Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Title
Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP20934
Date
1916 January 14
Description
Cary T. Grayson relates anecdotes about his social life in Washington and at the White House to his fiancée, Alice Gertrude Gordon.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Sweetheart,
The letter I mailed a few minuts ago was dated wrong—the 13th instead of the 14th. It was written hurriedly because I wanted it to reach you early in the morning—to accomplish that it had to be ready for the eleven o’clock collection. So here is the second supp part.
I had planned a quiet evening in which I could write you a long, newsy letter. Immediately after Arch, Mr. Murray and yours truly finished dinner, Paymaster General McGowan of the Navy called to see me and I was caught. He wanted my co-operation in framing up some legislative plans for the Navy—and how to get the bill through Congress. It is a long uninteresting story to you. I was not enthusiastic as I might have been on another occasion because I wanted him to go, so I could write to my darling girl.
Last night I sent you a night letter. I couldn’t bear the thought of another day going by and for you not to have a word from me, and I knew if you realized what I have been through the night before and yesterday that you would insist & want me to get some sleep—I was called at three o’clock and on the go all day—with only about three hours sleep in the night and a little rest in the early morning—Did you recognize Arch’s initials reversed?
Mr. Thomas J. Pence is ill with pneumonia. He is the Secretary to the Democratic National Committee—you have heard me speak of him. He is a great friend of Senator James. He had an attack of grippe, exposed himself too soon which resulted in pneumonia and complications. His condition is very serious and requires the best skill and attention, and more, than I can give. I hawd him moved to the New Emergency Hospital. I certainly hope that he will pull through all right.
Miss Margaret Wilson gave me a bad complicated case of grippe and appendicitis. One of her co-workers of some kind from Wisconsin.
Yesterday I did a big mastoid operation on a poor fellow with no money or friends. I think that I did it all right. Thanks to my experience recently in New York. To-day I gave a lecture and operated before seventeen doctors at the Naval Medical School. I have two cases for operation that I am going to operate on as soon they sufficiently recover from grippe that mean many lamb chops for you.
Last Sunday afternoon I started out to make many calls. The first one was at the Longworth’s. They were both were, apparently, so glad to see me that I remained there for over an hour. She scored the Democrats but omitted the President, which I think showed good sense and a lady. They told me more news, socially, politically and otherwise, than I had heard for an age. I wished & wished for you. They enquired for you especially. She said that she knew that you were “a perfect corker,” and he added more—and recalled our ride on the train to Philadelphia. After this reference to you so pleasantly, I took a second cup of tea and felt at home and so happy that I decided not to make any more calls—Sunday night, the President and Miss Edith dined with Mrs Bolling. I sp had supper with Miss Bones and we had a real good talk all evening. She is much like you in many of her fine qualities—Monday night, I dined with the Garrisons. Tuesday night was the Cabinet dinner. It was the best dinner I have see ever seen at the White House. Miss Edith won more glory—Wednesday night I dined informally with the Wallace’s—It is a great secret? but Hugh is going abroad to join Col. House. Mrs. Wallace and Miss Beecker are going with him. They sail next w Saturday from New York. Hugh is very anxious for me to go to New York with him—and to he give you and me a party Thursday and the others arrive Friday. I told him that I was afraid that I could not get away—and, furthermore, I was afraid that you might have an engagement of some kind—some one visiting—or that you might be here for a visit about that time. My excuse, as you can see, was rather vague and I am afraid that I was not sufficiently enthusiastic. But, I couldn’t picture you enjoying a dinner with just Hugh and me.
I feel somewhat sorry for a man with nothing to do—and who wants so much to be active in trying for real results, but with very little chance of doing anything worth while.
Please remember me to Mrs. Flournoy; tell her that I am flattered she misses me, and am delighted that she is seeing to it that you are taking ordinary care of your health—to the extent atleast of taking time to eat your meals!
This is my second letter to you to-night. I am lonesome. I miss you, and there is comfort in writing you. I dread Sundays. I fear no letter will come to help me over this one, but I will surely have one Monday morning. I wish Sunday could be ours together—That day especially—but in fact every day—seems dreary and grey with you in New York and me here—
Good night—dear child—
Cary
The letter I mailed a few minuts ago was dated wrong—the 13th instead of the 14th. It was written hurriedly because I wanted it to reach you early in the morning—to accomplish that it had to be ready for the eleven o’clock collection. So here is the second supp part.
I had planned a quiet evening in which I could write you a long, newsy letter. Immediately after Arch, Mr. Murray and yours truly finished dinner, Paymaster General McGowan of the Navy called to see me and I was caught. He wanted my co-operation in framing up some legislative plans for the Navy—and how to get the bill through Congress. It is a long uninteresting story to you. I was not enthusiastic as I might have been on another occasion because I wanted him to go, so I could write to my darling girl.
Last night I sent you a night letter. I couldn’t bear the thought of another day going by and for you not to have a word from me, and I knew if you realized what I have been through the night before and yesterday that you would insist & want me to get some sleep—I was called at three o’clock and on the go all day—with only about three hours sleep in the night and a little rest in the early morning—Did you recognize Arch’s initials reversed?
Mr. Thomas J. Pence is ill with pneumonia. He is the Secretary to the Democratic National Committee—you have heard me speak of him. He is a great friend of Senator James. He had an attack of grippe, exposed himself too soon which resulted in pneumonia and complications. His condition is very serious and requires the best skill and attention, and more, than I can give. I hawd him moved to the New Emergency Hospital. I certainly hope that he will pull through all right.
Miss Margaret Wilson gave me a bad complicated case of grippe and appendicitis. One of her co-workers of some kind from Wisconsin.
Yesterday I did a big mastoid operation on a poor fellow with no money or friends. I think that I did it all right. Thanks to my experience recently in New York. To-day I gave a lecture and operated before seventeen doctors at the Naval Medical School. I have two cases for operation that I am going to operate on as soon they sufficiently recover from grippe that mean many lamb chops for you.
Last Sunday afternoon I started out to make many calls. The first one was at the Longworth’s. They were both were, apparently, so glad to see me that I remained there for over an hour. She scored the Democrats but omitted the President, which I think showed good sense and a lady. They told me more news, socially, politically and otherwise, than I had heard for an age. I wished & wished for you. They enquired for you especially. She said that she knew that you were “a perfect corker,” and he added more—and recalled our ride on the train to Philadelphia. After this reference to you so pleasantly, I took a second cup of tea and felt at home and so happy that I decided not to make any more calls—Sunday night, the President and Miss Edith dined with Mrs Bolling. I sp had supper with Miss Bones and we had a real good talk all evening. She is much like you in many of her fine qualities—Monday night, I dined with the Garrisons. Tuesday night was the Cabinet dinner. It was the best dinner I have see ever seen at the White House. Miss Edith won more glory—Wednesday night I dined informally with the Wallace’s—It is a great secret? but Hugh is going abroad to join Col. House. Mrs. Wallace and Miss Beecker are going with him. They sail next w Saturday from New York. Hugh is very anxious for me to go to New York with him—and to he give you and me a party Thursday and the others arrive Friday. I told him that I was afraid that I could not get away—and, furthermore, I was afraid that you might have an engagement of some kind—some one visiting—or that you might be here for a visit about that time. My excuse, as you can see, was rather vague and I am afraid that I was not sufficiently enthusiastic. But, I couldn’t picture you enjoying a dinner with just Hugh and me.
I feel somewhat sorry for a man with nothing to do—and who wants so much to be active in trying for real results, but with very little chance of doing anything worth while.
Please remember me to Mrs. Flournoy; tell her that I am flattered she misses me, and am delighted that she is seeing to it that you are taking ordinary care of your health—to the extent atleast of taking time to eat your meals!
This is my second letter to you to-night. I am lonesome. I miss you, and there is comfort in writing you. I dread Sundays. I fear no letter will come to help me over this one, but I will surely have one Monday morning. I wish Sunday could be ours together—That day especially—but in fact every day—seems dreary and grey with you in New York and me here—
Good night—dear child—
Cary
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson,” 1916 January 14, WWP20934, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.