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Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary recommends that James E. Konkle read Roosevelt’s book African Game Trails, and he notes that Roosevelt was “more than pleased” with Newland, Tarlton & Company that helped to make his trip a success. Roosevelt’s secretary suggests that Konkle contact D. T. Abercrombie who is the agent for that firm in the U.S.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-18
President Roosevelt compares his opinions on hunting rifles and ammunition with opinions previously expressed by Edward North Buxton. Roosevelt sends measurements of his head so that Buxton can order a pith helmet, asks for Zeiss glass, and thanks Buxton for ordering canvas camp shoes directly to Mombasa. He mentions his mosquito boots being too small but intends to keep them and order two more pairs for longer feet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-26
President Roosevelt asks Smith, Mackenzie & Company to forward his goods to Newland, Tarlton & Company, rather than to the ranch of Alfred E. Pease. R. J. Cunningham, who will manage Roosevelt’s safari, may call upon Smith, Mackenzie & Company.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-26
President Roosevelt heartily accepts Sir Alfred E. Pease’s invitation to stay at his ranch in Africa. Roosevelt gives many details and asks questions about his safari planning, including: his itinerary to Mombasa; game he would like to find; his lack of physical fitness and the necessity to start out slowly; how much money he should advance to various outfitters; pack horses and saddles; taxidermists and naturalists he plans to bring along; hunting rifles and ammunition for the trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-28
Ezra H. Fitch confirms receipt of letters from William Loeb, as well as a boot of President Roosevelt’s. Fitch states that a new pair of boots will be made without delay, and that a snake outfit will also be finished quickly and sent for inspection.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-02
Ezra H. Fitch thanks William Loeb for sending the outline of President Roosevelt’s shoe, and emphasizes that Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is anxious that Roosevelt be completely satisfied with the type of shoe that they make for him. Fitch asks several follow-up questions regarding the design of the shoe and Roosevelt’s preferences for its size and construction. Additionally, he mentions recent experiments by Professor Raymond Lee Ditmars regarding snake-proof leggings, and offers to send a pair for Roosevelt to inspect if he wishes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-28
Frederick Courteney Selous believes that he has done everything he can to arrange for President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa, and gives Roosevelt advice on what further steps he may have to take to complete preparations. Roosevelt’s outfits and provisions will be forwarded to Newland, Tarlton and Co. at Nairobi once they arrive at Mombasa. Selous thinks Roosevelt may have to resign himself to meeting the Governor of British East Africa and participating in some ceremonies before leaving on his actual safari, which would have the upside of allowing for final preparations to be completed. Selous has accepted an invitation from William Northrup McMillan to visit Africa at the same time as Roosevelt, and hopes to be able to travel on the same boat as Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-13
George S. Mackenzie encloses a letter which Harry Johnston has written from Washington. Mackenzie understands that the Boma Trading Company is doing the outfitting for President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa, and does not want to interfere. He thinks it is better if G. C. Napier and the Boma Trading Company deal with Roosevelt directly regarding the horses he wants from India. Mackenzie asks Napier to advise Roosevelt about Boma’s receipt of the letter and to explain why and whether they will be the ones undertaking the business.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-20
Through Alexander Lambert, the David T. Abercrombie Company has outfitted many of President Roosevelt’s hunting trips. D. T. Abercrombie assumes Roosevelt is interested in the Green Willesden duck, the only material suitable for Africa, and encloses a sample of the material. Additionally, Abercrombie sends the company’s complete catalog and avows that the company makes goods equal to those produced in London.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-25
Frederick Courteney Selous visited the offices of Lawn & Alder after receiving President Roosevelt’s last letter, and reports on the details of the visit, as well as other preparations for Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. Selous gives details and advice on several topics, including: types of preserved food to bring; tents; the hiring and pay of “native” porters; medical supplies and health concerns; sun protection; climate; where to store gear during expeditions; and shipping. Selous advises Roosevelt to allow Lawn & Alder to take care of every detail, so that the trip is more of a holiday for him than a chore, and recommends William C. Judd as a manager for the “native” guides and porters. Finally, Selous reports that Edward North Buxton is seeing Lord Crewe about any other assistance Roosevelt might need.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
Edward North Buxton provides President Roosevelt with extensive details and advice regarding his upcoming African safari, including: boots, rifle stocks, and rifle and sights Buxton is ordering; the logistical benefits of using Alfred E. Pease’s farm as a base from which to make smaller excursions; routes and timings for various side trips; the logistical benefits of two six-week excursions over one long three month excursion from Pease’s farm; the different types of country and where different types of game may be found; shipping and suppliers; opening a line of credit with Smith, Mackenzie & Co Ltd to purchase necessities in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-09
Frederick Courteney Selous apologises for the delay in answering President Roosevelt’s letter, but he has been preparing lists of equipment and supplies and will write more fully once he has heard from outfitters Lawn & Alder. Selous says the best rifles for hunting “very heavy game” are made in England and hopes to acquire one for Roosevelt and a smaller one for Kermit Roosevelt. Selous thanks Roosevelt for the copy of National Geographic magazine.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-26
Ezra H. Fitch informs William Loeb that Abercrombie & Fitch has sent a metal flask for President Roosevelt as was discussed in a previous letter. Fitch confirms the details regarding a tent ordered by Roosevelt, including its construction and deployment, and says that the tent will be ready in about a week. Fitch offers to send any other items, such as sleeping bags or other camping equipment, for Roosevelt to inspect to ensure it is of good quality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-29
Frederick Courteney Selous is sending President Roosevelt a list of provisions compiled by Lawn and Alder. Selous has been informed that Lawn and Alder can not only supply the provisions but can also arrange passage from Europe to Mombasa for Roosevelt and his son, Kermit. Selous also passes on information from other naturalists and hunters regarding equipment and supplies to take, and the animals which can be hunted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-05
Samples of several swatches of fabric from Abercrombie & Fitch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-02