My Brother, Theodore RooseveltRobinson, Corinne Roosevelt
History
My Brother, Theodore Roosevelt
Robinson, Corinne Roosevelt
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
A few days later, again a dear letter came from Dark Harbor, and once
more he dwells upon the baby girl who comforted him with her sweet,
unconscious merriment. He says: “She is such a pretty little baby
and with such cunning little ways. I fear I am not an unprejudiced
witness. The little, curly-headed rascal is at this moment, crawling
actively around my feet in her usual, absurd garb of blue overalls,
drawn over her dainty dresses, because otherwise, she would ruin
every garment she has on and skin her little bare knees. I heartily
congratulate Teddy on going to camp. Give Corinne and Helen my dearest
love and to all the others too.” The congratulations sent to my eldest
son were indeed deserved, for the serious break to his leg having at
last fully recovered, and a new camp near Louisville, Ky., having
been started for men above the draft age, my son with real sacrifice
resigned from his position in the Senate (having just been nominated
for a second term), and started for Camp Taylor, where later he
received his commission. My brother was very proud of the fact that,
with hardly an exception, each son, nephew, or cousin of the Roosevelt
and Robinson family was actively enrolled in the country’s service.
On August 18, having returned to Sagamore Hill, a little line comes
to me of appreciation of a poem that I had written called “Italy.”
“I am particularly glad you wrote it,” he says, and referring to my
son-in-law, he continues: “Joe and Corinne lunched here yesterday; they
were dear,--I admire them both so much.” He never failed, as I have
said before, in giving me the joy of knowing when he admired those
most dear to me. The following day, August 19, Mr. Colgate Hoyt, a
generous neighbor, wrote to Colonel Roosevelt making the suggestion
that a monument should be erected in honor of Quentin in some permanent
place in the village of Oyster Bay, as Mr. Hoyt thought it would have
an educational influence and value, as Quentin was the first resident
of Oyster Bay (and the first officer) to make the supreme sacrifice
in giving his life for his country. Mr. Hoyt wished to start this
movement, but Colonel Roosevelt sent the following reply, a copy of
which Mr. Hoyt gave me:
“My dear Mr. Hoyt:--That is a very nice letter of yours, but I do not
think it would be advisable to try to put up a monument for Quentin. Of
course, individually, our loss is irreparable but to the country he is
simply one among many gallant boys who gave their lives for the great
Cause. With very hearty thanks, Faithfully yours.”
The above letter and his statement that he and Quentin’s mother would
prefer that their boy should lie where he fell were but what would have
naturally been expected of Colonel and Mrs. Roosevelt.
In September, 1918, Theodore Roosevelt made an address on Lafayette
Day, part of which ran as follows:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account