Your TR Source
President Roosevelt sincerely thanks artist and author Francis Hopkinson Smith for his generous gift of “such a beautiful book,” Venice of To-Day.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-10
Ambassador Reid sends President Roosevelt a confidential memorandum. Reid also discusses a British dinner party and European perspectives of international relations and politics.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-23
A typed extract from a letter Theodore Roosevelt wrote David Gray describing his experience as the American special ambassador to the funeral of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1911-10-06
President Roosevelt believes that Ambassador Reid should avoid speaking with King Edward VII in any official way, and instead the United States should officially communicate with the Prime Minister or Foreign Office. He laments the poor relations between Germany and England, and urges Reid to bring about better relations between the two if it is possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-19
Whitelaw Reid encloses a copy of the letter he wrote to President-elect William H. Taft in which he explains why he believes he should maintain his post longer than currently planned. The King of England appreciated President Roosevelt’s speech on British rule in India and mentioned as well that he hoped Reid would remain Ambassador. Reid updates Roosevelt on diplomatic work he has been doing concerning the Panama Canal and Newfoundland.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
Ambassador Reid writes to President Roosevelt on a number of topics, including the present situation in India, the aftermath of a controversy in the 1908 Olympics, the health of German Emperor William II and British King Edward VII, and Roosevelt’s upcoming safari. Reid encourages Roosevelt to reconsider bringing a ceremonial outfit along with him for the period following his safari. Edward North Buxton has asked if Reid can send Roosevelt a rifle to test, and Reid is investigating whether such a thing can be done via diplomatic pouch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-21
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a number of personal, social, and official matters. In particular, Reid focuses on the fallout of a controversial interview given by Emperor William II of Germany to the British press. The interview has been suppressed in Germany and caused domestic issues for William, but may improve relations with the English. Reid discusses plans to reform the House of Lords, and a shooting outing he hosted where his son Ogden Mills Reid related stories about the presidential campaign in the United States. Reid also intends to give a dinner for Frantz Bille, the retiring Danish minister. Reid writes that everyone was on “pins and needles” waiting for information about foot and mouth disease.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-24
Ambassador Reid writes President Roosevelt about a number of issues, both political and social. He adds more information about Lord Edward Marjoribanks Tweedmouth’s mental breakdown and discusses the man who will replace him. Reid also relays an indignant letter he got from Clarise S. Ramsay, an American who wrongly felt she should have been invited to a royal ball. Roosevelt’s plan to go on a safari in Africa after leaving office is, Reid thinks, a very good one, and Roosevelt should not need to worry about receiving proper treatment and courtesies from British officials there. On a personal note, Reid thanks Roosevelt for his kind wishes at the news of his daughter Jean’s engagement to John H. Ward. He discusses his future son-in-law and the couple’s plans following their marriage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-04
Arthur Hamilton Lee writes to President Roosevelt about the president’s impending retirement and hopes that it will not impact Anglo-American relations significantly when another man takes office. Lee is distressed about how the papers in New York are covering Roosevelt, as if his character is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He hopes the president continues to shine light in dark places of the securities industry so that scandals will be brought to light. Lee ends his letter requesting that Roosevelt sit for a painter, Fülöp László, for two to three hours and believes that Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt will agree.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-13
Ambassador Reid sends an addition to “the bundle of gossip” he recently sent to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, noting that this dispatch is a bit more serious and more likely to interest President Roosevelt with his description of a number of political events, in addition to more social fare.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-01
Ambassador Reid sends Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt descriptions of social events and diplomatic gossip from Great Britain. In a handwritten postscript, Reid says his wife and daughter are going to see her sick father in the Adirondacks and he will be alone by the end of summer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-25
Ambassador to Great Britain Reid has received photographs of President Roosevelt show jumping a horse, and will present them to King Edward VII when there are fewer dignitaries in town. Reid is amused by Roosevelt’s remark that he was not sure if his “encounter” with labor leaders and socialists was covered in the English papers – Reid describes the coverage as mostly in Roosevelt’s favor, adding his thoughts on the danger of anarchist ideas infiltrating labor movements in the United States and abroad. Reid discusses the similarity between the conflict between California and Japan and Newfoundland and the United States. Finally, Reid comments on the ongoing talks at the International Peace Conference at the Hague.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-07
Ambassador Reid sends a newspaper clipping from a British newspaper to President Roosevelt, asking if he is correct in assuming that its description of Roosevelt’s telegram to Emperor Wilhelm is “unfair and unfounded.” Reid agrees to “look after” Harriet Shonts and her daughters when they arrive in England if the courts are open, but mentions that it can be difficult to accommodate American visitors when there are fewer courts being held. Reid also comments upon the recent Algeciras Conference.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-18
Ambassador Reid writes to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt about a difficult situation observed by Elizabeth Reid at Windsor Castle. Reid also discusses H. H. Asquith’s position as a candidate for prime minister and shares inside information on the condition of King Edward VII.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-28
Ambassador Reid writes a letter to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt describing the social, political, and family life of the British royal family during a weekend visit to King Edward VII at Sandringham House. Reid also describes a state banquet at Windsor Castle.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-15
Ambassador Reid writes to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt about events in England following news of the death of Secretary of State John Hay, including the Fourth of July reception held by the embassy there. Reid shares information about the Kings of England and Spain and hopes that she will share the news with President Roosevelt. Reid also expresses some nervousness about speeches being printed verbatim in Europe, and remarks about the volume of speeches he is asked to give. He includes several songs that were sung at gatherings he attended.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-10
Elisabeth D. Nielson Riis relays a conversation she had with Crown Prince Frederick about the royal family of Denmark. The Prince does not believe his sister, Dowager Empress of Russia, has any influence over the country, and Riis interprets these conversations to be matters the Prince wants relayed to Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-19
The writer of the article comments about heightened security on royal train journeys, which he believes is a response to the assassination of President William McKinley. The article includes a story highlighting the superstition of the royals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-08
The author of this letter to the editor disapproves of American Olympic officials James E. Sullivan, Gustavus T. Kirby, and Joseph B. McCabe, and the effect they have had on the culture of the United States. The author includes a clipping from a Boston newspaper which they say displays an event of “tasteless vulgarity” organized by Harvard University and Yale University, in which the King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain were shown “the grossest disrespect.” The accompanying clipping which is quoted seems to describe an initiation ceremony to a Harvard club that pokes fun at the conclusion of the 1908 Olympic Marathon, with students dressed as Dorando Pietri, Johnny Hayes, and members of the royal family.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-18
Theodore Roosevelt describes his experience as the American special ambassador to the funeral of King Edward VII of Great Britain. He enjoyed his time in England and was able to see many friends and prominent individuals.
1911-10-05