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Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about how Archie is faring at Harvard. Archie is independent minded and cannot wait to finish college and go to work. Roosevelt also describes the guests who have been visiting and trips into New York City. Roosevelt feels that President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan have horribly handled the war in Europe and the situation in Mexico.
1915-03-29
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Kermit Roosevelt and his wife Belle for their letters. Roosevelt says the doctor is looking at Quentin’s back after he dislocated two ribs on the Arizona trip last year. Archie and Quentin are eager for military camp in the summer, and Roosevelt plans to take Edith across the Canadian Pacific to the Exposition. Roosevelt says he is even more discontented with President Wilson’s administration and its response to the sinking of an American ship by the German ship Prinz Eitel Frederick. He closes by saying he is sending Edward White’s new book.
1915-04-08
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say that he will be heading to Syracuse for the trial for his libel suit brought against him by William Barnes. Edith had to go to the hospital for an operation. Roosevelt also addresses problems at the bank about which Kermit had written. He has consulted with Ted and they agree that the best Kermit can do is preserve relations with Allen and do the best work he can. Archie is visiting, staying with Ethel, and looks forward to the military encampment this summer.
1915-04-17
Theodore Roosevelt tells his son Kermit and daughter-in-law Belle that he was declared not guilty in the libel suit brought against him by William Barnes. He says he will not involve himself in politics anymore. Edith and Archie bought him a horse but it was too hard to handle and he fell and broke two ribs. Roosevelt tells Kermit to add dates to his letters and says he is enclosing some letters he wants Kermit to read. Roosevelt adds that if he were president, the country would be at war with Germany. President Wilson is handling the situation terribly.
1915-05-27
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his upcoming trip to Louisiana. He says he will write a book with chapters on his travels to the Andes, Patagonia, Brazil, and Arizona. Roosevelt says his latest book Through the Brazilian Wilderness is getting recognition but he is unhappy that Scribner’s changed the title. He is sending Kermit South of Panama by Edward Alsworth Ross and looks forward to hearing Kermit’s thoughts on it. Roosevelt also gives his opinions on the War in Europe and President Wilson.
1915-05-31
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say that in the event of war with Germany, Roosevelt plans to form a mounted regiment and wants Kermit to be a lieutenant. He says if war should break out with Mexico he would not want Kermit to join because it would be better suited to Archie or Quentin. He says he will write Seth Bullock about forming a North Dakota regiment. Roosevelt also talks about a visit from Archie and Archie’s view on Harvard Clubs including the Porcellian.
1915-06-26
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit and daughter-in-law Belle about Archie and Quentin going to army camp for training. He talks about the fancy dress party he and Edith hosted. Edith is ill because of the poison ivy, and Ethel is visiting with her son. Roosevelt encloses a letter from Seth Bullock regarding Kermit in case of war.
1915-07-10
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say that if America enters the war against Germany, Seth Bullock will put Kermit in as captain and Ted and Archie will also become officers. Roosevelt says unless there is a change, he will not be able to support either of the political parties next year. He closes by describing his trip to the Panama-Pacific Exposition in California.
1915-08-06
President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit, saying that he and Edith along with John Burroughs just returned from their cottage, Pine Knot. Roosevelt is in busy correspondence over the Africa trip but has no definite plans yet. He closes by saying Congress will end in an ugly fight with him.
1908-05-10
President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about events he has attended recently. With Congress adjourning in a week, his active work as president will be coming to an end. Roosevelt says that after the nominating convention nobody will pay attention to him anymore. Roosevelt feels bad about Archie losing a race and wants Kermit to get the most out of his one year at Harvard. He says he is pretty sure they will go to Africa but he wants Kermit to buckle down to work after they return.
1908-05-17
President Roosevelt writes to congratulate Kermit Roosevelt on his good marks and share a flattering article about the men in his Cabinet. Roosevelt says he and Kermit will have to read books on Africa to prepare for their trip. Roosevelt has not heard from Archie in a while and Quentin is enamored with baseball. He closes the letter with descriptions of horse riding.
1908-05-23
President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his last spring at the White House. Roosevelt is concerned about Archie’s performance at Groton School. Roosevelt complains about Senator Robert M. La Follette filibustering, and says that Congress has not given him all the legislation he should have had. He then lists what he has been able to accomplish. Roosevelt closes by saying that he has two good maps of Africa, and he and Kermit can crystallize the plans for their trip when they next meet.
1908-05-30
President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his thoughts on the upcoming Republican National Convention. He is sure they can get Secretary of War Taft nominated but Roosevelt does worry about a “stampede” for himself. He encloses letters he wrote to be read at the Convention. Roosevelt also writes about spring in Washington, D.C., his thoughts on the guns to take on the African hunting trip, and what to do with Archie’s schooling at Groton.
1908-06-06
President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about the weather in Washington, D.C., and what he and Edith have been doing. Everything seems to be going well at the Republican National Convention and Taft will probably get the nomination. Roosevelt encloses letters that deal with their Africa trip.
1908-06-13
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit on his animosity towards Englishmen who will not fight in the war but will go watch football games. He says he has been writing about the war and strongly disapproves of President Wilson’s administration of foreign affairs. Roosevelt gives updates on Archie at Harvard, Quentin at Groton, and Ethel and her husband returning from a trip. Roosevelt hopes Belle is doing better in the heat and is enjoying his duty to be lazy and enjoy himself.
1914-12-02
Theodore Roosevelt has received Kermit Roosevelt’s letter about visiting Sao Paolo, Brazil, and everyone was interested in reading about Kermit and Belle Roosevelt setting up their new home. The book about the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition has been sent to all members of the expedition through the Brazilian ambassador. Roosevelt describes the “delightful Xmas” at Sagamore Hill with all of his children, except Kermit, and three grandchildren. He reflects on the war and views Germany as “clearly ahead” and Austria growing stronger. Roosevelt admires German efficiency, which is greater than the efficiency of the Allies, and the Allies are infinitely more efficient than the United States. President Wilson and Secretary Bryan are the “worst creatures” to lead the nation in foreign affairs. Roosevelt believes the United States should have countered the “unscrupulous” behavior of Germany and intervened on behalf of Belgium. He has signed a three year contract with Metropolitan Magazine to publish his social and political views.
1914-12-28
President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about his visit to see Archie at Harvard and the clubs and places they visited. The Progressive Party has essentially disappeared and Roosevelt truly believes President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan are the worst men to ever manage foreign affairs. Roosevelt adds that he received letters from the King of the Belgians, Albert I, and the King of Norway, Haakon VII, and that Ethel is out of the hospital.
1915-01-16
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to give him updates on members of the family and thank him for gifts he and his wife Belle sent. Roosevelt says he has received many interesting letters and he would send them to Kermit but fears they will get lost. Roosevelt discusses making a speech at the Opera House to raise money for the unemployed and notes his fondness for Grace Vanderbilt. Roosevelt adds that he has had a small bout of fever.
1915-02-08
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about Archie, how he is getting on at Harvard, and what he plans to do in the future. Roosevelt also mentions Ethel visiting with her baby Richard, and how Roosevelt has gotten the whole family involved in burning brush heaps. Roosevelt says he is glad Belle married Kermit and he hopes they can come live in America again.
1915-02-17
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about Ted dining at the Porcellian Club at Harvard in hopes it might help Archie get in, but he doubts it. He adds that Archie does not care and is doing very well at school. Roosevelt says he has been writing articles for the Metropolitan magazine advocating military preparedness and he is prepared to join a mounted rifleman division should the United States enter the War. He mentions getting old and entertaining a “lady-socialist” at dinner. Roosevelt adds that Ethel and Ted’s wife Eleanor are having a splendid time this year.
1915-02-22