Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17220
Date
1919 July 8
Description
An entry in Cary T. Grayson's diary from the Paris Peace Conference, dated 8 July 1919.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
The President arose very early, and with Mrs. Wilson went on the bridge of the George Washington in order to see the approach of the escorting squadron sent out from the Atlantic Fleet. The escort was discerned on the horizon shortly after nine o’clock and was composed of four battleships, headed by the Battleship Pennsylvania, flying the flag of Secretary of the Navy Daniels and Admiral Wilson, Commander of the Atlantic Fleet. When the Washington reached the squadron a Presidential salute was fired from the Pennsylvania, and then the Pennsylvania took a position ahead of the Oklahoma, and the start into the harbor was commenced.
Just before the Ambrose Channel light-ship was picked up, it was learned that one of the French brides, who were being brought home with their soldier husbands, had been robbed of some money, and a collection was taken up to replace the cash, which the girl needed badly.
Arriving in the Upper Bay the George Washington was met by two of the big Municipal Ferry boats and the New York Police Boat Patrol, carrying the Mayor’s Reception Committee, who had put in an appearance to welcome the President. Originally, it had been intended by the committee that they would go on board the George Washington, but the President vetoed this plan, and so the boats escorted the Presidential ship as far as the Hoboken Army Dock.
There was a delay in warping into the pier, caused by the fact that the tide was low and it was necessary to have entirely slack water so that the George Washington could be pushed in by tugs without damage and without colliding with the great Leviathan, which was anchored on the south side of the pier.
It was nearly four o’clock before the start was made from the George Washington. The President was accompanied by Governor Smith of New York and Mayor Hylan of New York City.
Mrs. Grayson met me at the gang-plank, and I was overjoyed to see her after our long separation.
The progress through the streets of New York was a triumphant procession. Admittedly the largest crowd that has ever greeted the President in this great metropolis thronged both sides of the street, and the President was compelled to stand in his auto and bow repeatedly all the way.from the 23rd Street Ferry, as far as Carnegie Hall. The Carnegie Hall meeting was a splendid one, and the President was in excellent form in responding to the address. (SEE SPEECH).
Leaving Carnegie Hall the party proceeded directly to the Pennsylvania Station, where the special train was boarded and the trip to Washington made. Although it was midnight when Washington was reached, more than 100,000 people were gathered in and about Union Station to welcome the President back, and before he started for the White House he thanked the local committee vdery briefly for its efforts in arranging the demonstration.
The President, Mrs. Wilson and I went directly to the White House. On our way the President said: “The reception here tonight is one of the greatest surprises in my life. It is very touching.” When we drove into the White House grounds I exclaimed: “I am one person who is very thankful to be back on this spot.” Mrs. Wilson acquiesced with a smile, and the President said: “This house never looked so beautiful.”
Just before the Ambrose Channel light-ship was picked up, it was learned that one of the French brides, who were being brought home with their soldier husbands, had been robbed of some money, and a collection was taken up to replace the cash, which the girl needed badly.
Arriving in the Upper Bay the George Washington was met by two of the big Municipal Ferry boats and the New York Police Boat Patrol, carrying the Mayor’s Reception Committee, who had put in an appearance to welcome the President. Originally, it had been intended by the committee that they would go on board the George Washington, but the President vetoed this plan, and so the boats escorted the Presidential ship as far as the Hoboken Army Dock.
There was a delay in warping into the pier, caused by the fact that the tide was low and it was necessary to have entirely slack water so that the George Washington could be pushed in by tugs without damage and without colliding with the great Leviathan, which was anchored on the south side of the pier.
It was nearly four o’clock before the start was made from the George Washington. The President was accompanied by Governor Smith of New York and Mayor Hylan of New York City.
Mrs. Grayson met me at the gang-plank, and I was overjoyed to see her after our long separation.
The progress through the streets of New York was a triumphant procession. Admittedly the largest crowd that has ever greeted the President in this great metropolis thronged both sides of the street, and the President was compelled to stand in his auto and bow repeatedly all the way.from the 23rd Street Ferry, as far as Carnegie Hall. The Carnegie Hall meeting was a splendid one, and the President was in excellent form in responding to the address. (SEE SPEECH).
Leaving Carnegie Hall the party proceeded directly to the Pennsylvania Station, where the special train was boarded and the trip to Washington made. Although it was midnight when Washington was reached, more than 100,000 people were gathered in and about Union Station to welcome the President back, and before he started for the White House he thanked the local committee vdery briefly for its efforts in arranging the demonstration.
The President, Mrs. Wilson and I went directly to the White House. On our way the President said: “The reception here tonight is one of the greatest surprises in my life. It is very touching.” When we drove into the White House grounds I exclaimed: “I am one person who is very thankful to be back on this spot.” Mrs. Wilson acquiesced with a smile, and the President said: “This house never looked so beautiful.”
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1919 July 8, WWP17220, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.