Thomas H. Robinson, Incoming Correspondence, 1892-1897

This collection consists primarily of Thomas H. Robinson's correspondence, both incoming and outgoing. The nature of the correspondence is directly related to Robinson's political involvement as a State Senator, Attorney General, and Harford County Democratic Party leader. Robinson's legal practice is also well represented. Other materials include a variety of papers associated with legal cases handled by Robinson along with a number of his personal accounts, bills and receipts. Most of the items in the collection are dated from 1890 to 1924, a period covering most of Robinson's political and legal activities.

The numerous letters detailing political strategy on both the local and state levels are a clear strength of this collection. Workings of the Democratic State Central Committee, especially as it related to Harford County, are well illustrated. Letters exchanged by Robinson with Democratic leaders such as A.P. Gorman, Charles J. Bonaparte, John Walter Smith, Albert C. Ritchie, Murray Vandiver and Stevenson A. Williams deal with topics such as political patronage, campaign issues, fund raising activities and general electioneering.

The one major gap in the collection is the period Robinson served as Maryland Attorney General. What material does exist between 1925 and 1930 concerns general political matters and does not give much information as to Robinson's official activities. These files no doubt were kept separately from those comprising this collection.

Robinson's correspondence also reflects an extensive legal pracice dealing primarily with civil and corporate suits. Content of these letters usually relate to details and particulars of specific cases, of which there are many. Often, correspondence is associated with the group of legal papers contained in the collection.

Much of Robinson's legal work from about 1893 to 1924 was related to his position as the local Counsel for the Pennsylvania Railroad and its affiliates such as the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. Many letters were exchanged with the chief legal personnel of the railroad discussing elements and strategies of pending civil suits. Standard communications regarding Company policy and administrative details are also included.

Robinson also did much legal work for other concerns such as the Havre de Grace and Perryville Bridge Company, the Conowingo Bridge Company, the Maryland Shell Fish Commission and the town of Havre de Grace. Large amounts of correspondence were generated from his extensive activities on the behalf of these clients. Largely dealing with the particulars of active suits, this correspondence reveals a great deal about the legal, social, and political problems faced by early 20th Century institutions in Maryland.

Personal and family items are rare in this collection. Small groups of letters to Robinson from his daughter Madeline and son Thomas, Jr. are included, but other family connections are difficult to locate. Personal items are for the most part confined to accounts, bills and receipts.