Pease, Alfred E. (Alfred Edward), Sir, 1857-1939

Letter from Thomas Gilbert-Russell to Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt

Thomas Gilbert-Russell asks Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary when Roosevelt will be at Oyster Bay so he can arrange his trip to New York accordingly. He hopes to finally meet with Roosevelt after trying to while he and Kermit Roosevelt were in London, England, last year. He has previously communicated with Kermit about meeting to discuss “matters of great importance to the United States” that cannot “be properly conveyed in writing.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-18

Creator(s)

Gilbert-Russell, Thomas

Letter from Earl Grey to Theodore Roosevelt

Earl Grey tells Theodore Roosevelt that George Grey has been mauled by a lion in Africa and will likely die. Alfred E. Pease, whose wife Helen died last year, is with him in Nairobi. Grey reflects fondly on his visit with the Roosevelt’s at Sagamore Hill.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-04

Creator(s)

Grey, Albert Henry George Grey, Earl, 1851-1917

Letter from John Jay White to Theodore Roosevelt

John Jay White discusses suggestions of how President Roosevelt should plan his Africa trip. Topics include who to stay with, avoiding the rainy season, recommendations for a servant during the safari, and the importance of seeing a dentist beforehand. White relates this information “as one sportsman to another,” because he is anxious that Roosevelt have a good trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-15

Creator(s)

White, John Jay, 1860-1923

Letter from John Jay White to Theodore Roosevelt

Writing on behalf of Reverend W. S. Rainsford, John Jay White offers President Roosevelt advice about his upcoming safari. Both White and Rainsford disagree with Roosevelt’s plan to delay the hunting portion of his trip until after the rainy season. In White’s experience, May is the best time to hunt elephant and lion. White recommends several guides, and shares tips for making the safari more comfortable. He would happily talk in person soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-03

Creator(s)

White, John Jay, 1860-1923

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courtney Selous discusses concerns about President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa. Selous gives his opinions on the provisions, safari guides, equipment porters, and the hunting of big game animals. Selous includes a postscript informing Roosevelt that everything has been shipped and should arrive in Nairobi by early March.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-25

Creator(s)

Selous, Frederick Courteney, 1851-1917

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton discusses President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari in Africa. He notes that Roosevelt’s head measurement was not in the envelope and calls Roosevelt’s attention to a letter written by Captain Clive of the Foreign Office Intelligence Department. He offers suggestions for the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases, which he directs specifically at Kermit Roosevelt, and advice for planning the days of the trip. Finally, he confirms Roosevelt’s ammunition order.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-15

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton discusses the supplies President Roosevelt will need on his upcoming safari. These items include rifles, cartridges, hats, nailed boots, and hunting glasses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-08

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Noah Seaman to Theodore Roosevelt

Sagamore Hill superintendent Noah Seaman informs President Roosevelt that an express parcel has been delivered containing three volumes by Sir Alfred E. Pease dealing with Africa, as well as a letter that had likely been placed in one of the books. Seaman wishes Roosevelt a happy New Year.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-29

Creator(s)

Seaman, Noah, 1856-1911

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-13

Creator(s)

Selous, Frederick Courteney, 1851-1917

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton believes that President Roosevelt is correct in his choice of what firearms to bring along on his safari, but if he wished to make any alterations there is still plenty of time to get a larger bore gun. Buxton has spoken with Ambassador Whitelaw Reid about sending Roosevelt a rifle to test in a sealed Foreign Office Packet. He additionally offers comments on a number of supplies that Roosevelt is bringing or may wish bring on his safari, including types of cartridges, clothing, and food.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-15

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courteney Selous will write to President Roosevelt again after speaking with William Northrup McMillan, but believes that for the time being all preparations for Roosevelt’s safari that could be made have been made. Selous doubts that Roosevelt will simply be able to travel to Alfred E. Pease’s farm without first showing himself to the citizens of Nairobi, as he is very popular there. Selous promises to go through the camp’s equipment and provisions before they are packed and sent away to ensure that everything is in order.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-29

Creator(s)

Selous, Frederick Courteney, 1851-1917

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton assures President Roosevelt that he will have a good experience hunting in Africa and will not struggle to get game as he fears after reading Abel Chapman’s book. He offers Roosevelt advice on scoping out game on Alfred Pease’s ranch and about testing his rifle before he travels. In a handwritten postscript, he assures Roosevelt that the press will understand his going straight to Pease’s ranch if he tells them he wants a quiet time. He also offers advice on mosquitos.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-10

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton assures President Roosevelt that he enjoys planning Roosevelt’s trip to Africa, and that there is no need to thank him. He discusses the supplies, including boots, that he is arranging for Roosevelt. Buxton has nothing more to say about Roosevelt’s decision to hire a white man to lead his trip, although he expresses his concerns about having too many white men in the party. He also suggests limiting the number of guns and shooters to two. He discusses which native guides Roosevelt should hire, and the merits of Roosevelt hiring them himself, rather than delegating it to his head man.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-13

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton is glad that President Roosevelt agrees on the subject of hunting in the reserves. There is tension locally over support and opposition to the reserves, but Roosevelt will not miss out on any game by avoiding them. Buxton asks for clarification on the recent check, which he sent to Nairobi. Buxton agrees, with Roosevelt that Kermit Roosevelt should not shoot at dangerous game until he has a little more experience, but is sure that Kermit’s nerve will stiffen up with experience. He comments that Roosevelt’s son Ted Roosevelt, will also be going through a similar process of growth at home, but in a different way. Buxton suggests speaking to Colonel J. H. Patterson or Lieutenant-Governor Frederick John Jackson, and sends Alfred E. Pease’s last letter mentioning William C. Judd. If it is solidly made, Buxton thinks Roosevelt’s 18 bore gun will suffice, and he offers his continued assistance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-22

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Frederick John Jackson to Theodore Roosevelt

Lieutenant Governor Frederick John Jackson, of British East Africa, gives President Roosevelt advice on his upcoming safari. He recommends V. M. Newland and Leslie J. Tarlton to outfit and supply Roosevelt, and after speaking with W. S. Rainsford, he recommends Roosevelt take a white man to run the caravan, such as Tarlton or R. J. Cunninghame. To hunt as many specimens as possible, Jackson maps out a route from Alfred E. Pease’s ranch in the Kapiti plains to William Northrup McMillan’s property in Doinya Sabuk, and then to the Vasin Gisha plateau. Jackson would be glad to receive Roosevelt in Nairobi upon arrival if the governor is unavailable. A list of game is included.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-25

Creator(s)

Jackson, Frederick John, 1860-1929

Letter from Edward Buxton North to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton continues to help President Roosevelt gather equipment and supplies for his Africa trip. Buxton will make more inquiries into mosquito boots, and requests Roosevelt send measurements for himself and Kermit Roosevelt. The sample boots from Flack and Smith are ready, and Buxton suggests a good pair of socks to aid in absorbing perspiration.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-25

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton writes to President Roosevelt about potential food and beverage supplies, gives updates on rifle suggestions, and cautions against going with the mosquito boots made by Flacks. He sends a detailed map of the reserve boundaries and Alfred E. Pease’s camp, with a letter from Pease and a reminder that Pease’s camp is too small for a large group. Buxton suggests Roosevelt wait to hear more on William C. Judd before selecting a “head man” for his safari, and informs Roosevelt that the Somali shikari are the best hunters. In order to get a variety of experiences, Buxton suggests potential timelines and routes for Roosevelt while he travels through Sudan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-14

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton sends an extract from a report by J. H. Patterson to President Roosevelt, noting that Patterson is ill and unlikely to return to British East Africa. Buxton asks Roosevelt what type of rifle sight he favors, offering advice on the type of sight that could be used on Roosevelt’s African safari. Buxton will see Alfred E. Pease soon and will discuss more details of the trip with him. Buxton lists several books that might interest Roosevelt in preparation for his trip. Buxton has tested a stool and includes a sketch of one of its uses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Creator(s)

Selous, Frederick Courteney, 1851-1917

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-09

Creator(s)

Buxton, Edward North, 1840-1924