Details
HARRISON, Benjamin. Autograph letter signed ("Benj. Harrison"), as former President, Indianapolis, 24 March 1893. 1 page, 8vo, mourning stationery, slight chips along right edge.
"THE WHITE HOUSE WAS A HARD PLACE ON THE NERVES," AND "IF I HAD BEEN THERE MUCH LONGER I AM SURE I SHOULD HAVE BROKEN DOWN"
Just weeks after quitting the White House, Harrison finds some consolations in retirement. His granddaughter Marthena was still recuperating from a debilitating bout of measles, which she contracted while living in the White House, forcing her to be quarantined. "My heart goes out to the dear suffering child," Harrison says, "and to May [Saunders's own granddaughter who was also ill] who has had a hard time. I wish there was something I could do for them. I do not doubt that Marthena will overcome this measles attack, but it will require good care and constant watchfulness, especially quiet. The White House was a hard place on the nerves for children as well as grown people. If I had been there much longer I am sure I should have broken down."
Turning to happier subjects, the ex-President describes his transition to retirement. His house was still bustling with movers and crammed with unopened crates. "As yet I have done nothing except superintend work about the House. The change and rest have done me good already....I was out shooting--but got air & exercise and diversion, if not ducks. I shall probably not earn any money before fall--and will draw on my capital for a living until then. I do not think I can put the spring and summer to a better use than to give them to absolute rest..." A vivid, personal look at the exhausting emotional toll exacted on the inhabitants of the White House, and a reminder that in the 19th century there were no generous Presidential pensions or million-dollar speaking engagements to ease the transition back to private life.
"THE WHITE HOUSE WAS A HARD PLACE ON THE NERVES," AND "IF I HAD BEEN THERE MUCH LONGER I AM SURE I SHOULD HAVE BROKEN DOWN"
Just weeks after quitting the White House, Harrison finds some consolations in retirement. His granddaughter Marthena was still recuperating from a debilitating bout of measles, which she contracted while living in the White House, forcing her to be quarantined. "My heart goes out to the dear suffering child," Harrison says, "and to May [Saunders's own granddaughter who was also ill] who has had a hard time. I wish there was something I could do for them. I do not doubt that Marthena will overcome this measles attack, but it will require good care and constant watchfulness, especially quiet. The White House was a hard place on the nerves for children as well as grown people. If I had been there much longer I am sure I should have broken down."
Turning to happier subjects, the ex-President describes his transition to retirement. His house was still bustling with movers and crammed with unopened crates. "As yet I have done nothing except superintend work about the House. The change and rest have done me good already....I was out shooting--but got air & exercise and diversion, if not ducks. I shall probably not earn any money before fall--and will draw on my capital for a living until then. I do not think I can put the spring and summer to a better use than to give them to absolute rest..." A vivid, personal look at the exhausting emotional toll exacted on the inhabitants of the White House, and a reminder that in the 19th century there were no generous Presidential pensions or million-dollar speaking engagements to ease the transition back to private life.