Woodrow Wilson served as president of Princeton University (1902-1911), Governor of New Jersey (1911-1913), and twenty-eighth president of the United States (1913-1921); this series includes letters written from all three offices. The letters particularly highlight his involvement in publishing and reviewing written works on political science and history. Of note are nearly thirty letters written to illustrator Howard Pyle, which demonstrate Wilson's passion for history and desire to be as historically accurate as possible in the text and illustrations of his own works.
Filed by recipient.
TLS, Washington. Saying he rarely reads The Outlook due to its unfriendly stance towards his administration, but thanking Baldwin for a copy of "Uncle Sam's Tin Halo." 1 p.
TLS, New Jersey. Explaining that he is unavailable for an interview but saying that his inclination to talk about motives and conduct makes him a poor subject for an interview anyway. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking Bickford for a letter and forwarding his signature in thanks. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking Bridgman for an extract from the Congregationalist and Christian World containing an editorial suggested by Wilson's address at Hartford. 1 p.
ALS, Bryn Mawr. Agreeing to help Bridgman with a plan, but clarifying that he is not a specialist in the application of political science to state policy. 2 pp.
TLS, Washington. To Margaret Brooks, Marguerite Lewin, Anita Brooks, and Bessie Quinton. Sending thanks for a message from a group of girls whom he passed each morning in Plainfield, N.H., as he went to play golf. 1 p. with original envelope.
Editor of The Dial.
ALS, Bryn Mawr. Declining the offer to review "Franklin in France" since he has already committed to writing an extended review of Mason's translation of Van Holst's monograph on the Constitution. 2 pp.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Forwarding a review of [Henry] Sigdwick's The Elements of Politics. 1 p. [A printed copy of the review is available in the folder.]
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Declining an offer to write on the subject of "English at Princeton." Suggesting Dr. Murray, head of the English Department at Princeton, as an alternative. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Thanking Burroughs for his message of January 31, saying it was received the same day as Germany's notification [of unrestricted U-boat warfare]. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Expressing his mortification that he was absent from Princeton on the day appointed for an interview with Chambers, explaining that he telegraphed his cancellation and assumed it had been received. 1 p.
TLS, New Jersey. Declining an invitation to speak before the graduating class of the Montclair State Normal School. 1 p.
TLS, New Jersey. Saying the appointment by the trustees of Princeton University of George B. McClellan was spontaneous and unrelated to politics. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Saying the next two years of his administration will prove that the first two have been very beneficial to the country; declining the suggestion to reconsider tariff schedules; discussing the effect of war on immigration. 2 pp. with original envelope.
TLS, Washington. Speaking of his interest in the New Era Movement of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., saying the movement is both a true interpretation of the gospel and an instrument of service to the nation. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Expressing concern over the mistreatment of some women in an Ohio, asking Clarkson to have the State and County Councils of Defense investigate the matter. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Answering questions about the history of the study of political science at Princeton University. 2 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Discussing "college ideals" and a disturbing trend towards emphasizing extracurricular activities over serious study, hoping for a restored focus on mental training. 2 pp.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Discussing alternate dates for a lecture before the Women's Club [of Worcester], offering a choice of subjects: patriotism, Americanism, political liberty, or Alexis de Tocqueville. 3 pp.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Arranging his visit to Worcester, requesting to dine at the "Bay State." 2 pp.
LS, Princeton, NJ. Declining and invitation from a senior class because of other engagements. 2 pp.
TLS, Washington. Expressing his disappointment at the suggestion that a serious mistake was made in nominating Mr. Teifen for the postmastership in Trenton, Michigan. Promising to have the Postmaster General consider the matter. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Agreeing to consider her suggestion. 1 p. with original envelope.
Duneka worked at Harper & Brothers publishing firm.
TLS, Washington. Saying he cannot possibly prepare a new chapter for the history. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Agreeing to let Duneka publish his essay, "When a Man Comes to Himself," provided he can republish it in a collection of essays he is planning. 1 p. [See Documents file for a manuscript version of the essay.]
TLS, Washington. Agreeing to let Duneka publish his essay "On Being Human." Warning Duneka that it is a literary piece and will not be as popular as "When a Man Comes to Himself," which was a moral homily and more universally appealing. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Saying he leads an extremely busy life but will try to meet with Duneka next Wednesday. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Acknowledging a paper on tariff reform but saying that the present time is not proper for a manifesto in favor of free trade. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Saying he is forwarding Ford's letter to the Secretary of War to prevent an injustice being done. 1 p.
ALS, Washington. Saying he is gratified that her husband is working for the federal government. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Expressing interest in a proposal to erect a statue of Dr. John Witherspoon in Washington, saying Witherspoon is worthy of such a memorial. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking Foster for forwarding $4000, the balance of the Witherspoon Memorial Fund, to be devoted to the John Witherspoon Scholarship at Princeton University. 2 pp.
Professor at Amherst College.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking the professor for his request to summarize Wilson's critical work and giving a statement as to the nature of history and facts. 3 pp. with original envelope.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking the professor for a copy of Working Principles of Rhetoric, in which Wilson's own work is used as illustration. 1 p.
ALS, New York. Accepting an invitation to stay with her in Tarrytown, saying he does not yet have a printed syllabus for his upcoming lectures, recommending books on Aristotle. 1 p. [See Documents file for a printed copy of the completed syllabus.]
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Discussing his progress and process in writing a book; agreeing with Hart's plans to include maps in the publication. 3 pp.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Concerning maps for the book he is writing, asking that "Union" be substituted for "Loyal" on the maps and requesting that lighter colors be used to make them easier to read. 2 pp.
TLS, Washington. Sending thanks for a gift selected by Hirsh's secretary and for the letter of friendship which accompanied it. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Washington. Saying it would not be appropriate for him to attend to the installation of the permanent directors of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, alluding to ill health. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Acknowledging a letter about the French Spoliation claims, saying Congress cannot take up the matter this session but perhaps in the future. 1 p.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Forwarding an essay [to be used in the Century Magazine] based on a train conversation with Johnson [essay not included]. 1 p.
TLS, New Jersey. Directing Jordan to notify the committee that a planned conference must be postponed. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Regretting that he will not be able to attend a dinner for George W. Guthrie, recently appointed U.S. minister to Japan; mentioning his pleasure that Japanese minister Baron Chinda will be attending. 2 pp.
TLS, Washington. Acknowledging her patriotism, saying that he cannot destroy or cancel her bonds but suggesting she devote their proceeds to the Red Cross or similar war relief efforts. 2 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Saying his address in Philadelphia was not printed in full but the greater part of it may be found in the New York Sun of November 19th. 1 p.
TLS, Bermuda. Thanking him for sending articles on the "difficult police question," promising to read them. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Declining an invitation to speak before the Bristol County Teachers Association. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. A cordial letter of thanks for an offer of guidance.
TLS, Washington. Thanking Merrill for his approval. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Responding to Moscoso's offer to translate Wilson's textbook, The State, into Spanish; forwarding the idea to his publisher. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Arranging to meet Price and a Mr. Archer in Princeton. 1 p.
Pyle illustrated two of Wilson's books: George Washington and History of the American People. Wilson's correspondence with Pyle concerns the details of the scenes he was commissioned to illustrate. The folder also includes tissue paper copies of seven letters sent from Pyle to Wilson.
TLS with autograph postscript, Princeton, NJ. Discussing early Virginia statesman and whether any portraits of them exist. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Forwarding the most recent part of his manuscript, hoping Pyle is familiar with Mary Philipse. 2 pp.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Forwarding a magazine with a portrait of Mary Philipse [not included]. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Suggesting Pyle illustrate Great Meadows, the Braddock affair, and Mount Vernon; suggesting Pyle hire a photographer to make a view of Great Meadows. 2 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Forwarding the third part of his manuscript [not included].
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Clarifying when George and Martha Washington returned to Mount Vernon after their wedding, referring Pyle to Lossing's book on the Revolution. 3 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Praising Pyle's completed illustrations, saying he hopes to frame them. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Addressing small details for Pyle's illustrations and giving a description of Virginia statesman Edmund Pendleton. 2 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Affirming the details of George and Martha Washington's wedding, stating his preference that they be illustrated at the church and not traveling on the road. 3 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Asking Pyle if he would illustrate a hunting dinner or breakfast at Mount Vernon, describing which historical figures should appear in the scene. 2 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Suggesting illustrations for the yet unwritten fourth part of his work on Washington, including an interior scene of home life at Mount Vernon and a scene of Benedict Arnold depicting "the darkest hour of the war." 3 pp.
TLS, Baltimore. Suggesting more scenes for illustration including a meeting between the Virginia and Massachusetts delegates to the Continental Congress, the grand arrival of Martha Washington at Cambridge, and a meeting between Washington and Charles Lee at the Battle of Monmouth. 4 pp.
TLS, Baltimore. Expressing his desire to avoid war scenes of George Washington and instead focus on the his character and environment. 5 pp.
TLS, Baltimore. Agreeing to Pyle's suggestions for illustrations. 2 pp.
TLS, Baltimore. Sending the fourth part of his work, asking Pyle to forward it to Mr. Alden once he has read it. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Regretfully declining Pyle's invitation to visit Wilmington, discussing his ideas for illustrations including a farewell scene at Fraunces Tavern, Washington and his mother at a ball, and an interior at Mount Vernon. 4 pp.
TLS with autograph postscript, Princeton, NJ. Agreeing with Pyle's decision not to illustrate a ballroom scene, suggesting Washington's entry into New York as a possible subject, saying he is more than satisfied with the other illustrations. 3 pp.
ALS, Princeton. Assuring Pyle that the publisher will accept his illustrations. 2 pp.
TLS. Promising to send the fifth part of his work. 1 p.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Sending the fifth Washington article, pointing out possible scenes for illustration. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Agreeing that an illustration of the disbanding of the army will be most interesting, promising to send the sixth installment of his writing in a week. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Agreeing with Pyle's decision not to illustrate Washington and Carleton; promising to send part six of his manuscript within the week. 1 p.
LS, Princeton, NJ. Writing to Pyle on behalf of the President of the Mount Vernon Association, asking for advice about appropriate period furnishings for Mount Vernon. 4 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Expressing his delight that Pyle has agreed to illustrate his History [of the American People]; planning for a possible visit to Wilmington. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Arguing for the historical accuracy of Captain Phips and the Treasure Ship, asking Pyle to illustrate the incident as Wilson feels it is romantic and picturesque. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Encouraging Pyle to choose the scenes for illustrating the Revolution as Wilson does not have strong feelings on the matter. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Responding to Pyle's request to include a last minute illustration of John Paul Jones. 1 p.
Typed description of a visit to Mount Vernon by John Hunter and R.H. Lee. 1 p.
ANS. A presentation inscription taken from the fly leaf of one of Wilson's books in which he characterizes his writing as honestly conceived and written with conviction and thanks his friend for his kind judgment. 1 p.
ANS. A presentation inscription taken from the fly leaf of Wilson's George Washington. Speaking of Renick as a fellow Virginian and Wilson's hope that the volume will always remind him of their abiding friendship. 1 p.
TLS, Trenton, NJ. Thanking Ritchie for sending congratulations, promising to consider his suggestion. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Agreeing that children should not play violent games during school recess. 1 p.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Agreeing to explore the possibility of free tuition for Rosewater Scholars but questioning whether the engineering courses at Princeton qualify under the strictures of Rosewater's father's will. 1 p.
TLS, New Jersey. Saying he is complimented that Rowland has chosen him as the subject of his oration, suggesting Rowland consult Poole's Index to Periodical Literature to find articles about Wilson. 1 p.
ALS, Clarksville, Tenn. Discussing a book he is writing and his wish to serve as chair of political science; giving a lengthy explanation of his approach to the study of politics and his belief that "the true philosophy of government can be extracted only from the true history of government." 13 pp.
ALS, Princeton, NJ. Making fun of [James Ford] Rhodes' abilities as an historian, mocking his comparison between Lincoln and Socrates; with mention of Wilson's Division and Reunion. 3 pp.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Expressing his belief that five hours of schooling is too much for children but if it must be done a double session is better than a single. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Saying he cannot declare another day for peace [he proclaimed October 4, 1914 as a day of prayer for peace throughout the U.S.] but is not opposed to people assembling for the same purpose on other days. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Promising to visit the Museum of Safety at the earliest possible opportunity. 1 p.
In addition to Wilson's letters to Verdery, the folder also contains transcriptions of two letters Verdery wrote to Wilson.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking Verdery for his telegram congratulating Wilson on his nomination. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Thanking Verdery for his kind praises of Wilson's speech at the Southern Dinner, agreeing to look over the stenographer's notes and make corrections. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, New Jersey. Acknowledging [William Jennings] Bryan is a potential hazard. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Washington. Sending thanks for a message of friendship and saying he is getting better; expressing his confidence in the present state of affairs. 1 p. with original envelope.
TLS, Princeton, NJ. Declining a lecture. 1 p.
Served as Mayor of Toledo and U.S. Minister to Belgium.
TLS, Trenton, NJ. Thanking him for his support during Wilson's campaign.
TLS, Washington. Thanking Whitlock for a copy of his new book. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Thanking Whitlock for his message of friendship and approval. 1 p.
TLS, Washington. Asking Whitlock to forward a letter to Senator van den Peereboom. 1 p.
Woodrow Wilson's father.
ALS, Middletown, CT. Thanking his father for providing him with a solid foundation of love, principle, and the capacity for first-hand thought; with family news. 4 pp.
ALS, Middletown, CT. Expressing concern over his father's health, reporting on a lecture he gave at Brown University and his plans to spend six weeks in Baltimore. 4 pp.
ALS, Middletown, CT. Reporting that he was ill his last weeks in Baltimore but has recovered since coming home; saying he plans to accept an appointment at Princeton University as well as keep his present arrangement with Johns Hopkins; saying the older he gets the more he misses his father. 4 pp.
TLS, Washington. Saying that the work of General and Mrs. Ballington Booth with the Volunteers of America deserves complete and ungrudging support. 1 p.
Printed copy of the syllabus from Wilson's six part lecture series on "Great Leaders of Political Thought," sponsored by the American Society for the Extension of University Teaching. On the back is a penciled note, possibly in Wilson's hand: "J.K.A. Will you second major's motion?" 12 pp.
AMsS. "When a Man Comes to Himself." 19 pp.