Andrew Furuseth to Woodrow Wilson

Andrew Furuseth to Woodrow Wilson

Furuseth, Andrew, 1854-1938

WWP18135

1913 October 29

Andrew Furuseth expresses surprise to Woodrow Wilson about his appointment as commissioner and his resolution to fulfill his duty.

Wilson Papers, Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

Honorable Woodrow Wilson,
President of the United States.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President:

It was indeed a surprise to me and to every seaman, that I was appointed a commissioner from the United States to participate in the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea. Neither I nor any of the men whom I represent can understand it, except from the point of view that you desire the great body of seamen, the men before the mast, to be represented at that conference in order that the hopes, aspirations and experience of the seamen may be heard there. With this idea in my mind, I am profoundly grateful that you selected me. I shall try to serve to the best of my ability and above all to be true to the best interests of safety of life at sea; in so doing I shall be true to the highest hopes and aspirations of the seamen and, as I believe, to the best interests of our country.

Again expressing my profound gratitude, I beg to remain,
Respectfully and loyally,
Andrew Furuseth
President International Seamens’ Union of America.

Letter

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924