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Herbert W. Ladd informs Theodore Roosevelt about his daughter Elizabeth B. Ladd’s upcoming trip to Entebbe, Uganda, where she will marry Dr. Robert E. McConnell. Ladd requests Roosevelt’s advice, aid, or introductions to assist her during her journey and after her arrival in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-11
Ambassador to Great Britain Reid updates President Roosevelt on various matters, including poet Algernon Charles Swinburne and his “suppressed” poem, the Newfoundland modus vivendi, and happenings in Parliament. Reid also details how he “warded off…the offer of some brand-new territory and responsibilities” in Nicaragua.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-28
Theodore Roosevelt cannot provide useful letters of introduction for Herbert W. Ladd’s daughter, as Robert E. McConnell’s existing connections with Lewis Harcourt and Lord Kitchener will be more valuable. Roosevelt assumes McConnell will meet her in Mombasa and notes he has no knowledge of the Union-Castle Line.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-12
Ambassador Reid advises Theodore Roosevelt to look for a tract by George Grey, the brother of British Foreign Secretary Edward Grey, with advise on how to avoid malaria in Africa. Reid also insists that both Edith and Roosevelt stay at his house when they are in England following his trip. He provides additional advise on where Roosevelt should stay during his trip through England. Reid has opted not to send Roosevelt clippings about his leaving office because he believes he is already inundated with them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-08
Whitelaw Reid updates President Roosevelt on diplomatic affairs in London. Reid has spoken with several British authorities regarding Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. The Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, Jutarō Komura, met with Reid at a luncheon given for members of the Olympic committee and emphasized that he and the Japanese Emperor recognized the United States as a friend. The Chinese Ambassador held a dinner and expressed friendly regard toward the United States. Reid provides a detailed description of two controversial Olympic races in London: in the 400 meter race, an American was disqualified for breaking the rules, and in the marathon, the Italian winner was disqualified in favor of an American. Reid notes that the American athletes, while somewhat justified in their frustrations, were seen by the British press as ill-mannered. Finally, Reid says he doubts that Roosevelt can make private visits to Paris and London on his way back from Africa without giving offense to government officials who would expect a state visit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-11
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a number of unfortunate and tragic events befalling members of the British government and their families. The “hoodoo” culminates in the death of recently-resigned Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-22
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a variety of political situations in England. It is likely that Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman will die or resign soon, which will lead to a number of changes. H. H. Asquith will likely become Prime Minister, and others like Sir Henry Fowler will likely resign. It is likely that Winston Churchill will be promoted to a Cabinet position. Lewis Harcourt will also likely be promoted, as he is universally popular and may even become Prime Minister. British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey spoke with Canadian politician William Lyon Mackenzie King, who claims to be a friend of Roosevelt’s. He spoke about Asian immigration on behalf of the Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-18
United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Reid comments on Winston Churchill’s recent promotion to the Privy Council, noting that it acknowledges his rise in the party without giving him a seat in the Cabinet. Churchill is still not well liked. Reid relays the debates on Horace Curzon Plunkett in the House of Commons and reports on English newspaper coverage of Roosevelt’s speech at Jamestown. He comments on unease over labor relations in France, the planning of an event after the Colonial Premiers’ Conference, opposition to a proposed move for a limitation of armaments at the Hague Conference, and Lewis Harcourt’s proposed English Land Bill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-01
Arthur Hamilton Lee updates President Roosevelt on the work he is doing to tell the story of the Russo-Japanese negotiations. Those in England had a different idea of what exactly happened, and Lee has enjoyed painting Roosevelt in a positive light. The English people have responded positively.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-28