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Theodore Roosevelt expresses his theory to Roland G. E. Ullman that a lion, and most beasts, may choose a fatter zebra over a lean zebra, because they prefer the fat.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-29
Alfred E. Pease updates Edward North Buxton about life at his ranch in Africa. Pease says that his wife Helen Ann Fowler Pease and daughter Lavender Mary Pease are getting more adjusted to the “very rough life.” Pease is amazed by the amount of game in the area and says it no longer seems strange to see such a diverse lot of animals. He details several attempts to hunt wildebeest, hyenas, and lions and concludes by discussing the output of his farm.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-02
The Theodore Roosevelt quote on this postcard reads: “True liberty shows itself to best advantage in protecting the rights of others.”
1910
Handwritten draft of life history descriptions of African game animals. The descriptions were published in Life Histories of African Game Animals.
1914
Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that J. B. Hamilton’s book is coming out soon and would happily receive a copy from him. The success of his book in South Africa excites him, and he hopes it will be helpful to Hamilton. Roosevelt is sorry to hear of the difficulties in restoring rhinoceros and elephants, especially with the concerns about game exterminators.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-09
Theodore Roosevelt informs Langdon Warner that there is no use talking to Abbott Handerson Thayer because he is unable to face the facts about protective coloration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-09
Theodore Roosevelt writes frankly to an unknown person with a laboratory who performs “artificifial conditions” for experiments on various birds and mammals, such as the oryx and zebra. Roosevelt openly calls this unknown person’s theories nonsensical, and proceeds to explain why the person is wrote before the letter cuts off.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-29
Theodore Roosevelt agrees about the colliers and hopes that his statement was on point. He thought that Coe Isaac Crawford gave a powerful speech in the William Lorimer case. The zebra skin has been sent and Roosevelt is attempting to locate the missing book.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-17
Theodore Roosevelt thinks that there was “universal corruption” in the Lorimer case and believes “that things will turn out right in Massachusetts.” He has been reading Fraser’s first volume and has sent Senator Lodge one of his African trophies, a zebra skin.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-03
Theodore Roosevelt writes to William Robinson Brown. Roosevelt responds to Brown’s question about a stallion once given to Roosevelt as a gift. Roosevelt elaborates about the procedure of gift receiving.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-14
Theodore Roosevelt shares his observations on animal coloration with C. Hart Merriam and asks where he can get some of Merriam’s lectures on protective coloration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1913-04-09
President Roosevelt sends his 45-50 rifle to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It has the perfect trigger pull, although the stock is too short. Roosevelt would like the three rifles being made for him to have the same weight trigger as the one he is sending and the same stock as a rifle they already have. He asks that the rifle be sent back as soon as possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-01
Theodore Roosevelt writes John Burroughs about the practical application of the term “species” to different animals. Roosevelt is also interested in Burroughs’ account of the woodchucks and thistle-finches, and updates Burroughs on the birds he has seen throughout the season. Roosevelt hopes that “the spirit” will move Burroughs to write about his visit to Pine Knot.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-28
Abbot Handerson Thayer rebukes Theodore Roosevelt and other naturalists who criticize something they will not investigate for themselves, namely animal adaptation and coloring. He invites Roosevelt to experience his imitation zebra and learn for himself.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-27
Edmund Heller hopes Theodore Roosevelt will visit the National Museum of Natural History during his visit to Washington D. C. He discusses the status of the specimens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-11-12
J. H. Patterson, who has been hunting big game in Africa, just received President Roosevelt’s letter and was delighted with it. He is glad Roosevelt liked The Man-Eaters of Tsavo. He gives a description of his recent hunting trip with an Englishman and his American wife, and hopes that when Roosevelt is no longer president he will have a chance to hunt in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-15
Draft manuscript containing an essay, “The lion,” by Frederick Courteney Selous. Selous recounts many stories of lions attacking people and animals, and of adventures involving lions. He also addresses lions more scientifically, and offers a description of the habits and living conditions of lions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-03