Your TR Source
Ray H. Mattison gives a historical summary of the construction and use of Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, and discusses the buildings present there. Mattison draws from a number of sources, including books, letters, photographs, and interviews to try to give a complete picture of the ranch and its activities.
1960-05
A registry return receipt for a letter sent by William Loeb in Washington, D.C., to Douglas Robinson in New York City.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-09
Frank C. Smith asks Theodore Roosevelt to sign and return the enclosed document appointing Robert Harry Munro Ferguson as trustee under the will of Roosevelt’s father.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-28
Kermit Roosevelt describes a Roosevelt family Thanksgiving in Farmington, Connecticut. He requests a photograph of Martha and Robert Munro Ferguson. Roosevelt looks forward to visiting them next summer.
1910-11-26
Commissioner Roosevelt enjoyed visiting Thomas Hitchcock in Aiken, South Carolina. There was a great deal of exercise with shooting, fox hunting, and polo. However, the “mental companionship” was lacking. Cecil Spring Rice has returned but is “very blue.” Roosevelt hopes Spring Rice will join them when Robert Harry Munro Ferguson visits Sagamore Hill. He inquires about Ferguson’s travel plans.
1894-03-28
The missing cattle checks have been found and dividends can now be paid for December and June. Commissioner Roosevelt would like Robert Harry Munro Ferguson to attend the Boone and Crockett Club dinner in January. Asa McIlhaney visited and Roosevelt relates an anecdote about Ted Roosevelt helping them chop down a grove of trees.
1893-11-22
Commissioner Roosevelt does not know Robert Harry Munro Ferguson’s address and asks him to find some missing cattle checks. Without the checks they will not be able to pay dividends.
1893-11-01
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt and his family enjoyed Robert Harry Munro Ferguson’s letter from Saskatchewan, Canada. Roosevelt comments on recent sporting and political events. He is still working on his book, The Winning of the West, and gives a lengthy update on Roosevelt family members.
1894-08-02
Commissioner Roosevelt requests Robert Harry Munro Ferguson’s opinion on an enclosed letter. The letter should also be shown to Douglas Robinson. Roosevelt will write a letter to Joseph A. and Sylvane M. Ferris in the meantime. Roosevelt recently had a nice luncheon and is indebted to two Italian diplomats who recently helped Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s sister and mother. The elk meat has not arrived.
1891-12-20
Commissioner Roosevelt has been enjoying Robert Harry Munro Ferguson’s letters and he is curious to hear more about Anna Roosevelt Cowles’s travels with Ferguson. Ferguson’s accounts of his travels are good reading and Roosevelt offers some advice about editing.
1896-11-04
Theodore Roosevelt misses his family but is enjoying the ranching life as it combines the outdoors, much variety, a little adventure, and time for literary pursuits. He has not given his political career much thought and has been busy hunting, ranching, and writing. He thanks Corinne Roosevelt Robinson for the soap.
1886-05-12
Theodore Roosevelt was “overjoyed and relieved” to hear of the birth of Corinne Douglas Robinson. He is currently hosting Lispenard Stewart and Doctor Taylor at his ranch. They are getting along well but are very sore from yesterday’s long ride. Roosevelt gave a Fourth of July speech in Dickinson to a “great crowd of cowboys and grangers.” He is reluctant to accept Mayor William Russell Grace’s offer and if he continues to make long stays in Dakota Territory he may entirely give up his eastern life.
1886-07-05
Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed visiting Corinne Roosevelt Robinson and her family. Roosevelt is attached to his ranch and feels that he is living in an “ideal hero land” that he finds powerfully appealing. He recently enjoyed the book On Both Sides.
1886-08-07
Theodore Roosevelt is glad that Quentin Roosevelt “got the study” and will play center on the football team’s second eleven. His parents are hoping for a prefectship next year. Roosevelt attended the Rochester convention and is having the usual difficulties with the Progressive Party. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt has had a heavy cold but appears to be on the mend. Sagamore Hill is being “put up” as Roosevelt and Edith are leaving for South America on Saturday.
1913-09-29
Theodore Roosevelt remarks that Uncle Douglas (Robinson’s) death is sad, but even sadder is the loss of the young, with life ahead of them. He comments, “That was fine, about the notary public and Quentin’s legacy.” Roosevelt misses Ethel Roosevelt Derby’s children, Richard Derby and Edith Roosevelt Derby.
1918-09-13
Archibald Roosevelt is recovering and appears well. He might be able to return to active service in the spring. Archie believes that Richard Derby takes too many chances, and at his request, Theodore Roosevelt asks Derby to avoid unnecessary risks and not to jeopardize his life. Douglas Robinson has passed away but Roosevelt’s grief has been blunted with so many young people losing their lives in the war. William Sheffield Cowles has sailed to join the Marines and may be in Derby’s division.
1918-09-12
Commissioner Roosevelt is working hard to organize the New York Police Department as he might be “legislated out of office.” He believes that he has accomplished a great deal. Roosevelt agrees with Captain Cowles that if Great Britain accepts arbitration or peacefully settles with Venezuela then European nations will recognize the Monroe Doctrine. Corinne Roosevelt Robinson has been staying with Roosevelt. Her health is poor but everyone is enjoying her company.
1896-02-11
President Roosevelt asks Anna Roosevelt Cowles to forward a note to Mrs. Vanderbilt, and is pleased with the family’s activities.
1907-09-03
Governor Roosevelt shares his thoughts about several potential positions he might pursue, including the Governor Generalship of the Philippines, the Vice Presidency, or a cabinet position. He is satisfied with his work and his legacy, having fought for truth and decency; he is more than happy with his friends.
1900-01-23
Plans for Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt’s upcoming visit to the Cowles’s house may change because Anna Roosevelt Cowles might have to travel to see her husband. Roosevelt is concerned about Bob’s health.
1897