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Henry W. Taft reviews possible nominees for Postmaster of New York City, Marcus M. Marks and William R. Willcox. Taft then suggests James R. Sheffield, David H. Miller, Judge Ernest Hall, and William Marcus as possible candidates for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-01
Senator Platt forwards a newspaper article stating that James R. Sheffield is going to be appointed to replace General Henry L. Burnett, but gave it no credibility because Roosevelt told him that no appointment would be made until the fall and after further consulting him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-11
President Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop regarding “dishonorable and untruthful” articles written by Henry Loomis Nelson in the Boston Herald. He asks for Bishop’s advice on how to best respond to Nelson in the press.
1903-07-21
President Roosevelt informs Joseph Bucklin Bishop that he favors William Williams, who has been recommended by Edward H. Van Ingen and James R. Sheffield, for the position.
1902-03-29
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop about the recent editorial in the Evening Post. Roosevelt thinks Oswald Villard, although educated, is an “utterly rotten and vile creature” and beneath other Harvard graduates in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-25
President Roosevelt updates his son Kermit Roosevelt on the condition of his brother Archibald B. Roosevelt, who has been ill with diphtheria, and all the gifts and good wishes he has received from his classmates and brother Quentin Roosevelt. Roosevelt does not think it is a good idea for Kermit to come to Washington to visit, as he may not be allowed to return to Groton School because of exposure.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-07
President Roosevelt informs Senator Platt that several well-known Republicans in New York do not believe that Representative Jacob Van Vechten Olcott is the proper man to put forward for Chairman of the Republican county organization. Roosevelt makes it clear that he does not want to dictate who should be chairman and is merely providing his opinion. He believes that whoever is chosen should be “a man of the highest character and reputation” who possesses the independence necessary to conduct the affairs with efficiency and integrity. Roosevelt believes it is more important to focus on finding a man of this type, rather than on naming a specific person.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-23
President Roosevelt sends Judge Holt letters from Representative Herbert Parsons and Stanley W. Dexter regarding Holt appointing Robert C. Morris as District Attorney. He reviewed the matter with Secretary of State Elihu Root, who accepted Holt’s judgment. Roosevelt received letters strongly favoring Morris, who has the necessary qualifications.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-12
President Roosevelt tells Representative Parsons that he cannot delay on the matter concerning Robert C. Morris’s appointment to District Attorney any longer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-07
President Roosevelt introduces Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte to James R. Sheffield, who wants to speak with Bonaparte on a matter connected with some contracts for hardened steel armor for ships.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-12
President Roosevelt informs F. Norton Goddard that he should never have approached a potential district attorney with a request to give his friend a job. Roosevelt does not believe that James R. Sheffield meant to imply he would give the friend a job, and is not even sure that he will appoint Sheffield. He is astonished that Goddard would make such a request.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-21
President Roosevelt thanks Senator Platt for the “nice report about” Collector of Internal Revenue Ferdinand Eidman. He feels the article on James R. Sheffield was meant to harm him. Roosevelt will not decide on appointing any person until next fall, and only then after consulting with Platt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-13
President Roosevelt explains to Henry W. Taft he does not believe he could get James R. Sheffield to take the postmastership, as Sheffield wants to be United States District Attorney. Roosevelt is not comfortable with Miller and Marcus, but appreciate Judge Hall’s name. However, if a number of prominent New York politicians and community leaders want William R. Willcox, Roosevelt does not want to fight with them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-02
President Roosevelt would like Henry W. Taft to respond to the Constitution Club’s statements.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-21
Before Theodore Roosevelt takes action on Robley D. Evans’ Inter-Departmental Board report, Roosevelt would like to hear the Board’s thoughts on the Marconi matter, presumably referring to an issue between the Marconi Company and the installation of their equipment on the Nantucket Shoals Lightship belonging to the U.S. Navy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-21
President Roosevelt explains that United States Marshal William Henkel has had a great deal of support from both Republican and Democratic judges, so he feels inclined to reappoint him. Roosevelt understands that Reverend Rainsford and others do not see Henkel as a good political leader, but that is not sufficient reason to prevent Henkel’s reappointment. Roosevelt asks if it would do any good to have Henkel speak personally with Rainsford and Herbert Parsons.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-19
President Roosevelt asks Nicholas Murray Butler his opinion on potential appointees to the United States Immigration Bureau. Roosevelt believes there needs to be radical change in the bureau.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-22
Henry L. Stimson sends Theodore Roosevelt a copy of Emile Henry Lacombe’s recent address commemorating the march of the Seventh Regiment to Washington, District of Columbia. Stimson recalls a dinner at James R. Sheffield’s home, and that is where Stimson obtained the copy of the address. Stimson, and his wife Mabel Wellington White Stimson, enjoyed a visit to West Point.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-14
Christopher Columbus Shayne had a satisfactory interview with Senator Thomas Collier Platt regarding candidates for the position of United States District Attorney. Shayne suggests appointing someone who has not yet been considered, and he particularly recommends Job E. Hedges.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-16
F. Norton Goddard apologizes for speaking out of turn against potential United States District Attorney James R. Sheffield.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-28