Strom Thurmond’s many letters, archived at Clemson University, reveal how he related to constituents, businesspeople and others who were part of his various networks.

Declining an invitation

On April 14, 1965, in declining a wedding invitation from a McCormick woman, Thurmond wrote, “May I take this opportunity to wish for you and Mr. Whatley enduring happiness in your married life. Please tell him that I said he is indeed fortunate to win the hand of such an attractive and fine young lady. I have heard nice things about him, and feel sure you have both exercised wise judgment in your choice of a life mate.”

Dispensing health advice

Thurmond liked to give health advice. On Dec. 13, 1967, he wrote an Orangeburg constituent, Frank Best, who had written him saying how hard it was to find time to exercise. “You have to develop the habit of taking every opportunity to exercise your body through walking, jogging, doing pushups or other exercises which can be done without any special equipment ... You would be surprised how often you can take advantage of the opportunities that exist ... .”

Thanking a benefactor

Senators are well taken care of, wherever they go. On Oct. 5, 1961, Thurmond wrote Eddie Williams, a car dealer, for giving him first-class treatment during a visit to Myrtle Beach.

“It was very thoughtful of you to send a Thunderbird to the Patricia (a motel) for me to use when I was in Myrtle Beach last week. I did have occasion to use the car and it certainly came in handy.”

Asking for a discount

On May 27, 1954, Thurmond wrote Albert Whitman & Co., a Chicago publisher, saying he had bought 100 copies of “A Book of Treasured Poems” several years previously and given them out as commencement gifts.

“I am about out of these poem books, and would like to have another one hundred copies. ... I am a former County Superintendent of Education and started purchasing these books then to give to students, at wholesale price. Please write me the wholesale price on these one hundred books and how soon they may be delivered.”

Key rings and silver trays

Passing out mementos was one of Thurmond’s hallmarks.

On Jan. 2, 1985, Thurmond wrote Joe McCulloch, then a lawyer for USC and now a well-known Columbia criminal defense lawyer. McCulloch had escorted Thurmond, the president pro tempore of the Senate, to a USC football game in Florida.

Thurmond told McCulloch how much he enjoyed the trip, even though the Gamecocks “did not win.” He also added a P.S.: “I am enclosing a President Pro Tempore key ring that I hope you will find useful.”

The same year, Thurmond wrote White House lawyer Deborah Owen, who had helped him with a speech. Thurmond thanked her, ending with, “Do not forget to come by the office and get the engraved silver tray which we ordered for you.”

If he had his life to live over again

On Aug. 20, 1985, replying to a letter asking him what he would do differently if he had his life to live over, Thurmond wrote, “I would spend more time with my lovely wife, Nancy, and my children, Nancy Moore, Strom, Julie and Paul; I would spend more Sunday afternoons horseback riding through the South Carolina countryside; I would attend more country barbecues and renew friendships; I would still admire beautiful ladies, especially my wife; I would eat more butter pecan ice cream; I would still exercise daily, keep to a high fiber diet, and again dedicate my life to helping others.”