Gray, David, 1870-1968

Gregory A. Wynn discusses the origins of his hobby of collecting items related to Theodore Roosevelt, and he uses this as an introduction to examine a letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George Otto Trevelyan which had not been previously known or published. Wynn highlights the sensitive nature of the letter’s contents as it reveals Roosevelt’s thoughts and actions during a number of diplomatic crises during his presidency. Wynn also notes how the Trevelyan letter was shared with and was part of Roosevelt’s correspondence with his friend David Gray. Wynn asserts that the letters provide a “revealing snapshot of presidential statecraft.”

A postcard and a dinner program from Wynn’s collection appear in the article along with a photograph of Roosevelt with Trevelyan and his son George Macaulay Trevelyan.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

A typed extract from a letter Theodore Roosevelt wrote David Gray describing his experience as the American special ambassador to the funeral of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1911-10-06

President Roosevelt mentions guests who dined at the White House and Archie’s tenth birthday. He writes about how hard it is to keep his temper in public life with all the lies being told and the press trying to get pictures. Roosevelt adds that he had to spank Quentin and in a post script says that Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is on her way to take care of Kermit, as they just learned he has the mumps.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1904-04-09

President Roosevelt expresses pride and sadness that his son Ted, at twenty-one, is making up his mind about what he wants to do next fall. He encourages Ted to focus on hard work and remember the fun he had as a boy. Roosevelt also discusses the books he has been reading and offers his thought on Winston Churchill’s book about his father. He tells Ted about riding with David Gray.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-23

President Roosevelt is pleased that Kermit Roosevelt is ending his studies at Groton on such a high note. He quotes a portion of an article from the English Fortnightly Review praising his cabinet and sends along a letter from Edward North Buxton regarding their upcoming trip to Africa. Roosevelt updates his son on the goings-on in the family.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-23

President Roosevelt congratulates his son Kermit Roosevelt on his grades. Roosevelt is sorry for Archibald “Archie” B. Roosevelt, as he tries very hard, but his grades are not very good. He describes a walk he recently took with Fitzhugh Lee, John McIlhenny, and Cecil Andrew Lyon. Douglas Robinson and Corinne Roosevelt Robinson are currently visiting and having a nice time. They are disappointed that Stewart Douglas Robinson has been expelled from Harvard.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-16

George Otto Trevelyan tells Theodore Roosevelt that the documents and letters Roosevelt sent have arrived and contain a great deal of history. Trevelyan comments on the upcoming speech Grey is expected to give to the House of Commons and hopes Grey will acquit himself as well as Henry John Temple Palmerston was able to. Trevelyan is editing his volumes on the American Revolution in the countryside and has had the opportunity to go for a few successful shooting outings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-27

Ernest Hamlin Abbott assures William Loeb that he will deliver to his father, Dr. Abbott, an article by David Gray that President Roosevelt wanted Abbott to examine.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-07-20