Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt does not intend to be a presidential candidate and would greatly regret being nominated. However, he confidentially informs Governor Stubbs that he would consider the nomination a duty if there was a real public demand for him to accept in the public interest.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-08
Theodore Roosevelt explains why he believes that his nomination for president is extremely unlikely and would be a “calamity.” However, he is also not prepared to announce that he would unequivocally decline the nomination as circumstances could arise where he might view accepting as a duty to the people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes to thank William Rockhill Nelson for the recent editorial in the Kansas City Star.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-23
Theodore Roosevelt was deeply touched by Gustavus D. Pope’s letter. Roosevelt hopes than in the next six months some man may come forward who “aggressively stands for these things as I do.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-15
Theodore Roosevelt gives George E. Miller some advice on what Miller should write about him. Roosevelt is not publicly supporting or standing against any one man, but trying to reach an entire “class of men” that it is possible to “rally to.” Roosevelt suggests that Miller write in the third person “dwell upon the fact” that in Roosevelt’s estimation, Hiram Johnson is the best man for the presidency. However, Roosevelt does not think that Johnson will be accepted by the Republicans and thus will not receive the nomination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-27
Theodore Roosevelt appreciates W. H. Hinebaugh’s letter, but encourages him to read an article in the New York Times from May 23. In that article Charles Willis Thompson expresses Roosevelt’s own belief that Roosevelt should not be a candidate.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-05-29
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his thanks the Michigan electors through Luther G. Beckwith.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-16
While President Roosevelt is concerned by the matter in David Charles Owen’s letter, he is not sure how to “get at” the problem. The consensus is that Roosevelt would cause damage by speaking about it, because it would either be seen as an acknowledgement that William H. Taft is weak, or it will seem like Roosevelt is trying to keep himself center-stage to distract from Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-14
President Roosevelt is alarmed by Walter Wellman’s letter, which suggests that the Republicans might lose Indiana and Ohio. Roosevelt does not think it is wise for him to go on the stump, because it would cause resentment among people who want the attention to be focused on William H. Taft, the opponent of William Jennings Bryan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-15
President Roosevelt returns the enclosure from Frederich von Newlo to James Alfred Roosevelt, and says that he doubts that von Newlo can be appointed to the position he desires. Roosevelt enjoyed receiving the letter, and is pleased to hear about public support for Secretary of War William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-23
President Roosevelt is unsure what to tell William Hutchinson Cowles about the Spokane case that Cowles mentioned. Roosevelt says that Senator Jonathan Bourne is a bit of a fanatic in taking a third-term attitude, but that all of Roosevelt’s other friends are strongly in favor of Secretary of War William H. Taft’s campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-18
President Roosevelt wishes that William Allen White would write the article that he mentioned an idea for, as Roosevelt does not think it would be possible for him to say what he thinks without it reflecting poorly on him. Roosevelt is not going to try to nominate anyone as his successor, although he tells White of his high opinion of Secretary of War William H. Taft, and feels that Kansas would be likely to support him. He asks White to not send him any more of the Leavenworth Times articles, because while he is delighted to receive articles attacking him which White thinks are worthwhile, he gets angry when he sees his friend Leonard Wood being attacked.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-11
President Roosevelt received a letter from Thomas E. Boyd which, along with others, makes him feel “uncomfortable as to the situation in Indiana.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-25
President Roosevelt has received C. J. Dumas’s letter about the Roosevelt and Fairbanks Campaign Club’s resolutions and appreciates the club’s members for their actions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-12
President Roosevelt writes that through John J. Hannahan he has learned that Patrick H. McNellis supports him. If true, Roosevelt assures McNellis that he will “carry myself that neither you or any other straight and decent man need feel regret at having backed me.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-15
The election in New York is doubtful and President Roosevelt hopes that Secretary of War Taft can speak in the state at some point in October. The doubt stems from Governor Benjamin B. Odell’s unpopularity. Roosevelt is concerned that the Democrats could make the New York election a state campaign and not a national campaign. Roosevelt is pleased that Taft liked his letter of acceptance. Alton B. Parker will only be able to respond by great dexterity and has been forced to rewrite his letter to the press. The only way for Parker to win the election is through trickery.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-17
President Roosevelt is pleased to learn that Robert McNeil Morse supports him, as he values Morse’s opinion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-26
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Nicholas Murray Butler about articles in The World and The Sun attacking him for his position on labor issues. The World accuses him of abandoning the labor movement, while The Sun attacks him for connecting himself too closely with the labor movement. Roosevelt feels unable to answer any article to adequately defend himself.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-02
President Roosevelt asks Senator Platt to publicly support him in the press. Roosevelt is dismayed by the opinion that he wants to run his own campaign, and defends his decision to appoint George B. Cortelyou as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-25
Ralph M. Easley tells William Loeb about a recent talk he had with Archbishop John Ireland, and is confident he said what the Star reported him saying. Easley discusses the impressions various groups have regarding the potential nomination Secretary of War William H. Taft or Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou as the Republican presidential candidate. He warns that organized labor seems to be set against Taft, as is “organized capital,” and is worried that there is not anyone who will be able to beat William Jennings Bryan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907