American Historical Ephemera & Photography

On House of Representatives letterhead. The letter seems to have been one of several copies that Mrs. Boggs has personalized at the bottom. This one is addressed to "Pie," a nickname of Charles Dufour, New Orleans historian and author. The printed note begins: "The compilation of eulogies to Hale by his colleagues in the Congress has now been published, and I thought you would like to have a copy of this volume." Her manuscript note to Dufour: "Please note that Tip O'Neill inserted the entire text of the Mass into his remarks. Thank you again for your participation. Gratefully, Lindy"

[With:]

A Mass in Memory of Hale Boggs, Majority Leader, United States House of Representatives, Congressman, Second District of Louisiana. Thursday, January fourth, nineteen hundred and seventy-three, twelve thirty o'clock in the afternoon. The cathedral of Saint Louis, New Orleans, Louisiana. 8vo, printed wraps, 28pp. Charles Dufour wrote the biography of Hale Boggs that begins the booklet (pp 4-6).

And a program from the Annual Public Meeting of Phi Beta Kappa, Tulane University of Louisiana, April 30, 1935, listing Hale Boggs as part of the Class of 1935. 4.75 x 5 in.

Born Marie Corinne Morrison Claiborne, Lindy met Hale Boggs when both were students at Tulane and worked on the school paper. They married in 1938. Hale won election to the House of Representatives in 1940. He lost the next election, but returned to the House in 1947, where he served until his death. The first House bill of 1973 recognized Boggs' death and the need to fill his seat. Lindy ran successfully and served the 2nd District of Louisiana until 1991. She subsequently served as Ambassador to the Holy See (1997-2001), appointed by Bill Clinton.

Hale Boggs was the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and joined Nicholas Begich to help him campaign in his home state, Alaska. The twin-engine Cessna in which Begich and Boggs were flying disappeared over Alaska and has not been found. Its occupants were presumed dead. 

[J.E.B.] ALS, Washington, DC: Mar. 9, 1873. 1p on Forty-first Congress letterhead.  To James G. ("Jim") Blaine, as Speaker of the House introducing Major Denniston of PIttsburgh, PA. Letter signed "J.E.B.," possibly James Brooks of New York city. 

Plus Clipped signature of Joshua  Lawrence Chamberlain (1828-1914) of Maine. Chamberlain volunteered for service at the beginning of the Civil War and distinguished himself at Gettysburg and other battles. After the war he became the 32nd Governor of the State of Maine.