Rixey, Presley Marion, 1852-1928

Letter from Caroline W. Chaffee to Ida Saxton McKinley

Caroline W. Chaffee informs Ida Saxton McKinley that months ago she received information that suggested that her husband, President William McKinley, was in danger. She regrets not bringing the matter to his attention before he was killed. She intends to speak with President Roosevelt about what she knows, but would also like to meet with McKinley if she desires.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-16

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James H. Pound

Theodore Roosevelt agrees that perhaps they should wait on filing a criminal suit against George A. Newett. Roosevelt also proposes several witnesses that James H. Pound could take depositions from for his case.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-12-13

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James H. Pound

Theodore Roosevelt writes to James H. Pound, his lawyer, to discuss his upcoming libel case against George A. Newett. Roosevelt proposes several character witnesses to establish his sobriety and character and asks Pound if he needs to be in Michigan for the trial at the end of the month.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-12-04

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit about the last speech he made as president, at an Abraham Lincoln celebration in Kentucky. He was touched to see the enthusiastic crowds at the stations throughout the journey. Roosevelt also discusses his plans to sell his horse Roswell, and preparations for his upcoming Africa trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-13

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frank Ross McCoy

President Roosevelt also wishes that Captain McCoy could have joined him on the ride to Warrenton. It would not have been tiring for McCoy, as it was for Roosevelt and his current military aide, Captain Archibald Willingham Butt. Roosevelt has written to the War College about McCoy’s suggestion. He misses working with McCoy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-08

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt highly recommends William K. Sixsmith’s exercise regime and would like them to be mandatory for the military and in the schools for the boys and girls to participate in. Roosevelt attaches the recommendations from Captain Frederick B. Hennessy and two Surgeons General of an experimental class using Sixsmith’s exercises among the enlisted men at Fort Myer, Virginia. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-28

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Archibald B. Roosevelt

President Roosevelt tells his son Archie about recent events, including a diplomatic dinner at the White House, a meeting on improving conditions in the Navy, and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s condition. Roosevelt also expresses concerns about Quentin Roosevelt, and relays details about his ninety-eight mile ride.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-16

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Archibald Willingham Butt

President Roosevelt recounts the over ninety-eight mile horseback ride to and from the Warrenton, Virginia, that he took with Captain Butt on January 13. Roosevelt reviews the cities they passed through and the tough travel conditions they endured. The fact that he, Butt, and the rest of the party returned “in fine condition” has convinced Roosevelt that his new physical fitness requirements for the army and navy are not excessive.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-15

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-14

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Truman Handy Newberry

President Roosevelt has spoken with U.S. Navy Surgeon General Presley Marion Rixey, and found that he had misunderstood Rixey’s position. He has accordingly prepared a new general order, and sends it to Secretary of the Navy Newberry to issue. Roosevelt additionally informs Newberry that he is not satisfied with the matter of reorganization of the Navy, because while it may help the navy’s business efficiency, he is not sure it would help the navy as a fighting force. Roosevelt plans to get advice from line officers, and will speak with Newberry about the details.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-04

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt tells his son, Theodore Roosevelt, about recent goings-on at the White House over the holidays. Many of the Roosevelt children have been attending a number of parties, which has affected their daily schedule. He describes a late-night party at the White House given by Kermit Roosevelt and Ethel Roosevelt that disturbed his and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s sleep, in which he had to personally intervene to make them go to bed. Roosevelt has been riding, and had the opportunity to test some rifles with Kermit that they will be bringing on their upcoming safari. He has recently been asked by Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff, the German ambassador, to give a lecture in Berlin when he is in Europe, but it is the last one that he plans to schedule.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Truman Handy Newberry

President Roosevelt tells Secretary of the Navy Newberry that he does not believe a recent order issued by the Bureau of Navigation regarding the physical fitness of naval officers is a good one. Roosevelt encloses a letter from Surgeon General of the Navy Presley Marion Rixey that he believes would be a better sort of order, and feels that the tests should be administered yearly, and be uniform among all officers of the armed services.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-26

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt was glad to read what his son, Theodore Roosevelt, wrote about his brother Kermit Roosevelt. He sympathizes with Ted’s opinion about work, and says that he will eventually reach the point where he can have both work and leisure, but agrees that having only leisure would be worse than only work. Roosevelt had received a copy of Wind in the Willows, but had not read it yet. He plans to do so now, based on Ted’s recommendation. Roosevelt’s schedule is as busy as ever, both with his usual presidential work, as well as his preparations for his safari and the lectures he will be giving abroad. Roosevelt hopes to be able to save the money he makes by writing after leaving the presidency to help his children until they are all able to earn their own livings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-03, 1908-12-06

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Archibald B. Roosevelt

President Roosevelt is concerned about Archibald B. Roosevelt’s foot, but is sure that it will get better when he is home. Archie’s younger brother, Quentin Roosevelt, has gone hunting recently and caught three rabbits. Quentin likes his current school, although he will go to Groton before too long.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt returns the letter to his son, Kermit Roosevelt, and tells him that he thinks it was probably well-meaning. Roosevelt is pleased that Kermit had a good time at Geneseo, and would have liked to have seen Kermit on the hunt. Winter has come to Washington, D.C., and Roosevelt has gone horseback riding. He has also tested some of the guns that he is going to bring on his safari, and thinks they are good. He proposes that he and Kermit test them together during the week of Christmas, and then pack them up for shipping. He asks Kermit if he would like to see a presentation of slides by Frank M. Chapman sometime during the holidays.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

Archibald B. Roosevelt is recovering well from his surgery and is excited to return to Groton. President Roosevelt was touched by the fondness Archie showed Kermit Roosevelt before and after the surgery. Roosevelt also tells Kermit about a walk he had taken with several friends in which they lost French Ambassador J. J. Jusserand in the woods and an enjoyably informal dinner with several hunters.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-12-08

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit Roosevelt about the events of Thanksgiving week. His son Archibald B. Roosevelt has taken extremely ill, although he has had a good time at the Groton School. Roosevelt has gone on several outings with friends and plans to go riding with Henry Cabot Lodge the next day.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-30

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Archibald B. Roosevelt

President Roosevelt is concerned to learn that his son Archibald B. Roosevelt has been ill and updates him on recent goings-on in the family, including updating Archie on Scamp, their “very cunning little dog,” and the president’s first experience exercising with medicine balls.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-23

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Clive Metcalf and Harley Metcalf

President Roosevelt looks forward to the upcoming visit from Clive and Harley Metcalf to Washington, D.C., and only regrets that he has not been able to procure bear livers for their arrival.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-21

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Archibald B. Roosevelt

President Roosevelt is glad Archie has gotten new glasses and hopes they will help his headaches. Roosevelt offers his observations on local squirrels, a pet dog, and the recent high spirits of Audrey the horse. He also updates Archie on family life, writing that Ethel Roosevelt is still recovering from surgery and that Quentin Roosevelt never brings his friends home to the White House.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-03