Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Title
Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP20928
Date
1916 January 6
Description
Cary T. Grayson writes to his fiancée, Alice Gertrude Gordon, about his daily activities. He remarks on seeing Woodrow and Edith Wilson on their return from their honeymoon.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Sweetheart,
I miss you. I wish so much now that I had waited to take the 3.30 train because I would have enjoyed immensely that time with you, dear, as it turned out my train was late and I did not arrive until nearly eight o’clock.
I went to the White House, but found all the Bolling family present, to celebrate Mrs. Bolling’s birthday, so I did not feel like facing so many, I waited and returned again about ten. In the meanwhile, I went to The Avondale where I was warmly greeted by Arch and Mr. Murray. I saw Miss Edith and the President for a few moments only. I never saw either of them look finer. She was as handsome as a queen, and appeared more beautiful when she sweetly enquired for you. However, I may be a little bit prejudiced at this juncture.
Miss Bones seemed glader to see me than any one. I had a nice, long chat with her, in the midst of which I remembered my promise and hurried home to bed.
Every one comments on how much good the vacation did me—that I look so very much better. I owe it all to you, dear, because you have made me so happy—more than you dream.
This morning I breakfasted with the McAdoo’s. Both of them enquired especially for you. I enjoyed seeing them much. From there I went to the Dispensary where I got into touch with the sick and complaining of the Navy again. At 12.30 I went over to the White House, but Miss Edith was out, and I have not seen her to-day.
Hoover greeted me warmly. So did Tumulty,? from all appearances—I lunched alone at the Metropolitan Club, please note I had lunch without being cautioned about it, and I was real hungry. Met a lot of old Club friends.
The President and Miss Edith played golf to-gether. I had a long conference with the Surgeon General of the Navy on things pertaining to the medical corps of the Navy.
Then I went over to see the Attorney General who sent for me—and thence to see Mr. Thomas J. Pence who is confined to his bed with La Grippe—and wanted to discharge his present doctor and have me take charge of his case.
Your friend Mr. Hugh Wallace telephoned that he was anxious to see me, but I could not comply with his request to-night—or this afternoon.
Mr. Murray, Arch and I dined at seven here. The former went to the theatre—Archs was silent but had an engagement. I went to a meeting of the Medical Society where I stayed until eleven o’clock—and so, here I am. My darling, you have been in my thought almost constantly to-day. To say that I have missed you and longed for you is, indeed, putting it mildly.
I am so proud of my watch that I find myself showing it to nearly every one I meet. It seems more wonderful and more beautiful than ever.
I found a number of presents here. Mrs. Meyer sent me a silver calendar with a special contrivance for arranging the dates daily. Miss Julia Meyer gave me some gloves and Mrs. Rodgers a beautiful silk muffler.
The President’s gift to me is a brass electric reading lamp. From Mrs. Rice came a picture of a new dog—a great dane—with greetings etc.
Well, this Christmas time is past—all but the memories of it. When I was a lad the Holiday time meant a lot to me. Later on, they meant little more than loneliness—and I grew to rather dread them. But this one! Nothing in all my life has been so full of contentment, of real joy, of real living. You made it all beautiful. You being in my life, shaping and directing my every thought. May there be many more holidays seasons like it for both of us, always together—always true and always as happy.
May God bless you, dear. Good-night.
Cary
I miss you. I wish so much now that I had waited to take the 3.30 train because I would have enjoyed immensely that time with you, dear, as it turned out my train was late and I did not arrive until nearly eight o’clock.
I went to the White House, but found all the Bolling family present, to celebrate Mrs. Bolling’s birthday, so I did not feel like facing so many, I waited and returned again about ten. In the meanwhile, I went to The Avondale where I was warmly greeted by Arch and Mr. Murray. I saw Miss Edith and the President for a few moments only. I never saw either of them look finer. She was as handsome as a queen, and appeared more beautiful when she sweetly enquired for you. However, I may be a little bit prejudiced at this juncture.
Miss Bones seemed glader to see me than any one. I had a nice, long chat with her, in the midst of which I remembered my promise and hurried home to bed.
Every one comments on how much good the vacation did me—that I look so very much better. I owe it all to you, dear, because you have made me so happy—more than you dream.
This morning I breakfasted with the McAdoo’s. Both of them enquired especially for you. I enjoyed seeing them much. From there I went to the Dispensary where I got into touch with the sick and complaining of the Navy again. At 12.30 I went over to the White House, but Miss Edith was out, and I have not seen her to-day.
Hoover greeted me warmly. So did Tumulty,? from all appearances—I lunched alone at the Metropolitan Club, please note I had lunch without being cautioned about it, and I was real hungry. Met a lot of old Club friends.
The President and Miss Edith played golf to-gether. I had a long conference with the Surgeon General of the Navy on things pertaining to the medical corps of the Navy.
Then I went over to see the Attorney General who sent for me—and thence to see Mr. Thomas J. Pence who is confined to his bed with La Grippe—and wanted to discharge his present doctor and have me take charge of his case.
Your friend Mr. Hugh Wallace telephoned that he was anxious to see me, but I could not comply with his request to-night—or this afternoon.
Mr. Murray, Arch and I dined at seven here. The former went to the theatre—Archs was silent but had an engagement. I went to a meeting of the Medical Society where I stayed until eleven o’clock—and so, here I am. My darling, you have been in my thought almost constantly to-day. To say that I have missed you and longed for you is, indeed, putting it mildly.
I am so proud of my watch that I find myself showing it to nearly every one I meet. It seems more wonderful and more beautiful than ever.
I found a number of presents here. Mrs. Meyer sent me a silver calendar with a special contrivance for arranging the dates daily. Miss Julia Meyer gave me some gloves and Mrs. Rodgers a beautiful silk muffler.
The President’s gift to me is a brass electric reading lamp. From Mrs. Rice came a picture of a new dog—a great dane—with greetings etc.
Well, this Christmas time is past—all but the memories of it. When I was a lad the Holiday time meant a lot to me. Later on, they meant little more than loneliness—and I grew to rather dread them. But this one! Nothing in all my life has been so full of contentment, of real joy, of real living. You made it all beautiful. You being in my life, shaping and directing my every thought. May there be many more holidays seasons like it for both of us, always together—always true and always as happy.
May God bless you, dear. Good-night.
Cary
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson,” 1916 January 6, WWP20928, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.