Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt explains to his sister Anna Roosevelt how he spent his nights “tramping” the streets to see how the policemen were doing their duty, or rather not doing it. He is presently in good favor with the Republicans and has enjoyed his job as Police Commissioner. Wife Edith is enjoying a visit from her sister Emily Tyler Carow.
1895-06-08
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt that he spent the evening patrolling New York City to see what the policemen were up to. He enjoys his work despite the fact there is nothing academic about it and he does not get to see much of the children. Wife Edith’s sister Emily Tyler Carow’s visit has made a great difference in Edith.
1895-06-16
Theodore Roosevelt tells his sister Anna Roosevelt how much he enjoys his work as Police Commissioner and how busy it keeps him. He comments on his colleague Andrew D. Parker and how they are getting more control of the force. Roosevelt has made some startling discoveries while patrolling the streets at night and he has gotten a real look at the “swarming millions.”
1895-06-23
Barbara MacGahan is in Washington, D.C., and would like to personally thank President Roosevelt for a kindness paid to her family when Roosevelt was a New York City Police Commissioner. MacGahan credits Roosevelt for saving her son, who was ill with typhoid, by preventing organ grinders from performing on the street and therefore disturbing her son’s recovery.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-01
F. V. Greene asks for President Roosevelt’s opinion on Captain Schmittburger and whether his promotion to Inspector would be good for the public and the force.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-20
Mary Cadwalader Jones thanks President Roosevelt for the photograph and sends him a copy of “The Book Booster,” a satirical publication that she thinks he will enjoy. She comments on the work of Francis V. Greene as New York City’s police commissioner, noting that he is “rattling the bones” of the police department. A friend overheard a policeman saying Greene is “as bad as Roosevelt.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-16
W. S. Coursey sends a report from Captain Titus of the Detective Bureau on Yick Nam Quan of New York City. Titus reports that Nam enthusiastically attempts to suppress gambling within the immigrant community of Chinatown but refuses to put himself on record.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-06
Francis V. Green has been appointed New York City Police Commissioner. He says that although there are difficulties in improving the situation, he has received several letters of support. He thanks President Roosevelt for his support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-26
Commissioner Partridge forwards a $300 check from 1896 that needs to be endorsed by President Roosevelt due to his former capacity as President of the Board of Police. The money is from James Stokes and is to be used to establish a library for the 19th Precinct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-08-11
Norman Fitzsimmons asks for President Roosevelt’s assistance in being appointed a New York City patrolman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-08-02
F. Norton Goddard discusses New York Republican politics; including political patronage, Mayor Low’s administration, and several appointments. If Governor Odell moves Joseph Dickey to fiscal agent or some other position, Goddard would be interested in Dickey’s current role as Shipping Commissioner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-25
F. Norton Goddard has supported Eddie Doonan for a property clerk position with the New York Police Department. Colonel Partridge is hesitating to appoint Doonan because he wants a “man of more consequence.” Goddard wants Doonan’s appointment because he knows Doonan will be successful and for campaign purposes. He hopes that President Roosevelt can offer some assistance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-24
Q. N. Funk asks President Roosevelt if during his time as New York City Police Commissioner he said he would, or in fact did, use the entire power of the police, to the neglect of other laws, in order to enforce the Sunday closing laws.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-31
Commissioner Partridge is afraid that P. K. Sweet cannot be assigned to the Detective Bureau on his return from the Philippines. There are currently more detectives then the Police Department requires and Mr. Sweet will be assigned to police duty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-11
William G. Bates requests advice on whether he should accept the position of Deputy Police Commissioner in New York City.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-20
John N. Partridge thanks President Roosevelt for his letter of congratulations on Partridge’s appointment as police commissioner of New York, New York. He requests Roosevelt’s opinion on higher officers in the department and would like an audience with Roosevelt in late December.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-09
Lincoln Steffens continues to be interested in the New York Police Department and hopes President Roosevelt can help him arrange a meeting with Seth Low on the subject. He would like to help reform the department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-07
Governor Odell encloses a report from the New York Police Department regarding a complaint made by Willard Parker.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
James Bryce planned on writing a longer letter to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt but has been too busy with work. He is glad Roosevelt left the New York Police Department for the federal position. Bryce plans to visit the United States in the fall and hopes to see Roosevelt during his trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-07-07
Edwin Lawrence Godkin is sorry to hear that Theodore Roosevelt left the New York Police Department to become Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He feels that Roosevelt was doing the greatest work as a police commissioner and was an example to the country’s young men in showing the importance of having a high character in such an important office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-07-07