Derby, Richard, 1881-1963

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1918-07-24

Creator(s)

Bacon, Robert, 1860-1919

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt thanks his sister for her letter and poem. He has learned that Theodore Roosevelt and Archibald Roosevelt have landed in France, Kermit Roosevelt has been offered a position with the British army in Mesopotamia, and Quentin Roosevelt passed his flying corps examinations. Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s husband, Richard Derby, is also eager to be involved with the war, and Eleanor Butler Roosevelt will soon leave for France to do work with the Y.M.C.A.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-07-03

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit that Mother received a letter from Belle about the christening of Joseph Willard and he has heard of Kermit’s part in the latest war action. Roosevelt gives updates on Archie Roosevelt and says he heard Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s husband Richard has aged a great deal in the war.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1918-12-03

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit and describes life with five grandchildren in the house and the fall foliage.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-10-30

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit after his speaking tour to say he does not enjoy making speeches when what is needed is action, but he felt compelled to do so after hearing Robert M. La Follette criticize the war. He gives updates on various family members and male acquaintances as to their status with the war. Roosevelt also criticizes the War Department.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-10-10

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say they know he is at Port Said and to give updates on Belle, Ethel, Ethel’s husband Richard and the grandchildren. Roosevelt says he is glad all his sons were able to go abroad and fight and that the military training camps suffer from a lack of preparation. He has been speaking, writing and spending time with Mother.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-09-11

Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about letters he has received about him including one from Rudyard Kipling. He says he is over his disappointment about not being in the war and makes speeches about carrying it on to a triumphal conclusion. He reports National Guard troops are reporting to military camps. Roosevelt adds he is publishing a new book and is being paid to write for some periodicals.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-09-01

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to congratulate him on being made a Captain in the British army and gives updates on Quentin, Archie and Ted Roosevelt. Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s son Richard had his appendix out and her husband Richard Derby is eager to ship off to the war. Roosevelt says he is keeping busy with trivial work and rowing with Mother.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-08-08

Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about Ethel Roosevelt’s wedding to Richard Derby and a reunion of the Porcellian Club. Mother got a new horse and Roosevelt is happy to hear Kermit got a promotion.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1913-04-04

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about how Mother is going to be with Emily Carow while she has surgery and then perhaps going to Russia while Roosevelt is going to Arizona with Archie and Quentin Roosevelt. He says he is going on an eight day speaking trip and that he went to Scribners with Edmund Heller to discuss their book.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1913-06-08

Theodore Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt are in New York City and spending time with the families of Ethel Roosevelt Derby and Ted Roosevelt. Roosevelt’s libel suit is next month and he is unsure of the result. However, he believes his case will be “presented in great shape.” The Royal Geographical Society has published the maps from the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition and hostile comments against the expedition have died down. Roosevelt has been working hard at Metropolitan Magazine.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1915-03-07

Theodore Roosevelt has received Kermit Roosevelt’s letter about visiting Sao Paolo, Brazil, and everyone was interested in reading about Kermit and Belle Roosevelt setting up their new home. The book about the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition has been sent to all members of the expedition through the Brazilian ambassador. Roosevelt describes the “delightful Xmas” at Sagamore Hill with all of his children, except Kermit, and three grandchildren. He reflects on the war and views Germany as “clearly ahead” and Austria growing stronger. Roosevelt admires German efficiency, which is greater than the efficiency of the Allies, and the Allies are infinitely more efficient than the United States. President Wilson and Secretary Bryan are the “worst creatures” to lead the nation in foreign affairs. Roosevelt believes the United States should have countered the “unscrupulous” behavior of Germany and intervened on behalf of Belgium. He has signed a three year contract with Metropolitan Magazine to publish his social and political views.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1914-12-28

Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit on his animosity towards Englishmen who will not fight in the war but will go watch football games. He says he has been writing about the war and strongly disapproves of President Wilson’s administration of foreign affairs. Roosevelt gives updates on Archie at Harvard, Quentin at Groton, and Ethel and her husband returning from a trip. Roosevelt hopes Belle is doing better in the heat and is enjoying his duty to be lazy and enjoy himself.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1914-12-02

Theodore Roosevelt visited the Plattsburgh camp and there was a great “jamboree.” The Wilson administration “took ferocious umbrage” at Roosevelt’s speech but he is glad he spoke out. Ted Roosevelt did well at the camp and was named a First Lieutenant. Ethel Roosevelt Derby was distressed that Richard Derby had not been made a Corporal, but there is often only one promotion and twenty suitable candidates. Roosevelt paid close attention to Captains Van Horn and Collins. He was impressed and asked them to visit Oyster Bay, New York.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-02

President Roosevelt writes to Ruth Moore Lee regarding two articles he sent her. He knows that she must be incredibly anxious and does not want to discuss domestic affairs with her. Instead, he updates her on how his family has been doing this summer.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-08-06

In the years before the war, Great Britain was led by men like President Wilson and William H. Taft. Consequently, the British have been unable to use their strength like the other allies. The United States would perform even worse then the British. Robert Harry Munro Ferguson should not attempt to serve as he will not be sent to the front. Theodore Roosevelt’s friends Frederick Courteney Selous and R. J. Cuninghame are physically fit for their age but were refused front line service. If the United States entered the war, Roosevelt would serve with the expectation that he would eventually “break down.” He concludes with brief updates on the Roosevelt children.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-08-06

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Leonie Chopin in Paris to thank her for her “touching letter.” Roosevelt regrets to not be able to respond in French or to help more with the situation in France as she requested.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-19

Archibald Roosevelt is resting at Oyster Bay, New York, and is anxious to leave college and get to work. He seems to be enjoying himself and is considering a career in business. Archibald will also be going on a hunt this year. The Roosevelts have become “enthusiasts in burning brush-heaps” after Theodore Roosevelt’s “labor among small trees.” Roosevelt is delighted that Kermit Roosevelt is working hard in South America and married to Belle Roosevelt. However, he hopes that Kermit can return to the United States after four years.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-17

Theodore Roosevelt recommends that Kermit Roosevelt get to know “men high up in Argentina.” He understands Kermit’s warlike feeling as the United States is in poor shape and President Wilson refuses to prepare for war. The actions of the warring nations will likely involve the country in a European war and nothing is being done. Roosevelt concludes with brief updates on several Roosevelt family members.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-17

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Ruth Moore Lee for forwarding letters from her husband, Arthur Hamilton Lee, who is at the front lines of the Great War. Roosevelt expresses sympathy and admiration for the couple in their challenges associated with the war. He states that while the Lees are “playing heroic parts,” he and his family are “lookers-on.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-16