Your TR Source
President Roosevelt tells George Otto Trevelyan how much he liked his letter and book. Roosevelt is especially keen about Trevelyan’s description of a “Greek War” in modern terms, and even agrees with his “carefully guarded statement” about wanting to live in Ancient Greece. Roosevelt also discusses the Civil War connections on his personal staff.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-07
President Roosevelt reflects on the peace between Japan and Russia, especially discussing the Russian diplomat Sergei Witte and the future of Russia. He believes that Russia needs to take steps towards liberty and self-government. Roosevelt also tells George Otto Trevelyan about several books he has been reading and thanks him for his letter about the late Secretary of State John Hay. Roosevelt wishes that Trevelyan could come stay at the White House, and hopes that when his term as president is done, he can travel around the world as a private citizen, without having to attend official functions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-12
On the occasion of his recent inauguration, President Roosevelt sends his reflections on the accomplishments of his first term in office and the challenges of his second term, along with a description of the inauguration itself. Secretary of State John Hay gave Roosevelt a ring with a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair in it, which he wore while taking the oath of office, sharing his thoughts about Lincoln and how he tries to live up to Lincoln’s example. Roosevelt describes the various groups of people who participated in the inaugural parade, including cowboys, Indians, veterans of several wars, civic organizations, coal miners, farmers, and more. Roosevelt describes current domestic and international challenges. In the English-speaking countries, Roosevelt finds the divisions between rural and city dwellers to be of concern, as well as the dwindling birth rate.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-09
President Roosevelt finds reading a great comfort, a “dissipation which I have to sometimes try to avoid, instead of an irksome duty.” Roosevelt mentions that the presidential campaign is now opening and he will be nominated without opposition. He points out an inferiority with the American electoral system in comparison to the British system. Roosevelt feels his actions in ending the anthracite coal strike, and his dealings in Cuba and Panama, speak for themselves and the “rest must take care of itself.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-28
President Roosevelt compliments the article written by George Otto Trevelyan and is pleased that he fought back against the damage being done to historical writing by Mr. Bury. Roosevelt comments on the current deficiencies in historical and scientific training and writing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-25
President Roosevelt has finished the second volume of the American Revolution and has enjoyed it very much, although there are a few minor points he would like to discuss. Roosevelt hopes George Otto Trevelyan will visit soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-12
President Roosevelt thanks George Otto Trevelyan for the two volumes of the second part of the American Revolution. Roosevelt wishes he could get Trevelyan over to stay in the White House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-06
An excerpt from a letter from President Roosevelt to George Otto Trevelyan is used to establish the date Roosevelt began his efforts to end the Russo-Japanese War. In the letter, Roosevelt tells Trevelyan he advised the Russian government to make peace six weeks before, telling them the Russian navy could not defeat the Japanese.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-09
In a letter to George Otto Trevelyan, President Roosevelt expresses his consternation at having to spend so much time considering patronage jobs for political allies, and he marvels at President Abraham Lincoln’s ability to do so during the Civil War. Roosevelt also comments on the war between Russia and Japan, and he confides that he is frustrated by his inability to influence matters in either Russia or Turkey for embattled ethnic groups in each nation.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1905-05-13
President Roosevelt confides to George Otto Trevelyan that he believes his administration has compiled a good record of legislation in his five years as president. Roosevelt contends that he must continually navigate between those who believe he is a radical and has not done enough and reactionaries who believe he has stretched the powers of government too far. Roosevelt also writes that he would like to see measures enacted to support arbitration of international disputes and limit naval forces, but not if it means abandoning “free peoples” and weakening the British and American navies.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1906-08-18
In a letter to George Otto Trevelyan, President Roosevelt provides details of some of the negotiations he undertook with regard to various crises during his presidency. Roosevelt relays his experience dealing with Kaiser William II of Germany in three matters, and he discusses the desire of the Japanese to keep secret their asking Roosevelt to mediate the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt underscores the insecure temperament of William II, and he cautions Trevelyan against sharing his letter except with perhaps his sons and Viscount Edward Grey. Roosevelt also discusses a diplomatic dustup with Germany caused by the diplomatic meddling of Andrew Carnegie.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1911-11-09
President Roosevelt writes George Otto Trevelyan that he feels very comfortable having William Howard Taft as his successor as president, but he says that both his foes and his friends have made him at times doubt his decision to give up the office. Roosevelt invokes the memory of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and he believes that the nation’s system of government requires a strong executive.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1908-06-19
President Roosevelt praises George Otto Trevelyan for writing “the final history” of the American Revolution, and he wishes that other notable historians had written works about famous episodes in world history. Roosevelt gives his thoughts about some of the commanders on both sides of the Revolutionary War, and he employs his version of simplified spelling in the letter.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1907-11-11
In a letter to George Otto Trevelyan, President Roosevelt says that Abraham Lincoln has always been his hero, and he takes pride in the fact that in the most recent election in 1904 he drew the support of working class voters just as Lincoln did: “farmers, lumbermen, mechanics, ranchmen, miners.” The vision statement of the Theodore Roosevelt Association appears below the letter.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1905-03-09
Theodore Roosevelt gives a description of his travels after completing the safari portion of the 1909-1910 expedition. Roosevelt traveled from Khartoum to London and visited many European countries along the way. He provides descriptions and opinions on the countries he visited and the people he met, particularly the members of European royalty.
1911-10-01