Details
ROOSEVELT, Theodore (1858-1919). President. Typed letter signed ("Theodore Roosevelt") with 3-word autograph addition and a lengthy autograph postscript, to N.N. Stanahan, Washington, 14 February 1906. 2 pages, 4to, White House stationery, minor fold separations
ROOSEVELT VOWS BEHIND-THE-SCENES SUPPORT: "I SHALL...DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO BACK HIM UP". Writing to the Collector of Customs in New York, Roosevelt expresses his approval of a prospective appointee for State Chairman but asks that his opinion be kept anonymous: "The more I have thought over the Governor's suggestion about Colonel Mott the more convinced I am that it is the right thing to do." Noting public opposition to other candidates, he encourages Shanahan to "let there be no shilly-shallying" and to "Have Mott put up." Roosevelt offers vigorous support: "I shall be glad to do everything I can to back him up and get people to back him...He possesses an honorable and active record as a politician, and is no shape or way identified with factions." He recommends the appointment be handled as "the Wadsworth Campaign was" and suggests the Governor "get Aldridge and O'Brien active." In an autograph postscript, Roosevelt expresses some concern about public acknowledgement of his role: "Of course it is highly unwise to use my name in any way in connection with the announcement of the matter; later I will back up Mott with all my vigor. Would not it be well to get a majority of the members of the committee pledged in writing before the matter is published? But have it set about at once."
ROOSEVELT VOWS BEHIND-THE-SCENES SUPPORT: "I SHALL...DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO BACK HIM UP". Writing to the Collector of Customs in New York, Roosevelt expresses his approval of a prospective appointee for State Chairman but asks that his opinion be kept anonymous: "The more I have thought over the Governor's suggestion about Colonel Mott the more convinced I am that it is the right thing to do." Noting public opposition to other candidates, he encourages Shanahan to "let there be no shilly-shallying" and to "Have Mott put up." Roosevelt offers vigorous support: "I shall be glad to do everything I can to back him up and get people to back him...He possesses an honorable and active record as a politician, and is no shape or way identified with factions." He recommends the appointment be handled as "the Wadsworth Campaign was" and suggests the Governor "get Aldridge and O'Brien active." In an autograph postscript, Roosevelt expresses some concern about public acknowledgement of his role: "Of course it is highly unwise to use my name in any way in connection with the announcement of the matter; later I will back up Mott with all my vigor. Would not it be well to get a majority of the members of the committee pledged in writing before the matter is published? But have it set about at once."