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Theodore Roosevelt effusively praises French Ensor Chadwick for his book on the Spanish-American War and says it is “exactly the book we needed.” Roosevelt recognizes Chadwick’s extensive research as well as first-hand knowledge of the war and practical naval knowledge. Roosevelt adds that he is now rereading the book for a closer study.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-19
On behalf of his comrades, Joseph Benson Foraker thanks Archibald Gracie for the truthful account of the Battle of Chickamagua that he wrote in his book, The Truth About Chickamagua. He is appreciative of the justice given to the sacrifice made by the 22nd Michigan and 89th Ohio Regiments.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-23
At a recent meeting on international peace, New York Chief Justice Isaac F. Russell provided the main speech. War is frequently held in high esteem and is seen as glorious, and spurs on associated benefits. There are parallel views of war as expensive and wasteful on one hand, and as spurring growth and renewal on the other. Arbitration, Russell says, is necessarily limited, and has substantial difficulties in being imposed between nations who do not wish it. Countries who willingly choose to arbitrate, however, can be very successful.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12
J. M. Ross sends Theodore Roosevelt plans for a central bank and an affiliated system of banks, which he believes will conquer Wall Street. He has another “practical” plan for control of commerce by the people. Along with one for establishing an international peace fund, these plans will avert all wars. Ross asks for Roosevelt’s opinion and requests he send the proposals to the Nobel Peace Prize board.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-22
Theodore Roosevelt congratulates Belle Roosevelt on the birth of her new baby named Joseph Willard. Roosevelt also updates her on the status of the family. Quentin Roosevelt has been suffering from pneumonia, and Archie Roosevelt, like his father, has become very discouraged with issues relating to the war.
1918-01-18
President Roosevelt would like to discuss the Goldwin Smith letters with Paul Dana. Smith’s suggested solution for the war seems good but Roosevelt doubts it could be carried out. He invites Dana and Mary Duncan Butler Dana to spend a night at the White House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-27
President Dávila of Honduras gladly accepts President Roosevelt’s offer to participate in peace settlements with neighboring Central American republics. Honduras has remained, and will remain, neutral.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-30
Acting Secretary of State Adee forwards William Loeb a message from Lientent Commander James H. Glennon from Acajutla, El Salvador, that the American armed steamer President will be transferred to El Salvador. Additionally, President Fernando Figueroa of El Salvador greatly desires American intervention. Adee suggests that while material aid is impracticable, a moral intervention would achieve the same goal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-20
Acting Secretary of State Adee encloses related items for William Loeb to update President Roosevelt on the situation in Central America and to advise on how to handle the United States’ recognition of Honduras’ provisional government and neutrality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-19
President Roosevelt’s former classmate, James Ford Rhodes, reflects on Roosevelt’s administration and how it will be viewed by history. He believes three points will endure: the man whose critics called him a champion of war has become a peace keeper; Roosevelt has set a high standard of honesty in public service, and has inspired good young men to enter into politics; and his presidency has favored neither the rich nor the poor, but administered justice to both. Rhodes also reflects on the lives of the rich, comparing America’s wealthy with others in history, particularly those of the Roman Republic and Empire. He believes the Americans are better because of the use they make of their wealth. While the ancient Romans dedicated themselves to lives of sensual pleasure, the modern Americans live simply and give to educational and charitable causes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-16
Secretary of War Taft sends President Roosevelt a memorandum about the disbandment of an infantry battalion in October 1864.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-04
A memorandum from the War Department discusses the historical accuracy of an alleged order from the Civil War used by President Roosevelt as an exhibit accompanying a message to the Senate concerning the discharge of soldiers in Brownsville. The alleged order is from Robert E. Lee disbanding the 22nd Virginia Battalion in 1864 for poor conduct. A search of the Confederate archives does not substantiate this order, instead showing that a request to redistribute members of the Battalion was never followed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-03
Arizona historian James H. McClintock writes to President Roosevelt to ask for his opinion on the task of writing a historical narrative on Cuba’s regiment. McClintock mentions that he can add to the work already completed by using official Cuban records.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-30
Acting Secretary of State Loomis forwards to William Loeb a message from Japan’s American Minister, along with military relics that the Japanese Minister of War has offered President Roosevelt and a letter from the Minister of War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-08
Ambassador Meyer informs Secretary of State Hay about the Russian Emperor’s belief that his people prefer war over peace. Meyer mentions that the Emperor agrees with President Roosevelt’s proposition, which is to be kept quiet, and the Emperor wishes for Roosevelt to directly convince Japan to agree for Russian and Japanese plenipotentiaries to meet and discuss peace. Meyer adds that the Emperor hopes for these events to happen soon before any attacks take place.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-07
Russian troops bombarded the Japanese at Sandiapu, but neither took an advantage in the conflict and Japanese forces have been reinforced. Vice Admiral Rojestvensky’s fleet is believed to be near Madagascar, and the Japanese Navy is patrolling the South China Sea.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-03
A battle between the Russian and Japanese forces is reportedly taking place. While weather conditions prevented troop movement, both sides have been strengthening their lines. Japanese naval activity is ongoing near Java and Sumatra.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-27
President Roosevelt, dressed as a firefighter, drives away as a house labeled “Central America” catches on fire labeled “war.”
Students of times subsequent to this cartoon might not be aware of the conflicts that were called the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Central American Wars. It was not a mere stereotype but fact that countries of that region were frequent adversaries, frequently invading each other, frequently employing members of local groups with shifting loyalties, frequently making, and breaking, the peace. From Mexico and also into South America, the numbers of governments and leaders through the decades were numerous. The numerous revolts and declarations of independence of the region of Panama against Colombia is, today, a forgotten but plausible justification dealing with rebel leaders prior to arranging for construction of the Panama Canal.
President Roosevelt greets Kermit Roosevelt after they both went hunting. The president carries two dead “war” dogs while Kermit holds a bear carcass.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-01
President Roosevelt wears a “world’s champion peacemakers medal” as he looks over the globe and asks, “Any more peace needed down there, neighbors?” He holds olive branches and a dove in one hand and a “long distance peace telescope” in the other. “France” and John Bull hung each other on one side while “Spain” says, “He let me in on the peace ground floor.” A man in Africa holds a paper that reads, “all quiet across the Congo,” and says, “I’ll wire this to Teddy!” Meanwhile, Russian Emperor Nicholas II and Japanese Emperor Meiji bow toward one another. German Emperor William II puts his finger to his hand and says, “Well, I’ve got to keep quiet or Roosevelt will be after me.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-31