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General Chaffee provides his opinion on an appointment, a change of duty, and Datto Ali’s request to visit the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-18
Nine letters of recommendation for Thomas Henry Barry for promotion to the grade of Brigadier General and copies of three letters of commendation praising Barry’s service in the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-16
General Wood updates President Roosevelt on the situation in Cuba and believes that the elections were successful. If there is a change in the Philippines he would like the opportunity to “go at the situation” with a similar level of authority to his position in Cuba. Wood was pleased to hear that Colonel Bliss will be appointed a Brigadier General.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-04
General Boynton offers his opinion on a bill that would allow brevet commissions during peace time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-02
Lieutenant Werlich thanks President Roosevelt for his part in Werlich’s recent promotion. He pledges to abstain from all liquor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-01
General Merriam asks President Roosevelt to review his military record before deciding against his request for a promotion. Merriam claims that General Arthur MacArthur has refused to provide a written statement about his conversation with William McKinley until after Merriam’s retirement, which would ruin Merriam’s plans for promotion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-02
Felix Agnus recommends that Admiral Schley command the American fleet at the coronation of King Edward VII. He argues that appointing Admiral Crowninshield would be insulting as Crowninshield is responsible for starting the controversy around Schley’s brave service during the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-26
Acting Secretary of War Sanger encloses a letter regarding the retirement of General Loyd Wheaton and promotion of General Henry C. Merriam.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-17
Senator Platt would like to speak with President Roosevelt before an appointment is made for the “Chiefship of the Bureau of Ordnance.” Platt fears an injustice will be done to a worthy officer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-12
Senator Pritchard clarifies a misunderstanding concerning his desire to have his son, George Moore Pritchard, made a first lieutenant. Pritchard was not requesting a commission; rather, he was stating his son’s qualifications which he believes justify a commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-03
Acting Secretary of War Sanger reports that, in accord with President Roosevelt’s instructions, the court-martial against Lieutenant Brown will be suspended until Brown returns to the country; the papers on Lieutenant Howell’s court-martial for drunkenness will be sent to the White House; and excellent field service will be given greater consideration than written examination results, for candidates wishing to enter the regular army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-04
Lieutenant Coleman is pleased with his appointment as first lieutenant of cavalry in the 9th regiment and thanks President Roosevelt. The many Rough Riders in the Philippines are doing well and Coleman reports on the activities of several of them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-01
Acting Secretary of War Sanger has received President Roosevelt’s letter of September 27 addressed to Secretary of War Elihu Root. It is Root’s intention to distribute lieutenant grades purely on merit. Root and the board are prepared to accept any evidence related to a candidate’s qualifications.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-01
Curtis Guild denies that political influence is required for military promotion. He uses the examples of General Chaffee and General Wood to show that only a “splendid military record” is necessary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-27
Curtis Guild encloses a letter from Colonel Carlo A. Woodruff where Woodruff complains that he cannot be promoted because he has no political influence. Guild suggests that President Roosevelt or Secretary of War Root publicly address the widespread, but false, belief that politics are the only grounds for promotion in the military. Guild will be sending Roosevelt some material regarding reciprocity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-27
John Barrett provides information on Senator Mitchell who will be meeting with President Roosevelt on September 30. Mitchell is a powerful senator and wants his son, Captain H. E. Mitchell, appointed as captain of quartermasters or paymasters in the regular army. Barrett recommends Captain Mitchell be given the appointment as his father’s cooperation will be useful to the Roosevelt administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-28
Mary McCalla Finley Flagler advocates for her son, Captain C. A. F. Flagler, to be appointed engineer officer in charge of public buildings and grounds in Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-24
Charles Morgan encourages President Roosevelt to send Colonel Leonard back to the Philippines with a rank in the regular army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-24
Acting Secretary of War Sanger reports that William F. Meek’s application for an army commission was rejected. After recommendations from Senator Platt and Senator Depew, Secretary of War Root agreed to take these into consideration in the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-24
Henry T. Allen is busy with his work in the Philippine Constabulary and is working closely with the Philippine administration. According to the news that has arrived in the Philippines, it appears that President McKinley will not recover, but Allen believes the country is fortunate that Vice President Roosevelt is available to accept the burdens of the presidency. Allen has been in the Philippines for around three years and has been thinking about his future. He hopes to succeed Colonel Mills as superintendent of the United States Military Academy and believes he would have General Corbin’s support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-10