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Theodore Roosevelt is proud of the bride and groom. He describes Ethel Roosevelt and Richard Derby’s wedding as the “nicest and most satisfying marriage.” Roosevelt sent the Tucker children two “treasures.” Ted Roosevelt stayed overnight on Saturday but Eleanor Butler Roosevelt, exhausted from the wedding and taking care of Grace Green Roosevelt, had to remain at home.
1913-04-07
Due to the weakened condition of Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s health, Theodore Roosevelt wonders if it is wise for her to return to Oyster Bay, New York, where the “paralysis plague” has already killed one young woman her age. Roosevelt provides Richard Derby with an update on Richard Derby, Jr., who is particularly enjoying Roosevelt’s “Dance of Old Man Kangaroo.”
1916-08-21
Theodore Roosevelt is proud of Richard Derby and is pleased to have Ethel Roosevelt Derby and the children at Sagamore Hill.
1917-10-04
Richard Derby’s letter was a great relief and joy for Ethel Roosevelt Derby. Ethel is feeling better and is enjoying seeing her children in the home where she grew up. Theodore Roosevelt has been having fun with the children; sledding with Richard Derby, Jr. and cuddling with Edith Roosevelt Derby. He visited the National Army camp at Chillicothe, Ohio where admirable work is being done, but the men lack weapons.
1917-12-18
Theodore Roosevelt is afraid that it will not be a happy New Year for much of the world but he is glad that his sons were equal to the “mighty days.” It has been very cold at Sagamore Hill but the children’s rooms are warm and one bathroom remains unfrozen. Roosevelt describes waking up the children in the morning, and Richard Derby Jr. helping him prepare breakfast. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt and Ethel Roosevelt Derby are feeling better.
1918-01-01
Theodore Roosevelt appreciates Richard Derby’s letter, which provided the first full information on Archibald Roosevelt’s condition. Everyone is very anxious as it appears that General Pershing has agreed to assist the Allied generals, which will place Richard, Ted Roosevelt, and Quentin Roosevelt at the front. Roosevelt is proud of their service and would not want them anywhere else. Spending time with Ethel Roosevelt Derby and the children over the winter has meant a great deal to Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt.
1918-04-01
Theodore Roosevelt updates Richard Derby on his family who are staying at Sagamore Hill. They are all doing well. Roosevelt can do little regarding public affairs but speaks out occasionally when something needs to be said. He feels that the Wilson administration was flanked into “reluctant, dilatory, and too often inefficient, action.” Roosevelt believes that the troops are being sent abroad haphazardly and that General Wood is being sidelined out of spite. However, America’s resources are so vast that intervention will prove decisive despite the “folly” and partisan politics which absorb the Wilson administration.
1918-06-02
Ethel Roosevelt Derby and her children will be leaving Sagamore Hill in a few days, and Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed spending time with them. Everyone enjoys receiving Richard Derby’s letters as they are the most consistent source of overseas information. Roosevelt is proud of the work of the 1st and 2nd divisions and is glad they have crossed the Rhine River. He hopes that everyone will be brought home as soon as peace is assured.
1918-12-30
Ethel Roosevelt Derby and her children are all well and will be leaving Sagamore Hill today. Richard Derby’s letters to Ethel have been “absorbingly interesting” and Theodore Roosevelt feels that he can see Richard’s life and work before his eyes. Roosevelt is pleased that the United States now has “600,000 fighting soldiers” which he is sure are first class. He has been writing and speaking occasionally; a small effort at “speeding up the war.”
1918-07-01
Archibald Roosevelt is recovering and appears well. He might be able to return to active service in the spring. Archie believes that Richard Derby takes too many chances, and at his request, Theodore Roosevelt asks Derby to avoid unnecessary risks and not to jeopardize his life. Douglas Robinson has passed away but Roosevelt’s grief has been blunted with so many young people losing their lives in the war. William Sheffield Cowles has sailed to join the Marines and may be in Derby’s division.
1918-09-12
After Quentin Roosevelt’s death, it has been a great comfort for Theodore Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt to visit Ethel Roosevelt Derby and the children. Roosevelt relates an incident where Richard Derby, Jr., angled to get a new toy and he describes Edith Roosevelt Derby as a “fairy princess.” Flora Whitney will be visiting tomorrow and Quentin’s death has been very difficult for her. The Derby’s neighbors have been friendly, and Roosevelt gave them a speech in response.
1918-08-05
Everyone is well, and Theodore Roosevelt sends his best wishes to Richard Derby.
1918-12
Envelope addressed by Theodore Roosevelt to his son-in-law Richard Derby.
1914-04-02
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son-in-law Richard Derby and thanks him for the nice things he wrote about Archie Roosevelt. He adds that he does not agree that Derby is a “mediocre soldier.” He describes rowing and riding with Edith Roosevelt and the antics of Derby’s son, Richard, Jr.
1916-08-16