Soldiers--Training

The Wilson administration has behaved “infamously,” and Theodore Roosevelt considers President Wilson to be a timid man who will “avoid war at all hazards.” Wilson is favoring Germany and attempting to keep the German American and pacifist vote. Roosevelt breaks down American opinion into four sections; German Americans, professional pacifists, the majority who are not interested in international affairs, and a small percentage that think like him. Three of Roosevelt’s sons have finished training at the Plattsburgh camp, and they all did well. He has his volunteer division sketched out and guarantees it will do its duty. Roosevelt is distressed at Russia being “terribly smashed,” and he hopes the allies can stay together as they can win the war together.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt visited the Plattsburgh camp and there was a great “jamboree.” The Wilson administration “took ferocious umbrage” at Roosevelt’s speech but he is glad he spoke out. Ted Roosevelt did well at the camp and was named a First Lieutenant. Ethel Roosevelt Derby was distressed that Richard Derby had not been made a Corporal, but there is often only one promotion and twenty suitable candidates. Roosevelt paid close attention to Captains Van Horn and Collins. He was impressed and asked them to visit Oyster Bay, New York.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed reading about Stewart Edward White’s adventure with the four lions and asks when White’s book is being published. Due to the government’s failure to make any military preparations, a movement is beginning to organize and train citizens for military service. Roosevelt has suggested that White serve on the advisory council. Americans “seem incapable of learning except by disaster.” Roosevelt has heard that Californians are supporting President Wilson because they want peace, but their policies towards Japanese immigration are most responsible for antagonizing Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-03-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt feels that his writings will have the most usefulness in the United States. He has “contemptuous dislike” for the Wilson administration and is especially distressed at the handling of the European war and Mexico. Roosevelt regrets to hear that Frederick Courteney Selous’s troop of frontiersmen was not sent to the front. He approves of thorough training for soldiers but also believes that ordinary generals do not realize the possibilities of men like the frontiersmen, or Rough Riders, who can perform “very great feats.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-14

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Creation Date

1908

Creator(s)

Unknown

Language

English

Period

(1905, March-1909, February) U.S. President – 2nd Term

As part of an inspection tour of military camps in the Midwest, General John J. Pershing visits Camp Grant in Rockford, Illinois, on January 5, 1920. Opening scene of Pershing standing with General George Bell, commander of the 6th Division’s Provisional Regiment stationed at Camp Grant. A train with members of Bell’s staff unloads in the background. A long shot of Pershing, with an unidentified man to his left, and Robert Rew, mayor of Rockford, posing outside the Hotel Nelson after attending a luncheon in Pershing’s honor. The mayor is carrying a saddle and bridle which were presented to Pershing by the citizens of Rockford. Views of the 6th Division in formation; long shot of Pershing, Bell, and possibly Regiment-Colonel Mathias Crowley walking toward the camera through lines of soldiers. Views of tractors pulling a cannon along the snow covered streets. The last scene is of Pershing and a man who may be Crowley standing in a flag-draped reviewing stand as Pershing delivers a speech.

Collection

Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound

Creation Date

1920-01-05

Creator(s)

Unknown

Theodore Roosevelt wrote about Christmas day to Ted Roosevelt and asks that Archie Roosevelt read that letter as well. Roosevelt wonders if he can use his influence to help the troops at the front with the officer changes and to get winter shoes to the troops, but only if Archie wants him to do so. Eleanor can send him the information without going through the censors. Other troops need adequate clothes as well according to a visitor. Roosevelt believes the regular officers are too old and weak to be leading the army.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1917-12-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919