Two to three pages each, on letterhead of the Executive Mansion, Washington, approx. 20x12 cm. or smaller. Each signed William McKinley . Each with cover addressed to Mrs.William McKinley, The Manhattan Hotel, New York, NY, in William McKinley’s hand, initialed W. McK where the return address would be.

Letters from the President of the United States to his wife, visiting New York. Ida Saxton McKinley (1843-1901) was of fragile health, and suffered from epilepsy. She had lost two daughters, Katherine at age 3½ in 1875, and Ida at a little over four months in 1873, causing further depression. William was devoted to her and very protective, and they were rarely separated. When they were, he remained attentive, as indicated by the daily, sometimes twice daily letters he sent. On November 30, 1900, the President writes: “My darling wife, I have this moment received a telegraph from Mr. Hawk announcing your safe arrival in New York. I wired you during the afternoon a message which I hoped you would receive upon your arrival at the hotel. I took a drive this afternoon in company with Emil Calkin(?), doing the driving myself… I shall miss you greatly but you will not be long gone and I do hope you will have a good time and get all your errands done to your satisfaction…” * Dec. 1: “…This is the first day of December and a beautiful day it is. I enjoyed my talk with you this morning… I hope you will get on well and find everything to your liking…” * Later the same day: “My darling wife: I have had a busy day and will in a few minutes take a drive with Secy Long, I am feeling very well and have practically finished my message for which I am thankful… Had a letter from Dr. Rixey this morning telling me how well you stood trip, &c…” * Dec. 2: “ I have just returned from church & heard a fine sermon and the congregation was very large… I am going out for a ride with Mr. Wilson Secy of Agriculture at 3 pm today – he will be a poor substitute for you… I have asked the Secy of war & Chm of Military Affairs of the House to dine with me this evening to talk over some matters…” Dec. 3: “I am waiting for the joint committees of the two Houses to wait upon me, I then hope to send my message in at once… It will be so nice to have you home again. Mrs. Montgomery tells me the arrangements are all made & that you will reach here tomorrow evening a little after five o’clock…” The references to driving are quite interesting – McKinley was the first president to ride in an automobile, but these letters seem to be perhaps the only indication that he actually drove himself.