Your TR Source

Halswelle, Wyndham, 1882-1915

Search by Date Range

Clear Filters

2 Results

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George C. Buell

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George C. Buell

President Roosevelt reproachfully replies to George C. Buell’s comments concerning John C. Carpenter’s foul during the 400-meter dash at the 1908 Olympics. Roosevelt disagrees with statements he has read in British papers and believes the British judges treated Carpenter unfairly. However, Roosevelt tells Buell his comments are private only and not for public distribution. Roosevelt aims “to refrain from every statement which will tend to cause international bitterness, and simply to congratulate the American team.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-18

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Theodore Andrea Cook

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Theodore Andrea Cook

President Roosevelt sternly rebukes Theodore Andrea Cook, both for the offensive language in the letter he sent, and for the actions of the English officials in the 1908 Olympics. Roosevelt is especially angry about the disqualification of John C. Carpenter from the 400 meter run on what he believes are false accusations of fouling the English athlete Wyndham Halswelle. Conversely, in the marathon, the Italian Dorando Pietri was initially declared the winner over American Johnny Hayes, despite blatant violations of the rules. For the sake of maintaining good relations with England, Roosevelt does not wish for this letter to be made public, and has warned American athletes and managers not to openly criticize the officials. However, he wants it to be made clear that he does not approve of what happened.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-20