Your TR Source
Joseph Oswalt Thompson sends President Roosevelt information about the endorsements of William Frye Tebbetts, recently appointed the Collector in Mobile, Alabama. There is evidence those endorsements were offered disingenuously. Thompson does not believe Tebbetts to be as qualified as Walker, the man who lost the collectorship to Tebbetts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-14
While in agreement on Gifford Pinchot’s ideas, Joseph O. Thompson believes that “a progressive candidate is more to be thought of than a platform at this time.” Theodore Roosevelt should be the Progressive candidate; he is “a platform within himself.” Thompson feels that the “Old Guard” in the South is ready to support Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1918-12-23
Joseph O. Thompson encloses clippings describing the “political waterloo” that led to him resigning his leadership in the Alabama Republican party. He hopes President Taft will rebuke P. D. Barker in the future for his “treachery.” Barker criticized Theodore Roosevelt in the 1910 New York gubernatorial campaign. Thompson offers to be of service to Theodore Roosevelt within the state of Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-17
Joseph O. Thompson will not attend the public functions honoring Theodore Roosevelt’s stay in Birmingham, Alabama, because Governor Emmet O’Neal will take a prominent part. Due to a recent disagreement, the two are not on friendly terms. Thompson, therefore, requests a personal meeting with Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-21
Joseph O. Thompson writes to William Loeb regarding politics in Alabama, as he did not get a chance to speak with Loeb before leaving Washington, D.C. He explains his motives for remaining aligned with Charles H. Scott, in spite of the push to break with him, because of the likely confusion it would cause at the state convention. He feels that he is acting in a way that will bring Secretary of War William H. Taft victory, and says that he will use all honorable means to bring about Taft’s success, since President Roosevelt refuses to run for another term.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-24
Joseph Oswalt Thompson encloses a letter from Captain Scott and discusses the heavily-publicized appointment of Leander J. Bryan to the United States Marshals office by Judge Jones.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-10
Joseph Oswalt Thompson writes to President Roosevelt regarding a “scathing arraignment” by William Curtis in the Chicago Record-Herald. Thompson states that Curtis’s article is “utterly false” and “inspired by our enemies” in order to “annoy those of your friends.” Thompson has written a letter in response and will send a copy to Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-23
Joseph O. Thompson has received word that Captain William Frye Tebbetts will be re-nominated for the position of Collector of Customs at the Alabama port. Thompson states that although he had protested this nomination, he is satisfied that President Roosevelt has received sufficient advice to make the correct decision.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-21
Joseph Oswalt Thompson provides the text of a telegram and letter that apparently contradict, and requests clarification before responding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-20
Joseph O. Thompson asks that Booker T. Washington be selected by President Roosevelt to represent America at the Hague Convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-11
Joseph O. Thompson has enclosed a letter concerning the state of politics in Alabama. Thompson hopes Loeb will pass the letter on to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-22
Joseph O. Thompson writes to President Roosevelt concerning the behavior and political appointments of Judge Thomas Goode Jones. Thompson reports that Jones is spreading a bad opinion of Roosevelt throughout Alabama. Thompson asserts that the cause of the situation is his opposition to Jones’s appointment of one of his friends to political office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-22
Joseph O. Thompson explains his position concerning the chairmanship of the Alabama State Republican Committee. He doubts that he can afford to hold the position but will serve the party as well as he can if he is elected. He has the support of many members of the “Lily White” faction, although not because he has appointed any to office or made them any promises. Thompson will write an open letter to Alabama Republicans saying that he should not be considered as a receptive candidate for the chairmanship, unless Roosevelt directs otherwise. He also comments on the recent death of his brother, Charles W. Thompson, U.S. Congressman representing Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-25
Joseph Oswalt Thompson resigns as postmaster of Tuskegee, Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-06