Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14867
Date
1915 August 2
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
Manchester Vt.
Hotel Equinox
10 – P. M.
My Precious Sweetheart -
It does not seem possible that only twelve hours ago we were on the porch together – I did not know a day could be so long! Tonight when I heard your dear voice on the telephone I wanted to cry out all my love and longing for you – and, instead, I had to be conventional and say only the things neither of us wanted to - I am so glad though your beloved “Nell” has been with you tonight and I know what a radiant presence hers is — and I wish I could have seen her –You haven't been very lonely have you Precious? And you are going to try to put sadness from you and think of only the happy days before us- I have thought of you every minute - all along those roads that seemed almost ugly because you were not there. Every foot of the way to Springfield was familiar ground - and yet how strange and empty and unfriendly it seemed - It was a positive relief to me when we got beyond Springfield and the constant reminders of our rides together were left behind - for there was such an ache in my heart. I felt I could not look on things that spoke of you — We went to the “Adna brown” Hotel for lunch – and Mr. & Mrs. Rose said the food was good – but as it was not “spiritual food” I could not eat it- and talked to cover my lack of appreciation- Just after leaving there we ran into a heavy storm- and the going was bad until we reached Chester – from there on we seemed to run out of the storm - and the rest of the trip was lovely – This place (Manchester) is really awfully pretty - great mountains surround it on all sides - and the houses are quaint and attractive - and the proverbial trees & grass of this country in most luxurious perfection. The Hotel is very attractive - and spotlessly clean - but oh! how I do long for my blue nest at Harlakenden – and find myself listening for a dear foot step in the hall- or t
he sound of a vibrant tone, that finds its echo in my heart.We reached here at 4- 20 brushed up and went for a walk – Back to the Hotel for “Tea” – which we had on the porch - surrounded by the usual crowd that makes up a Summer Resort Company - About 6 30 the men began coming in from Golf and Mr. Rose found a friend of his- So he is going out to play tomorrow morning - then we will leave after early lunch and go to Troy– Since talking to Helen we find Saratoga is packed with the crowd who follow the Races that began there today – So we decided to go to Troy - from there I don't know the next stop- but we plan to reach Geneva on Thursday
With what eagerness will I scan my mail – and oh what joy it will be to talk to you again –This is just the time I miss you most- The hour when you were all the world contained, and I am wondering if you are already in your little room under the roof and if you are missing me as keenly as I am you? Helen said you drove to Woodstock this afternoon- So you did carry out our plan - and tried, and I feel sure, succeeded in keeping up your Spirits-
If I wrote all night, my precious Woodrow I could not tell you of the perfect happiness of these past weeks, or thank you for the infinite tenderness and thought I felt you always surrounded me with- So I leave it to your unfailing intuition, and comprehension- and only tell you that I love you with all my heart- and that I am with you now and always.
Goodnight my wonderful Sweetheart–
Your own,
Edith
Hotel Equinox
10 – P. M.
My Precious Sweetheart -
It does not seem possible that only twelve hours ago we were on the porch together – I did not know a day could be so long! Tonight when I heard your dear voice on the telephone I wanted to cry out all my love and longing for you – and, instead, I had to be conventional and say only the things neither of us wanted to - I am so glad though your beloved “Nell” has been with you tonight and I know what a radiant presence hers is — and I wish I could have seen her –You haven't been very lonely have you Precious? And you are going to try to put sadness from you and think of only the happy days before us- I have thought of you every minute - all along those roads that seemed almost ugly because you were not there. Every foot of the way to Springfield was familiar ground - and yet how strange and empty and unfriendly it seemed - It was a positive relief to me when we got beyond Springfield and the constant reminders of our rides together were left behind - for there was such an ache in my heart. I felt I could not look on things that spoke of you — We went to the “Adna brown” Hotel for lunch – and Mr. & Mrs. Rose said the food was good – but as it was not “spiritual food” I could not eat it- and talked to cover my lack of appreciation- Just after leaving there we ran into a heavy storm- and the going was bad until we reached Chester – from there on we seemed to run out of the storm - and the rest of the trip was lovely – This place (Manchester) is really awfully pretty - great mountains surround it on all sides - and the houses are quaint and attractive - and the proverbial trees & grass of this country in most luxurious perfection. The Hotel is very attractive - and spotlessly clean - but oh! how I do long for my blue nest at Harlakenden – and find myself listening for a dear foot step in the hall- or t
he sound of a vibrant tone, that finds its echo in my heart.We reached here at 4- 20 brushed up and went for a walk – Back to the Hotel for “Tea” – which we had on the porch - surrounded by the usual crowd that makes up a Summer Resort Company - About 6 30 the men began coming in from Golf and Mr. Rose found a friend of his- So he is going out to play tomorrow morning - then we will leave after early lunch and go to Troy– Since talking to Helen we find Saratoga is packed with the crowd who follow the Races that began there today – So we decided to go to Troy - from there I don't know the next stop- but we plan to reach Geneva on Thursday
With what eagerness will I scan my mail – and oh what joy it will be to talk to you again –This is just the time I miss you most- The hour when you were all the world contained, and I am wondering if you are already in your little room under the roof and if you are missing me as keenly as I am you? Helen said you drove to Woodstock this afternoon- So you did carry out our plan - and tried, and I feel sure, succeeded in keeping up your Spirits-
If I wrote all night, my precious Woodrow I could not tell you of the perfect happiness of these past weeks, or thank you for the infinite tenderness and thought I felt you always surrounded me with- So I leave it to your unfailing intuition, and comprehension- and only tell you that I love you with all my heart- and that I am with you now and always.
Goodnight my wonderful Sweetheart–
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 August 2, WWP14867, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.