[The White House] August 16, 1948
Dear Bess:
Your letter arrived immediately after I called you Friday and after your telegram about Miss Margo's arrival, of course. I am glad everything is all right.
The Marshall dinner was just right. The General & I left here at 4 P.M. and arrived at the Balls Bluff battlefield about 5 o'clock. Went over the ground, found Col. Baker's grave marker and discussed the orders and the tactics of both sides. Baker was Senator from Oregon and had been Congressman from both Illinois and California. He was a great orator and had been put in command of a Pennsylvania regiment which they renumbered the 1st Calif. Reg. in honor of Baker.
After he was killed the Congress appointed the Joint Com. on the conduct of the war - the one Lee said was worth two divisions to him and Lincoln said they nearly lost the war for him. That was the committee whose reports I read and didn't follow - hence the success of my committee. Isn't that interesting?
Marshall's place is in Leesburg and just about a mile from the Balls Bluff field. It is the home of George Washington Ball a beautiful place. We ate on a terrace, just the three of us and discussed China, Russia, public people and their lives and before I knew it, it was 10 o'clock. Marshall came back to town with me as he had a date at State Saturday at 8:15. He stays with Mrs. Marshall's daughter and goes to Leesburg weekends.
That wedding invitation you sent me is from that good for nothing Mark Andrews, Asst. Sec. of State who married his divorced daughter-in-law. No present from us is necessary so I put the announcement in the waste basket. The other enclosures will be taken care of. Hope you get this before you leave.
Some customers waiting, will have to quit. Good to talk to you last night.
Lots & lots of love Harry.
Tell Margie to behave.