Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14906
Date
1915 September 20
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
7 45P.M.
This is just a little line to bring you my love and the tender wish for a good night — I will try to find those dear arms that you said would be waiting for me - and even, if in my darkness, I cannot find them - the thought that they are there, held out, will comfort and protect me. Oh! Woodrow I never wanted so to think only of myself — but I would not be worthy of your love if I did not think first for, and of you - and it is that which makes the way hard - Do you think it was easy to turn my back and leave you tonight - when everything that was feminine and meek cried out to go back and throw myself in your arms and give up the fight for reason and expedient - It is so easy to yield to love - to be “reckless” as you put it - But I must not - We must both try to sleep and get back to normal - and think only that this earthquake has left our love untouched and that we must rebuild our city of dreams on such a firm foundation that no other can shake it - or cause the occupants to quake or tremble. I love your splendid defiant courage - but even that may not lead to the wise road - So, Sweetheart, with our hands close grasped - and our hearts beating in perfect accord we must find the way -You have promised to get another man's point of view - and I have promised to let things go on as before - this will steady us both and bring rest to our aching hearts - and we will wait until we have all the help we can get before we choose a course My eyes are queer and I can scarcely write - but as soon as I can I am going to bed - Please try to sleep - goodnight.
Your own,
Edith
This is just a little line to bring you my love and the tender wish for a good night — I will try to find those dear arms that you said would be waiting for me - and even, if in my darkness, I cannot find them - the thought that they are there, held out, will comfort and protect me. Oh! Woodrow I never wanted so to think only of myself — but I would not be worthy of your love if I did not think first for, and of you - and it is that which makes the way hard - Do you think it was easy to turn my back and leave you tonight - when everything that was feminine and meek cried out to go back and throw myself in your arms and give up the fight for reason and expedient - It is so easy to yield to love - to be “reckless” as you put it - But I must not - We must both try to sleep and get back to normal - and think only that this earthquake has left our love untouched and that we must rebuild our city of dreams on such a firm foundation that no other can shake it - or cause the occupants to quake or tremble. I love your splendid defiant courage - but even that may not lead to the wise road - So, Sweetheart, with our hands close grasped - and our hearts beating in perfect accord we must find the way -You have promised to get another man's point of view - and I have promised to let things go on as before - this will steady us both and bring rest to our aching hearts - and we will wait until we have all the help we can get before we choose a course My eyes are queer and I can scarcely write - but as soon as I can I am going to bed - Please try to sleep - goodnight.
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 September 20, WWP14906, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.