Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt writes to His Excellency Carlos Pereya to thank him and the National University of Mexico for awarding him the title of Doctor Honoris Cauca. He asks that his appreciation be passed on to the Government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-14
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Baron Daniel von Olegar for his offer and regrets that Roosevelt is unable to take advantage of it, as he is not making a collection of old masters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-10
Theodore Roosevelt writes a letter to Ambassador Whitelaw Reid, introducing John Purrey Mitchel, President of the Board of Aldermen of New York City and a member of the firm of Mitchel & Mullan. He asks that Mitchel be shown any courtesies possible during his business trip abroad.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-05
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Sir Courtenay Walter Bennett for the invitation to attend the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, but explains that he has a previous engagement and is unable to attend.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-14
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary reprimands J. J. Booth for publishing a private conversation between Roosevelt and the King of England and declines to confirm the accuracy of the report.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-26
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-20
President Roosevelt questions Edward North Buxton about whether or not he should bring a gun for close-range shooting. He clarifies his decision to hire an Englishman to manage his caravan, and his choice of hunting guides for himself and his son Kermit. He hopes that he will be able to get permission to visit game reserves in British East Africa to shoot specimens for the National Museum, but he does not want special privileges that would not be extended to others. He plans to start his hunt at Alfred E. Pease’s ranch, and wants to know if it will be possible to keep the press away. He notes that his son Ted will be starting his new job while he and Kermit are hunting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-10
President Roosevelt directs Third Assistant Secretary of State Herbert H. D. Peirce to deliver a message to Sergei Vitte, requesting that he send Baron Roman Romanovich Rosen or some other trusted representative to see Roosevelt immediately.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-18
President Roosevelt outlines his travel plans and schedule for his upcoming safari in Africa for Ambassador Reid. He wants Reid to make clear that he only intends to shoot specimens for the Smithsonian Institution, and perhaps a few extra trophies for himself and his son Kermit. He does not want special treatment in any of the countries he will pass through, although he would appreciate any game reserves being opened for him if possible. If it is not possible for him to travel through Europe without fanfare during the months following the safari, Roosevelt will likely return straight home to America. If he does travel through Europe with his family, he would like the American diplomats to make it clear that he is traveling as a former president and does not want to meet heads of governments.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-20
President Roosevelt informs F. R. Wingate of his plans to go on safari in the British territories in Africa. He lists the places he intends to visit and the animals he intends to shoot. Most of the specimens will be donated to the Smithsonian Institute, although Roosevelt and his son Kermit may keep a few trophies for themselves. Roosevelt assures Wingate that he intends to travel as a private citizen, and does not want the leaders of any of the territories making special arrangements for him. He adds that he is interested to see how Wingate and others have managed the British possessions in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-29
Theodore Roosevelt has long admired industrialist Eiichi Shibusawa’s work and it was the greatest possible pleasure to have him at lunch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-31
Theodore Roosevelt provides several corrections to William Roscoe Thayer’s article, “John Hay and the Panama Republic.” Roosevelt denies conspiring with Philippe Bunau-Varilla and defends his actions as Colombia could not be treated as a “responsible power.” Had there not been a revolt, Roosevelt was prepared to seize the isthmus by force. However, he took advantage of the situation and stopped the “bandits” from holding up a great project.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-07-02
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased with Jules Bois’s essay about him. He comments that a successful foreign policy is often dependent on only international courtesy being made public. When Roosevelt sent an American fleet on a tour around the world he instructed them to act as if they were always in a state of war. The “peaceful mission” brought only goodwill from Japan and was popular at home. Roosevelt says he “spoke softly and carried a big stick.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-02-07
Theodore Roosevelt comments on a recent article he wrote and provides his opinion on instances where a country, particularly the United States and France, force military service on individuals that are only nominally citizens, such as a child of French parents who happened to be born in the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-01
Theodore Roosevelt explains to reporter Henry Beach Needham that he cannot write private letters to potentates abroad, but he encloses another document that might be of use to him. Roosevelt is disturbed by what Needham and Gifford Pinchot have told him about Albert J. Beveridge
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-29
The success of German submarines has given Theodore Roosevelt a “very uneasy feeling.” Roosevelt is concerned that Great Britain’s ability to continue fighting might rely on American merchant shipping. As such, the British should be cautious when protesting neutrality rights and confiscating cargoes. Great Britain must decide what is in their own interests, but if they are mistaken the responsibility is upon them. Roosevelt hopes the British will avoid a “clash” with the United States, no matter who is in the right. The Wilson administration is courting the German vote and Roosevelt understands British contempt for the administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-05
Theodore Roosevelt thanks J. J. O’Connor for the letter and appreciates his friendly words regarding Roosevelt’s article on the Mexican situation. However, Roosevelt takes issue with O’Connor’s statement that Roosevelt made a political blunder by not visiting Pope Pius X. After his African safari, Roosevelt visited Rome, Italy, and intended to pay his respects to the Pope. Cardinal Merry del Val, the Cardinal Secretary of State, made a stipulation for meeting with the Pope that Roosevelt could not visit the Methodist church and school at Rome. Roosevelt could not agree to these terms and was not received. He believes his decision was proper.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-18
Theodore Roosevelt will not be attending the Progressive Party conference in Chicago, Illinois. Governor Johnson’s election is the one great Progressive success and Roosevelt hopes Johnson will attend the conference to outline the future course of the party and help quell public quarrels. Roosevelt is concerned about Japanese discrimination in California and the drastic legislation that may be introduced. He suggests that the legislation is being supported by Germans in an effort to sour relations between the United States and Japan. Roosevelt suggests ignoring the “Japanese question” until the conclusion of the European war. He wants to treat the Japanese with courtesy but on the understanding that Americans will not immigrate en mass to Japan and the Japanese will not immigrate en mass to the United States. Roosevelt is distressed at the foreign policy of President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan. He wants a coherent foreign policy that takes “efficient steps to strengthen us.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-16
President Roosevelt wires “accept hearty thanks” to Guatemalan President Estrada Cabrera.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-04
President Roosevelt thanks President Gómez of Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-04