Your TR Source
Lieutenant Ellicott thanks Governor Roosevelt for acknowledging his pamphlet on the Battle of Manila Bay and for the high commendations Roosevelt gave his reconnaissance work in Hawaii.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1899-08-27
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 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
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 his son Kermit about the birth of Archie Roosevelt’s son, Archie. He marvels at having eight grandchildren. He reports that Major General Henry T. Allen came to visit and spoke well of Ted, Archie, and Quentin Roosevelt. He comments on the new Bolshevik government in Russia.
1918-02-28
Typed extract of a letter written by Orrin A. Gardiner Jr. to his parents, in which Gardiner speaks enthusiastically of Quentin Roosevelt commanding the 32nd Aero Squad in France and how the men “would do more for him” than anyone. Gardiner’s father sent the extract to Theodore Roosevelt.
1918
Excerpt from a letter from Banner Shull, who was in Quentin Roosevelt’s motor squadron, to his mother. Shull says “we boys” would do anything for Quentin, because Quentin always thinks of his men before himself. An added note, which appears to be in Theodore Roosevelt’s handwriting, indicates that this was sent him by a woman who saw it in a local newspaper.
1918
President Roosevelt instructs Secretary of War Taft to have John P. Story, Chief of Artillery, submit a report to the General Staff regarding the separation of coast and field artillery, the best way to accomplish this task, and related goals including training, drills, and examination for officers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-13
President Roosevelt would like to review the cases of two service members rejected for promotion. He is of the opinion too much emphasis is placed on their scholastic ability and their service and command records should be given more weight in determining promotions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-15
Army Chief of Staff Leonard Wood thanks Theodore Roosevelt for what he wrote about Wood’s work in a recent article for The Outlook.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-08-01
Charles Francis Adams recalls a phrase Theodore Roosevelt used in a speech, ranking Robert E. Lee among other great generals, and asks if Roosevelt remembers when he said it. In a handwritten note, Roosevelt vaguely recalls having made such a statement, but cannot remember when.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-08-02
Admiral Sperry will treasure the commendation in the letter President Roosevelt wrote him on December 5. He asks Roosevelt to write a testimonial about his service to the Navy Department if and when he successfully sails the Great White Fleet back to the United States. This would be a valued capstone to his permanent record. The British authorities at Gibraltar have been very accommodating, and the Fleet itself is operating smoothly.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-04
Secretary of War Taft gives President Roosevelt a review of the various vacancies and those appointed to fill them. He approves appointing Colonel Charles S. Smith to brigadier general based on his experience with coastal defense. However, he does not endorse the similar appointment of Colonel Medorem Crawford, describing him as a “humdrum, mediocre officer.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-18
Secretary of War Root apologizes for the criticism directed at President Roosevelt for the form of the order made upon the retirement of General Nelson Appleton Miles. Precedent was followed and the order was exactly the same as others sent to Civil War generals of similar rank and service. Root views Miles as a “bad officer” and not in a class with the great leaders of the Civil War. An order praising Miles would have been full of falsehoods and hypocrisy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-19
With the reorganization of the Army staff and the retirement of the Adjutant General, John William Griggs extols the character and virtues of General Corbin.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-10
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