Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Title
Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP15781
Date
1919 June 1
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My dearest one,
Last night, the President, Miss Edith, Dr. Axson and Sallie Beecher and I went to the theater. They asked the Ambassador and Mrs. Wallace, but they had accepted a formal dinner invitation in their honor from the Spanish Ambassador, so, of course, they could not be with us. I understand, much to their regret. Sallie seemed terribly excited but thoroughly enjoyed being with the President and Mrs. Wilson.
It is the first time Miss E. has put her foot on the ground since the beginning of her foot trouble ten days ago—and believe me, she traveled on her nerve more than on her feet. While, I assured her it would do no harm to use her foot if she could stand the pain and tenderness, and she did it.
I failed to mention the trouble in the beginning. She attempted to be her own chiropodist—and infected her foot—blood poisoning—which pained her not only in the foot but up to her thigh. I had to cut incise a place half as long as my finger to drain and let the pus out. I dressed and re-dressed the wound three or four times a day. It might have been serious. I am happy to say that she is alright now and in a few days will be able to put on a shoe. Don’t tell her family any of this to or any one. While it is not a secret, I would prefer it not come from me. the President has been so fine about it all and so has been Edith Bolling Wilson">Miss E. It is not only an honor but a pleasure to do anything for them. Both seem so appreciative. I am glad it is over with because we were playing with fire and trouble.
This afternoon we three and Dr Axson motored to Mantes—a beautiful ride through the best looking country I have seen over here in France. As you know the French Roads are splendid; but the reckless fast driving is nerve wracking. It is simply terrible. Every day we see several terrible accidents. It takes much of the pleasure of an outing, away.
The all absorbing question here is will the Germans sign? If so—when? These are questions of intense interest to me—not only as an American, an ally—but—furthermore—because I am exceedingly anxious to get home to see you and the boys. I had hoped to be leaving here this week but now that hope is gone. Present indications, it will be two weeks more before we sail for home. I think of you so much and hope all is going well with you. I trust the heat will not be bad before I return. You are so brave, true and fine that I admire and love you more and more every day. I feel that I help you very little and poorly these days and write you poor letters. I am kept busy all the time—a thousand things to do every day—too many interruptions for a real letter—then, I put so much time on that . That is my best ef effort. It is yours—I try not to duplicate in my letters what is in that—hence my letters are empty from a news viewpoint.
The , perhaps, will have a big value in the future. It contains much information that has not or ever will be published. Unless we give it to the boys to publish when they are old men. Otherwise, as you will see, it will have to be revised considerably as it tells some very harsh truths about some of our acquaintances and friends—If it were not for fear of it going astray I would send it to you—but I think that I can had better bring it under my own lock and key.
I have not heard from Mr. Ross for a long time. I suppose the horses getting sick also put him in bed. It is tough luck—but let us hope for good luck in the future. As you seem to be wisely converting your holdings in real estate into cash; perhaps, it would be good business for me to turn my blooded thoroughbreds into cash.Monday—.I went with the President to the meeting at St. Germain this morning when The Treaty was delivered to the Austrians. They made a fine impression—a great contrast to the German Delegates. We were late as result of a motor accident. This delay caused excitement for fear of an accident to the President as he had never been known to be late over here.
Last night, the President, Miss Edith, Dr. Axson and Sallie Beecher and I went to the theater. They asked the Ambassador and Mrs. Wallace, but they had accepted a formal dinner invitation in their honor from the Spanish Ambassador, so, of course, they could not be with us. I understand, much to their regret. Sallie seemed terribly excited but thoroughly enjoyed being with the President and Mrs. Wilson.
It is the first time Miss E. has put her foot on the ground since the beginning of her foot trouble ten days ago—and believe me, she traveled on her nerve more than on her feet. While, I assured her it would do no harm to use her foot if she could stand the pain and tenderness, and she did it.
I failed to mention the trouble in the beginning. She attempted to be her own chiropodist—and infected her foot—blood poisoning—which pained her not only in the foot but up to her thigh. I had to cut incise a place half as long as my finger to drain and let the pus out. I dressed and re-dressed the wound three or four times a day. It might have been serious. I am happy to say that she is alright now and in a few days will be able to put on a shoe. Don’t tell her family any of this to or any one. While it is not a secret, I would prefer it not come from me. the President has been so fine about it all and so has been Edith Bolling Wilson">Miss E. It is not only an honor but a pleasure to do anything for them. Both seem so appreciative. I am glad it is over with because we were playing with fire and trouble.
This afternoon we three and Dr Axson motored to Mantes—a beautiful ride through the best looking country I have seen over here in France. As you know the French Roads are splendid; but the reckless fast driving is nerve wracking. It is simply terrible. Every day we see several terrible accidents. It takes much of the pleasure of an outing, away.
The all absorbing question here is will the Germans sign? If so—when? These are questions of intense interest to me—not only as an American, an ally—but—furthermore—because I am exceedingly anxious to get home to see you and the boys. I had hoped to be leaving here this week but now that hope is gone. Present indications, it will be two weeks more before we sail for home. I think of you so much and hope all is going well with you. I trust the heat will not be bad before I return. You are so brave, true and fine that I admire and love you more and more every day. I feel that I help you very little and poorly these days and write you poor letters. I am kept busy all the time—a thousand things to do every day—too many interruptions for a real letter—then, I put so much time on that . That is my best ef effort. It is yours—I try not to duplicate in my letters what is in that—hence my letters are empty from a news viewpoint.
The , perhaps, will have a big value in the future. It contains much information that has not or ever will be published. Unless we give it to the boys to publish when they are old men. Otherwise, as you will see, it will have to be revised considerably as it tells some very harsh truths about some of our acquaintances and friends—If it were not for fear of it going astray I would send it to you—but I think that I can had better bring it under my own lock and key.
I have not heard from Mr. Ross for a long time. I suppose the horses getting sick also put him in bed. It is tough luck—but let us hope for good luck in the future. As you seem to be wisely converting your holdings in real estate into cash; perhaps, it would be good business for me to turn my blooded thoroughbreds into cash.Monday—.I went with the President to the meeting at St. Germain this morning when The Treaty was delivered to the Austrians. They made a fine impression—a great contrast to the German Delegates. We were late as result of a motor accident. This delay caused excitement for fear of an accident to the President as he had never been known to be late over here.
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson,” 1919 June 1, WWP15781, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.