Your TR Source
Secretary of War Taft would like to consult with General James Franklin Bell before making Arthur Paul Thayer the Assistant Professor of Languages at West Point.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-24
President Roosevelt also wishes that Captain McCoy could have joined him on the ride to Warrenton. It would not have been tiring for McCoy, as it was for Roosevelt and his current military aide, Captain Archibald Willingham Butt. Roosevelt has written to the War College about McCoy’s suggestion. He misses working with McCoy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-08
President Roosevelt explains to Wyoming Senator Warren the reasons he nominated Lieutenant Colonel Wotherspoon to be Brigadier General. He explains that Wotherspoon is actually behind the date he would have received his promotion if lineal promotions had prevailed. Wotherspoon has also efficiently served in many officer positions and has received high recommendations throughout his years of service. Even though there were others ahead of him, Roosevelt thinks the best officers are appointed on merit rather than just seniority.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-18
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of War Taft that the Rowan alluded to in the enclosure is First Lieutenant Andrew Rowan of “A Message to Garcia” fame. If Taft can grant the request for Rowan to be appointed to a position at the War College in Washington, D.C., Roosevelt would be pleased. (Rowan’s exploits were made famous in a popular essay by Elbert Hubbard, who wrote of Rowan’s mission to deliver a message to Cuban General Calixto Garcia during the Spanish American War. “A Message to Garcia” came to signify taking initiative in a difficult situation in American popular culture.)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-10
President Roosevelt requests Senator Proctor’s opinion on the War College appropriation. Elihu Root was very interested in the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-15
President Roosevelt inquires about the Army War College’s appropriation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-12
President Roosevelt inquires about the Army War College’s appropriation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-12
Due to the unfinished state of the War College building, President Roosevelt agrees to Emperor William’s proposal to delay the dedication of the statue of Frederick the Great until the spring of 1904.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-04
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt is anxious to hear from Captain Benjamin Horr Buckingham and Lieutenant William Henry Hudson Southerland, and he hopes William McAdoo likes the speech he gave.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-06-07
Joseph D. Leitch transmits to Theodore Roosevelt a copy of the aeronautics lecture at the request of William W. Wotherspoon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-06
Frederic Louis Huidekoper reminds Theodore Roosevelt of a letter he supposedly wrote responding to D. T. Sykes’ question about how the United States was unprepared for war. This response was sent to the Army War College and Sykes. Huidekoper wrote to Sykes requesting a copy, but Sykes claims he never received one. Huidekoper asks Roosevelt for copies for himself and Sykes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-21
Captain Frank Ross McCoy thanks President Roosevelt for giving him a share of the credit for improving the army’s horsemanship standards. McCoy wishes that he could have joined Roosevelt on his ride to Warrenton, which he feels set an excellent example for lazy officers. Although McCoy envies Roosevelt’s current aide, Captain Archibald Willingham Butt, he is glad to have implemented real improvements to the cavalry during his own tenure in the position. McCoy hopes that, before March 4, Roosevelt can suggest to the committee revising the Field Service Regulations that the organization and training of army pack trains be improved. Packing for cavalry is becoming a “lost art.” McCoy also shares his plans for Presidents’ Day.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-02
Army Chief of Staff Bell sends President Roosevelt a letter from a retired Army officer which he believes contains some boasting on the part of a Japanese officer, although he does not doubt that similar thoughts have occurred to “mighty nearly every Japanese official.” Although reports have not shown any preparations by the Japanese for conflict with the United States, they have been gathering intelligence on American military activities on the Pacific coast and in the Philippines, suggesting they view conflict with the United States as possible. Bell is pleased with the measures Roosevelt has taken to be prepared for “any eventuality in the Pacific Ocean,” except for Roosevelt’s suggestion of immediately abandoning Manila if Japan attacks. Bell notes it is a very serious thing to abandon a capital, and very difficult to pack up the archives and records of a government. Bell recommends fortifying the entrance to the Bay of Manila to dissuade the Japanese from taking the islands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-18
As President of the Army War College, General Barry reports on the state of the college to Chief of Staff of the Army Bell. Barry reports on matters related to personnel, organization, instruction, confidentiality of the work of the college, housing, cooperation with the Naval War College, and the directorate including the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel William W. Wotherspoon and Colonel Smith S. Leach.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-12
General Barry was very glad to hear President Roosevelt say at lunch that he would put in a good word for the Army War College in his annual report. Because the college’s work is confidential, they are never able to explain themselves or give reply to abuse heaped upon them. Barry also notes that he encloses a memorandum that he yesterday sent to the Chief of Staff of the Army, Colonel James Franklin Bell, and he has marked the section that he feels is relevant to what Roosevelt discussed at lunch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-12
Chief of Staff Bell is replying to President Roosevelt’s letter about a War College Study on Cuba and a letter by General Frederick Funston. Bell assures all feasible ideas will be reviewed but that priority should be given to securing troops in the area first. Bell writes that troops are prepared, and transport could be arranged on the Sumner with three days notice, awaiting Roosevelt’s word. Bell lists other ships acquired to transport troops.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-22
Brigadier General Bell encloses a copy of the War College study done by Lieutenant Colonel William W. Wotherspoon for President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-17
Frederick Dent Grant thanks Colonel John W. Vrooman for the invitation to the Union League dinner given in honor of General Albert Leopold Mills, but he will be unable to attend. Grant believes Mills is one of the best officers in the Army and deserving of praise. Grant sends well wishes to Vrooman and his wife Anne Ford Vrooman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-23
Colonel Livermore asks Senator Lodge to help him secure a recently vacated brigadier general position as he would like to work at the Army War College. If this is not possible Livermore would like to be retired as a brigadier general, which he feels is appropriate considering his military record. Many in his 1866 class at West Point were not afforded the same promotions as those that came after them and have already retired.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-08
Thomas Henry Barry, U.S. Army Major General, writes to President Roosevelt, and includes a book by Hamilton.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-01-06