Your TR Source
President Roosevelt has heard good things about Captain Robert S. Griffin, but does not like “one or two things about him,” which he will tell Michael E. Bannin when they speak. He also has been doing his “level best” on the currency matter and thinks they will get something.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-27
President Roosevelt asks Representative Cockran to tell Father James F. Mackin that he will carefully consider what he says and will take the matter up with Secretary of the Navy Victor Howard Metcalf. He has heard good things about Commander Robert S. Griffin, but has to consider other men as well. (Griffin has applied to be appointed engineer-in-chief of the Navy)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-22
President Roosevelt will give careful consideration to Commander Robert S. Griffin’s case, but notes that he will judge Griffin entirely on his standing compared to other candidates. (Griffin has applied to be engineer-in-chief of the Navy)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-25
President Roosevelt encloses a letter from Cardinal James Gibbons supporting Commander Robert S. Griffin, who would like to replace Rear Admiral Charles W. Rae as Chief Engineer of the Navy. While Roosevelt thinks well of Griffin, he does not appreciate his applying ecclesiastical pressure in an attempt to get the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-25
Naval Commander Sims writes to President Roosevelt to voice his opinion regarding the appointment of an Engineer-in-Chief for the Navy. Sims believes that the candidate backed by Senator Eugene Hale and Chief Constructor W. L. Capps should not be appointed, and encloses a memorandum to this effect. Instead, Sims endorses the appointment of a line officer, and is backed by Commanders Robert S. Griffin and Benjamin C. Bryan. If a line officer is not available, Sims endorses either Griffin or Bryan as good candidates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-07