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 81 - 90 of 443 Records

Letter to Eunice Todd Crafts, January 1, 1819
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    • Creator: Crafts, Samuel Chandler, 1768-1853.
    • Description: Topics include agriculture appropriations; indian appropriations; senate committees; anti-injunction bill.
    • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


    Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, February 26, 1937
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      • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
      • Description: Topics include debate on National Defense Bill; President Roosevelt; economic sanctions.
      • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


      In Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Ethan Allen on January 10, 1937: Speeches of Warren R. Austin of Vermont and Representative Charles A. Plumley of Vermont in the House of Representatives.
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        • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
        • Description: Topics include first days in Washington.
        • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


        Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, June 24, 1937
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          • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
          • Description: 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.
          • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


          Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, August 13, 1937
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            • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
            • Description: Topics include sub-committee of the Judiciary hearing on proposed changes to the Federal Employers Liability Act; centralization of power in the Federal government.
            • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


            Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, December 6, 1937
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              • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
              • Description: Topics include speech by Senator Norris (NE) answering charges made against him; introduction of a bill by Austin to farmers.
              • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


              Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, December 8, 1937
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                • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                • Description: Topics include bill to reimburse Vermont for War of 1812 passes Senate.
                • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


                Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, March 29, 1939
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                  • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                  • Description: Topics include speech by President Roosevelt; appropriations for the War Department and the Navy.
                  • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


                  Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, April 3, 1939
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                    • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                    • Description: Topics include radio address by Austin, "Munitions, Men and Morale"; dedication of Howard Chandler Christy's mural of the signing of the Constitution in the Capitol.
                    • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress


                    Letter to Mrs. C.G. (Ann) Austin, April 17, 1939
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                      • Creator: Austin, Warren Robinson, 1877-1962.
                      • Description: Topics include legislation to speed up production of munitions; National Defense; Italy and Germany.
                      • Parent Collections: Letters Home From Congress