Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

Title

Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961

Identifier

WWP14877

Date

1915 August 13

Source

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

Language

English

Text

Friday-
11 30 P. M.

My Own Dearest -

I am afraid this has been another wretchedly busy day for you — for I know from the manifold things I found in my big envelope today – how thoroughly you are going into things – You are a Dear person to take the time to write little sentences on each of the papers you send me- it adds so much to the interest and gives them just the personal touch that would vitalize any subject for me - and seems almost as though we had read them together – Just as the mail came I was reading the N. Y. Times account of the A.B.C. matter - and the letters that had passed between the Mexican heads - and I was so glad to know the original note was to go – as it was first drafted. Thank you my loved Lord for keeping me in close touch with these things that are claiming you and all your efforts - It seems to me if Col. H. has read the cipher message from our representative at Berlin he would advise a change of air for him as more necessary than to Mr. Page. I could get little out of his message - and it seems to me he was not quite clear about it himself — What about Mr. Hoke Smith's speech in regard to cotton etc - which, the papers state caused the forwarding of a letter to you to ask for the convening of Congress – though stating that all the men from whom the request came stood back of you

Also is it true that you have asked the Secretaries of War & Navy to give you suggestions for preparedness for War- and that you are planing how to finance the increase in war preparedness? Everyone here says this is a splendid move on your part- and I wonder if they know and if you really are doing this - You know I do not mean this for inquisitiveness but just because I know you don't mind telling me - and I am so keen to know of everything you are doing- I felt so queer this afternoon reading all these reports from the different theatres of war – sitting here in my quiet room, away from everything - in a tiny little town beside a calm Lake– I— an unknown person – one who had lived a sheltered inconspicuous existence, now having all the threads in the tangled fabric of the worlds history laid in her my hands for a few minutes – while the stronger hand, that quicks the shuttle, stops long enough in its work, to press her my fingers in token of the great love and trust with which you crown and bless my life.

I have gotten so that I count on this daily sharing of your work with me – and if the afternoon mail comes with no big Envelope–I feel cheated. See how easily I can be spoiled not content with the most wonderful letters Every morning, that fill the day with their wonderful sweetness- I still covet a second message to tell me, even in your hours of absorbing work, I am in your thoughts—and so far hardly a day has passed that I have not found this assurance

Saturday - 9 30

Good morning my precious OneHave you had a fine sleep and did you go out early for golf as it is Saturday? I have just finished reading that lovely long letter finished so early yesterday-and it was such a real joy – Your description of the Discussion Club is too funny for words and I wish we could get hold of Mrs. Churchill's paper, and be instructed as to her views— Then I am so pleased to find how often our thoughts run along the same lines — for instance about Hoke Smith — you were answering my question when it was in my mind even before I put it on paper - Doesn't it seem queer, but delicious? I will get the letter you refer to about him by the noon Post-so I shall not be disappoin today - And I will be so interested to see what you refer to.

The package of envelopes came this morning too — Thank you for them - and bless, dear loyal Hoover! He is a most unusual man— Do you give him yours to mail?– I am so glad you are feeling so well my precious Woodrow– and if love can make and keep you so–you will never again suffer- Do you know I change my rings when I write because as I hold the pen I can see a little gleaming circle on my finger - that thrills me when I remember who it represents and whose dear lips have kissed it.

I am going down town with Mrs. Rose - so I have to hurry and finish this for it may be so late when I get back — I am wondering if you get the mail on Sunday– but suppose of course you do – I see in the paper this morning you have consented to go to the camp at Plattsburg sometime in the next 3 weeks. Can't you stop in Philadelphia then, instead of making it a seperate trip? What a shame you should have given your self such a head ache on the train by writing to me— I love you for doing it, but hate to think of your suffering -I am so delighted to know you found everything had gone just as well as if you had been in Washington- and feel Mr. Lansing is a real comfort to you.

Now I must run and get my hat on-

Goodbye Sweetheart until tomorrow,

Edith

—Nothing futher from Panama —

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

08131915.pdf

Citation

Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1915 August 13, WWP14877, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.