Woodrow Wilson to Henry B. Fine

Woodrow Wilson to Henry B. Fine

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

WWP17663

1913 April 11

Woodrow Wilson writes to Henry Burchard Fine expressing his disappointment that Fine will not accept the post in Germany.

Wilson Papers, Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

My dear Harry:

It was a deep, deep disappointment to me that you could not accept. In my opinion you are just the man for the place. You apparently do not know it but everyone who has spoken about the offer and who knew you has agreed with me enthusiastically. But I do not wish you to think for a moment that there is anything but regret that the country could not have had the benefit of your services. I deeply respect, as I thoroughly understand, the reasons why you declined, and in the turmoil of public affairs I can not help sighing to think that I can not turn, as you are turning, to study again and to the work that seems somehow to be part of the unbroken thinking of the world. I can not tell you how deep a delight it was to me to have the opportunity to show just what I thought of you. There are not many pleasures connected with appointments to office, so far as the appointing officer is concerned, and, therefore, these rare occasions when I can turn to the men I really trust and believe in are very dear to me.
I want you to know that everybody regrets your having found it necessary to decline and speaks of the whole thing in just the terms that would make you happiest.
It was indeed fine in Cleve to make the offer he did. He made it with his usual happiness and sincerity.
All join me in warmest and most affectionate regards, and we hope that you will all come back greatly refreshed by your vacation and give us the pleasure of seeing you as soon as possible after you return.

Woodrow Wilson

Prof. Henry B. Fine,
Munich, Germany.

Letter

Fine, Henry B. (Henry Burchard), 1858-1928