Edith Bolling Wilson to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP16555
Date
1924 June 5
Description
Edith Bolling Wilson asks Cary Grayson to write down a summary of his work with, and for, Woodrow Wilson during his lifetime for the use of a researcher or biographer, yet to be identified, writing about Wilson’s life.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My Dear Doctor Grayson
I am writing to ask if you will do me a very great service; though knowing what a tremendously busy person you are, I hesitate to impose more work upon you. And yet I feel sure you will understand my request; I feel so strongly that now is the time to collect everything possilble relating to Mr. Wilson’s life and work that I am asking you––and each of those who were associated with him––to do me the great favor of writing down and forwarding to me the history of the work done with him or for him. No matter about putting it in finished form, as though to be published, but just to have a complete record for a future historian or biographer relating the facts as you recall them. Of course this will take time; but I will feel easier in my own mind if you will write me of your willingness to help preserve all these vital truths.
There have been numerous persons suggested as the biographer; but I feel it is wise to postpone a decision until the entire field of possibilities has been canvassed. Therefore, I am trying to collect all the material myself and hold it until I am convinced I have found the best person. In connection with the above, I am trying to get copies of Mr. Wilson’s letters, and I am going to ask you to let me have copies of yours. I shall be glad to discharge any expense in relation to them. If you prefer to send the letters to me, I will have them photostated and return you the originals. With appreciation of any service you can give me, and warm personal regard;
Cordially and sincerely yours,
Edith Bolling Wilson
I am writing to ask if you will do me a very great service; though knowing what a tremendously busy person you are, I hesitate to impose more work upon you. And yet I feel sure you will understand my request; I feel so strongly that now is the time to collect everything possilble relating to Mr. Wilson’s life and work that I am asking you––and each of those who were associated with him––to do me the great favor of writing down and forwarding to me the history of the work done with him or for him. No matter about putting it in finished form, as though to be published, but just to have a complete record for a future historian or biographer relating the facts as you recall them. Of course this will take time; but I will feel easier in my own mind if you will write me of your willingness to help preserve all these vital truths.
There have been numerous persons suggested as the biographer; but I feel it is wise to postpone a decision until the entire field of possibilities has been canvassed. Therefore, I am trying to collect all the material myself and hold it until I am convinced I have found the best person. In connection with the above, I am trying to get copies of Mr. Wilson’s letters, and I am going to ask you to let me have copies of yours. I shall be glad to discharge any expense in relation to them. If you prefer to send the letters to me, I will have them photostated and return you the originals. With appreciation of any service you can give me, and warm personal regard;
Cordially and sincerely yours,
Edith Bolling Wilson
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Cary T. Grayson,” 1924 June 5, WWP16555, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.