Your TR Source
President Roosevelt writes to W. Sloan Simpson to tell him about a visit from Cecil Andrew Lyon. Roosevelt wished to take Lyon on a walk, but everything is currently covered in ice.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-14
President Roosevelt explains the poor conditions of the construction of several battleships as well as several navy practices that should be assimilated to that of the army’s equivalent. He was impressed by the officers and the food aboard ship, and also has some ideas on how to better the lives of the crew after their service is over.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-28
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt discusses various national and international reasons why the Navy Department should steadily, yet rapidly, build up the Navy. He reasons that “a great navy does not make for war, but for peace.” Roosevelt lists actionable steps Congress and the Department can take.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-09-30
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt encloses letters of introduction to commanding officers on three battleships that are currently in Boston: the USS Massachusetts, the USS, New York, and the USS Texas. Roosevelt informs Richard Henry Dana that there are no reports by the United States Navy Department about double turrets.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-05-28
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt sends a letter of introduction to Captain Henry Glass of the USS Texas on behalf of Richard Henry Dana and Mr. Parker. Dana and Parker would like to look over the Texas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-05-28
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt shares with President McKinley his belief that a battleship should only be sent to the Mediterranean if they intend to make a demonstration of force, in which case three or four armored vessels should be sent. He discusses each of the armored cruisers and battleships that could be sent, their current status, and whether they are suitable.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-04-26
Lieutenant Francis J. Haeseler thanks Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt for persuading Secretary of the Navy John Davis Long to replace the USS Texas’ old system. They installed the new system, and Haeseler thinks that the guns will fire within ninety seconds instead of over two minutes if some changes are made. The officers and crew feel that the Texas is in “excellent fighting condition.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1898-04-17