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

WWP15757

Date

1919 May 9

Description

Cary T. Grayson tells Alice Gordon Grayson about attending the races with President and Mrs. Wilson and sitting next to a British barrister at dinner who did not appreciate his jokes. He tells her he misses and loves her.

Source

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

Language

English

Text

Friday

My darling, precious one,

Yesterday afternoon the President, Mrs. Wilson, Miss Benham, Grasty and I went to the Races. It was a beautiful sunshiny day. The change was fine for the President. It was a relaxation for him and he greatly enjoyed watching the crowd and seemed to keenly enjoy the races. Miss E. loved it all. Society was there in full force. A very dressy affair quite a contrast from our Races in this respect. Women wore their best afternoon outfit men wore their silk hats. Personally, I dont begin to get the pleasure out of these races as I do at home. I suppose it is because the people and horses all are strangers. The running is altogether on the turf The crowds are enormous. My friend Lord Derby was there high hat and all clothes to go with the hat. To-day Senator Peter Gerry called to see me. We went for a long drive together. He gave me all the home political news. Matilde is here but he did not bring her for the drive He called you over the long distance phone from New York the day he sailed but was unable to get you to the phone. I like him; he has lot more brains and ability than I anticipated. In addition, he is a fine fellow.

To-night I attended a small dinner of twenty with the President. It was given by Sir Thomas Barclay, President of the International Law Society. The guests were very representative peopleall, men of much distinction. I sat next to Prince Bonaparte. Spoke very little English. He has visited America, said that he was impressed with Washington Booker. He omitted the T. Said that he was a man whose skin was dark. He is a scientist. I asked him when did expect another war. His short answer was ten years. On my right was a titled Englishman a lawyer or as he called it, a barrister. I tried a few jokes on him but they wouldnt take. In speaking of the President's absence from America. Some one remarked that if he didnt hurry home They would proclaim a republic Ah! but But, how he said, how extraordinary surely the United States is a republic. The speeches were all good. I was much impressed with Pain the former Prime Minister during the war. The man did great things during the trying days of the war, but who he did stand in with the clique of politicians of the Clemenceau type etc. and they proceeded to get rid of him and they did. The Czar in his palmest days could not hold light for the crowd now in command of the French Government.

Among the guests to-night was the la leader of the Socialist Party here.

Good-night my dearest, I miss you terribly. Kiss the little boys for me Saturday I have just been informed that the pouch goes this afternoon so I am hurrying to add a few lines to this poor letter. I write such poor letters to you for which I am sorry but I assure you that my heart ever beats true to my darling Trudie. There are so many interruptions that I never seem to write as I feel them I want to.

The pictures were taken at the Races. Note BMB smiling face. He is making a great hit over here with the President, Miss E & every one except Colonel House. The man with the silk hat is Lord Derby. The next group are four Republican Congressmen. I told the Photographer and the movie man to get all the pictures of them possible. If the Republicans ever criticize the President for attending the Races we have plenty of pictures of these Congressmen enjoying the King of Sports. You should have heard Mr. Murray laugh when I explained these pictures.

I am to terribly homesick for you and the boys and getting more so every week. I love you and miss you beyond expression.

Always your

Original Format

Letter

To

Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/D01145.pdf

Tags

Citation

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson,” 1919 May 9, WWP15757, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.