Your TR Source
It is President Roosevelt’s opinion that no officer should ever be surprised. If a detachment is surprised, the commanding officer should be tried by court-martial.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-01
President Roosevelt has heard rumors that Captain Lamberton delivered a lecture in Boston stating that war with Germany cannot be avoided. If so, Lamberton needs to be called to account. If this continues, a general order will need to be issued that officers should not use language that can be perceived as hostile to foreign nations. Roosevelt desires a large and efficient navy but it is neither wise nor appropriate for an officer to use language that could damage relations between nations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-03
President Roosevelt informs Herman Henry Kohlsaat that he has not turned out General Miles due to misinformed popular feeling on Miles’s behalf. Roosevelt is convinced that Miles is releasing secret information to the army’s opponents in order to gain political capital for himself. If this could be proven, Miles would be removed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-10
President Roosevelt writes to Herman Henry Kohlsaat to inform him that he has avoided confronting General Miles regarding the damage he has done to the army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-24
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of War Root that General Nelson Appleton Miles made his request public with the intention of discrediting the administration and American authorities in the Philippines. Roosevelt does not believe Miles understands the situation or the nature of current campaigns since the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-19
After the “ridiculous attack” on Admiral O’Neil, Theodore Roosevelt fondly recalls working with him. Roosevelt describes O’Neil as an “absolutely efficient and loyal” officer. Roosevelt looked into the government tests of the Gathmann Gun. He wonders if this was the same gun that Congress invested money that failed spectacularly during its testing phase.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-01-07
President Roosevelt shares Commander Albert L. Key’s letter with Secretary of the Navy Newberry. Roosevelt is unsure whether a court-martial is appropriate, but believes “action of a drastic kind should be taken” against Admiral W. L. Capps, Admiral Philip R. Alger, and Key for their public statements about the Department of the Navy. Roosevelt also requests that Newberry report back on the accusations against Capps.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-08
President Roosevelt provides Maryland Senator Rayner with facts and reports pertaining to the unfitness and misconduct of Colonel William F. Stewart, who seeks to retire as a Brigadier General, and whom Isidor feels has been unfairly punished with a bad posting. Given Stewart’s record and reports of his conduct toward civilians, subordinates, and superiors, Roosevelt stands by the decision that has been made and is unwilling to open a court of inquiry into the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-06
President Roosevelt is glad to see that Lieutenant Roy I. Taylor was demoted twelve numbers for his behavior towards a Sergeant at the theater. He tells Secretary of War Taft that the honor of the military and those serving in it should be protected by those both serving in the military and those who are not.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-02-03
President Roosevelt makes a recommendation that Paymaster Biscoe’s “sentence was excessive and should be mitigated,” and that he be reprimanded for neglect of duty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-27
President Roosevelt asks Secretary of the Navy Moody to personally investigate the case against Navy Paymaster Harry Earl Biscoe.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-15
President Roosevelt responds to the complaints of an unnamed correspondent of Senator Proctor. He defends the military promotions that have happened during the Roosevelt administration and his policy of not strictly staying with officer seniority.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-20
President Roosevelt has been distressed at the attacks against General Wood and is not confident that the public can be made to understand the situation. William McKinley singled Wood out for a brigadier generalship due to his service but Roosevelt has only promoted Wood in the order of seniority. Wood has done better work than any other brigadier general and the attacks against him are without foundation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-20
President Roosevelt found Lieutenant Robichon to be disgusting and was gratified to dismiss him from the army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-25
President Roosevelt defends the promotion of General Leonard Wood and the administration’s refusal to commend General Nelson Appleton Miles upon his retirement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-22
President Roosevelt is frustrated with the controversy involving General Miles and Admiral Schley. He believes that individuals involved on both sides have behaved poorly, but especially the people who support Schley. They simply will not listen to reason. Roosevelt feels that instead of court-martialing several men an “effort was made to make things pleasant for everybody.” No good has come of the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-31
President Roosevelt hopes Robert Wilson Patterson can discuss the matter in person as it is of such high importance. He believes Patterson will agree that General Miles’s actions should be severely reprimanded. Roosevelt will give the matter concerning Admiral Schley his utmost attention, but emphasizes the case will be decided only on its merits. Popular opinion will not be taken into consideration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-21
General Henry C. Merriam has requested a promotion on multiple occasions, but does not realize the impropriety of asking that someone else be forcibly retired to allow it. Such an act is unimaginable.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-09
President Roosevelt has heard various opinions of General Merriam, and they do not portray him as more deserving of a promotion than any other officer. He regrets not being able to do what Senator Frye requests, but cannot promote one man at the expense of another, more deserving man.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-09
James Andrew Drain believes that Colonel Gerard overstepped in his evaluation of Mr. Bloom’s commission application. Gerard did not find Bloom suitable as an officer but then went on to state that he has found Jews “not well received socially.” Drain agrees that Jewish Americans can be good American citizens and should be treated equally. However, he also states that Jews are not “desirable social companions.” Drain hopes to meet with Theodore Roosevelt for lunch soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-28