Congressman Alfred Ely Describes Congress To His Daughter

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005

A pair of fascinating war-date letters written by New York Senator Alfred Ely, 8 pp. in total, Washington, D.C., June 1862 & Sept. 1, 1863 to his daughter describing in great detail the appearance of the Congressman's chamber, life in Washington, and of her being a good girl. The first letter appears on "United States of America, Thirty-Seventh Congress" letterhead depicting a finely engraved view of the Capitol, in small part: "...above is...a picture of the Capitol of the United States at Washington where Congress meets. Congress is composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senators meet in one large room in one end of the building and the House of Representatives in a still larger room in the other end. These rooms are much larger than any church you ever saw...and handsomely furnished. There are large...galleries...around each room for...visitors...these are filled daily with gentlemen, ladies and little boys and girls...the members have each a little desk in front of him all arranged in regular rows...much as little girls are seated at school...when one makes a speech he stands up while the others keep their seats and remain silent...there are very handsome generals about the Capitol with a great many shade trees and beautiful flower gardens. Every Saturday evening about five o'clock a Band of Music goes there and plays...a great many...people assemble to hear them. Little girls & boys are there in great numbers and they run about and play in the grass...and seem very happy...[Sept. 1, 63]...you must want to return to Washington to see me. Go driving to the Soldier's Home, Insane Asylum, Arlington House, Fort Albany and all the other pleasant drives we took..." Signed only as "Dear Father", but from the personal papers of Alfred Ely. Congressman Alfred Ely, who had the misfortune of being captured at First Bull Run, even though just a spectator! Alfred Ely remained in Rebel prisons for six months until exchanged. Near fine.

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