Presidential Papers, Doc#2126 To Arthur Ellsworth Summerfield, 3 December 1956. In The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower

Document #2126; December 3, 1956
To Arthur Ellsworth Summerfield
Series: EM, AWF, Administration Series

The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, Volume XVII - The Presidency: The Middle Way
Part XI: The free world's "sad mess"; October 1956 to January 1957
Chapter 23: What is needed is "a calming influence"

 

Dear Arthur: Mamie and I were delighted to hear from you, particularly because your letter gave us definite indication that you are indeed much better.1 I know only too well how slow recovery from an operation can sometimes seem--but I am certain that one of these days you will, overnight, suddenly find that you are again feeling entirely like yourself. Incidentally, Foster has made a remarkable recovery and looks--and says he feels--fine.2

We have had rather erratic weather here, a bit on the cold side.3 My golf, as usual, has displeased me. But the place is entirely restful, with just enough company at all times to ward off boredom.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all you say in your final paragraph of your letter.4 There is much to be done in the next four years, and I am eager to see an overall plan formulated and work underway. My mail gives me evidence that there is still a great deal of momentum left from the 1956 election, which I am anxious not be lost.

With affectionate regard to Miriam and all the best to yourself, As ever

1 Summerfield's December 1 letter thanking the Eisenhowers for a get-well bouquet is in AWF/A. The Postmaster General had had surgery to correct a diverticulum of the esophagus on November 12 (see New York Times, Nov. 13, Dec. 6, 1956).

2 The President had met with Secretary of State Dulles on December 2--one month following Dulles's emergency surgery for cancer (see New York Times, Nov. 4, Dec. 3, 1956).

3 The Eisenhowers were vacationing in Augusta, Georgia.

4 Summerfield had been inspired by "the tremendous vote of confidence and affection" Americans gave Eisenhower on election day. And he was "confident," he said, that the future "will be productive in the building of a better America and a peaceful world community."

Bibliographic reference to this document:
Eisenhower, Dwight D. To Arthur Ellsworth Summerfield, 3 December 1956. In The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, ed. L. Galambos and D. van Ee, doc. 2126. World Wide Web facsimile by The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission of the print edition; Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, http://www.eisenhowermemorial.org/presidential-papers/first-term/documents/2126.cfm

 


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