Your TR Source
John W. Vrooman recounts his recent trip to upstate New York to William Loeb. Vrooman has heard that many want President Roosevelt to run for the Senate after his term ends, and asks Loeb if Admiral Goodrich’s retirement could be postponed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-18
John W. Vrooman praises President Roosevelt for his style of governance and both his public and private behaviors, referencing Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Webster. Vrooman recounts a speech in which he described the President as someone with a “big heart, big brain, and big purpose, who stands today the central figure of the civilized world.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-30
This document reports the significant moments in Albert Leopold Mills’s military career. Highlights include his extensive career as a military instructor, his involvement in campaigns against the Crow and Sioux, as well as the battles at Santiago and Las Guasimas in Cuba, and his receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Colonel John W. Vrooman reports in a letter to William Loeb, which encloses this document, that this copy represents what was contained within the “beautiful engrossed album containing nineteen parchment pages enclosed in a handsome leather cover.” The album was a souvenir at the Union League Club dinner celebrating General Mills on August 29, 1906.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-06
John W. Vrooman sends Theodore Roosevelt materials on the “holy Catholic spirit of our craft.” He sends good wishes and enjoyed their brief meeting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-23
Colonel Vrooman reports that the Union League Club dinner for General Albert Leopold Mills was successful, and more people were present than expected. The letters placed before the people at the dinner were from President Theodore Roosevelt, as well as General Henry Clark Corbin and General Frederick Dent Grant, whose letters are enclosed. An album containing nineteen parchment pages enclosed in a leather cover was given as a souvenir. Vrooman attaches a copy of the pages. Other souvenirs included an autographed photograph of Mills, and a blue ribbon which every person present clasped while they sang “Auld Lang Syne.” Vroonan also encloses the letter from Mills expressing his gratitude for the dinner. Finally, Vrooman is particularly delighted that the press never found out about the event, which was just meant to be “a friendly dinner to bring each other closer together and not for publication.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-06
Colonel Vrooman is sorry that William Loeb will not be able to attend General Albert Leopold Mills’s dinner. Vrooman writes about a variety of other social engagements with the Union League and other friends, and reports that Admiral Dewey spoke highly of Admiral Joseph Bullock Coghlan. In terms of politics, which he discusses “unofficially and confidentially,” Vrooman notes that he has “never seen a more chaotic condition of affairs” in New York State. Republicans must work hard to succeed because it is vital that they should win in New York this year. Vrooman feels that Senators from New York State are not adequately representing residents but rather “private interests are being placed above party and public good.” President Roosevelt is wise to make no suggestions regarding state matters, but Vrooman hopes Roosevelt’s friends will actively protect the interests of the people. In a postscript, Vrooman adds his sincere thanks for Loeb’s kindness to him when he was ill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-24
Colonel Vrooman is sorry that William Loeb will not be able to join them, and General Albert Leopold Mills will be disappointed, but he understands that Loeb is very busy. Vrooman reports that Fred Morris’s wife broke her ankle, and the shock may injure her as much as the fracture. Vrooman also reports that he had a delightful visit with Admiral George Dewey, and he hopes to drop by and see Loeb on his upcoming visit to Locust Valley.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-03
John W. Vrooman writes to William Loeb to discuss a resolution that was unanimously adopted by Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-21
John W. Vrooman sends President Roosevelt a reminder of friendship and compliments his work in office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-11
John W. Vrooman has enjoyed his vacation and wants to know when William Loeb is returning to Oyster Bay, New York, so they can schedule an outing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-14