Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14913
Date
1915 September 3
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
Thursday - 11-a.m.
My Precious One -
I am so sorry you were unhappy last night because of me and this “Dialogue with the Imp” is a perfect nightmare - and caused by your own weariness and depression — I don't mean that I had no responsibility about it- for I knew I suddenly grew silent - and you felt the change — but, if you had been at par yourself you would not have troubled over it.
I was cross - and half sick last night or my feelings would not have been hurt by your quickly agreeing with Helen that the Smiths' coming should settle the day of announcing things — regardless of me — you first were eager to have it the 5 th as Helen suggested — then when she said Oh! The Smiths will then see it in the papers before you tell them — and you said — Oh! Yes -Well, we will wait until they come, what ever day that is - and then announce it, without even a word to me — and frankly, it hurt my feelings and made me feel I was treated as a child —Then at the door when I said to you, impulsively, — “Oh! I am so tired having to ask people things - and now even have to get the Smiths permission to announce our own engagement”— you still did not seem to think it important or to comprehend my meaning —I know it is better to tell you plainly how I felt - though it will worry you which I never want to do — But it all comes from the fact that I have never had to ask permission to do things in my whole life - I have always just done them - and that ended it - and I have seldom even discussed what I was going to do -Now — while I know it must be different - when things are all discussed and consulted over I get impatient - and restless - and, if I did not love you, would be off with the bit in my teeth and showing a clean pr. of heels to any one who dared try to catch me — There, I feel better already just to have told you about it - and I won't sulk any more -Please go and play golf this afternoon - and clear away all the undigested G. A. R.'s - the Princeton disappointment - and my own share in your depression - and know that I still love you enough to walk up to the harness and put it on though I may kick it all to pieces if you don't know the trick of handling the ribbons - so as to guide without my knowing it. Helen and I have just come back from a ride - if you could have gone with us we could have cleared up everything -I missed you — and wanted you and love you - and nothing can change these facts. Thank you for letting me see the letters from your brother and Miss Hoyt. As you said, last night, hers is charming in its genuine wish for your happiness - and no other thought but that. I will send you Mrs. Dumonts letter I spoke of - All the reference to her husband's coming to Wash. would be in awful taste if she knew the true state of things - but she does not know I even know you - and for over 2 years she has been writing just this same thing about their coming to Wash. and her anxiety to have him get some position where he could do his best work - They are very interesting people and he is capable and she helps him all the time - Now I will kiss away all the weariness from your dear eyes and fold you in my arms to make you know I love you -
Always your own,
E.
My Precious One -
I am so sorry you were unhappy last night because of me and this “Dialogue with the Imp” is a perfect nightmare - and caused by your own weariness and depression — I don't mean that I had no responsibility about it- for I knew I suddenly grew silent - and you felt the change — but, if you had been at par yourself you would not have troubled over it.
I was cross - and half sick last night or my feelings would not have been hurt by your quickly agreeing with Helen that the Smiths' coming should settle the day of announcing things — regardless of me — you first were eager to have it the 5 th as Helen suggested — then when she said Oh! The Smiths will then see it in the papers before you tell them — and you said — Oh! Yes -Well, we will wait until they come, what ever day that is - and then announce it, without even a word to me — and frankly, it hurt my feelings and made me feel I was treated as a child —Then at the door when I said to you, impulsively, — “Oh! I am so tired having to ask people things - and now even have to get the Smiths permission to announce our own engagement”— you still did not seem to think it important or to comprehend my meaning —I know it is better to tell you plainly how I felt - though it will worry you which I never want to do — But it all comes from the fact that I have never had to ask permission to do things in my whole life - I have always just done them - and that ended it - and I have seldom even discussed what I was going to do -Now — while I know it must be different - when things are all discussed and consulted over I get impatient - and restless - and, if I did not love you, would be off with the bit in my teeth and showing a clean pr. of heels to any one who dared try to catch me — There, I feel better already just to have told you about it - and I won't sulk any more -Please go and play golf this afternoon - and clear away all the undigested G. A. R.'s - the Princeton disappointment - and my own share in your depression - and know that I still love you enough to walk up to the harness and put it on though I may kick it all to pieces if you don't know the trick of handling the ribbons - so as to guide without my knowing it. Helen and I have just come back from a ride - if you could have gone with us we could have cleared up everything -I missed you — and wanted you and love you - and nothing can change these facts. Thank you for letting me see the letters from your brother and Miss Hoyt. As you said, last night, hers is charming in its genuine wish for your happiness - and no other thought but that. I will send you Mrs. Dumonts letter I spoke of - All the reference to her husband's coming to Wash. would be in awful taste if she knew the true state of things - but she does not know I even know you - and for over 2 years she has been writing just this same thing about their coming to Wash. and her anxiety to have him get some position where he could do his best work - They are very interesting people and he is capable and she helps him all the time - Now I will kiss away all the weariness from your dear eyes and fold you in my arms to make you know I love you -
Always your own,
E.
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 3, WWP14913, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.