TR Writes to His Son

Theodore Roosevelt, Sr.
(1858-1919), to Theodore
Roosevelt, Jr. (1887-1944)
Autograph letter, July 11, 1890
Page 2
Manuscript Division

Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. (1858-1919),
to Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (1887-1944)
Autograph letter, ca. 1890s
Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4
Manuscript Division
Gift of the heirs of
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., 1958-1965 (52.1)

Though the huggable "Teddy bear" was named after him, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), who served as the president of the United States 1901 and 1909, strove for a life that embodied his ideal of assertive masculinity. He was at various times an outdoor sportsman, explorer, western rancher, and soldier, as well as an aggressive political leader and writer on history and public affairs.

While the American people had ample opportunity to observe Roosevelt's public side, he kept his personal relationships extremely private. These letters reproduced here show an aspect of Roosevelt's life seldom seen by the public.

Roosevelt established a residence in the nation's capital during his six years with the U.S. Civil Service Commission. But his family also spent time at Sagamore Hill, their Long Island residence, during Washington, D.C.'s sweltering summers in the era before air-conditioning. Bound by duties in Washington, D.C., Roosevelt sent these letters to his young son, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., who could not yet read but would understand the pictures.

Autograph letter,
ca. 1890
Manuscript Division