John Skelton Williams to Woodrow Wilson
Title
John Skelton Williams to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Williams, John Skelton, 1865-1926
Identifier
WWP20726
Date
1913 July 18
Description
John Skelton Williams invites Cary T. Grayson and Woodrow Wilson to his camp at Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Mr. President
When I had the honor of meeting you in your box at the theater some days ago, you may recall that I expressed the hope that you might find it agreeable sometime this summer to motor up to my camp at Blue Ridge Summit, Penn., and spend a week-end with us -- Mrs. Williams joining me most cordially in the invitation.
On your recent visit to Gettysburg you probably had no time to study that historic field and it occurred to me that, as my camp, which overlooks the Gettysburg Valley, is only distant about one hour by motor from the field, it might be interesting to you to drive over from my home and view at leisure the battlefield and its interesting monuments.
My friend Colonel Walter H. Taylor, of Norfolk, who was General Robert E. Lee’s Chief of Staff, also has his country place at Blue Ridge, and it is my thought to ask Colonel Taylor to accompany us on the trip to the battlefield. His explanations of the three day battle in which he took a conspicuous part would, I am sure, be of unusual interest.
Dr. Grayson and I have talked this matter over once or twice since I last had the pleasure of seeing you, and I certainly hope that it may be possible to carry out this suggestion. I should say, however, in advance, that we lead the “simple life” at Blue Ridge, and while we could not promise you the luxuries of the city, you would be quite sure of finding, in addition to a warm welcome, a cool and invigorating atmosphere, and the opportunity for a few hours of rest and relaxation.
Meanwhile, permit me to hand you with this - with the author’s compliments - Colonel Taylor’s book on General Lee and his campaign. Possibly you may find it worth while to glance over that portion of the book (pp. 187 to 211) which refer especially to the battle of Gettysburg before making the trip.
It is my hope that Secretary McAdoo, whom we had with us at my camp for a week-end not long ago, may also be persuaded to join the party.
Before closing, please let me congratulate you warmly upon the masterly address which you delivered to the veterans at Gettysburg at the recent semi-centennial gathering at the field. It breathed the spirit of an aroused people and will be preserved among our American classics.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Sgd Jno. Skelton Williams
When I had the honor of meeting you in your box at the theater some days ago, you may recall that I expressed the hope that you might find it agreeable sometime this summer to motor up to my camp at Blue Ridge Summit, Penn., and spend a week-end with us -- Mrs. Williams joining me most cordially in the invitation.
On your recent visit to Gettysburg you probably had no time to study that historic field and it occurred to me that, as my camp, which overlooks the Gettysburg Valley, is only distant about one hour by motor from the field, it might be interesting to you to drive over from my home and view at leisure the battlefield and its interesting monuments.
My friend Colonel Walter H. Taylor, of Norfolk, who was General Robert E. Lee’s Chief of Staff, also has his country place at Blue Ridge, and it is my thought to ask Colonel Taylor to accompany us on the trip to the battlefield. His explanations of the three day battle in which he took a conspicuous part would, I am sure, be of unusual interest.
Dr. Grayson and I have talked this matter over once or twice since I last had the pleasure of seeing you, and I certainly hope that it may be possible to carry out this suggestion. I should say, however, in advance, that we lead the “simple life” at Blue Ridge, and while we could not promise you the luxuries of the city, you would be quite sure of finding, in addition to a warm welcome, a cool and invigorating atmosphere, and the opportunity for a few hours of rest and relaxation.
Meanwhile, permit me to hand you with this - with the author’s compliments - Colonel Taylor’s book on General Lee and his campaign. Possibly you may find it worth while to glance over that portion of the book (pp. 187 to 211) which refer especially to the battle of Gettysburg before making the trip.
It is my hope that Secretary McAdoo, whom we had with us at my camp for a week-end not long ago, may also be persuaded to join the party.
Before closing, please let me congratulate you warmly upon the masterly address which you delivered to the veterans at Gettysburg at the recent semi-centennial gathering at the field. It breathed the spirit of an aroused people and will be preserved among our American classics.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Sgd Jno. Skelton Williams
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Williams, John Skelton, 1865-1926, “John Skelton Williams to Woodrow Wilson,” 1913 July 18, WWP20726, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.