Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14889
Date
1915 August 29
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
Sunday
1230 p.m.
Last night I was playing “Auction”, when the boy brought me the perfectly lovely letter from you that has made every hour since bright and my heart sing — I just could not help reading it there and then — and it was more like a real touch of you than anything that has happened since we said goodbye four weeks ago tomorrow —It had been exactly thirteen hours since your dear hand rested on the page when I could touch the same place with mine and feel it was sacred —There is a sort of reverence in my heart for you Dearest, unlike any I have ever felt for anyone – and every word on those white pages filled me with a joy that passes understanding – I blush truly at your words of loving admiration and yet I love them so I read them over and over again, and I went to sleep with your beloved two letters of yesterday under my pillow— and the last thought when I put out the light at 2 a. m. were your thoughts, and the blessed assurance that we belong to each otherHow can you say such ridiculous things about my letters, you dear flatterer for no one ever wrote such letters as yours – and I feel when I read them that I am cheating the world in keeping them as my sacred own– that other people ought to be allowed to know you – in such a wonderful revelation of your exquisite self – And how the words express that which is to most people inexpressible –Bertha and I have just come from a long walk on the Board Walk – We went clear to the end – and the ocean is perfectly wonderful today– the surf splendid and long combing waves breaking almost over each other– We went beyond the crowds – and stood just where nothing could mar the grandeur and beauty of the water –I wished so for you – and pictured you in church— wondered if you felt my thoughts keeping step with yours and longing to have yours fly free across the space that seperates us – and soar together through the life-giving freshness of this salt tonic air — I am stealing a minute to write you before lunch as afterwards we are going for a ride with Mr. Rose –Yesterday we had the same rain you did – only it did not begin until mid-day – so we could not get a ride – but stayed in, and of course, played cards– But I did not mind anything after your letter came– I could have played all night–– and not minded it– for my thoughts were so far away I was not conscious of what my hands and brain were doing – I think, if you have read the full page article in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” this morning about you – Margaret Helen and me– you will be as furious as I was at first – and still realize how completely I do love you that even such things as this have no power to make me long unhappy– and it is worth it all– to have you love me— Poor innocent little Margaret to have two such scheming creatures as Helen and I to take her place – but it is a comfort that you “make no effort to conceal your pleasure when you see our lovely faces”!! Such twaddle— it is not worth worrying over– except that it shows how every thing is being watched and noted –Should we let it affect next Saturday? Bless your heart– I love you – and I am willing to give up seeing you if it is wisest – and, on the other hand if you need me I am ready to stand such things as this and come and help you.For this in itself would bring me perfect happiness
________________________________________
615 P.M.
I am just back from a lovely ride and must finish this and get ready for dinner after which I must see a lot of Mothers friends and then pack So this must be the last word from Ocean CityI will get the mail before leaving in the morning – and we hope to get started by nine – I will certainly send you a line from the “Algonquin” tomorrow when we get to N. Y. — or if we should be held up on the road from wherever we spend the night. I am perfectly well Sweetheart and love to think I will so soon be near you.God keep you for me–and all the rest of the world
–Always
Edith
1230 p.m.
Last night I was playing “Auction”, when the boy brought me the perfectly lovely letter from you that has made every hour since bright and my heart sing — I just could not help reading it there and then — and it was more like a real touch of you than anything that has happened since we said goodbye four weeks ago tomorrow —It had been exactly thirteen hours since your dear hand rested on the page when I could touch the same place with mine and feel it was sacred —There is a sort of reverence in my heart for you Dearest, unlike any I have ever felt for anyone – and every word on those white pages filled me with a joy that passes understanding – I blush truly at your words of loving admiration and yet I love them so I read them over and over again, and I went to sleep with your beloved two letters of yesterday under my pillow— and the last thought when I put out the light at 2 a. m. were your thoughts, and the blessed assurance that we belong to each otherHow can you say such ridiculous things about my letters, you dear flatterer for no one ever wrote such letters as yours – and I feel when I read them that I am cheating the world in keeping them as my sacred own– that other people ought to be allowed to know you – in such a wonderful revelation of your exquisite self – And how the words express that which is to most people inexpressible –Bertha and I have just come from a long walk on the Board Walk – We went clear to the end – and the ocean is perfectly wonderful today– the surf splendid and long combing waves breaking almost over each other– We went beyond the crowds – and stood just where nothing could mar the grandeur and beauty of the water –I wished so for you – and pictured you in church— wondered if you felt my thoughts keeping step with yours and longing to have yours fly free across the space that seperates us – and soar together through the life-giving freshness of this salt tonic air — I am stealing a minute to write you before lunch as afterwards we are going for a ride with Mr. Rose –Yesterday we had the same rain you did – only it did not begin until mid-day – so we could not get a ride – but stayed in, and of course, played cards– But I did not mind anything after your letter came– I could have played all night–– and not minded it– for my thoughts were so far away I was not conscious of what my hands and brain were doing – I think, if you have read the full page article in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” this morning about you – Margaret Helen and me– you will be as furious as I was at first – and still realize how completely I do love you that even such things as this have no power to make me long unhappy– and it is worth it all– to have you love me— Poor innocent little Margaret to have two such scheming creatures as Helen and I to take her place – but it is a comfort that you “make no effort to conceal your pleasure when you see our lovely faces”!! Such twaddle— it is not worth worrying over– except that it shows how every thing is being watched and noted –Should we let it affect next Saturday? Bless your heart– I love you – and I am willing to give up seeing you if it is wisest – and, on the other hand if you need me I am ready to stand such things as this and come and help you.For this in itself would bring me perfect happiness
________________________________________
615 P.M.
I am just back from a lovely ride and must finish this and get ready for dinner after which I must see a lot of Mothers friends and then pack So this must be the last word from Ocean CityI will get the mail before leaving in the morning – and we hope to get started by nine – I will certainly send you a line from the “Algonquin” tomorrow when we get to N. Y. — or if we should be held up on the road from wherever we spend the night. I am perfectly well Sweetheart and love to think I will so soon be near you.God keep you for me–and all the rest of the world
–Always
Edith
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1915 August 29, WWP14889, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.