Do such letters give us any special insight into the working of the Congress, and into the nature of the national movement?
Yes, these letters provide special insights into the working of Congress and the national movement. They reveal internal conflicts within the organization, such as the rift between socialists like Nehru and conservatives like Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Patel. When Nehru's socialist rhetoric worried conservatives, Gandhi acted as a mediator, restraining radicalism while persuading others to accept Nehru's leadership.
The letters also show how leaders expressed private thoughts differently from public statements. While speeches represented the public voice, letters captured anger, pain, and frustrations that leaders might not express openly. They reveal tensions within the movement, such as Nehru being told his emphasis on poverty was "unwise" by colleagues. However, many letters were written with awareness that they might be published, so the private-public distinction often breaks down.
Explanation
The textbook context provides clear evidence of how letters reveal internal Congress dynamics. Source 7 explicitly shows the socialist-conservative rift and Gandhi's mediatory role. The theoretical discussion on private vs public writings explains why letters are valuable - they capture emotions and tensions not expressed publicly. Nehru's letter excerpt demonstrates how internal disagreements were communicated. Students should connect these points to show how letters offer insights beyond official records and speeches.