Lion hunting

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward North Buxton

President Roosevelt asks Edward North Buxton about mosquito boots and requests that he review the supply list and make any needed changes. Alfred E. Pease’s description of where to hunt lion and other game thoroughly excites Roosevelt. The Winchester Repeating Arms Company has arranged for shipping ammunition. Roosevelt intends to follow Buxton’s advice and “shall travel as comfortably as possible.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Alfred E. Pease

President Roosevelt thanks Alfred E. Pease for helping him prepare for his Africa trip. He will follow through with Pease’s suggestions. Regardless of the sizable game, Roosevelt does not want to visit the Congo Free State for fear of controversy. A lion is Roosevelt’s primary goal. Per Frederick Courteney Selous’s advice, Roosevelt will hire “a white man who knows the country.” William C. Judd has been recommended several times. Selous will order all of the equipment.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Northrup McMillan

President Roosevelt has heard that William Northrup McMillan is one of the best resources in East Africa for hunters. He describes his plan to hunt for six or seven months in British East Africa, starting next April, killing only specimens for the National Museum and meat. Roosevelt would greatly appreciate if McMillan could advise him on where he can, with certainty, obtain lion, elephant, buffalo, and eland. He hopes his inquiries do not bother McMillan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-19

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward North Buxton

President Roosevelt tells Edward North Buxton that he has never used a peep sight for hunting, and describes the type of rifle sights he likes best, including a hand-drawn sketch. Roosevelt relays some details about the timing of travel for his upcoming African safari, saying he is pleased to be able to start the hard physical part of the trip by degrees at Alfred E. Pease’s ranch. The president hopes to stop over in England on the return trip to see Buxton, Frederick Courteney Selous, and other friends. Roosevelt has ordered the books Buxton recommended, and thanks him for sending an interesting extract from a report by J. H. Patterson.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Goethals

Letter of introduction for Colonel J. H. Patterson of the British Army. Patterson distinguished himself in South Africa and wrote “the very best book on lion hunting.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-11-09

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Joseph Bucklin Bishop

Letter of introduction for Colonel J. H. Patterson of the British Army. Patterson distinguished himself in South Africa and wrote “the very best book on lion hunting.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-11-09

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Alfred E. Pease

Theodore Roosevelt sends Alfred E. Pease a pamphlet he wrote on protective coloration in animals, which he also sent to Frederick Courteney Selous, C. H. Stigand, and Edward North Buxton. “Homesick for the wilderness,” Kermit is out hunting in the Mexican desert and will soon finish his course at Harvard. Edmund Heller wrote Roosevelt about Paul James Rainey’s lion hunt using bear hounds. Unfortunately, Leslie J. Tarlton and V. M. Newland are in poor health. Roosevelt has “settled down into a perfectly quiet life” and does not “intend ever again to go away from Sagamore Hill.” He shares his recent rowing trip with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08-15

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to R. J. Cuninghame

Theodore Roosevelt found R. J. Cuninghame’s recent letter “extremely interesting” and was particularly amused at the Swedish scientists’ decision to leave the elephants alone. The description of elephant behavior was intriguing. He is glad the Holland rifle worked and hopes Cuninghame likes Stewart Edward White. Edmund Heller recently wrote about Paul James Rainey’s success hunting lions with dogs and sent his pamphlet about white rhinoceros. However, Roosevelt is irritated that Heller did not describe the giant eland specimens. Roosevelt sends his pamphlet on animal coloration and expresses concern about Leslie J. Tarlton’s and V. M. Newland’s health. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08-11

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edmund Heller

Theodore Roosevelt is obliged to Edmund Heller for the interesting letter. Roosevelt discusses the hunting abilities and experience of Charles Jesse Jones, Paul James Rainey, and R. J. Cunninghame. Roosevelt also discusses his article Concealing and Revealing Coloration in Birds and Mammals.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-28

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Eleanor Corbett

Theodore Roosevelt is pleased with the photograph Eleanor Corbett sent and welcomes the Corbett family to Sagamore Hill whenever they visit from England. Roosevelt shares that his neighbor is in East Africa on a lion hunt and reminds Roosevelt of his lion hunt. He also includes a book review.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-28

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Leslie J. Tarlton

Theodore Roosevelt expresses interest in a recent letter Leslie J. Tarlton sent regarding a lion hunt in East Africa. Roosevelt asks Tarlton for further details regarding the final moments of the hunt. Roosevelt is concerned about Tarlton and others becoming sick. Roosevelt advises Tarlton that he has ordered three watches “fitted out with radium” to be sent to Tarlton from Germany. One watch is for Tarlton, and the other two watches Roosevelt would appreciate Tarlton passing on to others who may have use for them. Roosevelt references writing a pamphlet Concealing Coloration in Birds and Mammals.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Lucie Fairbanks Webber McMillan

Theodore Roosevelt wishes that he could have been with Lucie McMillan in Africa, if Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt would have accompanied him on the journey. Roosevelt fears he will not make another trip to Africa because his wife will not go and, if she did, she would be “quite needlessly” fearful for his safety while he was out hunting lions. Roosevelt congratulates McMillan on obtaining a rhino with twenty-inch horns and expresses his sympathy concerning George Grey’s death. McMillan and her husband, William Northrup McMillan, are invited by both Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt to spend the night with them should they ever visit the area.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Alfred E. Pease

Theodore Roosevelt received Alfred E. Pease’s letter, as he had hoped. He is currently visiting Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt and comments that the happiness of his children is his greatest concern. He recounts hunting bongos with George Grey in Africa and bird watching with his brother, Edward Grey, in England. The news of George Grey’s death by a lion saddened him, and he considers the dangers of lion hunting. Roosevelt discusses his family and their recent trip. While happy at home, Roosevelt would consider another scientific expedition through Asia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Leslie J. Tarlton

Theodore Roosevelt apologizes for “bothering” Leslie J. Tarlton, but he is concerned by his most recent letter. He assumes Tarlton is better now and is glad to hear about V. M. Newland. Roosevelt grew attached to Tarlton, Newland, and their wives while in Africa and wants them to be healthy and happy. The news about Carl Ethan Akeley is also concerning, and Roosevelt wishes he would leave Uganda for his health. Working and hunting in Africa is dangerous, as evidenced by the death of George Grey and many other friends.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-03-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Stewart Edward White

Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed reading about Stewart Edward White’s adventure with the four lions and asks when White’s book is being published. Due to the government’s failure to make any military preparations, a movement is beginning to organize and train citizens for military service. Roosevelt has suggested that White serve on the advisory council. Americans “seem incapable of learning except by disaster.” Roosevelt has heard that Californians are supporting President Wilson because they want peace, but their policies towards Japanese immigration are most responsible for antagonizing Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-03-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to John Jay White

President Roosevelt thanks John Jay White for the letter and advice about his upcoming Africa trip. Reverend W. S. Rainsford wrote to him along similar lines. Roosevelt has directed R. J. Cunninghame to hire the necessary support staff, and he mentioned the names White suggested. He hopes to begin the hunting expedition very soon after arriving in Africa, and will travel during the rainy season if at all possible. He invites White to come see him in Washington on his return from Richmond.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-04

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt tells his son, Kermit Roosevelt, that he has tried the double-barreled Holland elephant rifle and is very impressed. However, the rifle’s recoil is powerful and he wants Kermit to practice shooting it in Africa before they begin hunting. It will be the best weapon for large game. W. S. Rainsford has warned him that hunting lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos is particularly dangerous and they should “take every precaution.” Roosevelt takes this advice seriously.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Winchester Repeating Arms Company

President Roosevelt sends his 45-50 rifle to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It has the perfect trigger pull, although the stock is too short. Roosevelt would like the three rifles being made for him to have the same weight trigger as the one he is sending and the same stock as a rifle they already have. He asks that the rifle be sent back as soon as possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to F. R. Wingate

President Roosevelt asks F. R. Wingate several questions regarding his upcoming African safari, including where to find the best game, the best way to travel up the Nile, and when the best time would be to start writing to make arrangements for hunters, equipment shipments, and so on. Roosevelt emphasizes that he expects no special favors or treatment and that he is “no game butcher.” He intends to get hunting trophies for the National Museum of Natural History and perhaps a bull elephant of his own if “entirely proper.” Roosevelt is eager to see how the British are governing Egypt and East Africa, having recently read Modern Egypt by Evelyn Baring Cromer, and sympathises with the difficulty of colonial rule.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-29

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from R. J. Cuninghame to Theodore Roosevelt

R. J. Cuninghame thanks Theodore Roosevelt for the letter and pamphlet on animal coloration. He reports the success of several safaris and gives updates on some of their friends and fellow hunters.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-26

Creator(s)

Cuninghame, R. J.