October 5, 1948

Dear Mary:

I am three letters behind but it is a wonder I ever catch up. The trip just ended was a most strenuous one. I started out with a sore throat and the dust at Dexter, Iowa, just west of Des Moines, didn't help it any. Dr. Graham just sprayed, mopped and caused me to gargle bad tasting liquids until the throat gave up and got well. When we arrived in D.C. it was back to normal and good as new. We made about a hundred and forty stops and I spoke over 147 times, shook hands with at least 30,000 and am in good condition to start out again tomorrow for Wilmington, Philadelphia, Jersey City, Newark, Albany and Buffalo. Be back in Washington Saturday night and start again the following Monday, finally winding up in K.C. Sunday morning Oct.31.

It will be the greatest campaign any President ever made. Win, lose, or draw, people will know where I stand and a record will be made for future action by the Democratic Party.

We had tremendous crowds everywhere. From 6:30 in the morning until midnight the turnout was phenomenal. The news jerks didn't know what to make of it-so they just lied about it!

I hope you have had a successful trip in Wisconsin and Illinois and that you arrive home safely.

Vivian called me on the last day of the trip and told me Aunt Ella was dead. The funeral was Saturday and I couldn't get there except by canceling appointments with the Cabinet and the Chief Justice and flying out and back. I was so tired I just couldn't do it.

Margaret and Bess were nearly worn out so we didn't go to the funeral. I suppose the Nolands will be madder than ever at you and me. But we can't help it.

Margaret has gone to St. Louis with John Snyder and family to appear at the Veiled Prophet's Ball. Bess & I will have to make out without her on this trip.

Take care of yourself and let me hear from you when you can. Lots of love.

Harry