Sagamore Hill, NY: April 20 th 1888.

An authentic letter, hand-written and signed by President Theodore Roosevelt to Alden Sampson. The is dated April, 20th 1888, a good decade before Roosevelt took the office as 26th President of the United States. Next to his political influence, such as leading the Congress to progressive reforms and his strong foreign policy, Roosevelt was known for his character: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, and his "cowboy" personality. The present letter refers to the later as Roosevelt writes to his friend about a recent hunting experience. The letterhead states the Location as Sagamore Hill, home of President Roosevelt from 1886-1919. It is four pages long, center creases visible; mild toning to pages (measuring 8" x 5" inches), yet the handwriting is very legible, in over all very good + condition; the transcript reads: "Long Island NY April 20th 88 Alden Sampson Esq. New York. My dear Sir, The guide I wrote you about is name John Willis; his address is Thompson Falls, Montana. It is on the N.P.R.R. (Northern Pacific Rail Road) near the Idaho boundary. He writes me that there is a fair show for bear and cougar. When I was out with him I devoted my whole time to mountain goats ( the white goat), killing three. The hunting grounds are only three days on pack pony from the railroad. Willis is now a butcher; but I think he would go with you. He is a wiry, tough mountaineer; a good shot, a good tracker, knows the diamond hitch, always good humoured & willing to work. I hesitated to make him known to you; for he is a type of borderer more common in Arizona than in the north; and, to put it mildly is not styraight-laced.; but he is a very pleasant companion, and was very faithful to me. You are an old westerner, and know all the types; I presume that you do not think it necessary to take a very large sum of money with you on the actual trip out on the hunting ground. Were I going out myself I should certainly employ Willis. In telling you of my hunting ground I take it for granted that early in the season you do not intend to kill any does; I do not wish to be 'perticeps criminis' in any klilling out of our game; but of this I know it is needless to speak to a gentleman of your reputation. Your hunting experience has been much greater than mine. From Thompson Fall you ought to get goats, sheeps, & bear. The pack animals are very cheap; 15 dollars a piece or less. You can get provisions at Thompsons. Of course I would prefer for you not to speak of the guide to any one else; you know how soon hunting gorunds are spoiled. I have never killed a black bear, moose or caribou; can you give me information about any places where I could be pertty sure to get one of those three animals? Again asking you to keep the informatioon for your own use I am Very truly yours Theodore Roosevelt. P.S. I paid Willis for himself and two good horses 100 dollars a month; I also gave him a handsome present for a very good piece of tracking he did with my first goat. I bought three other ponies for 30 dollars; my provisions for the trip cost about $25. Except ammunition, this accounted for all my expenses. I had a wagon sheet for a tent." vg+.

ISBN: none.

[Item #ATG00055]