United States. Navy

Memorandum concerning the Brazilian dreadnoughts now building in England

A memorandum containing summary of Commander Simon P. Fullinwider’s letter from December 6, 1907, which criticizes Brazil’s construction of large and expensive dreadnoughts and says they may be Japan’s project. He recommends the United States ready their fleet accordingly and dismiss Japanese men aboard the ships, who he thinks could be spies. Commander Sims writes that the officers will learn more while in Rio, and he shares Fullinwider’s concerns about “foreign servants” and enlisted men sharing confidential information.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-12-19

Report concerning certain alleged defects in vessels of navy

This report records a series of documents, primarily from Admiral W. L. Capps, Constructor of the Navy, answering recent criticisms about some naval vessels in the United States Navy. These criticisms centered on the height of the freeboard of the ships, their water-line armor distribution, and the ammunition hoists used, among other topics. The report contains a statement by Capps, a report of a relevant discussion by the British Royal Navy, a number of diagrams detailing armor distribution, and a record of hearings conducted by the House Committee on Naval Affairs. Capps refutes the criticism by correcting several misunderstandings about terminology, explaining the rationale behind some shipbuilding decisions, and mentioning that several issues have already been corrected in newer ships.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-19

Address by Hon. William Howard Taft

Secretary of War William H. Taft addresses the Philippine Assembly at their inaugural gathering. Taft gives an overview of the American administration of the Philippines as well as his assessment of the challenges facing the Assembly in the fulfillment of their political duties.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-16

A comparison of Army and Navy methods of fire-control

At the direction of the Joint Army and Navy Board, William Sowden Sims compares the methods used by the Army and Navy to aim and shoot heavy artillery. The report examines the relative efficiency of the gunnery methods of the two services, and concludes that the Army method is expensive, complicated, and unreliable, while the Navy method is much more reliable.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Henry Cabot Lodge

President Roosevelt informs Senator Lodge that he cannot grant the request for warships to visit Boston during Old Home Week.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-22

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Henry Cabot Lodge

Due to poor negotiations with the British and Canadians, President Roosevelt intends to announce that the United States will claim and occupy all disputed territory. However, Roosevelt will speak mildly and make no threats. Roosevelt is pleased with the improving conditions in the business world and will be reviewing the naval squadron tomorrow.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1906-08-16

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George von Lengerke Meyer

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Secretary of the Navy Meyer regarding a young man about whom they have exchanged letters earlier, who has since taken Roosevelt’s advice and turned himself in. Roosevelt feels strongly that the Army and Navy deal too harshly with desertion in times of peace and that the severity of punishment contributes to the number of desertions. Major-General Edward Hamilton of the British Army found that it was better to show leniency. Roosevelt invites Meyer and his wife to visit him when Meyer attends the Lincoln dinner.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1911-01-20

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George von Lengerke Meyer

Theodore Roosevelt is immensely pleased and interested in George von Lengerke Meyer’s letter and speech. Before receiving Meyer’s letter, Roosevelt had written an article for the Sunday newspaper in which he agrees almost word for word with Meyer’s view and mentions specifically the “fine condition” of the Navy under Meyer’s administration. Roosevelt invites Meyer and his wife to come visit if they are ever in New York.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1914-11-24

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George von Lengerke Meyer

Theodore Roosevelt would like to know the facts of the case surrounding Franck Taylor Evans. He informs George von Lengerke Meyer that Evans served under him during his command of the Sigph. While Roosevelt knows Evans can be difficult, he is a true fighter. Roosevelt was happy to see Meyer the other day.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1910-06-23

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George von Lengerke Meyer

Theodore Roosevelt sends New Year’s greetings to Secretary of the Navy Meyer and his wife Marian Alice Appleton Meyer. Roosevelt recently discussed Meyer’s physical test work with Cameron McRae Winslow. Roosevelt believes William Sowden Sims has done more for the marksmanship of the Navy than anyone else, regardless of his indiscretions.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1910-12-30

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to John Davis Long

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt advises Secretary Long that monitor ships ought to be put into commission to maintain parity with the Spanish Navy. Recent events, including the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana, Cuba, have highlighted the need for a strong naval force. While Congress may balk at increasing the size of the Navy, Roosevelt cautions that “it may be held against us for all time to come, not merely by the men of today, but by those who read the history in the future” if the Department does not recommend it.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1898-02-16

Letter from Harry Teackle to Lovell Purdy

Harry Teackle writes to his uncle about his experiences running a coaling station for the U.S. Navy in the Philippine Islands. He describes Leonard Wood as being “loved and respected by officers, soldiers and others.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-28

Report from Albert Smith Barker on safety concerns

Rear Admiral Barker writes to inform the Department of the Navy about a smokeless power emitted from Navy guns after firing which can lead to fires. He recommends safety precautions and further investigation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-29

Letter from William S. Cowles to Albert Smith Barker

The commanding officer of the USS Missouri notifies the Court of Inquiry that he wishes to be tried before a General Court Martial if it is determined that he is responsible for a recent explosion on board the ship.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-29

Letter from Seth Low to Theodore Roosevelt

Seth Low expresses sorrow concerning the naval explosion on the USS Missouri, which killed 36 of its crew. He commends Admiral William S. Cowles, the commander of the ship and Roosevelt’s brother-in-law, for saving the ship from sinking. Low was presented to French president Émile François Loubet, who asked about Roosevelt’s campaign. He also mentions having met French General Henri Joseph Brugè.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-16

Report from Henry Glass to William H. Moody

Henry Glass reports that no naval interference is needed during the railroad workers’ strike in Panama.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-07

Report from Henry Glass to William Worthington Russell

Henry Glass requests an opinion on whether U.S. military intervention is needed during the workers’ strike at the Panama Railroad Company. He encloses a letter from Superintendent of the Panama Railroad Company James R. Shaler requesting military protection.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-07

Report from William Worthington Russell to Henry Glass

William Worthington Russell does not need to see armed forces land in Panama during the Panama Railroad Company’s strike.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-07

Letter from Henry Glass to James R. Shaler

Henry Glass responds to the superintendent of the Panama Railroad Company’s request for U.S. protection during a railroad workers’ strike.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-08

Letter from Henry Glass to William H. Moody

The railroad workers’ strike has ended in Panama. The document details reports on the coaling of the U.S. Naval squadron, which was interrupted during the strike.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-12