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This memorandum details the poor conduct and inefficiency of Colonel William F. Stewart of the Coast Artillery Corps in the United States Army using the testimony of a variety of witnesses. Brigadier General Murray recommends relief from command or retirement upon Stewart’s own application.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-16
In compliance with a letter he received from the President’s secretary, Secretary of War Taft sends President Roosevelt a letter from James F. J. Archibald that relates to the submarine defense of the Pacific Coast and Hawaiian islands, and reports from General Arthur Murray, the Chief of Artillery, and General William W. Wotherspoon, Acting Chief of the Army Third Division, General Staff.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-24
President Roosevelt encloses to New York State Senator Raines a letter from General Arthur Murray regarding Captain James F. Brady. Roosevelt asks Raines if he has anything in mind that can be done for Brady. Roosevelt would gladly take up what he suggests for Brady, if it can be done without injustice to other officers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-16
President Roosevelt thought the letter Fitzhugh Lee sent to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was very interesting. He is pleased that the French officers are accepting Lee, and believes it is because of Lee’s willingness to work hard and do his duty. Roosevelt comments on a recent hike in Rock Creek Park he took with a number of Generals, and sends Lee some amusing pictures that were drawn afterwards of it. The Roosevelt family had a pleasant Christmas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-26
President Roosevelt tells General Butt that General Leonard Wood has already told him what Butt told him. He has sent Butt’s letter and the “very interesting clipping” to Chief of Artillery Arthur Murray.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-20
President Roosevelt provides Maryland Senator Rayner with facts and reports pertaining to the unfitness and misconduct of Colonel William F. Stewart, who seeks to retire as a Brigadier General, and whom Isidor feels has been unfairly punished with a bad posting. Given Stewart’s record and reports of his conduct toward civilians, subordinates, and superiors, Roosevelt stands by the decision that has been made and is unwilling to open a court of inquiry into the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-06
President Roosevelt was interested to read what Dan T. Moore has had to say about Colonel Arthur Murray. Secretary of War William H. Taft and senior War Department officers think highly of Murray, and Roosevelt believes that “in spite of certain defects he is on the whole the best man for the position.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-11
President Roosevelt inquires of Secretary of War Taft what Chief of Artillery Arthur Murray has done in response to his call to develop an extensive system of floating mines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-07
Johnson Hagood requests Theodore Roosevelt autograph the enclosed photograph. He sends clippings to remind Roosevelt who he is and lists the Chiefs of Staff he has served under as aid or assistant.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-17
In a memorandum requested by President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Taft outlines the reasons for the reversal of the Joint Board of the Army and Navy’s 1903 unanimous decision to construct a defensive naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines. The decision was reversed in 1907 due in part to the emerging strength of Japan and the cooling of relations with Japan, and to the indefensibility of the area by land.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-14
Secretary of War Taft submits a statement by General Arthur Murray regarding the deficiencies in the monies appropriated for the completion of defenses in the Pacific and on the Pacific Coast. All bureau chiefs agree that the present appropriations must be increased, and the Appropriation Committee’s assertion that the naval committee is not making proper provisions for dredging Pearl Harbor is not enough of a reason to delay the funds. Taft recommends that increased appropriations be added in amendments to the bill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-30
Army Chief of Staff Bell responds to inquiries from President Roosevelt concerning circumstances related to the fortification of Hawaii. Bell corrects Roosevelt’s understanding that the government had purchased some tracts of land in Hawaii that were now abandoned, and says that the land will be used to construct a battery of guns. Bell also informs Roosevelt that General Arthur Murray has gone to see the Committee in person to explain the construction that will be necessary to fortify Honolulu and Pearl Harbor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-10
Army Chief of Staff James Bell Franklin requests a report regarding the construction of a naval base in the Philippines. Bell highlights several issues that should be given consideration and explained when examining the differences between Subig Bay and Manila Bay, especially highlighting several statements made in a report by the Board of Officers that should be replied to directly. This prior report, Franklin says, considered the sites for naval defense only, did not give proper consideration to inland defenses, and suggested that the entrance to Manila Bay could not be held.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-05
Admiral George Dewey writes to Secretary of War Taft to report on a meeting of the Joint Board discussing the defenses of Puget Sound. The meeting discussed several alleged deficiencies in the defense that had been raised by United States Representative William E. Humphrey of Washington State. Dewey reviews these charges, as well as general information about Puget Sound and the measures already taken for its defense. The Board concludes that once presently-planned changes to the defenses of Puget Sound are completed, they will be sufficient with assistance from the Navy, but at present they are not sufficient. Dewey outlines several steps that the board recommends.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-20
Dan T. Moore lists the reasons why he believes Colonel Arthur Murray should not be promoted to Chief of Artillery, but also lists his “good points,” so President Roosevelt can judge whether Murray would be a good fit for the position. He believes Murray has been trying to get him to advocate for his appointment to Roosevelt. Moore sends his love to his cousin, first lady Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, and the Roosevelt children.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-09