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A week after entering office after the death of William McKinley, President Roosevelt writes to Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, thanking him for a recent letter. Roosevelt has many things to talk with Lincoln about and hopes to see him soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-20
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his friend C. Grant La Farge saying he will not likely make it to New York. Roosevelt asks if La Farge and his wife Florence Bayard Lockwood La Farge might come to Washington to stay at the White House instead. Though not noted in the letter, Roosevelt had just taken office the week before.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-20
During his first week in office, President Roosevelt writes to Charles Ransom Miller, editor of The New York Times, to see if he or Henry Lowenthal might be able to come by the White House to discuss policy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-16
President Roosevelt updates his son, Kermit, on the delayed rubber-soled shoe order. Kermit should receive the shoes soon. Roosevelt is currently very busy. He enjoyed shooting the double-barreled 450 rifle, but disagrees with the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. He has given directions about the pipe tobacco, and reports that the pigskin library for the trip is “well under way.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-04
President Roosevelt updates Frederick Courteney Selous on the preparations for his Africa trip. He is giving caravan manager R. J. Cunninghame the “power commensurate with his responsibility,” and has directed him to hire support staff. Roosevelt wants to pay his bills before leaving for Africa, and asks Selous to request that they be sent over. He likes the double-barreled Holland rifle, and looks forward to seeing Selous on the steamer at Naples. In a postscript, he wonders if Selous could arrange for pipe tobacco to be sent to Nairobi for Kermit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-04
President Roosevelt has read Thomas J. Dolan’s letter and forwarded it to president-elect Taft, who is currently traveling. Roosevelt is leaving office and does not want to involve himself in the matter. However, he informed Taft of his high opinion of Dolan, and hopes that the two men will be able to meet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-05
President Roosevelt encloses a self-explanatory letter from Thomas J. Dolan. He thinks highly of Dolan, and feels that president-elect Taft is the appropriate person to deal with this matter. Roosevelt hopes that the two men can meet in person.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-05
President Roosevelt received Frederick Courteney Selous’s letters, and the letter from R. J. Cunninghame. Roosevelt has directed Cunninghame to hire Leslie J. Tarlton, but he might reduce the expedition size later in the trip. It is becoming more expensive than he had anticipated. However, Roosevelt does not want to immediately disregard Cunninghame’s experience and advice. The end of his presidency is keeping Roosevelt very busy, and he looks forward to seeing Selous in April.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-07
President Roosevelt updates his son Kermit Roosevelt on recent happenings as he concludes his presidency. Irritated by the negative reaction to his “moderate” physical exercise order, Roosevelt recounts his recent, one-day ninety mile ride out to Warrenton, Virginia, which he hoped “would put a stop to any grumbling.” He also discusses the state of his relationship with Congress, which has soured as he nears the end of his term. Roosevelt does not expect to pass any legislation this winter, and, as such, feels that Congress cannot do him much harm. To conclude, Roosevelt fondly reflects on his presidency, noting that he and his wife, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, have enjoyed the White House “more than any President and his wife,” but are content and willing to leave it for a life of happiness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-14
President Roosevelt approves of the announcement of his upcoming work with The Outlook and returns a copy to William Bailey Howland. Roosevelt clarifies that the exclusive agreement he has with the magazine refers only to writings, and he may still give speeches on any topic. Roosevelt agrees to signing a letter indicating a start date of March 5, 1909, but emphasizes that he will not be able to provide a large volume of work until his return from his upcoming African safari.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-30
President Roosevelt agrees with William L. Ward to restore citizenship to a man named Freeman. Roosevelt also agrees to stay out of the New York governor’s race and will tell Timothy L. Woodruff that “no senatorial ambitions” should interfere with the campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-29
President Roosevelt was pleased by the enclosure sent by John J. Joyce, and says he has tried to do everything in his power for the “plain people” during his administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-27
President Roosevelt reflects to his son Kermit on the events of the past week in Washington, D.C. He believes that the Conference of Governors on conservation will be the end of his “very active work” as President, as focus will turn to the nominee after the convention. Roosevelt hopes that Kermit will make the most of his year at Harvard before the African safari, and that after their return, he will dedicate himself to working hard and not become restless and unsatisfied.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-17
President Roosevelt thanks Henry H. Boyce for the letter. The daily paper will report that Roosevelt will retain William McKinley’s policies and Cabinet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-14
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on his plan to speak to Lord Crewe soon about the white rhinoceros. He shares the details of his recent shooting excursions at Wrest Park. Reid applauds Roosevelt’s political triumphs in the “late shindies.” He apologizes if his previous letter put Roosevelt in a difficult position. It would please Reid to stay in Great Britain at least until Roosevelt’s visit, but he does not want to cause his friends trouble.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-02
Endicott Peabody is glad President Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt agree to have their son Archibald Roosevelt repeat the First Form, and that it will be better for his education in the long run. Peabody admires the work Roosevelt has done as president and hopes he will have some good rest coming up.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-22
William Bailey Howland encloses a proposed press release announcing President Roosevelt’s upcoming association with The Outlook magazine. Also enclosed are two copies of a letter from Lyman Abbott, one of which should be signed and returned by Roosevelt. A private office will be ready for Roosevelt on March 5, 1909.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-28
John Adams Thayer shares his idea of starting a national journal with President Roosevelt, which Roosevelt would edit post-presidency. Such a publication would give Roosevelt free rein to discuss the country’s problems and act for the common good.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-12
As President Roosevelt’s presidency comes to an end, he faces resistance from the House of Representatives over his request to increase the budget of the Secret Service and backlash from the Senate for not trust busting the United States Steel Corporation’s acquisition of the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-08
“Bull Moose” celebrates the transition after the 1912 election and looks forward to President Wilson’s term.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1913