Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit and daughter-in-law Belle that Aunt Corinne’s husband, Douglas Robinson, has died. He says Archie Roosevelt to doing well and hopes to return to the front in the spring. There has been some unworthy action in preventing Ted Roosevelt from receiving a promotion.
1918-09-13
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit and daughter-in-law Belle to say the artillery training would be good for Kermit. Uncle Douglas Robinson’s funeral was touching and Archie Roosevelt will have his knee operated on again. Ted Roosevelt has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Roosevelt is working on another book. Roosevelt says the letters people have been writing about Quentin Roosevelt are wonderful.
1918-09-21
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to report that Archie Roosevelt is being made a captain and General Duncan said Ted was the best battalion commander in the brigade. He says there is a coal famine among the poor, congested transportation and threatened food supplies for which he blames President Woodrow Wilson. Roosevelt encloses a copy of his new year address.
1918-01-01
President Roosevelt writes to Avery De Lano Andrews about the promotion of Captain John J. Pershing. Roosevelt is favorable to promoting Pershing but fears that making him a brigadier general would jump him over too many officers with seniority.
1903-11-17
President Roosevelt defends General Leonard Wood and his promotion to Senator Platt. In his letter he restates Wood’s merits and exceptional record under President William McKinley and prior. Roosevelt also encloses a letter from Ray Stannard Baker.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-28
President Roosevelt encloses an interview with Senator Warren where he might have been misquoted. Roosevelt denies every promising General Wood an eventual promotion to lieutenant general.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-22
George B. Cortelyou tells Richard Harding Davis that his letter was brought to President Roosevelt’s attention, and Roosevelt responded that it had never occurred to him to promote Major Littleton Waller Tazewell Waller.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-06
Henry C. Merriam has repeatedly asked President Roosevelt to retire Major General Loyd Wheaton so that he can be promoted in his place. George B. Cortelyou sternly tells Merriam that he is not entitled to a promotion if someone else would have to be retired to his detriment in order for him to receive it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-08
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased to hear from General Mills and regrets that his name will not be on Mill’s commission for his next promotion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-12
Theodore Roosevelt visited the Plattsburgh camp and there was a great “jamboree.” The Wilson administration “took ferocious umbrage” at Roosevelt’s speech but he is glad he spoke out. Ted Roosevelt did well at the camp and was named a First Lieutenant. Ethel Roosevelt Derby was distressed that Richard Derby had not been made a Corporal, but there is often only one promotion and twenty suitable candidates. Roosevelt paid close attention to Captains Van Horn and Collins. He was impressed and asked them to visit Oyster Bay, New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-02
Theodore Roosevelt explains that he cannot advocate on Henry T. Allen’s behalf to President William H. Taft, but he would be willing to write to General Wood on Allen’s behalf if Allen wanted. He is also open to other ideas Allen might have.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-16
President Roosevelt asks Secretary of War Wright to look into the record of Captain James F. Brady, about whom Roosevelt has heard very good things. Roosevelt would like to help Brady advance, if possible, but would first like to see if his military record matches with the reports he has received.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-09
President Roosevelt informs Cornelius Newton Bliss that while he has a high regard for Major Hugh Lenox Scott, superintendent of the Military Academy at West Point, the Senate Military Committee has told him that they will not confirm the promotion of anyone below a colonel to the rank of brigadier general.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-01
President Roosevelt assures General McCook that he holds Major Hugh Lenox Scott in high regard, but has an understanding with the Senate Committee on Military Affairs that they will not confirm anyone below the rank of colonel for promotion to brigadier general.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-01
President Roosevelt assures George Rumsey Sheldon that he has a high regard for Major Hugh Lenox Scott, but that he has an understanding with the Senate Committee on Military Affairs that they will not consider anyone of rank lower than colonel for promotion to brigadier general.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-01
President Roosevelt received William Berri’s letter and will look into Colonel Henry P. Kingsbury’s case. However, Roosevelt notes that many good men are recommended to him for promotion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-13
President Roosevelt explains to Alice Oakes Eppley that he does not have the power or right to interfere in promotion examinations. It would be particularly improper for him to interfere for a personal friend or a member of his regiment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-13
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of the Navy Newberry that he has made selections based on a list from John Elliott Pillsbury, but it is difficult to choose amongst the officers as they are all similarly qualified.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-03
President Roosevelt will recommend Louis Adams Frothingham’s friend for the next examination for second lieutenant in the army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-31
President Roosevelt encloses a letter from Secretary of War William H. Taft for Congressman Hull, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs. Taft has submitted a bill for the elimination of dead material among officers that will facilitate promotions. While Roosevelt knows that nothing can be done in this session, he hopes that the bill will be passed in the next one.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-28