Correspondence in the Goldman Papers consists of some 300 letters, 1941-1959, more than half of them written in 1948. The 1948 correspondence deals chiefly with the struggle of the Workers Party to make its voice heard, socialism, Goldman's own about-face regarding Russia, and his efforts to become reinstated to the bar.
Correspondence between 1940 and 1948 is scattered and disconnected; but, again, it deals with subjects similar to that of the later years. There are no letters to or from Trotsky in the papers. Later letters make more reference to Goldman's conversion to socialism; and contain some reference to Trotsky and particularly to Natalia Trotsky and the possible re-publication of books by and about Trotsky. Goldman's correspondence includes letters exchanged with men such as Max Eastman, Roger Baldwin, and James T. Farrell. Correspondence with friends in the party often reveals the thinking and plans of individuals who embraced his causes.
Other materials in the papers include notes made by Goldman at the time of the Minneapolis sedition trial, and research information relating to other espionage cases. There is also a folder of briefs concerning his disbarment in 1943; and a copy of the hearing before the Atomic Energy Commission's Personnel Security Board relating to security clearance for Goldman's sister-in-law, Betty June Jacobsen. Also present are printed records and clippings, and leaflets and annotated pamphlets by Goldman.
