Africa, East

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid’s acquaintance Cyril A. Ward went hunting in Africa two years ago. Reid will send President Roosevelt a copy of the book documenting the trip. Ward directs that African Game Ranger Blaney Percival is a useful contact and will give Reid a copy of his supply list. Reid discusses the controversy over King Edward VII’s recent interviews with sovereigns and prime ministers conducted without proper governmental supervision.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-31

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Edward North Buxton

Alfred E. Pease returns President Roosevelt’s letter to Edward North Buxton. He discusses the locations of different game animals, particularly lions, and is certain of Roosevelt’s prospects for collecting all the specimens he wants. Pease does not personally know the hunter William C. Judd.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-07

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Theodore Roosevelt

Alfred E. Pease writes to President Roosevelt that he hopes the involvement of himself, Frederick Courteney Selous, and Edward North Buxton in making arrangements will not cause Roosevelt stress. Buxton seems to be advising against bringing William C. Judd along on Roosevelt’s travels, but the news Pease has heard makes him sound like he would be a fine choice. Pease responds to Roosevelt’s inquiries about locations, timing, species, and supplies for hunting on his Safari. Specifically, he warns him to dress in anticipation of mosquitoes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-13

Letter from Harry Johnston to Theodore Roosevelt

Harry Johnston takes great pleasure in corresponding with President Roosevelt, not just because it is an honor to have private letters from an important head of state, but also because Johnston is elated that Roosevelt shares his opinions about the treatment of Black people. Johnston outlines some of his beliefs, including the fact that better treatment of Africans in British colonies makes good economic sense. Johnston will be in the United States in the autumn, and hopes to meet with Roosevelt and discuss a number of matters he hopes to write about, including a history of African people in the Western Hemisphere, the problems of Liberia, and the preservation of big game. In a postscript, Johnston writes in “phonetic English,” saying if English spelling were simplified it would become the “universal medium of international relations.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-06

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton sends an extract from a report by J. H. Patterson to President Roosevelt, noting that Patterson is ill and unlikely to return to British East Africa. Buxton asks Roosevelt what type of rifle sight he favors, offering advice on the type of sight that could be used on Roosevelt’s African safari. Buxton will see Alfred E. Pease soon and will discuss more details of the trip with him. Buxton lists several books that might interest Roosevelt in preparation for his trip. Buxton has tested a stool and includes a sketch of one of its uses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courteney Selous visited the offices of Lawn & Alder after receiving President Roosevelt’s last letter, and reports on the details of the visit, as well as other preparations for Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. Selous gives details and advice on several topics, including: types of preserved food to bring; tents; the hiring and pay of “native” porters; medical supplies and health concerns; sun protection; climate; where to store gear during expeditions; and shipping. Selous advises Roosevelt to allow Lawn & Alder to take care of every detail, so that the trip is more of a holiday for him than a chore, and recommends William C. Judd as a manager for the “native” guides and porters. Finally, Selous reports that Edward North Buxton is seeing Lord Crewe about any other assistance Roosevelt might need.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton provides President Roosevelt with extensive details and advice regarding his upcoming African safari, including: boots, rifle stocks, and rifle and sights Buxton is ordering; the logistical benefits of using Alfred E. Pease’s farm as a base from which to make smaller excursions; routes and timings for various side trips; the logistical benefits of two six-week excursions over one long three month excursion from Pease’s farm; the different types of country and where different types of game may be found; shipping and suppliers; opening a line of credit with Smith, Mackenzie & Co Ltd to purchase necessities in Africa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-09

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Theodore Roosevelt

Alfred E. Pease tells President Roosevelt it is a pleasure and an honor to help him with his trip to British East Africa and includes details and recommendations on several topics, including: depositing money into the National Bank of India in Nairobi to purchase horses and saddles; the best binoculars and telescopes; location and types of game; camping equipment, including baths and candles; and how to avoid mosquitoes. Pease assures Roosevelt he need not worry about being out of shape.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Whitelaw Reid updates President Roosevelt on diplomatic affairs in London. Reid has spoken with several British authorities regarding Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. The Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, Jutarō Komura, met with Reid at a luncheon given for members of the Olympic committee and emphasized that he and the Japanese Emperor recognized the United States as a friend. The Chinese Ambassador held a dinner and expressed friendly regard toward the United States. Reid provides a detailed description of two controversial Olympic races in London: in the 400 meter race, an American was disqualified for breaking the rules, and in the marathon, the Italian winner was disqualified in favor of an American. Reid notes that the American athletes, while somewhat justified in their frustrations, were seen by the British press as ill-mannered. Finally, Reid says he doubts that Roosevelt can make private visits to Paris and London on his way back from Africa without giving offense to government officials who would expect a state visit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Letter from William Northrup McMillan to Theodore Roosevelt

William Northrup McMillan introduces himself to President Roosevelt and invites him to stay with him at Juga Farm and his townhouse in Nairobi, Kenya, on Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. McMillan mentions that he is the nephew of Senator James McMillan and offers the names of two other men who can attest to his connections and African experience. Juga Farm is home to many species of game and is close to other hunting grounds, including rhino and elephants. McMillan also offers the services of his safari guides, who are excellent lion trackers. McMillan will soon depart Kenya for London and gives his contact information there. The first four pages of this record are handwritten, accompanied by a typewritten copy of two pages.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-12

Letter from Moreton Frewen to Theodore Roosevelt

Having recently visited East Africa, Anglo-Irish writer Moreton Frewen shares insights with President Roosevelt, including locations where big game gathers, the presence of insects, and people to contact.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-17

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Theodore Roosevelt

Alfred E. Pease relays information to President Roosevelt about an ideal location in East Africa for hunting big game.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-22

Letter from Percy C. Madeira to Theodore Roosevelt

Percy C. Madeira sends detailed notes about the people President Roosevelt should contact regarding his upcoming African Safari, and includes details on equipment, personnel, and the best routes to take.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-24

Letter from J. H. Patterson to Theodore Roosevelt

J. H. Patterson explains to President Roosevelt that while the rains might not be over by May 1, they should not be inconvenient for Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari, as there is always fine weather at some part of the day, and there would be no worry about finding water. Patterson believes Roosevelt should be able to gather all the specimens and personal trophies he previously described. He recommends that Roosevelt travel in comfort, start slow, and gradually build up the endurance the safari will require. Patterson thanks Roosevelt for the invitation to the White House and if he comes, will bring some slides to show.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-29

Letter from Percy C. Madeira to Theodore Roosevelt

Percy C. Madeira sends President Roosevelt details related to his upcoming African safari, answering many of his previous questions. Madeira mentions several books for Roosevelt to read, and recommends the best sources for maps of the region. He also outlines some short trips for Roosevelt to start out with after arriving in Mombasa, with Roosevelt’s goal of shooting various types of gazelles in mind. Madeira says that four or five months is ample time for his main safari. Madeira makes suggestions for Roosevelt’s Nile trip, including contacts for outfitters, recommendations for shipping equipment, and notes about climate and servants. Finally, Madeira warns Roosevelt that due to his status, he might be quoted very high prices by various vendors, and offers to keep his name secret to get better prices.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-30

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courteney Selous is sending President Roosevelt a list of provisions compiled by Lawn and Alder. Selous has been informed that Lawn and Alder can not only supply the provisions but can also arrange passage from Europe to Mombasa for Roosevelt and his son, Kermit. Selous also passes on information from other naturalists and hunters regarding equipment and supplies to take, and the animals which can be hunted.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-05

Letter from Ernst Karl Hoyos-Sprinzenstein to Edward North Buxton

Ernst Karl Hoyos-Sprinzenstein hopes to see Edward North Buxton before traveling. He has heard from Frederick Courteney Selous about President Roosevelt’s plans to visit British East Africa on a safari after leaving office, and is sure he will enjoy it. Hoyos relates some of what he knows of Roosevelt’s proposed route, and talks about some of his own time hunting game in Africa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-29

Letter from Frank M. Chapman to Theodore Roosevelt

Frank M. Chapman sends President Roosevelt a book of photographs that Herbert Lang took in the region of British East Africa that Roosevelt is planning to visit on his safari. Chapman says that Lang, in addition to being a skilled photographer, is also well-trained in field taxidermy, and says that if Roosevelt would like to add him to his staff, the American Museum of Natural History would be glad to detail Lang to assist.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-03

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton asks President Roosevelt to send his boots to him if he has not already sent his boots to Long and Alder. Buxton knows a good person who may be able to help ensure they are made well. Buxton hopes to see Colonial Secretary Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes in a few days, but may wait until James Bryce arrives to go with him. J. H. Patterson is in England currently, so Buxton will ask him for advice on Africa, and mentions several ideas relating to Roosevelt’s upcoming safari.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-08

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Edward North Buxton

Sir Alfred E. Pease writes to Edward North Buxton regarding President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari in Africa. Pease encloses a letter for Roosevelt to give to George Hutton Riddell, if he chooses to use his services, and makes many other suggestions about things Roosevelt should consider for his trip, including the probable weather, the number of porters he should hire, and the sorts of saddle he will need. Pease would be pleased to have Roosevelt stay with him for some time in Africa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-09