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Edgar Alexander Mearns will be relieved from duty at Fort Totten, New York, and will report for duty in “connection with the operations of the Roosevelt Scientific Expedition to Africa.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
Charles D. Walcott, Secretary of the Smithsonian, assures Theodore Roosevelt that it will not interfere with publication of studies on Roosevelt’s specimens from Africa if Edmund Heller accompanies Paul James Rainey on another expedition to Africa. Heller will put the finishing touches on the white rhinoceros publication on the boat to Naples and send it back for publication. The time that Heller is away will allow the remaining mammal skins to be labeled and prepared for a broad study of the collection. It is too late to change the plan and find another man to go in Heller’s place.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-08
Edgar Alexander Mearns will be traveling on the same boat as Theodore and Kermit Roosevelt. He also has brandy, whiskey, and champagne set aside for medical use. The tools for collecting specimens will be furnished by the United States National Museum. Mearns may also have diabetes, but he defends his health and ability to make the Africa trip. Mearns also encloses a letter from Peter Holt, a scout at Yellowstone Park. Mearns killed a mountain lion for Holt once.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-22
Edgar Alexander Mearns is delighted to be reminded of his upcoming role as naturalist and medical adviser on Theodore Roosevelt’s trip to Africa. Mearns advises Roosevelt on approaches for sterilizing water, medical outfits, and equipment. Medicine for “native ‘boys’ and friends can be conveniently boxed.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-31
Edgar Alexander Mearns agrees to Theodore Roosevelt’s publication stipulations on the Africa expedition. Roosevelt’s publications must come first. In order to complete early preparations for the trip, Mearns requests an official order from the War Department outlining his duties. Mearns suggests other members of the American Museum staff who might be good candidates for the expedition. Mearns also asks Roosevelt whether he should make plans for the “systematic treatment of natives outside of your own party.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-04