Your TR Source
Melvin J. Chisum writes that he has written twice already about joining an African American battalion to serve under Theodore Roosevelt. He can produce 1,000 horsemen and assures Roosevelt that the “blacks of the South and Oklahoma…are ready.”
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1917-04-16
Wililiam Loeb sends Assistant Secretary of War Oliver a request from Douglas Robinson regarding the two sons of Henry Corn who are in the 13th Cavalry.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-11
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say that in the event of war with Germany, Roosevelt plans to form a mounted regiment and wants Kermit to be a lieutenant. He says if war should break out with Mexico he would not want Kermit to join because it would be better suited to Archie or Quentin. He says he will write Seth Bullock about forming a North Dakota regiment. Roosevelt also talks about a visit from Archie and Archie’s view on Harvard Clubs including the Porcellian.
1915-06-26
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit and daughter-in-law Belle about how happy he is to have the Sagamore Hill home and the visits there by the family. He is happy he won the libel suit, though William Barnes Jr. may appeal. Roosevelt writes how disgusted he is with President Wilson’s handling of international affairs even though Secretary of State Bryan resigned. Roosevelt ultimately wants peace but thinks America should be at war with Germany and is ready to raise a division of mounted riflemen and enter the war. He also describes his ten day trip to Louisiana and says his ribs are mending nicely after falling off a horse.
1915-06-16
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about Ted dining at the Porcellian Club at Harvard in hopes it might help Archie get in, but he doubts it. He adds that Archie does not care and is doing very well at school. Roosevelt says he has been writing articles for the Metropolitan magazine advocating military preparedness and he is prepared to join a mounted rifleman division should the United States enter the War. He mentions getting old and entertaining a “lady-socialist” at dinner. Roosevelt adds that Ethel and Ted’s wife Eleanor are having a splendid time this year.
1915-02-22
Inaugural Parade in procession, with the Cavalry escort in the forefront
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1905-03-08
10th Cavalry at Crawford, Nebraska
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1903-07-28
President Roosevelt has been reading Jacob A. Riis’s book all morning with delight. He would be proud, if there is still time, to let Riis dedicate the book to him. In his present position, there is little Roosevelt can do with regard to the slums. The large crowds he attracts would be prohibitive.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-12
Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed hearing from Frank Ross McCoy and is pleased that commanding officers now have authority to order officers to take the prescribed course in horsemanship. He will read Colonel Edward J. McClernand’s description of the new cavalry equipment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-25
Theodore Roosevelt asks Cecil A. Grenfell if he can have lunch next Friday at his office. While Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is doing better, he does not want to entertain at Sagamore Hill. He returns the letter from Grenfell’s brother regarding the French maneuvers. Roosevelt comments on the German use of the cavalry during their maneuvers and admits their artillery is immeasurably superior. He recently had a report on Germany’s use of airplanes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-04
Theodore Roosevelt introduces General Leonard Wood to Colonel Frank A. Edwards, a friend who he regards highly. Roosevelt first met Edwards at Yellowstone National Park and considered him to be one of the best cavalry officers. Edwards enjoys using a revolver, wrote a technical Italian-English military dictionary, and was sent as a military attache to Rome by Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-15
Theodore Roosevelt would not want to go into a war between Mexico and the United States. If the country were to go to war with a foreign power, Roosevelt would like to raise a volunteer regiment of cavalrymen from every state, but he “could not have too many Kentuckians.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-02
Theodore Roosevelt will include Captain Wise in his cavalry division if he is able to raise one, though he does not know what rank he can offer Wise.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-30
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Guild A. Copeland for his letter and states he will keep the contact information Copeland sent in case a cavalry division is organized to fight in the World War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-30
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Colonel Foreman commending him for arranging a “cavalry ride for the officers of the militia regiments.” Roosevelt suggests that it would be nice to have the people of Washington raise an efficient militia and expresses his opinion that there should be universal service in the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-27
Theodore Roosevelt notifies Robert D. Carey that he does not believe the current administration is prepared for trouble in Wyoming. Roosevelt tells Carey he will try to raise the cavalry and asks him if he can raise a squadron. Roosevelt will try to get authority from Congress. He warns Carey that this a private matter not to be spoken of, in case nothing comes of it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-22
Theodore Roosevelt congratulates Fitzhugh Lee on his marriage and discusses what men might be ready to go if Roosevelt is allowed to raise a cavalry to fight in World War I. He invites Lee to visit before his leave ends.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-13
Theodore Roosevelt looks forward to reading an article coming out by Lieutenant Colonel Whigam. Roosevelt is especially interested since Whigam fought as a cavalryman in Cuba alongside Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-05
Theodore Roosevelt is glad that Charles Thompson will join the Legion and believes that he would make a first class cavalry member.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-03
Theodore Roosevelt is unhappy with the Wilson administration and asks if Seth Bullock is too old to organize a squadron of cavalry from South Dakota if they are forced to fight.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-29