Cary T. Grayson to William G. McAdoo
Title
Cary T. Grayson to William G. McAdoo
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP15857
Date
1919 October 1
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Mr. Secretary
I tried to get hold of you yesterday afternoon but I was told you were out, and I have had the misfortune again this afternoon of not getting in touch with you. So I am writing you this note. The President is suffering from nervous exhaustion, complicated by asthmatic attacks and splitting headaches. The latter, I am happy to say, have been relieved. The asthmatic attacks followed an attack of influenza in Paris. These attacks have been intermittent and became more aggravated while traveling on the train, interfering considerably with his sleep and rest. The strain was too much for any one made of flesh and blood to stand. In addition to the nervous energy required, the enormous and enthusiastic crowds sapped a great deal of his vitality. Even at places where the train did not stop hundreds and thousands of people would gather to greet him, and he conscientiously tried at least to wave his hand to them. This lasted anywhere from six in the morning until one or two am. With the nervous and physical exhaustion, his stomach refused to perform its functions, and I felt it absolutely necessary to persuade him, against his wishes, to call off the remaining part of the trip. His case, naturally, is one that will not run along perfectly smooth, but I think he is progressing as satisfactorily as could be expected in the circumstances. His appetite, for instance, is slowly improving, and but for the troublesome asthmatic attacks he would not experience a great deal of difficulty in the return of his ability to sleep. I am insisting on rest and quiet and the diversion of his mind from official matters. I notice as his strength is beginning to come back a desire on his part to get back to his official duties—which is a very good sign, but I fear a difficult one for me to handle. I am having Dr. deSchweinitz, of Philadelphia, an eye specialist who has examined him twice a year for the last five or six years, see him tomorrow. I am also having Dr. Dercum, of Phila., a nerve specialist, see him Friday. I will keep in touch with you every few days, and if things do not go along perfectly all right, I will get in touch with you immediately over the telephone. I feel, however, that he is going to continue to improve right along. If he knew that I were writing he would send his best love to you and Miss Eleanor. Tell Miss Eleanor not to worry.
With warm regards to both of you,
Affectionately yours,
I tried to get hold of you yesterday afternoon but I was told you were out, and I have had the misfortune again this afternoon of not getting in touch with you. So I am writing you this note. The President is suffering from nervous exhaustion, complicated by asthmatic attacks and splitting headaches. The latter, I am happy to say, have been relieved. The asthmatic attacks followed an attack of influenza in Paris. These attacks have been intermittent and became more aggravated while traveling on the train, interfering considerably with his sleep and rest. The strain was too much for any one made of flesh and blood to stand. In addition to the nervous energy required, the enormous and enthusiastic crowds sapped a great deal of his vitality. Even at places where the train did not stop hundreds and thousands of people would gather to greet him, and he conscientiously tried at least to wave his hand to them. This lasted anywhere from six in the morning until one or two am. With the nervous and physical exhaustion, his stomach refused to perform its functions, and I felt it absolutely necessary to persuade him, against his wishes, to call off the remaining part of the trip. His case, naturally, is one that will not run along perfectly smooth, but I think he is progressing as satisfactorily as could be expected in the circumstances. His appetite, for instance, is slowly improving, and but for the troublesome asthmatic attacks he would not experience a great deal of difficulty in the return of his ability to sleep. I am insisting on rest and quiet and the diversion of his mind from official matters. I notice as his strength is beginning to come back a desire on his part to get back to his official duties—which is a very good sign, but I fear a difficult one for me to handle. I am having Dr. deSchweinitz, of Philadelphia, an eye specialist who has examined him twice a year for the last five or six years, see him tomorrow. I am also having Dr. Dercum, of Phila., a nerve specialist, see him Friday. I will keep in touch with you every few days, and if things do not go along perfectly all right, I will get in touch with you immediately over the telephone. I feel, however, that he is going to continue to improve right along. If he knew that I were writing he would send his best love to you and Miss Eleanor. Tell Miss Eleanor not to worry.
With warm regards to both of you,
Affectionately yours,
Original Format
Letter
To
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to William G. McAdoo,” 1919 October 1, WWP15857, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.