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Ezra H. Fitch notifies President Roosevelt that Abercrombie & Fitch is sending him two pairs of hunting boots and that the Ditmars Snake Outfit will be finished in a few days. Fitch recommends the pair of boots that is unlined and laces all the way up.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-27
Ezra H. Fitch, of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., informs William Loeb that President Roosevelt’s leggings will be shortened as desired and shipped tomorrow.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-20
Ezra H. Fitch confirms receipt of letters from William Loeb, as well as a boot of President Roosevelt’s. Fitch states that a new pair of boots will be made without delay, and that a snake outfit will also be finished quickly and sent for inspection.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-02
Ezra H. Fitch updates William Loeb on President Roosevelt’s supply orders from Abercrombie & Fitch. He also encloses an article from the Sun, which he claims falsely quotes him, since he “refused to talk to the Sun man” Fitch sends the article so Loeb is aware that it is false in the case it is reprinted elsewhere.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-12
Ezra H. Fitch thanks William Loeb for sending the outline of President Roosevelt’s shoe, and emphasizes that Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is anxious that Roosevelt be completely satisfied with the type of shoe that they make for him. Fitch asks several follow-up questions regarding the design of the shoe and Roosevelt’s preferences for its size and construction. Additionally, he mentions recent experiments by Professor Raymond Lee Ditmars regarding snake-proof leggings, and offers to send a pair for Roosevelt to inspect if he wishes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-28
Ezra H. Fitch asks William Loeb to inform President Roosevelt that Abercrombie and Fitch would like to make a complete outfit of boots for President Roosevelt, and that he is certain that they will be superior to any he would obtain from another source. Fitch also encloses samples of a new fabric that is being used in the production of bags, and offers to substitute these new bags for ones previously made for Roosevelt at no cost. Many other products are currently in production by Abercrombie and Fitch that Fitch thinks may interest Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-17
Noah Seaman has shipped President Roosevelt’s tent to Abercrombie & Fitch. He has not received the other yet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-25
Ezra H. Fitch, of Abercrombie & Fitch, is sorry that President Roosevelt felt offended that the company had published some correspondence between Roosevelt and the company. Fitch points out that the company had avoided making direct reference to any purchase made by Roosevelt, and had not considered that publishing a question from the president would be seen as disrespectful. Fitch assures William Loeb that the situation will be corrected as best as they can in order to respect Roosevelt’s wishes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-02
Ezra H. Fitch of Abercrombie & Fitch informs William Loeb that the company has made several improvements in the design and materials of some items that President Roosevelt ordered for his African trip. Fitch thinks that Roosevelt might be interested in their new waterproof tent, telescopic tent poles, and sleeping bag. He encloses a sample of the tent’s material.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-19
Abercrombie & Fitch will make a khaki waterproof silk tent with seamless telescopic steel tent poles and forward them to President Roosevelt if William Loeb will provide shipping directions. Ezra H. Fitch asks Loeb to ask Roosevelt if, in the company’s new catalog, the new tents can be called “Roosevelt Tents.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-21
Ezra H. Fitch forwards three duffle bags for President Roosevelt’s inspection and makes recommendations about which bags are best for his upcoming African safari. While Fitch does not know much specifically about fishing in the interior of Africa, he will recommend a practical assortment of fishing gear.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-06
Ezra H. Fitch, President of the Abercrombie & Fitch Company, describes a few hunting sights President Roosevelt might consider for his upcoming African safari, which would fit Roosevelt’s ’86 or ’95 Winchester rifles. Fitch is sending a new sight called the “Daniel concentric” for Roosevelt’s review. Fitch also describes several new rifles Abercrombie & Fitch has imported, offering to send any Roosevelt would like for inspection.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-07
Ezra H. Fitch informs Rudolph Forster that Abercrombie & Fitch has credited the returned duffle bags and are sending out a 15 inch security duffle bag, which can be customized however President Roosevelt likes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-10
Ellerton James advises President Roosevelt regarding supplies that he should take on his African safari. James comments on various dried foods, materials for tents and coverings, medicines, and cameras.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-16
Ezra H. Fitch informs William Loeb that Abercrombie & Fitch has sent a metal flask for President Roosevelt as was discussed in a previous letter. Fitch confirms the details regarding a tent ordered by Roosevelt, including its construction and deployment, and says that the tent will be ready in about a week. Fitch offers to send any other items, such as sleeping bags or other camping equipment, for Roosevelt to inspect to ensure it is of good quality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-29
The author reports that President Roosevelt wrote to Abercrombie & Fitch in search of remedies for insect bites from Tunga penetrans, commonly called “jiggers.” Ezra H. Fitch is quoted, claiming that he duly provided Roosevelt with the remedy and subsequently publicized this in a circular sent to his customers. This reportedly angered Roosevelt, causing Fitch to recall the circular. The author further describes the “jigger,” which targets the toenails, and implies that Roosevelt required a pedicure as a treatment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-10