Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17018
Date
1918 December 28
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
This was President Wilson’s 62d birthday. He received a number of gifts. The President characterized the day as “the greatest of my life”; but he also added that “birthdays are coming too fast.”
At ten o’clock King George, accompanied by the Duke of Connaught, visited the President’s apartments personally to extend his congratulations. He also presented the President with a set of books containing the history and description of WINDSOR CASTLE. After the King left I accompanied the President to the American Embassy, where he had agreed to meet a number of American delegations, some of whom called to pay their respects, and others who desired to present him with resolutions endorsing the League of Nations plan. The President was escorted to the office of the Ambassador on the second floor of the Embassy building. On the wall of this office were the pictures of former Ambassadors Choate and Reid. Ambassador John W. Davis, who had just taken over the post, acted as master of ceremonies and introduced the visitors to the President. Among the delegations that arrived was one representing the British League of Nations Society, and included in its membership was Viscount John Bryce (Author of the American Commonwealth), and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Another member of the party was Earl Grey, whom the President met for the first time. Earl Grey was the head of the Government which brought Great Britain into the war, that is, he was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and responsible for the foreign policy. They greeted the President warmly and expressed the hope that he would succeed in his mission. After meeting the delegations Ambassador Davis presented personally to the President all of the attaches of the Embassy from the Counselor down to the latest arrived office boy. The President shook hands with all of them.
The President went back to Buckingham Palace immediately after the reception in order to prepare for his visit to historic Guild Hall. The Guild Hall ceremony was a very notable function, the President not only being made a citizen of London, but he also being accorded special privileges in connection therewith, which are usually given only to reigning sovereigns. The occasion had been made a semi-state one. The entire route from Buckingham Palace was lined with troops. The trip to and from Guild Hall and the Lord Mayor’s Mansion was made in the state carriages. However, there were no representatives of royalty in the procession, and the carraiges today, instead of being drawn by four horses, were drawn only by two. This was designed to differentiate between the city function and the state function. The Procession to Guild Hall was preceded by a troop of the King’s household cavalry, who presented a very picturesque appearance, mounted on magnificently selected horses. The make-up of this troop is rather unique, membership in it being by election and being confined almost exclusively to scions of the nobility.
The President and Mrs. Wilson rode in the first carriage directly behind, the cavalry escort. They were accompanied by a personal representative of the Lord Mayor of London. En route to Guild Hall, which is in the old quarter of London City, the President passed through streets that were literally jammed with cheering crowds. The buildings along the route were festooned with flags and the national ensigns of the United States and Great Britain were entwined everywhere. The great chimes of Westminster caroled the American and British national anthems as the procession moved on to Guild Hall. Every available inch of space in ancient Guild Hall was filled before the President arrived. The ancient costumes of the guards had been brought out and the whole affair was picturesque in the extreme.
The President was met at the entrance to Guild Hall by the Lord Mayor, and the High Sheriff, in their robes and chains of office. In the robing ante-room, just previous to ascending the platform, the Lord Mayor presented to the President the Alderman of the City of London. The arrangements for the function had been carried out to the most minute detail, even the dress which the spectators wore having been prescribed in the invitation which was sent out. Officers of the Army and Navy wore their uniform and decorations, while civilians were restricted to afternoon dress with top hats and the ribbons of any orders which may have been conferred upon them.
The President’s reception in Guild Hall was extremely friendly. The clerk of the Corporation of London formally read the decree conferring upon him the freedom of and citizenship of the City, and he was afterwards given a copy beautifully embossed on parchment. The President made a feeling response in which he indicated for the first time that the friendliest of relations existed between Great Britain and the United States. The custom in Guild Hall is never to applaud an address but a precedent was established in this case. The Lord Mayor attempted to quiet the audience but it was impossible to hush the applause called forth by the President’s speech. The address was praised by everyone. (SEE SPEECH).
On the left of President Wilson and the Lord Mayor were seated all the living former Lord Mayors, garbed in their robes of office. Under the British system they were not characterized as ex-Lord Mayors, but rather as “those who have passed the chair.”
From Guild Hall the party proceeded to the home of the Lord Mayor of London, where a select company had been invited to be luncheon guests of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. This luncheon also was extremely formal. The grand dining room in “Mansion House”, the home of the Lord Mayor, was utilized for the function. Previous to the luncheon we had stopped for a few moments at the Lord Mayor’s private residence. The President made another speech at the Mansion House function, in which he covered somewhat similar lines to that of his earlier effort.
In this speech the President gave the British an interesting light upon his personality. He called himself a Scot, but said he suspected that he had in his veins some of the Celt, for the reason that at times he enjoyed certain “delightful periods of ir-responsibility” that he could only attribute to Celtic origin. This made a hit with Lloyd George, who is himself Celtic. (SEE SECOND SPEECH)
Following the President’s speech at the luncheon Viscount Morley said to me: “History will accord only two figures in this war—Wilson, the Statesman, and Foch, the Soldier.” Former Premier Asquith, the Bishop of London, and the Archbishop of Canterbury acquiesced in this declaration.
From Mansion House the President returned directly to Buckingham Palace, the same order of procession being observed as on the trip to Guild Hall.
This afternoon Lord Herschel said that the King wished to see me. I was escorted over to his suite, and he presented me with a handsome pair of diamond and platinum cuff links, bearing the royal coat of arms. On one link was a raised “G” in diamonds, and on the other a raised “M” also in diamonds—meaning Georges Majesty. Around the letters was inscribed the Garter motto: “Evil to him who evil thinketh.” As we walked out into the hall-way, the king said: “I hope that you are comfortable and are receiving every attention.” I assured him that I was not only most comfortable but was the recipient of excellent attention. I further said: “The servant who had been especially detailed to look after my comfort is not only very attentive but accompanies me whenever I walk around Buckingham Palace; in fact, he is so attentive that I am beginning to wonder if he is not watching me.” The King laughed.
That evening the President attended a formal stag dinner given by Lloyd George, leaving at 11:00 o’clock in the royal train for Carlisle and the North, accompanied by the King’s representatives, Sir Charles Cust and Lord Herschel. The King and Queen accompanied the President to the train.
DIARY ENTRY: Saturday—.The King presented me with a handsome pair of cuff buttons—10.30 went with the President to American Embassy—mel met by Ambassador John W. Davis—Drove back to Buckingham Palace. 12.10 Left Buckingham Palace for Guild Hall—All formality—coaches—4 horses Escorts galore—ovation great in streets—I was in 3rd Carriage with Sir Charls & Harts. Guild Hall Speech—wonderful—Lord Mayor tried to stop applause—custom not to applaud—couldn’t stop it—All ex-mo Lord Mayors on the right—They had “passed” the chair.Speech praised by every one— Lunch at Lord Mayors—see list—W. W. pronounced by viscount Morley—The War has produced only two great figures—1 Wilson, the Statesman2 Foch, the General— Called on to Col Hugh H. Young, Hyde Park HotelAmbassador David R. Francis—Russia”sick—prostate—Young drove to B. Palace—with me—Palace order—my huge bed—pleasant visit—Jesse Jones arrived and toasted feet before fire—shoes off—President dined with Lord George—etc Mrs. W—with Ambassador Davis—Harts and I dined at Palace— Left for Carlisle aboard King’s train at 11. o’clock P.M. accompanied by ____
At ten o’clock King George, accompanied by the Duke of Connaught, visited the President’s apartments personally to extend his congratulations. He also presented the President with a set of books containing the history and description of WINDSOR CASTLE. After the King left I accompanied the President to the American Embassy, where he had agreed to meet a number of American delegations, some of whom called to pay their respects, and others who desired to present him with resolutions endorsing the League of Nations plan. The President was escorted to the office of the Ambassador on the second floor of the Embassy building. On the wall of this office were the pictures of former Ambassadors Choate and Reid. Ambassador John W. Davis, who had just taken over the post, acted as master of ceremonies and introduced the visitors to the President. Among the delegations that arrived was one representing the British League of Nations Society, and included in its membership was Viscount John Bryce (Author of the American Commonwealth), and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Another member of the party was Earl Grey, whom the President met for the first time. Earl Grey was the head of the Government which brought Great Britain into the war, that is, he was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and responsible for the foreign policy. They greeted the President warmly and expressed the hope that he would succeed in his mission. After meeting the delegations Ambassador Davis presented personally to the President all of the attaches of the Embassy from the Counselor down to the latest arrived office boy. The President shook hands with all of them.
The President went back to Buckingham Palace immediately after the reception in order to prepare for his visit to historic Guild Hall. The Guild Hall ceremony was a very notable function, the President not only being made a citizen of London, but he also being accorded special privileges in connection therewith, which are usually given only to reigning sovereigns. The occasion had been made a semi-state one. The entire route from Buckingham Palace was lined with troops. The trip to and from Guild Hall and the Lord Mayor’s Mansion was made in the state carriages. However, there were no representatives of royalty in the procession, and the carraiges today, instead of being drawn by four horses, were drawn only by two. This was designed to differentiate between the city function and the state function. The Procession to Guild Hall was preceded by a troop of the King’s household cavalry, who presented a very picturesque appearance, mounted on magnificently selected horses. The make-up of this troop is rather unique, membership in it being by election and being confined almost exclusively to scions of the nobility.
The President and Mrs. Wilson rode in the first carriage directly behind, the cavalry escort. They were accompanied by a personal representative of the Lord Mayor of London. En route to Guild Hall, which is in the old quarter of London City, the President passed through streets that were literally jammed with cheering crowds. The buildings along the route were festooned with flags and the national ensigns of the United States and Great Britain were entwined everywhere. The great chimes of Westminster caroled the American and British national anthems as the procession moved on to Guild Hall. Every available inch of space in ancient Guild Hall was filled before the President arrived. The ancient costumes of the guards had been brought out and the whole affair was picturesque in the extreme.
The President was met at the entrance to Guild Hall by the Lord Mayor, and the High Sheriff, in their robes and chains of office. In the robing ante-room, just previous to ascending the platform, the Lord Mayor presented to the President the Alderman of the City of London. The arrangements for the function had been carried out to the most minute detail, even the dress which the spectators wore having been prescribed in the invitation which was sent out. Officers of the Army and Navy wore their uniform and decorations, while civilians were restricted to afternoon dress with top hats and the ribbons of any orders which may have been conferred upon them.
The President’s reception in Guild Hall was extremely friendly. The clerk of the Corporation of London formally read the decree conferring upon him the freedom of and citizenship of the City, and he was afterwards given a copy beautifully embossed on parchment. The President made a feeling response in which he indicated for the first time that the friendliest of relations existed between Great Britain and the United States. The custom in Guild Hall is never to applaud an address but a precedent was established in this case. The Lord Mayor attempted to quiet the audience but it was impossible to hush the applause called forth by the President’s speech. The address was praised by everyone. (SEE SPEECH).
On the left of President Wilson and the Lord Mayor were seated all the living former Lord Mayors, garbed in their robes of office. Under the British system they were not characterized as ex-Lord Mayors, but rather as “those who have passed the chair.”
From Guild Hall the party proceeded to the home of the Lord Mayor of London, where a select company had been invited to be luncheon guests of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. This luncheon also was extremely formal. The grand dining room in “Mansion House”, the home of the Lord Mayor, was utilized for the function. Previous to the luncheon we had stopped for a few moments at the Lord Mayor’s private residence. The President made another speech at the Mansion House function, in which he covered somewhat similar lines to that of his earlier effort.
In this speech the President gave the British an interesting light upon his personality. He called himself a Scot, but said he suspected that he had in his veins some of the Celt, for the reason that at times he enjoyed certain “delightful periods of ir-responsibility” that he could only attribute to Celtic origin. This made a hit with Lloyd George, who is himself Celtic. (SEE SECOND SPEECH)
Following the President’s speech at the luncheon Viscount Morley said to me: “History will accord only two figures in this war—Wilson, the Statesman, and Foch, the Soldier.” Former Premier Asquith, the Bishop of London, and the Archbishop of Canterbury acquiesced in this declaration.
From Mansion House the President returned directly to Buckingham Palace, the same order of procession being observed as on the trip to Guild Hall.
This afternoon Lord Herschel said that the King wished to see me. I was escorted over to his suite, and he presented me with a handsome pair of diamond and platinum cuff links, bearing the royal coat of arms. On one link was a raised “G” in diamonds, and on the other a raised “M” also in diamonds—meaning Georges Majesty. Around the letters was inscribed the Garter motto: “Evil to him who evil thinketh.” As we walked out into the hall-way, the king said: “I hope that you are comfortable and are receiving every attention.” I assured him that I was not only most comfortable but was the recipient of excellent attention. I further said: “The servant who had been especially detailed to look after my comfort is not only very attentive but accompanies me whenever I walk around Buckingham Palace; in fact, he is so attentive that I am beginning to wonder if he is not watching me.” The King laughed.
That evening the President attended a formal stag dinner given by Lloyd George, leaving at 11:00 o’clock in the royal train for Carlisle and the North, accompanied by the King’s representatives, Sir Charles Cust and Lord Herschel. The King and Queen accompanied the President to the train.
DIARY ENTRY: Saturday—.The King presented me with a handsome pair of cuff buttons—10.30 went with the President to American Embassy—mel met by Ambassador John W. Davis—Drove back to Buckingham Palace. 12.10 Left Buckingham Palace for Guild Hall—All formality—coaches—4 horses Escorts galore—ovation great in streets—I was in 3rd Carriage with Sir Charls & Harts. Guild Hall Speech—wonderful—Lord Mayor tried to stop applause—custom not to applaud—couldn’t stop it—All ex-mo Lord Mayors on the right—They had “passed” the chair.Speech praised by every one— Lunch at Lord Mayors—see list—W. W. pronounced by viscount Morley—The War has produced only two great figures—1 Wilson, the Statesman2 Foch, the General— Called on to Col Hugh H. Young, Hyde Park HotelAmbassador David R. Francis—Russia”sick—prostate—Young drove to B. Palace—with me—Palace order—my huge bed—pleasant visit—Jesse Jones arrived and toasted feet before fire—shoes off—President dined with Lord George—etc Mrs. W—with Ambassador Davis—Harts and I dined at Palace— Left for Carlisle aboard King’s train at 11. o’clock P.M. accompanied by ____
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1918 December 28, WWP17018, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.