The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

Roosevelt "Ponders" Accepting the 1912 Republican Presidential Nomination

New York: January 20, 1912. One sheet, 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (241 x 190 mm.) Typed letter signed by former President Theodore Roosevelt to the Governor of West Virginia, William Glasscock. In part: "For the last week or two I have been obliged to think very seriously over the request that you, and curiously enough half a dozen other Governors, have made to me to say frankly and authoritatively whether, if nominated, I would accept. I am inclined to think that the time has pretty nearly come when I will have to make such a statement as you request. A former member of my regiment is now chairman of the State Republican committee of Michigan, Mr. Frank Knox...I have asked Mr. Knox to see you to discuss with you a mater in connection therewith, that is, the question as to the shape in which to put my statement if I do speak..." Later manuscript description of letter written on verso. Creasing from old folds, light offsetting, and scattered stains.

Prior to announcing his campaign for a third term, former President Theodore Roosevelt responds to a letter from Governor of West Virginia William E. Glasscock (1862-1925) asking whether or not he will accept the Republican nomination.

Roosevelt was a believer in the two-term limit precedent set by George Washington as a check on Presidential power, however since leaving office in March of 1909, he had been at odds with the policies of his anointed successor, William H. Taft. As the election of 1912 came closer, Roosevelt began to walk back inhibitions of running for another term, but wanted to maintain a perception of indifference to the issue, claiming he would only accept on behalf of popular public demand.

Biographer H.W. Brands describes, ".."In mid-January he contacted a handful of progressive-minded Republican governors and suggested that they write him a letter asking point-blank what his intentions were. [quoting Roosevelt] 'It seems to me that if such a group of four or five Governors wrote me a joint letter... or wrote me individual letters which I could respond to at the same time...that such procedure would open the best way out of an uncomfortable situation...'" (T.R., p. 703)

William E. Glassock was one of the "seven little governors" who wrote Roosevelt such a letter, which is being responded to here.

Roosevelt's candidacy caused the first use of presidential primaries in American history, and while Roosevelt won in a few states, Taft was resoundingly renominated at the Republican National Convention in June of 1912. The day after the convention Roosevelt founded his Bull Moose Party and attempted a third-party campaign for President, which in turn split the Republican vote and caused the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

A fascinating letter showcasing Roosevelts continued political ambitions.