Woodrow Wilson to William B. Thompson

I had heard already of your helpful interest in Russia's fight for freedom, but not until my talk with Mr. Hutchins today did I fully appreciate the extent of your generosity and the finely practical expression of your sympathy.

It is a great thing at a great time that you have been priviliged to do, and I hold it all the more effective in that it is the effort of an individual concerned only with the success of the human struggle. The experience of Europe has made national disinterestedness almost incredible to its peoples, and even the United States, with its demonstrable lack of selfish purpose, cannot go too carefully in the business of helping Russia to help itself.Mr. Hutchins informs me that you are to remain in Russia as long as you see an opportunity for usefulness. I trust that this is indeed the case, for there is need of some one there to represent unofficially the fraternal interest of America. I am convinced that your whole-heartedness admirably fits you for this important duty, and I hope that you will accept it as another call upon your patriotism.

Sincerely yours,
Woodrow Wilson


Colonel William B. Thompson,
Petrograd, Russia.