Newly Sworn-in Theodore Roosevelt Reacts with Foreboding: a Heavy and Painful Task Has Fallen Upon Him

September 14, 1901

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Newly Sworn-in Theodore Roosevelt Reacts with Foreboding: a Heavy and Painful Task Has Fallen Upon Him
Typed Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 1541

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      Background

      This dramatic letter, written so soon after Theodore Roosevelt’s sudden accession to the presidency that it is on stationery from President McKinley's traveling cache, expresses the just sworn-in president’s stunning realization that a terrible burden has fallen upon him. “I have about as heavy and painful a task put upon me,” he tells his old friend “Winty” Chanler, “as can fall to the lot of any man in a civilized country.”
      Typed Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, octavo, on Executive Mansion letterhead but datelined Buffalo, New York, September 14, 1901. To Winthrop Chanler in Newport, Rhode Island. With typed transmittal envelope bearing 1901 Pan American Exposition cancellation.
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      EXECUTIVE MANSION,
      WASHINGTON.

      Buffalo, N. Y.,  September 14, 1901.

      Dear Winty:

      Your note of the 12th just received. 

      I have about as heavy and painful a task put upon me as can fall to the lot of any man in a civilized country.  But it is a real pleasure to know that you and Mrs. Winty are back on this side.  We shall very soon want to see you down at Washington.


      Ever yours,

      THEODORE ROOSEVELT


      Mr. Winthrop Chanler,
      Newport, Rhode Island.

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      Page 2 transcript
      EXECUTIVE MANSION
      OFFICIAL.

      BUFFALO,
      -- N. Y. --
      SEP 16 12 - M '01
      2
      PAN AMERICAN
      1901
      EXPOSITION
       

      Mr. Winthrop Chanler,
      Newport,
      R. I.

      from Theodore Roosevelt -
      written on the day he became President.