Dear Bess: August 9, 1946
Transcript
Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast, for August 9, 2023. This series is brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service. Our park turned 40 years old this year…we couldn’t do what we do without your support, and we thank you.
Today’s Dear Bess letter was written by President Harry S Truman on this date in 1946. It’s not a long letter, but a sweet one. It’s so clear that President Truman, writing to his First Lady, back home in Independence, is still mad about her, and misses her very much. And you can easily tell that the president’s mother, Mrs. Martha Ellen Truman, is not well, and her son is worried. Truman hints at a family dynamic…we wish we knew a bit more about this intriguing line.
Thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.
The White House Washington [/letterhead] August 9, 1946
Dear Bess:-
Two letters today! Made it very bright and happy. You know that there is no busier person than your old man--but he's never too busy or too rushed to let his lady love, the only one he ever had, hear from him no matter what portends. It hurts just a tiny bit when he finds that trips uptown, time to dress etc. interfere with letters from his lady love. But complaints never got anyone anywhere--so "as the fates decide." I am enclosing you a letter from Mrs. Hill, the doctor's ma-in-law. It is a good thank you note. I didn't acknowledge it. I don't know if it should be.
Thanks for the ten. If you need it I'll send it back. Glad Dr. Greene went to see Mamma. She is on the way out. It can't be helped; but I wish it could. She's a trial to Mary, and that can't be helped either. Wish you could be more patient with both. But I can't ask too much I guess.
Had a press conference today which was a honey. They asked me about Slaughter, Axtell and everything else including Jim Mead, Palestine, Jim Byrnes, Schwellenbach, Anderson and who would win in the 5th district of Mo in November and who would be Governor of New York. Will send you a copy of the questions and answers when I get it tomorrow.
Can't leave here until next Friday. Told you yesterday what I hoped to do. Puerto Rico is off. Kiss my baby--she ought to write her daddy I think. My best to your mother, Frank, George, Natalie, May and –
Lots of love to you
Harry
A brief, but charming letter from a President of the United States to his First Lady, who he is still crazy about! This letter is a fantastic blend of personal matters and state matters, reflective of the lives of the Trumans.
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/155391435