Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson to Edith Bolling Wilson
Title
Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson to Edith Bolling Wilson
Creator
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961
Identifier
WWP20969
Date
1916 March 19
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Twelve West Tenth Street
Dearest Miss Edith
Never a day passes but that I wish for you. Isn’t it queer how annoying people we do not care for can be—and how we yearn for those who understand and return our love, when we reach the turning points in our lives? And so I wish for you, dear, now more than ever. I should just like to bother you with a thousand and one little details—just for the pleasure of talking them over with you!
I asked Cary to tell you our general campaign, and to humbly ask for suggestions and advice. Tell him if you think of any changes.
Polly wants to give me an announcement luncheon (which I am not keen for) on Friday, and have it announced in the papers Saturday—Cary coming up Friday night. (Of course if Mr. Pence is too ill, or for some reason he could not leave I had rather pospone it until I could have him near by). Then be married about the middle of May, instead of Easter week, as first suggested. I really can not do any thing about getting ready until it is announced—
Mrs. House and Mrs. Auchincloss have just been in to see me. Mrs. H. has so much more sense than one would believe possible judging from “all that sort of thing.” And Mrs. Auchincloss is really charming—and much like her Father, I imagine.
All of yours and the President’s friends have been so sweet to me, and I enjoy and appreciate it so much.
When I told Mr. Crane he telegraphed Cary, offering his apartment to him whenever he could come, and sent me wonderful flowers. I am to drive there tonight. His parties are and but interesting—which atones for the Russian cooking!
I become spellbound when these men talk of the President. Their admiration for him is un-bounded and their devotion so sincere and loyal. How wonderful it is to find a man who can really inspire others!
The “movies” have shown pictures of you all saying goodbye to the McAdoos—There was applause when Mr. McAdoo appeared, more for the President, and an outburst of enthusiasm for you! Nothing has ever pleased me more—for it was certainly a true test of public sentiment.
I have mentioned it to several people who had seen the pictures on different evenings—and each time the same spirit had been shown—Perhaps it doesn’t matter much, but to me it seems very lovely to know that you have been a success and that you have added to his popularity. You must be so glad, Miss Ede—to know that you are helping such a wonderful man—and so helping his work and the whole country. Those latent powers, abilities and charms of yours have found this opportunity—and are being used to such wonderful advantage and good purpose.
Annie Litchfield and I have succeeded in seeing each other. I tried several times but she was certainly “doing the town” for she was never in. She told me really to stay on another ship—but she was going to sail anyway!!
Today Zoona tried to get off a moving 5th Avenue bus and fell on her back and is fearfully shaken up and bruised but I hope not seriously hurt. Poor little soul, I am so sorry—She is completely unnerved—Dear, I love you “more than tongue can tell”—as you well know—but I like to remind you of it! Now good night, dear—
‘Altrude’
Dearest Miss Edith
Never a day passes but that I wish for you. Isn’t it queer how annoying people we do not care for can be—and how we yearn for those who understand and return our love, when we reach the turning points in our lives? And so I wish for you, dear, now more than ever. I should just like to bother you with a thousand and one little details—just for the pleasure of talking them over with you!
I asked Cary to tell you our general campaign, and to humbly ask for suggestions and advice. Tell him if you think of any changes.
Polly wants to give me an announcement luncheon (which I am not keen for) on Friday, and have it announced in the papers Saturday—Cary coming up Friday night. (Of course if Mr. Pence is too ill, or for some reason he could not leave I had rather pospone it until I could have him near by). Then be married about the middle of May, instead of Easter week, as first suggested. I really can not do any thing about getting ready until it is announced—
Mrs. House and Mrs. Auchincloss have just been in to see me. Mrs. H. has so much more sense than one would believe possible judging from “all that sort of thing.” And Mrs. Auchincloss is really charming—and much like her Father, I imagine.
All of yours and the President’s friends have been so sweet to me, and I enjoy and appreciate it so much.
When I told Mr. Crane he telegraphed Cary, offering his apartment to him whenever he could come, and sent me wonderful flowers. I am to drive there tonight. His parties are and but interesting—which atones for the Russian cooking!
I become spellbound when these men talk of the President. Their admiration for him is un-bounded and their devotion so sincere and loyal. How wonderful it is to find a man who can really inspire others!
The “movies” have shown pictures of you all saying goodbye to the McAdoos—There was applause when Mr. McAdoo appeared, more for the President, and an outburst of enthusiasm for you! Nothing has ever pleased me more—for it was certainly a true test of public sentiment.
I have mentioned it to several people who had seen the pictures on different evenings—and each time the same spirit had been shown—Perhaps it doesn’t matter much, but to me it seems very lovely to know that you have been a success and that you have added to his popularity. You must be so glad, Miss Ede—to know that you are helping such a wonderful man—and so helping his work and the whole country. Those latent powers, abilities and charms of yours have found this opportunity—and are being used to such wonderful advantage and good purpose.
Annie Litchfield and I have succeeded in seeing each other. I tried several times but she was certainly “doing the town” for she was never in. She told me really to stay on another ship—but she was going to sail anyway!!
Today Zoona tried to get off a moving 5th Avenue bus and fell on her back and is fearfully shaken up and bruised but I hope not seriously hurt. Poor little soul, I am so sorry—She is completely unnerved—Dear, I love you “more than tongue can tell”—as you well know—but I like to remind you of it! Now good night, dear—
‘Altrude’
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961, “Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson to Edith Bolling Wilson,” 1916 March 19, WWP20969, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.