Your TR Source
President Roosevelt informs Anna Roosevelt Cowles that he had “Cuban fever” during his hunt but is relieved to hear William Sheffield Cowles’ own health has improved. Roosevelt has asked Edith to inquire when Whitelaw Reid and his family can spend time with them before they leave.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-06
President Roosevelt reports that he is having a touch of the “Cuban fever” and is glad to be in the house with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt. He reports on the family pets and that Quentin is learning to ride a pony. Edith is going to take the three children to Doctor Rixey’s farm. Roosevelt says he is working hard on his address to Congress.
1903-10-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Belle Roosevelt to update her on the status of the family. Kermit Roosevelt has been stricken with malaria in Italy, Archie Roosevelt has been seriously wounded in action, and Ted Roosevelt has been gassed. Roosevelt’s youngest son Quentin has made it to France and is flying missions on the front.
1918-07-01
Despite having just written to Harry Johnston, President Roosevelt finds his letter interesting and writes again. He is delighted Johnston is visiting America in the fall and invites him to stay at the White House. Like Johnston, Roosevelt “loathe[s] mere sentimentalism…but I abhor scoundrelism, iniquity, injustice in all its forms, even more.” Concerning African Americans, Roosevelt wants the truth and “how to expound and apply” it “in the interests of practical statesmanship.” Roosevelt is amused that Johnston similarly prefers simplified spelling.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-18
President Roosevelt sends George P. Hamner a letter stating that Hamner became ill while serving as Roosevelt’s secretary at Camp Wikoff as a result of malaria contracted in the service.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
President Roosevelt informs Commissioner of Pensions Warner that George P. Hamner was incapacitated by malaria before mustering out of Camp Wikoff after the campaign in Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say how proud he is of all four of his sons and what they have achieved during the war. He wants to know if Kermit is over his attack of malarial fever. Roosevelt says Edmund Heller came for a visit and will be married soon. He adds he is sending Kermit the American Museum journal with an article he wrote containing pictures Kermit took.
1918-07-07
President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit from Colorado to tell him about his successful hunting trip and a dog he wants to take home to Archie. He also says he has a touch of Cuban fever and cannot wait to get back to Mother. Roosevelt is sure that Kermit will enjoy his trip to Deadwood with Seth Bullock.
1905-05-02
Theodore Roosevelt unfortunately did not receive W. S. Rainsford’s note until it was too late to write him back, but their house was full on Sunday. Roosevelt also had a relapse of jungle fever and could not see his guests much anyway. He asks Rainsford if he can come on Friday, February 19.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-03
Theodore Roosevelt is sorry to hear that Ben Daniels was defeated in the Sheriff’s race. He updates Daniels on his health and is concerned to learn that his business is not doing well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-30
President Roosevelt believes it is too late for Kermit Roosevelt to learn how to use a new camera. Roosevelt appreciates the malaria advice from William L. Smith.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-27
President Roosevelt is glad to hear from Marshal Daniels, but does not share his worries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-29
Commissioner of Pensions Davenport informs Theodore Roosevelt that Charles Buckley (Buckholdt) will not receive an increase in pension as the primary cause of his medical disability is not related to his military service.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-17
Commissioner of Pensions Davenport informs Theodore Roosevelt that Charles G. Abbott will receive an increase in his pension.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-15
John Miller requests Theodore Roosevelt’s help with the application to claim the pension of his son John S. Miller, a Rough Rider who died of malarial fever in 1899. He explains the circumstances of Miller’s death.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-16
Edward North Buxton discusses the equipment and supplies he has sent to President Roosevelt in preparation for his upcoming African safari, including the proper guns, bullets, hats, and shoes. Buxton also discusses Winston Churchill’s remarks on quinine as a treatment for malaria. He asks Roosevelt if he will come dine with the Society for the Preservation of the Wild Fauna of the Empire, of which Buxton is a founding member, when Roosevelt visits England the following year.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-09
William L. Smith offers advice for President Roosevelt’s upcoming East Africa expedition, including what sort of camera to bring along, and the sort of treatment necessary to prevent malaria. Smith suggests purchasing $400 Naturalists Graflex camera in order to take photographs of animals at a distance, and explains how to best care for the plates, plate holder, and film box so the photos will not get ruined. He additionally recommends Dr. Koch’s preventative malaria treatment which involves taking powdered quinine for two successive days each week. Smith met with three friends who recently returned from East Africa who also saw Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-25
Alexander Lambert reports that while President Roosevelt suffered from two slight bouts of Cuban fever (a variety of malaria) he is fine and continues to hunt. Telegram also includes hand-written message with associated telegraph cipher codes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-02
Senator Hoar informs President Roosevelt that he will not be able to contribute significantly to the campaign due to illness. He thanks Roosevelt for sending him a copy of the letter addressed to Reverend John B. Worrall. Hoar also states that he sees nothing in Roosevelt and the Republican Party’s campaign that should be altered.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-10
Four letters written by Theodore Roosevelt to President William McKinley from June to October 1898 about the war in Cuba. Two of the letters deal with the military campaign; one concerns the threat posed to U.S. troops by malaria; and in the last Roosevelt makes the case that he should be awarded the Medal of Honor.
A photograph of Roosevelt in his military uniform accompanies the letters.