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Theodore Roosevelt lets Miss Bryan Wynn know that the first hill they went up in the Spanish American War was Kettle Hill. After that, they took on “San Juan Hill proper.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-22
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Ruth Moore Lee for forwarding letters from her husband, Arthur Hamilton Lee, who is at the front lines of the Great War. Roosevelt expresses sympathy and admiration for the couple in their challenges associated with the war. He states that while the Lees are “playing heroic parts,” he and his family are “lookers-on.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-01-16
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his pride in Arthur Lee, Viscount of Fareham, who is at the front. He remembers the time Arthur was with him during the Spanish-American War, and expresses his sympathy for Mrs. Lee, though he knows she supports her husband in what he is doing. He promises to send recent writings of his on political events and the conduct of the war. He criticizes the leadership and lack of foreign policy experience of President Wilson and William Jennings Bryan. He concludes his letter by discussing the service of his daughter Ethel, as well as her husband, Richard Derby.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-30
Theodore Roosevelt refutes statements made by James M. Beck regarding Roosevelt’s actions around the time of the Spanish-American War. He denies advocating the sending of the Atlantic fleet to intercept and destroy the Spanish fleet without a declaration of war. He recommended warning Spain that sending the fleet to the West Indies would be considered a declaration of war and that the United States would act accordingly. Roosevelt also denies saying that the Assistant Secretary of the Navy should be made the “general Admiral of the Navy” with precedence over all other admirals. He suggests Beck is attempting to deliberately spread falsehoods and gives Franklin Spencer Edmonds permission to show his letter to Beck or anyone else who heard Beck’s statements. Roosevelt does not believe it is necessary to publish his response to Beck.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-19
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his interest in the article John M. Oskison wrote and hopes to advocate for The Outlook to publish it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-20
President Roosevelt is upset that the Civil Service Commission of the City of New York has refused to bestow commendation upon Edward J. Bourke on the grounds that there is not sufficient evidence of personal risk. Roosevelt explains that Bourke bravely served in multiple naval battles during the Spanish-American War at great personal risk. Roosevelt asks New York City Police Commissioner Bingham to refer the matter to Mayor George B. McClellan or take other appropriate action.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-13
President Roosevelt directs Secretary of the Treasury Cortelyou to promote Spanish-American War veteran Hermann W. Kuchmeister according to the accompanying executive order, if it has not already been done.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
President Roosevelt was interested to read Edward J. Bourke’s letter, and hopes that Bourke is able to get the commendation or honorable mention for his service in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt offers to write to New York Police Commissioner General Theo. A. Bingham, but will not do so unless he hears from Bourke.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-30
President Roosevelt wishes that he could be present at the anniversary dinner of Troop A of the New York Volunteer Cavalry, but unfortunately cannot. Regardless, he sends his greeting and good will through James T. Terry, and praises the actions of Troop A for their service in Puerto Rico during the Spanish American War. If the United States ever gets into a war again, Roosevelt would like to raise another brigade or division of cavalry, and would try to get the men of Troop A under his command.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-30
Although President Roosevelt carefully considers every letter from Governor Guild, those related to Guild’s experience in the Spanish-American War receive particular attention. Roosevelt will immediately address the matter of Michie with the War Department, though he was unaware that there was a thought of changing Hugh Lenox Scott.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-10
President Roosevelt thanks Nicholas D. Vassiley for the letter stating that they had met before the Battle of Santiago during the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-26
President Roosevelt thanks French Ensor Chadwick for the letter, and compares the fight at San Juan to the boxing match between James J. Corbett and John Lawrence Sullivan, where the beginning of the fight was very difficult, but eventually the Americans gained the momentum and were assured of victory. Roosevelt sends Chadwick a copy of his book The Rough Riders, and asks him to look at the notes and letter in the last appendices. He agrees with Chadwick that Pascual Cervera y Topete acted with courage, but does not rank him quite so high as Chadwick does.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-01
The political cartoon Ambassador Reid sent greatly amuses President Roosevelt. He inquires if he can obtain the original, in addition to other Punch cartoons, including one depicting him and Emperor William II, which was banned in Berlin. Unsurprisingly, people have responded negatively to the financial crisis. Roosevelt remembers a similar reaction during the Spanish-American War. He has a better understanding of what Abraham Lincoln faced and what future presidents will experience in the case of a great national crisis.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-14
President Roosevelt has read over Lieutenant General Hamilton’s two volumes again and complements Hamilton on his description of the Japanese army. Roosevelt describes a conversation he had with Tamemoto Kuroki about the superiority of guns over bayonets. Roosevelt notes that Kuroki and Kuroki’s aide like Hamilton’s work. He gives his impression of Kuroki. Roosevelt sends pictures of him jumping a horse named Roswell.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-15
President Roosevelt will not attend the Memorial Day commemoration at Indianapolis unless the people who organized the statue of General Henry Ware Lawton and those representing the Grand Army of the Republic reconcile their differences. Roosevelt tells Vice President Fairbanks that the veterans of the Spanish-American War should give precedence to those of the Civil War, since the latter conflict was of “infinitely greater nature” than the former and they are much older. Fairbanks should not make this public, but “any celebration of Memorial Day must be primarily a Grand Army celebration.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-16
President Roosevelt tells Representative Cole that it is not possible for Roosevelt to endorse any movement in which the purpose it to raise money, no matter how worthy the cause may be. Roosevelt would be glad to see any “worthy and patriotic movement for a permanent memorial of the Spanish War” be successful.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-26
President Roosevelt wishes to see President of Harvard Eliot to talk over the “many interesting points” raised in his letter. He discusses General Leonard Wood’s leadership during the Spanish American War, currents attempts to avoid intervention and occupation in Cuba, the conceit of educated men, and dealing with the “negro problem.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-28
President Roosevelt updates President of Harvard Eliot on Secretary of War William H. Taft’s investigation into American agitators’ influence in the Cuban conflict. He discusses the “curious” opinion of having General Leonard Wood take control in Cuba given the previous backlash against him, even though Roosevelt considers him one of the “best officers we now have.” While Cuba is his immediate concern in foreign affairs, Roosevelt discusses the issues concerning the Hague and the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-22
President Roosevelt will carefully consider John N. Speel as suggested by Senator Nelson. He does not recall much about Speel but remembers one of the candidates feigned illness at the start of the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt knows Nelson will approve of finding the best man for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-30
President Roosevelt wishes he could be present at the reunion of the Philippine Association. Although he was not in the Philippines, he fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American war, and “[prizes] very greatly the right of comradeship with you.” Roosevelt sends Frank E. Lyman his wishes for a successful reunion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-29