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F. S. Stover offers to supply and equip a regiment of 1,000 “colored men” to serve with Theodore Roosevelt. Stover lists equipment he will provide and notes he has influence with “colored people” in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. He will supply specialists; i.e. cooks, stevedores. Letterhead from “The Class & Nachod Brewing Co.,” Philadelphia.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1917-05-16
Richard Harding Davis offers his thoughts on the most important elements to bring along while hiking or marching long distances, backed up by his experiences as a war correspondent.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-04
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to criticize President Woodrow Wilson’s handling of the war and bemoan the lack of equipment and supplies for the army.
1918-05-22
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit and is concerned he has not been getting his letters so that he does not know he has been appointed a captain of artillery and must report to Madrid, Spain. He says Flora Payne Whitney has permission from her father to go to Europe and marry Quentin Roosevelt and Quentin is upset there are still no planes to fly over France. Roosevelt reports that Major Wadsworth is dead and the son of his friend Frederick Courteney Selous was killed.
1918-05-12
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say he is pleased Kermit was transferred to a motor machine gun battery. General Leonard Wood visited after being at the front and says equipment and supplies are needed. Archie Roosevelt is recovering from his wounds nicely.
1918-03-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to criticize President Woodrow Wilson for a lack of military preparedness and reports a Congressional investigation has shown Secretary of War Newton D. Baker’s inefficiency. Roosevelt says he continues to write and make speeches in an effort to spur Wilson into taking more action.
1918-01-14
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit that he is concerned Kermit has not received any of his letters. He advises Kermit that if it is feasible he should get into the American army in France come summer. Roosevelt criticizes President Woodrow Wilson and complains about the unpreparedness of the drafted men and their lack of equipment. He says the general public are ignorant of military and international matters.
1917-12-18
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about the lack of equipment at military training camps for which he blames President Woodrow Wilson and his administration. He says Ted and Archie Roosevelt have been praised for their work in the trenches and Ethel Roosevelt Derby is staying at the house.
1917-12-10
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his visit to the military training camp at Yaphawk. He was impressed by the men but troubled by their lack of equipment and proper training. Roosevelt blamed the War Department and President Woodrow Wilson. He adds he gave a speech at Princeton on the matter.
1917-11-21
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to describe the christening of Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s daughter Edie and the lack of supplies and equipment for drafted men in military training camps. He also mentions a visit from Australian officers and novelist Major A. E. W. Mason.
1917-11-09
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to marvel at all Kermit has done in 28 years and say he is sending him a copy of his new book. He mentions visits from Major Potts and Captain Tommy Hitchcock, who took Roosevelt up in a plane. He adds that General Leonard Wood complains about the lack of supplies for the drafted men.
1917-09-16
These general orders describe the required equipment and supplies for the Philippine Scouts to maintain military readiness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-05
Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed hosting Grace Stackpole Roosevelt and Archibald Roosevelt at Sagamore Hill. Roosevelt is pleased that Archibald Roosevelt’s company received the boots and offers to send anything else that Archie or his men require. Archie continues to object to coming home to recuperate. Roosevelt encloses a complimentary letter from General Pershing that made him proud of Archie. Quentin Roosevelt has been sent to the front, Kermit Roosevelt is traveling to Madrid, and Ted Roosevelt is at the front but was able to see Eleanor Butler Roosevelt for one day.
1918-06-19
Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt and her son Archibald Roosevelt have left Sagamore Hill. It appears that Grace’s father will not live much longer. Kermit Roosevelt has received the British Military Cross and is traveling to Madrid, Spain, to receive his orders after being transferred to the American military. The War Department will not allow Flora Whitney to travel abroad and marry Quentin Roosevelt. Ted Roosevelt is likely fighting at the front and Quentin continues to be frustrated due to the lack of aircraft. Roosevelt encourages Archibald Roosevelt to return home to recuperate as he believes that Archie would be able to heal faster. Roosevelt has returned from a speaking tour and believes that the public is becoming “more warlike.”
1918-06-02
Theodore Roosevelt sends news from home to an injured Archibald Roosevelt. The family is very proud of Archie, and Roosevelt is enjoying spending time with his grandchildren. The German offensive has made it clear to the public that American forces are “helpless to give substantial aid” to their allies. American forces do not have sufficient equipment and supplies, or any immediate prospect of being properly supplied.
1918-04-14
Theodore Roosevelt has been making money with his writings and offers to send Archibald Roosevelt anything he needs or purchase supplies for Archie’s men. Roosevelt no longer feels in sympathy with the majority of the country. Even among Republicans, there are too many pacifists and “shortsighted reactionary materialists.” Roosevelt thinks he may be too extreme and all he wants to do is continue to work until his family is reunited. He hopes his work can “keep things going” until the end of the war.
1918-02-02
Theodore Roosevelt is proud of Archibald Roosevelt and his three brothers for their military service. Although Roosevelt agrees with Archie’s complaints about inefficiencies in the military, he cautions against being too vocal as it could make Archie’s situation more difficult. Roosevelt is seeing signs that the public is beginning to comprehend the extent of military shortages and inefficiencies. There has been some backlash against Roosevelt’s outspokenness on the war effort and he would like the government to move against him as it would only help carry his message farther. He concludes with updates on Roosevelt family members.
1918-01-20
Theodore Roosevelt compliments Archibald Roosevelt on his promotion to captain. He cautions Archie against overworking himself and damaging his health. Roosevelt is disappointed in the inefficiency and unpreparedness of the military but the same problems existed during his service in the Spanish-American War. He believes that a regiment raised from volunteers at the outset would be superior to a regular regiment. Roosevelt continues to speak about speeding up the war and improving military training.
1918-01-05
Colonel Roosevelt describes the thankfulness of all the men at receiving the supplies from the Red Cross and he is grateful to Anna Roosevelt Cowles for helping to get those supplies to them. The regiment is now in a permanent camp with ample food, clothing, and care for everyone. He is extraordinarily proud of his group and the way they all work together. Roosevelt is in good health and hopes he can see William Sheffield Cowles sometime soon.
1898-07-28
Colonel Roosevelt writes to say goodbye to Anna Roosevelt Cowles and William Sheffield Cowles, as he will finish last-minute preparations and leave for Cuba shortly. He is frustrated at the details and delays but only because he is eager to see real action.
1898-05-12