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

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward North Buxton

President Roosevelt tells Edward North Buxton that he has never used a peep sight for hunting, and describes the type of rifle sights he likes best, including a hand-drawn sketch. Roosevelt relays some details about the timing of travel for his upcoming African safari, saying he is pleased to be able to start the hard physical part of the trip by degrees at Alfred E. Pease’s ranch. The president hopes to stop over in England on the return trip to see Buxton, Frederick Courteney Selous, and other friends. Roosevelt has ordered the books Buxton recommended, and thanks him for sending an interesting extract from a report by J. H. Patterson.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward North Buxton

President Roosevelt sends Edward North Buxton a pair of Kermit Roosevelt’s shoes to use as a pattern for new boots for the upcoming African safari. Roosevelt believes it would be good to accept Alfred E. Pease’s invitation to hunt at his ranch in Africa, unless Buxton advises otherwise. Roosevelt suggests a short one week trip to get himself and Kermit Roosevelt in shape and accustomed to the safari staff before the main hunt. Roosevelt appreciates the information on Uganda, but thinks if he can get the game he wants in Sudan or British East Africa, he will not visit Uganda. Roosevelt appreciates all that Buxton is doing for him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-28

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt sends Ambassador Reid details about his plans for his African safari. Roosevelt discusses the timing and route of his trip, as well as his plans for hunting and gathering scientific specimens for the United States National Museum. Roosevelt is “delighted beyond all measure” that Sir F. R. Wingate has opened the reserves under his command to Roosevelt’s expedition. He assures Reid that he will not take too many trophies or slaughter game without cause. Roosevelt asks Reid to pass along this information to Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes in the hopes that he will open the reserves in British East Africa, Uganda, and Sudan, as well as to relieve the minds of other East African provincial officials about the nature of Roosevelt’s trip. Roosevelt would also like to visit Italy, France, and England on the way home from his safari, but does not want to place undue burden on the governments of those nations. He does not wish for official state functions, but to visit old friends with his family.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-20

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. H. Patterson

President Roosevelt thanks J. H. Patterson for the letter, saying that it told him exactly what he wanted to know. Roosevelt is very excited about his upcoming safari in Africa, and says he will follow Patterson’s advice to make his main trip British East Africa, and describes his plans there. Much of his hunting will be done for the Smithsonian Institution, with whom he is partnering for the trip, although he would like to take two or three trophies for his own use, if it is permitted. Roosevelt would be very glad if Patterson would be able to visit him at the White House before he leaves office, and describes a visit he had with some other people.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-06

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Courteney Selous

President Roosevelt writes to Frederick Courteney Selous to discuss his plans and hopes for the safari he will take after leaving the presidency. Roosevelt mentions his preferences for outfitting the expedition, his planned route and timetable, and what sorts of animals he would like to hunt. He plans to partner with the National Museum of Natural History, so most of the animals he hunts will be preserved and donated to them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-25

Letter from Earl Grey to Theodore Roosevelt

Earl Grey apologizes in having taken so long to return Alfred E. Pease’s account of the death of his brother, George Grey, but wished to wait until he could send Theodore Roosevelt a photograph of him which showed his character better than the studio portraits that are more common. When he next sees Roosevelt in person, he will share some stories of George Grey, which he is sure Roosevelt will enjoy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-01

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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