Your TR Source
Berkley A. Mills asks Theodore Roosevelt to include African American volunteers in his division. He does not want to be “Jim-crowed” and asks to not be segregated in service.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1917-05-13
Theodore Roosevelt believes that African Americans could do well in Brazil. He thinks that the country has a great future, there is no color line, and there are many opportunities for stock raising. Roosevelt recommends first learning Portuguese and beginning with a small investment. There is always considerable doubt when making such a drastic change. If the Faver family decides to go to Brazil, Roosevelt offers to write a letter of introduction to the American ambassador to Brazil.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-19
President Roosevelt agrees with what Senator Townsend told Representative John Sharp Williams regarding a pending railroad bill. Williams intends to vote against the bill because of the segregation of the railroads, and Roosevelt says that any one who makes this argument against the bill is arguing in bad faith, and would oppose the bill anyway.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-06
President Roosevelt congratulates Governor-elect Guild on his and Lieutenant-Governor-elect Eben S. Draper’s success in the Massachusetts gubernatorial election, and criticizes some of the press coverage he has gotten in that state.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-08
Senator Townsend of Michigan relays his correspondence with Representative John Sharp Williams of Mississippi to President Roosevelt regarding a pending railroad bill. Williams asserts that railroad companies are spreading propaganda in the South, suggesting that a strengthened Interstate Commerce Commission will nullify Jim Crow segregation in coach accommodations. Townsend offers counterpoints to these concerns, and suggests saying nothing about race in order to protect the bill. Addressing Roosevelt directly, he describes his draft of the railroad bill and discloses having sent a copy to Attorney General William H. Moody. Townsend also encloses a letter from Williams, which wishes Roosevelt to see.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-03