Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14901
Date
1915 September 15
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
Wednesday -2 45
My Precious One -
have done the deed - I have told old Mr. Wilson! And if you could have seen the dear old man you would have loved him — I had not decided before he came just what I would do - but when he got here and was so distressed and worried over those awful news paper things (that even upset me you remember) I thought it was wisest to tell him — and Sweetheart, he was so genuinely pleased that the years seemed to really fall away from him - as he listened to all I said of you.Had he been my own father he could not have been more tender - more happy for my happiness - or more concerned that every thing should be made smooth- and nothing arise to block our days of happiness together.It is too long to write you - but I will keep it fresh in my thoughts to tell you - He was so pleased when I told him I had let you see some of his letters - and that you said he knew me through and through - He said -“did he agree with my opinion of you”? And I said yes - to which he replied -“Well, if he knows you as I do- and thinks of you as I do - I have no further fear for your happiness”
I told him what sweet things you had said of him — and that you wanted to know him - and his eyes lighted up with enthusiasm, as he said - Well - I should be proud to know any man you loved - but this man's friendship would be unlike that of any other man in the history of this time. I then told him how impossible it was now for me to ask you both here to dinner to know each other - but I hoped some day to have that real happiness.
Then we talked over my business affairs - and he spoke of my obligations etc - And I told him I had told you exactly the state of my affairs - and that until I could see my way clear to discharge personal obligations - I did not feel I could come to you.He looked at me curiously a minute - and said - “I felt perfectly sure you had done that — it is what I expected of you - and of course he respected your feeling - but thought it foolish pride - didn't he?” Then I told him just what you had said - and his answer was - Well, I agree with him - this must not interfere - but we must find a way out. - Then he stayed and thought a long time and finally said - “I am perfectly satisfied things are as they should be - and it seems too perfect to be a reality in this world - it seems more like a beautiful dream - And it is a dream I have had for months - that was beyond any thing dear to me.
My Precious One -
have done the deed - I have told old Mr. Wilson! And if you could have seen the dear old man you would have loved him — I had not decided before he came just what I would do - but when he got here and was so distressed and worried over those awful news paper things (that even upset me you remember) I thought it was wisest to tell him — and Sweetheart, he was so genuinely pleased that the years seemed to really fall away from him - as he listened to all I said of you.Had he been my own father he could not have been more tender - more happy for my happiness - or more concerned that every thing should be made smooth- and nothing arise to block our days of happiness together.It is too long to write you - but I will keep it fresh in my thoughts to tell you - He was so pleased when I told him I had let you see some of his letters - and that you said he knew me through and through - He said -“did he agree with my opinion of you”? And I said yes - to which he replied -“Well, if he knows you as I do- and thinks of you as I do - I have no further fear for your happiness”
I told him what sweet things you had said of him — and that you wanted to know him - and his eyes lighted up with enthusiasm, as he said - Well - I should be proud to know any man you loved - but this man's friendship would be unlike that of any other man in the history of this time. I then told him how impossible it was now for me to ask you both here to dinner to know each other - but I hoped some day to have that real happiness.
Then we talked over my business affairs - and he spoke of my obligations etc - And I told him I had told you exactly the state of my affairs - and that until I could see my way clear to discharge personal obligations - I did not feel I could come to you.He looked at me curiously a minute - and said - “I felt perfectly sure you had done that — it is what I expected of you - and of course he respected your feeling - but thought it foolish pride - didn't he?” Then I told him just what you had said - and his answer was - Well, I agree with him - this must not interfere - but we must find a way out. - Then he stayed and thought a long time and finally said - “I am perfectly satisfied things are as they should be - and it seems too perfect to be a reality in this world - it seems more like a beautiful dream - And it is a dream I have had for months - that was beyond any thing dear to me.
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1915 September 15, WWP14901, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.