ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 6.75, November 30, 1909. Roosevelt writes from Njoro [British East Africa] to [Philip B.] Stewart. In full: “I have read your letter, re-read it, and then read it again; I can not say how deeply it has interested me. You are more than good to have written. You and Cal. O’Laughlin [John Callan O’Laughlin, Washington correspondent for the Chicago Tribune] tell me about just the things I wish to know. I shant even try to answer your letter; there is too much I should like to say. I absolutely agree with your view as to the real problem, the real needs, of the American people. The great need at present is country rehabilitation—that, and aggressive honesty. Much tho I am enjoying myself here, I look forward eagerly to getting home and in harness again. Will you, if you possibly can, let me see you at the earliest moment afterwards? With very real regard.” Stewart (1865–1957) was a successful Colorado businessman with interest in mining and politics, and had hunted with Roosevelt in Colorado. Stewart had accepted his unanimous nomination as the Republican candidate for governor in 1906, but when the Colorado Chief Justice was re-nominated by the Republicans after he had announced he had become a Democrat, he refused to run on the same ticket and declined his nomination. In 1912, after losing the Republican primary for governor, Stewart resigned as chairman of the Republican County Committee and joined the Progressive Party. He later became the chairman of the Colorado Republican Party and was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. As was his friend Roosevelt, Stewart was an avid conservationist and fought exploitation of Colorado’s natural resources. Roosevelt wrote the letter on the last day of his safari, which he describes in his 1910 memoir African Game Trails: An Account of the African Wanderings of an American Hunter-Naturalist. Mailing fold through first name, mild soiling and handling wear, and a few small stains, otherwise fine condition. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
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