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Carpenter, John C. (John Condict), 1884-1933

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Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt requests that Ambassador Reid explain to Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes that his African trip is a scientific expedition to collect specimens for the National Museum, not “a game butchering trip.” However, if given the opportunity, Roosevelt may collect some trophies. The invitation from the chancellor of Oxford, George Nathaniel Curzon, to present the Romanes lecture gives Roosevelt a genuine reason to visit England on his return from Africa. He details his travel itinerary, plans for appropriate formal attire, and people to call upon. Roosevelt is interested in what the Japanese minister for foreign affairs Jutarō Komura says and includes his letter to Japanese ambassador Kogoro Takahira and the reply. Reid’s full statement on the incidents of the Olympics pleases Roosevelt, who believes intense international matches inevitably result in misunderstandings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George C. Buell

President Roosevelt reproachfully replies to George C. Buell’s comments concerning John C. Carpenter’s foul during the 400-meter dash at the 1908 Olympics. Roosevelt disagrees with statements he has read in British papers and believes the British judges treated Carpenter unfairly. However, Roosevelt tells Buell his comments are private only and not for public distribution. Roosevelt aims “to refrain from every statement which will tend to cause international bitterness, and simply to congratulate the American team.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-18

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt clarifies for Ambassador Reid that on his African safari, he intends only to shoot specimens for the National Museum, with the exception of half a dozen trophies for himself, if he is able to shoot extras under his license. He discusses at length is plans for traveling through Europe following the safari. He accepts that he will have to see various heads of state in the countries he visits, and informs Reid that he will be delivering the Romanes lecture at Oxford. Roosevelt approves of the Japanese plan to postpone their international exposition until 1917 and wants to help them “put a good face” on the situation. He agrees with Reid’s assessment of various incidents at the Olympic games. However, Roosevelt stresses that all public statements about the Olympics should be positive.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt is determined to shoot a white rhinoceros on his African safari, and would like Ambassador Reid to speak with Lord Crewe about his obtaining permission to hunt in the same places in Uganda as Winston Churchill did. He would like Reid to inquire if the British Museum would like a white rhinoceros specimen if he is lucky enough to shoot three; the first two are promised to the Smithsonian Institution. He discusses a number of international events including the situation in India, and the ongoing controversy between the United States and England that arose during the summer Olympics.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-27

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt asks Ambassador Reid if he would be able to petition Lord Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes to write to officials in Uganda that Roosevelt would appreciate being given a guide and information that would allow him to hunt a white rhinoceros or elephant. The current unrest in India concerns Roosevelt, and asks what the feelings of British officials are towards it. Roosevelt also remarks briefly on his plans to leave immediately after William H. Taft’s inauguration as president, and comments on a controversy that arose at the 1908 Olympic Games in London, which is still fostering some resentment between the two nations. If Roosevelt can secure a third specimen of the white rhinoceros, he would be happy to send it to the British Museum.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-26

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Theodore Andrea Cook

President Roosevelt sternly rebukes Theodore Andrea Cook, both for the offensive language in the letter he sent, and for the actions of the English officials in the 1908 Olympics. Roosevelt is especially angry about the disqualification of John C. Carpenter from the 400 meter run on what he believes are false accusations of fouling the English athlete Wyndham Halswelle. Conversely, in the marathon, the Italian Dorando Pietri was initially declared the winner over American Johnny Hayes, despite blatant violations of the rules. For the sake of maintaining good relations with England, Roosevelt does not wish for this letter to be made public, and has warned American athletes and managers not to openly criticize the officials. However, he wants it to be made clear that he does not approve of what happened.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Andrea Cook to Theodore Roosevelt

British critic Theodore Andrea Cook forwards two books on the Olympic Games to President Roosevelt. He “was obliged to publish the facts” about the controversial 400-meter race. Unless Americans forget certain incidents, Cook warns that American athletes will not be welcomed at British tracks. Cook apologizes for any perceived rudeness to the American contingency and assures Roosevelt of his and his colleagues’ respect.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-08

Creator(s)

Cook, Theodore Andrea, 1867-1928

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Whitelaw Reid updates President Roosevelt on diplomatic affairs in London. Reid has spoken with several British authorities regarding Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. The Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, Jutarō Komura, met with Reid at a luncheon given for members of the Olympic committee and emphasized that he and the Japanese Emperor recognized the United States as a friend. The Chinese Ambassador held a dinner and expressed friendly regard toward the United States. Reid provides a detailed description of two controversial Olympic races in London: in the 400 meter race, an American was disqualified for breaking the rules, and in the marathon, the Italian winner was disqualified in favor of an American. Reid notes that the American athletes, while somewhat justified in their frustrations, were seen by the British press as ill-mannered. Finally, Reid says he doubts that Roosevelt can make private visits to Paris and London on his way back from Africa without giving offense to government officials who would expect a state visit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Creator(s)

Reid, Whitelaw, 1837-1912

Official statement of the Amateur Athletic Association

In a statement published in the London Times, the Amateur Athletic Association in Great Britain responds to “unfair and untrue statements” about the conduct of the Olympics in the American press. The American Amateur Athletic Union accused the A.A.A. of unfairness and poor conduct in several matters, objecting in particular to the disqualification of John C. Carpenter in the 400 meter final. The A.A.A. denies any claims of unfairness.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-17

Creator(s)

Unknown

American athletes at the Olympic Games

The London Telegraph reports on the American Amateur Athletic Union’s “campaign of misrepresentation and abuse” following the Olympics in London. In particular, the Union’s president, James E. Sullivan, has spoken out against English officials and criticized the British Amateur Athletic Association’s running of the games, especially in regard to the disqualification of John C. Carpenter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-18

Creator(s)

Unknown

Letter from Arthur Hamilton Lee to Theodore Roosevelt

Arthur Hamilton Lee and his wife, Ruth Moore Lee, are happy that President Roosevelt appreciates their gift of the painting “Seats of the Mighty.” After being president for seven years, Lee believes a year-long African safari is the best curative. He outlines “a plan… for you to visit England without annoyance,” inviting Roosevelt to stay at either his London house or the one in the Highlands. Roosevelt’s reaction to the Olympic controversies delights Lee, who feels international games cause more friction than good feelings. Lee discusses British naval preparation and questions the German policies.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-06

Creator(s)

Lee of Fareham, Viscount (Arthur Hamilton Lee), 1868-1947