Your TR Source
Harvard University’s Theodore Roosevelt Collection, housed in its Widener and Houghton libraries, is a major resource for study of the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt. The collection originated as a comprehensive library opened in New York City by the Roosevelt Memorial (later Theodore Roosevelt) Association in 1923, and donated in 1943 to Roosevelt’s alma mater. The collection, since enlarged, includes manuscripts (Theodore Roosevelt’s papers other than those designated by him for the Library of Congress and papers of other Roosevelt family members), ancillary archival resources, printed works, photographs and cartoons, and ephemera relating to Roosevelt’s personal and professional life.
Portions of the collection, already cataloged, were digitized at Harvard and then received by digital library staff. Our digital library currently holds some 3,000 items from the Harvard collection, consisting of its total holdings of Theodore Roosevelt’s diaries, outgoing correspondence, and compositions, as well as eleven personal clipping scrapbooks, 1881-1899. See below to view items from this collection in the digital library.
Reproduction or publication of these materials requires the permission of the Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Theodore Roosevelt informs Edgar Huidekoper Wells that Archie Roosevelt is recovering from his wounds and that Kermit Roosevelt, now a captain in the United States Artillery, received the British Military Cross. Theodore Roosevelt notes that he knew Wells was a captain.
1918-06-14
Theodore Roosevelt thanks H. Cherouny for the letter and pamphlets. Roosevelt does not entirely agree with Cherouny’s estimate of the old Federalists and plans to send him a copy of his book Gouverneur Morris when it is published.
1887-07-27
President Roosevelt expresses his sympathy to Caroline M. Sayles Holls upon hearing of the death of her husband Frederick William Holls.
1903-07-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes of Edith Roosevelt sending her first typewritten letter, how pleased they with Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt and their other daughter-in-laws, of visits from various military men, the training of the national guard and how proud Roosevelt is of his sons.
1917-09-01
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Archie Roosevelt’s view of the war, although he does not think it will last as long as Archie does. Roosevelt writes of how the elderly regular officers are no longer suited for this war and how the volunteer troops are better prepared in his own unit. He also mentions how pleased they are with Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt.
1917-09-08
Theodore Roosevelt writes that he hopes Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt does not feel obligated to visit. Richard Roosevelt is still ill and Ethel Roosevelt Derby is visiting. Roosevelt is sending his latest book to Archie and Gracie.
1917-09-16
Theodore Roosevelt tells Archie that he and Edith Roosevelt will be traveling west the next day. He assures Archie that he will speak to Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt (Archie’s wife) about Archie’s service in the army and the importance of Archie’s serving in a fighting role, not a staff position. He trusts Archie and Ted to decide whether to serve in the same regiment. Colonel Roosevelt expresses his pride in what he hears of Archie, and reflects on his own military service in Cuba, noting that he was “better than any colonel save one in the regulars before Santiago.” He closes by lamenting the lack of preparedness of the American military, which he attributes to the “criminal misconduct” of President Woodrow Wilson.
1917-09-19
Theodore Roosevelt writes that Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt is visiting and understands the possible promotion Archie Roosevelt may receive. Roosevelt hopes Russia continues to make war. He also recently returned from a trip out west and bought a new horse.
1917-10-07
Theodore Roosevelt visits his friend Jack Cooper, a former boxer, and met some refuges from Germany. He tells Archie Roosevelt that Edith Roosevelt has received his two letters and that, if he had been allowed, Roosevelt would have raised the divisions. General Duncan wrote to Roosevelt to praise Archie.
1917-10-14
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop to ask if Bishop or Colonel George W. Goethals need him to insist upon anything on their behalf. Roosevelt also discusses William H. Taft’s presidency.
1913-03-11
Theodore Roosevelt received three of Archie Roosevelt’s letters at once. Roosevelt will write an editorial concerning the Y.M.C.A., since he does not approve of men using the organization to avoid military service. It is good that Generals Wood, Pershing and Duncan are in charge of the war effort. Roosevelt will be returning home the following day.
1917-10-21
Theodore Roosevelt wrote an essay about the YMCA which drew protests. Roosevelt is excited to hear that the troops are in the trenches and is doing what he can to help rally support. Roosevelt’s grandchildren and daughters-in-law are visiting. He ends with reports of the political races.
1917-10-30
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop to discuss Henry Thomas Rainey and the Panama Canal. Roosevelt also discusses support for his presidential candidacy.
1912-01-29
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna about the current condition of their alcoholic brother Elliott. He is glad to hear he finally confessed to heavy drinking. He also discusses recent events at work, which have kept him very busy, including a “tussle” with the Cabinet.
1893-06-30
Theodore Roosevelt tells his sister Anna of changes to his upcoming schedule. Due to work commitments, he will have to delay his trip west. He remarks how sad it is to see Uncle Jimmie Bulloch after the passing of his sister Aunt Anna, who was like a mother to Roosevelt.
1893-07-03
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about his upcoming travel plans west. He asks Anna if her employee Bob and Alec Lambert would like to go with him. He also updates her on the status of the family. They had a pleasant Fourth of July. Their uncle James King Gracie is sad over the death of his wife. Their brother Elliott is to leave New York Saturday.
1893-07-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about his and wife Edith’s trip to Quantico Island. He inquires as to Bob’s plans and tells Anna to bring Alec Lambert to lunch.
1893-07-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about his upcoming trip to New York. He will meet her at the Savoy and hopes she can bring Alexander Lambert.
1893-07-25
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about her upcoming trip to New York. He, along with Senator Lodge, would like to meet her for lunch. Roosevelt will be returning to Washington the following Sunday.
1893-08-01
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about recent happenings in Washington. He has been spending time with Senator Henry Cabot Lodge who has now left to return to Boston. He says the business outlook is gloomy but he is in robust health.
1893-08-10