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 H. D. Minot that he should be able to meet him in the White Mountains for a weekend. He writes that he spent most of his summer in Oyster Bay, but visited Maine for a month. Roosevelt has started work again and is going to try to keep his grades up.
1879-09-30
Theodore Roosevelt describes the two most important demands to the spirit of American nationalism, saying there is no room for divided allegiances and that Americans should only use the English language. He also makes frequent references to German nationalism in America. A note on the back of the manuscript says it was published in the Metropolitan magazine in July 1918, and this particular copy was sent to Julius Holz per Roosevelt’s request.
1918
Theodore Roosevelt tells Bishop Sumner he does not know the bill to which Sumner is referring but agrees that the army must be protected from commercialized vice, especially now as they go off to war.
1917-05-05
Theodore Roosevelt’s handwritten draft of the lion chapter from his book Life Histories of African Big Game.
1914
A handwritten table of contents for Theodore Roosevelt’s book, Life Histories of African Big Game. A typed copy is also included.
1914
Draft of a speech prepared by Theodore Roosevelt to deliver before the 1912 Republican Convention in Chicago, Illinois. He believes the nominating votes have been fixed in President Taft’s favor and refuses to accept any nomination from the convention. Roosevelt announces he will run on a progressive platform.
1912-06
Theodore Roosevelt writes H. D. Minot about his summer activities and boating with his cousins, but wishes he could have gone on adventures with Minot. Roosevelt mentions that he has not done much collecting because he does not “approve of too much slaughter.”
1879-07-27
Theodore Roosevelt writes that he looks forward to seeing H. D. Minot and that his family sends their regards. Roosevelt regrets to write that he will not be able to keep up with his society expenses and hopes that he can subscribe at a later date.
1879-01-11
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his thanks to H. D. Minot and Mrs. Howe, but writes that he prefers to stay in his own room. Roosevelt writes that Minot’s letter cheered him up and discusses the loss of his father.
1878-02-20
Theodore Roosevelt informs H. D. Minot that he enjoyed his time at camp and was successful in hunting and fishing. Roosevelt also describes the various species of birds that he saw.
1877-07-11
Governor Roosevelt formally regrets that he cannot attend a function for the Military Service Institution due to previous engagements.
1899-02-10
President Roosevelt thanks Kuno Meyer for his book and writes that he has had one of his own books sent to Meyer, as requested.
1907-01-24
Vice President Roosevelt informs Annie Nathan Meyer that he will read her book Poor Priest, but will most likely not tell her what he thinks of it. Roosevelt explains that he has criticized the work of friends in the past, which only led to hurt feelings.
1901-03-29
President Roosevelt writes to Senator Lodge about his misgivings over using his political influence in certain situations. Roosevelt also discusses giving Charles V. Herdliska another consulship and mentions that he will show Lodge part of his message relating to the Monroe Doctrine.
1901-11-01
President Roosevelt praises Secretary of Commerce and Labor Metcalf for his work in California regarding the treatment of Japanese immigrants. Roosevelt advocates a solution of restricting the movement of both Japanese and American citizens between the two countries. He recounts his discussion with the Japanese ambassador regarding the immigration of Japanese workers to the United States.
1906-11-27
Theodore Roosevelt informs C. H. Linville that he enjoyed his letter to the editor of the Sun. He goes on to criticize an article published by the Sun regarding a statement made by President Wilson. Roosevelt also comments on the press’ reactions to several of his own statements.
1917-01-11
Theodore Roosevelt writes to King Haakon VII of Norway to thank him for his letter and says he saw Haakon’s son, Olaf, at Buckingham Palace. Roosevelt also mentions a speech he gave about Egypt, saying King George V of Great Britain enjoyed it.
1910-06-08
Theodore Roosevelt thanks J. C. Lewis for his letter and enclosure.
1918-04-20
Calling card with message thanking Jesse Larrabee for his congratulations.
1904-11-12
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Robert John Wynne about arranging a date for a meeting with Arthur Hamilton Lee.
1910-05-12