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Statement of reasons for establishing officers training camp for African Americans. Document published by the Central Committee of Negro College Men.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1917
John L. Berry, writing on behalf of the Student Committee of Howard University, requests help in making officer training camps available for “colored men” from the University.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1917-05-01
Theodore Roosevelt thanks William T. Hornaday for what he wrote about the “idiotic red tape business” of regular officers turning away young people under circumstances of humiliation. Jack Coolidge was one of the people unjustly turned away from camp.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1917-06-12
![Theodore Roosevelt reviews and addresses troops [Fort Sheridan, Ill.]; Theodore Roosevelt riding in auto, Chicago, 1917](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/theodorerooseveltcenter/TRC/Video/Video_Thumbnail.JPG)
Two segments of Theodore Roosevelt during a midwestern speaking tour in support of military preparedness. On September 27, 1917, Roosevelt visited the officers’ training camp at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Views of troops marching past a reviewing stand for inspection by Roosevelt and several civilian and military personnel; identified on the platform with Roosevelt are Captain Georges Etienne Bertrand (wearing beret), a visiting Frenchman who instructed the trainees in trench warfare, and Colonel James A. Ryan, commanding officer of Fort Sheridan. Roosevelt addresses the troops after the review. The second segment shows scenes from a parade staged in Roosevelt’s honor in Chicago on April 28, 1917. Views of men on horseback who appear to be mounted police, sailors, and cavalry. View of Roosevelt standing and waving his hat in an open touring car; identified in the car with Roosevelt are Arthur Meeker and Samuel Insull, Chicago businessmen who are members of the welcoming committee, and other unidentified men.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1917
Headmaster of Groton School, Endicott Peabody, sends a printed letter to all Groton alumni telling them of the boys farming instead of playing football this year and the establishment of intensive military training. He also gives updates on various faculty members and the state of the flu epidemic near the school. He adds that the soldier alumni photos are being displayed.
1918-10-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about the unhappiness of Archie, Quentin and Theodore Roosevelt regarding their circumstances in the war right now. He talks of taking a trip to Washington with Edith to visit Alice and Nick Longworth. He says Tommy Hitchcock thanked him for helping shore up conditions in the military training camps.
1918-01-27
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about the lack of equipment at military training camps for which he blames President Woodrow Wilson and his administration. He says Ted and Archie Roosevelt have been praised for their work in the trenches and Ethel Roosevelt Derby is staying at the house.
1917-12-10
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say they know he is at Port Said and to give updates on Belle, Ethel, Ethel’s husband Richard and the grandchildren. Roosevelt says he is glad all his sons were able to go abroad and fight and that the military training camps suffer from a lack of preparation. He has been speaking, writing and spending time with Mother.
1917-09-11
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about letters he has received about him including one from Rudyard Kipling. He says he is over his disappointment about not being in the war and makes speeches about carrying it on to a triumphal conclusion. He reports National Guard troops are reporting to military camps. Roosevelt adds he is publishing a new book and is being paid to write for some periodicals.
1917-09-01
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to describe the christening of Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s daughter Edie and the lack of supplies and equipment for drafted men in military training camps. He also mentions a visit from Australian officers and novelist Major A. E. W. Mason.
1917-11-09
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his visit to the military training camp at Yaphawk. He was impressed by the men but troubled by their lack of equipment and proper training. Roosevelt blamed the War Department and President Woodrow Wilson. He adds he gave a speech at Princeton on the matter.
1917-11-21
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Kermit Roosevelt to say he has sent gifts for the children to their mother, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, and to discuss the mountain lion cub that is the camp mascot and the photographers that have been at camp.
1898-05-26
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit from the camp of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry outside San Antonio, Texas. He describes camp life and how he will not be able to write much because he is so busy.
1898-05-16
Theodore Roosevelt writes that he cannot wait until Kermit, Belle, and their new baby arrive in New York. He tells Kermit that Archie, Ted, and Quentin plan to go to the Plattsburg military training camp again this summer and he thinks Kermit should go too. Roosevelt fears that it will be difficult for Kermit to get a commission because he did not go last year. Roosevelt closes by describing his trip to the West Indies.
1916-02-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about a speech he gave entitled “Americanism” and rails against President Wilson and his foreign policy toward the World War and Mexico, unfavorably comparing Wilson to Thomas Jefferson. Roosevelt talks of how well Ted has done in business this year and discusses the army training camp at Plattsburgh, New York.
1915-10-15
Theodore Roosevelt reports on the achievements of Quentin, Archie, and Ted at the Plattsburgh military training camp, noting that they received good recommendations from their officers. To Roosevelt’s delight, Archie was placed in a position above Ted. Archie and Ted also traveled to Montreal, Quebec, to view the military preparations. The Plattsburgh camp has been very successful, and other camps are being formed across the country. Roosevelt criticizes President Wilson for his policy toward Germany and Mexico.
1915-08-28
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit and daughter-in-law Belle about Archie and Quentin going to army camp for training. He talks about the fancy dress party he and Edith hosted. Edith is ill because of the poison ivy, and Ethel is visiting with her son. Roosevelt encloses a letter from Seth Bullock regarding Kermit in case of war.
1915-07-10
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say that he will be heading to Syracuse for the trial for his libel suit brought against him by William Barnes. Edith had to go to the hospital for an operation. Roosevelt also addresses problems at the bank about which Kermit had written. He has consulted with Ted and they agree that the best Kermit can do is preserve relations with Allen and do the best work he can. Archie is visiting, staying with Ethel, and looks forward to the military encampment this summer.
1915-04-17
Theodore Roosevelt declines Adjutant General William Verbeck’s invitation to visit Pine Camp. Roosevelt does not believe he was ever a member of the Burgess Corps and doubts he has heard of the Corps.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-28
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Hugh Chalmers that it was a great pleasure having him visit. However, Roosevelt cannot accept an invitation at this time. Possibly, he will be able to accept when he returns from the West Indies. Roosevelt also appreciates that Chalmers will assist his employees at the training camps.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-19