Naval maneuvers

Memorandum from H. N. Manney to Theodore Roosevelt

Retired Rear Admiral Manney outlines the reasons he believes sending the Great White Fleet to the Pacific Ocean is unwise given the tensions between the United States and Japan. Because Japan is not a wealthy nation, Manney believes it will not attack and occupy targets that would be expensive to win and maintain, and that therefore neither the Philippines nor Hawaii are in danger of attack. Rather, Manney describes in detail how the Japanese could gain control of bases from which to attack both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States, how such attacks would affect the U.S., and how long it would take the fleet to return to the Atlantic as a consequence. Because much more damage can be done to the United States on the Atlantic coast rather than the Pacific, it makes more sense to keep the fleet in the Atlantic, in case of war with Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-19

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on the activities of the American Embassy in London. Reid has attended and given some short speeches at the dedication of memorials related to Harvard or Yale alumni, noting that relationships forged though the universities strengthens ties between Great Britain and the United States. Reid has made a proposal for the arbitration between the United States and Great Britain regarding fisheries off of Newfoundland. Arthur F. Winnington Ingram, the Bishop of London, is looking forward to visiting the United States and will be present when Roosevelt dedicates a lecturn to Bruton Parish Church. King Edward VII and Parliament are still at work until August, but the current Parliament has not yet achieved much in the way of legislation. Reid describes the King and British people’s reactions to the International Peace Conference at The Hague, and the prevailing attitude about the immunity of private property at sea. Finally, Reid describes some press coverage at the recent 4th of July events at the Embassy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-19

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White updates President Roosevelt on his recent activities. White was supposed to have gone on a trip with French President Armand Fallières and Admiral Charles H. Stockton to review the United States naval squadron in Bordeaux, but due to potential protests in southern France, the trip was cancelled and Stockton and his officers were hosted at the President’s Palace and Ministry of the Navy instead. The Japanese Navy will meet the American squadron at Cherbourg, and Stockton will entertain the Japanese admiral and officers there. The French press has been trying to push the idea of war between the United States and Japan. J. J. Jusserand, French Ambassador to the United States, is visiting and is very eager about the new French embassy in the United States, a “sore subject” for White, as he has had trouble finding a suitable house in Paris. White says he will write a separate letter concerning American embassy buildings in the “leading capitals.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-19

Memorandum from George Albert Converse

This memo presents the instructions George Albert Converse, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation of the U.S. Navy, has issued to all vessels in Cuban waters. The ships are not to take part in any troubles in Cuba except to protect American interests and will not land except in case of necessity or if ordered by Edwin V. Morgan, the American Minister in Cuba.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-12

Note from William Henry Hudson Southerland to the Bureau of Navigation

William Henry Hudson Southerland relays information on disturbances in the Dominican Republic. Southerland states vessels have been dispatched to each area and United States interests are not threatened at this time.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-22

Letter from Carl Abel

To augment his previous letter, Carl Abel tells his “dear friend” that Japan seems unwilling to accept the truce proposed by Russia in the newspaper article. He goes on to speculate on the international relations consequences of the possible outcomes of the conflict.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-09-25

Scientific American advertisement

Captain A. T. Mahan will be writing an authoritative article about the composition of the Great White Fleet and the reasons for sending it first to the Pacific Coast, and then around the world. The article will feature in an upcoming double-size special Navy edition of Scientific American, which will be available December 7, 1907.

Collection

Duane G. Jundt Theodore Roosevelt Collection

Creation Date

1907

Spanish-American War Scrapbook

Collection of newspaper clippings of articles, photographs, and maps showing some of the actors, naval vessels, and events making up parts of the Spanish-American war. Includes some handwritten notes and hand-colored photographs.

Collection

Dickinson State University

Creation Date

1898

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Henry Cabot Lodge

Due to poor negotiations with the British and Canadians, President Roosevelt intends to announce that the United States will claim and occupy all disputed territory. However, Roosevelt will speak mildly and make no threats. Roosevelt is pleased with the improving conditions in the business world and will be reviewing the naval squadron tomorrow.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1906-08-16

Time to call Russia’s bluff

In order to check Russia’s aggressive diplomatic policy against the United States, Great Britain, and Japan, the writer argues, one nation or a combination of nations must call its bluff. The article suggests the United States may be in the best position to check Russia’s actions, and that the initiative rests more with it than with either Japan or Great Britain.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-07-04

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William S. Cowles

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt has been directed to use the USS Dolphin during maneuvers instead of Captain Cowles’s ship, the USS Fern. He will make sure to visit the Fern so they can have a “real talk.” Roosevelt agrees with Cowles regarding the “flower show business.”

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1897-08-27

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William S. Cowles

Assistant Secretary Roosevelt and several associates will be visiting Hampton Roads to review the fleet. They will be housed on the USS Fern, currently under the command of Captain Cowles. Roosevelt is looking forward to seeing the “squadron of iron clads maneuvering, and at gun practice.”

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1897-08-25

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William S. Cowles

President Roosevelt hopes that Admiral Cowles can attend the naval review and offers a viewing spot on the Mayflower.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1906-08-21

Telegram from Henry Glass to William H. Moody

Two communications concerning Panamanian revolution, one being that the Olympia had sailed for Cartagena, and the other that all is quiet.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-27

Report from H. C. Taylor to Joseph Bullock Coghlan

Admiral Taylor reports on military readiness at various ports in the event of hostilities with Colombia and the need to capture Cartagena. He asks if Admiral Coghlan has any further information and whether Coghlan can capture and hold Cartagena given the reports.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-22

Letter from Henry Glass

Rear Admiral Glass orders the landings at Yariza and El Real de Santa Maria to be secured against attacks from Colombian forces. Panamanian forces should be supported and the communications should be kept open with the assistance of Chuciuto, a Panamanian steamer.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-18

Letter from Henry Glass to V. L. Cottman

A report of Rear Admiral Glass’ orders concerning naval operations in Panama. Captains are to establish landings at Yariza and El Real de Santa Maria, and the compliment of sailors and Marines to do so are detailed. Glass refuses permission to allow a section of Marines to go to the mines at Cana; they are ordered to maintain observation only and watch for the arrival or presence of armed Colombians.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-18

Letter from Henry Glass to W. G. Miller

Orders from Rear Admiral Henry Glass regarding the withdrawal of Marines and “blue Jackets” from Yaviza and El Real de Santa Maria, Panama; the number of men to be left; the size of the weaponry to use; and to remain watchful for Colombian forces.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-21

Letter from Henry Glass to Vincendon Lazarus Cottman

Rear Admiral Glass relays a series of orders to Commander Cottman. He is to remove the Marines from Yavisa and the remaining sailors are to obtain and transmit information only. All sailors are to be withdrawn from Real de Santa Maria. The USS Wyoming is to go to Darien Harbor and remain there. Confidential order #524 of the 18th is revoked.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-21

Report from Henry Glass to William H. Moody

Report concerning U.S. naval operations in Panama during the Panamanian revolution. Glass also reports the presence of presumed Colombian spies in Taya, Tapalisa, and Cana, and many have been arrested by Panamanian authorities.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-21