Richard Olney to Woodrow Wilson
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PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
President of the United States,
White House, Washington, DC
Dear Mr. President,
I have anxiously considered accepting the English mission. The temptation to service under your administration is very great and severely tests my self-restraint.
But there are obstacles of a personal and family nature, which I will not trouble you with but which are serious, and in view particularly of the necessary residence abroad, are not to be ignored. They force me to the conclusion that I am not warranted in making the experiment of assuming the duties and responsibilities of the office you so kindly and persuasively tender. In the nature of things it would be an experiment, with the chances largely against success. I am unwilling to subject to any chances an administration which promises, and I believe will accomplish, so much for the country's lasting welfare.
With the highest appreciation of the honor done me by your proposal, and with infinite regret that I cannot reach any other result than that above indicated, I am
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