Your TR Source
Governor Roosevelt asks for advice about the nurses’ bill. Roosevelt states that he is taking care of the children while Edith Roosevelt is away, and describes them as being “really very cunning.” He also discusses the daily business of governing New York.
1900-03-14
Vice President Roosevelt completely enjoyed his twelve days with Anna Roosevelt Cowles, and is very much looking forward to serving in his new role as vice president.
1901-03-15
Theodore Roosevelt is beginning to plan the organization of a division of the military and has directed mailed applications and letters accordingly. He updates Anna Roosevelt Cowles on Archibald Roosevelt and Quentin Roosevelt at Plattsburg, and discusses his frustration with President Wilson and the recent Republican National Convention.
1916-07-23
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt updates Anna Roosevelt Cowles on the family’s health and activities, including how his new son Quentin Roosevelt is fitting in with his siblings.
1897-11-29
Theodore Roosevelt asks Anna Roosevelt Cowles to decline Miss Edgar’s invitation for him to speak in Canada; he feels it would be inappropriate to speak about his opposition to the United States’ position on the current war outside of his own country. He is embarrassed at Archibald Roosevelt’s behavior during his visit at the Cowles’ house but is pleased that Quentin Roosevelt enjoyed himself.
1915-07-10
Theodore Roosevelt describes his trip with Edith Roosevelt, on which he saw Douglas Robinson. He was most impressed with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and was well received in Canada.
1915-08-06
Theodore Roosevelt describes Christmas with the family; he especially enjoyed his grandchildren’s first Christmas festivities. Roosevelt wishes that William Sheffield Cowles were coming to see them, but he is happy that Quentin Roosevelt is going to visit the Cowles house. Roosevelt himself will probably visit in the spring.
1915-12-27
Governor Roosevelt thanks General Johnson for the possum Johnson gave the Roosevelt family and describes his sons’ reaction to the new pet. Roosevelt also mentions a recent Harvard football game he enjoyed.
1899-11-21
Governor Roosevelt addresses General Johnson’s inquiry regarding fraud and the canals of New York, and defends himself of criticism he has received by Democrats and for his association with Senator Thomas Collier Platt. Roosevelt feels that his previous two years of public service speak for themselves, but that he is unsure of his political future other than the only position he absolutely does not desire is the Vice Presidency. Lastly, Roosevelt comments on the Boer War and the British handling of the situation.
1900-02-26
Theodore Roosevelt plans to stop at Anna Roosevelt Cowles’ house in Farmington for a visit while he is on a trip to Andover in June.
1913-05-02
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Anna Roosevelt Cowles that he enjoyed William Sheffield Cowles Jr.’s recent visit. Roosevelt explains that they have secured permission to build a new road on their property and describes the redevelopment to accommodate motor vehicles. Roosevelt is amused by the effect of their newfound mobility on Ethel Roosevelt, Kermit Roosevelt, and their friends; they visit friends who live farther away and these guests reciprocate by visiting the Roosevelts’ home too. Roosevelt explains that he is glad they did not have a car before this summer, because he would rather not socialize so much. He updates Anna on the academic interests and college plans of Archibald Roosevelt. Archie and Quentin Roosevelt have taken to playing tennis together, which makes Roosevelt happy, and Quentin also plays baseball with James the butler. Roosevelt speaks very highly of the staff and servants of the house and stable, who are black, and the gardeners and the chauffeur, who are “native Americans.” Roosevelt hopes Anna can visit in the fall or spring and is glad he was able to visit her the past spring. He tells her that the Emlen Roosevelts have had a difficult time because of Aunt Lizzie (Elizabeth Emlen Roosevelt), who is feeble and suffering from mental illness. However, Edith just spent time with Aunt Lizzie and enjoyed it.
1911-07-28
Theodore Roosevelt writes to continue a discussion with Anna Roosevelt Cowles about the need for lively pursuits at home that he compares to the French art of savoir vivre. He gives examples that Oyster Bay ought to have: a park with a bandstand, a Y.M.C.A, and tennis courts; and explains that Edith Roosevelt and Ethel Roosevelt are trying to enlist some of the villagers to contribute to supplying some of these facilities. Roosevelt updates Cowles on his family’s activities. Edith’s fiftieth birthday was two days ago and she was delighted with her presents, which is not always the case. Roosevelt writes that sometimes she even shares his “own mother’s way of looking at a present of which she does not approve.” They ride and row together, and he plays tennis well.
1911-08-08
Theodore Roosevelt responds to Robert Grant’s letter discussing his four sons and extends his regards to Mrs. Grant.
1918-07-26
Theodore Roosevelt admires William Sheffield Cowles’s decision to turn down the offer of a position of an aide, choosing instead to remain in the military during the war. He also mentions his son Archibald arrived at Sagamore Hill.
1918-09-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Anna Roosevelt Cowles to tell her his family is well and to update her on the news of his sons, who are away at war. Archibald Roosevelt was promoted to captain, Quentin Roosevelt is frustrated at not being permitted to fight, and General Duncan has written to say that Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is the strongest major in the unit.
1917-12-31
Theodore Roosevelt sends an unknown enclosure to Anna Roosevelt Cowles and tells her that Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and Archibald Roosevelt will sail the next day to join John J. Pershing’s troops in World War I.
1917-06-19
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Anna Roosevelt Cowles to update her on his potential involvement in the war. He strongly disagrees with President Woodrow Wilson’s approach to the war and does not believe Wilson encourages proper service to the country and patriotism among citizens. Roosevelt notes that Quentin Roosevelt is now a sergeant in the Army Aviation Corps and his other three sons are heading to officers’ training camp at Plattsburgh.
1917-04-26
Theodore Roosevelt shares his thoughts with Anna Roosevelt Cowles about the military preparations for the impending war. He suggests that William Sheffield Cowles should enlist at Plattsburgh, where Archibald Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt Jr. have completed their two years of training and are now available for deployment in the case of war. Roosevelt states that all young men are duty-bound to serve the country in this way. He has volunteered his own services to the Secretary of War. Roosevelt and his wife Edith are planning an eight-month trip to Polynesia the following year. He mentions an article he has written about Canada’s lesson to the United States in the current issue of Metropolitan.
1917-02-03
Roosevelt family portrait outside the White House. Left to right: Ethel Roosevelt Derby, Kermit Roosevelt, Quentin Roosevelt, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, President Roosevelt, Archibald Roosevelt, Alice Roosevelt Longworth and Nicholas Longworth.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
1908
Police Commissioner Roosevelt reports to his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles that the trial of his colleague Andrew D. Parker is over but there is no verdict yet. Roosevelt had to testify for six hours and had the chance to express exactly how he feels about Parker.
1896-07-12