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A. J. Sage congratulates President Roosevelt on escaping from the accident and hopes to see him next year when Sage is traveling to the United States. He thought that Roosevelt would be interested to know that there are plans to introduce African eland into Australia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-07
President Roosevelt was forced to return from his western trip due to an abscess developing from the trolley accident injuries. Kermit appears to be “getting on very nicely” at school and Roosevelt looks forward to hearing about his schooling.
1902-09-25
A wealthy old man rides in an automobile driven by his chauffeur. They are racing through the countryside during a cross-country auto race and have struck several pedestrians who are not used to encountering automobiles on country roads. Caption: Owner (to Chauffeur) — Don’t stop! It only costs about ten dollars apiece to run them down. I must break the record even if it costs a hundred!
The automobile, a new-fangled toy of the rich in 1902 when Pughe’s cartoon appeared, was a luxury such that “normal” transportation as we know it today was not its main function; joy rides and extravagant excursions were. Only in Detroit and Cleveland, major centers of auto manufacturing, were autos common and driven by owners, not chauffeurs for the most part. In 1900, 20 miles per hour was considered excessive and dangerous, and a decade later 40 miles per hour was likewise regarded. At the time of Pughe’s cartoon, America knew no such things as stop signs, warning signs or signals, traffic lights, traffic cops, drivers’ licenses, lane markings, brake lights, windshield wipers, or speed limits. “Turtle turns” (cars flipped over) and fatalities, usually pedestrians including many children, were not uncommon.
President Roosevelt is disappointed in Assistant Secretary of State Alvey A. Adee’s replies to the telegrams of congratulations, which pertain to Roosevelt’s escape from a carriage accident. Four examples are enclosed from Emperor Franz Joseph I; Leopold II, King of the Belgians; Arthur James Balfour; and George Sydenham Clarke, Governor of the Australian State of Victoria.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-09
President Roosevelt thanks King Leopold II of Belgium for his congratulations regarding Roosevelt’s escape from a carriage accident.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-06
President Roosevelt appreciates Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph’s sympathy regarding his recent carriage accident.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-05
Theodore Roosevelt apologizes for breaking Huntington Norton’s automobile lamp and instructs him to send the bill to him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-18
Theodore Roosevelt raises concern to management of the Long Island Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad about the numerous accidents occurring at a busy “grade crossing” of a highroad and the railroad located before the entrance of the 59th Street Bridge. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was aboard a train from Oyster Bay involved in an accident which the train hit two automobiles and one man was killed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-25
William Loeb instructs Mrs. J. J. Grace to have her husband make the necessary repairs to the car that President Roosevelt’s horse damaged, and send the itemized bill to him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-15
President Roosevelt encloses a letter that he wrote to Thomas Cochran regarding the reinstatement of Walter S. Elvidge, who was fired after his reckless driving caused his automobile to block Roosevelt’s carriage. Roosevelt makes it clear to Secretary of Commerce and Labor Metcalf that he does not accept the explanation that Elvidge acted as he did because he was not aware that it was the President’s carriage; his conduct would have been just as bad regardless of whose carriage it was. If Elvidge behaves this way again, he will be dismissed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-03
President Roosevelt sends his and Edith’s condolences to Thomas F. Walsh, and thanks him for sharing the details of the automobile accident that killed Walsh’s son Vinson. Roosevelt wishes Walsh’s daughter Evalyn, injured in the crash, a speedy recovery.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-06
President Roosevelt is recovering from a leg injury and requests books on several topics from Herbert Putnam; including early Mediterranean races, the history of Poland, and “the best modern history of Mesopotamia.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-06
President Roosevelt is recovering from the trolley accident and must delay August Belmont’s visit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-04
President Roosevelt was forced to abandon the western trip due to the development of an abscess on his leg stemming from the trolley accident. The injury is not serious but will disable the President for around a week.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-26
President Roosevelt’s bruises from the trolley accident developed into an abscess and the western trip was canceled. However, the beginning of the trip was a great success. Roosevelt is in bed being cared for by Mrs. Roosevelt. Roosevelt would like updates regarding Ted’s schooling and is pleased that Ted is looking after Kermit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-25
President Roosevelt is glad to hear that Constance Davis Lodge Gardner is feeling better. Roosevelt is also bedridden due to developing injuries from a trolley accident.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-25
President Roosevelt suffered only minor injuries during the carriage accident and thanks King Edward VII for his thoughtful inquiry.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-06
President Roosevelt was not hurt, most likely referring to the carriage accident that occurred on September 3, 1902.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-04
President Roosevelt was not hurt and thanks Emperor William for his thoughtful message.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-04
Margaret Adelaide Wolfe Kane thanks President Roosevelt for writing following her husband Grenville’s car accident. He is recovering well and greatly appreciated the letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-06