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President Roosevelt instructs Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry to ensure there is enough coal for the Great White Fleet’s trip, and says the Bureau of Equipment is “on trial in this matter.” He likes the idea of “having one first-class man. . .represent all the newspapers.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-17
President Roosevelt accepts Rear Admiral Bradford’s resignation as Chief of the Bureau of Equipment. Roosevelt appreciates Bradford’s desire to “command afloat” and is pleased that he will be assigned to command the battleship Illinois.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-19
President Roosevelt informs Captain William S. Cowles that he arranged for Cowles to continue as Chief of the Bureau of Equipment until the end of Roosevelt’s term. Roosevelt is happy to hear that Cowles was one of those invited to represent the United States Navy at the Québec celebration, and hopes he will attend. Roosevelt adds the he spoke to Secretary of War William H. Taft about Cowles’ career after Roosevelt leaves office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-10
President Roosevelt tells Anna Roosevelt Cowles how delightful it was to see her, although he is distressed that William Sheffield Cowles is “still suffering.” Roosevelt thought the editorials were “very nice.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-02
President Roosevelt accepts Rear Admiral Bradford’s resignation as Chief of the Bureau of Equipment and is pleased that Bradford will be assigned to command the battleship Illinois.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-19
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt asks Francis M. Bunce, Commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, about clerk John J. Daly. Daly’s associates hope he will not be disturbed, and Roosevelt assured them that he would not be as long as he did his duty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-05-06
William S. Cowles thanks President Roosevelt for the opportunity to represent the United States at the Québec celebration, and says he will take both Anna Roosevelt Cowles and their son William with him. He is looking forward to flying his flag again, even if it is only for a couple days. Cowles appreciates the chance to remain in his office as Chief of Bureau of Equipment for the Navy Department until the end of Roosevelt’s term, and for the good report of him that Roosevelt gave to Secretary of War William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-10
Secretary of the Navy Metcalf updates President Roosevelt on the coal supply of the fleet traveling to the Pacific. The Navy Department has been unable to find coal at reasonable prices from American ships, and so has organized coal from foreign ships following regulations set in 1904. Metcalf has supplied opinions from Attorney General Bonaparte, and will proceed with this plan unless Roosevelt provides instructions to the contrary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-18
Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry sends President Roosevelt three itineraries from Admiral Robley D. Evans along with memorandums from the Bureau of Equipment and the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, all of which concern the logistics of the Atlantic Fleet’s upcoming tour.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-07
Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry updates President Roosevelt on naval matters. Newberry is glad Roosevelt approves of his plans for educating midshipmen, and believes it is a good idea to enlist them at a younger age. Newberry has conferred with Admirals Robley D. Evans and Willard H. Brownson regarding itineraries for the Great White Fleet’s trip to the Pacific, and will send the specifics of three proposed itineraries soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-01
William S. Cowles sends Secretary of the Navy Newberry comments on two letters from the Merchant Marine League. The League maintains that by chartering foreign vessels to transport coal to ports on the Pacific Coast, the United States has damaged merchant shipping without appreciating the true effect such an action has. Cowles relays the details and allegations the League submits for consideration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-15
The report discusses the administrative organization of the Navy Department, noting that the chiefs of various bureaus all report the the Secretary of the Navy, who is a civilian. The writer advocates for streamlining the bureaucracy in the department to increase efficiency, and to place line officers and other men directly involved with battle and preparing the fleet for action in positions of greater authority.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-21
President Roosevelt has already made arrangements for Admiral Cowles to remain as Chief of the Bureau of Equipment until the end of Roosevelt’s presidential term. He has also spoken with Secretary of War Taft about Cowles’s career. Roosevelt is delighted with Mr. Winslow’s request to Cowles and he would like an admiral at the Quebec celebration.
1908-06-10
President Roosevelt was happy to see Anna Roosevelt Cowles and hopes William Sheffield Cowles Jr. is improving after his recent surgery. Roosevelt is pleased by the recent editorials and proud of the developments around the franchise tax.
1905-06-02
Secretary of the Navy Long explains the Bureau of Equipment’s appropriations estimates for land defense of new American possessions. He adds that additional harbors require fortification and have been protected by the Navy until defense can be turned over to the War Department. He recommends creation of a board of army and naval officers to consider the defense of all naval bases in maritime ports.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-11