Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt thinks it was kind of Jeremiah J. McCarthy to write to him. Roosevelt tells McCarthy that he was a “most satisfactory officer” and wishes him good fortune.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-21
In connection with the pending bill to provide Annie Gray Hawkins a pension, Roosevelt discusses General Hamilton Hawkins’ service during the Santiago campaign of the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-11
Theodore Roosevelt explains his requirements for military officers to Frank B. Keech and states he cannot promise Keech an officer position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-30
Theodore Roosevelt will include Captain Wise in his cavalry division if he is able to raise one, though he does not know what rank he can offer Wise.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-30
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased to hear that British Army Captain Frederick Courteney Selous is at the front. He compares Selous’s position as an older officer to General von Hindenberg, the most successful German general, who is over the age limit for generals. Roosevelt regrets to hear that Selous’s corp was treated poorly in East Africa. He encloses two articles he wrote supporting universal military service and rigorous application of military law. Roosevelt has been distressed at the misconduct of the United States and the activities of the “professional pacifists.” If Germany keeps sinking ships carrying Americans, the public may demand a declaration of war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-28
Theodore Roosevelt would be pleased to have Raymond Robins in his proposed division to be raised if the United States enters the war. Robins could raise troops and then serve as a lieutenant colonel or captain. Roosevelt uses Belgium as an example of the importance of national security. Roosevelt supports Robins’s decision to refuse the support of the Knights of Luther and Guardians of Liberty and encloses an article he wrote on the public school question. He hopes the Republicans nominate a presidential candidate the progressives can support. If not, the Progressive Party will have to have their own candidate and progressives will need to cast a conscience vote.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-06
Theodore Roosevelt has been contacting the men he hopes will be officers in the division he envisions if the United States enters the war. Lieutenant Colonel Henry T. Allen will be the senior brigade commander and John Milliken Parker could serve as a Lieutenant Colonel or Major.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-29
In the unlikely event of the United States entering the war, Theodore Roosevelt would like Lieutenant Colonel Allen to serve as a senior brigade commander in the army division Roosevelt hopes to raise. He requests suggestions from Allen regarding other suitable officer candidates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-23
Theodore Roosevelt politely declines Colonel Dyer’s invitation to take a ride for various reasons. Roosevelt invites Dyer to bring some of the officers over to his house for lunch or dinner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-31
Theodore Roosevelt is very pleased with Walter H. Foster’s letter and has forwarded it to the Legion officers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-18
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 has gone over the matter Harris H. Dodge raised, but does not believe that anything more can be done at the moment. Lieutenant Walker “has made one serious slip,” and Roosevelt believes he should serve his punishment longer before the balance is remitted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-01
President Roosevelt approves of the bill Senator Aldrich sent but suggests one change to the wording. Roosevelt proposes saying “five officers not below the rank of colonel” to clarify specifically that the officers need a rank of colonel or higher and not be general officers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-26
President Roosevelt instructs Secretary of the Navy Newberry to assign Commander William Sowden Sims to the USS Minnesota.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-18
President Roosevelt tells Secretary of the Navy Newberry that he does not believe a recent order issued by the Bureau of Navigation regarding the physical fitness of naval officers is a good one. Roosevelt encloses a letter from Surgeon General of the Navy Presley Marion Rixey that he believes would be a better sort of order, and feels that the tests should be administered yearly, and be uniform among all officers of the armed services.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-26
President Roosevelt directs Secretary of War Wright to order Major Edgar Alexander Mearns, on the day of his retirement, to report to the President of the United States for active duty. Roosevelt wishes for him to receive pay and commutation of a retired officer when placed on active duty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-24
President Roosevelt tells Secretary of War Wright that he believes physical tests are needed for higher officers in both the Army and the Navy, and asks if they can be implemented.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-27
President Roosevelt referred Arthur von Briesen’s letter to Secretary of War Luke E. Wright and received the enclosed attachment regarding the separation of Colonel Samuel Edward Allen from Fort Wadsworth. Roosevelt does not feel that he can disregard judgment from the Secretary of War and from General Frederick Dent Grant in this matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-31
After discussing the matter in Puerto Rico, President Roosevelt has concluded that Robert Lee Howze should return there to serve as head of the regiment as soon as possible. He would like to consult General Bell regarding timing. Roosevelt also calls Bell’s attention to a memorandum regarding the commission of officers. He believes that all lieutenants should be subject to an examination in order to keep their commissions. He would like to meet with Bell tomorrow to discuss the issue.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-05
President Roosevelt encloses a copy of his letter to Senator Isidor Rayner, as Senator Taliaferro is mentioned in it. Roosevelt asserts his authority to deny Colonel William F. Stewart a court of inquiry regarding his being sent to Fort Grant.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-12