Washington, Booker T., 1856-1915

Letter from Russell B. Harrison to Theodore Roosevelt

Russell B. Harrison reports that many in Indiana, including himself, are staunch supporters of President Roosevelt and look forward to his election in 1904. He advises Roosevelt on several issues, including relations with the Columbia Club of Indianapolis, selecting a new judge, pensions for former first ladies, the detention of Santiago Iglesias Pantin in Puerto Rico, and disagreements with leaders in the Republican National Committee.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-26

Creator(s)

Harrison, Russell B. (Russell Benjamin), 1854-1936

Letter from William Felix Alexander to Theodore Roosevelt

William Felix Alexander shares a joke and reveals a family connection to President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-15

Creator(s)

Alexander, William Felix, 1832-1907

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to Theodore Roosevelt

James Sullivan Clarkson encourages and advises President Roosevelt on the treatment of African Americans in the South. He describes his experiences with the Underground Railroad and his efforts in the Post Office Department to further the cause of African Americans.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-15

Creator(s)

Clarkson, James Sullivan, 1842-1918

Letter from George von Lengerke Meyer to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Meyer has been an opponent of John Edward Charles O’Sullivan Addicks and approves of President Roosevelt’s refusal to recognize the Addicks faction in Delaware. He also approves of Thomas G. Jones’s appointment as judge. Meyer was very surprised at the South’s reaction and criticism of Roosevelt’s dinner with Booker T. Washington.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-15

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Letter from Andrew Dickson White to John Hay

After reading newspaper reports of the uproar caused by President Roosevelt hosting Booker T. Washington, Ambassador White suggests that during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant both Frederick Douglass and General Buenaventura Baez dined at the White House. Douglas and Baez were both of African descent. In a handwritten note, Secretary of State Hay forwards the letter to Roosevelt even though he doubts Roosevelt is particularly concerned about the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-19

Creator(s)

White, Andrew Dickson, 1832-1918

Letter from James H. Eckels to Theodore Roosevelt

James H. Eckels encloses an editorial from the Chicago Chronicle that thoughtfully discusses President Roosevelt’s dinner with Booker T. Washington.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-08

Creator(s)

Eckels, James H. (James Herron), 1858-1907

Letter from William G. Sterett to Jerry

William G. Sterett encloses information on an unnamed applicant that was requested by President Roosevelt. He is also sending some of his thoughts on the racial situation in the South. Sterett does not believe that non-Southerners can properly understand the situation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-12

Creator(s)

Sterett, William G. (William Green), 1847-1924

Letter from Richard Robert Wright to George B. Cortelyou

Richard Robert Wright asks George B. Cortelyou to confirm Wright’s memory of a meeting at Senator Hanna’s home. William McKinley was very kind to Wright and introduced him to all the ladies at the home. Wright believes it is important to make McKinley’s kindness known as people have been doubting his friendliness towards African Americans in light of President Roosevelt’s dinner with Booker T. Washington.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-04

Creator(s)

Wright, Richard Robert, 1855-1947

Letter from Terrence Vincent Powderly to Theodore Roosevelt

The labor press has generally commended President Roosevelt’s courteous treatment of Booker T. Washington. Some in the South will condemn Roosevelt, but those who stand for the working man will not.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-30

Creator(s)

Powderly, Terence Vincent, 1849-1924

Letter from Adelbert Moot to Theodore Roosevelt

Adelbert Moot congratulates President Roosevelt for inviting Booker T. Washington to the White House. Moot believes Roosevelt’s conduct will have a great impact on the country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-25

Creator(s)

Moot, Adelbert, 1854-1929

Letter from Wesley M. Oler to Theodore Roosevelt

Wesley M. Oler describes the political situation in Maryland and outlines which candidates the newspapers are supporting. He believes that the Republican Party will win Maryland and elect a candidate to succeed Senator Wellington.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-29

Creator(s)

Oler, Wesley M.

Letter from John S. Cooper to Theodore Roosevelt

John S. Cooper recounts a conversation he overheard that included Grover Cleveland during his presidency. Cleveland stated that he believed the improvement of the lives of African Americans was a major achievement of his administration. Cleveland’s comments made a strong impression on Cooper.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-18

Creator(s)

Cooper, John S.

Letter from Murat Halstead to Theodore Roosevelt

Murat Halstead encloses some clippings from the London Times. He has been saddened to see the negative reaction to President Roosevelt’s dinner with Booker T. Washington. Halstead recalls a dinner he had with Frederick Douglass who was a very “interesting gentleman.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-18

Creator(s)

Halstead, Murat, 1829-1908

Letter from Henry Cabot Lodge to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Lodge writes to President Roosevelt regarding the possible appointment to assistant paymaster in the army of Octavius Longworth Pruden, which had been intended by President McKinley. If Pruden is promoted and a vacancy in his place as assistant secretary ensues, Lodge would like to propose someone. Lodge also tells Roosevelt that “everyone, literally everyone is with you heart & soul on this Booker Washington matter.” Lodge is disappointed by the southern reaction to the dinner and hopes they will learn.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-19

Creator(s)

Lodge, Henry Cabot, 1850-1924

Letter from William Thomas Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

William Thomas Reid has plans to publish a book of Belmont School talks and would greatly appreciate a contribution from President Roosevelt. Reid believes that the nation’s secondary schools will provide the future leadership of the nation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-19

Creator(s)

Reid, William Thomas, 1843-1922

Letter from George Harrison Barbour to Theodore Roosevelt

George Harrison Barbour supports President Roosevelt and his decision to host Booker T. Washington at the White House. In the past several days, newspapers have printed much criticism of the president, “from southern persons especially.” He claims that the general public supports Roosevelt. Barbour concludes by declaring that if a man is moral and a good citizen, the color of his skin should not matter. As long as Roosevelt continues to hold such a position, he will retain Barbour’s full support.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-21

Creator(s)

Barbour, George Harrison, 1843-1934

Letter from Albion W. Tourgee to Theodore Roosevelt

Consul Tourgee commends President Roosevelt for hosting and dining with Booker T. Washington at the White House. He no longer believes Christianity and education can solve the problems of racism. Tourgee recounts an incident with Roosevelt in which Roosevelt stated he would never appoint an African American as a judge. He praises Roosevelt for his change of heart regarding African Americans.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-21

Creator(s)

Tourgée, Albion W., 1838-1905

Letter from George Gunton to Theodore Roosevelt

George Gunton is glad that President Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to the White House. He includes two names he recommends for the custom house and appraiser matter. Gunton would like the United States to take a “liberal” attitude toward Cuba.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-22

Creator(s)

Gunton, George, 1845-1919

Letter from Eugene Hale to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Hale is ill and will not be able to travel to Washington, D.C. He warns President Roosevelt to be careful regarding the market and the tariff act. Hale supports Roosevelt on the incident with Booker T. Washington.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-22

Creator(s)

Hale, Eugene, 1836-1918

Letter from Herman Henry Kohlsaat to Theodore Roosevelt

Herman Henry Kohlsaat requests a general letter of introduction for Thomas Barbour Lathrop, who is traveling to the South Seas. Kohlsaat provides the details of Lathrop’s trip and reviews the benefits that Lathrop’s travels had on American agriculture.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-23

Creator(s)

Kohlsaat, Herman Henry, 1853-1924