War

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to David Lloyd George

Theodore Roosevelt congratulates David Lloyd George on the action that was taken to get a coalition cabinet. Roosevelt says that more than anything, he wishes to congratulate Lloyd George on what he has done in association with World War I. Roosevelt thinks that when the war is over, Lloyd George will have to take up the part of dealing with many matters, but the prime business at present is for Lloyd George to save his country, and Roosevelt admires the straightforward manner with which Lloyd George has devoted himself to this task.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-06-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Cornelia Bryce Pinchot

The public is not in sympathy with the political views of Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot. Roosevelt has no problem with Pinchot temporarily staying away from politics. He was also disgusted by reports of tourists visiting the war’s front lines and describes their conduct as the “highest note of levity, vulgarity, and callousness.” Roosevelt has been disappointed in American pacifists, such as Jane Addams. They denounce war in terms that equate Belgian resistance with German oppression. He thinks the pacifists have lost sight of “real morality” and that their views are based primarily on “unworthy timidity.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-05-13

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frank Finn

Theodore Roosevelt is happy to receive Mr. Finn’s book Wild Animals of Yesterday and Today. He would also like to have a copy of the Zoologist. Theodore hopes that the war will be over soon, but adds that before their lives will go back to normal, something has to be done to compensate the heavy losses that Belgium has suffered.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-04-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Mrs. John C. Graham

Theodore Roosevelt compliments Mrs. John C. Graham for her bravery and for being the daughter and mother of brave men. Roosevelt loathes war but would be ashamed if his sons shirked war, just like he would be ashamed if his daughters shirked motherhood. He argues that the best way to avert war is to be prepared.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-03-05

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick H. Allen

Theodore Roosevelt compliments Frederick H. Allen on his article in the Evening Post. Roosevelt is frustrated with Woodrow Wilson and William Jennings Bryan over the situations in Mexico and Europe.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-26

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. William White

Theodore Roosevelt writes a letter of introduction for Pastor Stuart L. Roussel to help him raise funds for the French Protestant churches. Roosevelt hopes Dr. White can advise Roussel.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-03-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Patrick Egan

Theodore Roosevelt forwards a private letter to Patrick Egan that details his feelings on the World War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to W. S. Rainsford

Theodore Roosevelt would like to see W. S. Rainsford when he returns to discuss the war. Roosevelt is particularly interested in Rainsford’s nephew’s comment. Roosevelt also hopes Rainsford has seen his book, America and the World War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-18

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Norris

Theodore Roosevelt argues against the Shipping Bill and is concerned that the bill will put the United States on the “pathway toward war.” Purchasing interned ships of warring nations will “imperil the safety of the country.” Roosevelt describes the Wilson administration as “incompetent and incapable.” He does not trust the abilities of President Wilson or Secretary of State Bryan in the realm of foreign affairs.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Alfred E. Pease

Theodore Roosevelt hopes Sir Alfred E. Pease has acquired a copy of his book, America and the World War. Roosevelt is disappointed in the manner in which President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan have responded to the World War. Roosevelt attributes their actions in response to the German occupation of Belgium to physical fear, a desire to placate the German vote, and a “twisted flabbiness of principle.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Cecil Spring Rice

Theodore Roosevelt is humiliated by the Wilson administration and angered by the attitude of “professional German Americans.” However, there are many German Americans who do not sympathize with Germany. Americans do not understand foreign affairs and many will simply follow where the president leads. Roosevelt agrees that each nation must look out for itself but suggests that in twenty-five years Great Britain could be allying with Germany against Russia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-09

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey

Theodore Roosevelt is sending Edward Grey a book he has written entitled America and World War. He agrees with the three objects for which Grey is fighting. Roosevelt is pleased to hear of Grey’s changing attitude towards the Hague conventions and international treaties. While president, Roosevelt was denounced for not entering into these treaties, but he refused to enter into any treaty that he did not believe the United States could keep. He wishes he could do more than “merely talk.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to C. W. Gordon

Theodore Roosevelt suggests that Dr. Gordon read his recently published book, America and the World War, in which he answers many of the questions Gordon raised in his letter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-19

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to the editor of the Herald

Theodore Roosevelt hopes that Americans traveling in Europe are only there for imperative reasons, such as providing assistance to those who are suffering or urgent business. Those that are traveling for pleasure are “very doubtful.” Pleasure travelers should not be adding to the work of diplomatic or consular officials and should never visit the front lines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-03-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ruth Moore Lee

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Ruth Moore Lee for forwarding letters from her husband, Arthur Hamilton Lee, who is at the front lines of the Great War. Roosevelt expresses sympathy and admiration for the couple in their challenges associated with the war. He states that while the Lees are “playing heroic parts,” he and his family are “lookers-on.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Nicholas Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt has been disappointed by the Wilson administration’s attitude towards the war but is glad that some Americans are taking action. He is against “globe-trotters and curiosity seekers” and does not believe any American should visit a warring country. If there are visitors, he hopes they are put to work “digging kitchen sinks and burying dead horses.” Roosevelt views Germany as currently winning the war but the greater numbers and resources of the Allies will likely wear Germany down if the Allies stand united. He wishes he could have handled the foreign affairs of the last year as president. The Roosevelts had a delightful Christmas with three grandchildren at Sagamore Hill.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-04

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frank Finn

Theodore Roosevelt has just received Frank Finn’s book on Indian Sporting Birds, which he is eager to read. Roosevelt has sent him the book Life Histories of African Big Game which he wrote in collaboration with Edmund Heller. Since it is the time of the Great War, perhaps Finn is not interested; Roosevelt merely wants to know if he has received the book.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-04

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kuno Meyer

Theodore Roosevelt is distressed that Kuno Meyer misquoted him at a public meeting, especially since he was taking the quote from a private luncheon at Roosevelt’s home. Roosevelt was informed that at an Irish American meeting Kuno stated that Roosevelt believed Germany would win the war and favored this result. According to Roosevelt’s memory, Kuno related how he envisioned the war progressing and ending with German victory. Roosevelt responded that if Germany defeated Russia and Great Britain there would be a conflict with the United States within a few years.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-12-17

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James U. Sweeney

Theodore Roosevelt is interested in James U. Sweeney’s letter, but does not want to go to the State Department, and asks that Sweeney send him the most important letters about the case he mentioned. Roosevelt does not care whether the correspondence was with the present or proceeding administration. He also asks for more information, with names, about American citizens killed or wounded in Naco.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-12-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ludwik Ehrich

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Ludwik Ehrich for the letter and comments on their shared beliefs. Roosevelt goes on to say the future of the war will be the determining factor for what happens next.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-12-17

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919