Theodore Roosevelt Signature Collage

Presented is a Theodore Roosevelt signed letter to Colonel C. D. MacDougall, dated August 16, 1910. In the letter, Roosevelt politely declines MacDougall’s invitation to speak, as he is too busy preparing for his “New Nationalism” speaking tour, which began later that month. 

The single page letter is typed on stationary with the letterhead of “The Outlook, 287 Fourth Ave, New York” and signed by Roosevelt as “T. Roosevelt” in black ink. Roosevelt worked on the editorial staff at The Outlook after finishing his second presidential term and concluding a tour of Africa and Europe. The weekly magazine was highly rated in its time, focusing on social and political issues.

His response reads, in part, “I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept, and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought to any other work.”

In August of 1910, Theodore Roosevelt began a three week speaking tour of the West. On this tour, he put forward the doctrine of “New Nationalism,” which became the focus of his bid to recapture the presidency in the 1912 elections. Addressing town audiences in sixteen states, Roosevelt’s aim was to mend the rift that had emerged between the progressive and conservative wings of the Republican Party. 

In his speeches, Roosevelt embraced many of the progressive talking points of the day, especially in his proposals for increased administrative regulation of private business, the redistribution of wealth, and his support for the direct primary. He argued that under modern conditions, these and other reforms would help secure the common good and foster greater equality of opportunity for American citizens. 

Roosevelt called his program “The New Nationalism,” a term borrowed from Herbert Croly’s 1909 book, The Promise of American Life. Roosevelt used the term two years later when he eventually broke from the Republicans and ran for the presidency under the banner of the “Bull Moose” Progressive Party.

Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer. Roosevelt served as the 33rd Governor of New York from 1899 to 1900 and 25th vice president under president William McKinley for six months in 1901. Assuming the presidency after McKinley's assassination, Roosevelt served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt decided to re-enter the race for the presidency in 1912 to challenge his successor, William Taft. When he failed to secure the Republican nomination, Roosevelt formed the Progressive or “Bull Moose” Party and ran for president on its ticket. Democratic nominee Woodrom Wilson won the election, while Taft achieved only 23% of the popular vote and eight electoral votes. Roosevelt earned 27% of the popular vote and eighty-eight electoral votes, making him the most successful third-party candidate in US history. 

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Single page, typed letter on stationary with the letterhead of 'The Outlook, 287 Fourth Ave, New York. Typed with blue ink. Dated August 16, 1910, and signed by Roosevelt as "T. Roosevelt" in black ink. Letter slightly toned, with faded fingerprint stains along left margin, not affecting the bold signature. Letter measures 8” H x 6 ½” W. 

The letter is artfully mounted with a photograph of Theodore Roosevelt and a custom metal plaque. All elements are archivally framed with linen mats, UV Conservation Clear glass, and a custom black and gold wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 38" H x 21 1/8" W x 1 5/8" D.