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The Winchester Repeating Arms Company explains the misfire of a .45/70 cartridge. They will examine 10% of each item ordered for President Roosevelt to make sure it does not happen again.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-08-29
President Roosevelt would like to know the exact number of cartridges of each caliber, as well as the number of full-jacketed and soft-nosed bullets of each caliber. He is eager to test the rifles as soon as they arrive.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-08-30
The Winchester Repeating Arms Company sends exact specifications on how they propose to pack each case of cartridges for shipment to Mombasa.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-09-01
President Roosevelt approves of the approach for packing the cartridges. He would like a sample of ammunition sent with the guns so he can try them out this fall. The guns must arrive before September 20.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-09-02
Theodore Roosevelt is annoyed at the condition of the rifles sent by the Winchester Company. His issues focus on the sights of the guns, the thickness of the stocks, the number of cartridges in the magazine, and the metal bead on the three front sights. He would also like a half dozen cleaners for each type of rifle.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-09-16
The Winchester Repeating Arms Company addresses Theodore Roosevelt’s complaints about the guns they sent. The sights were put on temporarily to be used when testing the special ammunition. When the guns are given the extra thick pads, they will also be the dimensions Roosevelt requested. They will also get ivory sights stained “a little pink” for Roosevelt. Remaking the stocks will cause a delay of three weeks in gun delivery.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-09-21
William Loeb sends $127.57 for the cartridges shipped to Mombasa. President Roosevelt wants to be notified as soon as the Winchester Company hears that the cartridges have arrived.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-10-15
The Winchester Company is sending President Roosevelt the three new guns and the two samples that Roosevelt sent. 100 cartridges are also being shipped. The Company suggests that Roosevelt return the guns to them for repacking to Mombasa. They will pack them in tin-lined cases with excelsior.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-11-25
President Roosevelt thinks the weapons are beautiful, but the .405s might shoot too high. He also requests more ammunition.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-12-05
President Roosevelt appreciates the suggestion of having a Winchester representative come down and make sure the sights of the guns are correct. He requests additional boxes of 30 caliber model 1903 and .405 caliber W. C. F. cartridges.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-12-11
President Roosevelt is pleased with the rifle sights after working with the representative from the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. He gives additional directions for packing the guns for transport on the steamer to Africa and would like additional cartridges sent along to Mombasa.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1908-12-31
President Roosevelt will be glad to receive the new .405. He will take the 3,000 rounds of ammunition as personal baggage. More cartridges are requested to be sent to Mombasa.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1909-01-04
President Roosevelt wants to know when the ammunition arrives in Mombasa. He has the leather cases that belong to the Holland and Mannlicher guns and only needs the tin cases. Roosevelt’s name should also be put on the ammunition and gun cases in large red letters. He will sail on the Hamburg-American Line steamer Hamburg on March 23.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
1909-02-05
H. B. Dow reports on two rifles that were sent in for repairs by President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-08-09
Nathaniel Henchman Davis is sending a .45 caliber Winchester rifle that President Roosevelt had requested. Davis believes this rifle to be perfect for large game. He also suggests that Governor Taft should have a longer vacation from his duties in the Philippines and lose weight due to poor health. Although Taft could probably return safely, his doctor recommends a longer break.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-19