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Edward North Buxton informs President Roosevelt that he has sent him a single Zeiss glass. Buxton suggests Roosevelt carries it in a pocket bag across his chest and discusses other details and supplies about Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-28
Edward North Buxton discusses President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari in Africa. He notes that Roosevelt’s head measurement was not in the envelope and calls Roosevelt’s attention to a letter written by Captain Clive of the Foreign Office Intelligence Department. He offers suggestions for the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases, which he directs specifically at Kermit Roosevelt, and advice for planning the days of the trip. Finally, he confirms Roosevelt’s ammunition order.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-15
Edward North Buxton discusses the supplies President Roosevelt will need on his upcoming safari. These items include rifles, cartridges, hats, nailed boots, and hunting glasses.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-08
Edward North Buxton writes to President Roosevelt regarding the sights of rifles that Roosevelt will bring on his safari. Buxton worries that some sights may be too glaring in the sunlight, and therefore sends an option of a darker sight, as well as lamp black should Roosevelt wish to darken the sights further. He also remarks upon the fastening mechanism, which he worries may come loose through careless transportation, and has instructed the ordinary screwhead to be replaced with one that can only be loosened with a tool.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-29
Edward North Buxton sends President Roosevelt a list of the provisions which will be found in the provision boxes that Buxton is preparing for him. Additionally, Buxton sends possible lists for items which could fill the drink box and reserve box, as well as snacks, and asks Roosevelt to look at these and see if he approves. Buxton has spoken with Ambassador Whitelaw Reid, and it should be possible to send the rifle via diplomatic pouch for Roosevelt to test and return. In a handwritten note, Buxton also comments on a reproduction of an ancient map.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-21
Edward North Buxton believes that President Roosevelt is correct in his choice of what firearms to bring along on his safari, but if he wished to make any alterations there is still plenty of time to get a larger bore gun. Buxton has spoken with Ambassador Whitelaw Reid about sending Roosevelt a rifle to test in a sealed Foreign Office Packet. He additionally offers comments on a number of supplies that Roosevelt is bringing or may wish bring on his safari, including types of cartridges, clothing, and food.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-15
Edward North Buxton assures President Roosevelt that he will have a good experience hunting in Africa and will not struggle to get game as he fears after reading Abel Chapman’s book. He offers Roosevelt advice on scoping out game on Alfred Pease’s ranch and about testing his rifle before he travels. In a handwritten postscript, he assures Roosevelt that the press will understand his going straight to Pease’s ranch if he tells them he wants a quiet time. He also offers advice on mosquitos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-10
Edward North Buxton assures President Roosevelt that he enjoys planning Roosevelt’s trip to Africa, and that there is no need to thank him. He discusses the supplies, including boots, that he is arranging for Roosevelt. Buxton has nothing more to say about Roosevelt’s decision to hire a white man to lead his trip, although he expresses his concerns about having too many white men in the party. He also suggests limiting the number of guns and shooters to two. He discusses which native guides Roosevelt should hire, and the merits of Roosevelt hiring them himself, rather than delegating it to his head man.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-13
Edward North Buxton tells President Roosevelt that he need not say more about his decision regarding the use of an English head man for his safari, as Buxton was merely providing his opinion. He tells Roosevelt that Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt might consider meeting him further upriver than Khartoum, so that she can travel further in luxury. Buxton discusses the arrangements he is making with different supplies, rifles, and shells. Frederick Courteney Selous will be seeing William Northrup McMillan soon and can discuss Roosevelt taking an English head man with him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-26
Edward North Buxton encloses Hubert Silberrad’s notes, which he thinks President Roosevelt will find interesting. He explains the sample boot that Roosevelt requested that Lawn & Alder return is being used to make mosquito boots. The pair to that boot, as well as Kermit Roosevelt’s boots, were returned by mistake. Buxton explains that he wants them so that he can make mosquito boots in Kermit’s size. They will be returned when the work is done.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-15
Edward North Buxton discusses the merits of using Somali shikaris as gunbearers during President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari. He also writes about the advisability of carrying money on the trip and provides his knowledge of R. J. Cunninghame and William C. Judd, two white hunters who have been mentioned as potential guides. This item includes a typewritten transcript of the handwritten letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-07
Edward North Buxton is glad that President Roosevelt agrees on the subject of hunting in the reserves. There is tension locally over support and opposition to the reserves, but Roosevelt will not miss out on any game by avoiding them. Buxton asks for clarification on the recent check, which he sent to Nairobi. Buxton agrees, with Roosevelt that Kermit Roosevelt should not shoot at dangerous game until he has a little more experience, but is sure that Kermit’s nerve will stiffen up with experience. He comments that Roosevelt’s son Ted Roosevelt, will also be going through a similar process of growth at home, but in a different way. Buxton suggests speaking to Colonel J. H. Patterson or Lieutenant-Governor Frederick John Jackson, and sends Alfred E. Pease’s last letter mentioning William C. Judd. If it is solidly made, Buxton thinks Roosevelt’s 18 bore gun will suffice, and he offers his continued assistance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-22
Edward North Buxton writes to President Roosevelt about potential food and beverage supplies, gives updates on rifle suggestions, and cautions against going with the mosquito boots made by Flacks. He sends a detailed map of the reserve boundaries and Alfred E. Pease’s camp, with a letter from Pease and a reminder that Pease’s camp is too small for a large group. Buxton suggests Roosevelt wait to hear more on William C. Judd before selecting a “head man” for his safari, and informs Roosevelt that the Somali shikari are the best hunters. In order to get a variety of experiences, Buxton suggests potential timelines and routes for Roosevelt while he travels through Sudan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-14
Edward North Buxton continues to help President Roosevelt gather equipment and supplies for his Africa trip. Buxton will make more inquiries into mosquito boots, and requests Roosevelt send measurements for himself and Kermit Roosevelt. The sample boots from Flack and Smith are ready, and Buxton suggests a good pair of socks to aid in absorbing perspiration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-25
Edward North Buxton provides President Roosevelt with extensive details and advice regarding his upcoming African safari, including: boots, rifle stocks, and rifle and sights Buxton is ordering; the logistical benefits of using Alfred E. Pease’s farm as a base from which to make smaller excursions; routes and timings for various side trips; the logistical benefits of two six-week excursions over one long three month excursion from Pease’s farm; the different types of country and where different types of game may be found; shipping and suppliers; opening a line of credit with Smith, Mackenzie & Co Ltd to purchase necessities in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-09
Edward North Buxton sends an extract from a report by J. H. Patterson to President Roosevelt, noting that Patterson is ill and unlikely to return to British East Africa. Buxton asks Roosevelt what type of rifle sight he favors, offering advice on the type of sight that could be used on Roosevelt’s African safari. Buxton will see Alfred E. Pease soon and will discuss more details of the trip with him. Buxton lists several books that might interest Roosevelt in preparation for his trip. Buxton has tested a stool and includes a sketch of one of its uses.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
Edward North Buxton sends information about Uganda and other matters relating to President Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. Buxton has been to Lawn & Alder about boots and recommends Roosevelt let him get a trial pair “with proper rubber soles” for him. Buxton has found a second hand “bullet gun” for Roosevelt and asks for measurements for altering the stock.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-24
Edward North Buxton asks President Roosevelt to send his boots to him if he has not already sent his boots to Long and Alder. Buxton knows a good person who may be able to help ensure they are made well. Buxton hopes to see Colonial Secretary Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes in a few days, but may wait until James Bryce arrives to go with him. J. H. Patterson is in England currently, so Buxton will ask him for advice on Africa, and mentions several ideas relating to Roosevelt’s upcoming safari.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-08
Edward North Buxton advises President Roosevelt on things that he should consider while planning for his upcoming safari in Africa. He recommends that Roosevelt visit British East Africa rather than German East Africa, because Roosevelt would be more likely to get the game that he wants to hunt there. Buxton also advises Roosevelt on the gear that he should bring, including collapsible stools, tents, and guns. He offers to lend Roosevelt a camera if Kermit Roosevelt would like to practice photography and take pictures on the trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-11
Edward North Buxton encloses a letter from Alfred E. Pease outlining plans for President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari. Buxton agrees with much of what Pease says, and recommends that Roosevelt stay at Pease’s farm at first, before heading out on a longer expedition. He notes that it will be easy for Roosevelt to take shorter excursions on the railway to get the game he desires.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-30