Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt takes a “sour satisfaction” in the failure of James Garfield’s “house-climbing feat,” because he likes to know that his friends are getting old also. Roosevelt also describes hiking, boating, picnicking, and camping with his family and friends.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-13
President Roosevelt is sorry to hear that John Kean Roosevelt has not been able to go back to school and that he has thought of going abroad this summer. Roosevelt’s three youngest children have returned to Oyster Bay ahead of their parents who will be there in July. Roosevelt suggests that his family should not read the papers over the next five months before the election because, as he explains, “there is no form of crime … of which I shall not be accused.” Roosevelt would like Kermit and Philip Roosevelt to visit the World’s Fair.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-04
President Roosevelt writes to his Aunt Elizabeth Norris Emlen Roosevelt congratulating her on her health, and giving updates about his children and wife.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-27
President Roosevelt is happy to hear about “the game” and thanks Charles Jesse Jones for the photographs. Archibald Roosevelt will enjoy the picture of the two bears.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-13
President Roosevelt encloses a check for “Archie,” since he and Roosevelt’s son, Archibald B. Roosevelt, are namesakes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-17
President Roosevelt encloses some “cunning” letters from the Garfield boys. He has been busy with work and has not had much time for romps with the children. Loretta the parrot has become one of the household and Roosevelt is surprised at the bird’s sociability and intelligence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-23
The Roosevelts enjoyed hosting Nick Roosevelt, who has been “good as gold” and became close friends with Archibald Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-29
Archibald Roosevelt and Quentin Roosevelt are playing with wooden spears and tin shields while Ethel Roosevelt has spent two days in bed threatened by bronchitis. President Roosevelt was amused with the visit of the Episcopal bishops from the South, two of which were African Americans, in light of the uproar that was caused when Booker T. Washington visited the White House. Roosevelt cannot understand how the South can send two African American clergymen to visit but object to a visit from an African American educator or official.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-31
President Roosevelt knew that Jacob Riis would be pleased with the Delaware appointment and gives Riis permission to use the photograph of Archibald Roosevelt. Roosevelt is following the New York campaign and asks if Riis will join him on the train when he goes to vote.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-15
President Roosevelt encloses two photographs of Archibald Roosevelt and Josiah the badger and asks if Jacob Riis noticed what Roosevelt did in the Delaware situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-12
Seth Bullock wrote a very complimentary letter about Theodore Roosevelt and George. After Theodore Roosevelt left, President Roosevelt spent the day with Edith Roosevelt and played tennis with Loraine the next morning. Archibald Roosevelt said goodbye to Oliver with a fifteen minute “ferocious scrap.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-23
President Roosevelt agrees with Pierre de Coubertin about muscle memory in growing males and adds his own points to Coubertin’s theory. As examples, Roosevelt describes his sons’ (Archibald, Kermit, and Theodore) and his own athletic interests and abilities. He comments on Coubertin’s opposing viewpoint to most English men – that physical development should be the “be-all and the end-all…business of life” – and agrees that young males should experiment with all forms of exercise and sports in order to keep up “a reasonable acquaintance with them” in later years.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-15
President Roosevelt encloses a copy of his Springfield, Illinois, speech and writes that any man who was part of the Post Office scandal will be punished to the utmost. Roosevelt was warmly welcomed on his return to Washington, D.C., last night, and Edith, as well as Alice, Ethel, Archie, and Quentin, were in attendance wearing their best clothing. Josiah the badger is proving very popular with the children.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-06
President Roosevelt is feeling homesick but is enjoying his trip. He has a gold top or a silver bell for Quentin Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-10
The Roosevelt family is “pleased and proud” with Captain Kelly’s gallant conduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-25
President Roosevelt was amused with the picture Archibald Roosevelt showed him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-07
President Roosevelt describes a “scramble” with Archie Roosevelt and story time with Quentin Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-01
President Roosevelt has been playing single-stick with General Wood and Lieutenant McCoy. Roosevelt is glad that Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt will be visiting Ted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-24
President Roosevelt thanks Lawrence F. Abbott for the letter and would like him to tell his little girl that Roosevelt was almost late for a formal dinner after he “played bear vigorously to too late an hour.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-17
President Roosevelt has been very busy as Congress is in session and has had to stop single-stick because of an injury to his arm. Roosevelt also summarizes the activities of the other Roosevelt children.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-20