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TLS as vice president-elect, one page, 8.25 x 11, January 4, 1901. Sent from Oyster Bay, a letter from Roosevelt to his friend (and soon-to-be-governor of Massachusetts) Colonel Curtis Guild, Jr., in full: “I am exceedingly sorry to have to write you what I must, but I find that it is against all the conventions for a Vice President to make a political speech, or a speech at a purely political club, so I shall not be able to speak at the Home Market Club. I had made several such engagements and have cancelled them all. I was utterly unaware of the existence of these conventions, being too busy with closing up my governorship that I did not think of the vice presidency at all. I now find, however, that I am expected not to recommend anyone for appointments, not to make any political speeches, or speeches to the political clubs, and to make very few speeches indeed that are even non-political; as well as to write no articles! I am not well contented with these conventions, and I think I shall depart from them somewhat, but not until I get on the ground and learn thoroughly what I can and what I cannot do. I am exceedingly sorry, old fellow, but I do not want to begin by any possible blunder or by doing anything which can give aid and comfort to my enemies. I do wish you could be in Washington about the Inauguration.” Roosevelt adds a few handwritten corrections to the text. In very good to fine condition, with torn file holes and small stains to the left side.
The ticket of William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt was elected on November 6, 1900, and the latter was soon being schooled about the office he would hold as of March 4, 1901. Aware of the fact that his new position as VP held no real power, he was evidently unaware of the sundry unwritten rules that placed limitations on a vice president’s activities. Most notable of these rules was a ban on his performing public speeches or writing articles, forms of communication Roosevelt deeply enjoyed and determined to keep doing. A fascinating letter from the VP-elect, who looks forward to educating himself on the constraints of his new role in Washington.
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