Edith Bolling Wilson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP20970
Date
1916 March 21
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
The White House
Washington
Dearest Child
Cary brought me the 2 perfectly stunning frames on Thurday when the Roses were here and I waited until after their visit to write, for I knew you would understand—
I can’t tell you how much we both value and appreciate them or just what they represent from you two dear children—
Please send me your full signature so I can have a facsimile of it put on one frame & CTG.’s on the other—I am crazy to get this done & the pictures put in there—
The Roses came Monday & stayed until Friday afternoon & seemed to enjoy their stay very much. We played golf with Hugh E 3 afternoons and “Bridge” twice—took them to the Theatre etc—and I enjoyed having them—but not as much as my firstguest—no one will ever be just like her—Bless your heart how I do miss you & long to be with you now of all times.
Tuesday—11-30
As you see this hardly got a start yesterday before I had to go and now I have your dear letter, which makes me long more than ever to see, and be near enough to you to really help.Cary had told me about Polly’s lunch and I felt very sorry that I could not have had this privilege—but understand just how you feel about its being in the White House—so do feel that I am with you across the distance and love you with all my heart and wish every happiness that can ever come to you both. Mr. Pence was better yesterday and besides Cary told me he could get someone else to look out for him—so don’t put things off on that account. I have so little chance to see CTG alone that beyond the fact that your lease was yours until May—instead of April—& that for that reason you thought of May—I have not heard any definite plans but I am longing to know them & tr help you in any and every way—
You don’t know how happy it makes me to feel you want me & I value that more than anything in the world—Remember if you should change your mind and want to come to us for the wedding—our arms & hearts are open to welcome you—also—which is more practical—our house!!
I will try to see Carybefor he goes and the end of the week & tell him all the things that it is always so hard to write—
Child, this letter is so inadequate that I feel I should not send it—for I have had to stop at least 20 times in these last pages—but it will never be any better—so please forgive mistakes—You were a dear to say all you did about my helping this wonderful husband of mine—for you knew nothing would give me more genuine delight—but I am afraid it is your own and love that color your ideas—but that in itself means worlds to me—I read him part of your letter & he was so pleased at your tribute to me—and thinks you a wonderful person your self aside from this discrimination.
I suppose Mrs. House told you they are coming down on the 28th for the musical—The Dodges are also coming & tonight Alice (for srt) is coming from Baltimore—
Margaret goes to NY tomorrow for 3 weeks to work on her music.
Betty Rupp & her mother are here so I asked them for tonight—also 7 or 8 people from Geneva are here—all of whom entertained me there—so I have asked them—and next week Virginia Galt is to be with Alice so I have asked her & I expect if your engagement is announced this week she will be so excited she will be unable to come—Annie Fendall is giving me a “Tea” on April 4th & on the 5th we dine with the Scotts & the 11th with the Laws—We may go to Phil– for a day this week as I think WW should see the Dr. about his eyes—and Jessie is there for the event to come off in April & he wants to see her. But don’t mention this as we may not go
I am so very sorry to hear of your little Miss Buna’s accident—Give her my love and deep sympathy—I hope it was nothing worse than a shake-up and shock—
You are sweet to have Annie Litchfield to lunch—I had a letter this A.M. from her & she said she would sail on Thursday!!
I must stop & write her a note—When you can do write me every thing and don’t fail to tell me if there is anything I can do to help—
I love you little girl—and if things get tense & complicated always remember you can and must come to
Your loving,
“Miss Ede”
Washington
Dearest Child
Cary brought me the 2 perfectly stunning frames on Thurday when the Roses were here and I waited until after their visit to write, for I knew you would understand—
I can’t tell you how much we both value and appreciate them or just what they represent from you two dear children—
Please send me your full signature so I can have a facsimile of it put on one frame & CTG.’s on the other—I am crazy to get this done & the pictures put in there—
The Roses came Monday & stayed until Friday afternoon & seemed to enjoy their stay very much. We played golf with Hugh E 3 afternoons and “Bridge” twice—took them to the Theatre etc—and I enjoyed having them—but not as much as my firstguest—no one will ever be just like her—Bless your heart how I do miss you & long to be with you now of all times.
Tuesday—11-30
As you see this hardly got a start yesterday before I had to go and now I have your dear letter, which makes me long more than ever to see, and be near enough to you to really help.Cary had told me about Polly’s lunch and I felt very sorry that I could not have had this privilege—but understand just how you feel about its being in the White House—so do feel that I am with you across the distance and love you with all my heart and wish every happiness that can ever come to you both. Mr. Pence was better yesterday and besides Cary told me he could get someone else to look out for him—so don’t put things off on that account. I have so little chance to see CTG alone that beyond the fact that your lease was yours until May—instead of April—& that for that reason you thought of May—I have not heard any definite plans but I am longing to know them & tr help you in any and every way—
You don’t know how happy it makes me to feel you want me & I value that more than anything in the world—Remember if you should change your mind and want to come to us for the wedding—our arms & hearts are open to welcome you—also—which is more practical—our house!!
I will try to see Carybefor he goes and the end of the week & tell him all the things that it is always so hard to write—
Child, this letter is so inadequate that I feel I should not send it—for I have had to stop at least 20 times in these last pages—but it will never be any better—so please forgive mistakes—You were a dear to say all you did about my helping this wonderful husband of mine—for you knew nothing would give me more genuine delight—but I am afraid it is your own and love that color your ideas—but that in itself means worlds to me—I read him part of your letter & he was so pleased at your tribute to me—and thinks you a wonderful person your self aside from this discrimination.
I suppose Mrs. House told you they are coming down on the 28th for the musical—The Dodges are also coming & tonight Alice (for srt) is coming from Baltimore—
Margaret goes to NY tomorrow for 3 weeks to work on her music.
Betty Rupp & her mother are here so I asked them for tonight—also 7 or 8 people from Geneva are here—all of whom entertained me there—so I have asked them—and next week Virginia Galt is to be with Alice so I have asked her & I expect if your engagement is announced this week she will be so excited she will be unable to come—Annie Fendall is giving me a “Tea” on April 4th & on the 5th we dine with the Scotts & the 11th with the Laws—We may go to Phil– for a day this week as I think WW should see the Dr. about his eyes—and Jessie is there for the event to come off in April & he wants to see her. But don’t mention this as we may not go
I am so very sorry to hear of your little Miss Buna’s accident—Give her my love and deep sympathy—I hope it was nothing worse than a shake-up and shock—
You are sweet to have Annie Litchfield to lunch—I had a letter this A.M. from her & she said she would sail on Thursday!!
I must stop & write her a note—When you can do write me every thing and don’t fail to tell me if there is anything I can do to help—
I love you little girl—and if things get tense & complicated always remember you can and must come to
Your loving,
“Miss Ede”
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson,” 1916 March 21, WWP20970, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.