Franklin P. Glass to Woodrow Wilson

I have been honored by an invitation from the British Government to be one of a party of newspaper men, as its guests, to make a tour of observation of England and of the battle front in France.

I take it that you are familiar with the plan and purpose of this undertaking, and that you have entirely approved of it. I would not be surprised, if you had some part, even, in the selection of my name.

I am invited to sail from New York about September 10th. I plan to be in Washington a day or two on my way East next week. I would greatly appreciate just a little of your time, in order to obtain such valuable suggestions as I know you could make, to the end that my trip would be most profitable, both to the British Government and to our own country. I hope you can arrange it.

It may not be in accord with your custom to give any one letters of introduction to persons abroad; but if you ever do such things, I would esteem your consideration in that respect in whatever way you deem prudent.

You may recall that on the Sunday you last took the oath of office, in the President's room at the Capitol, my daughter, Evelyn Byrd, and her bridegroom were permitted to be with me in the room "“"“ by virtue of your very kind indulgence. Her husband was Arthur Lee Boorse, who was later commissioned an Ensign in the Navy, in the aviation section. He went to France in March last.

I am grieved to tell you that on the 21st instant he was killed in some sort of an accident to a sea-plane, along with two other men, in the Harbor of Brest. Details are not yet known. You will be saddened, I am sure, to know that on the very day the father was killed, a baby girl was born to my daughter. The blow has been kept secret from her until she is stronger.

Another son-in-law, also in the Navy, Lieutenant P. B. Marzoni, goes to sea next week as an officer of a transport. I hope his life may be spared.

Thus the war comes very close home to my family, as it is to so many of us in our dear country. Our people are making great sacrifices, and I am confident that the ultimate result will pay for these sacrifices.

May your brain and hand remain strong until the end, for I have no doubt that your intelligence and spirit will dominate the final counsel table. The Hun must be whipped to his knees, to an unconditional surrender, and the bulk of the people here in the South are determined to hold up your hands until that result is achieved.

Hoping to be permitted to see you next week, and begging pardon for this long letter, I am, as ever

Your sincere Friend,

President Woodrow Wilson,
The White House,
Washington, DC