J. Crampton Watters to Woodrow Wilson
Title
J. Crampton Watters to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Watters, J. Crampton
Identifier
CS14
Date
1914 November 12
Description
Editor of "Southern Stories" praises Wilson's treatment of William Trotter
Source
Library of Congress
Wilson Papers, Series 4, 152A Reel 231, Manuscript Division
Wilson Papers, Series 4, 152A Reel 231, Manuscript Division
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Trotter, William Monroe, 1872-1934
African-Americans--segregation
Contributor
Althea Cupo
Maria Matlock
Language
English
Provenance
Digital copy acquired from federal archives by previous WWPL Archivist, Heidi Hackford.
Text
Honorable Woodrow Wilson. President, United States.
Washington, D.C.
My Dear Sir,
Today, in the breasts of every true, loyal Southerner, those who cling tenaciously to the traditions of the Old South, of the land so dear to your own heart are rejoicing because of the deft, masterly way in which you handled the spokesman of the negro delegation who called upon you a few days ago. The mental picture of this incident arises vividly before our eyes; we can see you, the perfect example of an American citizen, with the interests of the land you hold so dear surging forth in every heart throb as you listened to this negro, the hot blood of his savage fore-bears coursing madly through his being as he demanded that which might become a stepping stone. We can hear you utter your masterly rebuke and we know that instantly from the depths of his heart this negro recognized the stern command of his master-as his ancestors had heard before, and as his off-spring shall continue to hear. It can not be else.
From the deepest recesses of out hearts rushes an exultance almost uncontrollable. We’re proud of you not only because you are the head of our own great Government, nor because you’re a true type of an ideal American citizen but because you are a real man with the courageous blood of an ideal Southerner flowing in your veins to back it up.
May God keep and bless you, is my humble prayer.
Very sincerely yours,
J. Crampton Watters
Washington, D.C.
My Dear Sir,
Today, in the breasts of every true, loyal Southerner, those who cling tenaciously to the traditions of the Old South, of the land so dear to your own heart are rejoicing because of the deft, masterly way in which you handled the spokesman of the negro delegation who called upon you a few days ago. The mental picture of this incident arises vividly before our eyes; we can see you, the perfect example of an American citizen, with the interests of the land you hold so dear surging forth in every heart throb as you listened to this negro, the hot blood of his savage fore-bears coursing madly through his being as he demanded that which might become a stepping stone. We can hear you utter your masterly rebuke and we know that instantly from the depths of his heart this negro recognized the stern command of his master-as his ancestors had heard before, and as his off-spring shall continue to hear. It can not be else.
From the deepest recesses of out hearts rushes an exultance almost uncontrollable. We’re proud of you not only because you are the head of our own great Government, nor because you’re a true type of an ideal American citizen but because you are a real man with the courageous blood of an ideal Southerner flowing in your veins to back it up.
May God keep and bless you, is my humble prayer.
Very sincerely yours,
J. Crampton Watters
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Watters, J. Crampton, “J. Crampton Watters to Woodrow Wilson,” 1914 November 12, CS14, Race and Segregation Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.