“Today I resigned as chairman of the Maritime Commission and was sworn in as ambassador to Great Britain. The ceremony took place in President Roosevelt’s private office. Mr. Justice Reed administered the oath of office. Eddie Moore, Miss LeHand, Marvin McIntyre, Mrs. James Roosevelt and Mrs. Stanley Reed were there.”
FEBRUARY 18, 1938
“The sailing today on the Manhattan was a nightmare. All of the children, except Jack, were there to see me off, but I couldn’t get to them. Newspaper men, casual well wishers, old friends and strangers by the thousand, it seemed to me, pressed into my cabin until we all nearly suffocated. Joe Guffey was seeing someone off and I shook hands with him. Jimmy Roosevelt managed to get to my cabin and I took him into the bedroom for a brief chat. Even there, the photographers had to snap us as we sat on the bed trying to make sense.
Finally, I got up to the deck and the children. The professional photographers were reinforced by all of the passengers who had cameras. I sent them ashore just before the gangplank was raised, Eddie Moore promising to get them a place on the dock where they could wave to me as the ship got under way. I waited on the promenade deck and saw them clearly, standing on the uncovered portion, in the rain, waving and throwing kisses.”
FEBRUARY 23, 1938
“Today, I became a full fledged ambassador by presenting my letters of credence to King George VI. The coaches, with their scarlet-coated drivers and footmen, came for us at the Embassy a little after eleven. Herschel Johnson, Millard, Williamson, Butterworth, Capt. Willson, Col. Lee, Meekins and Dr. Taylor accompanied me as my staff.
Sir Sidney Clive was in charge, and rode with me in my coach. I discussed again with him the matter of court presentations, and found that he had the jitters more than ever. It appears they feel any refusal on my part might mean the United States is snubbing the new King.
The show at Buckingham Palace was up to expectations, and I chatted informally with the King for five minutes. I found him charming in every way. Lord Halifax was there. The King said he liked to play golf, but could not for the moment because of an infected hand. He mentioned that he plays tennis left-handed.”
MARCH 8, 1938