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Frank A. Edwards informs Theodore Roosevelt that he seeks a letter of introduction or endorsement to General Leonard Wood to support his work on an Italian–English Military Dictionary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-11
President Roosevelt relieves Rear Admiral Evans of command at his own request. He thanks Evans for his long service in the United States Navy and recaps his career, which has seen the country emerge as a first class naval power.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-23
President Roosevelt contradicts Ransom J. Chase’s statement that there is discrimination against officers who served in the Civil War, but promises to request a report on the matter from the War Department. He also believes that if Chase considers his second point of contention more fully, he will realize that the refusal to allow personal and political relations to influence awarding soldiers positions will in fact result in the more meritorious soldiers receiving positions, instead of being upstaged by those with more improper influence. Veterans can still call attention to the positive war records of their comrades, but the records must speak for themselves.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-25
Leonard Wood informs Theodore Roosevelt that he will be glad to see Cornelius Higgins whenever he should call. Wood discusses the case of Second Lieutenant Robert H. Fletcher, which Vanderlynn Stow mentioned to Roosevelt some months before. He looks forward to seeing Roosevelt at the second polo game, and work has been lively.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-27
Vanderlynn Stow reminds Theodore Roosevelt how he appointed his friend Robert H. Fletcher to the Military Academy. Anticipating orders to the Philippines, Second Lieutenant Fletcher had his bad knee examined, and the ensuing complications led to his hospitalization. Almost recovered, Fletcher surprisingly found himself on the retirement list. Stow asks Roosevelt to intercede on Fletcher’s behalf as “his heart is in the service.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-28
Robert E. Peary informs Theodore Roosevelt that the Committee on Naval Affairs unanimously reported a bill promoting him to Rear Admiral on the retired list with the thanks of Congress. The bill will next be presented in the House of Representatives. He expects Representatives R. B. Macon and Ernest W. Roberts to fight the matter. Roosevelt could “render invaluable assistance” by asking his friends in Congress to vote for the bill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-18
Acting Secretary of the Navy Winthrop informs Thomas N. Phillips that the Naval Retiring Board found him unfit for active service. President William H. Taft has approved the Board’s findings and directed Phillips be transferred to the Retired List of Officers of the Navy. W. A. Marshall and C. T. Hibbett endorse the item, and Phillips certifies it as true.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-21
Asa Bird Gardiner introduces the letter bearer, Samuel A. Russel, a Civil War veteran and military career man, to Secretary of War Taft. Gardiner speaks highly of Russel’s reputation and character, and asks that he be restored to his rank and granted military retirement. Gardiner feels that Russel was wrongly discharged from service.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-08
James Sullivan Clarkson writes to President Roosevelt on behalf of a Corporal Tanner, who seeks placement in Liverpool, England in lieu of Canadian placements in Quebec, Halifax, or Nova Scotia. Clarkson quotes Tanner’s plea to serve in England over the Consul at Liverpool. Tanner asserts that since he is a paraplegic, he would be of more use in Liverpool, while Canadian James Boyle is more suited to placements in Canada.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-24
Micah John Jenkins, a member of the Rough Riders, asks for Governor Roosevelt’s support and assistance in assuring his proper rank in the retired lists of the U.S. Army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1900-06-03