United States. Navy. Atlantic Fleet. Battleship Force

Letter from Emperor William II to Theodore Roosevelt

Emperor William II of Germany expresses to President Roosevelt a desire to foster and promote friendship between the United States and Germany. He thanks Roosevelt for the warm welcome the German minister has been shown in Washington and assures him that United States Ambassador David Jayne Hill will receive the same courtesy. He also praises Admiral Robley D. Evans and the Atlantic fleet, and expresses hope that China, the United States, and Germany can come to an agreement regarding the open door policy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-01

Toast of President Affonso Penna

Brazilian President Pena offers a toast to Rear Admiral Charles Mitchell Thomas and proclaims Brazil’s sympathy and friendship with the United States. Pena praises the trip of the Navy fleet and the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-16

Letter from William Miller Collier to Theodore Roosevelt

William Miller Collier is writing President Roosevelt directly, instead of reaching out to the Department of State, because the matters discussed in his letter are not official communication at this point in time. Spanish King Alfonso XIII asked Collier why the United States did not have an ambassador in Spain—ideally Collier, according to Alfonso XIII—and vice versa for Spain. Collier explained that the president was open to the idea, but the intention had to come from the other government. After Alfonso XIII spoke to his cabinet, the Spanish government was open to the idea, but Collier believes there is some reticence due to a lack of finding funds immediately. He encourages Roosevelt to do what he can to foster this type of diplomatic relationship with Spain, since Alfonso XIII has come more than halfway. He believes such a relationship could assist with relations between the United States and Japan as well.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-02

The fleet is harmless

A newspaper clipping originally published in The Daily Mail and Empire of Toronto gives the reasons that there should be no cause for Japan to be concerned about the visit of the Great White Fleet to the Pacific.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10

American affairs

In an article for the National Review, A. Maurice Low analyzes the possibility that Germany would come to the protection of the Atlantic Coast while the Great White Fleet travels to the Pacific and highlights the recent developments in the relationship between Germany and the United States. He argues that Roosevelt should seek another term of office, and that William Jennings Bryan has nothing to offer the American people, while deriding the failure of the Democratic Party at large. Finally, quoting financial representatives from several banking houses, Low explains that the fall of securities prices is a natural course correction. As an example of the bright future of American growth, he describes the construction of Gary, Indiana, a city built for the manufacturing of steel.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10

The United States and Japan

An article in the London Times reports on the response from various British newspapers to allegations made by Secretary of War William H. Taft that the press was responsible for fomenting hostility between the United States and Japan. Several newspapers instead place the blame on the movement of the Great White Fleet through the Pacific Ocean, described as a “rash naval adventure,” which could be interpreted as a sign of aggression. The clipping had been sent to President Roosevelt specifically so he could read how the Times reported on American and Japanese relations, but the page also includes a report on Secretary of State Elihu Root’s visit to Mexico, Canadian wheat yields, a rise in anti-Asian sentiment within the United States, and a reprint of a speech given by Roosevelt on improving water transportation along the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10

Report on speech by Theodore Roosevelt

The Daily Telegraph reports on a speech by President Roosevelt in which he insisted on the peaceful nature of the Great White Fleet’s movement and reiterated his plans to regulate trusts via existing laws rather than attempting new legislation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-03

The state of American presidential politics

The London Morning Post explains the current state of American presidential politics to its English audience, summarizing the nomination process, the controversy surrounding a possible third nomination for President Roosevelt, and the strengths and weaknesses of potential candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties. The writer also speculates on the possible political and military motivations behind the movement of the Great White Fleet.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-01

Report on naval vessels in commission and under construction and repair

The Department of the Navy provides a list of commissioned vessels and their current stations. An additional section details ships under construction and projected completion dates.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-08

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt reports to his son Kermit Roosevelt that “life at Oyster Bay is as wonderful as it is pleasant.” He describes how the neighborhood entertained the officers of the Mayflower in a variety of ways. Archibald Roosevelt spends most of his time boating with his dog Skip. Roosevelt is again busy with work, which includes writing speeches and making arrangements for the Atlantic Fleet. He hopes Kermit is enjoying himself.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-27

The American battleship fleet

During their stop in Valletta, Malta, the sailors of the Great White Fleet left an excellent impression. The officials of Malta were very hospitable to the troops. When news reached Malta of the anti-Japanese immigration legislation in California, there was “uncomplimentary” discussion of the politicians involved among the American officers. A single case of smallpox was discovered on the USS Kearsarge.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-20

Roosevelt wants California checked

Despite previous disagreement over the enlargement of the navy, President Roosevelt now looks to peace societies to put pressure on the California Legislature to end their anti-Japanese immigration bills. The California Legislature is motivated primarily by “labor agitators,” and so those in business who would be affected by this legislation should take action. After agreements were made with Japan to curtail emigration to the United States, only California has introduced such legislation to deny Japanese immigrants social equality.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-21

Return of the American Battle Ship Fleet from “Peace Voyage” around the world

A postcard featuring illustrations of the return of the Atlantic fleet battleships, also known as the Great White Fleet, which completed a voyage around the world from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909. There is a poem entitled “WELCOME” by H. J. McKay printed in the bottom left corner, beneath an illustration of Uncle Sam shaking hands with a sailor. Portraits of Admiral Evans, President Roosevelt, and Admiral Sperry are printed on the bottom of the postcard. A list of all the ports visited on the voyage is printed on the right side of the postcard. The back of the postcard contains a printed list of the vessels which participated in the voyage. Albert Evans sends his love to his sister Marie in a handwritten message.

Collection

Fritz R. Gordner Collection

Creation Date

1909-03-25

Letter from Jean N. Ingram to Theodore Roosevelt

Jean N. Ingram sends Theodore Roosevelt his illustrated article on industrial New Zealand and urges him to plan a hunting trip there. He briefly describes the Maori people and the landscape. He discusses the ancient moa bird and the modern kea, “tigers on wings.” Ingram asks if The Outlook would be interested in an article on Australia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-18