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Secretary of War Taft sends President Roosevelt a memorandum about the disbandment of an infantry battalion in October 1864.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-04
A memorandum from the War Department discusses the historical accuracy of an alleged order from the Civil War used by President Roosevelt as an exhibit accompanying a message to the Senate concerning the discharge of soldiers in Brownsville. The alleged order is from Robert E. Lee disbanding the 22nd Virginia Battalion in 1864 for poor conduct. A search of the Confederate archives does not substantiate this order, instead showing that a request to redistribute members of the Battalion was never followed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-03
Theodore Roosevelt tells R. M. Johnston that his speech to the American Historical Association on December 27th is already complete and will “not admit of my dealing with military history.” However, Roosevelt is interested in speaking to Johnston, either by attending a section that Johnston had mentioned or inviting Johnston over to William Sturgis Bigelow’s home on December 28th.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-18
President Roosevelt remembers Corporal Frederick K. Lie as a man who “showed marked and unusual gallantry in a regiment where gallantry was the rule.” Roosevelt has forwarded the books Olaf I. Rove sent to Charles E. Hunter, to then be given to the historian of the Rough Riders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-31
President Roosevelt is pleased to hear that Theodore Ayrault Dodge is considering presenting his twelve volumes on the art of war to American military posts. He has read and enjoyed every volume and looks forward to the two forthcoming volumes on Frederick the Great.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-18
President Roosevelt finished George Otto Trevelyan’s recent volume on the American Revolution, and sincerely praises it as “one of the few histories which can deservedly be called great.” Although biased, Roosevelt places the American Revolution among the great historical events. Trevelyan treats it well, and Roosevelt compares him to other authors of military history. He especially appreciates the justice Trevelyan gives Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey, as he believes in giving men credit regardless of their allegiance. Roosevelt rejoices in interesting books like Trevelyan’s, particularly when he has much to worry about. He will send a volume of his speeches.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-11
President Roosevelt has read over Lieutenant General Hamilton’s two volumes again and complements Hamilton on his description of the Japanese army. Roosevelt describes a conversation he had with Tamemoto Kuroki about the superiority of guns over bayonets. Roosevelt notes that Kuroki and Kuroki’s aide like Hamilton’s work. He gives his impression of Kuroki. Roosevelt sends pictures of him jumping a horse named Roswell.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-15
President Roosevelt thanks U.S. General Appraiser Wilbur F. Lunt, from one military man to another, for the copy of the history of the First Maine Cavalry, and promises to read it with interest.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-14
President Roosevelt discusses the military prowess of the Roman Empire. He tells German Ambassador Sternburg that he believes that the Japanese government did a poor job of communicating to their people how much they gained in the Treaty of Portsmouth. The Japanese are now rioting because the country did not receive a large indemnity. Roosevelt also tells Sternburg about problems with stockholders, as well as his trip in the submarine Plunger.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-06
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt sends W. Laird Clowes his work and hopes he can have it proofed within the next few months. Roosevelt is worried A. T. Mahan’s book will be published before the volume containing his work. He, Wm. S. Cowles, and Anna Roosevelt Cowles all look forward to Clowes’ upcoming trip to the United States following his improved health and the success of his latest book.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-05-24
Rear Admiral Watson has read Ira Harris’s account, and confirms that to the best of his knowledge the statements are true. Watson believes the account should be published.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-07-23
Archibald Gracie is working on his history of the Battle of Chickamauga, and hopes that Theodore Roosevelt may still have some pictures that he previously sent him that he hopes to use for illustrations in it. Gracie writes about his process of writing and his hopes for his book, and encloses a draft chapter. He is traveling north soon, and hopes he might be able to visit Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-27
Michael V. Sheridan received Archibald Gracie’s letter with a copy of his letter to Gates P. Thruston regarding Philip Henry Sheridan’s actions during the Battle of Chickamauga. Sheridan has no criticisms to offer, finding the letter covers the controversy completely and accurately.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-21
Theodore Ayrault Dodge sends President Roosevelt volumes three and four of the history he has been writing on Napoleon Bonaparte and looks forward to meeting with Roosevelt in person.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-11
Charles Prestwood Lucas’s recent book The Canadian War of 1812 is a worthy counterpart to works by Captain A. T. Mahan and President Roosevelt, although it is somewhat overshadowed by the fame of the others. Each author approaches the subject from a different point of view, which justifies the existence of all three works.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-10
President Roosevelt acknowledges Japan’s “overwhelming triumph” and hopes that Russia will concede to defeat in order to avoid further conflict.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1905-06-19
Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed Henry C. Davis’s essay “Forgotten Lessons,” on military readiness and the United States’ military history. Roosevelt wishes that more Americans thought about these things and believes the essay should be required reading in schools.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-04
Governor Roosevelt describes his busy work schedule to General Johnson and his desire to take a holiday. Roosevelt also inquires if Johnson has a copy of Roosevelt’s book, Rough Riders, and if not he wishes to send him one. Roosevelt also discusses Generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee and the memory of the Civil War.
1899-07-26
Joseph F. McMullen read in a newspaper that Vice President Roosevelt would be writing the history of New Mexico troopers in the Rough Riders. McMullen provides information about his son, Samuel J. McMullen, who served in Company G and recently passed away from tuberculosis.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-04
William Chapline Swearingen writes his brother Lemuel a detailed account of the troop movements leading up to and the events of the Battle of San Jacinto.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1836-04-25