Your TR Source
President Roosevelt thanks Charles Sprague Smith for sending his book Barbizon Days. Sprague is more fit for Africa as Roosevelt “could not run five miles before breakfast to save my neck.” Roosevelt has publicly stated his belief that Governor Charles Evans Hughes should be renominated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-03
President Roosevelt tells William Wingate Sewall that if he were going to bring anyone, he would be pleased to have Sewall’s son accompany him to Africa. As it stands, however, he is only taking Kermit and two professional naturalists and field taxidermists. There would be nothing for the son to do as the natives provide the physical labor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-03
President Roosevelt details to Senator Lodge the difficulties in renominating New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes. Roosevelt has accepted George Nathaniel Curzon’s invitation to present the Romanes Lecture at the University of Oxford upon returning from Africa. He sends his regards to Anna Cabot Mills Davis Lodge.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-02
President Roosevelt inquires if Edward North Buxton can go to Lawn and Alder and add additional supplies to his list as Buxton sees fit. Roosevelt describes his preferences for hunting rifles. He looks forward to visiting Buxton after his trip to Africa. There are several men he wants to meet when he travels to England to present the Romanes Lecture at the University of Oxford.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-31
President Roosevelt thanks Charles Welsh for the clipping. The tragic story of Welsh’s daughter and her family touched him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
Theodore Roosevelt believes that Edgar Alexander Mearns’ diabetes will not make any difference in regards to the Africa trip. Roosevelt agrees with having a case of brandy, a case of whiskey, and case of champagne in the medical stores.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt congratulates Lawrence F. Abbott and his wife Winifred Buck Abbott on their automobile and wishes he could have attended the fair. Since he is writing for Scribner’s Magazine while in Africa, Roosevelt does not think he should write anything for The Outlook. He will, however, accumulate materials to write about for The Outlook at a later time. He recommends both Lawrence F. Abbott and Lyman Abbott read Holman Day’s article on prohibition, which he says shows the need for a local option.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-22
President Roosevelt has heard that William Northrup McMillan is one of the best resources in East Africa for hunters. He describes his plan to hunt for six or seven months in British East Africa, starting next April, killing only specimens for the National Museum and meat. Roosevelt would greatly appreciate if McMillan could advise him on where he can, with certainty, obtain lion, elephant, buffalo, and eland. He hopes his inquiries do not bother McMillan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-19
President Roosevelt values Leonard Wood’s suggestions but is unsure how to convey them in a message to Congress. Additionally, he is not sure it is wise to ask for both a reorganization and enlargement of the army. Since becoming President, he gets enough exercise to stay healthy but is not in condition for hard work. Roosevelt will go easy in Africa and avoid mountaineering and similar activities.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-18
President Roosevelt is interested in the book on the Congo Free State that Harry Johnston has sent, and shares his thoughts about missionaries and their work with “savages.” Roosevelt’s upcoming safari is in support of the National Museum of Natural History, and as such he will do all he can to prevent the needless slaughter of animals on the trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-14
Theodore Roosevelt believes that he and Edgar Alexander Mearns will have a great time in Africa. The trip can also have real importance from a scientific perspective.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-13
Theodore Roosevelt will read Mammals of the Mexican Boundary with great interest. Roosevelt looks forward to when Edgar Alexander Mearns will publish a more extensive book on the mammals and birds of East Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
President Roosevelt sends Kermit Roosevelt a poem that reminds him of Quentin, as well as letters relating to his upcoming African safari. He tells Kermit that he will come with him, provided he does not let it distract him from preparing for his future and will treat it as a college course. Roosevelt also updates his son on the activities of other members of the family.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-23
Leon S. Thompson has read Theodore Roosevelt’s account of his trip to Africa and would like to meet because he and 3 others are planning a similar trip and would appreciate discussing certain points concerning travel.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-05
At the suggestion of Father Thomas J. Lynch, Warren W. Foster is sending Theodore Roosevelt and article he published in Pearson’s Magazine. Foster welcome’s Roosevelt’s feedback on his ideas of the “science of penology” and his efforts to bring it to the public’s attention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-04
Marie Sassone, on behalf of the Christian Endeavor Society of the Cuyler Presbyterian Church, asks Theodore Roosevelt if he would be able to come to their meeting on Monday evening and speak about some kind of topic related to Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09
Martin L. Harvey, reverend of the A. M. E. Zion Church, invites Theodore Roosevelt to visit his church and give a speech on the topic of “African life.” The visit will be supported by the Lincoln Patriotic League.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-22
On behalf of Dr. Paul B. Barringer, John S. A. Johnson reminds Theodore Roosevelt of his prior commitment to speaking about domesticating wild African animals. They do not mind if Roosevelt changes the speech topic, but hope he is still able to visit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-21
Octavia K. Young asks Theodore Roosevelt to speak at a missionary convention in Indianapolis, and offers to cover travel expenses and provide an honorarium. Young also invites Mrs. Roosevelt and hopes he will mention mission work in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-12
Thomas T. Wright expresses to Oscar W. Underwood that the U.S. needs more American ships in foreign trade and urges Congress to pass a ship subsidy bill to support the merchant marine and boost the southern economy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-11