Your TR Source
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt admires James Harrison Wilson’s address to the Society of the Army of the Cumberland. He believes George H. Thomas was one of the best Union commanders during the Civil War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-09-21
In chapter three of his book, The Truth about Chickamaugua, Archibald Gracie discusses Union General George H. Thomas’s role in the battle, an account which differs from the generally accepted history but which Gracie states is based on true reports and records.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08
In several excerpts, General King admits he knew little about the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga. He shares his recollections and impressions of the officers involved in the battle. He looks forward with “keen interest” to the completion of the account. King appreciates the amended view of Thomas John Wood and regards it as most judicious.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911
Joseph Culbertson Clayton invokes the names of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General George H. Thomas, both Virginians who met in battle during the American Civil War. In spite of their differences, Clayton suggests that, with over fifty years passing since the end of the Civil war, both men would today both speak in favor of national unity and keeping the nation strong.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-22
This pamphlet on education is dedicated strongly to President Roosevelt. The author critiques curriculum based too much in reading passively and encourages a “doing” sort of mentality. C. W. Larned describes classical civilization as he sees it to build his argument.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908
President Roosevelt praises Justice John Marshall Harlan’s service as a justice of the Supreme Court. Roosevelt notes that Harlan is a Kentuckian, and he praises the patriotism of the citizens of Kentucky, who sided with the North during the Civil War. He notes that their position as a border state made it much more difficult to remain loyal to the Union than it was for those further north. Roosevelt closes by praising Harlan as embodying the qualities requisite for being a good citizen and statesman, and noting that Harlan’s strength of personality and quality of character stand as examples for all Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-09
President Roosevelt speaks to Cincinnati businessmen at a meeting in the Cincinnati Music Hall during a festival. He recalls the memory of President William McKinley, who came from Ohio, and notes the connections the city and state have to American history. Roosevelt congratulates the city on its prosperity, which he credits to “the intellectual and moral fiber of the men and women back of it.” He highlights the need for continued improvements along the Ohio River, as well as the benefits the city will receive from the Panama Canal when completed, explaining that “the whole country if benefited by whatever benefits one part.” Roosevelt argues that, just as military tactics and arms change over time but the soldiering spirit remains, so too will legal and economic realities change but the need for citizens of honesty, courage, and common sense remain.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-20
In a foreign policy speech in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special recognition to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War. On behalf of all who served in that war, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they lived up to the standards of those who fought in the Civil War, and he notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before and praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-22
In a foreign policy speech given in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special praise to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War, a conflict that pointed out the “fundamental unity of our country.” On behalf of all who served there, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they shared the spirit of those who fought in the Civil War and notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says Puerto Rico prospers and that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before; he praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.
President Roosevelt thanks the local chairman, presumably a Democrat, for introducing him, saying that political party is of little importance when Americans are unified in the spirit of fairness. He notes the presence of school children in the crowd as well as veterans of the Union Army in the American Civil War, saying that the veterans’ victorious spirit lived on in the American soldiers who fought in the Philippines. He notes how evolving weapons and tactics have not changed the necessary qualities of the soldier. Benedict Arnold was a gallant and talented soldier who helped win major battles but was missing the important “root of righteousness” that eventually led to his reputation as a traitor. Similarly, laws may change, but the need for patriotic citizens with honesty, courage, and common sense remains the same.
Justice Harlan speaks highly of Colonel Hunt’s military service and character. He recommends that Hunt be maintained in his position or promoted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-12