Patriotism

President Roosevelt praises the efforts of the Navy. He declares that an efficient navy of adequate size is “not only the best guarantee of peace, but is also the surest means for seeing that if war does come the result shall be honorable to our good name and favorable to our national interests.” He stresses the necessity of training and preparedness in assuring the Navy’s success in times of war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-08-26

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt informs Judge Day that Day will be released from duty if John Pierpont Morgan’s proposition is accepted by the miners. Roosevelt appreciates Day’s patriotism in accepting the position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-14

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt is glad that John Burroughs called his attention to a piece in The Outlook that he had not previously seen. Two of Roosevelt’s other three sons have been wounded in the fighting overseas. Roosevelt believes that there is “nothing finer in our history than the way our young men have eagerly and gladly gone to France to fight for a high ideal.” However, Roosevelt hates for his sons to face dreadful danger while he remains at home, and he is bitter that he was not allowed to join them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1918-08-14

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt shares the sentiments of the executive committee of the American Defense Society regarding Attorney General Gregory. Roosevelt believes that the situation is becoming “intolerable” and President Wilson’s administration is punishing “men who serve America by fearlessly telling the truth.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1918-03-12

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1918-01-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Recipient

Sherlock, Charles R.

Language

English

Theodore Roosevelt approves of efforts to dismiss teachers who refuse to sign a loyalty pledge or who show the “slightest symptoms” of disloyalty.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-11-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt tells W. E. D. Stokes that it will take many years to solve all the problems Stokes mentioned in his letter. Two copies, one slightly edited.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-06-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt is pleased to have received the photograph of mothers and children in Wisconsin from Philip J. Haag. He appreciates seeing mothers raise children to be future citizens of the American Republic and considers Wisconsin to be a leader among states in many regards.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-18

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt is very enthusiastic about Silac McBee’s editorials and wants to meet with him to discuss.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-15

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Mother Mary Paul for her letter and her well wishes regarding the birth of Ted Roosevelt’s child.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt thanks J. Edwin Hartman for his letter. Roosevelt’s best friend in politics is William “Billy” Loeb, of “pure German descent.” The leader of the Progressive Party in Vermont was a Congregational clergyman, and also of German descent, and Roosevelt believes there is no wiser or patriotic American.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-07-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Edward Earl Britton for his letter and kind words. He explains to Britton that his only desire is for people to come around to the principles of Americanism, which Roosevelt heartily believes in. He does not, however, care whether or not people like him personally.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-01-05

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt regrets losing his German friends because of his opinion on the war and feels that his views, compared to Hugo Münsterberg’s, are “as far apart as the poles.” Roosevelt is an American and nothing else. He opposes “hyphenated Americanism.” He believes English should be the language of the United States but Americans must also remain distinct from the people of Europe. Citizens should be treated equally but also held to a high standard of citizenship. Roosevelt judges each nation by their conduct and that is why he is opposing Germany and Austria-Hungary. He admires German ideals but their conduct during the war has been deplorable. Roosevelt’s main concern is that the United States is prepared to do its duty and maintain the nation’s honor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-01-19

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Harold L. Ickes about using the posts he suggested to create the extra officers the military will soon require. Roosevelt does not want to become involved in advocating for the details, however, as he wants to focus on what he considers to be the main issue–encouraging American preparedness and national solidarity while monitoring developments in Europe, the Pacific, and Mexico. Roosevelt does not believe in a large standing army, but he does support a large navy and universal military training. Roosevelt admits he is “ashamed of America” because of its current stance in regards to World War I.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-21

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt approves of Walter W. Strong’s “mighty fine” letter. Roosevelt regrets having alienated many of his former German friends, but had to think of what is right not friendship. While being partly of German descent, Roosevelt is “American and nothing else.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates the article that appeared in the November issue about a mother raising her boy to be a soldier and if everyone did the same, the country would be safe from war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt remembers Edith Brander Macy and is fond of her family. He agrees that the best way to protect her sons is to “build up the proper standard of American life and proper loyalty to ideals, and national preparedness.” Roosevelt has been working to build up American patriotism and show the country its “lack of dignity and purpose.” He directs Macy to some of his recent writings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-29

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt believes that we should have universal military service and that “patriotism would be instilled into every man who then served.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt denies ever saying that he hates England and would not make such a statement about any nation. He agrees that the best “racial elements” should be sought and brought into the “composite American character.” Roosevelt does not understand Hugo Munsterberg’s objection to Battle Cry of Peace. The play appeals to American patriotism and displays what would be brought on by pacifist teachings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919