Great Britain

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

President Roosevelt discusses the various supplies, including food and drink, that he should bring on his safari. He tells Frederick Courteney Selous that he does not want the trip to be too luxurious, and does not want to bring very much alcohol. He also discusses the type of guns he should use and when he intends to leave for Africa. Selous’s friend Charles Sheldon recently visited Roosevelt and told about his hunting experiences in Alaska. Roosevelt has been invited to give the Romanes lecture in Oxford in 1910, and will be going to England after he leaves Africa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-19

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt is determined to shoot a white rhinoceros on his African safari, and would like Ambassador Reid to speak with Lord Crewe about his obtaining permission to hunt in the same places in Uganda as Winston Churchill did. He would like Reid to inquire if the British Museum would like a white rhinoceros specimen if he is lucky enough to shoot three; the first two are promised to the Smithsonian Institution. He discusses a number of international events including the situation in India, and the ongoing controversy between the United States and England that arose during the summer Olympics.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-27

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to F. R. Wingate

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-29

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward A. Rumely

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Dr. Rumely that the treaties bind the United States “hand and foot” to Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia. Roosevelt says the treaties also bind the United States with Germany and Austria in spirit and believes they should be denounced.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-01-15

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Maurice Francis Egan

Theodore Roosevelt compliments Maurice Francis Egan on his letter writing and describes his letters as “delightful as literary works.” Roosevelt’s recent article, which pointed out some English shortcomings, upset the English but Roosevelt was writing for an American audience. He agrees that the United States is unlikely to fight “disinterestedly” as happened in Cuba.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Arthur Hamilton Lee

A recent article written by Theodore Roosevelt was interpreted in England as an attack on the English. However, Roosevelt was pointing out British military shortcomings in an effort to show the even worse situation in the United States. He is attempting to remedy the situation with advice from Ambassador Spring Rice and Edward Grey. Roosevelt is pleased that Colonel Lee was able to serve at the front but believes Lee can do the most good in his current position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Mary Augusta Arnold Ward

Theodore Roosevelt would like the American people to see the effort, resolution, and self-sacrifice that is happening in Great Britain. He believes that Mary Augusta Arnold Ward is the perfect person to write such an article.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-27

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to French Ensor Chadwick

Theodore Roosevelt strongly disagrees with Admiral Chadwick’s opinion that the United States should be supporting Germany because of wrongs done to the country by the English and Dutch centuries ago. It is a “foolish doctrine” to do wrong in the present because of centuries-old events. Roosevelt defends his policies towards Morocco during his presidency. He states that any comparison between the Moroccan situation and Belgium is “unspeakably silly” as Belgium was able to keep internal order and did not antagonize Germany.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Arthur Woods

Theodore Roosevelt was told by a man with first-hand information that Britain’s Civil Service may be one of their greatest handicaps. The “bureaucratic mind” cannot grapple with the emergency, likely referring to the ongoing world war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-17

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey

Theodore Roosevelt argues that the article Edward Grey believes will damage the British cause was misrepresented by British newspaper correspondents. Roosevelt’s article primarily chastised Americans for failing to do their duty by fulfilling international obligations and preparing for war. He mentioned Great Britain to show the dangers of a policy advocating a large navy and small volunteer army, such as the policy pursued by Britain before the war. Roosevelt admires the British army and navy but wanted to demonstrate to an American audience the folly of not properly preparing for war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-24

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Bryce

Theodore Roosevelt argues in favor of a military draft and suggests that the lack of a draft has limited Great Britain’s strength. Roosevelt believes that President Wilson is motivated by fear of pacifist and German-American voters. Wilson also has the “Jeffersonian Buchanan tradition” of avoiding all physical danger. If he had been president, Roosevelt would have taken action after the invasion of Belgium or the sinking of the Lusitania and he believes the country would have supported him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-30

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William R. Castle

Theodore Roosevelt argues that the Hague Conventions have proved futile, as neutral nations, including the United States, have not protested against their violation. International agreements cannot be counted on and each nation must depend on its own “strength to protect it from international wrong-doing.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-13

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hugo Munsterberg

Theodore Roosevelt denies ever saying that he hates England and would not make such a statement about any nation. He agrees that the best “racial elements” should be sought and brought into the “composite American character.” Roosevelt does not understand Hugo Munsterberg’s objection to Battle Cry of Peace. The play appeals to American patriotism and displays what would be brought on by pacifist teachings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. L. Garvin

Theodore Roosevelt has publicly demanded action regarding the invasion of Belgium and the sinking of the Lusitania. He has advocated that the United States prepare for war and is a great admirer of the British fleet and army. Roosevelt has primarily been writing about the shortcomings of the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-12

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to the Editor of the New York Tribune

Theodore Roosevelt found T. Kyle Dawson’s article to be excellent but Dawson was misinformed about Roosevelt’s article, “The Duty of the United States to Its Own People.” Roosevelt blames this misinformation on English correspondents only telegraphing the sensational parts of his article. The main point of the article was America’s failure to make military preparations. Roosevelt was appealing to his countrymen and had no idea the article would be read in England.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Louis Alexander Mountbatten

Theodore Roosevelt thinks that when World War I goes in history, it will be recognized that Admiral Louis Alexander Mountbatten’s action in connection with the mobilization of the British Fleet was one of two or three critical things which the Allies did that allowed them to neutralize the extraordinary German efficiency. Roosevelt assures Mountbatten that he will receive credit for this. Roosevelt also sends Mountbatten a copy of an article he has written in which he references Mountbatten’s actions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Arthur Hamilton Lee

The Wilson administration has behaved “infamously,” and Theodore Roosevelt considers President Wilson to be a timid man who will “avoid war at all hazards.” Wilson is favoring Germany and attempting to keep the German American and pacifist vote. Roosevelt breaks down American opinion into four sections; German Americans, professional pacifists, the majority who are not interested in international affairs, and a small percentage that think like him. Three of Roosevelt’s sons have finished training at the Plattsburgh camp, and they all did well. He has his volunteer division sketched out and guarantees it will do its duty. Roosevelt is distressed at Russia being “terribly smashed,” and he hopes the allies can stay together as they can win the war together.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. William White

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Dr. White that the United States unfortunately supports President Woodrow Wilson’s policy towards the war in Europe. Roosevelt sees German submarine warfare, which he considers the “assassination of women and children,” as failing, but believes the Germans have a secret agreement with President Wilson to harass the British and French with pretend concessions. Roosevelt encourages White to read his upcoming article in Metropolitan Magazine. Roosevelt notes that his sons and son-in-law hope to get into the war, but he doubts that America will join. Roosevelt invites the Whites to visit after he returns from visiting the north woods with Alexander Lambert.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919