Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14855
Date
1915 June 17
Description
Edith Bolling Wilson writes to Woodrow Wilson thanking him for the roses he sent to her, telling him she wears them so she can be reminded of his love for her while he is travelling.
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
June 17 th 1915
Dearest One -
You have just left me and, while you are speeding toward the “Maison Blanche”, I am easing my heart by writing some of the things I cannot speak — even before our blessed little Helen -But before I tell you about yesterday I must thank you again for this great box ofthese radiant roses I came in this noon, from out the glare of the street - to rest my eyes on cool masses of fern and a dewy cluster of these exquisite blossoms.
But, aside from their own loveliness, they brought me joy - joy unspeakable - for they told me of you and that you were thinking of me — So I love to wear them over my heart - where they whisper all the day the things I love to hear —I promised toride tell you concerning the ride yesterday — Well! I felt I must see you - must make you feel my need, and suddenly I seemed to have - as though photographed on my brain, a vision of yourself - and the assurance that I would see you before I went home.
When, suddenly, as I took the curve winding toward the right - I looked, and saw you coming - way off - so far I could feel, more than see, you -For a second the impulse to turn 'round and go to meet you was almost fatal - but I feared it would look pointed so I kept on - and watched you cross the green that separated us - hoping, yes, (as unwomanly as it sounds) hoping you would see - and follow me — but alas! The stately car moved on to its haven beyond the Bridge (with apologies to the poet) and I found the road closed where I had gone - so after all I had to turn 'round and follow you across the Bridge - but it was too late — you were out of sight - and so I lingered - longing to go 'round and meet you on the new road - and yet too proud to let anyone else suspect —So, resolutely, I turned my face homeward -I had seen you, and I must be content!I am so sleepy I must stop and go to bed - Could you feel how perfectly happy I was on the ride tonight - how content- how satisfied - goodnight my Precious One —
Always your own,
Edith
Dearest One -
You have just left me and, while you are speeding toward the “Maison Blanche”, I am easing my heart by writing some of the things I cannot speak — even before our blessed little Helen -But before I tell you about yesterday I must thank you again for this great box of
But, aside from their own loveliness, they brought me joy - joy unspeakable - for they told me of you and that you were thinking of me — So I love to wear them over my heart - where they whisper all the day the things I love to hear —I promised to
When, suddenly, as I took the curve winding toward the right - I looked, and saw you coming - way off - so far I could feel, more than see, you -For a second the impulse to turn 'round and go to meet you was almost fatal - but I feared it would look pointed so I kept on - and watched you cross the green that separated us - hoping, yes, (as unwomanly as it sounds) hoping you would see - and follow me — but alas! The stately car moved on to its haven beyond the Bridge (with apologies to the poet) and I found the road closed where I had gone - so after all I had to turn 'round and follow you across the Bridge - but it was too late — you were out of sight - and so I lingered - longing to go 'round and meet you on the new road - and yet too proud to let anyone else suspect —So, resolutely, I turned my face homeward -I had seen you, and I must be content!I am so sleepy I must stop and go to bed - Could you feel how perfectly happy I was on the ride tonight - how content- how satisfied - goodnight my Precious One —
Always your own,
Edith
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961, “Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1915 June 17, WWP14855, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.