War stories

Ira Harris sends Theodore Roosevelt a manuscript of his story about the Spanish cruiser Infanta Maria Teresa, which fought in the Spanish-American War. After encouragement from former Secretary of the Navy John Davis Long, Harris believes he could get the story published somewhere, and asks for Roosevelt’s advice and opinion on it. Harris also thanks Roosevelt for appointing him to the steamboat inspection service when he was President. Harris has been focused on reform ever since and feels that he has done real good.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-10

Creator(s)

Harris, Ira, 1848-1913

Kathleen Dalton explores Theodore Roosevelt’s fascination with war and looks at episodes in his personal life and upbringing that may have led to his preoccupation with war. Dalton says that Roosevelt was greatly affected by the Civil War, especially by war stories from his uncle James Bulloch and from his father’s ties to Union leaders like Abraham Lincoln. She also says that Roosevelt’s need to overcome his childhood asthma and other health problems molded his fighting spirit.

Two pictures of Roosevelt with Leonard Wood are on the third page of the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1980

Hermann Speck von Sternburg writes to President Roosevelt to ask if he can send Roosevelt some stories of his time as a soldier.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-07-24

Creator(s)

Sternburg, Hermann Speck von, Freiherr, 1852-1908

Bradley T. Johnson has received Governor Roosevelt’s book The Rough Riders and calls it a “graphic story of a gallant feat” and compares the experience with his own charge at “The Rail Road Cut,” during the Civil War. Johnson discusses hunting, Roosevelt’s re-election campaign, and sends his love to the Roosevelt family. Johnson also mentions that he will speak with Senator Lodge around Christmas about getting Roosevelt a medal of honor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1899-08-07

Creator(s)

Johnson, Bradley T. (Bradley Tyler), 1829-1903