Letter from George Kennan to Theodore Roosevelt
Subject(s): China--Lüshun, China--Manchuria, Gunnery--Study and teaching, Maps, Military operations, Artillery, Military readiness, Military weapons, Presidents--Election, Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Sieges
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Journalist George Kennan reports to President Roosevelt on the Japanese Third Army’s siege of Port Arthur, Manchuria. Kennan claims the Russians are violating the provisions of the Red Cross Geneva Convention. He has witnessed them firing on medical personnel. The Japanese soldiers are unable to recover their wounded and dead comrades. Kennan is very impressed by the Japanese artillery’s accuracy which he credits to the training the gunners receive. He thinks Congress should increase appropriations for training ammunition and stop referring to such costs as wasteful. Other countries have sent officers to observe the siege operations. He is disappointed that the United States has not done the same. General Nogi would like President Roosevelt to send copies of the Infantry and Cavalry Regulations to the headquarters of the Third Imperial Army. Kennan encloses maps showing the Russian and Japanese fortifications. Finally, having just learned of the election results, Kennan sends congratulations to President Roosevelt.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1904-11-20
Creator(s)
Recipient
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 1st Term (September 1901-February 1905)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
23
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from George Kennan to Theodore Roosevelt. [November 20, 1904]. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o47730. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Kennan, George, 1845-1924. Letter from George Kennan to Theodore Roosevelt. [20 Nov. 1904]. Multi-image. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. December 2, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o47730.
APA:
Kennan, George, 1845-1924.: , [1904, November 20]. Letter from George Kennan to Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o47730.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. December 2, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
