Your TR Source
William Northrup McMillan wrote to President Roosevelt from England and is currently writing to R. J. Cunninghame. He welcomes Roosevelt to Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-10
W. S. Rainsford knows that this is a busy time for President Roosevelt, and hopes that his letters do not seem “cocksure.” He advises Roosevelt to never send Kermit Roosevelt out hunting with only one gunbearer, because conditions can become dangerous very suddenly. Rainsford describes several life-threatening situations he faced in Africa, and offers advice on shooting techniques for both rifles and cameras. He would like to meet before Roosevelt’s departure, but his health will not permit this.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-05
Writing on behalf of Reverend W. S. Rainsford, John Jay White offers President Roosevelt advice about his upcoming safari. Both White and Rainsford disagree with Roosevelt’s plan to delay the hunting portion of his trip until after the rainy season. In White’s experience, May is the best time to hunt elephant and lion. White recommends several guides, and shares tips for making the safari more comfortable. He would happily talk in person soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-03
Frederick Courteney Selous forwarded the letter President Roosevelt sent to Sir William Northrup McMillan who is currently in India. McMillan and Lucie Fairbanks Webber McMillan will be in Mombasa before Roosevelt arrives.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-27
Frederick Courtney Selous discusses concerns about President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa. Selous gives his opinions on the provisions, safari guides, equipment porters, and the hunting of big game animals. Selous includes a postscript informing Roosevelt that everything has been shipped and should arrive in Nairobi by early March.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-25
W. S. Rainsford advises President Roosevelt on several details regarding his upcoming African safari. Rainsford believes Roosevelt will become fast friends with R. J. Cunninghame, with whom he has had the chance to spend some time with recently. He also mentions some of the dangers Roosevelt may face, and cites several casualties that have occurred since he has been in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-25
W. S. Rainsford writes to President Roosevelt with advice for his upcoming African safari. Rainsford believes that R. J. Cunninghame will serve Roosevelt well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-22
Frederick Courteney Selous believes that he has done everything he can to arrange for President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa, and gives Roosevelt advice on what further steps he may have to take to complete preparations. Roosevelt’s outfits and provisions will be forwarded to Newland, Tarlton and Co. at Nairobi once they arrive at Mombasa. Selous thinks Roosevelt may have to resign himself to meeting the Governor of British East Africa and participating in some ceremonies before leaving on his actual safari, which would have the upside of allowing for final preparations to be completed. Selous has accepted an invitation from William Northrup McMillan to visit Africa at the same time as Roosevelt, and hopes to be able to travel on the same boat as Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-13
William Northrup McMillan received a cable that says R. J. Cunninghame is certain to meet President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-08
Frederick Courteney Selous will write to President Roosevelt again after speaking with William Northrup McMillan, but believes that for the time being all preparations for Roosevelt’s safari that could be made have been made. Selous doubts that Roosevelt will simply be able to travel to Alfred E. Pease’s farm without first showing himself to the citizens of Nairobi, as he is very popular there. Selous promises to go through the camp’s equipment and provisions before they are packed and sent away to ensure that everything is in order.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-29
Percy C. Madeira encloses a letter from Frederick John Jackson detailing President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa. He feels that Roosevelt will have a very good trip. Madeira hopes that Jackson is wrong, and that Roosevelt has secured R. J. Cunninghame’s services. He also says that the .350 magazine Jackson writes about is a good one. He asks Roosevelt to return Jackson’s letter when he is done with it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-23
Percy C. Madeira thanks President Roosevelt for his offer to provide an introduction to Alaska governor Wilford B. Hoggatt. He asks him to write the introduction and provide an autographed photograph if it is not too much trouble. Madeira invites Roosevelt and his son Kermit to Philadelphia to see his “African bag,” which has been mounted. Finally, Madeira suggests that Roosevelt get metal-covered ammunition for his trip and send his supplies to Africa a month in advance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-16
W. S. Rainsford offers President Roosevelt advice about his upcoming trip to Africa. In particular, he advises Roosevelt not to engage William C. Judd as a guide for his son Kermit. Rainsford had a bad experience with Judd as his guide. He also advises Roosevelt about good hunting rifles and the precautions to take in hot weather. He tells Roosevelt to follow the advice of Frederick John Jackson, lieutenant-governor of British East Africa. Item includes a handwritten letter and a typed transcription.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-19
Frederick Courteney Selous informs President Roosevelt that he has secured R. J. Cunninghame as head man for Roosevelt’s safari. He has spoken to several men connected to East Africa, who all agree that Cunninghame is the right man for the job. Sir William Northrup McMillan has advised Selous about the provisions and supplies Roosevelt will need, and where he will be able to restock if necessary. Selous also discusses people like Lieutenant Governor Frederick John Jackson, who will help Roosevelt on his trip, and places where Roosevelt will have good hunting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-28
Edward North Buxton assures President Roosevelt that he enjoys planning Roosevelt’s trip to Africa, and that there is no need to thank him. He discusses the supplies, including boots, that he is arranging for Roosevelt. Buxton has nothing more to say about Roosevelt’s decision to hire a white man to lead his trip, although he expresses his concerns about having too many white men in the party. He also suggests limiting the number of guns and shooters to two. He discusses which native guides Roosevelt should hire, and the merits of Roosevelt hiring them himself, rather than delegating it to his head man.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-13
Edward North Buxton discusses the merits of using Somali shikaris as gunbearers during President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari. He also writes about the advisability of carrying money on the trip and provides his knowledge of R. J. Cunninghame and William C. Judd, two white hunters who have been mentioned as potential guides. This item includes a typewritten transcript of the handwritten letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-07
Lieutenant Governor Frederick John Jackson, of British East Africa, gives President Roosevelt advice on his upcoming safari. He recommends V. M. Newland and Leslie J. Tarlton to outfit and supply Roosevelt, and after speaking with W. S. Rainsford, he recommends Roosevelt take a white man to run the caravan, such as Tarlton or R. J. Cunninghame. To hunt as many specimens as possible, Jackson maps out a route from Alfred E. Pease’s ranch in the Kapiti plains to William Northrup McMillan’s property in Doinya Sabuk, and then to the Vasin Gisha plateau. Jackson would be glad to receive Roosevelt in Nairobi upon arrival if the governor is unavailable. A list of game is included.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-25
Percy C. Madeira sends President Roosevelt details related to his upcoming African safari, answering many of his previous questions. Madeira mentions several books for Roosevelt to read, and recommends the best sources for maps of the region. He also outlines some short trips for Roosevelt to start out with after arriving in Mombasa, with Roosevelt’s goal of shooting various types of gazelles in mind. Madeira says that four or five months is ample time for his main safari. Madeira makes suggestions for Roosevelt’s Nile trip, including contacts for outfitters, recommendations for shipping equipment, and notes about climate and servants. Finally, Madeira warns Roosevelt that due to his status, he might be quoted very high prices by various vendors, and offers to keep his name secret to get better prices.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-30
Percy C. Madeira sends detailed notes about the people President Roosevelt should contact regarding his upcoming African Safari, and includes details on equipment, personnel, and the best routes to take.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-24
Photograph shows hunter R. J. Cunninghame and Theodore Roosevelt inspecting a skull in front of a tent.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1910-04-04