Martin Luther to Edith Bolling Wilson
Title
Martin Luther to Edith Bolling Wilson
Creator
Luther, Martin
Identifier
WWP22156
Date
1917 December 14
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Mrs. Edith Bolling Wilson
White House
Washington, DC
Dear Madam and friend
You may at first think it strange for me to addess you thus, but I have had both the honor and pleasure of knowing you in Wytheville, VA and of being your escort to a reception at the home of Capt Sawyer—I lived at Marion, VA and often visited Edward McGavock and Jim Walker & I also knew your brother Rolfe very well, he was a fraternity brother of mine—And it is concerning your brother that I address you. I have a very fine business proposition that requires but very little money to finance a product that will be a blessing in the Hospitals both in this country and France. Namely Hyclorite, it is the perfection of the Dakin solution and has been used successfully by Maj Lorenze at the camps in this state and our President Mr Fox brought it to the attention of Dr Grayson, but he did not go ahead with it. And if I could get the proper influence I could get it before the Surgeon General of the War department. Can you tell me where I could find your brother when I come to Washington? I have been up North here since the Worlds Fair, and I am homesick for the dear old Southland, my people were all old Virginia and Maryland family, namely the Richmond Thomases. I graduated from Hampden Sidney and the Union Theological Seminary and was a member of the Roanoke Presbytery and knew President Wilsons father. I had the honor of casting my vote for your husband and consider it the best one I ever cast, for he is another Washington and Old Virginia is the Mother of them both and the world, (except German), loves and honors them.
Mrs Wilson would you and President Wilson honor me with your photographs and signitures. I would be the happiest preacher in the country. Will you kindly give me your brothers address—With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I am very respectfully,
Martin Luther
Address me please at my home town Grand Rapids.
Wood Co. Wisconsin
White House
Washington, DC
Dear Madam and friend
You may at first think it strange for me to addess you thus, but I have had both the honor and pleasure of knowing you in Wytheville, VA and of being your escort to a reception at the home of Capt Sawyer—I lived at Marion, VA and often visited Edward McGavock and Jim Walker & I also knew your brother Rolfe very well, he was a fraternity brother of mine—And it is concerning your brother that I address you. I have a very fine business proposition that requires but very little money to finance a product that will be a blessing in the Hospitals both in this country and France. Namely Hyclorite, it is the perfection of the Dakin solution and has been used successfully by Maj Lorenze at the camps in this state and our President Mr Fox brought it to the attention of Dr Grayson, but he did not go ahead with it. And if I could get the proper influence I could get it before the Surgeon General of the War department. Can you tell me where I could find your brother when I come to Washington? I have been up North here since the Worlds Fair, and I am homesick for the dear old Southland, my people were all old Virginia and Maryland family, namely the Richmond Thomases. I graduated from Hampden Sidney and the Union Theological Seminary and was a member of the Roanoke Presbytery and knew President Wilsons father. I had the honor of casting my vote for your husband and consider it the best one I ever cast, for he is another Washington and Old Virginia is the Mother of them both and the world, (except German), loves and honors them.
Mrs Wilson would you and President Wilson honor me with your photographs and signitures. I would be the happiest preacher in the country. Will you kindly give me your brothers address—With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I am very respectfully,
Martin Luther
Address me please at my home town Grand Rapids.
Wood Co. Wisconsin
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Files
Collection
Citation
Luther, Martin, “Martin Luther to Edith Bolling Wilson,” 1917 December 14, WWP22156, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.