WS Thayer to Cary T. Grayson
Title
WS Thayer to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Thayer, William Sydney, 1864-1932
Identifier
WWP20953
Date
1916 February 10
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My dear Grayson
Ever since poor Pence’s death I’ve been meaning to write to you to express our sympathy—for I know you were really attached to him, and to ask you how it was—But now I have an additional and this time, a very happy reason for writing—Pray accept our most sincere congratulations.
I am particularly happy because, although I have never had the good fortune to meet Miss Gordon, I have always had an interest in her because of a singularly touching incident which occured some years ago.
One day a most attractive and rather impressive looking old man consulted me as to his physical condition—He showed, alas, signs which were only too clear of a rapidly progressing and fatal malady—I could only speak to him plainly and frankly about it—though twas rather hard to do—He seemed to appreciate it, received the news with perfect calm and dignity, and then, after a little pause, he told me something of his life—Now and then in ones association with his patients there come moments when an unusual spirit of confidence & frankness seems to come over both doctor and patient—and I have always remembered that talk.
He told me of his work—of the ups and downs of his life, and then he told me with great tenderness of his daughter. It was for her alone that he was living, and it was her welfare and happiness which alone concerned him.
He had planned a European trip for the summer and he asked me just how long I thought he might live; he should, he said, dislike very much to disappoint her, and if I thought that he could lifve to carry out his plans in that respect, he shwould be much happier. But what he said of his daughter I could not remember, but this I know; he kept a very lovely picture in my mind.
And I remember particularly his quick distress at the thought that he could not live to know that she had married a good man.
It make me very happy to think that his dearest wishes are now fulfilled—and so, dear Grayson with heartfelt congratulations to you and to Miss Gordon, believe me
Ever your
WS Thayer.
Ever since poor Pence’s death I’ve been meaning to write to you to express our sympathy—for I know you were really attached to him, and to ask you how it was—But now I have an additional and this time, a very happy reason for writing—Pray accept our most sincere congratulations.
I am particularly happy because, although I have never had the good fortune to meet Miss Gordon, I have always had an interest in her because of a singularly touching incident which occured some years ago.
One day a most attractive and rather impressive looking old man consulted me as to his physical condition—He showed, alas, signs which were only too clear of a rapidly progressing and fatal malady—I could only speak to him plainly and frankly about it—though twas rather hard to do—He seemed to appreciate it, received the news with perfect calm and dignity, and then, after a little pause, he told me something of his life—Now and then in ones association with his patients there come moments when an unusual spirit of confidence & frankness seems to come over both doctor and patient—and I have always remembered that talk.
He told me of his work—of the ups and downs of his life, and then he told me with great tenderness of his daughter. It was for her alone that he was living, and it was her welfare and happiness which alone concerned him.
He had planned a European trip for the summer and he asked me just how long I thought he might live; he should, he said, dislike very much to disappoint her, and if I thought that he could lifve to carry out his plans in that respect, he shwould be much happier. But what he said of his daughter I could not remember, but this I know; he kept a very lovely picture in my mind.
And I remember particularly his quick distress at the thought that he could not live to know that she had married a good man.
It make me very happy to think that his dearest wishes are now fulfilled—and so, dear Grayson with heartfelt congratulations to you and to Miss Gordon, believe me
Ever your
WS Thayer.
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Thayer, William Sydney, 1864-1932, “WS Thayer to Cary T. Grayson,” 1916 February 10, WWP20953, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.