Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary explains to Maud E. Mosher that Roosevelt cannot comply as he receives numerous similar requests for financial contributions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-13
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary informs Florence Evangeline Henry Jolley that Roosevelt is unable to contribute to her cause due to the large number of requests he receives and his limited financial means, though he regrets being unable to assist.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-13
Theodore Roosevelt is puzzled by Gladys Post’s letter as Roosevelt does not know what advice he can offer. Roosevelt agrees “to see Mr. Post” but is doubtful that he can be of service to him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-24
Theodore Roosevelt is not able to lend Carl Olson money.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-08
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Herbert D. Miles for the book. Roosevelt comments on the work done by the National Monetary Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-16
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary declines the request Harlow N. Higinbotham made to Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-17
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary declines Charles W. Holmes’ request for a donation from Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-16
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary declines Wilbur F. Crafts’ request for a financial contribution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-14
Theodore Roosevelt writes to John Campbell Greenway. Roosevelt encloses a check of a hundred dollars and adds that he can always “lean” on Greenway. Roosevelt also shares his opinion on the American government and their actions in relation to the Mexican revolution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-01-04
President Roosevelt writes to John Campbell Greenway regarding a loan of $500 to an individual he simply refers to as “Ben.” Roosevelt would loan the money if it is necessary but he knows he will never be repaid. He asks if Greenway has a way to loan the money while ensuring its return. Either way, Roosevelt does not want to “keep old Ben hanging.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-19
President Roosevelt explains to Lucius B. Swift that the government had proposed what Swift suggested in a previous letter, but it was not approved. Roosevelt says he will take the question up with Secretary of State Elihu Root again.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-26
President Roosevelt admits that he does not know much about the currency, but promises to read through R. Goodwyn Rhett’s bill and discuss it with Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-11
President Roosevelt relates an anecdote to author Melville Davisson Post about two gentlemen who were arrested for trying to use Confederate currency. One of the two men, after being arrested, appealed, and the Supreme Court decided that the notes were not counterfeit. While the man who appealed was released, Roosevelt argued with then Attorney General Philander C. Knox, and kept the second man in prison because Roosevelt believed that regardless of the legality, the man was a swindler and morally a criminal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-17
President Roosevelt tells his son Archibald that Weast, a man the younger Roosevelt has taken interest in, has been taken care of. Judge Bromwell has arranged the transfer. Roosevelt is proud that his son called Weast to his attention. He also recounts a “most comic letter” from Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., asking them to purchase his horse and pay him for it. Roosevelt also updates Archibald on Quentin and the ongoing social engagements at the White House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-15
President Roosevelt does not want to speak “even indirectly” about financial matters to Ambassador Enrique Creel, who will see the “real purpose” for the inquiry anyway. Roosevelt sends his regards to Merritt’s wife, Leila Roosevelt Reeve-Merritt, and is sorry to hear of Wilhelm Snyman’s troubles.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-14
Thomas E. Watson’s recent letter touches and concerns President Roosevelt. Roosevelt writes that it is of little consequence what happens to any one man, but of very great consequence that the “plain people” are relieved from suffering, without their relief ever being equated with the lessening of our principles. He struggles the most with the currency issue, but is grateful for Watson’s good opinion. Issuing money in a limited amount could achieve the purpose Watson proposes, but it could also lead to people assuming there will be an indefinite issuance of money.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-21
On behalf of President Roosevelt, William Loeb sends Gifford Pinchot a $1 bill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-26
In the draft of a letter marked “Canceled” at the top, President Roosevelt tells Secretary of the Treasury Cortelyou he approves the issuing of currency and Panama bonds as proposed. Roosevelt has also received word of a currency bill being considered in Congress that would help settle the situation. He emphasizes, however, that business conditions in the United States are still fundamentally sound, and that citizens should not panic and stop trusting banks, or start hoarding savings. As long as people go about their business as usual, everything will be fine and circulation will return to normal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-16
President Roosevelt has considered Secretary of the Treasury Cortelyou’s proposal and approves the issuing of currency and Panama bonds. He has also received word of a currency bill being considered in Congress that would help settle the situation. Roosevelt emphasizes, however, that business conditions in the United States are still fundamentally sound, and that citizens should not panic, stop trusting banks, or start hoarding savings. As long as people go about their business as usual, everything will be fine and circulation will return to normal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-17
President Roosevelt tells Richard Wilson Knott that he will discuss Knott’s suggestions with Secretary of the Treasury Cortelyou. They have had difficulty dispersing money into country banks, since much of it simply makes its way back to New York, as everything is centered there. Roosevelt is happy to hear about the results in Kentucky.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-07