Woodrow Wilson to Joseph P. Tumulty

I have been beyond measure distressed to hear that someone told you that I had said that I regarded you as a reactionary and that you no longer had my confidence. Of course, that is absolutely false. My feeling towards you has never changed in the least or my confidence in your character and your principles. I have from time to time been distressed when you have seemed in your articles to be opposed to measures I thought essential for the defense and safety of the country, but I am not the sort to change my opinion of a man I know because he opposed me, and the only reason I did not arrange for the appointment you asked for was a reason which you will readily understand. The fact is I am so desperately pressed that unless an appointment is absolutely necessary I postpone it from day to day in the vain hope of finding a free interval. You know, besides, how awkward it is for me to arrange one such interview, no matter what my feeling for the man involved may be, without creating the expectation that I will see other newspapermen of unusual importance when they are in Washington.
Please, my dear Seibold, believe things only that are credible, and whenever you hear anything such as I have alluded to please let me know immediately. With the warmest cordiality,Woodrow WilsonMr. Louis Seibold,The World Papers,Washington, D. C.