Safaris

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid informs President Roosevelt that to create international goodwill, he contacted the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Jutaro Komura, telling him how much President Roosevelt appreciated his message. Additionally, Reid shared Roosevelt’s kind words concerning the outcries against the Olympic games with William Henry Grenfell, president of the British Olympic Council. The Honorable Berkeley Cole offers to accompany Roosevelt on his safari, but Reid took care of the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-08

Letter from Leslie J. Tarlton to Edward North Buxton

Leslie J. Tarlton thanks Edward North Buxton for news of President Roosevelt’s trip. They will show Roosevelt a good time, and Tarlton agrees with the plan for the Kapiti plains. He updates Buxton on the local situation between the settlers and the officials, and describes his new house. Tarlton looks forward to visiting the Buxtons and discussing many things, including the situation with the immigration of the Boers.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-13

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton writes to President Roosevelt about potential food and beverage supplies, gives updates on rifle suggestions, and cautions against going with the mosquito boots made by Flacks. He sends a detailed map of the reserve boundaries and Alfred E. Pease’s camp, with a letter from Pease and a reminder that Pease’s camp is too small for a large group. Buxton suggests Roosevelt wait to hear more on William C. Judd before selecting a “head man” for his safari, and informs Roosevelt that the Somali shikari are the best hunters. In order to get a variety of experiences, Buxton suggests potential timelines and routes for Roosevelt while he travels through Sudan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-14

Letter from Ezra H. Fitch to Rudolph Forster

Ezra H. Fitch forwards three duffle bags for President Roosevelt’s inspection and makes recommendations about which bags are best for his upcoming African safari. While Fitch does not know much specifically about fishing in the interior of Africa, he will recommend a practical assortment of fishing gear.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-06

Letter from Ezra H. Fitch to Theodore Roosevelt

Ezra H. Fitch, President of the Abercrombie & Fitch Company, describes a few hunting sights President Roosevelt might consider for his upcoming African safari, which would fit Roosevelt’s ’86 or ’95 Winchester rifles. Fitch is sending a new sight called the “Daniel concentric” for Roosevelt’s review. Fitch also describes several new rifles Abercrombie & Fitch has imported, offering to send any Roosevelt would like for inspection.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-07

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton sends an extract from a report by J. H. Patterson to President Roosevelt, noting that Patterson is ill and unlikely to return to British East Africa. Buxton asks Roosevelt what type of rifle sight he favors, offering advice on the type of sight that could be used on Roosevelt’s African safari. Buxton will see Alfred E. Pease soon and will discuss more details of the trip with him. Buxton lists several books that might interest Roosevelt in preparation for his trip. Buxton has tested a stool and includes a sketch of one of its uses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Letter from Frederick Courteney Selous to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick Courteney Selous visited the offices of Lawn & Alder after receiving President Roosevelt’s last letter, and reports on the details of the visit, as well as other preparations for Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. Selous gives details and advice on several topics, including: types of preserved food to bring; tents; the hiring and pay of “native” porters; medical supplies and health concerns; sun protection; climate; where to store gear during expeditions; and shipping. Selous advises Roosevelt to allow Lawn & Alder to take care of every detail, so that the trip is more of a holiday for him than a chore, and recommends William C. Judd as a manager for the “native” guides and porters. Finally, Selous reports that Edward North Buxton is seeing Lord Crewe about any other assistance Roosevelt might need.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Letter from Edward North Buxton to Theodore Roosevelt

Edward North Buxton provides President Roosevelt with extensive details and advice regarding his upcoming African safari, including: boots, rifle stocks, and rifle and sights Buxton is ordering; the logistical benefits of using Alfred E. Pease’s farm as a base from which to make smaller excursions; routes and timings for various side trips; the logistical benefits of two six-week excursions over one long three month excursion from Pease’s farm; the different types of country and where different types of game may be found; shipping and suppliers; opening a line of credit with Smith, Mackenzie & Co Ltd to purchase necessities in Africa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-09

Letter from Ezra H. Fitch to Rudolph Forster

Ezra H. Fitch informs Rudolph Forster that Abercrombie & Fitch has credited the returned duffle bags and are sending out a 15 inch security duffle bag, which can be customized however President Roosevelt likes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-10

Letter from Alfred E. Pease to Theodore Roosevelt

Alfred E. Pease tells President Roosevelt it is a pleasure and an honor to help him with his trip to British East Africa and includes details and recommendations on several topics, including: depositing money into the National Bank of India in Nairobi to purchase horses and saddles; the best binoculars and telescopes; location and types of game; camping equipment, including baths and candles; and how to avoid mosquitoes. Pease assures Roosevelt he need not worry about being out of shape.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Whitelaw Reid updates President Roosevelt on diplomatic affairs in London. Reid has spoken with several British authorities regarding Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. The Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, Jutarō Komura, met with Reid at a luncheon given for members of the Olympic committee and emphasized that he and the Japanese Emperor recognized the United States as a friend. The Chinese Ambassador held a dinner and expressed friendly regard toward the United States. Reid provides a detailed description of two controversial Olympic races in London: in the 400 meter race, an American was disqualified for breaking the rules, and in the marathon, the Italian winner was disqualified in favor of an American. Reid notes that the American athletes, while somewhat justified in their frustrations, were seen by the British press as ill-mannered. Finally, Reid says he doubts that Roosevelt can make private visits to Paris and London on his way back from Africa without giving offense to government officials who would expect a state visit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Letter from William Northrup McMillan to Theodore Roosevelt

William Northrup McMillan introduces himself to President Roosevelt and invites him to stay with him at Juga Farm and his townhouse in Nairobi, Kenya, on Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. McMillan mentions that he is the nephew of Senator James McMillan and offers the names of two other men who can attest to his connections and African experience. Juga Farm is home to many species of game and is close to other hunting grounds, including rhino and elephants. McMillan also offers the services of his safari guides, who are excellent lion trackers. McMillan will soon depart Kenya for London and gives his contact information there. The first four pages of this record are handwritten, accompanied by a typewritten copy of two pages.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-12

Letter from Frank M. Chapman to Theodore Roosevelt

Frank M. Chapman has sent some Zeiss binoculars to President Roosevelt and mentions a letter he received describing bird species found on Long Island, New York. In a handwritten postscript, Chapman describes having found feathers in the stomachs of some birds but cannot explain the reason for the habit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-13

Letter from Moreton Frewen to Theodore Roosevelt

Having recently visited East Africa, Anglo-Irish writer Moreton Frewen shares insights with President Roosevelt, including locations where big game gathers, the presence of insects, and people to contact.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-17

Letter from Frank Ross McCoy to Theodore Roosevelt

Frank Ross McCoy relates to President Roosevelt that Captain Herbert H. Sargent read him a letter “from an officer of standing who was…on Kettle Hill, and who takes exception” to the statement that Roosevelt and General Samuel S. Sumner led the charge. McCoy requests Roosevelt send Sargent a copy of George M. Barber’s journal account of the event as supporting evidence. Wishing Roosevelt could experience it, McCoy describes military camp life at Fort Riley. He attests that Edgar Alexander Mearns is a valuable asset for the Africa trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-18

Letter from Henry Cabot Lodge to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Lodge rarely disagrees with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, but is certain President Roosevelt will like Maurice Maeterlinck’s essays. Lodge thinks Roosevelt’s plans for the African trip are excellent, and is glad he and Edith are traveling Europe together. Considering Roosevelt’s soon-to-be previous office as president, Lodge declares he must visit Emperor William II in Berlin, Germany, as it will be of value to the United States. He believes Roosevelt made the correct choice in declining Collier’s offer as “it was not the place for you at any price.” Lodge similarly agrees that Governor Charles Evans Hughes should be renominated. He detests going back into the presidential campaign because he believes William H. Taft’s election seems certain.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-19

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid informs President Roosevelt he has heard from Sirdar F. R. Wingate, who is gathering information for Roosevelt regarding his African trip. Believing it will amuse Roosevelt, Reid shares “the queer transmutations” that the third modus vivendi on the Newfoundland fisheries underwent. Roosevelt’s perplexity about journalist Edward Dicey amuses Reid, who shares the same opinion of him. Reid details the seeming ill-luck of British statesmen and their families. Ogden Mills Reid, Reid’s son, plans to return to the United States to participate in the presidential election.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-22

Letter from Ellerton James to Theodore Roosevelt

Ellerton James advises President Roosevelt regarding supplies that he should take on his African safari. James comments on various dried foods, materials for tents and coverings, medicines, and cameras.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-16

Letter from J. H. Patterson to Theodore Roosevelt

J. H. Patterson comments that a letter he sent seems to have crossed one of President Roosevelt’s, and he thinks he already answered many of Roosevelt’s questions. Roosevelt can get most of what he needs in Nairobi, although he must be careful about which agents he uses there. Newland & Tarleton is not as reliable as they once were. Patterson offers to meet with Roosevelt in person to discuss the trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-16

Letter from Ella Sears Bulloch to Theodore Roosevelt

Ella Sears Bulloch asks President Roosevelt to give “a specially warm handshake” to Lieutenant T. E. Greenshields if he is presented to the President in the entourage of the Prince of Wales. Greenshields is the son of a close friend of Roosevelt’s uncles James Dunwoody Bulloch and Irvine S. Bulloch. Bulloch is following news of Roosevelt’s planned trip to Africa, and is “in admiration of Edith [Kermit Carow Roosevelt]’s unselfishness and courage” in agreeing to be left alone for a year. Bulloch is glad Roosevelt is keeping his word to not run for another term as president.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-07-21