Harrison, Russell B. (Russell Benjamin), 1854-1936

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-06-04

Creator(s)

Harrison, Russell B. (Russell Benjamin), 1854-1936

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-06-01

Creator(s)

Harrison, Russell B. (Russell Benjamin), 1854-1936

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Russell B. Harrison congratulates President Roosevelt on his successful career thus far, and provides some details on an investment opportunity he would like Roosevelt to back with his name.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-03-01

Russell B. Harrison has received President Roosevelt’s request for him to return a letter concerning Delevan Smith, and does so with haste. Harrison says that he has treated the letter as a private communication, as Roosevelt requested. He explains his recommendation that the letter not be shown to Smith, as he owns a newspaper which could potentially attack Roosevelt. Harrison and other Indiana Republicans have been disgusted by the actions of the Indianapolis News. Harrison regrets that he did not mention his desire for a position at a time when he needed one, but he wanted the suggestion to come from Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-09

A movement in the Indiana state legislature is attempting to pass a resolution requesting President Roosevelt to rename Fort Benjamin Harrison. This is an anti-Roosevelt movement because changing the name could alienate the former supporters of President Harrison. Russell B Harrison, the late President’s son, promises to fight against the resolution, so Roosevelt will not have to decide whether or not to rename the fort.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-01-20

Russell B. Harrison suggests that President Roosevelt delay the retirement of Judge Francis E. Baker until after the 1904 convention for political reasons. There are political factions who have their candidates, and for Roosevelt to appoint someone before the convention might hurt his nomination bid in Indiana. Baker was not altogether ready to retire, and he indicated to Harrison that he would be willing to continue in his position until after the convention.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-27

Russell B. Harrison reports that Indiana is moving towards supporting President Roosevelt as the Republican presidential nominee in 1904. The main opposition is from Senator Fairbanks.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-11

Russell B. Harrison writes primarily on Indiana politics where the Republicans had off year defeats and the Philippine-American War is damaging the Republicans’ image. He also thanks President Roosevelt for naming a military post in Indianapolis after his father, President Benjamin Harrison.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-05-30

Russell B. Harrison is strongly against the appointment of Colonel Walker to the post of Pension Commissioner, saying that he is viewed as a perpetual seeker of office. He believes that Walker would bring discredit to the Roosevelt administration like Corporal Tanner did to the Benjamin Harrison administration. Harrison believes that the business interests believe that too many pensions are being passed for old soldiers. He also has a low opinion of the War Department and believes new personnel are required. He believes the War Department needs a “Roosevelt Man” unattached to the McKinley administration.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-11

Russell B. Harrison reports that many in Indiana, including himself, are staunch supporters of President Roosevelt and look forward to his election in 1904. He advises Roosevelt on several issues, including relations with the Columbia Club of Indianapolis, selecting a new judge, pensions for former first ladies, the detention of Santiago Iglesias Pantin in Puerto Rico, and disagreements with leaders in the Republican National Committee.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-26

Russell B. Harrison provides an update on the campaign in Indiana. He expects Indiana to support President Roosevelt in 1904. Harrison suggests delaying the appointment of a circuit judge in Indiana due to the delicate political environment.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-08