Hunsdon Cary to Cary T. Grayson

Title

Hunsdon Cary to Cary T. Grayson

Creator

Cary, Hunsdon, 1872-1952

Identifier

WWP15853

Date

1919 September 29

Description

Mr. Hunsdon Cary offers his inn near Asheville, NC for the President's convalescence.

Source

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

Language

English

Text

Hunsdon Cary
Attorney and Counsellor at Law
American National Bank Building
Richmond, VA

Admiral Cary T. Grayson,
The White House,
Washington, DC

Dear Sir:

It is with deep regret that I learn of the President s break-down under the great strain to which he has been subjected, and if in some small degree I could assist him to speedily recover his strength and continue the fight for the Worlds peace, it would be a source of deep gratification. It is on this account that I desire to tender to the President, on behalf of Mrs. Cary and myself, our property near Asheville, N. C., known as Mountain Meadows. The farm contains about 2600 acres, in the midst of which is situated a small Inn, known as Mountain Meadows Inn, at an elevation of 3500 feet. The Inn is simple and simply furnished, but I know of no spot more perfectly adapted to restore a tired man to health, as I have found out. It is furnished with water from mountain springs that flow into its reservoir by gravity, is heated with open wood fires and furnace, is lighted with electricity, and is connected by telephone with Asheville, seven miles distant. Finer air I have never known, nor more exquisite scenery. The Asheville Country Club, with its fine golf course, is about six miles distant. And my riding mare will of course be at the President's disposal. Lovelier walks can nowhere be found. I might also add that it affords an ideal spot for the President's protection in every way.

I have just communicated by telephone with the lessee of the Inn, and it will be closed at once to all guests and turned over to the President intact, who can use such of the servants now there as may be necessary for his party, or send a small force of servants to take charge.

I am enclosing you herewith a small picture of the place (taken in the wintertime, and which does it poor justice), from which you will see that it is built high up on a mountain; and it commands a sweeping view of mountain grandeur surpassed by few places.

It is with much diffidence that I write you this letter, for many men of patriotism and wealth (which latter I have not) would gladly place their palatial homes at the disposal of the nations Chief executive, but if serenity, simplicity, and beauty, added to an atmosphere that is a tonic can, in your opinion, offer aught in restoring the Presidents health, pray consider Mountain Meadows Inn; otherwise do not mention this matter to him.

Should you care to consider the matter, I will go at once to Asheville by first train to make arrangements, and will be glad to have some one from your office accompany me or meet me there.

Very truly yours,

Hunsdon Cary

Original Format

Letter

To

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

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/D00167A.pdf

Tags

Citation

Cary, Hunsdon, 1872-1952, “Hunsdon Cary to Cary T. Grayson,” 1919 September 29, WWP15853, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.