Your TR Source
Philip G. Engel thanks Theodore Roosevelt for an autographed photograph and reminds Roosevelt of a time they met previously. He asks for assistance getting into West Point, which was his father’s dream. His district has many open positions and he wonders how one might get appointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-19
German Ambassador Hermann Speck von Sternburg informs Secretary of State Root that German Emperor William II is presenting the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, with the busts of Frederick II and Helmuth Moltke to show the emperor’s interest in the American Army. Sternburg tells Root that he forwarded the busts through the Consulate General at New York and asks him to ensure they reach their destination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-08
At the request of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary advises Thomas Barry that the first international polo match will be on May 31, 1911, and that Thomas Hitchcock expects him for lunch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-26
Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Thomas Henry Barry confirming his attendance at a luncheon with Thomas Hitchcock and a polo game thereafter. Roosevelt requests Barry attend as well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-23
President Roosevelt implores Republican State Chairman Lyon to suggest a different person than David A. Robinson for U.S. Postmaster at Dallas. He explains that Robinson will not have enough support to be confirmed as a result of the Civil Service Commission’s report that Robinson allegedly disclosed a list of employees of the Dallas post office to a Dallas County Republican politician, as well as the disapproval of senators, including Texas Senator Charles A. Culberson. Roosevelt explains that he cannot do anything else for Howe, since he has already given Howe two positions and Howe’s present rank is too low to elevate him to a brigadier generalship.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-08
President Roosevelt wonders if Representative Olcott can help out the son of a Dutch Reformed pastor who wants to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Roosevelt cannot suggest this young man because his appointments are limited to the sons of military officers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-18
Acting Secretary of War Oliver acknowledges the receipt of busts representing Frederick II of Prussia and Count Helmuth von Moltke, which have been presented to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Oliver asks Secretary of State Root to thank the German Ambassador on behalf of the War Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-11
Lyman Abbott worries that his comments were misunderstood, and he did not mean to offend anyone. Abbott explains additional funding is required for the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy chaplains, in order to occasionally have outside preachers. He states that outside preachers are common practice for other college congregations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-21
After visiting the military academies at Annapolis and West Point, Lyman Abbott lists his views on the religious buildings and services available to students. He believes the Young Men’s Christian Association should have a house on West Point’s campus for voluntary religious work and would like Congress to give the academies money to pay for these resources. He wishes for Mott to pass his thoughts on to whoever at the association could be made aware of this.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-01
Lyman Abbott writes to President Roosevelt in regards to the lack of religious instruction offered to students at the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Abbott proposes that Congress should appropriate funds for ministers to teach and preach at these academies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-10
Thomas H. Barry recommends replacing military attache to London, John H. Beacom, with Sydney A. Cloman. Beacom is a year away from completing his three year appointment as attache. Barry has known Cloman since he graduated from West Point and joined his regiment in 1887. He highly recommends him for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-13
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that General Hamilton Smith Hawkins is “trying to get his son detailed for service at West Point” on the recommendation of Colonel Robert Lee Howze. Hawkins was an excellent officer, but he is a “most persistent seeker after favors.” Taft wants to keep Roosevelt advised should Hawkins come directly to Roosevelt and ask for a favor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-26
John Barret reminds President Roosevelt that he was postmaster of Louisville, Kentucky, when Roosevelt was Civil Service Commissioner. Barret thanks Roosevelt for the political appointments he has made in Kentucky. He suggests additional ways the Republican party can be strengthened in the state. Barret closes by complementing Roosevelt on the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-09