Kenya--Nairobi

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. H. Patterson

President Roosevelt thanks J. H. Patterson for the letter, saying that it told him exactly what he wanted to know. Roosevelt is very excited about his upcoming safari in Africa, and says he will follow Patterson’s advice to make his main trip British East Africa, and describes his plans there. Much of his hunting will be done for the Smithsonian Institution, with whom he is partnering for the trip, although he would like to take two or three trophies for his own use, if it is permitted. Roosevelt would be very glad if Patterson would be able to visit him at the White House before he leaves office, and describes a visit he had with some other people.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-06

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. H. Patterson

President Roosevelt tells J. H. Patterson that he will likely be able to make the hunting trip in Africa. He describes the guns he hopes to bring, outlines his tentative travel plans, and discusses the game he would like to shoot. He asks Patterson to advise him “in rough fashion” about his plan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-11

Letter from Stewart Edward White to Theodore Roosevelt

Stewart Edward White asks Theodore Roosevelt for help securing the licenses and permissions to hunt in Kenya and the German colony, Tanzania. Gaining such licenses for himself, R. J. Cuninghame, and his brother is difficult because of the requirements of the different countries. White hopes Roosevelt will be able to help or have a suggestion of who he might apply to.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-22

Letter from Leslie J. Tarlton to Theodore Roosevelt

Leslie J. Tarlton updates Theodore Roosevelt on his much better health condition since his last letter and on the safari trip that he took in Nairobi, Kenya. Carlton describes lion hunting and appreciates Roosevelt for his gifts that he sent to him and others. Carlton then seeks Roosevelt’s advice regarding his coming to America and hopes he can direct him any way.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-20

Letter from F. A. Clifford and Jacob A. Fagerlund to Theodore Roosevelt

F. A. Clifford and Jacob A. Fagerlund, two prospectors, ask Theodore Roosevelt to settle their argument about the name of the ranchman that he stayed with while in Nairobi. Clifford believes it was “McMillan,” while Jacob thinks it is “McAllister.” They send Roosevelt some dried specimens of desert flowers and a mesquite clipping to plant in his yard as a reminder of Arizona.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-30

Letter from Lester Everret Broyles to Theodore Roosevelt

Lester Everret Broyles recalls a letter Theodore Roosevelt sent him on July 17, 1909 from Nairobi, Kenya. Broyles asks Roosevelt if he has yet read his book A Man Without Principle, as Broyles hopes Roosevelt will read it. Broyles details plans to research “rationale treatment” of people “having once sinned” and are seeking to better themselves, as he believes that new methods could show better results than “Prison Aid Societies and Parole Associations.” A leaflet was enclosed with the letter that includes reviews on Broyles’s work. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-06-20

Letter from Earl Grey to Theodore Roosevelt

Earl Grey tells Theodore Roosevelt that George Grey has been mauled by a lion in Africa and will likely die. Alfred E. Pease, whose wife Helen died last year, is with him in Nairobi. Grey reflects fondly on his visit with the Roosevelt’s at Sagamore Hill.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-04

Letter from Patrick McDermott to Theodore Roosevelt

Patrick McDermott, of the College of the Holy Ghost in Pittsburgh, informs President Roosevelt of the extensive number of missions the college runs throughout different regions of Africa. He lists the locations of missions in British East Africa and German East Africa, and invites Roosevelt to visit any of them while on his African safari.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-14

Letter from Percy C. Madeira to Theodore Roosevelt

Percy C. Madeira advises President Roosevelt on the amount of other hunting parties he can expect to see on his African safari, as well as the best locations to hunt big game. Madeira also discusses a method of dealing with ticks, and encourages Roosevelt to visit him in Philadelphia to see his hunting trophies.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-15

Letter from W. S. Rainsford to Theodore Roosevelt

W. S. Rainsford knows that this is a busy time for President Roosevelt, and hopes that his letters do not seem “cocksure.” He advises Roosevelt to never send Kermit Roosevelt out hunting with only one gunbearer, because conditions can become dangerous very suddenly. Rainsford describes several life-threatening situations he faced in Africa, and offers advice on shooting techniques for both rifles and cameras. He would like to meet before Roosevelt’s departure, but his health will not permit this.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-05

Letter from John Jay White to Theodore Roosevelt

Writing on behalf of Reverend W. S. Rainsford, John Jay White offers President Roosevelt advice about his upcoming safari. Both White and Rainsford disagree with Roosevelt’s plan to delay the hunting portion of his trip until after the rainy season. In White’s experience, May is the best time to hunt elephant and lion. White recommends several guides, and shares tips for making the safari more comfortable. He would happily talk in person soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-03

Letter from Lawrence F. Abbott to Ferris Greenslet

Lawrence F. Abbott informs Ferris Greenslet that Theodore Roosevelt can no longer be reached at Nairobi, but he will be at Khartoum on March 15. There is a chance that correspondence might reach him there, although Abbott does not have a specific address.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-01-29

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courtney Selous discusses concerns about President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa. Selous gives his opinions on the provisions, safari guides, equipment porters, and the hunting of big game animals. Selous includes a postscript informing Roosevelt that everything has been shipped and should arrive in Nairobi by early March.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-25

Letter from Henry V. Rowe to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry V. Rowe has heard that President Roosevelt is planning a trip to East Africa and would encourage him to pay a visit to Captain William F. S. Edwards, Inspector General of Police in Uganda, and his wife, Mrs. Evelyn G. M. Edwards, while he is in Nairobi. When Roosevelt returns, Rowe would like the chance to shake his hand and congratulate him on his years in the presidency.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-16

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton discusses the supplies President Roosevelt will need on his upcoming safari. These items include rifles, cartridges, hats, nailed boots, and hunting glasses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-08

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Theodore Roosevelt

Alfred E. Pease discusses President Roosevelt’s travel plans for his upcoming trip to Africa. Pease, who will be hosting Roosevelt, suggests he visit Nairobi and take the Athi River to Mombasa. Pease also updates Roosevelt on his own family’s travel plans, and discusses the big game present in the area.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-07

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courteney Selous will write to President Roosevelt again after speaking with William Northrup McMillan, but believes that for the time being all preparations for Roosevelt’s safari that could be made have been made. Selous doubts that Roosevelt will simply be able to travel to Alfred E. Pease’s farm without first showing himself to the citizens of Nairobi, as he is very popular there. Selous promises to go through the camp’s equipment and provisions before they are packed and sent away to ensure that everything is in order.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-29

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Theodore Roosevelt

Alfred E. Pease informs President Roosevelt about what it would cost Captain George Hutton Riddell to supply his party in Nairobi. He also hopes that Roosevelt will not allow his having committed to stay with him prevent him from staying with William Northrup McMillan, who Pease believes has better resources at his disposal. Pease assures Roosevelt that if he does stay with him, he will provide him with good hunting.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-24

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton is glad that President Roosevelt agrees on the subject of hunting in the reserves. There is tension locally over support and opposition to the reserves, but Roosevelt will not miss out on any game by avoiding them. Buxton asks for clarification on the recent check, which he sent to Nairobi. Buxton agrees, with Roosevelt that Kermit Roosevelt should not shoot at dangerous game until he has a little more experience, but is sure that Kermit’s nerve will stiffen up with experience. He comments that Roosevelt’s son Ted Roosevelt, will also be going through a similar process of growth at home, but in a different way. Buxton suggests speaking to Colonel J. H. Patterson or Lieutenant-Governor Frederick John Jackson, and sends Alfred E. Pease’s last letter mentioning William C. Judd. If it is solidly made, Buxton thinks Roosevelt’s 18 bore gun will suffice, and he offers his continued assistance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-22

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Edward North Buxton

Alfred E. Pease informs Edward North Buxton there is no hurry regarding President Roosevelt’s money. During his next trip to London, Buxton is to have the money paid to Roosevelt’s account with the National Bank of India Nairobi. Pease will write to Major George Hutton Riddell when he returns home next week.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-23