Description:

Theodore Roosevelt
Oyster Bay, NY, November 18, 1900
Roosevelt Superb Harvard Content ALS "I believe this boy has good stuff in him"
TLS
An autograph letter signed, one page, 4" x 6", Sagamore Hill, Long Island, Nov. 18, 1900. On his blue imprinted Sagamore Hill letterhead to LeBaron Russell Briggs, Dean of Harvard and Roosevelt's former English Professor. Mailing folds, otherwise near fine condtion.

Roosevelt introduces to Briggs his nephew who is currently attending Harvard in this letter exhibiting his typical elegance and turn of phrase. In part: "…This is to introduce you to Theodore Douglas Robinson, a Harvard freshman, who is not only my nephew, but also a valued friend of mine -- I mean this seriously. He is a fine, straightforward, manly young fellow, of whom I have always been fond. I have tried to live up to -- as far as I well could -- your theory that a man ought not to leave entirely to others, whether at school or college, his son or, for the matter of that, his small kinfolk generally; and I believe this boy has good stuff in him. He is a substitute on the Freshman eleven; so I am not perfectly sure how has gotten along with his studies…".

Whether by Roosevelt's considerable influence or his own "good stuff," Theodore Douglas Robinson (1883-1934) went on to serve in the New York Senate before becoming Assistant Secretary of the Navy under Coolidge, serving from 1924-1929.

LeBaron Russell Briggs (1855-1934) was an American educator and the first Dean of Harvard University. As such, he was charged with responsibility for student relations as separate and distinct from their instruction. He was also the eponym for the SS LeBaron Russell Briggs, used in World War II. Briggs was admired by generations of students for his kindness and benevolent guidance; at the same, however, he held them to task, once stating: "Success does not and cannot mean escape from work."

Theodore Roosevelt attended Harvard with the initial goal of becoming a scientist. Following the sudden and devastating loss of his father in 1878, however, he changed his major to history and government Although politics was considered "beneath" wealthy young gentlemen, Roosevelt saw it as an opportunity to change laws for the betterment of society as well as honor his father. He graduated in 1880 magna cum laude and Phi Betta Kappa. Of his education at Harvard, Roosevelt quipped: "I thoroughly enjoyed Harvard, and I am sure it did me good, but only in the general effect, for there was very little in my actual studies which helped me in afterlife."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4" x 6"
  • Medium: TLS

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September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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