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President Roosevelt informs Secretary of the Navy Newberry that he has made selections based on a list from John Elliott Pillsbury, but it is difficult to choose amongst the officers as they are all similarly qualified.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-03
President Roosevelt believes that Albert L. Key’s main objections to his plan for the administration of the Navy stems from the fact that officers eligible for positions are too old. Roosevelt would like to promote younger men to higher grades in the Navy, but his experience attempting this in the Army has made it clear that he cannot successfully do so.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-10
President Roosevelt informs Rear Admiral Sperry that he is to command the Great White Fleet on its return trip. This will require a great deal of responsibility as it involves visiting Australia and Japan and passing through the Suez Canal. Roosevelt exhorts Sperry to be careful during the time he is in East Asian waters, as he does not want there to be any “suspicion of insolence or rudeness on our part.” Outside of maintaining the safety of the ships, Roosevelt would much rather the fleet be insulted than to be seen as giving insult, although he is sure the Japanese will also be taking care to avoid giving any sort of slight.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-21
President Roosevelt asks why Charles Fairbanks, who has been highly recommended by several high-ranking government officials, should not be appointed as pension agent for New Hampshire.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-29
President Roosevelts asks why Charles Fairbanks, who has been highly recommended by several high-ranking government officials, should not be appointed as pension agent for New Hampshire.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-29
Secretary of the Navy Meyer tells Theodore Roosevelt what he and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge did after Roosevelt left following William H. Taft’s inauguration. Meyer signed papers reversing an order that former Secretary of the Navy Truman Handy Newberry had Roosevelt sign. He explains his reasoning; mainly, the Senators from Louisiana were unhappy with it, and Meyer believes he can carry out most of what was in the order without an Executive Order being issued.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-08
Albert Gleaves writes President Roosevelt to say goodbye, as he is leaving Newport for Puget Sound. He has orders to report to the St. Louis, but Admiral John Elliott Pillsbury has transferred him to the Charleston after July 1.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-09
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of the Navy Metcalf that Captain John Elliott Pillsbury will be appointed Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Roosevelt believes that Admiral Willard H. Brownson’s resignation over a disagreement regarding an order that was issued before he came to the bureau was improper, and that naval officers should not resign or be disloyal over matters of personal opinion. The way that the controversy has been dealt with has hurt naval training and the public opinion of the Navy among civilians.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-02
Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte asks President Roosevelt for his advice on two instances regarding promotions within the Navy. Bonaparte also includes a handwritten note because he had forgotten to inform Roosevelt during their meeting that he would be speaking in Chicago.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-07