James S. Barron to Cary T. Grayson
Title
James S. Barron to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Barron, James S.
Identifier
WWP16851
Date
1936 December 29
Description
James S. Barron writes to Cary Grayson about support for FDR as well as other political appointments.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My dear Cary
In order that your memory may not be burdened with details it might be well for me to briefly summarize what has been done.
Cliff Woodrum has written direct to the President and sent me copy of his very cordial endorsement and Secretary McIntyre’s acknowledgement.
Jim Price told me over the phone he would write to the President yesterday direct. He was very cordial and I assume that the letter went forward.
Norman Hamilton wrote a strong letter of endorsement to the President and sent me a copy.
O’Conor Goolrick told me over the phone he would write a letter to the President yesterday and I am sure this has been done. He took a very strong position in favor of the President in his annual address as President of the State Bar Association and I am advised that the President regards him highly.
Colonel Slover, owner of both the Norfolk Dailies and the Richmond Times Dispatch, all of which strongly supported the President, wrote a letter of endorsement.
Cris Garnett, a former law partner of Mr. Walton Moore, told me he would have a talk with him and use his best efforts in my behalf.
After further consideration it was decided inadvisable for Mr. Homer Ferguson to take any part in this matter. It might create the impression that the shipbuilding and shipping interests were back of my appointment and that would hurt rather than help. Colonel Slover was in Washington yesterday and he understood there that the President will probably be influenced in these appointments by Senator Black and doubtless would not appoint anyone not approved by him. I have no approach to Senator Black and wonder if Senator Glass could help you with him. I leave this entirely to you of course.
I would like to make two suggestions. Mr. Farley knows that I was not a supporter of Mr. Hamilton and when one of my friends talked to him about this ten days ago he did not know Mr. Hamilton’s present favorable attitude. I suggest that this information be given by you to Mr. Farley as early as possible, otherwise he may think my appointment would offend Mr. Hamilton. The President may not recall his letter of endorsement, and both he and Mr. Farley should know of the changed relationship.
With regard to Harry Thompson of Norfolk who applied for this position and received a good many local endorsements including those of Senator Byrd and probably Senator Glass, I am confident that no embarrassment will arise about this and that he can be induced to withdraw his application at the proper time. My thought has been that if this were taken up with him now it would get into the newspapers and that I wish to avoid. It seems to me the better policy would be to let that matter rest until we know what the President’s attitude is going to be and then take up the matter with Thompson. You know my relations with the two Senators are such that I feel sure there will be no difficulty about securing their endorsement, for they have no interest in Mr. Thompson and have in me.
I know how busy you are and want to relieve you of anything that I can. I do appreciate so much all that you are doing and with warm regards remain,
Sincerely,
JS Barron.
In order that your memory may not be burdened with details it might be well for me to briefly summarize what has been done.
Cliff Woodrum has written direct to the President and sent me copy of his very cordial endorsement and Secretary McIntyre’s acknowledgement.
Jim Price told me over the phone he would write to the President yesterday direct. He was very cordial and I assume that the letter went forward.
Norman Hamilton wrote a strong letter of endorsement to the President and sent me a copy.
O’Conor Goolrick told me over the phone he would write a letter to the President yesterday and I am sure this has been done. He took a very strong position in favor of the President in his annual address as President of the State Bar Association and I am advised that the President regards him highly.
Colonel Slover, owner of both the Norfolk Dailies and the Richmond Times Dispatch, all of which strongly supported the President, wrote a letter of endorsement.
Cris Garnett, a former law partner of Mr. Walton Moore, told me he would have a talk with him and use his best efforts in my behalf.
After further consideration it was decided inadvisable for Mr. Homer Ferguson to take any part in this matter. It might create the impression that the shipbuilding and shipping interests were back of my appointment and that would hurt rather than help. Colonel Slover was in Washington yesterday and he understood there that the President will probably be influenced in these appointments by Senator Black and doubtless would not appoint anyone not approved by him. I have no approach to Senator Black and wonder if Senator Glass could help you with him. I leave this entirely to you of course.
I would like to make two suggestions. Mr. Farley knows that I was not a supporter of Mr. Hamilton and when one of my friends talked to him about this ten days ago he did not know Mr. Hamilton’s present favorable attitude. I suggest that this information be given by you to Mr. Farley as early as possible, otherwise he may think my appointment would offend Mr. Hamilton. The President may not recall his letter of endorsement, and both he and Mr. Farley should know of the changed relationship.
With regard to Harry Thompson of Norfolk who applied for this position and received a good many local endorsements including those of Senator Byrd and probably Senator Glass, I am confident that no embarrassment will arise about this and that he can be induced to withdraw his application at the proper time. My thought has been that if this were taken up with him now it would get into the newspapers and that I wish to avoid. It seems to me the better policy would be to let that matter rest until we know what the President’s attitude is going to be and then take up the matter with Thompson. You know my relations with the two Senators are such that I feel sure there will be no difficulty about securing their endorsement, for they have no interest in Mr. Thompson and have in me.
I know how busy you are and want to relieve you of anything that I can. I do appreciate so much all that you are doing and with warm regards remain,
Sincerely,
JS Barron.
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Barron, James S., “James S. Barron to Cary T. Grayson,” 1936 December 29, WWP16851, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.