Cary T. Grayson to WT Waggoner
Title
Cary T. Grayson to WT Waggoner
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP16685
Date
1930 September 23
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Mr. WT Waggoner,
Fort Worth, TX
Dear Mr. Waggoner:
Your letter received this morning and I am delighted to know that you are back home and while you did not mention the condition of your health the tone of your letter sounds like you are back to your normal health again. I hope this long distance diagnosis is correct. My sincere wishes that you keep in good health for many years to come.
I note what you say about the colts bought at Saratoga by your son and Mr. Vestal and that they have arrived safely at your farm. I do hope that they will turn out satisfactorily in every way.
Now about the business matter which you spoke of in your letter, namely, about the purchase of Papyrus. Frankly I would not advise you to buy him. In the first place the price—$300,000.00—is absurd, and in the second place he has not made a success in England and therefore they are anxious to get rid of him. I do not mean that he is a failure but he is not a top-notcher. I do not doubt that our mutual friend, Mr. Dale, is sincere in thinking he is one of the best stallions in England but I know a number of horsemen, whose opinion I value, who do not think well of him as a sire and he come from a female line. He is by Tracery who has never gotten an outstanding stallion but his brood mares are excellent. Tracery’s daddy, Rock Sand, was a great brood mare sire. His daughters produced such horses as Man of War, Epinard, Mad Hatter, Chance Play and numerous others, but his sons have never reproduced like his daughters.
I think some of the sharp English breeders realize this and this thought has a lot to do with offering Papyrus for sale. Frankly I do not want to see you buy him but of course you well realize I don’t know it all by a whole lot.
I am still looking for a great sire for you but I am not having any luck. When you do buy another I want you to have the very best and if you are not satisfied with him as the very best my advice is to wait.
With best regards to you and yours, I am as ever
Your sincere friend,
Fort Worth, TX
Dear Mr. Waggoner:
Your letter received this morning and I am delighted to know that you are back home and while you did not mention the condition of your health the tone of your letter sounds like you are back to your normal health again. I hope this long distance diagnosis is correct. My sincere wishes that you keep in good health for many years to come.
I note what you say about the colts bought at Saratoga by your son and Mr. Vestal and that they have arrived safely at your farm. I do hope that they will turn out satisfactorily in every way.
Now about the business matter which you spoke of in your letter, namely, about the purchase of Papyrus. Frankly I would not advise you to buy him. In the first place the price—$300,000.00—is absurd, and in the second place he has not made a success in England and therefore they are anxious to get rid of him. I do not mean that he is a failure but he is not a top-notcher. I do not doubt that our mutual friend, Mr. Dale, is sincere in thinking he is one of the best stallions in England but I know a number of horsemen, whose opinion I value, who do not think well of him as a sire and he come from a female line. He is by Tracery who has never gotten an outstanding stallion but his brood mares are excellent. Tracery’s daddy, Rock Sand, was a great brood mare sire. His daughters produced such horses as Man of War, Epinard, Mad Hatter, Chance Play and numerous others, but his sons have never reproduced like his daughters.
I think some of the sharp English breeders realize this and this thought has a lot to do with offering Papyrus for sale. Frankly I do not want to see you buy him but of course you well realize I don’t know it all by a whole lot.
I am still looking for a great sire for you but I am not having any luck. When you do buy another I want you to have the very best and if you are not satisfied with him as the very best my advice is to wait.
With best regards to you and yours, I am as ever
Your sincere friend,
Original Format
Letter
To
Waggoner, William Thomas (1852–1934)
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to WT Waggoner,” 1930 September 23, WWP16685, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.