Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

President Roosevelt’s former classmate, James Ford Rhodes, reflects on Roosevelt’s administration and how it will be viewed by history. He believes three points will endure: the man whose critics called him a champion of war has become a peace keeper; Roosevelt has set a high standard of honesty in public service, and has inspired good young men to enter into politics; and his presidency has favored neither the rich nor the poor, but administered justice to both. Rhodes also reflects on the lives of the rich, comparing America’s wealthy with others in history, particularly those of the Roman Republic and Empire. He believes the Americans are better because of the use they make of their wealth. While the ancient Romans dedicated themselves to lives of sensual pleasure, the modern Americans live simply and give to educational and charitable causes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-16

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes and Henry S. Pritchett have been discussing their recent correspondence with President Roosevelt. Both men support President Roosevelt’s stance regarding the American South and agree his policies will result in improving regional and racial tensions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-12-23

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes compliments President Roosevelt on the quality of his message. Rhodes is so impressed by Roosevelt he is ready to endorse almost any of his opinions, simply because they are the President’s. Rhodes feels especially that Roosevelt will inspire “young men of good family, intelligence and education to go into politics” and address the problem of corruption in state and local governments.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-12-12

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

Historian James Ford Rhodes is pleased to have received a long letter from President Roosevelt. Rhodes responds to questions raised by Roosevelt, using historical precedents. Rhodes discusses tariff revision. He thinks Roosevelt is right not to “break with [his] party” over legislation. Rhodes asks Roosevelt if he can share the president’s views on “the Southern question” with Henry S. Pritchett, president of MIT, who has asked Rhodes for assistance. Pritchett is preparing a paper for Roosevelt. Rhodes answers Roosevelt’s comparison of his Cabinet with President Lincoln’s Cabinet.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-12-01

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

Historian James Ford Rhodes thanks President Roosevelt for his “kind words” and discusses the volume on which he is currently working. Rhodes mentions that when Roosevelt is no longer president, he would like to sit and talk with him about history and literature.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-11-15

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes received Frank Harper’s letter. He looks forward to meeting with Theodore Roosevelt next Tuesday.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-09

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-22

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Language

English

James Ford Rhodes regrets that Theodore Roosevelt cannot attend the American Historical Association dinner but is excited that Roosevelt is the organization’s incoming president. He looks forward to Roosevelt’s upcoming visit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-12

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes is glad Theodore Roosevelt will be his guest on Tuesday, December 12, and will meet Roosevelt at the train station. He also appreciates the opportunity to have some friends over to dine with Roosevelt on the following evening. Rhodes is happy Roosevelt can attend the American Historical Association dinner but regrets he cannot accept the invitation to visit Oyster Bay. The pressure to finish his first writing assignment limits his absences from home.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-06

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes is glad Theodore Roosevelt will be his guest on Wednesday December 13 and asks what train Roosevelt will arrive on. He hopes Roosevelt can attend the American Historical Association dinner on December 1.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-30

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes has just begun writing a history of the United States from President Hayes to McKinley, but after this work is finished would like to write the history of the United States from 1897 to 1909. Rhodes encourages Roosevelt to write an autobiography, as it will be of great use to historians. He would like to interview Roosevelt several times after Roosevelt returns from Africa. Rhodes thanks Roosevelt for the hospitality he has already shown him, for the insight he has given into the affairs of state, and the introductions to important people within the government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-04

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes would be happy to have lunch or dinner with President Roosevelt after Christmas and is pleased with his suggestion to invite James Bryce, Secretary of State Elihu Root, and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Rhodes discusses past elections and notes that the 1908 election marks the first time that the party in power has won an election following a financial panic. President-elect William H. Taft’s victory in Illinois, in light of high unemployment and discontent, is a “marvel.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-09

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes congratulates President Roosevelt on the election results and thanks him for his role in the Republicans’ victory. Roosevelt’s work in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois was helpful. Rhodes would like to see Roosevelt on the Sunday or Monday after Christmas.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-04

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes sends President Roosevelt a clipping from the London Times commenting on Roosevelt’s refusal to seek a third presidential term. Rhodes believes that historians will compare Roosevelt to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He writes that while both refused a third term, they were old at the time, while Roosevelt is in his prime and could have kept going, making his decision the more weighty. He congratulates Roosevelt on the Republican National Convention and the nomination of Secretary of War William H. Taft.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-22

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes tells President Roosevelt that he is incorrect in his belief that his administration is not supported by “the cultivated class.” At a meeting of the Wednesday Club in Boston, Rhodes and many others defended the Roosevelt administration’s stance on combinations. Rhodes predicts that capitalists will “play fair” for twenty or thirty years, and that businesses will not be able to return to the “ante-Roosevelt conditions.” If business continues to improve, Rhodes believes that Republicans will be successful at the polls in the fall.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-18

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes replies to President Roosevelt’s letter in regards to having introductions to ambassadors and diplomatic representatives in Europe while he and his wife are visiting there over the next year. He also thanks the President for the invitation to the White House, when they return from Europe.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-11

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

As a supporter of President Roosevelt, James Ford Rhodes writes to let him know that he has followed his course over the winter with great interest. Rhodes also informs the President that he is taking a break from his history writing and will be traveling to Europe where he will communicate anything that might be of interest to him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-08

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

Author James Ford Rhodes thanks President Roosevelt for an enjoyable visit. Rhodes states he “returned to his work with a renewed zest from contact with a vigorous personality, who is rendering an immense service in the cause of political righteousness.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-19

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes appreciates the speech President Roosevelt gave on Abraham Lincoln. He is sure the influence of the speech will help the North and South draw closer. The more Rhodes learns, the more he appreciates the folly of Reconstruction scheme based on suffrage for African Americans.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-17

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927

James Ford Rhodes thanks President Roosevelt for his enjoyable visit to the White House and gives his regards to Roosevelt’s family.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-22

Creator(s)

Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927