Letter, Lyndon Johnson to Lady Bird Taylor, 10/17/1934

Title:

Letter, Lyndon Johnson to Lady Bird Taylor, 10/17/1934

Description:

LBJ tells Lady Bird he is very unhappy and says that he will be faced with challenges in a few days that will either result in cheer and happiness again or challenge whatever talents he may possess. If he may still write to her, she will see the difference in future letters.

Contributor:

Johnson, Lady Bird, 1912-2007; Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973

Collection:

Personal Papers of Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson

Collection Description:

Go to List of Holdings

Series:

Courtship Letters

Subject:

Pre-Presidential; Johnson family; Lady Bird Johnson personal; LBJ personal

Rights:

Public domain

Specific Item Type:

Correspondence

Type:

Text

Format:

Paper

Identifier:

pp-ctjandlbj-letters-lbj-10-17-34

Date:

1934-10-17

Time Period:

Pre-Presidential (Before Nov. 22, 1963)

Transcript:

[Written on The Dodge Hotel stationery]
[October 17, 1934]
Wednesday Night
8:15
My dearest;
I’m very unhappy tonight. All week I’ve felt this way but not to such a pronounced extent. I realize I shouldn’t write when I feel this way--but writing something is better than no letter at all.
Your previous Airmail Special sent from Tyler was the only bright spot in today for me. You seemed so happy and free from worry that I almost forgot for a minute.
Welly called me last night while I was at the library. When I came to my room he couldn’t be found. This morning I had a long talk with him. Altho’ his words usually are
[2]
so stimulating this morning they had no appeal for me--only served to make the picture a darker one. If you were here I could unbosom to you--but as it is you may avoid the gloom and my problems may meet a solution as a result of other ingenuity. Before many days pass developments will create a situation resulting in cheer and happiness again, or challenge whatever talents I may possess to their full strength. My letters--if I can still write them to the sweetest girl in all the world--will undoubtly reflect the transformation.
Try, darling, to forget that I’m
3
concerned tonight. It would be much harder for me if you hadn’t come into my life--it will be much easier with the knowledge that you are not grieved and are confident in the ultimate realization of you our fondest dreams.
The proofs came this afternoon. When the storm has passed, if it does, I’ll return them and have one made for you…if you still want it--and know you will.
I have only strong arms and an honest heart but to you I belong.
Lyndon Baines
[Envelope postmarked: Washington, D.C., 10/18/1934, 3 PM]