Scope and Content Note
The papers of Amasa Junius Parker (1807-1890) span the years 1836-1875, with the bulk of the items concentrated in the period between 1837 and 1839. Parker began his career as a lawyer in Delhi, New York, where he was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives for one term, 1837-1839. Declining candidacy for renomination in 1838, he returned to his law practice in Delhi, later became a judge, and in 1848 moved his practice to Albany, New York. He was an unsuccessful candidate for governor of New York in 1856 and 1858 and for the United States Senate in 1875. Parker died in Albany in 1890.
The collection consists almost entirely of letters from Parker to his wife Harriet in Delhi while he was a member of Congress. In his early letters, Parker describes his trip to Washington, D.C., the city itself, his living quarters, the Capitol building, choosing his seat in the House, and impressions of prominent politicians such as John Qunicy Adams, John C. Calhoun, and Daniel Webster. Other subjects covered include Native American affairs, dueling, Washington society and theater, and political observations. Of particular note is a letter containing an illustration of the dining table seating arrangement of the congressional delegation at Mrs. Pittman's boarding house where Parker lodged. Among the group were two future Democratic presidents, Millard B. Fillmore and James Buchanan.
Letters written after 1839 are from Parker to his wife while on the lawyer's circuit in New York. The miscellany contains a newspaper illustration of Parker in 1875 announcing his bid as a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate.