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President Roosevelt received Spencer Borden’s letter and photograph. He does remember the astonishing likeness of Borden’s horse to those of the Parthenon frieze. Roosevelt wishes he could go to the Syracuse fair.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-31
President Roosevelt thanks Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park Young for his interesting letter and is glad he is pleased with the selection of James Buchanan Aleshire as Quartermaster General. Roosevelt reassures Young that he is needed in the park.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-19
President Roosevelt addresses several items with Secretary of War Taft. Roosevelt approves a payment to the family of the late General Carlos Roloff-Mialofsky and advises Taft regarding Senator Joseph Benson Foraker’s attack on him regarding the Brownsville Affair. The president also wants to look into the inefficiency of the Quartermaster General’s department and has spoken with Secretary of State Elihu Root about the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-04
President Roosevelt tells Secretary of War Taft that he will have Frank H. Hitchcock come to see him about comments he had made against Taft’s candidacy for president. Roosevelt says William Loeb has the same suspicions Taft does, but on the other hand, an enclosed clipping reports Hitchcock being attacked for appearing to promote Taft’s candidacy. Roosevelt will appoint Taft’s selection for Quartermaster General, James Buchanan Aleshire. In a lengthy postscript, Roosevelt says he is annoyed with complaints that the construction of the Panama Canal is being mismanaged, and reminds Taft to send him information about John K. Beach.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-01
President Roosevelt discusses several topics with Secretary of State Root. Roosevelt had intended to appoint William Penn Duvall to Quartermaster General, but Secretary of War William H. Taft strongly recommended James Buchanan Aleshire instead. Roosevelt has called upon Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte to investigate the difficulties of Japanese immigrants in San Francisco. Roosevelt has been hearing “howls” over an agreement with Germany. Roosevelt feels Andrew Carnegie’s New York peace conference has weakened the United States’ chances at the International Peace Conference at the Hague, and so has not been following developments there.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-02
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of War Taft that he wants to fill the position of Quartermaster General before July 1 as he wants significant reforms in the department before his term ends. He feels either William Penn Duvall or James Buchanan Aleshire should be appointed and leaves the decision to Taft’s judgment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-09
Secretary of State Root understands President Roosevelt’s selection of James Buchanan Aleshire for appointment as Quartermaster General. Root has returned Henry Cabot Lodge’s letter about Harvard’s commencement. Regarding the work of the Hague, Root reports that the armament question will be shelved. The United States delegates to the Hague have asked for instruction on two matters: the form of the contract debt provisions and voting on a declaration of war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-08
Secretary of War Taft provides President Roosevelt with an update on his consideration of candidates for the position of Quartermaster General.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-29
Secretary of War Taft discussed with Postmaster General George von Lengerke Meyer the comments attributed to Assistant Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock about opposing Taft’s nomination for the presidency. Meyer believes there to be some mistake, and he will talk with Hitchcock. Taft is inclined to appoint James Buchanan Aleshire as Quartermaster General of the Army over William Penn Duvall, and will phone Roosevelt later to talk it over. Joseph Bucklin Bishop has not accepted the post with the Isthmian Canal Commission, and Taft is still encouraging him to consider it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-30
At President Roosevelt’s request regarding a particular military appointment, Secretary of War Taft discusses the seniority and ability of J. B. Bellinger, Carroll Augustine Devol, and James Buchanan Aleshire. Bellinger has rank, but Devol and Aleshire are more suited to the position. Taft suggests postponing the matter until spring.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-29
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that he has changed his mind about writing a speech on the Brownsville affair. He will write a draft and send it to his campaign manager, Arthur I. Vorys, and Roosevelt to get their opinion. Taft describes his opinion of James Buchanan Aleshire’s fitness for Quartermaster General. Taft encloses letters on William Edgar Borah and Albert Baird Cummins. He relays discussions on the appointment of the Postmaster in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-07