Kenya--Nairobi

Pease, Alfred E. (Alfred Edward), Sir, 1857-1939

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Creator(s)

Letter from Percy C. Madeira to Theodore Roosevelt

Percy C. Madeira sends President Roosevelt details related to his upcoming African safari, answering many of his previous questions. Madeira mentions several books for Roosevelt to read, and recommends the best sources for maps of the region. He also outlines some short trips for Roosevelt to start out with after arriving in Mombasa, with Roosevelt’s goal of shooting various types of gazelles in mind. Madeira says that four or five months is ample time for his main safari. Madeira makes suggestions for Roosevelt’s Nile trip, including contacts for outfitters, recommendations for shipping equipment, and notes about climate and servants. Finally, Madeira warns Roosevelt that due to his status, he might be quoted very high prices by various vendors, and offers to keep his name secret to get better prices.

Collection

Madeira, Percy C. (Percy Childs), 1862-1942

Creation Date

1908-07-30

Creator(s)

Letter from J. H. Patterson to Theodore Roosevelt

J. H. Patterson comments that a letter he sent seems to have crossed one of President Roosevelt’s, and he thinks he already answered many of Roosevelt’s questions. Roosevelt can get most of what he needs in Nairobi, although he must be careful about which agents he uses there. Newland & Tarleton is not as reliable as they once were. Patterson offers to meet with Roosevelt in person to discuss the trip.

Collection

Patterson, J. H. (John Henry), 1867-1947

Creation Date

1908-07-16

Creator(s)

Letter from John Henry Patterson to Theodore Roosevelt

John Henry Patterson apologizes for his delay in answering President Roosevelt’s letter, but he only just received it when he returned to Nairobi, and then felt it would be best to wait until arriving in Great Britain before responding. Patterson advises Roosevelt to spend the greater part of his safari in British East Africa, as the hunting there is good and he will be able to shoot many specimens. He also gives Roosevelt advice on what the best route and method of travel would be to get to Nairobi, as well as the type of gear that Roosevelt should bring. If Roosevelt stops in England, Patterson would be glad to speak with him. He wishes he could accompany him on the safari.

Collection

Patterson, John Henry, 1867-1947

Creation Date

1908-06-23

Creator(s)

Note about recommendations from Theodore Lyman

Theodore Lyman has recommended Ahamad Hirsi to be headman for President Roosevelt’s Safari, and Akmet Ali as 1st Gun Boy. Both can be contacted by way of Boma Trading Co. in Nairobi.

Collection

Creation Date

1908-12

Creator(s)

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courteney Selous assures President Roosevelt that, in spite of the advice he has heard from Hubert Silberrad and Mr. Buchon, R. J. Cunninghame and William Northrup McMillan will be able to provide him with very good Somali hunters, trackers, and gunbearers for the trip. Buchon and Silberrad had suggested that Roosevelt should use natives who are familiar with the area, but Selous believes that the native tribes in British East Africa are not good hunters and trackers. Selous also suggests storing Roosevelt’s provisions and camp gear in Nairobi while he and Kermit are staying at Alfred Pease’s ranch.

Collection

Selous, Frederick Courteney, 1851-1917

Creation Date

1908-11-03

Creator(s)

Photographs of Nairobi

These photographs are of William Northrup McMillan’s farm and town diggings near Nairobi, Kenya.

Collection

Creation Date

1908

Creator(s)

British East Africa

This travel magazine provides information about planning a trip to British East Africa, including booking a trip, scheduling shipments, game laws, transportation, and all other details associated with a trip to Africa. The magazine includes pictures from British East Africa and a list of game animals in the area.

Collection

Creation Date

1908-07

Creator(s)

Newland, Tarlton & Co

Advertisement for Boma Trading Co.

A clipping advertising for the Boma Trading Company, which says that it will outfit safaris for scientific, sporting, and trading purposes. Interested persons should contact Captain George Hutton Riddell in Nairobi, or W. H. Hooker in London.

Collection

Creation Date

1908-07

Creator(s)

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edgar Alexander Mearns

President Roosevelt welcomes Edgar Alexander Mearns as the naturalist and medical advisor on his African Safari with “three cheers!” Roosevelt authorizes Mearns to requisition medical supplies from the Army and have them stored pending shipping to Africa, and outlines details of his travel and outfitting plans.

Collection

Creation Date

1908-08-03

Creator(s)

Shipping invoice

Shipping invoice for Theodore Roosevelt that should be paid upon arrival in Nairobi.

Collection

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Creation Date

1909-04-23

Creator(s)

Fauconnet A.

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Theodore Roosevelt would like a .22 rifle with a peep sight and 1,000 cartridges charged to his account, and sent to Alfred E. Pease. Roosevelt has done well with the .405 against lions, giraffes, and other game. Includes handwritten original and typed copy.

Collection

Creation Date

1909-05-12

Creator(s)

Massachusetts Historical Society

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George von Lengerke Meyer

Theodore Roosevelt recounts for George von Lengerke Meyer the “really great sport” he and son Kermit Roosevelt are encountering on their African safari, including the numbers and types of animals they’ve killed. Roosevelt hopes Meyer will give his regards to his wife Marian Alice Appleton Meyer and President Taft, whom he thinks “has done admirably.”

Collection

Creation Date

1909-05-17

Creator(s)

Fritz R. Gordner Collection

Roosevelt going into Africa

Theodore Roosevelt and several other men sit and stand around the front of a train engine in Africa. Roosevelt’s African safari lasted from March 1909 until 1910, and he and his expedition crew collected about 11,400 animal specimens for the Smithsonian. They also hunted big game during the trip.

Collection

Creation Date

1909

Creator(s)

Fritz R. Gordner Collection

Postcard to Sedalia Momrer

Kermit Roosevelt photographs his father Theodore Roosevelt with a group of African people. Kermit was the official photographer of the African safari from 1909 to 1910. The message written on the postcard to Sedalia Momrer invites her and her sister to Matt Scheckel’s home on Friday night.

Collection

Creation Date

1910-02-21

Creator(s)

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ethel Roosevelt Derby

“The Most Wise Bavian,” meaning Kermit Roosevelt, is hunting along the coast by himself. Theodore Roosevelt is very proud of Kermit and is anxious to hear how Ted Roosevelt is doing. He has been busy in Nairobi with lunch and dinners every day, foreshadowing what his time in Europe will be like. He looks forward to returning to safari and is pleased that it is the last stage of the trip.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1909-12-16

Creator(s)

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ethel Roosevelt Derby

The people of Nairobi remind Theodore Roosevelt of Rudyard Kipling’s stories, but locals do not appreciate the comparison. Kermit Roosevelt has been a great comfort and Roosevelt is very proud of him. Kermit has been taking part in race week but always on poor horses. Roosevelt describes some of the local people, including the “warlike Masai” and women “painted with vermillion and ochre.” He was glad to hear that the family was enjoying the European trip and does not want Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt to “economize in foolish ways.”

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1909-08-01

Creator(s)