I am pleased to post this announcement: The Library of Virginia is pleased to announce that the papers of William Francis Rhea (LVA accession 41312) have been processed and are now available to researchers. Rhea (1858-1931), a Democrat, represented Virginia's 9th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1899 to 1903. The 9th District consisted (and still consists) of the counties of Southwestern Virginia. Rhea's papers cover a wide range of topics such as local, state, and national politics, including Rhea's contested elections in 1898 and 1900 against Republican James A. Walker; the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1901-1902; and a range of requests from Rhea's constituents. Papers contain Rhea's replies to the many requests for patronage, his effort to mount a defense of his election, and drafts of a speech on the United States occupation of the Philippines. A finding aid for the 2 1/2 cubic feet of papers can be found on-line through the Library's catalog. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html