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Theodore Roosevelt informs his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles that he is really enjoying his work as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and accomplishing a lot. He enjoyed meeting William Sheffield Cowles’ brother and daughter Alice is having a good time on her trip.
1897-08-21
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles to say wife Edith enjoyed her ten-day visit and has everything ready to return with the children. Roosevelt really enjoys his work as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Daughter Alice wrote him an entertaining letter and he wants his sister Corinne Robinson to invite son Ted to visit.
1897-08-17
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles to encourage her husband, Naval Captain William Sheffield Cowles, to write him on any matter that comes up and to say he will write Will to consult him on matters. He wants Anna to visit him when he returns to Sagamore Hill and says he is enjoying his work.
1897-05-07
Theodore Roosevelt writes a note to his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles to welcome her home and thank her for the help with his article. His work as Assistant Secretary of the Navy is pleasing so far.
1897-04-30
Theodore Roosevelt understands why his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles is wistful about leaving England and returning to America. He looks forward to meeting her husband William S. Cowles and invites his sister Helen Cowles to stay at Sagamore Hill. He believes he will remain a Police Commissioner at least until the new year and does not know what to do after he leaves.
1897-03-28
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt about how his Police Commissioner colleagues Andrew D. Parker and Frederick Dent Grant have put the entire police department in uproar. Roosevelt hopes they will all be legislated out of office soon as he cannot stand seeing all his work come undone.
1897-03-14
Theodore Roosevelt informs his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles that they are looking forward to meeting her husband William Sheffield Cowles. Roosevelt’s work as Police Commissioner is hopeless because he cannot accomplish any more. He feels William McKinley has begun his presidency well and likes the choice of John Hay over Chauncey Depew for Ambassador to Great Britain. His naval manuscript is complete.
1897-03-07
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles about England disgracing herself and the probable choice of John Hay for Ambassador to England over Chauncey Depew. Roosevelt’s work as Police Commissioner is becoming intolerably difficult due to colleagues Frederick Dent Grant and Andrew D. Parker. He is ready to be done with the job.
1897-02-28
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles to criticize United States Ambassador to Great Britain Thomas F. Bayard, but says he would shine compared to Chauncey Depew. Roosevelt does not know if he will be offered the Assistant Secretaryship of the Navy but would accept if the chance arose. He would be content to stay as Police Commissioner though he has probably done all he can.
1897-02-21
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his satisfaction with the work of James Rudolph Garfield.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-04-30
President Roosevelt is always busy, but thoroughly enjoys the work. The Roosevelt family is doing well and he encloses the requested photograph.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-01
Theodore Roosevelt has been unable to write as he is preparing for a trip. He will sail in four days. When Roosevelt returns he will have a political fight that he fears is hopeless. He enjoyed visiting the Fergusons and believes it was beneficial to Archibald B. and Quentin Roosevelt. Roosevelt hosted Cecil Spring Rice and his wife recently. Spring Rice has grown “old and feeble” but remains delightful.
1913-09-29
Theodore Roosevelt describes the effect of an extraordinary snowfall to his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles. He feels the odds are even that President William McKinley will offer him Assistant Secretary of the Navy and says he is indifferent because he is not sure he would take it. If he had proper power as Police Commissioner he would never leave but right now he is very hampered in his work.
1896-12-20
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt about how busy he has been with his work as Police Commissioner. He gets so many requests to speak that he has had to decline them all. He has more to accomplish as Commissioner but cannot do so until more legislation is passed. Roosevelt also criticizes his colleagues Andrew D. Parker and Frederick Dent Grant.
1896-12-13
Theodore Roosevelt thanks his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles for the presents and describes what he intends to buy for himself. He details a hike with son Ted and house guest Bob, who came for Thanksgiving, including the shooting of a possum. He enjoys the fact his work as Police Commissioner has put him in contact with the philanthropic work in the city.
1896-11-29
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles about his relief over William McKinley having won the presidential election over William Jennings Bryan. He discusses the overwhelming majority by which he won in different parts of the country. Roosevelt feels he has done all he can as Police Commissioner and would welcome being legislated out of office.
1896-11-08
Theodore Roosevelt describes how absorbing his work as Police Commissioner is to his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles. He feels he could do more if he had absolute power rather than being part of a four person commission. He finds the work hard and often disagreeable but feels he has accomplished a lot. Roosevelt also gives updates on the children, recent visitors, and his opinion on upcoming elections.
1896-06-28
Theodore Roosevelt describes the family’s activities since they moved back to Sagamore Hill. Kermit turns somersaults in overalls, Ted is riding the pony Grant, and Roosevelt has been teaching them both to shoot. The scenery is beautiful but Roosevelt’s work as Police Commissioner has been wearing and harassing.
1896-05-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles about petty fights he is having with his colleagues on the Police Board and how difficult the work of reform is. Roosevelt inspected the ship Indiana and describes his recent social activities with Senator Lodge, his wife Anna, and others.
1896-05-17
Theodore Roosevelt informs his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles he will soon find out if the legislature will eliminate his position as New York City Police Commissioner. His colleague Andrew D. Parker has been very “irritating” and he does not trust him. Roosevelt recently gave two speeches and describes Hermann Speck von Sternburg’s visit.
1896-04-26