Edward VII, King of Great Britain, 1841-1910

Letter from Thomas J. O’Brien to Elihu Root

Ambassador O’Brien informs Secretary of State Root that the early change to the British Ambassador in Washington has stirred much conversation in the British press and among its officials. An editorial in the London Telegraph stated that whomever succeeded H. Mortimer Durand would have to be “as popular and effective as” German Ambassador Hermann Speck von Sternburg and French Ambassador J. J. Jusserand. The Foreign Office thinks the new appointee should come from outside present diplomatic service members but O’Brien supposes it will be someone from within the current service and describes Sir Alan Johnstone’s qualifications. Johnstone was British Ambassador to Denmark.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-27

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid writes Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt that there has been no proof produced against the Duchess of Marlborough Consuelo Vanderbilt Spencer-Churchill, only “an outburst of envemoned but vague allegations,” which the Duchess denies. Reid believes the stories were inspired either by her husband, the Duke of Marlborough Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, or his family. Reid also tells Roosevelt he has heard privately that King Edward VII is “much enraged at the Duke’s conduct.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-06

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid will send President Roosevelt a pamphlet report of his formal address as well as newspaper clippings about a few less formal speeches he recently made. Reid notes that the English newspapers have taken a great interest in the campaign and seem to understand its significance. Reid further provides updates about the internal affairs of the British Foreign Office.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-06

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid has forwarded President Roosevelt’s letter to the people of Salisbury, and he is sure it will promote kindly feeling. Reid hopes that they may be able to bring the “slow-moving” Colonial Office to an early agreement, as the only currently contentious issue between the parties is that of purse-nets. Reports of William Jennings Bryan’s speech in Madison Square Garden produced instant revulsion in Great Britain, as the public thought he “dished” himself by proposing government ownership of the railways. Reid has not yet had a chance to discuss Roosevelt’s letter to Andrew Carnegie with Sir Edward Grey, but plans to bring it up at first chance. Frederick Scott Oliver, author of the new book about Hamilton, does not seem to be a prominent literary figure among the Englishmen Reid has asked. Reid has been watching the Cuban situation with great anxiety, as he has always believed the United States made foolish decisions about Cuba at the beginning of the Spanish-American War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-14

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Elihu Root

Ambassador Reid confirms his telegram from the day before summarizing the modus vivendi in the Newfoundland Fisheries for this year offered by the British government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-07

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Henry White reports to President Roosevelt on a week he spent with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. White and Emmanuel discussed international disarmament, about which both were skeptical. They talked about Vatican relations with many nations, especially Italy and France, and of how the Jesuits were involved. White also describes hunting ibex and shares that the king offered to send Roosevelt some ibex heads.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-29

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid reports to President Roosevelt about affairs in Europe. Reid’s impression is that neither Great Britain nor Germany want tensions to escalate to a war, and he is still trying to get more details about their negotiations. Reid informs Roosevelt that the King seems to be in ill health. He is also worried that Roosevelt’s friend, Silas McBee, is stirring up trouble by seeming to interfere in debates about the Education Bill. Reid referred the Grocers’ Federation to Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson and Secretary of Commerce and Labor Victor Howard Metcalf so that they might receive more information about complying with America’s meat inspection laws, and he enclosed a copy of a speech he gave at Cambridge on the American Revolution. Reid concludes by saying that he hopes the British government will help the United States settle disputes with Canada.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-16

Letter from Hugues Le Roux to Theodore Roosevelt

Hugues Le Roux asks President Roosevelt if he would consent to be an honorary member of the Académie française des sports because of his exemplary energy, courage, and reputation as a sportsman. Le Roux mentions other world leaders who have consented to give their patronage to various sections of the Academy. Le Roux also asks if his Chasses et gens d’Abyssinie has reached Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-18

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid tells President Roosevelt about a recent meeting between William Jennings Bryan and King Edward VII, as well as the general attitude toward Bryan among Englishmen after a series of speeches he gave in London. Reid also mentions that he will be sending a report on a conversation he had with Sir Edward Grey about a notice sent to Russia of England’s desire to have “a reduction of armaments made a subject for the next Hague Conference.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-27

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White is returning to Italy after having visited England, where President Roosevelt was unanimously praised. White thinks King Edward VII of Great Britain may be somewhat jealous of Roosevelt supplanting him as “the great peacemaker of the world.” White had a substantial conversation with British Secretary of War R. B. Haldane wherein Haldane stated his belief that Roosevelt and the United States may be able to influence the world to accept a global reduction of armaments. White will go shooting with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy soon, and will try to get a sense of his views on the matter of disarmament as well. White has so far avoided making any sort of comment about Roosevelt’s views on the matter, but asks what his thoughts are.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-30

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Whitelaw Reid tells President Roosevelt that Alice Roosevelt Longworth did him credit during her stay and regrets she did not have time to write. Reid then brings Roosevelt up-to-date on a number of issues. Reid thinks that Roosevelt’s statement about canned meats will have a positive effect on the market; William Jennings Bryan did not do so well at speaking at dinner as he could have, but most of the ministers seem to want to meet him. Viscount Edward Grey cannot remove Ambassador H. Mortimer Durand without Durand losing his pension; King Edward is not receiving as many people as usual, so it might not be possible to present Silas McBee to him, but Reid will push if the President would like him to. Also, there is worry in Egypt and France about the Mohammedan fanaticism.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-17

Letter from Francis Knollys to Whitelaw Reid

Francis Knollys writes to Whitelaw Reid that King Edward VII would be happy to receive William Jennings Bryan and proposes a possible meeting time. Knollys also asks Reid if he would kindly accompany Bryan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-24

Letter from Francis B. Loomis to Theodore Roosevelt

Francis B. Loomis suggests to President Roosevelt that he meet with the leaders in Europe in Azores in order to discuss a variety of topics such as foreign trade and the future relationship with China. Loomis thinks Roosevelt could accomplish more by meeting in person with the leaders than in using existing diplomatic channels, and could save the Hague Conference. Loomis suggests that the American people will feel a sense of pride in knowing their country is a “world power.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-11

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid discusses international relations with President Roosevelt including the situations in Algeciras and Morocco. Reid also writes about King Edward VII and the British press, and Kaiser Wilhelm II and the German press. Apparently, tensions are beginning to grow between England and Germany in the European arena.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-06-19

Letter from Frederick W. Whitridge to Theodore Roosevelt

Railroad president Frederick W. Whitridge, who was appointed special ambassador to Spain for King Alfonso XIII’s wedding, writes to President Roosevelt about the festivities. He notes how the young men in the American group behaved themselves well, and how the Americans hesitatingly wore the insignia they were given to wear at the ceremony so as not to offend their hosts’ hospitality. Whitridge also includes the text of his short speech to King Alfonso, expressing the admiration and affection of the American people and specifically Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-30

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid sends a newspaper clipping from a British newspaper to President Roosevelt, asking if he is correct in assuming that its description of Roosevelt’s telegram to Emperor Wilhelm is “unfair and unfounded.” Reid agrees to “look after” Harriet Shonts and her daughters when they arrive in England if the courts are open, but mentions that it can be difficult to accommodate American visitors when there are fewer courts being held. Reid also comments upon the recent Algeciras Conference.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-04-18

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Whitelaw Reid is holding President Roosevelt’s letter to the King until he returns from vacation. If Roosevelt wants it sent immediately, Reid can do so sooner. He goes on to discuss the general state of European politics.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-29

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid sends President Roosevelt a clipping from the Spectator about the Algeciras Conference. Reid also discusses members of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-04-02

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid writes to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt about a difficult situation observed by Elizabeth Reid at Windsor Castle. Reid also discusses H. H. Asquith’s position as a candidate for prime minister and shares inside information on the condition of King Edward VII.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-28

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid writes a letter to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt describing the social, political, and family life of the British royal family during a weekend visit to King Edward VII at Sandringham House. Reid also describes a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-15