Your TR Source
In a strictly confidential letter, Theodore Roosevelt discusses the investigation of Judge James Wickersham and other Alaskan officials throughout his presidency.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-09
President Roosevelt tells Senator Proctor that the appointment to replace David Henry Jarvis as Collector of Customs for Alaska has already been made. He also asks why Assistant Secretary of the Navy Charles Hial Darling will stay in his current position until September and asks if his transfer to the position of Collector of Customs in Vermont could be made in June.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-21
President Roosevelt sends Attorney General Moody a memorandum he received from Collector of Customs in Alaska David Henry Jarvis regarding a chapter of Charles Robert Eustace Radclyffe’s book, Big Game Shooting in Alaska. He asks Moody to have Marshal George G. Perry make a full report of the matter. Roosevelt believes the deputy marshal in question should be removed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-05
William Davenport Hulbert thanks Theodore Roosevelt for the letter containing new, interesting, and valuable information on the Alaska situation. He is troubled that his findings have differed from The Outlook’s and has talked to many well-informed men from various perspectives. Hulbert discusses these findings and his opinions of various Alaskan government officials, including Judge James Wickersham and Territorial Governor Wilford B. Hoggatt. He asks Roosevelt’s permission to quote from his letter, especially concerning David Henry Jarvis.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-25
William Davenport Hulbert is in Alaska reporting on various matters for The Outlook and asks for Theodore Roosevelt’s insights. First, he would like information on Representative James Wickersham, who was a District Judge during Roosevelt’s presidency. He has heard that Wickersham was lax in enforcing drinking and gambling laws and knows that Roosevelt had someone investigate his conduct. He also would like any information Roosevelt has relating to the suicide of David Henry Jarvis. It seems likely that “big special interests” and corruption in Alaska may have influenced Jarvis.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-23
Abe Spring begins his letter by drawing Theodore Roosevelt’s attention to several inaccuracies in Jack London’s latest novel about Alaska. His true purpose in writing, however, was to discuss the political situation in Alaska with Roosevelt. Spring feels that Alaska does not have clear leadership, and that without such leadership it will not develop into a useful state. While he recognizes that Roosevelt is a private citizen now, he nevertheless appeals to Roosevelt’s patriotism for assistance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-04