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D. A. Nunn tells Theodore Roosevelt there is a noticeably strong undercurrent and the people of the South are for Roosevelt’s nomination, regardless of their political party. Nunn was postmaster and a “Brownlow Republican” for a long time, but was pushed out by the “Sanders element” and replaced by his brother.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-12
Henry W. Taft reviews possible nominees for Postmaster of New York City, Marcus M. Marks and William R. Willcox. Taft then suggests James R. Sheffield, David H. Miller, Judge Ernest Hall, and William Marcus as possible candidates for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-01
Charles M. Hoyt was not named Postmaster at Haverhill, Massachusetts, despite support from Congressman Augustus Peabody Gardner. The present postmaster, H. L. Pinkham, has been reappointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased to hear from Robert John Wynne. He notes that he appointed Wynne as Postmaster General and later Consul to Great Britain because he “needed in the public service a man of your high character and indomitable, aggressive courage.” Roosevelt looks forward to seeing Wynne in London and wonders if Wynne can arrange for him to meet Redmond. He asks whether it is alright for him to do so, as he does not know much about English politics.
1910-03-12
Francis C. Travers urges William Loeb to hold the date of March 17, 1905, for President Roosevelt to attend the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick dinner in New York City. If Roosevelt wishes another dinner in February, Travers is happy to oblige, but the date of March 17 cannot be changed for this event. Travers asks Loeb whether Roosevelt would like others invited to the dinner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-27
President Roosevelt encloses a letter from Judge John Campbell. The Republican National Committee seems to be running smoothly and Assistant Secretary of State Robert Bacon has been aiding Treasurer of the Republican National Committee George Rumsey Sheldon. Roosevelt outlines his optimism about the campaign, but admits that New York may be difficult and that he has received a worried letter from Representative Theodore E. Burton about Ohio. Roosevelt does not plan on speaking, other than potentially on labor, and he asks for William H. Taft’s input on postmaster appointments.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-06
President Roosevelt informs Oyster Bay Postmaster Larrabee that she will be reappointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-10
President Roosevelt would like to reappoint Peter H. Vosburgh as postmaster in Matteawan, New York, and hopes Representative McMillan will endorse this choice.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-21
President Roosevelt acknowledges the letter sent to him by Benjamin Ide Wheeler, President of the University of California, which has given Roosevelt all the information he wanted. He asks for Wheeler’s help in securing an appointment for Merrill, and would like California Representative Joseph R. Knowland’s support. Merrill will not pose a threat to Knowland and will only seek to administer the post office effectively for the good of the people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-19
President Roosevelt informs California Governor Gillett that he does not want to appoint Charles E. Thomas as postmaster of Berkeley, California, in light of the opposition to him. Instead, Roosevelt plans to appoint Clarence S. Merrill because Representative Knowland says he is a good man and the only objection to Merrill is that the postmastership had been promised to Thomas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-16
President Roosevelt informs Benjamin Ide Wheeler that he appointed Clarence S. Merrill to the post office as a temporary appointment, which may not be permanent if “the Senators are going to reject him.” Roosevelt states that he is going to consider “the real sentiment of the people” as to who should be postmaster, and notes that Charles E. Thomas was highly recommended. He also encloses a letter about the postmaster position in Berkeley, California, that he says is strictly confidential.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-11
President Roosevelt informs Representative Knowland that he has received his telegram and that the appointment of Clarence S. Merrill as postmaster has already been made. The president promises to “take up the whole matter” with Knowland, the Senators, and the rest of the delegation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-11
President Roosevelt informs Representative Knowland that he only removes a man from office upon charges. Roosevelt did not select Knowland’s first choice of appointment because many people objected to his appointment. While Roosevelt will not revisit the issue, he will discuss whether Clarence S. Merrill’s appointment as postmaster should be permanent. Roosevelt pays heed to political considerations but not at the expense of poor conduct of a potential appointment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-11
President Roosevelt tells Representative Knowland that he intends to give Clarence S. Merrill a recess appointment as postmaster and will confer with the Senate when Congress convenes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-10
President Roosevelt encloses for Representative Knowland a copy of a telegram supporting the argument that there should be no objection to the appointment of Clarence S. Merrill as postmaster of Berkeley.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-05
President Roosevelt explains to Representative Knowland that he can not support the appointment of Charles E. Thomas for Postmaster of Berkeley after hearing from Benjamin Ide Wheeler. Knowland had stated that Thomas resigned from a position after being promised the appointment, but this is impossible, as only Roosevelt can make appointments. Roosevelt has chosen to appoint Clarence S. Merrill, in light of the inadequacy of the postmaster who is being removed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-03
President Roosevelt suggests to California Governor James Norris Gillett that they should be responsive to the protests at the University of California, Berkeley, of the appointment of Charles E. Thomas as postmaster. Roosevelt wishes there could be a consensus on the appointment or Clarence S. Merrill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-31
President Roosevelt sends University of California President Wheeler a copy of the senators’ letter. To resolve the matter of confirming Clarence S. Merrill, Roosevelt requests more information about him and Charles E. Thomas. He also directs Wheeler to “get me as strong a protest as possible.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-29
President Roosevelt informs California Senators Perkins and Flint that he cannot appoint Charles E. Thomas as postmaster in light of the “emphatic protest” of those connected to the University of California, especially President Benjamin Ide Wheeler.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-29
President Roosevelt informs University of California President Wheeler that he will not appoint Charles E. Thomas as postmaster of Berkeley, California, and has notified the Post Office Department. Roosevelt has never heard of San Francisco Postmaster Arthur G. Fisk and how he tries to make Roosevelt “null and void.” He cannot act without information and asks Wheeler for particular examples.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-23