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Date Original
1931 November 21
Description
This is a two page letter in four sections from Hattie Caraway in Riverdale, Maryland to Griffin Smith in Marianna, Arkansas. The letter discusses the death of Hattie's husband, Thaddeus, who had been a U.S. Senator. It also discusses her feelings about taking his place in the U.S. Senate.
Biographical/Historical Note
Hattie Caraway was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was appointed to take over her late husband's term after his death and went on to win the next election as well. She served as a Senator from Arkansas from 1931 - 1945.
Transcription
Dear Griffin
We, the boys
and I, cannot fittingly
thank you for the beau-
tiful tribute to Dad.
You knew him so well
and loved him so sin-
cerely, you could write
of him like that, and
know you were writing
the truth. For this we
will always love you.
I'm glad you and Mr.
Duggett drove over that
night, and stayed as
long as you did. He
enjoyed it, and rested
well afterward. I'm
sorry now we denied
him the sight of his
friends those last days.
On Thursday I did let
him see quite a number
of people, of whom he was
genuinely fond.
Sometime I'd like to tell
you of his last days. His
courage, and desire to
live yet a few years longer.
I am not quite sure he would
have approved of my course in
accepting this appointment. I can
truthfully say that when at the
request of his friends, and because
the boys approved, I made the
statement that I would accept
it did not dawn upon me what
it would mean personally. Now
that I'm fully awake, I'm in
constant terror that in some
way I may disappoint or have disappointed
his friends. Sometime I'd like
to discuss this with you, too.
I can assure you there was no self
interest in this matter
I shall try to conduct myself
with modesty, avoid the limelight
and hope my friends will not
feel that I failed him or them
If there were honor conferred by my
selection it was conferred on him.
I've had the greater honor of having
been his wife.
To you and your lovely
family I can promise
my deep interest and
friendship.
We hope for you health,
(which you seem to have
found) happiness, and
success in your profession.
Ever your sincere friend,
Hatty W. Caraway
Calvert Manor
Riverdale Md.
Nov. 21 - 1931
Mr. Griffin Smith
Marianna
Arkansas
Physical Description
Letter and Envelope, 2 pages - 4 sections, 6.75" x 10.5"
Keywords
Women; Political participation; Political representation; Politicians; Politics and government
Geographical Area
Riverdale, Prince George's County (Md.); Marianna, Lee County (Ark.)
Language
English
Identifier
SMC.00030.03, Item 43
Resource Type
Image
Collection
Small manuscript collection, SMC.00033.03
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
Letter, Hattie Caraway to Griffin Smith, Small manuscript collection, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History | Women's History
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