Woodrow Wilson to Mary Allen Hulbert Peck

I must write you a little letter to convey our affectionate Christmas greetings and to tell you that I am practically well. There was never at any time cause for real anxiety. The trouble never went below my bronchial tubes. But I did, I must admit, have a very hard time. On the first signs of improvement I assumed that I was getting well (as I felt I must, for I simply have not the time to be ill) and was imprudent; so that the second edition of the wretched disease was worse, much worse, than the first. But I took it seriously that time and by patience and care have come out of the woods again. I feel weak and there is still reason why I should be careful, but the relaxation of the southern air will, I am confident, work wonders for me. We are going tonight to Pass Christian, Miss. (that will suffice for our address), just on the edge of Louisiana, a place of which everyone speaks with real enthusiasm. I will tell you what it is really like when I get there. I am carrying my doctor with me (as I always do nowadays, for that matter) and there is absolutely no cause for anxiety. It has touched me very much to see the number of the people who have been solicitous about my recovery. I have more real friends than I realized. Thank God for that! And thank God for the contents of your delightful letterl just received. It fills my heart with cheer and reassurance to hear of your present domestic satisfactions and of the relish you are finding in the things and people about you. Your description enables me to see it all. It is deeply interesting and human and most comforting. The currency bill has passed its final stages, within the hour, and another piece of work is done. I sign it this afternoon, with deep emotions, I can assure you. Forgive this scrappy note. It is written amidst every possible form of haste and distraction; but carries as genuine a message of affectionate friendship to you both as ever missive carried. God bless and keep you and bring you increase of happiness and health and love.