Peirce, Herbert H. D. (Herbert Henry Davis), 1849-1916

William N. Tilchin examines why Theodore Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his mediation of the Russo-Japanese War. Tilchin asserts that Roosevelt had gained a great deal of diplomatic experience prior to the 1905 negotiations at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, including his work in acquiring the rights to build the Panama Canal. Tilchin also notes that Roosevelt had a sense of the larger geopolitical stakes at hand in the war; namely, preserving the balance of power in both Asia and Europe, and he highlights how Roosevelt deployed his friendships with Kentaro Kaneko of Japan and the United States Ambassador to Russia George von Lengerke Meyer throughout the negotiations.

Three photographs appear in the essay, including one of Roosevelt with the peace commissioners from Russia and Japan and one of Tilchin at the site of the treaty negotiations at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

James F. Vivian describes the efforts of the Roosevelt Monument Association to have an equestrian statue of Theodore Roosevelt made for the state agricultural college in Fargo, North Dakota. Vivian highlights the sculptor chosen for the project, Gustav Viegland, and he details how Roosevelt, who initially sat for Viegland, decided that he did not want a statue made of him while he was still alive. An illustration of a model of the proposed statue appears in the article as does a reprint of a letter from the Roosevelt Monument Association on association stationery. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2007

Henry J. Hendrix describes the negotiations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, between Russia and Japan in an effort to end the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. Hendrix also details the role played by President Theodore Roosevelt, especially his use of third parties to act as intermediaries between him and the warring powers. Hendrix notes that Roosevelt persuaded the Japanese to surrender their demand for an indemnity from the Russians, convincing them that asking for a payment would appear to the world as continuing the war simply for money. Hendrix asserts that studying the negotiations reveals that Roosevelt was in charge of his diplomacy; that he was “deeply involved” in the process; and that he made effective use of back-channel or third party diplomacy. 

Two photographs and two political cartoons of Roosevelt illustrate the article.

William N. Tilchin examines why Theodore Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his mediation of the Russo-Japanese War. Tilchin asserts that Roosevelt had gained a great deal of diplomatic experience prior to the 1905 negotiations at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, including his work in acquiring the rights to build the Panama Canal. Tilchin also notes that Roosevelt had a sense of the larger geopolitical stakes at hand in the war; namely, preserving the balance of power in both Asia and Europe, and he highlights how Roosevelt deployed his friendships with Kentaro Kaneko of Japan and the United States Ambassador to Russia George von Lengerke Meyer throughout the negotiations. 

A silhouette illustration and three photographs of Roosevelt accompany the article as does a text box acknowledging the financial firm Roosevelt & Cross for its support of the Theodore Roosevelt Association.

In an excerpt from his book The Roosevelt Family of Sagamore Hill, Hermann Hagedorn examines Theodore Roosevelt’s exercise of personal diplomacy with the representatives of Russia and Japan in his effort to mediate an end to the Russo-Japanese War. Hagedorn details the delicate diplomacy undertaken by Roosevelt at Sagamore Hill and onboard the presidential yacht Mayflower in August 1905 which helped to secure a final peace treaty in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Hagedorn also describes Roosevelt’s descent in the U.S. Navy’s submarine, the Plunger.

A photograph, a political cartoon, and an illustration depict Roosevelt’s interaction with the envoys from Russia and Japan.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

President Roosevelt read the consulate inspection report by Third Assistant Secretary of State Herbert H. D. Peirce. He lists several consuls who are to be removed.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-16

On August 5, 1905, the Japanese and Russian delegations to the Portsmouth Peace Conference left New York City to board ships which would take them first to Oyster Bay to talk with Theodore Roosevelt and then to the conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This film includes views at the wharf of the New York Yacht Club of the Japanese delegation boarding two U.S. Navy steam launches; and part of the Russian delegation walking down a ramp to the wharf. The first three men are unidentified. The last two men are the chief Russian envoys, Sergei Witte and Baron Roman von Rosen. The delegation is greeted by Third Assistant Secretary of State Herbert H. D. Peirce and others. The Russians board a steam launch. The final view shows a man walking down the ramp and then boarding another launch. Members of the Japanese delegation included Baron Kogoro Takahira, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, and envoy Jutaro Komura.

Collection

Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound

Creation Date

1905

Minister Herbert H. D. Peirce was authorized to read this message while accepting the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. In this message, Roosevelt expresses his gratitude at receiving the prize, and describes his plans for using the prize money. He has determined to use the money to establish an Industrial Peace Committee within the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-12

Assistant Secretary of State Herbert H. D. Peirce denies that President Roosevelt has an interest in acquiring the chairs used by Count Vitte and Baron Komura during the signing of the peace treaty.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-13

Herbert H. D. Peirce announced that no envoys from President Roosevelt met with Sergei Witte or Baron Rosen during peace talks.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-23

Peace talks continue, but the peace envoys deny speaking with representatives of President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-23

The Hotel Wentworth is hosting peace talks between Russia and Japan, due to its beneficial location and decent accommodations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-18

In an unsent draft of a letter to Senators Elkins and Scott, President Roosevelt explains his reasons for removing Thomas W. Cridler as Assistant Secretary of State and replacing him with Herbert H. D. Peirce. Roosevelt, and McKinley before him, believed that although he could be an able consul or representative at the St. Louis Exposition, Cridler does not have the qualities to be a good assistant secretary of state. Cridler was too involved in politics in his current position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-28

President Roosevelt informs Senator Scott that Senator Henry Cabot Lodge did not have anything to do with Thomas W. Cridler being transferred from the State Department to the consulship of Kingston, nor with his being replaced by Herbert H. D. Peirce. The decision was made by Secretary of State John Hay and was made in the interest of public service.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-26

President Roosevelt says that Senator Platt is mistaken in thinking that Secretary of State John Hay is yielding to political pressure in appointing Herbert H. D. Peirce to replace Thomas W. Cridler in the State Department. Roosevelt and Hay both believe Cridler is not useful and should be given a different position. There is no pressure to replace him with either Peirce or Mr. Jackson. A handwritten note states that the letter was not sent to Platt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-25

Theodore Roosevelt cannot accept Herbert H. D. Peirce’s invitation. He suggests that Senator Lodge cooperate with John Callan O’Laughlin to bring pressure on Senators Borah and Cummins.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-09

On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary acknowledges receipt of the invitation from John A. Gade to attend the lecture given by Herbert H. D. Peirce, as well as a letter from Senator Henry Cabot Lodge urging him to be present. Roosevelt is very sorry that he was unable to attend.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-08

Theodore Roosevelt will be unable to attend the meeting as requested by Herbert H. D. Peirce. Roosevelt is certain that Senator Lodge will not vote for the treaty without either Lodge’s or Senator Root’s amendment.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-05

President Roosevelt disagrees with several statements Secretary of State John Hay wrote. While Hay was one of the most “delightful characters” Roosevelt had ever met, he found Hay lacking leadership qualities as a Secretary of State. Roosevelt provides Senator Lodge with his view of the Alaska Boundary dispute in 1903. He includes copies of the letters Roosevelt wrote to Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes and Henry White to show to British Secretary of State for the Colonies James Chamberlain and Prime Minister James Arthur Balfour. Roosevelt explains why certain appointments were made following the death of President William McKinley and details for why Hay was not consulted on matters concerning the Russo-Japanese War and the acquisition of Panama.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-28

President Roosevelt encloses a letter for Senator Foraker in which Secretary of State Elihu Root states that the charges by James H. Embry against Third Assistant Secretary of State Herbert H. D. Peirce are “malicious and unworthy of serious consideration.” Roosevelt clarifies that he knows Foraker disclaimed responsibility for the charges. The letter is for his information in case Embry returns.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-01-30