Your TR Source
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
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about a visit from Edmund Heller who is now engaged to be married. They have not heard from Archie Roosevelt yet regarding the cables they sent about the birth of his son. Roosevelt writes how the Bolsheviks are ruining Russia and how Senator George Chamberlain’s investigation into the War Department is finally producing some changes. He encloses two extracts of letters regarding Quentin Roosevelt.
1918-03-11
Theodore Roosevelt has received dozens of clippings and letters about Archibald Roosevelt’s wounds and Croix de guerre. He believes that the public felt “genuine pride” in Archie’s achievements. The great German offensive has been launched at the British. It is a bitter thought to Roosevelt that the government’s “folly” in preparing for war could not place American forces and equipment in place to prevent the offensive in the first place. The government’s efforts continue to frustrate Roosevelt but he keeps working to “press forward our preparations.”
1918-03-24
Theodore Roosevelt compares the ongoing Bolshevik Revolution to the French Revolution and cautions against excesses damaging any accomplishments.
1918-10-15
Handwritten essay proposing a middle path for the United States between reactionaries and revolutionaries that should “preserve both order and liberty.” Imperial Russia and Bolshevist Russia are used as examples for the dangers of reactionaries and revolutionaries. Published in Metropolitan Magazine, December 1918.
1918
Draft of a speech with handwritten corrections. Theodore Roosevelt argues for a complete victory over Germany and her allies. Americans must only be fully American. Those who seek to be German and American are traitors. The United States “drifted into war unarmed and helpless” even though all signs indicated that intervention would be necessary. The American military is still not an effective force and all efforts need to be made to speed up the war and introduce a “policy of permanent preparedness.” Roosevelt believes that part of this preparation should be support for small farmers and wage workers.
1918-03-28