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A “Delegation of Prominent Citizens,” children, Rough Riders, and others await the arrival of President Roosevelt, along the railroad tracks, during his Western tour. Caption: Waiting for the President.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-05
As a former member of the Rough Riders, Craig W. Wadsworth will be a representative of the United States and of President Roosevelt in London. Roosevelt gives Wadsworth advice on being a United States representative abroad.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-15
Colonel Alexander S. Bacon accuses President Roosevelt of lying about his charge on San Juan Hill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-14
President Roosevelt writes to Secretary of State John Hay about his tour of the western states. He describes the people and towns as greeting him enthusiastically. Roosevelt also gives short reminisces of his years out west as a cattle rancher. He mentions opening the World Fair in St. Louis, his impression of the Pacific Coast states, the status of many Rough Riders and the violence of frontier life.
1903-08-09
President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit to describe his trip through Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Texas, including a Rough Riders Reunion in San Antonio. He also details his five day wolf hunt in Oklahoma with General Young, Alexander Lambert, and Granville Fortescue.
1905-04-14
Governor Roosevelt thanks A. H. Sawyer, and mentions the bravery of Jews who served in his regiment during the Spanish-American War and on the New York City Police force.
1898-11-22
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt writes to his brother-in-law as he sets sail for Cuba. Roosevelt writes that he enjoyed his time with Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt in Tampa and was glad that she could see his regiment. Roosevelt mentions the mismanagement of the expedition, but hopes that all is on track. He also writes that those who come back from Cuba will be bound by strong ties, and promises not to take risks that are not necessary.
1898-06-14
1898-06-15:
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt describes the experience of sailing to Cuba and the craft that are assembling for war. He describes the atmosphere on the ship and comments on the historical importance of the expedition. Roosevelt also mentions the drilling and training of officers in order to be prepared before they reach Santiago.
1898-06-20:
Without a chance to mail his letter, Roosevelt continues writing. He describes the sailing conditions and weather and complains of mismanagement from Washington D.C. He writes that they are nearing Santiago and speculates about the conditions for fighting. Roosevelt also describes the landscape of the Cuban coast and comments on the constellations in the night sky.
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt writes about mismanagement in Washington and how it is affecting his men. Roosevelt describes his dedication to his men and writes that he suffers through the same hardships as they do, relating to transportation, food, and supplies. He mentions that Robert Ferguson earned a promotion and regrets that Kenneth Robinson, Douglas Robinson’s cousin, was wounded.
1898-07-19
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Douglas Robinson for the items he sent and asks him to locate a few more belongings to send along. He writes that Robert Ferguson was promoted to lieutenant for his service and mentions Kenneth Robinson, who was wounded. Roosevelt writes about several deaths due to yellow fever, but that as long as it stays out of camp, they will be fine. Roosevelt describes his experiences in battle and expresses pride in having led his regiment, as well as describing the mismanagement from Washington and its negative affects on his troops.
1898-07-19
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt asks Douglas Robinson to send Samuel McMillan $100 to pay him back for money Roosevelt used, along with his own funds, to obtain food for his regiment. Roosevelt writes about the lack of food and clothing, but mentions that they were able to get some provisions from the Red Cross.
1898-07-22
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Douglas Robinson for his letter and describes a battle near Santiago. Regarding the political effect of his involvement in the war, Roosevelt comments that he would “rather have led that charge and earned my colonelcy than served three terms in the United States Senate”. Roosevelt writes that he is in good health, despite the conditions, and has avoided yellow fever.
1898-07-27
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt thanks his sister and her husband for the watch they gave him, and mentions spurs that he received as an anonymous gift. Roosevelt hopes to leave Washington, D.C., the next day, but Leonard Wood wants him to stay to hurry a shipment of troops and rifles. Roosevelt expresses his desire to be with the regiment and start getting it into shape.
1898-05-05
Theodore Roosevelt describes conditions on-board ship as hot and crowded. He says they let the men swim that day, but the activity was cut short by one man’s close encounter with a shark.
1898-06-10
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt writes to his sister that he is eager to go on his first expedition, but remains in Washington, D.C., while the regiment is in San Antonio. Roosevelt mentions enlisting another man, even though his regiment is over-enlisted, and comments that his Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s health is improving.
1898-05-08
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt thanks his sister for her poem and letter and expresses that he is glad she understands how he feels about going to war, even though it is difficult on his wife. Roosevelt asks Corinne Roosevelt Robinson to pass a message on to her husband Douglas Robinson, and informs her that Roosevelt will be leaving for San Antonio that night.
1898-05-12
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt writes to his sister from camp before leaving for Cuba. Roosevelt writes about taking time to be with his wife before he leaves and mentions regular army opinions of the volunteer regiment. Roosevelt expresses his relief at being included in the first expedition and writes that the regiment is in good shape. He also mentions letters he has received from home.
1898-06-07
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt writes to his sister from a transport ship of the delays his regiment is experiencing. Roosevelt writes that the men have stayed in good humor, despite the overcrowding and hot weather. Roosevelt condemns the lack of organization that has resulted in their situation.
1898-06-12
A large donkey sits on its haunches, wearing a Rough Rider hat and spectacles, and smiling like Theodore Roosevelt at the diminutive figures of Alton B. Parker and William Jennings Bryan. Caption: The Democratic Donkey is beginning to look like somebody.
This Puck cover cartoon is typical of the best by Udo J. Keppler — a clever observation that stands the test of time; simplicity that requires few captions; and master caricatures.
Theodore Roosevelt informs John Callan O’Laughlin that he is still waiting for a decision from President Woodrow Wilson about whether he can lead a Rough Riders division on the western front.
1917-05-16