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Letter from James F. J. Archibald to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from James F. J. Archibald to Theodore Roosevelt

James F. J. Archibald reports to President Roosevelt on the submarine defense of the Pacific Coast and the Hawaiian Islands. Archibald believes America to be “so far behind” other nations in this area of marine warfare—particularly Great Britain, France, and Japan. Upon visiting principal cities and harbors, he finds the Pacific Coast and Hawaiian Islands in a “deplorably defenseless position” and notes that the people living in these areas feel vulnerable because of the large extent of “oriental labor and immigration.” Whereas guns and mines are not ideal defense weapons because of the foggy weather, Archibald feels the Pacific Coast is prime territory for the use of submarines due to the large harbors, climates, and topography of the region. Archibald details the number of submarines and personnel he believes to be needed at each of four geographic locations–the Puget Sound, the mouth of the Columbia River, the San Francisco Bay, and the San Diego Bay–as well as the costs of these fortifications, and he emphasizes that his opinions are shared by military officers and civilian experts.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-02

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ferdinand von Stumm

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ferdinand von Stumm

Theodore Roosevelt does not approve of Germany’s “blood-and-iron policy” but favors it over the Wilson administration’s “milk-and water policy.” Roosevelt does not believe in being neutral in matters of right and wrong. As such, his statements regarding the war have angered his English and German friends. Roosevelt is attempting to act as a good American and is angered by German Americans or Irish Americans who, because of their birth origin, are trying to influence the United States to act counter to its interests in favor of the interests of Germany or Ireland.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-25

Letter from Albert Gleaves to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Albert Gleaves to Theodore Roosevelt

Naval Commander Gleaves details his recent European trip during which he purchased fifty up-to-date torpedoes, which will begin arriving in December. He learned much about mines while observing a field trial conducted off of Marseille, France. Roosevelt’s letters to the various ambassadors made Gleaves’s movements around Europe easier, especially in Berlin where he was permitted to tour the torpedo factory. Unlike England, Gleaves reports a “friendly feeling for the United States” in Germany. Gleaves hopes Roosevelt can tour the Torpedo Station after speaking at Provincetown.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-09

Shipbuilding for the Navy

Shipbuilding for the Navy

In a letter to the editor, T. A. Brassey argues that the British Navy should not focus on producing Dreadnaught-class battleships. He cites the recent sinking of large ships, especially during the Russo-Japanese war, to show that even heavily-armored ships are vulnerable to submarine mines and torpedoes. Furthermore, the costly large battleships are vulnerable to accidents at sea, and the more expensive guns on a ship the greater the financial loss when it sinks. Finally, Brassey argues that having more, smaller ships will allow for the great training and promotion of young captains.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-28