To Edwin Alderman President, University of Virginia
Washington, March 17,1913
MY DEAR DR. ALDERMAN,—Your letter of the 14th gives me exceptional satisfaction, … because it brings with it extremely good news. You say you will win in your fight1 and that rejoices me even more than it does to be told of the real satisfaction that you get out of my appointment.
It was a surprise to me. It came at the last minute. I had to introduce myself to the President-elect the day before the inauguration. I find him consideration itself in Cabinet meetings and he never seems to be groping. In my mental processes I find myself constantly like a man climbing a mountain, pushing through belts of fog, but his way seems clear and definite.
You certainly would feel at home around the Cabinet table, and all of us would rejoice to see you there. … I shall take your note home to Mrs. Lane and show it to her with much pride. … Sincerely yours, FRANKLIN K. LANE
Notes
1 After a long serious illness Dr. Alderman was regaining health.