William G. McAdoo to Cary T. Grayson
Title
William G. McAdoo to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941
Identifier
WWP20843
Date
1915 July 3
Description
William G. McAdoo writes to Cary T. Grayson about his family's vacation spot, and several work-related matters.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
North Haven, Me.
Dear “Doc”
I almost dropped dead when I saw your handwriting on the envelope addressed to me bearing the insignia of the President’s Cottage, Cornish! Verily the days of miracles are not over, or you would never have written a letter. Telegrams, yes - but a letter was never expected. But you can imagine how welcome it was and what a great reception we all gave it.
It was bully of you to write and I would have replied sooner but I have certainly been on the jump these past ten days trying to put things in order before leaving the office and trying to help Nell get the family off. She has been a perfect brick about all the house part and everything has gone like clockwork. Only she, the baby, Sally & I are here now. The next McAdoo installment is due about July 10. We are delighted with our “Camp”. It hais delightfully situated on the rocks above the water, with a virgin forest of spruce pines (chiefly) around us, and charming views. It is quiet and peaceful and delightful. We have a room for you and yearn for you to occupy it. We have a boat landing, all our own, a good boat house, a canoe, a cat boat, a dinghy and a motor boat - and a row boat, I forgot that! so we can give you plenty of “aquatic” entertainment. I haven’t inquired yet about golf. When are you coming up? Let us know.
Nell and the baby are perfectly well. Nell & Sally are delighted with our place. I think we shall name it Camp Ottossee. “Ottossee” is the Cherokee Indian word for “Beautiful” and was the name of the Capital of the Indian tribe in Alabama which was and was the scene of a battle in 1813 in Alabama between the indians and my great grandfather General John Floyd of Georgia who commanded the Georgia troops. He captured the town & severely defeated the Indians. Excuse this digression. I am indulging my old habit & fault of rambling.
We are so glad that the President & you all are having a fine rest. I hope he will manage to stay some time with the many attractions the place has to offer. He ought to do it & I hope you will persuade him! I wish you would all come here but that is too much to hope for. I am going to try to stay the month of July. I have my staff with me, and shall try to keep the work going without me doing things myself.
Please tell the President that I wish he would, if it wont give him too much trouble telegraph me here as soon as he acts on the 2 letters I sent him re (a) Investigation South American tariffs by Federal Trade Commission and (b) Investigation of shipping facilities, rates &c by Interstate Commerce Commission and Send me copies of his instructions to the two bodies. This is important if I am to keep the South American work going.
What you tell me about the dear Colonel’s generous commendation of me is very gratifying although I feel very far short of deserving it. I mean this - I am afraid the President will lose confidence in his judgment if he says such things.
Dear old Chap - you musn’t get discouraged about yourself. I have always had faith in the result and haven’t lost it yet. I know how hard it is for you but keep your “grit” and it will yet come out right.
Give our love to that “sassy woman” named Helen - to the President, to Jessie , Frank the “only” grandson, and the rest of the household - I dont know who else is with you or would mention them by name. Nell and I send special love for you -
Affectionately
Your Friend
WG McAdoo
Dr Cary T. Grayson
Cornish NH
The President’s Cottage.
Dear “Doc”
I almost dropped dead when I saw your handwriting on the envelope addressed to me bearing the insignia of the President’s Cottage, Cornish! Verily the days of miracles are not over, or you would never have written a letter. Telegrams, yes - but a letter was never expected. But you can imagine how welcome it was and what a great reception we all gave it.
It was bully of you to write and I would have replied sooner but I have certainly been on the jump these past ten days trying to put things in order before leaving the office and trying to help Nell get the family off. She has been a perfect brick about all the house part and everything has gone like clockwork. Only she, the baby, Sally & I are here now. The next McAdoo installment is due about July 10. We are delighted with our “Camp”. It hais delightfully situated on the rocks above the water, with a virgin forest of spruce pines (chiefly) around us, and charming views. It is quiet and peaceful and delightful. We have a room for you and yearn for you to occupy it. We have a boat landing, all our own, a good boat house, a canoe, a cat boat, a dinghy and a motor boat - and a row boat, I forgot that! so we can give you plenty of “aquatic” entertainment. I haven’t inquired yet about golf. When are you coming up? Let us know.
Nell and the baby are perfectly well. Nell & Sally are delighted with our place. I think we shall name it Camp Ottossee. “Ottossee” is the Cherokee Indian word for “Beautiful” and was the name of the Capital of the Indian tribe in Alabama which was and was the scene of a battle in 1813 in Alabama between the indians and my great grandfather General John Floyd of Georgia who commanded the Georgia troops. He captured the town & severely defeated the Indians. Excuse this digression. I am indulging my old habit & fault of rambling.
We are so glad that the President & you all are having a fine rest. I hope he will manage to stay some time with the many attractions the place has to offer. He ought to do it & I hope you will persuade him! I wish you would all come here but that is too much to hope for. I am going to try to stay the month of July. I have my staff with me, and shall try to keep the work going without me doing things myself.
Please tell the President that I wish he would, if it wont give him too much trouble telegraph me here as soon as he acts on the 2 letters I sent him re (a) Investigation South American tariffs by Federal Trade Commission and (b) Investigation of shipping facilities, rates &c by Interstate Commerce Commission and Send me copies of his instructions to the two bodies. This is important if I am to keep the South American work going.
What you tell me about the dear Colonel’s generous commendation of me is very gratifying although I feel very far short of deserving it. I mean this - I am afraid the President will lose confidence in his judgment if he says such things.
Dear old Chap - you musn’t get discouraged about yourself. I have always had faith in the result and haven’t lost it yet. I know how hard it is for you but keep your “grit” and it will yet come out right.
Give our love to that “sassy woman” named Helen - to the President, to Jessie , Frank the “only” grandson, and the rest of the household - I dont know who else is with you or would mention them by name. Nell and I send special love for you -
Affectionately
Your Friend
WG McAdoo
Dr Cary T. Grayson
Cornish NH
The President’s Cottage.
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941, “William G. McAdoo to Cary T. Grayson,” 1915 July 3, WWP20843, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.