[The White House] July 9, 1947
Dear Bess:
No letter today, but because of two yesterday I suppose I should not complain.
Had a couple yesterday. But--it was a hell of a day. Had a long meeting with the secretaries at nine o'clock, Admiral Leahy 9:45 to 10:10, Steelman and Jacob S. Potofsky at 10:15. Potofsky is Sidney Hillman's successor and he wanted to reassure me that the Political Action Committee is 100% for me. Adolf Berle, Jr., came in yesterday to assure me that the New York Liberal party is 100% for me. "Ain't that funny." Neither of 'em is for anybody but themselves and their own special interests.
Had to listen to Burt Wheeler for one whole hour tell me all about South America. He went down there on a special mission ($10,000 fee and expenses) but he knows all about Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. Another funny one. Senators and ex-Senators go to S.A., Germany, Japan, China, spend two or three days and know all about the countries and know all the answers. Guess I'm dumb.
The foreign minister of Peru came in and gave me a beautiful silver tray. It's more beautiful than the one you took home.
Then I had to receive forty-two Democratic national committeemen and women from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Had a good time with them and told them a lot, as they did me.
Then to top off the morning had to listen to Mrs. Ogden Reid for twenty minutes. She didn't take a long breath!
Brice Smith, Al Holland, Pete Couch, Pres. K.C.S. R.R., and Ark. Utilities came in between times. Some smart young woman from Britain asked Harry Vaughan to ask me to have you comment on Lilibet's engagement. I told him you only comment through Mrs. Helm.
I suppose you and Margie and I should send greetings to the Princess of Britain or maybe her ma and pa. Since Bill is in the hospital maybe I'd better ask Stanley.
Bill is better. So is Rose's neice [sic]. Hope all's well with you. Ask Margie again--if she had a sore finger--no stationary--no pen--no pencil--or if she doesn't give a hoot whether her dad hears from her.
Lots of love, Harry.