Date: August 10, 1925
Context: Coolidge was still spending the summer in Swampscott, Massachusetts. He won’t leave for Washington until September 10 and is angry at his son because John’s last letter “went to Washington” and not to the Summer White House.
My dear John:
Your letter went to Washington. It is only a very little thing to put an S on a letter but it makes a great deal of difference. It is accuracy that counts. Shots that do not hit the mark are no good. You had better remember that. The world is full of people that almost succeed. The trouble is they won’t work.
Many men are almost President. But only 29 have been chosen.
I hope you will not be an “almost” man. It is the last few points that determine whether you will pass or fail.
Your father
Calvin Coolidge
Citation: Coolidge Family Papers, Vermont Historical Society
View the original document
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Richard Link, who prepared this document for digital publication