Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Edith Bolling Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Identifier
WWP14874
Date
1915 August 11
Source
Edith Bolling Wilson Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia
Language
English
Text
Geneva N.Y
My Precious One -
The town clock is just striking midnight – and, while I lie here in my big bed with the windows wide open to the cool night air, I am picturing you on a hot, dusty train rushing through the darkness– and I will stop to whisper a little prayer for your protection and safe arrival in the place that has been home to me for so many years—I have thought of you all through the day and pictured your leaving, and all the longing in my heart has been rushing out to meet you— I do hope the faithful Mr. Hoover will have things ready for you tomorrow with flowers everywhere and the house with an air of home– to bid you welcome
–I sent my letter to Mr. Hoover today and trust you will get it promptly – I am so afraid you are going to find it terribly hot in Washington, so please Dearest, be careful
–After I finished my letter to you at noon I went down on the porch with Mr. Rose– He is really deeply distressed over the death of his brother and seems to dread being alone–We got maps and tried to work out the best route toward Ocean City – for they have definitely decided to take me thence in their car – and all remain a week before they come home – and Mother Bertha and I go back to WashingtonAfter lunch Mr. R. went to play golf and I wrote a lot of letters – among which was an answer to Nell's dear note to me – About four I got sleepy and took a little nap before reading the papers– We three went to the Country Club for dinner and as it (the Club House) is beautifully situated on a point running out into the Lake it is very lovely there – and there was a beautiful sunset. We got back a little after eight – and Mr. Wheat came to play cards – We had an interesting game and did not stop until eleven. Three other people came to call – so we got started very late – I have had invitations for every afternoon and evening but as the Roses are not going anywhere I have been able to decline – And I am enjoying the freedom of doing as I please
Have you heard from Helen? I wrote her as soon as I got to Geneva but have heard nothing from her – and do hope she is not sick but just taking a good rest.I saw an account in three papers of your going to the rescue of the motorists in distress – and allowing for newspaper exageration, I suppose there must really have been a “human interest” story this time — How your description of the little Otter Creek Tea House brought back our happy afternoon there – And after reading your dear letter I fell asleep and dreamed it all over again just as it really happened — just in the midst of the dream Mr. Rose called me to give me a telephone message and I thought for one happy moment that it was you who had called me — and not until I was fully awake could I convince myself you were far away – you seemed here — in the room – and I could not let you go–I will finish this in the morning after I get the mail – Goodnight my precious One – and a happy awakening when we get home!
Thursday–12
__________________________
The mail came a half hour ago (just as your train was due in Washington) and I hope you are not tired out– and can get adjusted to the change of climate before you have to plunge into work.
Your dear letter seems sad and as though you felt the weight of things more acutely than you admit– even to me— I know it was hard to leave Cornish and all the dear ones there – and feel that your real holiday may be over for months – but, I believe (as I wrote you yesterday) you will worry less in Washington because you will have every thing under your own control.Bless your precious heart! how I wish I could really be the help you say I am– Never before did I long for the wisdom of a well informed mind half so much for then I could be a staff for you to lean on — but if a keen sympathy and comprehension can lift the burden, even a little bit, then I am a help to the wisest and dearest person in the world— I am so interested in Sir Edward's letter–and the deep sorrow of the man speaks in every line — What he says of Nature is very pretty – and gives a strong light on the character of the man — as to the other letter about that Traitor – my blood boils when I think of him — and I am afraid if he were left in my hands by an inscrutable fate – I would put him where the world would never be troubled with him or his “peace” sheeps clothing again — Oh–but I would love to publish this letter in every paper in the land! And add to it what I think of him. Thank you for the picture and the cartoon – That is so absurd it doesn't hurt – but this other thing is so low words can't reach it. You will think me a fire brand if I don't stop– so I will change the subject and tell you that I am ashamed of these badly written sheets after reading your letters – where even the clear, regular writing bespeaks perfection — But on the other hand the two letters are characteristic of our personalities and there is no use my trying to impress you with even a pretence of law and order – I am what I am – andif as you love me you forgive the blots – and overlook the faults – and make me happy by your tender comprehension.
Goodbye for today dear, tired little boy – Remember how I love you – and that I am yours with all my heart–
Edith
My Precious One -
The town clock is just striking midnight – and, while I lie here in my big bed with the windows wide open to the cool night air, I am picturing you on a hot, dusty train rushing through the darkness– and I will stop to whisper a little prayer for your protection and safe arrival in the place that has been home to me for so many years—I have thought of you all through the day and pictured your leaving, and all the longing in my heart has been rushing out to meet you— I do hope the faithful Mr. Hoover will have things ready for you tomorrow with flowers everywhere and the house with an air of home– to bid you welcome
–I sent my letter to Mr. Hoover today and trust you will get it promptly – I am so afraid you are going to find it terribly hot in Washington, so please Dearest, be careful
–After I finished my letter to you at noon I went down on the porch with Mr. Rose– He is really deeply distressed over the death of his brother and seems to dread being alone–We got maps and tried to work out the best route toward Ocean City – for they have definitely decided to take me thence in their car – and all remain a week before they come home – and Mother Bertha and I go back to WashingtonAfter lunch Mr. R. went to play golf and I wrote a lot of letters – among which was an answer to Nell's dear note to me – About four I got sleepy and took a little nap before reading the papers– We three went to the Country Club for dinner and as it (the Club House) is beautifully situated on a point running out into the Lake it is very lovely there – and there was a beautiful sunset. We got back a little after eight – and Mr. Wheat came to play cards – We had an interesting game and did not stop until eleven. Three other people came to call – so we got started very late – I have had invitations for every afternoon and evening but as the Roses are not going anywhere I have been able to decline – And I am enjoying the freedom of doing as I please
Have you heard from Helen? I wrote her as soon as I got to Geneva but have heard nothing from her – and do hope she is not sick but just taking a good rest.I saw an account in three papers of your going to the rescue of the motorists in distress – and allowing for newspaper exageration, I suppose there must really have been a “human interest” story this time — How your description of the little Otter Creek Tea House brought back our happy afternoon there – And after reading your dear letter I fell asleep and dreamed it all over again just as it really happened — just in the midst of the dream Mr. Rose called me to give me a telephone message and I thought for one happy moment that it was you who had called me — and not until I was fully awake could I convince myself you were far away – you seemed here — in the room – and I could not let you go–I will finish this in the morning after I get the mail – Goodnight my precious One – and a happy awakening when we get home!
Thursday–12
__________________________
The mail came a half hour ago (just as your train was due in Washington) and I hope you are not tired out– and can get adjusted to the change of climate before you have to plunge into work.
Your dear letter seems sad and as though you felt the weight of things more acutely than you admit– even to me— I know it was hard to leave Cornish and all the dear ones there – and feel that your real holiday may be over for months – but, I believe (as I wrote you yesterday) you will worry less in Washington because you will have every thing under your own control.Bless your precious heart! how I wish I could really be the help you say I am– Never before did I long for the wisdom of a well informed mind half so much for then I could be a staff for you to lean on — but if a keen sympathy and comprehension can lift the burden, even a little bit, then I am a help to the wisest and dearest person in the world— I am so interested in Sir Edward's letter–and the deep sorrow of the man speaks in every line — What he says of Nature is very pretty – and gives a strong light on the character of the man — as to the other letter about that Traitor – my blood boils when I think of him — and I am afraid if he were left in my hands by an inscrutable fate – I would put him where the world would never be troubled with him or his “peace” sheeps clothing again — Oh–but I would love to publish this letter in every paper in the land! And add to it what I think of him. Thank you for the picture and the cartoon – That is so absurd it doesn't hurt – but this other thing is so low words can't reach it. You will think me a fire brand if I don't stop– so I will change the subject and tell you that I am ashamed of these badly written sheets after reading your letters – where even the clear, regular writing bespeaks perfection — But on the other hand the two letters are characteristic of our personalities and there is no use my trying to impress you with even a pretence of law and order – I am what I am – and
Goodbye for today dear, tired little boy – Remember how I love you – and that I am yours 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 11, WWP14874, Edith Bolling Wilson Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.