Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

Dearest -

The dawn has come - and the hideous dark of the hour before the dawn has been lost in the gracious gift of lightI have been in the big chair by the window, where I have fought out so many problems, and all the hurt, selfish feeling has gone with the darkness- And I now see straight — straight into the heart of things - and am ready to follow the road “where love leadsHow many times I have told you I wanted to help. And now when the first test has come I faltered - But the faltering was for love - not lack of love- I am not afraid of any gossip or threat, with your love as my shield - and even now this room echoes with your voice - as you plead — “Stand by me” — “dont desert me”!

This is my pledge, Dearest One, I will stand by you - not for duty, not for pity, not for honor — but for love - trusting, protecting, comprehending - Love. And no matter whether the wine be bitter or sweet we will share it together and find happiness in the comradship

Forgive my unreasonableness tonight (I mean last night, for it is already Sunday morning) and be willing to trust me -I have not thought out what course we will follow for the immediate present - for I promised we would do that together -I am so tired I could put my head down on the desk and go to sleep — but nothing could bring me real rest until I had pledged you my love and my allegiance.

Your own,

Edith