Your TR Source
Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society celebrates history as “not just a series of events that happened to individuals long ago but … integral to the fabric of our daily lives.” The MHS is noted for its holdings of personal papers related to John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Theodore Roosevelt related items in this collection include photos of Roosevelt speaking at his inauguration, TR in his frontiersman attire, as well as a signed photograph given from Roosevelt to his close friend and confidant Henry Cabot Lodge. Letters from TR to Lodge are also included. Other correspondence highlights are Roosevelt writing to members of the Saltonstall family and a letter from Roosevelt to Mary Bowditch Forbes commenting on pacifist women.
Please see below to view items from the collection.
President Roosevelt tells Senator Lodge that today is not a good day for riding, and asks whether Lodge could have lunch with him the following day and then ride afterwards.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-03
President Roosevelt asks Senator Lodge to return the enclosed letters after reading them.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-03-10
President Roosevelt wants to read over a couple of speeches, in which he speaks on trusts and tariffs, with Senator Lodge. Roosevelt wants his statements to be something they can all agree on.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-03-16
President Roosevelt invites Anna Cabot Mills Davis Lodge and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge to dine with him the following week.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-03-23
Secretary of War Root, Senator Lodge, and Senator Turner have been appointed as American representatives to the tribunal that will determine the boundary between Alaska and Canada. Roosevelt instructs the representatives to impartially judge the questions that come before them and then explains the American interpretation of the boundary. This copy of the letter was sent to Lodge.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-03-25
President Roosevelt tells Senator Lodge that he has just read the speech, and wants to congratulate and thank Lodge.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-04-17
President Roosevelt’s speeches are being well received, and he had a pleasant two weeks in Yellowstone. Politically, Roosevelt is pleased with the Northern Securities decision and concerned about the dispute between New York Governor Benjamin B. Odell and Senator Thomas Collier Platt.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-04-22
President Roosevelt goes over his position on tariffs and is concerned about the New York situation.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-04-27
Half of President Roosevelt’s trip is over and he has been well received. Roosevelt enjoyed meeting President Cleveland, who retains considerable popularity and political support.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-05-04
President Roosevelt is working with Postmaster General Henry C. Payne on several investigations at the Post Office. Former President Cleveland remains popular among Democrats and Roosevelt believes that Cleveland’s nomination is “far from impossible.” Roosevelt enjoyed traveling through the southeast, found the Grand Canyon majestic, and is pleased with his traveling companions, Nicholas Murray Butler, Secretary of the Navy William H. Moody, and Benjamin Ide Wheeler.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-05-11
Theodore Roosevelt does not believe that Albert voted in good faith regarding the Lewis case, and he believes that Lewis’s side has “scandalously misrepresented things.” Roosevelt agrees with George B. Cortelyou’s position on the matter, and informs George von Lengerke Meyer that he does not wish to hear any more regarding the Lewis case.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1907-09-17
Theodore Roosevelt assures George von Lengerke Meyer that he is just as frustrated with the Dallas postmaster situation as Meyer. If the postmaster is asked to resign, the postmaster should be the only person notified, not anybody else. Roosevelt will speak with Meyer about the matter next week.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1907-09-19
Theodore Roosevelt has been informed that “certain office-holders” in Postmaster General George von Lengerke Meyer’s department intend to go to the Republican National Convention as delegates to express their support for Roosevelt’s renomination. Roosevelt tells Meyer that “this cannot be” and asks him to inform the officers that any advocacy or positions in favor of Roosevelt will be “regarded as a serious violation of official propriety.”
Massachusetts Historical Society
1907-11-19
Theodore Roosevelt informs Postmaster General George von Lengerke Meyer that any communication of the Senate he receives should be transmitted to him.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908-01-17
President Roosevelt informs Postmaster General Meyer of a man, A. H. Stevens, who Senator Charles Curtis has recommended as being fit for promotion as an assistant postmaster general. Roosevelt also would like to discuss the possible appointment of Ross L. Hammond.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908-02-03
Theodore Roosevelt has invited members of the government, members of leading associations, and the Inland Waterways Commission to a Conference on the Conservation of Natural Resources. He also invites Postmaster General George von Lengerke Meyer.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908-04-20
Theodore Roosevelt invites Postmaster General Meyer to a conference on the conservation of natural resources to be held at the White House from May 13 through May 15, 1908.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908
President Roosevelt was pleased with an article that appeared in the English Fortnightly Review, about the men in his administration and the personal sacrifices they make for the public good. He shares an excerpt from the article with Postmaster General Meyer.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908-05-23
President Roosevelt asks Postmaster General Meyer if he may show Meyer’s letter to Secretary of War William H. Taft and/or the Republican National Committee Chairman when Taft is nominated. Roosevelt expresses surprise at the appointment suggestions made by Henry Clay Frick and explains that though he has given consideration to Frick, Andrew Carnegie, and Elbert H. Gary, he has always acted on his own judgment.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908-07-01
President Roosevelt confides in Postmaster General George von Lengerke Meyer the reason for Henry Clay Frick’s dissatisfaction, information he learned from Frank B. Kellogg. Frick had requested that Kellogg postpone the trial on the Edward Henry Harriman suit and was “greatly irritated” when Kellogg said that not only was such a postponement impossible but it was also improper for Frick to make the request. Kellogg feels certain that Frick planned to use the time for dealings on the stock market.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1908-07-02