November 3 Thursday – In Florence Sam wrote to “Baby Ruth” — one year old Ruth Cleveland (1891-1904).

Dear Miss Cleveland:

If you will read this letter to your father, or ask your mother to do it if you are too busy, I will do something for you someday — anything you command. For I mean to come see you in the White House before the four years are out. I am going to have Congress enlarge it, for you will take up a good deal of room, probably. And I am writing a book for you to practice your gums on — the very thing, for I know, myself, it is a very tough book. I shall bring my arctics, but that is all right — I know what to do with them now….

No Administration could be more credible than your father’s & mother’s last one was — & yet it ain’t agoing to begin with this one, now that you are on deck [MTP].

Note: Cleveland’s election to a second, non-consecutive term evidently appeared a sure thing from Florence less than a week before the Nov. 8 election. Robert Hirst corrected this entry which was listed before as Esther Cleveland, the President’s second child, not born until Sept. 9, 1893.

George Geisel of N.Y. wrote rather early congratulations to Sam for his 57th birthday [MTP].