I have known for several years more of the secret plottings than you think. From our mutual friends I have known also of your heart aches and the causes, and a thousand times have wished that I might say something, or do something, so that you might know that in my inmost heart I was in sympathy with you and your struggle against the coterie of schemers. I have also wished that I might have power long enough to show you in what esteem you are held by the households in America; what a charm attaches to your name wherever spoken,—such as neither royalty possesses nor money buys.
Your defamers no more represent the American people than pirates upon the high seas the country from which they spring.
The unanimous vote of confidence, last week by the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield enthusiastically expressed by all present rising to their feet, was but one manifestation among tens of thousands of similar ones which would occur if the facts were known. I hope you will soon hear of similar evidence of love for you and fidelity of your friends from organizations elsewhere in California, including the State Federation of Women soon to convene in Sacramento.
My Uncle, General Ross, never told me of any event in his military career with so much pride as that of offering you his services, and acting as your lieutenant in the ware-house of the Red Cross at Havana. Likewise would I be proud of the distinction to serve you in the most humble capacity, either for the cause you represent or for yourself personally.
While I do not, and can not, take seriously even the remotest suggestion that you might seek retirement and seclusion, I would gladly volunteer to be your Kit Carson over any mountain trail leading to happiness. I don’t think the American people will ever permit your forced retirement, but in the event you should voluntarily withdraw from public service, I would indeed be glad to suggest to some of my friends, who I am sure would esteem it an honor and privilege, to offer you a home in Los Angeles and a competence the rest of your life.
I expect to be in the East again soon and hope to have the honor of seeing you. I have in mind several things I would like to talk over with you, and thank you kindly for the invitation to call at your home in Glen Echo.