Your TR Source
William Webster Ellsworth, secretary for The Century Company, asks President Roosevelt if Kermit Roosevelt might write articles on his hunting experiences for St. Nicholas magazine. Ellsworth thinks that American youth would be interested in reading about the safari, and believes that this would not interfere with Roosevelt’s own articles.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-06
Anna Roosevelt Cowles forwards her brother, President Roosevelt, a letter and asks him if he has any recommendations about how to answer it. Cowles is very interested in Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa, and writes to him about Leigh S. J. Hunt, who Roosevelt might already know, but who is a polarizing figure. Her family is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Sagamore Hill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-08
Edward North Buxton asks President Roosevelt to send his boots to him if he has not already sent his boots to Long and Alder. Buxton knows a good person who may be able to help ensure they are made well. Buxton hopes to see Colonial Secretary Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes in a few days, but may wait until James Bryce arrives to go with him. J. H. Patterson is in England currently, so Buxton will ask him for advice on Africa, and mentions several ideas relating to Roosevelt’s upcoming safari.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-08
Cyrus Adler, acting secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, would prefer if the final decision of who is to accompany President Roosevelt on his safari could be delayed until fall when Charles D. Walcott, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, will be back from the field and could confer directly with Roosevelt. Adler suggests that Roosevelt consider taking Edgar Alexander Mearns as a naturalist who is also trained in medicine, and mentions Edmund Heller as someone to consider for the role of taxidermist. Adler does not presently think the arrangement suggested by Frank M. Chapman is a good one.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-09
Sir Alfred E. Pease writes to Edward North Buxton regarding President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari in Africa. Pease encloses a letter for Roosevelt to give to George Hutton Riddell, if he chooses to use his services, and makes many other suggestions about things Roosevelt should consider for his trip, including the probable weather, the number of porters he should hire, and the sorts of saddle he will need. Pease would be pleased to have Roosevelt stay with him for some time in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-09
Whitelaw Reid, Ambassador to Great Britain, has recently spoken with F. R. Wingate, the Sirdar of Egypt. Wingate told Reid that Egypt is expecting President Roosevelt to visit during his African trip, and that he would be glad to assist Roosevelt in any way he could, including opening the game preserves. Reid promised to update Wingate on Roosevelt’s plans as soon as he could. Additionally, Reid suggests that Roosevelt contact Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes about permits, as he has recently been made Secretary of State for the Colonies. Reid’s family has been having an extended reunion since a recent wedding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-10
John St. Loe Strachey thanks President Roosevelt for sending him the two books, which he will read when he is able to. Strachey also congratulates Roosevelt on the nomination of Secretary of War William H. Taft to be the Republican candidate for President. The journalist Edward Dicey is not someone who has very much influence, or who Strachey thinks very highly of. Strachey hopes that Roosevelt might be able to visit England on his way to his African safari. He also thanks Roosevelt for letting him see the letter that Roosevelt wrote to Lincoln Steffens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-22
Caspar Whitney thinks that President Roosevelt, in causing William H. Taft to be the Republican candidate for president, has done a great service to the United States. Whitney asks if Roosevelt is really going to be going on safari in Africa, and if there is any chance that he can write anything for Outing. He suggests the possibility of publishing articles in Outing and then having Scribner’s publish the book, instead of having Scribner’s do both. Whitney has also been planning a trip to Africa in the near future. He also updates an opinion of a writer he had previously given.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-22
Cyrus Adler, acting secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, confirms receipt of President Roosevelt’s letter addressed to Charles D. Walcott, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Walcott has recently left Washington, D.C., to spend time in the field, but the letter will be forwarded to him at once. Adler thanks Roosevelt for giving the Smithsonian Institution preference in receiving any specimens he collects on his safari, and asks that Roosevelt not communicate with any other museum until Walcott has a chance to receive the forwarded letter and respond. While Adler cannot promise anything, he feels justified saying that it is likely that the men and money necessary for Roosevelt’s trip will be forthcoming.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-23
John Henry Patterson apologizes for his delay in answering President Roosevelt’s letter, but he only just received it when he returned to Nairobi, and then felt it would be best to wait until arriving in Great Britain before responding. Patterson advises Roosevelt to spend the greater part of his safari in British East Africa, as the hunting there is good and he will be able to shoot many specimens. He also gives Roosevelt advice on what the best route and method of travel would be to get to Nairobi, as well as the type of gear that Roosevelt should bring. If Roosevelt stops in England, Patterson would be glad to speak with him. He wishes he could accompany him on the safari.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-23
Robert Bridges of Scribner’s thanks President Roosevelt for the kind note. He is very interested in speaking with Roosevelt about his African project. Bridges lists several dates when he would be available to come to Washington, D.C., to speak with Roosevelt about it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-10
Edward North Buxton advises President Roosevelt on things that he should consider while planning for his upcoming safari in Africa. He recommends that Roosevelt visit British East Africa rather than German East Africa, because Roosevelt would be more likely to get the game that he wants to hunt there. Buxton also advises Roosevelt on the gear that he should bring, including collapsible stools, tents, and guns. He offers to lend Roosevelt a camera if Kermit Roosevelt would like to practice photography and take pictures on the trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-11
Frederick Courteney Selous discusses the types of rifles that President Roosevelt should take on his upcoming hunting trip to Africa. Selous does not recommend the ball and shot gun, as it would be inferior to other types of firearms in the situations that Roosevelt would likely use it. He also discusses various other supplies that Roosevelt will need, and which Selous can acquire from Lawn and Alder.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-24
Sir Alfred E. Pease discusses plans for President Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari with Edward North Buxton. Pease lists several possible itineraries and details the weather conditions and types of game Roosevelt could expect to encounter. He also recommends using George Hutton Riddell as an outfitter and guide.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-27
Edward North Buxton encloses a letter from Alfred E. Pease outlining plans for President Roosevelt’s upcoming safari. Buxton agrees with much of what Pease says, and recommends that Roosevelt stay at Pease’s farm at first, before heading out on a longer expedition. He notes that it will be easy for Roosevelt to take shorter excursions on the railway to get the game he desires.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-30
Sir Alfred E. Pease provides Edward North Buxton with a large amount of information regarding gear, supplies, and travel in British East Africa and Uganda. Pease recommends various outfitters to supply what is needed, and gives accounts of the best methods for hunting lion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-01
Ambassador Reid writes President Roosevelt about a number of issues, both political and social. He adds more information about Lord Edward Marjoribanks Tweedmouth’s mental breakdown and discusses the man who will replace him. Reid also relays an indignant letter he got from Clarise S. Ramsay, an American who wrongly felt she should have been invited to a royal ball. Roosevelt’s plan to go on a safari in Africa after leaving office is, Reid thinks, a very good one, and Roosevelt should not need to worry about receiving proper treatment and courtesies from British officials there. On a personal note, Reid thanks Roosevelt for his kind wishes at the news of his daughter Jean’s engagement to John H. Ward. He discusses his future son-in-law and the couple’s plans following their marriage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-04
Edward North Buxton provides President Roosevelt with more information about a proposed itinerary for his upcoming safari to Africa. He sends maps of Uganda and British East Africa, marked with potential routes and areas that are the best for hunting big game. Buxton is glad that Kermit Roosevelt is coming along, and asks Roosevelt to pass along his regards to Leigh S. J. Hunt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-10
Edward North Buxton is pleased that President Roosevelt is working hard on planning his hunting trip to Africa. He encloses a map with places marked where Roosevelt will easily find big game and discusses routes he might take.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-21
Edward North Buxton is pleased that President Roosevelt is beginning to get excited about his coming trip to Africa. He discusses recommendations for the timing and route of the trip, and mentions people who may help along the way. Buxton is also pleased to hear that Secretary of War William H. Taft will likely become the Republican nominee. He encloses an article by Winston Churchill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-28