Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14882
Date
1915 August 16
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
Monday -11-15 P.M.
My Own Precious One -
I dont think there has ever before been a day, when we were seperated, that you have seemed so near me– so apart of myself and as though you were actually sharing all I was doing or thinking – I wonder if you have felt it– or if it is only that your beloved letter of Saturday when you were alone for the drive, for dinner and for the evening, concentrated more on me – and made your personality real in the written messenger that brought those loved words to me this morning–
To add to this was also the budget of “work” you let me share– by sending me the many vital things that keep me a real sharer of your thoughts— They all interested me more than I can tell you- and, as usual make me long to talk to you about them – The Metcalf letter is so plausible and his plea such an easy way out of the Mexican trouble that I wish it were true - And it makes me more and more alive to the pitfalls that surround your dear feet on every side– But at the same time quickens my admiration, and adoration of you that you are splendidly steadfast amid the temptations – As to the “Report” of the “A.B.C.” proceedings my head was in a whirl when I tried to follow the different conduct of affairs in case- one of eight things should happen, and fear, if a reply does not come soon I will get so mixed I will have to get you to straighten me out as to what step will be followed. I think the only very new thing [to me at least] in Metcalf's letter was the Roman C. proposition — is there anything in what he says– or is it but a spoke in the wheel he is trying to break your present policy on? I think the letter from Mr. Page– the most interesting one I have ever seen from him – but depressing– I was more impressed by what he said regarding the necessity for a terrible battle, such as Waterloo or Gettysburg – to make a climax in this awful state of the world– Yet, at the rate the Germans are winning – it looks now as though such a battle might spell their success – so I dare not wish for it. Apropos of this, Mr. Rose was telling me today that here in Geneva they are turning out bodies for aeroplanes– just as fast as they can get skilled workmen– and they are all ordered by the Curtis people who assemble the parts and ship them abroad– that the foreman in the works here told him the average life of any flying machine was about 48 hours! Did you ever hear of anything so dreadful.I found your little note on Mr. Page's letter that you wanted it returned as it must be put on file– so I have fixed up in one package — addressed to Mr. Hoover everything you have sent me to date– and will send it by Express tomorrow — I thought in view of the fact that I am going on the road again for several days where you wont know where to reach me– something might arise that you would need one of these papers and you could not reach me to ask for its immediate return – and so I had better send them all – I fixed up the package before I began to write – and oh! Sweetheart I did hate to take off all the little notes of explanation which you had put there– I would have loved keeping them always just as you sent them to me – but I knew some of them must be kept on file and so I sadly removed each little penciled note and put them together and kept them— Please look over the papers carefully and see that all of them are there– They have been under lock all the time – and I think the Express is perfectly safe–I will enclose just a note from Rolfe to let you know the latest news from Panama – just destroy after reading – as it is to Randolph and he told me to tear it up — Tonight we took dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Hutchins of N. York– They have a summer house here and are such old friends of Mr & Mrs. Rose they consented to go there – and they are very genuine, sweet people.They–as every one does) had the loveliest things to say of you and, while they were too well bred to ask questions, seemed so anxious to know more about you personally.Of course they won my heart by saying things about that traitor – “W. J. B.” that would not add any feathers to the wing of Peace under which he is hiding — Mrs Hutchins is the head of the Anti Suf– movement in this part of the State – and was crazy to know how you stood– I only said just what you said to Mrs. Rose the day they were there to lunch – in regard to your saying it was a question for the States to settle –The clock is striking midnight and I must go to bed– I have on my wrapper—and am by the window – I also have on one pr. of the lovely white silk stockings, and they are a joy – and make me feel so very rich — I never had such a luxury before as 12 pr. at once – and I am so pleased with them – and they look so pretty on – that I think that is the reason I sat up to write tonight – instead of getting in bed as I usually do–A fond and very tender kiss my precious Woodrow, before we put out the light– and I feel your dear arms fold 'round me —Tuesday– 915 a.m.
The Postman has come and gone Dearest, and left no letter to start the day with– I am sure it is due to a belated train – and I will hear by the afternoon delivery, but I am lonely without it – and will count the hours until 230It rained nearly all night and is still black and threatening and so cold I have my window down– As I look out the tall bushes of “golden glow” are bowing and smiling to me as if to tell me there is still gold even in black days when I fail to get my morning message–By the way I find it is easier to send the package by “Insured Registered Mail instead of Express so it will go this morning –I hope it is cooler in Washington and that you are still well and happy–
Goodbye until tomorrow– I am with all my heart–
Edith
My Own Precious One -
I dont think there has ever before been a day, when we were seperated, that you have seemed so near me– so apart of myself and as though you were actually sharing all I was doing or thinking – I wonder if you have felt it– or if it is only that your beloved letter of Saturday when you were alone for the drive, for dinner and for the evening, concentrated more on me – and made your personality real in the written messenger that brought those loved words to me this morning–
To add to this was also the budget of “work” you let me share– by sending me the many vital things that keep me a real sharer of your thoughts— They all interested me more than I can tell you- and, as usual make me long to talk to you about them – The Metcalf letter is so plausible and his plea such an easy way out of the Mexican trouble that I wish it were true - And it makes me more and more alive to the pitfalls that surround your dear feet on every side– But at the same time quickens my admiration, and adoration of you that you are splendidly steadfast amid the temptations – As to the “Report” of the “A.B.C.” proceedings my head was in a whirl when I tried to follow the different conduct of affairs in case- one of eight things should happen, and fear, if a reply does not come soon I will get so mixed I will have to get you to straighten me out as to what step will be followed. I think the only very new thing [to me at least] in Metcalf's letter was the Roman C. proposition — is there anything in what he says– or is it but a spoke in the wheel he is trying to break your present policy on? I think the letter from Mr. Page– the most interesting one I have ever seen from him – but depressing– I was more impressed by what he said regarding the necessity for a terrible battle, such as Waterloo or Gettysburg – to make a climax in this awful state of the world– Yet, at the rate the Germans are winning – it looks now as though such a battle might spell their success – so I dare not wish for it. Apropos of this, Mr. Rose was telling me today that here in Geneva they are turning out bodies for aeroplanes– just as fast as they can get skilled workmen– and they are all ordered by the Curtis people who assemble the parts and ship them abroad– that the foreman in the works here told him the average life of any flying machine was about 48 hours! Did you ever hear of anything so dreadful.I found your little note on Mr. Page's letter that you wanted it returned as it must be put on file– so I have fixed up in one package — addressed to Mr. Hoover everything you have sent me to date– and will send it by Express tomorrow — I thought in view of the fact that I am going on the road again for several days where you wont know where to reach me– something might arise that you would need one of these papers and you could not reach me to ask for its immediate return – and so I had better send them all – I fixed up the package before I began to write – and oh! Sweetheart I did hate to take off all the little notes of explanation which you had put there– I would have loved keeping them always just as you sent them to me – but I knew some of them must be kept on file and so I sadly removed each little penciled note and put them together and kept them— Please look over the papers carefully and see that all of them are there– They have been under lock all the time – and I think the Express is perfectly safe–I will enclose just a note from Rolfe to let you know the latest news from Panama – just destroy after reading – as it is to Randolph and he told me to tear it up — Tonight we took dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Hutchins of N. York– They have a summer house here and are such old friends of Mr & Mrs. Rose they consented to go there – and they are very genuine, sweet people.They–as every one does) had the loveliest things to say of you and, while they were too well bred to ask questions, seemed so anxious to know more about you personally.Of course they won my heart by saying things about that traitor – “W. J. B.” that would not add any feathers to the wing of Peace under which he is hiding — Mrs Hutchins is the head of the Anti Suf– movement in this part of the State – and was crazy to know how you stood– I only said just what you said to Mrs. Rose the day they were there to lunch – in regard to your saying it was a question for the States to settle –The clock is striking midnight and I must go to bed– I have on my wrapper—and am by the window – I also have on one pr. of the lovely white silk stockings, and they are a joy – and make me feel so very rich — I never had such a luxury before as 12 pr. at once – and I am so pleased with them – and they look so pretty on – that I think that is the reason I sat up to write tonight – instead of getting in bed as I usually do–A fond and very tender kiss my precious Woodrow, before we put out the light– and I feel your dear arms fold 'round me —Tuesday– 915 a.m.
The Postman has come and gone Dearest, and left no letter to start the day with– I am sure it is due to a belated train – and I will hear by the afternoon delivery, but I am lonely without it – and will count the hours until 230It rained nearly all night and is still black and threatening and so cold I have my window down– As I look out the tall bushes of “golden glow” are bowing and smiling to me as if to tell me there is still gold even in black days when I fail to get my morning message–By the way I find it is easier to send the package by “Insured Registered Mail instead of Express so it will go this morning –I hope it is cooler in Washington and that you are still well and happy–
Goodbye until tomorrow– I am with all my heart–
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 16, WWP14882, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.