Cary T. Grayson Diary

Cary T. Grayson Diary

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938

WWP17238

1919 September 28

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

English

SUNDAY,The President had a very restless night. In fact, from the time we left Wichita the night journey had been exceedingly trying so far as he was concerned. Last night we found that the train was running so fast that the private car, placed as it was on the very rear end, swung from side to side and rocked and made it exceedingly uncomfortable for the President. I sent for the railroad officials and told them that this had to be stopped, and that the schedule had to be cut down so that the train would run smoothly. I insisted that this course be followed so that the President would not sustain discomfiture even if we did not reach Washington until hours after the original time that they had set. They did fairly well, but this morning they again started to run fast and I again ordered them to slacken the speed. Leaving Harrisburg on the York Branch, enroute to Washington, the train again began to run at an unwarranted rate of speed, and I sent for the railroad officials and told them flatly that they were not to exceed twenty-five miles an hour until Washington was reached. This time I got action! The first time of any size was at Baltimore, but the officials had made arrangements to permit no one to get to the platform and no crowd had to be contended with. Washington was reached soon after 11:00 o’clock. The President was up and dressed and was able to walk to the waiting automobile without assistance. He said good-bye to the engineer and the conductor and to all of the train officials before leaving the station, and, as he walked down the platform, he waved his hand in farewell to the newspaper men and the other members of the party who were standing alongside of the train watching him. There was a crowd of 1500 people gathered in the concourse and outside of the Union Station, and they cheered the President as he emerged through the iron-grilled doors of the train-shed. He waved his hand and took his hat off in respeonse to the cheers. Entering the waiting automobile, the President was driven directly to the White House, and I proceeded to put him to bed at once. After resting for a short time the President arose at about 3:00 o’clock and went for a two-hour motor ride through the parks. It was a bright sunshiny day and he slept most of the time in the automobile. Now that we were back in the White House, where it was possible to see that no one interfered with him at all, I took steps to put into effect the rest cure which I had planned and which I realized was the only thing which would restore him again to health. It was commenced immediately upon our return from the drive and strictly adhered to. The one thing that I was most insistent on was that he should not be bothered with any matters of an official character, and especially that no question of controversy should be brought to his attention. Suggestions which might make necessary conferences with Cabinet officials or other public men were vetoed by me. It was to be complete rest, not partial rest, and nothing was to be allowed to interfere with the President’s restoration to health if possible.

Diary