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Prince Obolensky writes to Ambassador Meyer, acknowledging receipt of his letter indicating that Thornwell Haynes is to replace Richard Theodore Greener as the U.S. Commercial Agent. However, Obolensky explains that, due to the war, the Russian government will not allow newly appointed agents to replace the previous agents.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
President Roosevelt asks that Cecil Spring Rice give his regards to Lord Henry Charles Keith Petty-FitzMaurice Lansdowne. Roosevelt writes at length about the current state of international affairs and of relationships between different nations. He feels that it is not in Japan’s interest to extend the Russo-Japanese War for another year and explains his actions in pressing for peace negotiations between the two powers. Roosevelt also discusses his efforts urging the United States to interpret the Monroe Doctrine in an active way and remarks upon the recent death of Secretary of State John Hay.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-24
In a confidential letter, President Roosevelt discusses Morgan’s letter and asks Secretary of State Hay to give his regards to Shank. Roosevelt then discusses his concerns about Russia and the Vladivostok fleet whom he fears may seize an American ship. Roosevelt wants Hay to think about their response in such a situation; Roosevelt is inclined to write a polite but firm letter saying the U.S. will not stand for it and to move the Asiatic Squadron northward.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-29
President Roosevelt asks Acting Chief of the Bureau of Navigation Pillsbury to consider what the U.S. Navy should do if the Asiatic squadron needs to “bottle up” the Vladivostok squadron. Roosevelt does not expect trouble from Russia but wants to be prepared for an emergency.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-29
Major McIntyre forwards William Loeb a cablegram from General Clarence Ransom Edwards, located in Manila. Edwards relays the plan to send out cruisers commanded by Rear Admiral Joseph N. Hemphill: one to Vladivostok the following day and one to Nagasaki to receive any incoming communications.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-08
Frank McIntyre forwards a telegram from Secretary of War William H. Taft detailing his planned return route to the United States from Vladivostok with a stop in Paris. Taft asks that Ambassador to France Henry White inform him of anything particular he should do while in Paris.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-07
Secretary of War Taft updates President Roosevelt regarding his planned trip from Manila to Berlin via Vladivostok.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-30
Secretary of War Taft is enclosing some letters regarding the conditions on the Philippines for President Roosevelt. Taft thinks that the political situation is improving, although he does not think General Leonard Wood has a firm grasp of it. Taft will stay in the Philippines for another week before continuing on to Russia and Germany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-18
Ambassador Meyer is reporting to President Roosevelt the state of affairs in Russia after having found St. Petersburg quiet. Meyer traveled throughout Russia, Poland, and the Ukraine. The letter examines the situations in many different cities and other topics including removing Jews from Russia, revolution and revolutionaries’ tactics, a pheasant shoot, military escorts, history, travel, and Russian construction quality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-28
Lieutenant-Commander Sims addresses recent conclusions A. T. Mahan drew in an article on the battle of the Sea of Japan during the Russo-Japanese War. Sims contends that while Mahan’s conclusions may have been correct given the facts he was working from, the facts were inaccurate. Addressing each argument, Sims refutes Mahan’s arguments prioritizing gun-power over speed, asserting that all-big-gun ships are mistakes, and saying that the size of ships should not greatly increase. Sims illustrates how the converse of each of these would lead to a stronger, more modern navy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-27
Ambassador Meyer writes to President Roosevelt comparing the situation in Russia to events in France during the French Revolution. Meyer goes into detail about the current political crisis in Russia, mentioning the need for reform, the need for improved conditions for the military, and the public opinion of the czar. Meyer describes the shutting down of newspaper offices, the imprisonment of editors, and strikes that could take place. He suggests that an American military attache could be of great help to him, as communication and media in St. Petersburg are not reliable.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-20
Whitelaw Reid spoke to Francis Hyde Villiers about Japanese matters, and Villiers did not believe the Japanese would send a fleet to the Baltic as rumored. Peace still seems very distant, but Villiers believes the Russians might be driven to pay war reparations if Japan entered Russian lands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-17
The war in Manchuria has reached a stalemate with Japanese forces slowed by poor roads and the Russians fortifying along the Tumen River. The Japanese have won a great naval victory at the Battle of the Sea of Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-02
Translation of an article that appeared in the Russian newspaper Slovo. Professor Latkine shares his opinions concerning the Russo-Japanese War. He discusses in detail the Japanese conditions for peace, concluding that none of the Japanese conditions are acceptable; therefore, Russia should continue to fight. He adds that if the Russian government decides to pursue peace, the final consent to end the war should come through the Russian people, via their representatives.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-10
The Office of Naval Intelligence reports on military movements of the Russians and Japanese, occupation of specific areas, and the latest results of the war. Attached are two maps that illustrate these points.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-24
German Ambassador Sternburg sends President Roosevelt some photographs of the Russian battleship T︠S︡esarevich he received from China. Sternburg remarks that the common opinion is that the officers of the ship behaved like cowards, because the vital points of the ship were not damaged, and it still held plenty of ammunition. A report that Germany was going to lessen the importance of battleships in their naval program as a result of what they learned by observing battles in the Russo-Japanese War is false, according to Sternburg, and instead believes that battleships are valued more highly than ever before although the guns they are armed with will continue to change.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-29