Woodrow Wilson to Richard Heath Dabney

In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the twenty-seventh of July, let me say a word about Louis Aylett. I find from what the Richmond men tell me that a personal choice by me of postmaster would be resented, paticularly if I chose a man like Aylett, who has not been active in politics and who, therefore, seems to have no political claim to the place. I had a very frank talk with Montague about it and he was very fair but made me feel that I had no sufficient ground for disappointing him by making this choice for myself. I wish with all my heart I could have made it. I have the warmest feeling for Aylett, but there are many things one can not do.

I envy you off on a vacation. I hope that you are having a bully time and are benefiting by it every day.