Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17000
Date
1918 December 10
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
TUESDAY.
We sighted the Azores this morning. We ran close enough in so that we could discern the hills of the islands and the harbor mouth. The President came on deck as soon as we were fairly abreast of the land and remained there watching the picturesque scenery. Just before we passed the harbor of the Ponte Delgada a Portugese gunboat, about the size of an ordinary harbor tug, steamed out and when she came abreast of us began firing the President salute from a small brass gun mounted well forward. The GEORGE WASHINGTON’s saluting battery responded. A number of camouflaged marine vessels that were anchored off the shore dipped their colors as we steamed by.
After we had passed the islands the President went to his study where he held conferences with the various members of the Peace Commission’s experts staff, who reported to him upon the data which they had worked up for the commission. Afterward, the President sent for Ambassador Jusserand and they were together for more than an hour, the Ambassador presenting certain facts to the President which had been sent to him for that purpose by his own government.
Following luncheon the President, Mrs. Wilson and myself went to the bridge of the GEORGE WASHINGTON to witness an exhibition on the part of the anti-aircraft gun crews of the PENNSYLVANIA. They sent up a number of hot-air balloons and the gun crews essayed to shoot them down. The targets were none too distinct and more got away than were reached with the shrapnel.
Before returning to his cabin, the President, Mrs. Wilson and myself posed for some pictures with the three newspaper correspondents.
We sighted the Azores this morning. We ran close enough in so that we could discern the hills of the islands and the harbor mouth. The President came on deck as soon as we were fairly abreast of the land and remained there watching the picturesque scenery. Just before we passed the harbor of the Ponte Delgada a Portugese gunboat, about the size of an ordinary harbor tug, steamed out and when she came abreast of us began firing the President salute from a small brass gun mounted well forward. The GEORGE WASHINGTON’s saluting battery responded. A number of camouflaged marine vessels that were anchored off the shore dipped their colors as we steamed by.
After we had passed the islands the President went to his study where he held conferences with the various members of the Peace Commission’s experts staff, who reported to him upon the data which they had worked up for the commission. Afterward, the President sent for Ambassador Jusserand and they were together for more than an hour, the Ambassador presenting certain facts to the President which had been sent to him for that purpose by his own government.
Following luncheon the President, Mrs. Wilson and myself went to the bridge of the GEORGE WASHINGTON to witness an exhibition on the part of the anti-aircraft gun crews of the PENNSYLVANIA. They sent up a number of hot-air balloons and the gun crews essayed to shoot them down. The targets were none too distinct and more got away than were reached with the shrapnel.
Before returning to his cabin, the President, Mrs. Wilson and myself posed for some pictures with the three newspaper correspondents.
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1918 December 10, WWP17000, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.