William G. McAdoo to Cary T. Grayson
Title
William G. McAdoo to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941
Identifier
WWP20791
Date
1914 February 1
Description
William Gibbs McAdoo writes to Cary T. Grayson about his relationship with Eleanor Wilson and their decision to refrain from contacting one another while she worked out her feelings for him.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Old Chap
I sent you a very hasty note this morning and now I must supplement it with a word of explanation. On my arrival I found a very sweet letter from that wonderful person telling of the doubts & perplexities and of the friendly feeling of the Governor & Mrs. and saying that they all thought it would be wise for her to test herself by not writing or having me write during my absence. I at once wrote & telegraphed that I understood and approved, of course, and that I was only too glad, regardless of any consequences to me, to do anything that might help her or enable her to determine her own happiness. So, dear old pal, I feel obliged to observe the truce by sending no messages and no flowers so that she may, without interruption on my part, work out the problem - and I do feel so keenly for her because it is not easy. I can only pray that she may conclude that her true happiness lies in my direction. There is, beyond doubt, much encouragement for me even in this and you may be sure that it makes me happy to feel that there is even a possibility. What a wonderful and glorious person she is! It seems too good to be possible that she might ever care enough for me.
You are a brick and a bully fellow to be so kind and good to me. You are the only man I really love and I shall always be tied to you with thongs that are stronger than steel. It is going to be awfully hard for me to stand this trial but I shall do it as a true man should. Anything you can send me that does not violate the “truce”, will receive the warmest welcome.
I tell you the President is a wonder & has a marvellous hold on the people. It is simply splendid. I wish you could hear some of the things I have said in my speeches about him. I think he is really the greatest man we have ever produced. I make no exception.
I am having much difficulty in shaking off this obstinate cough but I am getting the best of it at last. Nona & Ellen are having a fine time. Nona sends her love. Thank you for all your kindness to darling little Sally. You are the salt of the Earth.
I thought you ought to know the situation so I have written very confidentially. You had better not preserve this. We stop at the Hotel Raymond Pasadena California on the dates fixed for Los Angeles. I hope you keep well.
Devotedly Your Friend
WGM
I sent you a very hasty note this morning and now I must supplement it with a word of explanation. On my arrival I found a very sweet letter from that wonderful person telling of the doubts & perplexities and of the friendly feeling of the Governor & Mrs. and saying that they all thought it would be wise for her to test herself by not writing or having me write during my absence. I at once wrote & telegraphed that I understood and approved, of course, and that I was only too glad, regardless of any consequences to me, to do anything that might help her or enable her to determine her own happiness. So, dear old pal, I feel obliged to observe the truce by sending no messages and no flowers so that she may, without interruption on my part, work out the problem - and I do feel so keenly for her because it is not easy. I can only pray that she may conclude that her true happiness lies in my direction. There is, beyond doubt, much encouragement for me even in this and you may be sure that it makes me happy to feel that there is even a possibility. What a wonderful and glorious person she is! It seems too good to be possible that she might ever care enough for me.
You are a brick and a bully fellow to be so kind and good to me. You are the only man I really love and I shall always be tied to you with thongs that are stronger than steel. It is going to be awfully hard for me to stand this trial but I shall do it as a true man should. Anything you can send me that does not violate the “truce”, will receive the warmest welcome.
I tell you the President is a wonder & has a marvellous hold on the people. It is simply splendid. I wish you could hear some of the things I have said in my speeches about him. I think he is really the greatest man we have ever produced. I make no exception.
I am having much difficulty in shaking off this obstinate cough but I am getting the best of it at last. Nona & Ellen are having a fine time. Nona sends her love. Thank you for all your kindness to darling little Sally. You are the salt of the Earth.
I thought you ought to know the situation so I have written very confidentially. You had better not preserve this. We stop at the Hotel Raymond Pasadena California on the dates fixed for Los Angeles. I hope you keep well.
Devotedly Your Friend
WGM
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941, “William G. McAdoo to Cary T. Grayson,” 1914 February 1, WWP20791, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.