade Treaty Bill; Bill to remove immunity of government securities from taxation.
Topics include Austin's bill to reimburse Vermont for War of 1812 expenditures; legislation to provide for judicial review of administrative boards; Austin's visit to the FDA regarding maple sugar interests; Reorganization Bill.
