Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. H. Patterson

President Roosevelt thanks J. H. Patterson for the letter, saying that it told him exactly what he wanted to know. Roosevelt is very excited about his upcoming safari in Africa, and says he will follow Patterson’s advice to make his main trip British East Africa, and describes his plans there. Much of his hunting will be done for the Smithsonian Institution, with whom he is partnering for the trip, although he would like to take two or three trophies for his own use, if it is permitted. Roosevelt would be very glad if Patterson would be able to visit him at the White House before he leaves office, and describes a visit he had with some other people.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-06

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

President Roosevelt writes to Frederick Courteney Selous to discuss his plans and hopes for the safari he will take after leaving the presidency. Roosevelt mentions his preferences for outfitting the expedition, his planned route and timetable, and what sorts of animals he would like to hunt. He plans to partner with the National Museum of Natural History, so most of the animals he hunts will be preserved and donated to them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-25

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George Otto Trevelyan

President Roosevelt writes to George Otto Trevelyan, reflecting on his time as President and his decision to not seek reelection. Roosevelt admits that there are arguments for him to run for another term as president, but believes that the arguments against are stronger. Roosevelt is proud that while in the presidency he has fully used the powers available to him and acted as a strong central executive, and is gratified by the love that the population has for him. Once he leaves the presidency, Roosevelt plans to go on safari in Africa. He would like to visit England and see his friends there if he could do so as a private citizen without being forced to attend to diplomatic affairs, but if this is not possible he might just return to the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-19

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

Both President Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt were interested in Ambassador Reid’s previous letters, although Roosevelt is not sure what Rudyard Kipling meant by his remark comparing the people of South Africa to Filipinos. Secretary of War William H. Taft was successfully nominated at the Republican National Convention, although Roosevelt tells Reid that he had to step in to prevent a stampede to renominate him. Roosevelt asks if Reid would speak to someone in the government to arrange things for the African safari that he plans to take after leaving office. He would like permission to shoot some animals, as he plans to donate them to the Smithsonian Institute.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-19

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt encloses several letters for his son Kermit regarding their upcoming trip to Africa. Roosevelt discusses the guns that the two of them should bring, and tells Kermit that it is time to discuss when they should make the trip. He also includes a letter from Seth Bullock about the upcoming Republican National Convention. Roosevelt believes that Secretary of War William H. Taft can be nominated on the first ballot. Additionally, Roosevelt has heard from Endicott Peabody, the Rector of Groton school, and has decided that the best course of action regarding Archibald Roosevelt’s education is to hold him back a year.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-06

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Viscount James Bryce

President Roosevelt asks Ambassador Bryce to thank Earl Selborne for his courtesy, but he does not expect to go to South Africa on his trip. He intends to follow Edward North Buxton’s suggestions, but to spend six months in the wilderness, rather than two, as Buxton suggested. Roosevelt also mentions an article by Sydney Brooks on Secretary of War William H. Taft and the other men in his administration that he appreciated, and asks if Brooks got the information from Bryce.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-01

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt is pleased that Kermit Roosevelt is ending his studies at Groton on such a high note. He quotes a portion of an article from the English Fortnightly Review praising his cabinet and sends along a letter from Edward North Buxton regarding their upcoming trip to Africa. Roosevelt updates his son on the goings-on in the family.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-23

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Henry Sharp

President Roosevelt appreciates Henry Sharp’s letter, and thinks that the gun Sharp suggests is exactly what he wants for his African trip, but he would like to get opinions from Frederick Courteney Selous and Edward North Buxton before making a decision.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-15

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt updates Kermit Roosevelt on the plans for an upcoming trip to Africa. He believes if it happens, Kermit will be able to complete his freshman year at Harvard before they go. He encloses material from Edward North Buxton and promises his son that whenever he goes to Africa, he will take him with him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-01

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

President Roosevelt tells Frederick Courteney Selous about some of the guns he would like in his outfit for his trip to Africa. He also speaks of his proposed itinerary and asks Selous if the plan is all right. Roosevelt does not want to be a game butcher, but would like to collect specimens of the different kinds of big game. He would prefer not to go to Europe before beginning his hunt, as he wants to avoid publicity if possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-29

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt sends Kermit Roosevelt a poem that reminds him of Quentin, as well as letters relating to his upcoming African safari. He tells Kermit that he will come with him, provided he does not let it distract him from preparing for his future and will treat it as a college course. Roosevelt also updates his son on the activities of other members of the family.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-23

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. H. Patterson

President Roosevelt thanks J. H. Patterson for the copy of his book, and agrees that the lion story is truly excellent. Roosevelt is impressed with Edward North Buxton’s conservation efforts in East Africa, and wishes that he had the good fortune to take a hunting excursion there.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-25

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

President Roosevelt has very much enjoyed Frederick Courteney Selous’s articles and hopes he will write a book about the natural history of big game. Roosevelt appreciates Selous’s ability to describe sights vividly and accurately.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-18

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to John Pitcher

President Roosevelt asks Major Pitcher to arrange for a camping outfit for Edward North Buxton and his daughter who plan to visit Yellowstone Park near the end of March or the beginning of April. Roosevelt informs Pitcher they would like to see the game and asks him to get a hold of Billy Hofer or George Whittaker to take care of the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George Bird Grinnell

Theodore Roosevelt received Trail and Campfire. He believes it is the best volume that the Boone and Crockett Club has put out. Roosevelt would like to give Frederick Selous honorary membership in the Boone and Crockett Club.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-12-27

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt is glad that Frederick Courteney Selous enjoyed his hunting trip, but is melancholy to realize that the United States has lost so much of its hunting grounds. Roosevelt recalls a few of his own hunting experiences: “I was just in time to see the last of the real wilderness life and real wilderness hunting.” Roosevelt also recommends several books to Selous and provides information about his experience ranching in North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-11-30

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt sends Frederik Courteney Selous maps of Montana and Wyoming to use on his upcoming hunting trip to the region around Yellowstone National Park. Roosevelt has marked these maps with the routes he believes he had taken when he hunted in the areas, but he is unsure of their accuracy. Roosevelt informs Selous of the areas where he successfully hunted various big game animals, such as elk, bighorn sheep, and wolves.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-05-18

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Henry John Elwes

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt sends Henry John Elwes copies of Science with his article on scientific terminology. He will look for the extra copy of the game report during his next visit to Sagamore Hill. Roosevelt feels he did all he could at the New York Police Department, especially since “the law under which we worked was utterly absurd in character.” He believes strongly in the American and British Navies and is glad to do such “thoroughly congenial” work. On a recent trip to his ranch, Roosevelt shot several antelope with his new Winchester rifle.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-05-01

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid explains two matters vital for President Roosevelt to know before he embarks on his African journey: English dress codes and the dangers of mosquito bites. Reid also hopes to continue his diplomatic service under President-Elect William H. Taft and also mentions that Chesterfield House may be available as a site for an embassy. In closing, Reid discusses reactions to recent speeches and congratulates Roosevelt on his “triumphant exit.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-23

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid goes into detail about a recent conversation with Lord Crewe. He just sent a brief telegram on the matter, but Crewe is willing to write to the Ugandan authorities about President Roosevelt’s planned elephant hunting. Crewe also gave the common warning that white rhinoceros will be hard to find. However, Crewe was happy to hear that if Roosevelt gets two he intends to give one to the British Museum. They also discussed the issue of Sir Robert Bond. No one is looking forward to the royal family’s upcoming trip to Berlin.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-04