Your TR Source
John S. Nissen introduces himself to Theodore Roosevelt and encloses a selection of employment references. He asks for Roosevelt’s aid in fixing a payment discrepancy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-19
Secretary of War Taft shares General Fred C. Ainsworth’s evaluation of Major Edward S. Fowler’s lackluster performance in the Military Secretary’s Office. Senator Redfield Proctor and other members of the military committee would like Fowler’s name withdrawn and replaced with Governor Alexander O. Brodie’s. They feel future appointments should be given only to captains “of the line of the Army.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-18
Representative Bradley writes to Theodore Roosevelt to argue for the confirmation of Major Edward S. Fowler, enumerating the reasons why Fowler ought to be confirmed. Bradley would like this done to save his own reputation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-17
George B. Cortelyou requests that William Loeb ask President Roosevelt to authorize Loeb to wire Secretary of War William H. Taft concerning the retirement of Major Henry A. Barber, who is to be replaced by Edward S. Fowler.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-26
President Roosevelt recommends that President-Elect Taft be decisive in his removal of Edward S. Fowler to prevent further political turmoil. Roosevelt warns that a movement allowed to gain momentum will create problems later and thus urges Taft to take quick action.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-23
President Roosevelt recommends that Patric Devlin, an unclassified laborer, be promoted a classified laborer’s position in order to be given lighter work. Devlin injured his hand working at the Public Stores, and Roosevelt believes this is “one way” of approaching employer’s liability in government service.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
President Roosevelt has received Senator Platt’s letter recommending Colonel Edward S. Fowler for appointment as Appraiser of New York City, and agrees with Platt’s assessment of him. He will submit his name soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-18
After reviewing Edward S. Fowler’s case with Secretary of War William H. Taft and members of the Military Committee, President Roosevelt informs Representative Bradley that his request will not benefit Fowler in any way, as he not fit for the position and the law will likely be amended to prevent his taking it. Additionally, this will have the further consequence of hurting the prospects of Arizona Governor Alexander O. Brodie, who would otherwise be confirmed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-20
Theodore Roosevelt believes he can have Major Edward S. Fowler appointed as Assistant Chief of the Record and Pension Office. He regrets that he could not secure Edward Charles O’Brien’s appointment as secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Roosevelt will go over the facts in detail when he sees Governor Odell or Secretary of State John Hay.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-01
President Roosevelt encloses a letter on behalf of Edward S. Fowler. If there is a vacancy in Major John C. Tweedale’s place, Captain Henry A. Barber should be promoted and retired. Then Fowler can be appointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-11
President-Elect Taft shows President Roosevelt an example of many heated correspondences he has received regarding the retention of Edward S. Fowler as Collector of the Port of New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-20
Now that Francis E. Hamilton is no longer serving as counsel to the Collector at New York, Herbert Parsons would like to know who will replace him. Collector Edward S. Fowler has spoken to Newell Lyon, a young lawyer, as if Lyon is his personal choice to take up the position. Parsons tells William Loeb that Lyon is thorough and supports Secretary of War Wililam H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-09
Secretary of the Treasury Shaw tells President Roosevelt that he instructed the collector’s office to investigate Edward S. Fowler. Shaw includes the report with his letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-26
Postmaster General Cortelyou recommends to President Roosevelt the appointment of Colonel Edward S. Fowler for the position of Appraiser of the Port of New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-15
William Emlen Roosevelt writes to President Roosevelt inquiring about how much money he should spend towards work being done by Warren C. Brown.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-16
A confidential investigation of New York Collector Edward S. Fowler has returned the results that while there is no criticism of his honesty, he nevertheless has a number of character flaws that result in him not being well liked, and likely preclude him from office. Similarly, while his professional colleagues recognize his integrity, they make mention that he “has never been regarded as above mediocre ability, and is not generally liked.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-26
Postmaster General Cortelyou has received Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw’s communication regarding the investigation by the New York Collector’s office regarding Edward S. Fowler. Cortelyou writes refutes the criticisms contained in the investigation to President Roosevelt, citing his long personal knowledge of Fowler and Fowler’s efficiency in office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-28