Edwin M. Watson to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Edwin M. Watson to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Watson, Edwin M. (Edwin Martin), 1883-1945
Identifier
WWP16877
Date
1937 July 28
Description
Edwin Watson is not pleased that FDR has taken to calling him Old Bill Watson,. Concerned with Cary Grayson finding a way to prevent Republicans from making inroads.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Cary
I received your message and I understand your Navy viewpoint thoroughly. If you will re-read my letter, you will find that I based it all on accuracy. There was no implied nor intended reflection on the dignity of the Naval Aide.
Just between us, I objected to that “William Watson” more than I did the “Naval Aide”. They didn’t say Captain, Commander, or Admiral Watson, but just William Watson—and The President immediately gave me the name of Bill. He has gone so far now as to stretch that out to Old Bill Watson. I have explained at length my position so you would thoroughly understand.
I was delighted to hear from Ross that you are feeling really better, and I hope and expect that you will come back home your old self again. Since you have been away they have pulled some fast ones on us. However, we couldn’t beat an Act of God, and that is what pushed the Court Bill out, in my humble opinion. I refer, of course, to the sad and untimely death of our friend, Senator Robinson. My contention is now that the damn Court Bill should be forgotten temporarily—and perhaps permanently. We have got to get some way to keep these Republicans from making inroads into the Democratic majority. They have played us for suckers and have succeeded to a great extent. The President is having a large crowd down today for a discussion as to adjournment. I hope that they adjourn promptly and let people go home and cool off, and talk with their constituents. In my mind, there is no question but what the people are still for The President.
This adjournment proposition has made it impossible for me to go to Maine so far, and I don’t know yet when I can get there. My idea of a perfect week in Maine would be to have you and Gertrude down with us at Northeast Harbor.
My books still show a little debit on your part—the exact amount, I think, is $122.00. Mrs. Dennison has carried the amount previously due me on with six percent compounded. The figures I quote are just as given me by her. I assume she has gotten most of her data from Miss Newman.
I had a wisdom tooth extracted yesterday and in true Army style I rinsed my mouth out with salt water, spit a couple of times, and let it go at that. I must say, however, that Doctor Wolfe claims it was a very serious operation—but we Army people, as you know, are just like that.
I am writing The President a memorandum today, offering the services of the Army Engineers to get that ship OMAHA off the rocks.
All good messages to Gertrude (you certainly out-married yourself) to you and the boys
As ever
Pa
I received your message and I understand your Navy viewpoint thoroughly. If you will re-read my letter, you will find that I based it all on accuracy. There was no implied nor intended reflection on the dignity of the Naval Aide.
Just between us, I objected to that “William Watson” more than I did the “Naval Aide”. They didn’t say Captain, Commander, or Admiral Watson, but just William Watson—and The President immediately gave me the name of Bill. He has gone so far now as to stretch that out to Old Bill Watson. I have explained at length my position so you would thoroughly understand.
I was delighted to hear from Ross that you are feeling really better, and I hope and expect that you will come back home your old self again. Since you have been away they have pulled some fast ones on us. However, we couldn’t beat an Act of God, and that is what pushed the Court Bill out, in my humble opinion. I refer, of course, to the sad and untimely death of our friend, Senator Robinson. My contention is now that the damn Court Bill should be forgotten temporarily—and perhaps permanently. We have got to get some way to keep these Republicans from making inroads into the Democratic majority. They have played us for suckers and have succeeded to a great extent. The President is having a large crowd down today for a discussion as to adjournment. I hope that they adjourn promptly and let people go home and cool off, and talk with their constituents. In my mind, there is no question but what the people are still for The President.
This adjournment proposition has made it impossible for me to go to Maine so far, and I don’t know yet when I can get there. My idea of a perfect week in Maine would be to have you and Gertrude down with us at Northeast Harbor.
My books still show a little debit on your part—the exact amount, I think, is $122.00. Mrs. Dennison has carried the amount previously due me on with six percent compounded. The figures I quote are just as given me by her. I assume she has gotten most of her data from Miss Newman.
I had a wisdom tooth extracted yesterday and in true Army style I rinsed my mouth out with salt water, spit a couple of times, and let it go at that. I must say, however, that Doctor Wolfe claims it was a very serious operation—but we Army people, as you know, are just like that.
I am writing The President a memorandum today, offering the services of the Army Engineers to get that ship OMAHA off the rocks.
All good messages to Gertrude (you certainly out-married yourself) to you and the boys
As ever
Pa
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Watson, Edwin M. (Edwin Martin), 1883-1945, “Edwin M. Watson to Cary T. Grayson,” 1937 July 28, WWP16877, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.