Dear Cliff:1 For a few days I cherished the hope of spending a long weekend at Augusta, beginning on February 13.2 I still could do it so far as actual engagements are concerned--but it would possibly be a bad move from the Public Relations viewpoint because I've been on the job only three weeks. No doubt most people would think a man should be on the job a few months, at least, before going off on a two day vacation.
Actually the demands of this office are so pressing that, to keep up to the (bit?), the incumbent must literally steal his recreational time when and as he can. After a bit, that is exactly what I shall do. But for the moment I'll just try for an hour or two at time.
I'm counting, as of now, on coming to Augusta on April 13th and coming back the afternoon of the 18th. If it were not for one engagement I have made (rather one that I don't see how to duck) I could stay until the evening of the 20">3
Mamie and I are both well. I've envied you and Bill your opportunity to go south; but Mamie doesn't like Florida, so she doesn't feel the same way about it.4
All the best--take care of yourself. As ever
1 Eisenhower's longtime friend and a partner in the New York investment banking firm Reynolds and Company, Roberts had been an early supporter of Eisenhower for President (Galambos, NATO and the Campaign of 1952, no. 7 and passim).
2 Roberts chaired the executive committee at the Augusta National Golf Club, where Eisenhower was a member (see Eisenhower Papers, vols. X-XIII).
3 For background see no. 24.
4 Roberts and William Edward Robinson were members of Augusta National Golf Club.
