February 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, February 22nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/22/2018
Very rare lot of three autograph letters signed by Edith Bolling Wilson as First Lady from October 1919, roughly two weeks after President Wilson's debilitating stroke that led Edith to hide his condition from even his closest advisors. After his stroke, Edith Wilson would assume tasks otherwise assigned to the President for the remainder of his term, until March 1921, the only such time that the First Lady effectively took on the role of President; letters from her during this time are virtually non-existent. Here, the First Lady writes on White House letterhead to Grant Squires, an associate of the President, complete with White House envelopes. In the first letter dated 13 October 1919, she writes in part, ''...The doctors are keeping him so quiet I do not think he will be allowed to see you but if you will be so good as to bring the papers to the White House and ask for Mr. Hoover I will give him the Receipt...Edith Bolling Wilson (Mrs. Woodrow Wilson)''. Several days later on 17 October she writes, ''...the fact remains I cannot put my hand on [the receipt] - which I have not told him for fear of annoying him. So, if you prefer to hold the papers until the President is better it will be perfectly agreeable to me...The reason I suggest Mr. Hoover as a representative is that he always handles such things for both of us when we cannot do it in person, and because I am with the President so constantly I make no appointments...With warm appreciation of your interest and concern for my husband - and with the assurance that we think he is gaining slowly - believe me...Edith Bolling Wilson''. Last letter, undated but shortly thereafter, reads in part, ''...The lost is found...In my ignorance I was looking for a formal and business like Receipt and did not ask either you or my husband if the enclosed letter was the object sought...Edith Bolling Wilson''. Letters each measure 4.25'' x 5.75'' on card-style stationery with ''The White House / Washington'' embossed in silver. Letters span 14 pages. Folds and light soiling, otherwise near fine. A rare collection of letters from by the First Lady, who some have called the ''Presidentress''.
Edith Bolling Wilson Lot of 3 Autograph Letters Signed as First Lady Just After President Wilson's Stroke, as She Hid the President's Condition -- ''...the doctors are keeping him so quiet...''
Click above for larger image.