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William L. Ward asks Theodore Roosevelt to indicate a time and place, such as a friend’s house, where they might talk privately, without the newspapers knowing they are meeting. Ward met with Herbert Parsons, who spoke of the possibilities of a third term, but Ward is satisfied with the results of the efforts in Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-14
If Representative Parsons nominates the man in question, President Roosevelt will welcome the chance to write “the strongest kind of letter.” Roosevelt says that the letter Charles Hitchcock Sherrill left with him is exactly the platform he likes to stand on.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-10
President Roosevelt discourages E. A. Drake from organizing the parade unless it is sure to be successful. Though Roosevelt has faith in Charles Hitchcock Sherrill, Vice President of the Business Men’s Republican Association, Representative Herbert Parsons, Chairman of the Republican County Committee, is against it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-01
President Roosevelt agrees with Representative Bennet’s letter which praises Representative Herbert Parsons and his work with the County Committee. Roosevelt has shared some of the letter with Parsons because he deserves the encouragement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-27
President Roosevelt informs Lyman Abbott of The Outlook about the situation with New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes. Although the major papers covered Hughes as a figure in stark contrast to Roosevelt, he was in fact originally nominated on Roosevelt’s suggestion, and dependent on him for reelection. Politicians such as Hughes have often catered to the press and refused to work beside others in their party, and it has weakened their ability to serve. Even with these misguided acts, Roosevelt investigated the situation thoroughly and felt that Hughes had been a good governor, which is why he intervened for his renomination. Any resentful action Hughes takes to upset Roosevelt does not hold power now, as Roosevelt will never run for office or request anything from Hughes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-15
President Roosevelt requests that Secretary of State Root address the extradition “of certain alleged political offenders” to Russia. Currently, he is not pleased with the campaign, especially with the revival of the liquor agitation. Additionally, he feels that the Republican National Committee is not well handled. Given William H. Taft’s record and personality, Roosevelt cannot understand why Taft is not more popular. He is still convinced that New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes should be renominated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-05
President Roosevelt asks Secretary of War Wright to look into a matter personally. He instructs that the word “may” can be interpreted as the War Department sees fit. Wright can either grant or deny Representative Herbert Parson’s request.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-04
President Roosevelt relays his concern for the Cooley family to Susan Dexter Dalton Cooley as her husband, Assistant Attorney General Alford Warriner Cooley, recovers from illness. Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte wrote him about Alford Warriner Cooley returning the check. He finds it a needless and irritating, yet endearing action. Roosevelt wants to help the Cooley family in any way, finding “it a very great privilege…to serve you,” as he greatly admires and respects them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-02
President Roosevelt agrees with journalist Henry L. Stoddard. While it will do damage to nominate New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, it will do more damage not to nominate him. Although Hughes has offended other politicians, Roosevelt believes he should be renominated as long as there is nothing against Hughes’s personal integrity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-29
President Roosevelt assures Francis J. Hendricks he does not intend to force the renomination of New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, and appreciates Hendricks’ oppositions. It is not Roosevelt’s job to be the Republican party’s boss or compel friends to do something they do not wish to do. In his judgment, “it will be a bad thing to nominate Mr. Hughes, it will be a worse thing not to nominate him.” Nonetheless, he assures Hendricks he will support him whatever his decision may be.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-28
President Roosevelt assures Representative Fassett that he does not want to force the nomination of Governor Charles Evans Hughes. There will be heavy loss regardless of whether Hughes is or is not nominated. Roosevelt believes the loss will be heavier if Hughes is not nominated, but will support whoever the convention chooses.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-27
Roosevelt despairs of the issues surrounding renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes, discussing with Lyman Abbott “how the theory that a man in public office should not try to do anything but fulfill the duties of his public office breaks down in practice.” Roosevelt does not want to dictate that Hughes be renominated, but believes he should be and has told Republican party leaders his views.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-21
President Roosevelt views George H. West’s letter as important and inquires if he could send it to men such as representative Herbert Parsons, Timothy L. Woodruff, Francis J. Hendricks, and representative J. Sloat Fassett.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-18
Before receiving James E. March’s letter, President Roosevelt knew nothing concerning the matter and still knows only what the letter says. He has avoided participating in factional fights. Herbert Parsons never mentioned March.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-17
President Roosevelt thanks Joseph Bucklin Bishop for his letter and believes Colonel George W. Goethals is glad that Bishop has come to the Isthmus. Roosevelt concurs with Bishop’s letter and states he will “back up the Colonel on all points.” The president also informs Bishop of some political business in New York State and asks Bishop to send “a not too long rough draft” about the Panama Canal that Roosevelt could include in his annual message.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-11
President Roosevelt updates Secretary of War Taft on his conversation with Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou in which he made clear that the nominee for president will be chosen based on what is best for the party. Men from various states have contacted Roosevelt attempting to convince him to run again and expressing whether they would support Taft. Evaluating the potential candidates, Roosevelt focuses on Governor Charles Evans Hughes, who is the biggest potential threat. Roosevelt says that Bishop Charles Henry Brent recently delivered a ridiculous sermon on the Philippines and that Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte has been doing well this summer despite his difficult work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-03
President Roosevelt tells Elsie Worthington Clews Parsons that he is glad to have the chance to read the famous book, and hopes to have her and her husband Representative Herbert Parsons to dinner soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-22
Timothy L. Woodruff updates William Loeb on New York State politics in anticipation of the next year’s presidential election. He and New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes do not agree on the wording of a resolution, especially because many New Yorkers want Roosevelt to run for reelection. Woodruff asks Loeb to decide what wording the resolution should use.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-20
Charles Dewey Hilles informs William Loeb that the “rank and file” of New Jersey Republicans are loyal to President Roosevelt and William H. Taft but that prominent officials are not. Francis Hendricks believes that if Charles Evans Hughes becomes an active candidate, he will have a large following even though Taft is regarded highly right now.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-19
Timothy L. Woodruff says that it will not be necessary for him to communicate with William Loeb en route to Washington, D.C., because he can learn everything that is required from William Barnes. He hopes that Loeb will be able to help Jack Smith and discusses implications of particular candidates winning in New York. Woodruff believes that they have a good chance of accomplishing excellent political results if there is a feud between Democrats in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-18