Edith Bolling Wilson to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP20812
Date
1914 September 1
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My Dear Dr. Grayson—
I wish you were here so we could have one of our good old-time talks, for there is so much I want to tell you, and so much I want to hear—To begin with we were both dreadfully and sincerely disappointed that you could not come up and join us—though deeply sensable of the fine self-effacement that held you at Cornish—If I needed anything to confirm me in the conviction that you are “true blue” this last sacrifice would have accomplished that—but you know that I did not need that and—at the risk of your displeasure—I must add that the assurance of my profound admiration—for I know how much you wanted to come—and how greatly you are in need of a real rest and relaxation—We had really planned to spoil you dreadfully—and “Gertrude” was looking forward to having you with the happiest anticipation—I know you will be glad to hear how much better she looks—The roses have all come back to her cheeks. And she charms me all over again after the brief time since we lost her in Washington. We have such happy, good times together—take long tramps—read and gossip together all day—We have met a few people, but none very interesting, so we see very little of them.
Have I written you nearly a sheet without saying how sorry we both are the cause of your being unable to come—as well as the disappointment—My heart truly goes out to the President and I most truly hope he is better ere this, and that, physically at least, he may soon recover from this awful shadow. This is the day you were to go back to Washington—and we have both thought of and spoken of you many times with the hope that things will grow brighter
Surely you have stored up at interest a perfect mint of happiness—and I trust the day is not far distant When you can come into your heritage.
Your very charming letter did not reach me until last Saturday—as it had to be forwarded from Boston. And I might as well tell you it nearly took my breath away—for, knowing how hard it is for you to find time for letter writing and also how you hate writing I had no idea of hearing from you until I got back—and saved myself the mortification of writing to a gentleman without having an answer by carefully instructing you not to answer reply to my hurried note sent from West Newton—Any way I think it was pretty nice of you—and too your thought in telling me about Kelly—I am so glad he is really getting well—and know that is a bright day in the darkness—I have just told Gertrude I way writing you and asked her what message to send in regard Mr. Andrews—and she says tell you she is terribly sorry for he was so attrractive she wanted a chance at him herself—Will you be able to get as far away as Texas for the wedding? If so get back by Oct. 1st for I hope to have a friend of mine come for a visit to me about that time and want you to promise to help me out with her—Her address is 1600— in case you should happen to guess who I mean
And so your friend Miss Aldrich is also engaged and you sound so cheerful about it when you say “I wonder who next?” If I took that as a real question and made a guess you would tell me I don’t “understand things”—so I will not answer it at all.
Yes, I had seen Mr. Mc. Reynolds appointment—and know he thinks you a at knowing things. But aside from this and other national events we feel dreadfully cut off from news—Papers are days old when we get them—and I feel a sort of detatched feeling like one has in a foreign country. Your telegram to Ticonderoga was delivered—and very much enjoyed—but we were a day late in reaching there—and I guess the notice was sent you before we arrived—The motor trip was the greatest success—and we went to so many charming places—I think you will soon have another letter from Kineo—so I must leave the rest of the story for a better historian—“Gertrude” sends “Cary” her love and says you are a nice person even though you did not come”“(This is written exactly as said)Good night—and Bbetter luck next time—and know we are both missing you—
Edith Bolling Galt
I wish you were here so we could have one of our good old-time talks, for there is so much I want to tell you, and so much I want to hear—To begin with we were both dreadfully and sincerely disappointed that you could not come up and join us—though deeply sensable of the fine self-effacement that held you at Cornish—If I needed anything to confirm me in the conviction that you are “true blue” this last sacrifice would have accomplished that—but you know that I did not need that and—at the risk of your displeasure—I must add that the assurance of my profound admiration—for I know how much you wanted to come—and how greatly you are in need of a real rest and relaxation—We had really planned to spoil you dreadfully—and “Gertrude” was looking forward to having you with the happiest anticipation—I know you will be glad to hear how much better she looks—The roses have all come back to her cheeks. And she charms me all over again after the brief time since we lost her in Washington. We have such happy, good times together—take long tramps—read and gossip together all day—We have met a few people, but none very interesting, so we see very little of them.
Have I written you nearly a sheet without saying how sorry we both are the cause of your being unable to come—as well as the disappointment—My heart truly goes out to the President and I most truly hope he is better ere this, and that, physically at least, he may soon recover from this awful shadow. This is the day you were to go back to Washington—and we have both thought of and spoken of you many times with the hope that things will grow brighter
Surely you have stored up at interest a perfect mint of happiness—and I trust the day is not far distant When you can come into your heritage.
Your very charming letter did not reach me until last Saturday—as it had to be forwarded from Boston. And I might as well tell you it nearly took my breath away—for, knowing how hard it is for you to find time for letter writing and also how you hate writing I had no idea of hearing from you until I got back—and saved myself the mortification of writing to a gentleman without having an answer by carefully instructing you not to answer reply to my hurried note sent from West Newton—Any way I think it was pretty nice of you—and too your thought in telling me about Kelly—I am so glad he is really getting well—and know that is a bright day in the darkness—I have just told Gertrude I way writing you and asked her what message to send in regard Mr. Andrews—and she says tell you she is terribly sorry for he was so attrractive she wanted a chance at him herself—Will you be able to get as far away as Texas for the wedding? If so get back by Oct. 1st for I hope to have a friend of mine come for a visit to me about that time and want you to promise to help me out with her—Her address is 1600— in case you should happen to guess who I mean
And so your friend Miss Aldrich is also engaged and you sound so cheerful about it when you say “I wonder who next?” If I took that as a real question and made a guess you would tell me I don’t “understand things”—so I will not answer it at all.
Yes, I had seen Mr. Mc. Reynolds appointment—and know he thinks you a at knowing things. But aside from this and other national events we feel dreadfully cut off from news—Papers are days old when we get them—and I feel a sort of detatched feeling like one has in a foreign country. Your telegram to Ticonderoga was delivered—and very much enjoyed—but we were a day late in reaching there—and I guess the notice was sent you before we arrived—The motor trip was the greatest success—and we went to so many charming places—I think you will soon have another letter from Kineo—so I must leave the rest of the story for a better historian—“Gertrude” sends “Cary” her love and says you are a nice person even though you did not come”“(This is written exactly as said)Good night—and Bbetter luck next time—and know we are both missing you—
Edith Bolling Galt
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Cary T. Grayson,” 1914 September 1, WWP20812, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.