Date: December 20, 1923
Context: Coolidge encloses two letters, but only the one about John survives. The enclosed letter is from John’s English teacher at Mercersburg Academy, Archibald Rutledge. Rutledge was born in South Carolina. He refers to himself as “the worst sort of a Democrat — a Southern one” and will go on to serve as the poet laureate of South Carolina. Rutledge comments on John’s high marks in English and intimates that he intends to vote for Coolidge in 1924.
My dear Father:
Here is a letter that came to me about John, and one that came to me about myself. I thought perhaps you might be pleased to see them. The boys came home Tuesday, having passed all their examinations. You know we should be pleased if you wanted to come down at Christmas, or any other time. The political situation appears to be favorable, though one never knows what is going to happen.
We have six dogs now. I wish you would ask Aurora if she would not like two or three of them. We also have two cats. We could spare her a cat.
[Enclosed Letter Below]
My dear President Coolidge, —
The paper enclosed is John’s final examination in English. Busy as I know you are, I am sure that you will like to read the paper; its clear worth will please you and relax you.
There were 197 boys taking this examination. The high mark was 91; there were two 90’s; and of these, John’s is one.
May I add that, though I am the worst sort of a Democrat — a Southern one — I know now for whom I shall vote for President in 1924?
Sincerely yours,
Prof. Archibald Rutledge
Citation: Vermont Historical Society
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The Coolidge Foundation thanks Lydia Stinnett, who prepared this document for digital publication