Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Corinne Roosevelt Robinson

1898-06-15:

Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt describes the experience of sailing to Cuba and the craft that are assembling for war. He describes the atmosphere on the ship and comments on the historical importance of the expedition. Roosevelt also mentions the drilling and training of officers in order to be prepared before they reach Santiago.

1898-06-20:

Without a chance to mail his letter, Roosevelt continues writing. He describes the sailing conditions and weather and complains of mismanagement from Washington D.C. He writes that they are nearing Santiago and speculates about the conditions for fighting. Roosevelt also describes the landscape of the Cuban coast and comments on the constellations in the night sky.

1898-06-25:

Having landed in Cuba, Roosevelt describes the Battle of Las Guasimas against Spanish forces. He describes the casualties that the cavalry suffered and the charge that he led. Roosevelt describes the uncomfortable living conditions and asks his sister to have Douglas Robinson send some items to his regiment in Tampa.

1898-06-27:

Encamped five miles outside of Santiago, Roosevelt expresses relief about receiving his belongings. He describes himself as being in excellent health, despite the unsavory living conditions. Roosevelt mentions the general lack of food, but writes of a feast of beans the night before. He writes that the landscape is beautiful, but the jungle makes fighting difficult. Roosevelt describes burying those who died.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1898-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919


Recipient

Robinson, Corinne Roosevelt, 1861-1933


Language

English

Period

Rough Rider (May 1898 to September 1898)

Repository

Harvard College Library

Page Count

4

Production Method

Typed

Record Type

Multi-image

Resource Type

Letter

Rights

Electronic copy sponsored by the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University. For reproduction or publication permission, contact the Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Houghton Library. See the Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library Terms of Use for further copyright information.

Citation