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Theodore Roosevelt will read Nancy Neff’s manuscript but will be unable to write a preface or assist with finding a publisher until after the election. He is pleased to hear of Neff’s engagement to Captain Stigand and is familiar with Stigand’s book on his travels in Abyssinia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-10-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Nancy Neff to confirm his interest in writing a preface for Captain Stigand’s book, The Game of British East Africa and offers to contact publishers on his behalf.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-08
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary writes to Rowland Ward Ltd. and requests a selection of publications on behalf of Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-13
Theodore Roosevelt expresses to Frederick Courteney Selous his sympathy for the poor treatment Selous received during a scientific expedition, including health issues and bureaucratic obstacles. Roosevelt defends Selous’s integrity and scientific value, criticizes British officials for their lack of support, and reflects on his own African experiences. He praises Selous’s field observations and urges him to continue his contributions to natural history despite age and physical limitations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-11
Theodore Roosevelt found R. J. Cuninghame’s recent letter “extremely interesting” and was particularly amused at the Swedish scientists’ decision to leave the elephants alone. The description of elephant behavior was intriguing. He is glad the Holland rifle worked and hopes Cuninghame likes Stewart Edward White. Edmund Heller recently wrote about Paul James Rainey’s success hunting lions with dogs and sent his pamphlet about white rhinoceros. However, Roosevelt is irritated that Heller did not describe the giant eland specimens. Roosevelt sends his pamphlet on animal coloration and expresses concern about Leslie J. Tarlton’s and V. M. Newland’s health.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-11
Theodore Roosevelt sends Alfred E. Pease a pamphlet he wrote on protective coloration in animals, which he also sent to Frederick Courteney Selous, C. H. Stigand, and Edward North Buxton. “Homesick for the wilderness,” Kermit is out hunting in the Mexican desert and will soon finish his course at Harvard. Edmund Heller wrote Roosevelt about Paul James Rainey’s lion hunt using bear hounds. Unfortunately, Leslie J. Tarlton and V. M. Newland are in poor health. Roosevelt has “settled down into a perfectly quiet life” and does not “intend ever again to go away from Sagamore Hill.” He shares his recent rowing trip with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-15
Theodore Roosevelt has not heard from Frederick Courteney Selous for some time and wants to hear how his safari in the Lado Enclave went. He hopes Selous killed a giraffe as he is curious about what species is in the area and that he solved the questions of Mrs. Grey’s waterbuck. Roosevelt encourages Selous to write a book on his experiences and praises his previous works, especially as other hunter-naturalists’ books are “utterly dry.” He sends a copy of his pamphlet on protective coloration in animals and his follow-up article. Kermit Roosevelt misses Africa and is currently hunting in Mexico, with a trip to New Brunswick planned for September. Roosevelt wants Selous and his wife, Marie Catherine Gladys Selous, to visit him at Sagamore Hill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-15
Theodore Roosevelt was delighted to receive Abel Chapman’s book, and praises it as highlighting Chapman’s work both as a big game hunter and as a naturalist. He especially remarks on the photographs included present in the book, and reflects that he has kept few of his own trophies. He hopes Chapman will come hunt in Alaska or Newfoundland sometime, which will allow him to visit Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-04
Theodore Roosevelt received Alfred E. Pease’s letter, as he had hoped. He is currently visiting Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt and comments that the happiness of his children is his greatest concern. He recounts hunting bongos with George Grey in Africa and bird watching with his brother, Edward Grey, in England. The news of George Grey’s death by a lion saddened him, and he considers the dangers of lion hunting. Roosevelt discusses his family and their recent trip. While happy at home, Roosevelt would consider another scientific expedition through Asia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-01
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased to hear that British Army Captain Frederick Courteney Selous is at the front. He compares Selous’s position as an older officer to General von Hindenberg, the most successful German general, who is over the age limit for generals. Roosevelt regrets to hear that Selous’s corp was treated poorly in East Africa. He encloses two articles he wrote supporting universal military service and rigorous application of military law. Roosevelt has been distressed at the misconduct of the United States and the activities of the “professional pacifists.” If Germany keeps sinking ships carrying Americans, the public may demand a declaration of war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-28
Theodore Roosevelt shares his observations on animal coloration with C. Hart Merriam and asks where he can get some of Merriam’s lectures on protective coloration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1913-04-09
Theodore Roosevelt tells Nancy Yulee Neff that he has told the Macmillan Company that he has sent Neff this letter and encourages Neff to take things up with Macmillan immediately. Roosevelt also says that “if the terms are satisfactory I will forthwith begin with introductions.” He assures Neff that he will speak of C. H. Stigand’s work and death, as well as the “concealing coloration of big game.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-20
Theodore Roosevelt sends the Macmillan Company a book manuscript by big game hunter Captain C. H. Stigand. Roosevelt will write a preface for the book if the Macmillan Company will publish it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-22