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Despite the fact that four generations of Harrisons were crammed into the five bedrooms of the White House, sometimes the president was alone – and lonely. With his ailing wife - “a nervous wreck,” he confides here – away at Loon Lake in the Adirondacks, and unable to join her until Congress adjourns, Harrison writes here of his unhappiness:
I cannot get away from here again unless to go to Cape May over Sunday until Congress adjourns. It is very hot & very lonesome - not a soul in the house but me… how hard it is for me to get time for my family…
Harrison’s wife did return home in the fall, but he was no happier: she was dying, and with her death in October, he had, he said, only a life of loneliness ahead of him.
Harrison re-married, and started a new family, four years later.
I cannot get away from here again unless to go to Cape May over Sunday until Congress adjourns. It is very hot & very lonesome - not a soul in the house but me… how hard it is for me to get time for my family…
Harrison’s wife did return home in the fall, but he was no happier: she was dying, and with her death in October, he had, he said, only a life of loneliness ahead of him.
Harrison re-married, and started a new family, four years later.
Autograph Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, octavo, Executive Mansion, Washington, July 16, 1892. To Mrs. "Auntie" Newcomer.
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July 16 1892
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON.
Dear Auntie
I have your letter of the 5 inst & found your letter introducing your English friends in my desk when I got back from Loon Lake. They probably called during my absence. Carrie is improving very decidedly but rather slowly. She was a nervous wreck but news yesterday is very encouraging.
I cannot get away from here again unless to go to Cape May over Sunday until Congress adjourns. It is very hot & very lonesome - not a soul in the house but me. You know Auntie how hard it is for me to get time for my family letters more than a short note & a great [text is crossed out] deal of love for all.
Affectionately Yours
BENJ HARRISON
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON.
Dear Auntie
I have your letter of the 5 inst & found your letter introducing your English friends in my desk when I got back from Loon Lake. They probably called during my absence. Carrie is improving very decidedly but rather slowly. She was a nervous wreck but news yesterday is very encouraging.
I cannot get away from here again unless to go to Cape May over Sunday until Congress adjourns. It is very hot & very lonesome - not a soul in the house but me. You know Auntie how hard it is for me to get time for my family letters more than a short note & a great [text is crossed out] deal of love for all.
Affectionately Yours
BENJ HARRISON
