United States. Army

Letter from William McKinley to Henry Cabot Lodge

President McKinley writes to accept the Republican Party’s nomination for President and accepts the platform. He discusses his desire to uphold the gold standard and refutes the opinions of those who support the silver standard. He also comments on international affairs, including the territorial government in Alaska and Hawaii, war loans from the Spanish American War, neutrality policies in the Boer War, law and order in Cuba, and holdings in Puerto Rico and the Philippines. He also comments on domestic issues including civil service reform, the volume of United States currency, and domestic shipping. Finally, McKinley comments on insurrection and peace treaties in the Philippines, asserting his desire for peace and that no person be “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1900-09-10

Letter from Ernest A. Hempstead to Gifford Pinchot

Ernest A. Hempstead believes that by the first of June, if the “Old Guard” of Republican leaders feel Woodrow Wilson cannot be beaten, they may consent to the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt. Hempstead believes that there is a change in public opinion toward Roosevelt, because of his advocacy of a strong Army and Navy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-02-02

Letter from William T. Hornaday to Theodore Roosevelt

William T. Hornaday is frustrated with the “overwise” enlistment methods employed by the United States Army, which has seen his friend denied for having flat arches. Hornaday agrees with Theodore Roosevelt that the United States has been “slow on the draw” and cites New York’s military census as another example of failure.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-06-15

Letter from Carl M. Anderson to H. P. McCain

Doctor Carl M. Anderson certifies that William H. Nye is physically healthy and recommends him for a position in the United States Army.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-02

Letter from Carl G. Grill to Theodore Roosevelt

Carl G. Grill explains his situation to and asks for help from Theodore Roosevelt: he is a veteran of the Spanish-American War who has been working as a transfer clerk in the railway mail service in Aberdeen, South Dakota, but has moved to Oregon to benefit his wife’s health. Grill was told it was easier to resign and seek reinstatement than to be granted transfer service, so he resigned, but is facing difficulties with getting reinstated. He lists cases of others who have been successful in similar situations and asks for Roosevelt’s assistance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-15

Letter from James G. McNary to Theodore Roosevelt

James G. McNary requests Theodore Roosevelt’s help in making Fort Bliss, Texas, a regimental garrison by speaking with Army Chief of Staff Leonard Wood and Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. McNary goes on to explain the history of the fort as well as its current potential for protecting American interests along the Mexican border.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08-30

Letter from John H. W. Mimms to Theodore Roosevelt

John H. W. Mimms praises Theodore Roosevelt for his recent speech at White River Jet. Mimms stresses that, due to his experience in transcribing many important speeches, he is a good judge of a good speech, and proceeds to relay his own military history.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08-30

Letter from Annie White to Frank Harper

Annie White writes to Frank Harper to further explain her reasons for writing to Theodore Roosevelt regarding her application to the Pension Bureau and the Soldier’s Homestead act.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-24

Letter from Christopher J. Kehoe to Theodore Roosevelt

Christopher J. Kehoe asks Theodore Roosevelt if he would be able to help him secure a place on a ship. He hopes to learn wireless telegraphy, and believes such a position would allow him to do so. Kehoe knows Roosevelt has helped former soldiers in the past, and cites his own experience in the Spanish-American war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-03

Letter from Simon Bolivar Buckner to Theodore Roosevelt

Simon Bolivar Buckner sends Theodore Roosevelt a newspaper clipping sharing some exploits of his son, Simon Bolivar Buckner, who Roosevelt appointed as a cadet to West Point.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-04

Letter from Frank Ross McCoy to Theodore Roosevelt

Frank Ross McCoy was glad to get the horse Roswell back for Theodore Roosevelt, and promises that with some care and regular riding he will be back to his old self in no time. McCoy also speaks about horsemanship and training in the Army, which is improving.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-06-26

Letter from Frederick Muller to Theodore Roosevelt

Former Rough Rider Frederick Muller writes to Theodore Roosevelt to ask him to put in a good word for Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the location for the construction of a large Army base in the western United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-06-20

Letter from Christian Thomas Jonathan Jackson to Theodore Roosevelt

Christian Thomas Jonathan Jackson thanks Theodore Roosevelt for appointing him to West Point, and remarks that even if Roosevelt has forgotten him, he has not forgotten Roosevelt for having given him his start in the Army. After graduation, he intends to visit William Bradford Merrill on Long Island for a week, and inquires if he would be able to visit Roosevelt to pay his respects while in town. His grandmother, Marry Anna Jackson, is a staunch admirer of Roosevelt, who appreciates Roosevelt’s kindness to Jackson. He encloses a copy of the 1911 West Point class album.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-31

Letter from Clement C. Van Laningham to Theodore Roosevelt

Clement C. Van Laningham asks Theodore Roosevelt’s permission to use him as a reference in his application for a position with the U.S. Secret Service. Laningham briefly presents his history and qualifications, including his military service.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-03-10

Letter from Leonard Wood to Theodore Roosevelt

Leonard Wood, now serving as Army Chief of Staff, updates Theodore Roosevelt on all the work he has been doing during the short session of Congress. He has met with various legislative committees, commenting on legislation, and trying to pass a bill to increase the number of officers. Wood is also trying to make Congress aware of shortages in field artillery and met with the Appropriations Committee about the fortification of the Panama Canal.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-09

Letter from Leonard Wood to Theodore Roosevelt

Army Chief of Staff Wood confirms receipt of Theodore Roosevelt’s letter relating to Colonel George LeRoy Brown, and provides a description of his case.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-08-23

Letter from Frank Ross McCoy to Theodore Roosevelt

Captain Frank Ross McCoy thanks President Roosevelt for giving him a share of the credit for improving the army’s horsemanship standards. McCoy wishes that he could have joined Roosevelt on his ride to Warrenton, which he feels set an excellent example for lazy officers. Although McCoy envies Roosevelt’s current aide, Captain Archibald Willingham Butt, he is glad to have implemented real improvements to the cavalry during his own tenure in the position. McCoy hopes that, before March 4, Roosevelt can suggest to the committee revising the Field Service Regulations that the organization and training of army pack trains be improved. Packing for cavalry is becoming a “lost art.” McCoy also shares his plans for Presidents’ Day.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-02

Letter from S. B. M. Young to Theodore Roosevelt

S. B. M. Young congratulates President Roosevelt on his one-day, ninety-mile horseback ride, which he made in response to the negative reaction to his physical fitness orders for the Army. Young agrees with Roosevelt’s orders, specifically that the Army should be “up to the fighting standard” in peacetime.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-14

Letter from George B. Davis to William Loeb

Judge Advocate General of the Army George B. Davis returns the original report from Secretary of War William H. Taft on the matter of employing Herbert J. Browne and William Gibboney Baldwin to investigate the Brownsville incident. A copy of the report has been submitted to the Senate.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-04

Letter from Frank Ross McCoy to Theodore Roosevelt

Frank Ross McCoy sends President Roosevelt holiday greetings, and describes his recent travels in New Mexico. He remarks that the land he is traveling in seems just like it must have when the first conquistadores were exploring it. Roosevelt’s letter ordering tests in horsemanship for army officers is being carried out.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-24