Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt has enjoyed reading H. Hesketh-Prichard’s new book but does not envy his experience with the mosquitoes in Labrador, Canada.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-08
President Roosevelt thanks Norwegian Minister Ove Gude for the “anti-mosquito remedy” which Gude sent to him via Roosevelt’s brother-in-law.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-01
President Roosevelt is glad to hear from Marshal Daniels, but does not share his worries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-29
President Roosevelt agrees “to the clams as inhabitants of Oyster Bay,” but protests against the mosquitoes. Roosevelt would like Finley Peter Dunne to come and visit if he is nearby.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-07-29
Ambassador Reid explains two matters vital for President Roosevelt to know before he embarks on his African journey: English dress codes and the dangers of mosquito bites. Reid also hopes to continue his diplomatic service under President-Elect William H. Taft and also mentions that Chesterfield House may be available as a site for an embassy. In closing, Reid discusses reactions to recent speeches and congratulates Roosevelt on his “triumphant exit.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-23
Harry Johnston enjoyed meeting President-elect Taft and his wife, Helen Herron Taft, during their Panama Canal inspection. Johnson is optimistic about Taft’s plan for a dam at Gatun, but advises that the city of Colón poses another significant threat to the Canal. He offers suggestions for improving Colón’s dated and unsafe infrastructure.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-02
John L. Harrington tells President Roosevelt that whether any riding animals should be sent to the Upper Nile River depends on Roosevelt’s personal preference and where he hopes to begin shooting. Harrington can make the necessary arrangements regardless of what Roosevelt prefers. Harrington offers Roosevelt some advice regarding mosquitoes and mosquito tents, as they are very bad in the region Roosevelt will be traveling. He suggests that Roosevelt consider bringing a portable mosquito house that could be used both on the river steamer and on shore.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-04
Samuel A. Thompson writes to President Roosevelt with a number of suggestions and pieces of information for Roosevelt to consider when preparing for his African safari. While Thompson has not been to Africa, he has traveled in the tropics in Venezuela, and advises Roosevelt about the sorts of dangers he may face from insects and other things that, in the northern hemisphere, may be of little consequence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-30
Percy C. Madeira advises President Roosevelt on some of the clothing he thinks may be necessary for Roosevelt to bring along with him on his upcoming African safari. Madeira advises bringing a number of pairs of khaki pants with reinforced knees, and speaks on the advisability of having mosquito boots, as well as protection for hands and knees. He also suggests that in spite of the high temperatures, Roosevelt may wish to have a sweater or similar garment because of the wind and cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings. If Roosevelt has any questions, Madeira encourages him to write again, and mentions as well the name of George L. Harrison, who has been on several safaris and may be able to help.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-17
Consul General Iddings is sending President Roosevelt two pairs of mosquito boots via London. Iddings instructs Roosevelt on how to use the boots, and emphasizes their importance in preventing mosquito bites at night. When Roosevelt is out hunting, his normal pants and boots should prevent mosquito bites well enough. If the boots do not fit, Roosevelt can send them back so they can be altered before he arrives. Iddings also forwards Roosevelt a letter from Sir Lee Stack, the chief Sudan official who is in Cairo, and who has been assisting Iddings. Iddings was pleased to hear of the Republican victory in the presidential election, and congratulates Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-05
Edward North Buxton assures President Roosevelt that he will have a good experience hunting in Africa and will not struggle to get game as he fears after reading Abel Chapman’s book. He offers Roosevelt advice on scoping out game on Alfred Pease’s ranch and about testing his rifle before he travels. In a handwritten postscript, he assures Roosevelt that the press will understand his going straight to Pease’s ranch if he tells them he wants a quiet time. He also offers advice on mosquitos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-10
Alfred E. Pease writes to President Roosevelt that he hopes the involvement of himself, Frederick Courteney Selous, and Edward North Buxton in making arrangements will not cause Roosevelt stress. Buxton seems to be advising against bringing William C. Judd along on Roosevelt’s travels, but the news Pease has heard makes him sound like he would be a fine choice. Pease responds to Roosevelt’s inquiries about locations, timing, species, and supplies for hunting on his Safari. Specifically, he warns him to dress in anticipation of mosquitoes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-13
Kermit Roosevelt describes his time in South America, travel companions, and draws a small diagram of the land.
1912-1914
Theodore Roosevelt regrets he cannot join Robert Harry Munro Ferguson on an upcoming trip. He expects that Ferguson will have a difficult time, especially with mosquitoes, but that Ferguson is doing something worth doing. Roosevelt wishes he could go but is happy at home with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt and the children.
1889-1895
A four panel cartoon showing National Guardsmen marching into Camp Ordway in Washington, D.C.; President Roosevelt assisting Foreign Affairs Minister Komura and Secretary of State Witte with the 1905 Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War; Secretary of Agriculture Wilson celebrating the return of Hyde (possibly James Hazen Hyde); and a Mississippian and a Louisianan eying each other across the state line, while a mosquito above them says, “Here’s where I get my work in. Biz-z-z.”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1905
General Elwell S. Otis, wearing a military uniform and holding papers labeled “Plans of Campaign,” is confronted by a swarm of press reporters as mosquitoes labeled “Yellow Journalist.” One of the reporters is holding a paper that states, “If you don’t let us run this business, we’ll run you out.” Several of the mosquitoes at bottom have gotten caught on a fly-paper labeled “Press Censorship.” Caption: General Otis–If it wasn’t for that “tanglefoot” fly-paper those insects would pester the life out of me!
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1899-08-16
Uncle Sam, at the edge of a swamp labeled “The Tariff in Politics,” is being attacked by a horde of mosquitoes labeled on the wing as “Sectionalism, Subsidized Senator, Lobbyist, Graft, Kept Congressman, Protected Monopoly, Over-Protected, [and] Infant Industry.”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1909-08-11
Illustration shows a cameo portrait of President Wilson as a mosquito.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1913-07-23
A swarm of mosquitoes labeled “Trust” flies over a swamp labeled “High Protective Tariff.” An insert shows an oil can labeled “Revision Downward Oil – Wilson Brand.” Caption: Pour oil, and plenty of it, on the thing that breeds them.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1912-07-24