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/

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Miniature of Letter to William Collamer, January 19, 1859
Letter to William Collamer, January 19, 1859
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    • Creator: Collamer, Jacob, 1791-1865.
    • Description: Topics include sub-committee hearings on nomination of Robert Jackson for the post of Solicitor General.
    • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress
    Miniature of Letter to Mary N. Collamer, December 11, 1859
    Letter to Mary N. Collamer, December 11, 1859
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      • Creator: Collamer, Jacob, 1791-1865.
      • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress
      Miniature of Letter to Mary Collamer, January 2, 1859
      Letter to Mary Collamer, January 2, 1859
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        • Creator: Collamer, Jacob, 1791-1865.
        • Description: Topics include filibuster of Anti-Lynching Bill; sub-committee work on constitutional amendments, changes in the judiciary system, immigration, appointment of N.J. Senator, and equal rights of women.
        • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress
        Miniature of Letter to Mary N. Collamer, February 13, 1859
        Letter to Mary N. Collamer, February 13, 1859
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          • Creator: Collamer, Jacob, 1791-1865.
          • Description: Topics include Seantor Austin's speech in Utica, NY on Lincoln's birthday; tie vote in Judiciary Committee on Equal Rights for Women, Austin voted for it.
          • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress
          Miniature of Letter to Mary N. Collamer, December 19, 1859
          Letter to Mary N. Collamer, December 19, 1859
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            • Creator: Collamer, Jacob, 1791-1865.
            • Description: Topics include sub-committee hearings on nomination of Robert Jackson for the post of Solicitor General; Austin's duties as Assistant Minority Leader; farm bill; cloture vote on the filibuster of the anti-lynching bill.
            • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress