Letters Home From Congress

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 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 detail his frustrations serving as a Senator in the minority party during the era of Roosevelt and the New Deal; his activities on the Judiciary Committee; and foreign affairs topics 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: https://bioguide.congress.gov/

Showing 371 - 380 of 443 Records

Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, February 27, 1939
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    • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
    • Description: Topics include Secretary Hull and customs duties and import restrictions; Trade Treaty Bill.
    • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


    Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, March 6, 1939
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      • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
      • Description: Topics include situation in Europe and neutrality.
      • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


      Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, March 14, 1939
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        • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
        • Description: Topics include National Defense; luncheon hosted by Senator McNary (OR) to meet Republican National Convention keynote speaker Governor Stassen (MN); Austin's and other Republicans views on foreign policy.
        • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


        Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, March 22, 1939
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          • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
          • Description: Topics include Germany in the Netherlands; French, British, and Belgians preparing for battle; President Roosevelt's Reorganization Bill.
          • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


          Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, October 11, 1939
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            • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
            • Description: Topics include Wendell Wilkie speech.
            • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


            Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, January 12, 1940
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              • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
              • Description: Letter to wife. Topics include party hosted by Postmaster General Charles Wickliffe; George Perkins Marsh; Democrats and Whigs; dueling.
              • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


              Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, February 6, 1940
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                • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                • Description: Letter to daughter. Topics include visit to the White House with Representative Solomon Foot (VT); Sarah Polk, wife of the President; Congressional prayer meetings.
                • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


                Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, April 8, 1939
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                  • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                  • Description: Topics include authorization to construct or acquire naval aircraft.
                  • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


                  Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, April 27, 1939
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                    • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                    • Description: Topics include tax bill.
                    • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


                    Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, June 27, 1939
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                      • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                      • Description: Topics include Austin's duties as Assistant Minority Leader in the Senate.
                      • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress