William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson

Now that an armistice has been signed and peace is at hand, I feel at liberty to apprise you of my desire to return, as soon as possible to private life.

I have been conscious, for a long time, of the necessity for this step but of course I could not consider it while the country was at war.

For almost six years, I have worked incessantly under the pressure of great responsibilities. Their exactions have drawn heavily on my strength. The very burdensome cost of living in Washington and the inadequate compensation allowed by law for the office I hold, have so depleted my personal resources that I am obliged to reckon with the facts of the situation.

I do not wish to convey the idea that I am ill or that I am threatened with illness because such is not the case. As a result of long overwork I need a reasonable period of genuine rest. But more than this I must, for the sake of my family, get back to private life to retrieve my personal fortunes.

I cannot secure the required rest nor the opportunity to look after my long neglected private affairs unless I am relieved of my present responsibilities.

I am giving you this early notice in order that there may be ample time to arrange for my retirement with as little inconvenience to yourself as possible. It would gratify me if this could be effected shortly after the New Year.

I hope you will understand, my dear Mr. President, that I would permit nothing but the most imperious demands to force my withdrawal from public life. Always I shall cherish as the greatest honor of my career the opportunity you have so generously given me to serve the country under your leadership in these epochal times.  

His Excellency,
The President of the United States,
The White House,
Washington, D. C.