WASHINGTON — Senator Edward M. Kennedy always managed to get along with James O. Eastland of Mississippi, the arch-segregationist and chairman of the Judiciary Committee for his first 16 years in the Senate. But the first time they met, Mr. Kennedy paid an 80-proof price.

In oral history interviews released Wednesday, Mr. Kennedy talked about how he got subcommittee assignments early in 1963.

Mr. Eastland summoned Mr. Kennedy to his office at 10 a.m. He greeted the freshman by asking, “Bourbon or scotch?” After a brief delay, the visitor said “scotch,” and the host poured him a glass. Mr. Kennedy asked for ice, then for soda.

Mr. Eastland said he supposed his guest wanted to be on the immigration panel because “you’ve got a lot of Italians up there in Massachusetts.” Mr. Kennedy said he did indeed want that subcommittee. His host replied, “You drink that down, and you’re on the immigration committee.”