Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

Title

Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961

Identifier

WWP14876

Date

1915 August 12

Source

Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Language

English

Text

11 - P. M.

My Precious One -

I have come to looking forward to this time with you every night- when the rest of the household is asleep, as the happiest part of the day except when the Postman brings me your part of our blessed talks, and I sit by my window and read those dear pages on which the hand I love has so recently rested — and which brings you and your vital, stimulating mind in direct touch with mine

I am in bed - and have just finished reading over again your last letter from Harlakenden written “Tuesday evening” and yesterday morning at 645.Each letter I get Sweetheart is so full of tenderness and the old, old story that makes this dull earth glorified, that I fear the next one can not find new words in which to tell me what my ears long to hear — and yet the next day brings its own message more full, more rich, more satisfying - and I know that such prodigal wealth can only spring from depths whose foundations can never be disturbed - and from which comes only precious metal that will only become brighter by use –I know how weary you must have been tonight after your long journey and I hope you got to bed early and will dream that I am with you - and holding you safe in my arms - while, with very tender fingers, I press down your tired lids, and bid you sleep while I keep watch beside you —Your letter was sad my dear Lord - and I trust the sadness came chiefly from your dread of leaving that dear house which is so full of memories for us both – and the ending of your freedom from affairs that were not important enough to admit of transportation

–Even if I am in Washington for September I want you to go back to Cornish if you possibly can — for those nice old ladies will be there then and you will enjoy it - and get another chance of refreshment - This afternoon I got a sweet letter from Dr. G written aboard your car and posted at New Haven -He tells me Altrude is in Washington so I suppose they are together tonight and his heart is at ease, if only for a few brief hours -He says he wishes he could talk to me- that things are much letter than they were early in the summer but still unsettled, which he knows will be a disappointment to me as well as to himself – Then he says some very lovely things about our happiness and how much it means to him - that it is too sacred for him to put on paper - but he will try to express it when he sees me

-Dear fellow, how I wish I could make him as happy — Tell him Dearest how I appreciate his letter and that I will answer soon.You asked me if I was well - and reminded me to take care of myself – and I can promise you I will do this - and that I love to feel your care - This afternoon Mrs. Endicott and Miss Seward from N. Y. spent the afternoon and at 5 30 Mr. Rose took them home in his car-and as Mrs. R. was tired, I went for a three mile walk by myself- It had poured rain all day and there was a high wind- but it cleared about four - and was fine and bracing

The Lake was full of little white caps and looked awfully pretty in the pale sunlight Tonight we went to a very nice place for a game of “Auction” but we stopped at ten – and got home by half past - I see in the Evening paper that Mr. Lansing thinks the ordering of the ships troops South a very grave mistake- and has asked you to sidetrack them somewhere - as he fears the affect — and that the sending of them is a blunder in the army or navy Dept.

Of course, in view of what you said about the order being a request to you from Mr. Lansing– I can't credit the newspaper account of this – and suppose it is as sensational as the account of the automobile accident in which you “stood ankle deep in mud” while you rescued 2 charming ladies - who failed to recognize you as the President ___________________________________________________________
Friday - 11-30 a.m.

Your dear letter written en route came by the early mail bringing its own sweet welcome- I hope you did not weary your dear head by writing me such a long delicious letter - but if you knew what happiness it brought you would feel repaid — I am always so glad when you are off those nasty trains, and see from the morning paper that Washington had a pouring rain – so I trust it cooled things off and you had a restful night. We have been out all morning and as the mail is collected at 12 I have to hurry to get this posted so it will reach you tomorrow

-I had read in the papers the story of the Clovers but it was not nearly so interesting as your own acount of it - and it seems strange you should have taken that particular road - or that the number should have been your lucky 13— I am so glad - for even if it is a superstition- it is a happy one- and it must bring my precious One all happiness and good fortune-My heart comes with this— and I am always

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

08121915.pdf

Citation

Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1915 August 12, WWP14876, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.