Search

James F. Vivian provides a look at Theodore Roosevelt's time in the North Dakota Badlands with a collection of newspaper accounts, ranging from 1898 to 1915, drawn from interviews with Roosevelt's friends, fellow ranchers, cowboys, and acquaintances. Vivian provides an introduction and an afterword to the article, as well as an introduction to each of its twelve sections. The accounts include reminiscences from the likes of William Sewall, Arthur T. Packard, and the brothers Sylvane Ferris and Joseph Ferris. Vivian contends that these interviews "corroborate the content and quality" of the work done by Hermann Hagedorn in his book Roosevelt in the Bad Lands . Ten photographs appear in the article, including three of Roosevelt's contemporaries, Frederick Herrig, James W. Foley, and Arthur T. Packard, along with two photographs of the museum dedicated to Roosevelt onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt . An illustration by Frederic Remington of Roosevelt's capture of the boat thieves, and a text box with a listing of the members of the executive committee of the Theodore Roosevelt Association supplement the text.

Three works come under consideration in the "Book Reviews" section. Cole Patrick looks at both the 1941 and 1989 editions of the Theodore Roosevelt Cyclopedia . He comments on the work of Albert Bushnell Hart in compiling and editing the first edition, and he quotes from William Allen White's foreword from 1941. Patrick explains the various additions made to the 1989 edition by John A. Gable of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA), including a bibliography, a chronology of Theodore Roosevelt's life, and a history of the TRA. Tweed Roosevelt examines Bartle Bull's Safari: A Chronicle of Adventure and highlights its coverage of Theodore Roosevelt's African safari of 1909-1910, and he also looks at other figures, British and American, who made safaris. He praises the book's organization and illustrations but faults it for not giving a sense of who the hunters were as people, Roosevelt included. Marilyn E. Weigold praises Elizabeth Winthrop's novel, In My Mother's House , for its "precise descriptions of life in Manhattan in the last few decades of the nineteenth century." The novel's main character is based on the life of the daughter of Corinne Roosevelt Robinson, Theodore Roosevelt's sister.

Special issue of the magazine section of the Evening Mail commemorating the return of Theodore Roosevelt from his hunting trip in Africa. Contains pictorial accounts of Roosevelt's travels, articles by Jacob Riis and others, and excerpts of speeches by Roosevelt.

William R. Cross tells President Roosevelt about a new type of explosive bullet that he used to great effect on a moose during a recent hunting trip in Ontario.

President Roosevelt is worried about what he hears from Governor of Kenya James Hayes Sadler about an event at a ballroom of 150 people. He tells Edward North Buxton that if it would not appear "churlish," he would like to avoid public and formal events when he first arrives in Africa and go straight to Alfred E. Pease's ranch from Mombasa. Abel Chapman's book has made Roosevelt worried about his ability to shoot wildebeest, as well as the possibility of catching fever. He reflects on his time as president and says he will leave office "pleased and contented."

President Roosevelt received Thomas Sturgis’s letter with the quote from Edgar Beecher Bronson, and can hardly believe how good it looks, but writes that it’s a country where one has to be cautious with the game. He thinks the situation with Governor Charles Evans Hughes has been dealt with.

President Roosevelt sends Edward North Buxton a pair of Kermit Roosevelt's shoes to use as a pattern for new boots for the upcoming African safari. Roosevelt believes it would be good to accept Alfred E. Pease's invitation to hunt at his ranch in Africa, unless Buxton advises otherwise. Roosevelt suggests a short one week trip to get himself and Kermit Roosevelt in shape and accustomed to the safari staff before the main hunt. Roosevelt appreciates the information on Uganda, but thinks if he can get the game he wants in Sudan or British East Africa, he will not visit Uganda. Roosevelt appreciates all that Buxton is doing for him.

Jesse D. Langdon wishes to give President Roosevelt a Rocky Mountain goat head and asks for instructions on where to send it.

President Roosevelt is grateful for the assistance that Frederick Courteney Selous and Edward North Buxton are providing in planning his African safari. Roosevelt hopes to leave the United States in early April, and will stay first at the ranch of Alfred E. Pease in Nairobi, British East Africa. Other tentative plans include hunting in Uganda and along Nile tributaries. Roosevelt thinks he will arrange to make the trip on behalf of the National Museum of Natural History and hopes he will be allowed certain privileges not granted to non-scientific sportsmen.

Paul Morton forwards President Roosevelt a photographic proof from James Bryant Lindley in South Africa, and expects that it will kindle in Roosevelt the desire to go big game hunting.

Alexander Angus Airlie Kinloch congratulates President Roosevelt on his book The Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter and thanks him for mentioning Kinloch's own publication Large Game Shooting . Kinloch details some of his hunting experience and concludes with congratulating Roosevelt for maintaining his love of nature.

It would be too long for President Roosevelt to explain to Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward why he does not agree with her position about his African trip. However, he assures her that he abhors "anything in the nature of wanton butchery" as much as she does.

President Roosevelt reiterates that R. J. Cunninghame has full authority over the caravan management for his safari. Roosevelt has already cabled about hiring Leslie J. Tarlton, but wonders if Tarlton could initially be hired for only the first part of the trip. Roosevelt knows himself to be an inexpert marksman, but he does not want others to kill the game for him. After updating Cunninghame on the permissions he recently received from the Belgian government, Roosevelt outlines his hunting goals and tentative schedule for his first few weeks in Africa. He encloses a paraphrased letter he just received from a "Boer sympathizer" who has made a potentially advantageous offer.

President Roosevelt has read Percy C. Madeira's "most interesting manuscript" about his adventures in big game hunting. Roosevelt commends Madeira's wife, Elise D. Madeira, for her prowess, and is a little glad that his wife Edith is not going with him to Africa.

Discussing his upcoming African safari, President Roosevelt would like to get buffalo in a spot accessible to the railroad, as he wants to ship the skins back to the United States National Museum. Roosevelt is glad that R. J. Cunninghame was able to engage Leslie J. Tarlton, and discusses proper arrangements for gun-bearers, horses, and mules. Roosevelt encloses a letter from Hugh H. Heatley inviting him to hunt on his ranch in Nairobi.

President Roosevelt accepts Hugh H. Heatley's invitation to hunt on his ranch in Nairobi. Roosevelt particularly wants to get buffalo and have the skins sent to the United States National Museum. He will not abuse Heatley's courtesy and only try to get animals he has not gotten elsewhere. Roosevelt has sent Heatley's letter to R. J. Cunninghame, who will be in charge of the safari.

President Roosevelt received Frederick Courteney Selous's letters, and the letter from R. J. Cunninghame. Roosevelt has directed Cunninghame to hire Leslie J. Tarlton, but he might reduce the expedition size later in the trip. It is becoming more expensive than he had anticipated. However, Roosevelt does not want to immediately disregard Cunninghame's experience and advice. The end of his presidency is keeping Roosevelt very busy, and he looks forward to seeing Selous in April.

President Roosevelt holds a rifle as he and Secretary of the Interior Ethan Allen Hitchcock, who holds a "U.S. game bag," walk on the "Oregon Hunting Grounds" toward the "big game section."

President Roosevelt implores General Young to accept the position of Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park.

President Roosevelt regrets that he cannot write about the topic that Edward North Buxton mentioned, as he does not know enough about the subject. Roosevelt comments that people protesting against big game hunting do not know all the facts, and compares them to people he has had to combat in the United States regarding hunting and protection of game. He congratulates Buxton on the work he and the society for the preservation of the wild fauna of the Empire are doing, and gives Buxton permission to publish this congratulations if it would help him.

President Roosevelt would like Alexander Angus Airlie Kinloch to send him an autographed copy of the latest edition of his book on hunting. He recently had a visit from Frederick Courteney Selous, and wants Selous to write about the natural history of big game as much as possible.

President Roosevelt tells Charles Sheldon that Frederick Courteney Selous is visiting for a night or two, and asks him to come to Washington. He will try to get Gifford Pinchot and a few other men to come to dinner to discuss "nothing but forests and big game."

Percy C. Madeira advises President Roosevelt on the amount of other hunting parties he can expect to see on his African safari, as well as the best locations to hunt big game. Madeira also discusses a method of dealing with ticks, and encourages Roosevelt to visit him in Philadelphia to see his hunting trophies.

Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on his plan to speak to Lord Crewe soon about the white rhinoceros. He shares the details of his recent shooting excursions at Wrest Park. Reid applauds Roosevelt's political triumphs in the "late shindies." He apologizes if his previous letter put Roosevelt in a difficult position. It would please Reid to stay in Great Britain at least until Roosevelt's visit, but he does not want to cause his friends trouble.

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward praises President Roosevelt as the most strong, sincere, fearless, and beloved president since Abraham Lincoln. She does not approve of Roosevelt's upcoming African safari, however. She both fears for his personal safety on the trip, and also believes that the killing of large animals for sport is inhumane. Had she been one of Roosevelt's "personal friends," she would have begged him not to go.

W. S. Rainsford knows that this is a busy time for President Roosevelt, and hopes that his letters do not seem "cocksure." He advises Roosevelt to never send Kermit Roosevelt out hunting with only one gunbearer, because conditions can become dangerous very suddenly. Rainsford describes several life-threatening situations he faced in Africa, and offers advice on shooting techniques for both rifles and cameras. He would like to meet before Roosevelt's departure, but his health will not permit this.

President Roosevelt sits in hunting attire that he will wear in Louisiana in search of big game.

President Roosevelt cannot answer Frank B. Noyes on the matter since the bear is still alive and that he prefers not to divide the skin ahead of time.

John Jay White discusses suggestions of how President Roosevelt should plan his Africa trip. Topics include who to stay with, avoiding the rainy season, recommendations for a servant during the safari, and the importance of seeing a dentist beforehand. White relates this information "as one sportsman to another," because he is anxious that Roosevelt have a good trip.

President Roosevelt introduces the Diplomatic and Consular Representatives of the United States Abroad to Childs Frick, who is traveling abroad. In particular, Frick hopes to go big game hunting in India.

President Roosevelt sits on a ladder and reads the "Constitution of the United States." "The Strenuous Life" book is locked down while cobwebs are on two pictures on the wall of "San Juan" and "big game."

Mississippi Representative John Sharp Williams uses a "congressional inquiry" stick to poke a "G. O. P. big game hunting association (limited)" elephant. President Roosevelt and Attorney General Philander C. Knox sleep on top of the elephant. Roosevelt holds a "trust buster" shotgun.

Uncle Sam points President Roosevelt, who holds his rifle, to the "grafter's paradise" woods. There are a number of wild animals in there, including a "government land grabber" beaver, a "tobacco trust" hog, a "Tammany" tiger, and a "Panama Canal" cat. Caption: "Mr. President, there's the big game. Now, fire away!"

President Roosevelt tells James Bryant Lindley that he appreciated his letter and enclosure, but it is increasingly unlikely that he will ever be able to take another hunting trip. Roosevelt notes that he is pleased to hear about an improvement in consular affairs.

Alexander Lambert will go to see President Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt after visiting Sherwood Alfred Cheney on Friday. His moose head has finally been displayed on his wall and the moose antlers set aside for Roosevelt's son are stored in his attic.

Ambassador Jusserand is glad to hear news about Theodore Roosevelt, and notes that he appears to be having a good time on safari. He jokes that Roosevelt should not spend too long there, because he will exhaust his hunting permits and the Smithsonian will run out of room for his specimens. He includes a cartoon from Clifford Kennedy Berryman depicting ladies wearing his trophies as a suggestion of what can be done with them.

Charlotte Bushnell writes a poem about the best way to catch a rhinoceros.

Lawrence F. Abbott worries that Theodore Roosevelt is sending him more than his share of souvenirs from Africa, as Frank Harper recently presented him with a tray made out of rhinoceros hide in addition to the inkstand made out of a rhinoceros foot he previously received. Abbott is glad to receive both, and would like to keep them, but wants to make sure this is as Roosevelt intended. He thanks Roosevelt for his thoughtful friendship.

Newspaper clipping of cartoon showing Theodore Roosevelt, holding a rifle, looking at oversize tracks labeled "The third term idea." An elephant hides nearby in the brush.

President Roosevelt discusses whether to employ locals or Englishmen as safari guides on his upcoming trip. He has started engaging shikaris, and notes that he would rather not employ white guides unless absolutely necessary. Roosevelt has amended the list of supplies that Frederick Courteney Selous suggested he bring, cutting down on alcohol and luxuries. He discuses the itinerary and logistics of the trip, particularly in relation to ensuring that he is able to shoot good specimens for the Smithsonian Institute, which can easily be transported.

President Roosevelt asks Edward North Buxton if it is possible for the same firm that made his boots to make a pair of mosquito boots for himself and his son Kermit. Buxton should get a list of the provisions that Lawn and Alder are providing for Roosevelt, and has permission to make changes. Alfred E. Pease's description of his ranch is very tempting for Roosevelt, and he is excited to hunt there. Roosevelt is trying to minimize the loss of ammunition that he is having shipped for the hunt, and will try to think of the safari as a holiday.

President Roosevelt questions Edward North Buxton about whether or not he should bring a gun for close-range shooting. He clarifies his decision to hire an Englishman to manage his caravan, and his choice of hunting guides for himself and his son Kermit. He hopes that he will be able to get permission to visit game reserves in British East Africa to shoot specimens for the National Museum, but he does not want special privileges that would not be extended to others. He plans to start his hunt at Alfred E. Pease's ranch, and wants to know if it will be possible to keep the press away. He notes that his son Ted will be starting his new job while he and Kermit are hunting.

Now that President Roosevelt understands the situation regarding the reserves in Africa, he tells Edward North Buxton that he does not intend to go into them unless other public officers are allowed. He does wonder if he would be allowed to shoot certain protected specimens for the National Museum. He discusses the timeline of his trip through British East Africa and up the Nile. Finally, Roosevelt further ponders Frederick Courteney Selous's suggestion that he hire a white man like William C. Judd to manage his caravan while he hunts. He asks Buxton to speak with Selous about it and then provide his thoughts on the matter.

President Roosevelt discusses various matters regarding provisions, hunting rifles, and ammunition for his upcoming African safari. He would like them to be sent to Mombasa and Alfred E. Pease's ranch for him to pick up when he arrives. Roosevelt informs Edward North Buxton that he has decided to take Frederick Courteney Selous's advice and hire a white man to manage his caravan; this will allow Roosevelt to focus on hunting and not on the logistics of the caravan. While Roosevelt and his son Kermit are staying with Pease, the manager and taxidermists and naturalists that are coming along can stay nearby. Roosevelt discusses the areas he would like to hunt and the animals that he hopes to shoot.

President Roosevelt discusses the naturalists and taxidermists, including Edgar Alexander Mearns, who will accompany him on his African safari. He assures Edward North Buxton that he will make it clear that neither the white safari guide, nor the other white naturalists on the trip will do any hunting. He and Kermit will be the only two guns. He hopes that if they can get some samples close to the railway lines, the naturalists can take the trophies to Nairobi and preserve them there, while Roosevelt and Kermit take a longer trip, similar to J. H. Patterson's, by themselves. Roosevelt is concerned that he will not be in good enough physical condition to have a successful trip.

President Roosevelt tells Edward North Buxton that his son Kermit wants the same shoes that Buxton ordered for him. He also asks Buxton to forward an enclosed unsealed letter to Alfred E. Pease. Roosevelt discusses travel plans for his upcoming safari. He is debating whether to start at Pease's ranch, or to take a trip into the desert. Although he appreciates Buxton's suggestions, he believes he will not go to Uganda.

President Roosevelt discusses which gun sights he prefers with Edward North Buxton. He also confirms the dates when he expects to arrive in Africa. Citing concern about his being "an exceedingly soft individual," Roosevelt intends to "break in" his body at Alfred E. Pease's ranch before the main hunt. He recently spoke to Gerrit Forbes about the hunting trip in Africa that he just returned from.

President Roosevelt gives R. J. Cunninghame permission to manage the caravan for his upcoming safari in whatever way he sees fit. However, he warns Cunninghame that he intends to do all of his own shooting, and does not want anyone to kill his game for him. Roosevelt discusses the animals he would like to shoot and some potential scheduling for the trip, but does not want to decide on details until he arrives in Mombasa.

President Roosevelt provides Frederick John Jackson, lieutenant-governor of British East Africa, with details about the plans for his upcoming African safari. He will be hunting with his son Kermit, and bringing along field naturalists and taxidermists to collect samples for the National Museum. He asks Jackson's advice on several proposed itineraries, including one from J. H. Patterson. Roosevelt also asks advice on the sort of formal wear he should bring for occasions when he may have to visit "civilization."

President Roosevelt tells Edward North Buxton that he intends to visit Sir William Northrup McMillan's farm in Africa, but will first visit and stay at Alfred E. Pease's ranch. Gerrit Forbes, a young Harvard man who just returned from a hunting trip in Africa, would like to go with Roosevelt to help manage his caravan. However, Roosevelt believes he will go with the more experienced William C. Judd. Pease suggested that F. R. Wingate could provide Roosevelt with leather stockings. Roosevelt must now turn most of his attention to helping William H. Taft win the presidency.