ROOSEVELT.

That will be all right, only give me the beans. That will be all right, only give me the beans.75

So the Rough Riders got their beans, and the requisition went to Washington. "Oh! what a feast we had, and how we enjoyed it!"76

"THE AVERAGE HEIGHT among the Americans," reported a Barcelona newspaper, "is 5 feet 2 inches. This is due to their living almost entirely upon vegetables as they ship all their beef out of the country, so eager are they to make money. There is no doubt that one full-grown Spaniard can defeat any three men in America." among the Americans," reported a Barcelona newspaper, "is 5 feet 2 inches. This is due to their living almost entirely upon vegetables as they ship all their beef out of the country, so eager are they to make money. There is no doubt that one full-grown Spaniard can defeat any three men in America."77

FOR THE LAST SIX DAYS of June the Rough Riders camped in a little Eden on the westward slope of the ridge of Las Guasimas. They washed their bloody uniforms in a stream gushing out of the jungle, learned how to fry mangoes and, when tobacco ran out at a black-market price of $2 a plug, how to smoke dried grass, roots, and manure. The Cubans, if useless for all else, were at least good for rum: a can of Army beef (vintage 1894, according to the label) was enough to fill one's canteen, and a whole squad could get drunk on the proceeds of one Rough Rider blanket. of June the Rough Riders camped in a little Eden on the westward slope of the ridge of Las Guasimas. They washed their bloody uniforms in a stream gushing out of the jungle, learned how to fry mangoes and, when tobacco ran out at a black-market price of $2 a plug, how to smoke dried grass, roots, and manure. The Cubans, if useless for all else, were at least good for rum: a can of Army beef (vintage 1894, according to the label) was enough to fill one's canteen, and a whole squad could get drunk on the proceeds of one Rough Rider blanket.78 Fifth Corps staff, meanwhile, had solved the complicated logistical problem of getting General Shafter finally onshore and bringing him up the Camino Real in a sagging buckboard. Like all obese people, the general felt the heat badly; in addition his gout was worse, and he had contracted a scalp condition which necessitated constant scratching by aides.79 Not until the morning of 30 June did he venture down from the ridge to explore the terrain still separating his forces from Santiago. Not until the morning of 30 June did he venture down from the ridge to explore the terrain still separating his forces from Santiago.80 The best vantage point was a hill named El Pozo, to the left of the road where it crossed the river-or, to be more precise, where the river crossed the road. Ascending this hill on the Army's stoutest mule, Shafter gazed across a landscape which the Rough Riders, from their camp in the rear, already knew by heart.

Dense jungle filled the basin in front of him. There were hills to the right and hills to the left-the latter crowned by a fortified village named El Caney. Another ridge of hills rose on the far side of the basin, about a mile and a half away, walling off Santiago in another basin, much wider and lower to the west. The peaks undulated enticingly, exposing whitewashed triangles of the city to view, but their steep facing slopes, and in particular the heavy entrenchments visible all the way along the crest, made it obvious at a glance that they would be, as Garcia had warned, General Linares's last line of defense. These were the San Juan Heights, and that dominant central outcrop, crowned with a blockhouse, was San Juan Hill itself. Since the Camino Real snaked over the range slightly to the right of it, capture of the hill meant possession of the road. Shafter would then be able to mount a land siege of Santiago while Admiral Sampson continued his siege by sea. It would be a matter of time until starvation forced the surrender of the city.

If General Shafter noticed a smaller hill in front of San Juan Heights, cutting off his view of some of the road, he did not consider it worthy of inclusion in his hand-drawn map.81

A COUNCIL OF WAR COUNCIL OF WAR was called in command headquarters early in the afternoon. Shafter looked ill and exhausted by his ascent of El Pozo-obviously being at the front did not agree with him-but he had a definite plan of campaign worked out, and announced it in peremptory tones. The Fifth Corps would begin the advance upon Santiago immediately, that very evening. (Eight thousand enemy troops were reported to be on their way from another part of the province, to supplement the twelve thousand already in and around Santiago: clearly not a moment must be lost.) The divisions would move along the Camino Real under cover of dusk, and spread out in the vicinity of El Pozo. While Brigadier General J. F. Kent's 1st Infantry and General Wheeler's Cavalry encamped on the flanks of the hill, General Lawton's 2nd Infantry would swing right and march toward El Caney, and bivouac somewhere en route. All forces would then be poised for a big battle which would inevitably begin next morning. was called in command headquarters early in the afternoon. Shafter looked ill and exhausted by his ascent of El Pozo-obviously being at the front did not agree with him-but he had a definite plan of campaign worked out, and announced it in peremptory tones. The Fifth Corps would begin the advance upon Santiago immediately, that very evening. (Eight thousand enemy troops were reported to be on their way from another part of the province, to supplement the twelve thousand already in and around Santiago: clearly not a moment must be lost.) The divisions would move along the Camino Real under cover of dusk, and spread out in the vicinity of El Pozo. While Brigadier General J. F. Kent's 1st Infantry and General Wheeler's Cavalry encamped on the flanks of the hill, General Lawton's 2nd Infantry would swing right and march toward El Caney, and bivouac somewhere en route. All forces would then be poised for a big battle which would inevitably begin next morning.82 Sitting vast and rumpled in shirt-sleeves and suspenders, his gouty foot wrapped in burlap,83 Shafter detailed the swift, simple maneuvers he would like to see, or at least hear about, during the day. At dawn General Lawton would assault El Caney and take the fort there, cutting off the northern supply route to Santiago. This should take only about three hours. Meanwhile the other two divisions would launch their own attack upon San Juan Hill, moving through the jungle along Camino Real, and deploying as they approached the foothills. Lawton was to join them on the right as soon as he was free, and the day's action would climax in a massive onslaught on the Heights, plainly inspired by the final charge at Las Guasimas. Shafter detailed the swift, simple maneuvers he would like to see, or at least hear about, during the day. At dawn General Lawton would assault El Caney and take the fort there, cutting off the northern supply route to Santiago. This should take only about three hours. Meanwhile the other two divisions would launch their own attack upon San Juan Hill, moving through the jungle along Camino Real, and deploying as they approached the foothills. Lawton was to join them on the right as soon as he was free, and the day's action would climax in a massive onslaught on the Heights, plainly inspired by the final charge at Las Guasimas.84 The council of war was barely over when a staff officer rode over to Rough Rider headquarters and announced that Generals Wheeler and Young had been felled by fever. Command of the Cavalry Division therefore devolved upon Brigadier General Samuel S. Sumner, and that of Young's 2nd Brigade upon Leonard Wood; "while to my intense delight," wrote Theodore Roosevelt, "I got my regiment."85 His long-postponed colonelcy had come just in time for the decisive engagement of the Spanish-American War. His long-postponed colonelcy had come just in time for the decisive engagement of the Spanish-American War.

ONE SMALL DETAIL which had apparently escaped General Shafter's attention was that mobilization of some sixteen thousand men along a road ten feet wide would cause certain problems, especially as he had ordered the entire Fifth Corps to start marching at which had apparently escaped General Shafter's attention was that mobilization of some sixteen thousand men along a road ten feet wide would cause certain problems, especially as he had ordered the entire Fifth Corps to start marching at 4:00 P.M 4:00 P.M. A violent rainstorm at 3:30 did not help matters, for it converted the Camino Real into a ditch which squished deeper under every fresh line of boots.86 "Darkness came and still we marched," one Rough Rider remembered. "The tropical moon rose. You could almost envy the ease with which this orange ball crossed the sky. It was all we could do to lift our muddy shoes."87 At last, at about eight o'clock, the dark silhouette of El Pozo loomed up through the trees, and the regiment clambered halfway up its eastern slope. Leaving his men to sleep where they chose, Roosevelt strolled over the brow of the hill and found Wood establishing temporary headquarters in an abandoned sugar factory. Brigadier General and Colonel now, they gazed across at San Juan Heights, and the refracted glow of Santiago's street lights. At last, at about eight o'clock, the dark silhouette of El Pozo loomed up through the trees, and the regiment clambered halfway up its eastern slope. Leaving his men to sleep where they chose, Roosevelt strolled over the brow of the hill and found Wood establishing temporary headquarters in an abandoned sugar factory. Brigadier General and Colonel now, they gazed across at San Juan Heights, and the refracted glow of Santiago's street lights.88 Then they curled up in their yellow slickers on a bed of saddle blankets and went to sleep. Then they curled up in their yellow slickers on a bed of saddle blankets and went to sleep.

THE FIRST OF J JULY, 1898, which Roosevelt ever afterward called "the great day of my life," dawned to a fugato of bugles, phrase echoing phrase as reveille sounded in the various camps.89 The morning was Elysian, with a pink sky lightening rapidly to pale, cloudless blue. Mists filled the basin below El Pozo, evaporating quickly as the air warmed, exposing first the crowns of royal palms, then the lower green of deciduous trees and vines. Hills rippled around the horizon to east, west, and north, like a violet backdrop. As the vapor burned away, the effect to Roosevelt was of shimmering curtains rising to disclose "an amphitheatre for the battle." The morning was Elysian, with a pink sky lightening rapidly to pale, cloudless blue. Mists filled the basin below El Pozo, evaporating quickly as the air warmed, exposing first the crowns of royal palms, then the lower green of deciduous trees and vines. Hills rippled around the horizon to east, west, and north, like a violet backdrop. As the vapor burned away, the effect to Roosevelt was of shimmering curtains rising to disclose "an amphitheatre for the battle."90 While his men got up he walked about calmly lathering his face, reassuring the many who had woken afraid.91 He wore a dark blue shirt with yellow suspenders, fastened with silver leaves, and-in the apparent belief that people might otherwise mistake him for a Regular-a stand-up collar emblazoned with the Volunteer insignia. He wore a dark blue shirt with yellow suspenders, fastened with silver leaves, and-in the apparent belief that people might otherwise mistake him for a Regular-a stand-up collar emblazoned with the Volunteer insignia.92 Breakfast was frugal: a handful of beans, the invariable slabs of fat bacon and hardtack, washed down with bitter coffee. Then the regiment fell in, along with others of Wood's brigade, to await marching orders. Four big guns of the 1st Artillery were hauled up El Pozo and wedged into position. A staff officer came by with the predictable news that General Shafter had been taken ill during the night, and would have to command the battle from his cot. Breakfast was frugal: a handful of beans, the invariable slabs of fat bacon and hardtack, washed down with bitter coffee. Then the regiment fell in, along with others of Wood's brigade, to await marching orders. Four big guns of the 1st Artillery were hauled up El Pozo and wedged into position. A staff officer came by with the predictable news that General Shafter had been taken ill during the night, and would have to command the battle from his cot.93 Roosevelt probably paid little attention: he was waiting for the first detonation of Lawton's battery. Roosevelt probably paid little attention: he was waiting for the first detonation of Lawton's battery.

It came at 6:30, a sullen roar that rolled over the still-sleeping jungle and sent clouds of birds into the air. Almost immediately the El Pozo battery followed suit, and Roosevelt and Wood became conscious of a white plume of gunsmoke hanging motionless over their heads. Wood barely had time to say "he wished our brigade could be moved somewhere else" when there was a whistling rush from the direction of San Juan Hill, and something exploded in the midst of the white plume. Another shell, another and another: the second explosion raised a shrapnel bump on Roosevelt's wrist, wounded four Rough Riders, and blew the leg off a Regular. The fourth killed and maimed "a good many" Cubans, and perforated the lungs of Wood's horse. Evidently Spanish gunners were as deadly accurate as Spanish riflemen. Roosevelt waited no longer, and hustled his regiment downhill into jungle cover.94 About 8:45 the enemy cannonade ceased for no apparent reason-tortilla time?-and General Sumner ordered the Cavalry Division to hurry en masse along Camino Real toward San Juan. About where the jungle thinned out, a creek, also called San Juan, crossed the road at right angles; here the Rough Riders were to deploy to the right, and await further orders before moving up the Heights. Shafter's original battle plan had been for them to link up with the 1st Infantry, as soon as General Lawton returned in triumph from El Caney; but the continual booming of guns from that quarter indicated that the fort was holding up much better than anticipated. time?-and General Sumner ordered the Cavalry Division to hurry en masse along Camino Real toward San Juan. About where the jungle thinned out, a creek, also called San Juan, crossed the road at right angles; here the Rough Riders were to deploy to the right, and await further orders before moving up the Heights. Shafter's original battle plan had been for them to link up with the 1st Infantry, as soon as General Lawton returned in triumph from El Caney; but the continual booming of guns from that quarter indicated that the fort was holding up much better than anticipated.95 For strategic purposes, Lawton's aid could now be discounted. For strategic purposes, Lawton's aid could now be discounted.

The freshness of the early morning had long since evaporated when Roosevelt, riding on Texas, led his men up the road. But last night's mud was still thick and the jungle gave off insufferable clouds of dank moisture.96 The heat rose steadily to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun drilled down with blistering force on sweaty arms and shoulders. Roosevelt's neck, at least, was protected. He had ingeniously attached his blue polka-dot scarf-the unofficial insignia of a Rough Rider-in a semicircular screen dangling from the rim of his sombrero. It fluttered bravely as he trotted along, The heat rose steadily to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun drilled down with blistering force on sweaty arms and shoulders. Roosevelt's neck, at least, was protected. He had ingeniously attached his blue polka-dot scarf-the unofficial insignia of a Rough Rider-in a semicircular screen dangling from the rim of his sombrero. It fluttered bravely as he trotted along,97 like the plumes of Alexander the Great; later in the day it would serve him to flamboyant effect. like the plumes of Alexander the Great; later in the day it would serve him to flamboyant effect.

By now the familiar z-z-z-z-eu z-z-z-z-eu of Mauser bullets could be heard overhead. They sang louder and louder "in a steady deathly static" of Mauser bullets could be heard overhead. They sang louder and louder "in a steady deathly static"98 as Kent's 1st Regular Brigade, marching just ahead of Roosevelt, approached San Juan Creek. The trees thinned, and suddenly so many thousands of bullets came down, ripping in sheets through grass and reeds and human bodies, that the mud of the crossing turned red, and the water flowing over it ran purple. The Rough Riders wavered, then halted, horrified at the pile-up of bodies in front of them. Ever afterward, this point of deploy was known as Bloody Ford. as Kent's 1st Regular Brigade, marching just ahead of Roosevelt, approached San Juan Creek. The trees thinned, and suddenly so many thousands of bullets came down, ripping in sheets through grass and reeds and human bodies, that the mud of the crossing turned red, and the water flowing over it ran purple. The Rough Riders wavered, then halted, horrified at the pile-up of bodies in front of them. Ever afterward, this point of deploy was known as Bloody Ford.99 As if to improve still further the marksmanship of the Spanish snipers (many of whom were hidden in the high crests of royal palms, completely camouflaged with green uniforms and smokeless powder), an irresistible target was towed down Camino Real: the observation balloon of the Signal Corps. Glistening and wobbling in the sun, it stayed aloft long enough to reconnoiter another crossing five hundred yards to the left, relieving the gruesome bottleneck at Bloody Ford, and gave the cannons on San Juan Heights a precise indication of the position of the advance column.100 Plunging frantically across the creek, before the riddled balloon sank and smothered them, the Rough Riders found themselves crouching in a field full of waist-high grass. San Juan Hill rose up directly ahead, its blockhouse and breastworks clearly visible, as were the conical straw hats of entrenched soldiers. Roosevelt's orders were to march to the right, along the bank of the creek, and establish himself at the foot of the little hill that Shafter had overlooked the day before.101 He He, however, had not, and saw at once that it represented the nearest and most dangerous holdout of the enemy. Already it was breathing fire at its crest, like a miniature volcano about to erupt, and spitting showers of Mausers. The bullets came whisking through the grass with vicious effectiveness as the Rough Riders crawled nearer. Every now and again a trooper would leap involuntarily into the air, then crumple into a nerveless heap.102 Roosevelt remained obstinately on horseback, determined to set an example of courage to his men. Now began the worst part of the battle. While the Rough Riders took what cover they could, in bushes and banks below the hill, and in the mosquito-bogs at the edge of the creek, other cavalry regiments fought their way slowly into specified positions to left and right and-humiliatingly-in front of them. The truth was that Roosevelt and his men were being held in reserve by General Sumner, Roosevelt remained obstinately on horseback, determined to set an example of courage to his men. Now began the worst part of the battle. While the Rough Riders took what cover they could, in bushes and banks below the hill, and in the mosquito-bogs at the edge of the creek, other cavalry regiments fought their way slowly into specified positions to left and right and-humiliatingly-in front of them. The truth was that Roosevelt and his men were being held in reserve by General Sumner,103 and the new Colonel did not like it one bit. The 1st, 3rd, 6th, and even the black 9th had prior claim to this hill, while General Kent's Infantry Division was awarded the supreme prize of San Juan Hill, now half a mile away on the left front. Orders were orders; Roosevelt could only scrawl an angry note to the (very senior) colonel of his immediate neighbors, the 10th Cavalry. "There is too much firing. Colonel Wood directs that there be no more shooting unless there is an advance...." and the new Colonel did not like it one bit. The 1st, 3rd, 6th, and even the black 9th had prior claim to this hill, while General Kent's Infantry Division was awarded the supreme prize of San Juan Hill, now half a mile away on the left front. Orders were orders; Roosevelt could only scrawl an angry note to the (very senior) colonel of his immediate neighbors, the 10th Cavalry. "There is too much firing. Colonel Wood directs that there be no more shooting unless there is an advance...."104 It is doubtful Wood said any such thing. It is doubtful Wood said any such thing.

Mere spleen could not last through the one and a half hours of military torture that followed. General Sumner was waiting for orders to advance from General Shafter, but General Shafter assumed that any damn fool capable of leading a division would know when to do so without authority. Until this slight misunderstanding was cleared up, the cavalry regiments had to lie in stifling heat and try to stop as few Mausers as possible.105 Morale sagged as the shrieking projectiles Morale sagged as the shrieking projectiles chugged chugged into groins, hearts, lungs, limbs, and eyes. into groins, hearts, lungs, limbs, and eyes.106 Even Roosevelt found it prudent, in this killing hailstorm, to get off his horse and lie low; but Bucky O'Neill insisted on strolling up and down in front of his troop, smoking his perpetual cigarette, as if he were still walking along the sidewalk in Prescott, Arizona. "Sergeant," he said to a protester, "the Spanish bullet isn't made that will kill me." He had hardly exhaled a laughing cloud of smoke before a Mauser shot went Even Roosevelt found it prudent, in this killing hailstorm, to get off his horse and lie low; but Bucky O'Neill insisted on strolling up and down in front of his troop, smoking his perpetual cigarette, as if he were still walking along the sidewalk in Prescott, Arizona. "Sergeant," he said to a protester, "the Spanish bullet isn't made that will kill me." He had hardly exhaled a laughing cloud of smoke before a Mauser shot went z-z-z-z-eu z-z-z-z-eu into his mouth, and burst out the back of his head. "The biggest, handsomest, laziest officer in the regiment" was dead by the time he hit the ground. into his mouth, and burst out the back of his head. "The biggest, handsomest, laziest officer in the regiment" was dead by the time he hit the ground.107 It was now well past noon, and the insect-like figures of General Kent's infantry could be seen beginning a slow, toiling ascent of San Juan Hill. Roosevelt sent messenger after messenger to General Sumner, imploring permission to attack his own hill, and was just about to do so unilaterally when the welcome message arrived: "Move forward and support the regulars in the assault on the hills in front."108 It was not the total advancement he had been hoping for, but it was enough. "The instant I received the order I sprang on my horse, and then my 'crowded hour' began." It was not the total advancement he had been hoping for, but it was enough. "The instant I received the order I sprang on my horse, and then my 'crowded hour' began."109

SOLDIERS ARE APT TO recollect their wartime actions, as poets do emotions, in tranquillity, imposing order and reason upon a dreamlike tumult. Roosevelt was honest enough to admit, even when minutely describing his charge up the hill, that at the time he was aware of very little that was going on outside the orbit of his ears and sweat-fogged spectacles. recollect their wartime actions, as poets do emotions, in tranquillity, imposing order and reason upon a dreamlike tumult. Roosevelt was honest enough to admit, even when minutely describing his charge up the hill, that at the time he was aware of very little that was going on outside the orbit of his ears and sweat-fogged spectacles.110 It was as if some primeval force drove him. "All men who feel any power of joy in battle," he wrote, "know what it is like when the wolf rises in the heart." It was as if some primeval force drove him. "All men who feel any power of joy in battle," he wrote, "know what it is like when the wolf rises in the heart."111 Yet enough original images, visual and auditory, survive in Roosevelt's written account of the battle to give a sense of the rush, the roar, the pounce of that vulpine movement.112 To begin with, there was the sound of his own voice rasping and swearing as he cajoled terrified soldiers to follow him. To begin with, there was the sound of his own voice rasping and swearing as he cajoled terrified soldiers to follow him. "Are you afraid to stand up when I am on horseback?" "Are you afraid to stand up when I am on horseback?" Then the sight of a Rough Rider at his feet being drilled lengthwise with a bullet intended for himself. Next, line after line of cavalry parting before his advance, like waves under a Viking's prow. The puzzled face of a captain refusing to go farther without permission from some senior colonel, who could not be found. Then the sight of a Rough Rider at his feet being drilled lengthwise with a bullet intended for himself. Next, line after line of cavalry parting before his advance, like waves under a Viking's prow. The puzzled face of a captain refusing to go farther without permission from some senior colonel, who could not be found.

Roosevelt: "Then I am the ranking officer here and I give the order to charge." Another refusal. Roosevelt: "Then let my men through, sir." Grinning white faces behind him; black men throwing down a barbed wire fence before him. A wave of his hat and flapping blue neckerchief. The sound of shouting and cheering. The sound of bullets "like the ripping of a silk dress." Little Texas splashing bravely across a stream, galloping on, and on, up, up, up. Another wire fence, forty yards from the top, stopping her in her tracks. A bullet grazing his elbow. Jumping off, wriggling through, and running. Spaniards fleeing from the hacienda hacienda above. Only one man with him now: his orderly, Bardshar, shooting and killing two of the enemy. And then suddenly a revolver salvaged from the above. Only one man with him now: his orderly, Bardshar, shooting and killing two of the enemy. And then suddenly a revolver salvaged from the Maine Maine leaping into his own hand and firing: a Spaniard not ten yards away doubling over "neatly as a jackrabbit." At last the summit of the hill-his and Bardshar's alone for one breathless moment before the other Rough Riders and cavalrymen swarmed up to join them. One final incongruous image: "a huge iron kettle, or something of the kind, probably used for sugar-refining." leaping into his own hand and firing: a Spaniard not ten yards away doubling over "neatly as a jackrabbit." At last the summit of the hill-his and Bardshar's alone for one breathless moment before the other Rough Riders and cavalrymen swarmed up to join them. One final incongruous image: "a huge iron kettle, or something of the kind, probably used for sugar-refining."113

AS HIS HEAD CLEARED and his lungs stopped heaving, Roosevelt found that Kettle Hill commanded an excellent view of Kent's attack on San Juan Hill, still in progress across the valley about seven hundred yards away. The toiling figures seemed pitifully few. "Obviously the proper thing to do was help them." and his lungs stopped heaving, Roosevelt found that Kettle Hill commanded an excellent view of Kent's attack on San Juan Hill, still in progress across the valley about seven hundred yards away. The toiling figures seemed pitifully few. "Obviously the proper thing to do was help them."114 For the next ten minutes he supervised a continuous volley-fire at the heads of Spaniards in the San Juan blockhouse, until powerful Gatlings took over from somewhere down below, and the infantry on the left began their final rush. For the next ten minutes he supervised a continuous volley-fire at the heads of Spaniards in the San Juan blockhouse, until powerful Gatlings took over from somewhere down below, and the infantry on the left began their final rush.115 At this the wolf rose again in Roosevelt's heart. Leaping over rolls of wire, he started down the hill to join them, but forgot to give the order to follow, and found that he had only five companions. Two were shot down while he ran back and roared imprecations at his regiment. "What, are you cowards?" "We're waiting for the command." "Forward MARCH!" At this the wolf rose again in Roosevelt's heart. Leaping over rolls of wire, he started down the hill to join them, but forgot to give the order to follow, and found that he had only five companions. Two were shot down while he ran back and roared imprecations at his regiment. "What, are you cowards?" "We're waiting for the command." "Forward MARCH!"116 The Rough Riders willingly obeyed, as well as members of the 1st and 10th Cavalry. Again Roosevelt pounded over lower ground under heavy fire; again he surged up grassy slopes, and again he saw Spaniards deserting their high fortifications. To left and right, all along the crested line of San Juan Heights, other regiments were doing the same. "When we reached these crests we found ourselves overlooking Santiago." The Rough Riders willingly obeyed, as well as members of the 1st and 10th Cavalry. Again Roosevelt pounded over lower ground under heavy fire; again he surged up grassy slopes, and again he saw Spaniards deserting their high fortifications. To left and right, all along the crested line of San Juan Heights, other regiments were doing the same. "When we reached these crests we found ourselves overlooking Santiago."117

UNTIL NIGHT FELL, Roosevelt was more interested in looking at the carnage behind him than ahead at the prize city. The trenches were filled with corpses in light blue and white uniforms, most of them with "little holes in their heads from which their brains were oozing"118-proof of the killing accuracy of Rough Rider volleys from the top of Kettle Hill. "Look at all these damned Spanish dead!" he exulted to Trooper Bob Ferguson, an old family friend.119 Official tallies revealed a fair score of American casualties-656 according to one count, 1,071 according to another. The Rough Riders contributed 89, but this only increased Roosevelt's sense of pride; he noted that it was "the heaviest loss suffered by any regiment in the cavalry division."120 "No hunting trip so far has ever equalled it in Theodore's eyes," Bob Ferguson wrote to Edith. "It makes up for the omissions of many past years...T. was just revelling in victory and gore."121 Roosevelt's exhilaration at finding himself a hero (already there was talk of a Medal of Honor)122 and, by virtue of his two charges, senior officer in command of the highest crest and the extreme front of the American line, was so great that he could not sit, let alone lie down, even in the midst of a surprise bombardment at and, by virtue of his two charges, senior officer in command of the highest crest and the extreme front of the American line, was so great that he could not sit, let alone lie down, even in the midst of a surprise bombardment at 3:00 A.M 3:00 A.M. A shell landed right next to him, besmirching his skin with powder, and killing several nearby soldiers; but he continued to strut up and down, "snuffing the fragrant air of combat,"123 silhouetted against the flares like a black lion rampant. silhouetted against the flares like a black lion rampant.

"I really believe firmly now they can't kill him," wrote Ferguson.124

SO BEGAN THE SIEGE of Santiago. It was not accomplished without considerable further bloodshed, for the Spanish were found to have retreated only half a mile, albeit downhill, and their retaliatory shells did much damage during the next few days. The city proper was stiffly fortified, with five thousand troops and a seemingly inexhaustible stock of heavy ammunition. Meanwhile the thin blue and khaki line cresting San Juan Heights grew thinner as wounds, malarial fever, and dysentery reduced more and more men to shivering incapacity, and often death. It took less than forty-eight hours for Roosevelt to become desperate should Shafter decide to withdraw for lack of personnel and supplies. Siboney was still clogged with unlisted crates, and each day's rain made it more difficult to haul wagons along the Camino Real. "Tell the President for Heaven's sake to send us every regiment and above all every battery possible," he scribbled to Henry Cabot Lodge. "We are within measurable distance of a terrible military disaster." of Santiago. It was not accomplished without considerable further bloodshed, for the Spanish were found to have retreated only half a mile, albeit downhill, and their retaliatory shells did much damage during the next few days. The city proper was stiffly fortified, with five thousand troops and a seemingly inexhaustible stock of heavy ammunition. Meanwhile the thin blue and khaki line cresting San Juan Heights grew thinner as wounds, malarial fever, and dysentery reduced more and more men to shivering incapacity, and often death. It took less than forty-eight hours for Roosevelt to become desperate should Shafter decide to withdraw for lack of personnel and supplies. Siboney was still clogged with unlisted crates, and each day's rain made it more difficult to haul wagons along the Camino Real. "Tell the President for Heaven's sake to send us every regiment and above all every battery possible," he scribbled to Henry Cabot Lodge. "We are within measurable distance of a terrible military disaster."125 On the same day Shafter, blustering out of sheer panic, sent a warning to General Jose Toral, of the city garrison: I shall be obliged, unless you surrender, to shell Santiago de Cuba. Please inform the citizens of foreign countries, and all women and children, that they should leave the city before 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.126 Toral's response was to admit a further 3,600 Spanish troops who had somehow managed to elude a watch force of insurrectos insurrectos to the north of the city. That afternoon, while the U.S. Army sweated and sickened in its muddy trenches along the Heights, hostilities suddenly broke out in Santiago Harbor. Admiral Cervera's imprisoned ironclads attempted to rush Admiral Sampson's blockade, with suicidal results. By to the north of the city. That afternoon, while the U.S. Army sweated and sickened in its muddy trenches along the Heights, hostilities suddenly broke out in Santiago Harbor. Admiral Cervera's imprisoned ironclads attempted to rush Admiral Sampson's blockade, with suicidal results. By 10:00 P.M 10:00 P.M. Shafter was able to inform Washington, "The Spanish fleet...is reported practically destroyed." He promptly demanded surrender of the city. Toral replied that a truce might be possible.127 There followed a week of uneasy cease-fire as delicate negotiations went on, designed to ensure the capitulation of Santiago at no harm to Spanish honor. On 4 July, bands along the Heights tried to enliven matters with a selection of patriotic tunes (the Rough Riders ensemble contributing "Fair Harvard"), but the music had no charms for men sitting in mud, and it soon died away on the still morning air.128 General Toral's dignity was saved by an ingenious compromise worked out on 15 July. The Santiago garrison would surrender in two days if His Excellency, the Commander in Chief of the American forces, would kindly bombard the city (shooting at a safe height above the houses), until all Spanish soldiers had handed in their arms. They might thus be truthfully said to have capitulated under fire.129 That night the air shook convincingly all over Santiago, and on Sunday, 17 July, the Stars and Stripes was hauled up the palace flagpole, just as church bells rang in the hour of noon. That night the air shook convincingly all over Santiago, and on Sunday, 17 July, the Stars and Stripes was hauled up the palace flagpole, just as church bells rang in the hour of noon.130 It was time for Spain to begin her withdrawal from Cuba, after four centuries of imperial dominion in the New World. But first, lunch, wine, and It was time for Spain to begin her withdrawal from Cuba, after four centuries of imperial dominion in the New World. But first, lunch, wine, and siesta siesta.

ON M MONDAY, 18 J JULY, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt-the title was official now131-marched with the Cavalry Division over San Juan Hill to a camping ground on the foothills west of El Caney. The move away from the stinking, mosquito-filled trenches was deemed essential because of yellow fever. Already more than half the Rough Riders were, in Roosevelt's words, "dead or disabled by wounds and sickness." But the mosquitoes inland were just as poisonous as those nearer the coast, and his sick list lengthened.132 Although mildly diverted by the "curious" fact that "the colored troops seemed to suffer as heavily as the white,"133 he did not leave the problem to medics or the commissariat. His men must eat and build up their strength for another possible campaign in Puerto Rico. Accordingly he sent a pack-train into Santiago with instructions to buy, at his expense, whatever "simple delicacies" they could find to supplement the nauseating rations in camp. One Rough Rider claimed that Roosevelt spent $5,000 in personal funds during the next few weeks-an exaggeration no doubt, but it at least indicates the extent of his generosity and concern. he did not leave the problem to medics or the commissariat. His men must eat and build up their strength for another possible campaign in Puerto Rico. Accordingly he sent a pack-train into Santiago with instructions to buy, at his expense, whatever "simple delicacies" they could find to supplement the nauseating rations in camp. One Rough Rider claimed that Roosevelt spent $5,000 in personal funds during the next few weeks-an exaggeration no doubt, but it at least indicates the extent of his generosity and concern.134 As for himself, he remained healthy and strong as ever-so much so that he proposed to swim in the Caribbean one day with Lieutenant Jack Greenway.135 The two officers had been invited to Morro Castle by General Fitzhugh Lee, and Roosevelt's attention was drawn to the wreck of the The two officers had been invited to Morro Castle by General Fitzhugh Lee, and Roosevelt's attention was drawn to the wreck of the Merrimac Merrimac, some three hundred yards out to sea. It would be fun, he said, pulling off his clothes, to go out and inspect her.

What a colonel suggested, a lieutenant was bound to obey, and Greenway reluctantly agreed to accompany Roosevelt into the water.

We weren't out more than a dozen strokes before Lee, who had clambered up on the parapet of Fort Morro, began to yell."Can you make out what he's trying to say," the old man asked, punctuating his words with long, overhand strokes."Sharks," says I, wishing I were back on shore."Sharks," says the colonel, blowing out a mouthful of water, "they" stroke "won't" stroke "bite." Stroke. "I've been" stroke "studying them" stroke "all my life" stroke "and I never" stroke "heard of one" stroke "bothering a swimmer." Stroke. "It's all" stroke "poppy cock."Just then a big fellow, probably not more than ten or twelve feet long, but looking as big as a battleship to me, showed up alongside us. Then came another, till we had quite a group. The colonel didn't pay the least attention....Meantime the old general was doing a war dance up on the parapet, shouting and standing first on one foot and then on the other, and working his arms like he was doing something on a bet.Finally we reached the wreck and I felt better. The colonel, of course, got busy looking things over. I had to pretend I was interested, but I was thinking of the sharks and getting back to shore. I didn't hurry the colonel in his inspection either.After a while he had seen enough, and we went over the side again. Soon the sharks were all about us again, sort of pacing us in, as they had paced us out, while the old general did the second part of his war dance. He felt a whole lot better when we landed, and so did I.136

ON 20 J JULY, Roosevelt found himself in command of the whole 2nd Brigade. This elevation was due to medical attrition in the higher ranks, rather than his heroism at San Juan, but it was flattering nevertheless. So, too, was the growing flood of letters and telegrams from New York, urging him to consider running for the governorship in the fall. He replied politely that he would not think of quitting his present position-"even for so great an office"-at least "not while the war is on."137 With preparations for a peace treaty already well under way, the implication of acceptance was obvious, and plots were laid by various Republican groups to entrap him the moment he stepped ashore in the United States. With preparations for a peace treaty already well under way, the implication of acceptance was obvious, and plots were laid by various Republican groups to entrap him the moment he stepped ashore in the United States.138

AT THIS POINT Roosevelt's old genius for political publicity reasserted itself. On or about the last day of July, General Shafter called a conference of all division and brigade commanders to discuss the health situation. All agreed that it was critical, and that the War Department's apparent unwillingness to evacuate the Army was inexcusable. Somebody must write a formal letter stating that in the unanimous opinion of the Fifth Corps staff, a further stay in Cuba would be to the "absolute and objectless ruin" of the fighting forces. Roosevelt's old genius for political publicity reasserted itself. On or about the last day of July, General Shafter called a conference of all division and brigade commanders to discuss the health situation. All agreed that it was critical, and that the War Department's apparent unwillingness to evacuate the Army was inexcusable. Somebody must write a formal letter stating that in the unanimous opinion of the Fifth Corps staff, a further stay in Cuba would be to the "absolute and objectless ruin" of the fighting forces.139 Having reached this agreement, the Regular officers hesitated. None wished to sacrifice his career by offending Secretary Alger or President McKinley. As the conference's junior officer and a Volunteer, Roosevelt was nudged, or more probably leaped, into the breach. The result was a "round-robin" letter, drafted by himself, and signed by all present, dated 3 August 1898, and handed to the Associated Press.140 We, the undersigned officers...are of the unanimous opinion that this Army should be at once taken out of the island of Cuba and sent to some point on the Northern seacoast of the United States...that the army is disabled by malarial fever to the extent that its efficiency is destroyed, and that it is in a condition to be practically entirely destroyed by an epidemic of yellow fever, which is sure to come in the near future....This army must be moved at once, or perish. As the army can be safely moved now, the persons responsible for preventing such a move will be responsible for the unnecessary loss of many thousands of lives.141 The document, accompanied by a long and even stronger letter of complaint signed by Roosevelt alone, was published next morning. As predicted, Secretary Alger was enraged. So, too, was the President, whose first inkling of the round-robin came when he opened his morning papers.142 There were muttered threats in the War Department of court-martialing Roosevelt. Alger vengefully published an earlier letter from Roosevelt to himself, bragging that "the Rough Riders...are as good as any regulars, and three times as good as any State troops." There were muttered threats in the War Department of court-martialing Roosevelt. Alger vengefully published an earlier letter from Roosevelt to himself, bragging that "the Rough Riders...are as good as any regulars, and three times as good as any State troops."143 This was a telling blow to any aspiring Governor of New York State. An instant storm of criticism blew up in the press. The Journal Journal accused Roosevelt of "irresistible self-assertion and egotism," ill-suited to his "really admirable services in the field." The accused Roosevelt of "irresistible self-assertion and egotism," ill-suited to his "really admirable services in the field." The Philadelphia Press Philadelphia Press remarked that in view of "intense indignation" among the militia, it was unlikely that the New York Republican party could now nominate Theodore Roosevelt for Governor. But many newspapers found equal fault with Secretary Alger, and charged him with treachery in publishing a private letter. The Colonel could surely be excused his overweening pride in his regiment, commented the remarked that in view of "intense indignation" among the militia, it was unlikely that the New York Republican party could now nominate Theodore Roosevelt for Governor. But many newspapers found equal fault with Secretary Alger, and charged him with treachery in publishing a private letter. The Colonel could surely be excused his overweening pride in his regiment, commented the Baltimore American; Baltimore American; after all, "he led these men in one of the noblest fights of the century." after all, "he led these men in one of the noblest fights of the century."144 Within three days Shafter's army was ordered to Montauk, Long Island.145 The Rough Riders sailed out of Santiago Harbor on 8 August, leaving Leonard Wood behind as Military Governor of the city. They were not sorry to see Cuba sink into the sea behind them. In seven weeks of sweaty, sickly acquaintance with it, they had seen it transformed from a tropical Garden of Eden to a hell of denuded trees, cindery fields, and staring shells of houses.146 The island's bugs were in their veins, the smell of its dead in their nostrils, the taste of its horse meat and fecal water in their mouths. It would be days before the Atlantic breezes, cooling and freshening as they steamed north, swept away this sense of defilement. The island's bugs were in their veins, the smell of its dead in their nostrils, the taste of its horse meat and fecal water in their mouths. It would be days before the Atlantic breezes, cooling and freshening as they steamed north, swept away this sense of defilement.

Yet the farther Cuba dropped away, the brighter shone the memory of their two great battles-in particular that rush up Kettle Hill behind the man with the flying blue neckerchief. They had done something which orthodox military strategists considered impossible, namely, stormed and captured a high redoubt over open ground, using weapons inferior to, and fewer than, those of a securely entrenched enemy.147 In doing so they had been the first to break the Spanish defenses; charging on, they had been first to take and hold the final crest overlooking Santiago. In doing so they had been the first to break the Spanish defenses; charging on, they had been first to take and hold the final crest overlooking Santiago.

For Roosevelt himself, the "crowded hour" atop San Juan Heights had been one of absolute fulfillment. "I would rather have led that charge...than served three terms in the U.S. Senate." And he would rather die from yellow fever as a result than never to have charged at all. "Should the worst come to the worst I am quite content to go now and to leave my children at least an honorable name," he told Henry Cabot Lodge. "And old man, if I do go, I do wish you would get that Medal of Honor for me anyhow, as I should awfully like the children to have it, and I think I earned it."148 With fulfillment came purgation. Bellicose poisons had been breeding in him since infancy. During recent years the strain had grown virulent, clouding his mind and souring the natural sweetness of his temperament. But at last he had had his bloodletting. He had fought a war and killed a man. He had "driven the Spaniard from the New World." Theodore Roosevelt was at last, incongruously but wholeheartedly, a man of peace.

CHAPTER 26.

The Most Famous Man in America From the contending crowd, a shout,A mingled sound of triumph and of wailing.

IT WAS M MONDAY, 15 August 1898. All morning the crowd scattered across the sands of Montauk Point grew larger, as the troopship August 1898. All morning the crowd scattered across the sands of Montauk Point grew larger, as the troopship Miami Miami wallowed at anchor three miles out to sea. Soldiers and civilians, women and children, reporters and Red Cross staff squinted over the water, wondering when the Rough Riders would be allowed to disembark. While they waited, a westerly breeze snapped the sails of yachts in the harbor, and swished through the pines of Whithemard Headland. wallowed at anchor three miles out to sea. Soldiers and civilians, women and children, reporters and Red Cross staff squinted over the water, wondering when the Rough Riders would be allowed to disembark. While they waited, a westerly breeze snapped the sails of yachts in the harbor, and swished through the pines of Whithemard Headland.1 It was this prevailing wind that had determined the selection of Montauk Point as the mustering-out camp for General Shafter's army. Presumably it would blow away whatever yellow-fever bacilli lingered among the troops-wafting them somewhere in the direction of Spain. It was this prevailing wind that had determined the selection of Montauk Point as the mustering-out camp for General Shafter's army. Presumably it would blow away whatever yellow-fever bacilli lingered among the troops-wafting them somewhere in the direction of Spain.

Not until nearly noon did the tugs bring Miami Miami in, and nudge her sideways against the pier. The crowd peered eagerly at the deep rows of soldiers on board, searching in vain for a hero to recognize. Presently two spectacle-lenses flashed like prisms at the end of the bridge, and "a big bronzed-faced man in a light brown uniform" in, and nudge her sideways against the pier. The crowd peered eagerly at the deep rows of soldiers on board, searching in vain for a hero to recognize. Presently two spectacle-lenses flashed like prisms at the end of the bridge, and "a big bronzed-faced man in a light brown uniform"2 was seen waving his campaign hat. A hundred voices delightedly roared "Roosevelt! Roosevelt! Hurrah for Teddy and the Rough Riders!" Beside him somebody made out a whiskery little general in blue. "Hurrah for Fighting Joe!" was seen waving his campaign hat. A hundred voices delightedly roared "Roosevelt! Roosevelt! Hurrah for Teddy and the Rough Riders!" Beside him somebody made out a whiskery little general in blue. "Hurrah for Fighting Joe!"3

"I shall never forget the lustre that shone about him."

Colonel Roosevelt preparing to muster out at Camp Wikoff, Montauk, L.I. (Illustration 26.1) While sailors made the ship fast, an officer on the pier shouted, "How are you, Colonel Roosevelt?" The reply came back in a voice audible half a mile away: "I am feeling disgracefully well!"

There was a pause while Roosevelt allowed the crowd to study the dozens of emaciated faces elsewhere on deck. "I feel positively ashamed of my appearance," he went on, "when I see how badly off some of my brave fellows are." Another pause. Then: "Oh, but we have had a bully fight!"4 Laughter and cheers spread from ship to shore and back again.

A QUARTER OF AN HOUR LATER QUARTER OF AN HOUR LATER General Wheeler stepped onto the soil of Long Island, toting a Spanish sword so long and heavy its scabbard dragged on the ground. He received a tumultuous welcome, but, to quote Edward Marshall, "when 'Teddy and his teeth' came down the gangplank, the last ultimate climax of the possibility of cheering was reached." General Wheeler stepped onto the soil of Long Island, toting a Spanish sword so long and heavy its scabbard dragged on the ground. He received a tumultuous welcome, but, to quote Edward Marshall, "when 'Teddy and his teeth' came down the gangplank, the last ultimate climax of the possibility of cheering was reached."5 Roosevelt's appearance at close range showed that his claims of rude health were not exaggerated. Three months of hunger, thirst, heat, mud, and execrable food-not to mention that most arduous of human activities, infantry fighting-had not thinned him; if anything, he looked thicker and stronger than when he entrained for San Antonio. He wore a fresh uniform with gaiters and scuffed boots. A cartridge belt encircled his waist, and a heavy revolver thumped against his hip as he "fairly ran" the last few steps onto the dock.6 Roosevelt was courteous to the official welcoming party-doffing his hat and bowing to the women on line-but out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a group of newspapermen, and soon made his way over to them.

"Will you be our next Governor?" a voice cried.

"None of that...All I'll talk about is the regiment. It's the finest regiment that ever was, and I'm proud to command it."7 While he talked, the Rough Riders were disembarking. To the horror and sympathy of the crowd, they appeared barely able to line up on the dock, let alone march over the hill to Camp Wikoff, a mile or so inland. Their ranks were pitifully decimated. "My God," said one witness, "there are not half of the men there that left."8 Roosevelt was enjoying his conversation with the press so much that he paid little attention to the movement of soldiers behind him. His face radiated happiness as he described the feats of the Army's "cracker-jack" regiment, and of himself as its Colonel. "This is a pistol with a history," he said, fondling his revolver affectionately. "It was taken from the wreck of the Maine Maine. When I took it to Cuba I made a vow to kill at least one Spaniard with it, and I did...."9

WELL MIGHT HE be happy. Theodore Roosevelt had come home to find himself the most famous man in America-more famous even than Dewey, whose victory at Manila had been eclipsed (if temporarily) by the successive glories of Las Guasimas, San Juan, Santiago, and the round-robin which "brought our boys back home." be happy. Theodore Roosevelt had come home to find himself the most famous man in America-more famous even than Dewey, whose victory at Manila had been eclipsed (if temporarily) by the successive glories of Las Guasimas, San Juan, Santiago, and the round-robin which "brought our boys back home."10 The news that the United States and Spain had just signed a peace initiative came as a crowning satisfaction. Intent as Roosevelt might be to parry questions about his gubernatorial ambitions-thereby strengthening rumors that he had already decided to run-his days as a soldier were numbered. The news that the United States and Spain had just signed a peace initiative came as a crowning satisfaction. Intent as Roosevelt might be to parry questions about his gubernatorial ambitions-thereby strengthening rumors that he had already decided to run-his days as a soldier were numbered.11 It remained only to spend five days in quarantine, and a few weeks supervising the demobilization of his regiment, before returning to civilian life and claiming the superb inheritance he had earned in Cuba. It remained only to spend five days in quarantine, and a few weeks supervising the demobilization of his regiment, before returning to civilian life and claiming the superb inheritance he had earned in Cuba.12 Shortly before two o'clock the Colonel strode onto the beach, where the Cavalry Division had formed in double file, and mounted a horse beside General Wheeler. Color Sergeant Wright hoisted the ragged regimental flag, the band crashed out a march, and the Rough Riders trooped off to detention.13

MEANWHILE, AT THE OPPOSITE end of Long Island, the man whose power it was to nominate, or not to nominate, Roosevelt for Governor sat pondering the state political situation. Senator Thomas Collier Platt was taking his annual vacation at the Oriental Hotel on Sheepshead Bay. end of Long Island, the man whose power it was to nominate, or not to nominate, Roosevelt for Governor sat pondering the state political situation. Senator Thomas Collier Platt was taking his annual vacation at the Oriental Hotel on Sheepshead Bay.14 He had been aware since at least 20 July that various groups of Republicans were working up a "Roosevelt boom," but not until yesterday, 14 August, had two trusted lieutenants approached him formally on the subject. These men were Lemuel Ely Quigg, Roosevelt's backer for Mayor in 1894, and Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., chairman of the Republican State Committee. Since Quigg was, in turn, chairman of the New York County Committee, and as forceful as Odell was stubborn, Platt had no choice but to listen while they pleaded the cause of the man he still regarded as "a perfect bull in a china shop." He had been aware since at least 20 July that various groups of Republicans were working up a "Roosevelt boom," but not until yesterday, 14 August, had two trusted lieutenants approached him formally on the subject. These men were Lemuel Ely Quigg, Roosevelt's backer for Mayor in 1894, and Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., chairman of the Republican State Committee. Since Quigg was, in turn, chairman of the New York County Committee, and as forceful as Odell was stubborn, Platt had no choice but to listen while they pleaded the cause of the man he still regarded as "a perfect bull in a china shop."15 The Easy Boss knew that something drastic would have to be done to prevent the renomination, at the State Republican Convention in September, of Frank S. Black, New York's present Governor. Black was a faithful protege whose record victory in 1896 had covered Platt with glory; but he was also anathema to Republican Independents, who accused him, rather unjustly, of gross spoilsmanship in office.16 This negative reputation might be counterbalanced by positive support for Black in upstate rural areas, were it not for a new scandal which redounded to the Governor's discredit. On 4 August a special investigative committee had reported on "improper expenditures" of at least a million dollars in the state's stalled Erie Canal Improvement project. This negative reputation might be counterbalanced by positive support for Black in upstate rural areas, were it not for a new scandal which redounded to the Governor's discredit. On 4 August a special investigative committee had reported on "improper expenditures" of at least a million dollars in the state's stalled Erie Canal Improvement project.17 With the entire multimillion-dollar appropriation already spent, and less than two-thirds of the canal deepened, Platt was severely embarrassed. If he supported Black's bid for reelection he would lay himself and the party open to charges of cynicism and irresponsibility-even though the Governor had not been personally involved in the scandal. If, on the other hand, Platt dropped Black, it would be tantamount to admitting that there had been high-level corruption. With the entire multimillion-dollar appropriation already spent, and less than two-thirds of the canal deepened, Platt was severely embarrassed. If he supported Black's bid for reelection he would lay himself and the party open to charges of cynicism and irresponsibility-even though the Governor had not been personally involved in the scandal. If, on the other hand, Platt dropped Black, it would be tantamount to admitting that there had been high-level corruption.18 Platt weighed his alternatives, and chose the second, seeing it as the only way he might avoid a Democratic landslide in November. He agreed to let Quigg sound Roosevelt out, but made it clear that the Rough Rider was not his preference for the nomination. "If he becomes Governor of New York, sooner or later, with his personality, he will have to be President of the United States...I am afraid to start that thing going."19

QUIGG, HOWEVER, was not the first kingmaker to visit Roosevelt at Montauk. On Thursday, 18 August, John Jay Chapman, one of the Independent party's fiercest and brightest idealists, walked up Camp Wikoff's Rough Rider Street in search of the Colonel.20 Tall, hook-nosed, flamboyantly scarfed even in the hottest weather, Chapman was a man of near-manic passions, both romantic and intellectual. As testimony to the former, he would brandish the stump of a missing left hand, which he had deliberately burned to a cinder as self-punishment during a stormy love affair.21 Like Theodore Roosevelt, his friend of many years, he was well-born, Harvard-educated, and drawn equally to politics and literature (his Like Theodore Roosevelt, his friend of many years, he was well-born, Harvard-educated, and drawn equally to politics and literature (his Emerson and Other Essays Emerson and Other Essays had won the high praises of Henry James). had won the high praises of Henry James).22 But there the resemblance ended. Chapman could neither compromise, nor join, nor lead; he was a savage loner, fated to work outside the party, a thinker whose pure ideology was unsmirched by practical considerations. Normally Roosevelt despised such people, but Chapman, four years his junior, had such courage and charm as to be permitted the supreme familiarity of "Teddy." But there the resemblance ended. Chapman could neither compromise, nor join, nor lead; he was a savage loner, fated to work outside the party, a thinker whose pure ideology was unsmirched by practical considerations. Normally Roosevelt despised such people, but Chapman, four years his junior, had such courage and charm as to be permitted the supreme familiarity of "Teddy."23 It so happened that in August 1898 Chapman was for the first and only time in his life on the verge of real political power-if he could only persuade Roosevelt to run for Governor on an Independent ticket. The Colonel's popularity, he reasoned, was so great as to seduce large numbers of Republican voters, and would force Boss Platt to nominate him as well, in order to keep those voters within the party. Roosevelt would thus head two tickets, followed on the one by a list of "decent, young Independents" and on the other by machine Republicans. The majority of the electorate, given such a choice, would surely prefer to send Roosevelt to Albany in virtuous company.24 It was a beautiful plan, at least in Chapman's enthusiastic opinion. Roosevelt would be almost assured the Governorship, with all voters who were not Democrats united in his favor; the Independents would at one stroke broaden their narrow power base (at present confined largely to the Citizens' Union and Good Government Clubs in New York City) to encompass the whole state; and most important of all, Boss Platt's machine would be destroyed.25 Chapman was so sure of himself he allowed Roosevelt "a week to think it over."26 The Colonel, who had everything to gain as a gubernatorial prospect by remaining silent, accepted this offer with the equanimity of one of his favorite fictional characters, Uncle Remus's Tar Baby. The Colonel, who had everything to gain as a gubernatorial prospect by remaining silent, accepted this offer with the equanimity of one of his favorite fictional characters, Uncle Remus's Tar Baby.

THE FOLLOWING DAY Lemuel Quigg arrived. Lemuel Quigg arrived.27 Sleek, suave, prematurely gray on either side of his center parting, he made a noticeable contrast to his Independent rival. Yet the language he spoke was equally sweet to Roosevelt's ears. Sleek, suave, prematurely gray on either side of his center parting, he made a noticeable contrast to his Independent rival. Yet the language he spoke was equally sweet to Roosevelt's ears.

Quigg "earnestly" hoped to see the Colonel nominated, "and believed that the great body of Republican voters so desired." He and Odell were "pestering" Senator Platt to that effect, but before they pestered further they would have to have "a plain statement" as to whether or not Roosevelt wanted the nomination.28 Roosevelt said that he did. But, in view of the fact that Quigg had made no formal offer, this should not be considered a formal reply. He promised, nevertheless, that once in power he would not "make war on Mr. Platt or anybody else if war could be avoided." As a Republican Governor, he would naturally work with the Republican machine, "in the sincere hope that there might always result harmony of opinion and purpose." He reserved the right, however, to consult with whom he pleased, and "act finally as my own judgment and conscience dictated."

Quigg replied that he had expected just such an answer, and would transmit it to Senator Platt.29

HAVING THUS AUTHORIZED two secret nomination campaigns (and given tacit approval to the manufacture of ten thousand "Our Teddy for Our Governor" buttons), Roosevelt was free to leave Camp Wikoff on 20 August for a five-day reunion with his family. two secret nomination campaigns (and given tacit approval to the manufacture of ten thousand "Our Teddy for Our Governor" buttons), Roosevelt was free to leave Camp Wikoff on 20 August for a five-day reunion with his family.30 He smilingly refused to discuss his future with reporters. "Now stop it. I will not say a word about myself, but I will talk about the regiment forever." He smilingly refused to discuss his future with reporters. "Now stop it. I will not say a word about myself, but I will talk about the regiment forever."31 As a result of this strategy he kept himself in the headlines, while avoiding all political complications. "He is playing the game of a pretty foxy man," said a worried Democratic campaign official. As a result of this strategy he kept himself in the headlines, while avoiding all political complications. "He is playing the game of a pretty foxy man," said a worried Democratic campaign official.32 His trip to Oyster Bay was carefully timed to coincide with the Republican State Committee meeting in Manhattan. This preconvention assemblage enabled Senator Platt to weigh the relative strengths of Black, Roosevelt, and other potential candidates for the nomination. According to Quigg, the Easy Boss was impressed by reports of Roosevelt enthusiasm in Buffalo and Erie County, which traditionally acted as a pivot between Democratic New York City and the Republican remainder of the state. Informal polls of the thirty-four committeemen showed a large majority in favor of the Colonel.33 Platt was noncommittal after the meeting, but reporters were quick to infer that Roosevelt would be the party's eventual choice. Platt was noncommittal after the meeting, but reporters were quick to infer that Roosevelt would be the party's eventual choice.

At eight o'clock that evening, just as New Yorkers were reading the first reports of Platt's conference, Roosevelt arrived in Oyster Bay amid such bedlam as the little village had never known in its two and a half centuries of existence. Church bells pealed, rockets shot up, cannons and musketry exploded in salute as his train pulled into the station with whistle wide open. The war hero hung out of his window waving his Rough Rider hat, grinning and glowing in the light of a celebratory bonfire. A red, white, and blue banner slung across Audrey Avenue proclaimed the words WELCOME, COLONEL! WELCOME, COLONEL! and fifteen hundred people yelled greetings to "Teddy." and fifteen hundred people yelled greetings to "Teddy."34 When Roosevelt stepped out onto the platform he was seen to be accompanied by his wife. Edith had gone to Montauk to greet him privately beforehand, and she stood flinching now as the crowd surged forward. This coarse grabbing and grasping, these howls of the detested nickname, presaged ill for whatever hopes she may have had for a quiet return to domestic life at Sagamore Hill. Like it or not, she had to accept that Theodore was now public property. Dreadful as the prospect might have seemed to her, she braced herself for it with all her considerable strength. Smiling and outwardly calm, she followed the Rough Rider as he fought toward their waiting two-seater. Not a few admiring glances followed her. For the rest of his life Roosevelt would have to suffer a ritual greeting whenever he returned to Oyster Bay: "Teddy, how's your 'oman?"35

HE SPENT THE NEXT FEW DAYS enjoying the forgotten delights of civilization: cool summer clothes, good food, the conversation of women and children, hot water, clean sheets, green lawns, birdsong. Every night he changed into a tuxedo for dinner and joined his family and guests on the piazza overlooking Long Island Sound. Toying with a glass of Edith's old Madeira, he gazed at the passing lights of pleasure craft and Fall River steamers, and told over and over again to all who would listen the stories of Las Guasimas and San Juan Hill. enjoying the forgotten delights of civilization: cool summer clothes, good food, the conversation of women and children, hot water, clean sheets, green lawns, birdsong. Every night he changed into a tuxedo for dinner and joined his family and guests on the piazza overlooking Long Island Sound. Toying with a glass of Edith's old Madeira, he gazed at the passing lights of pleasure craft and Fall River steamers, and told over and over again to all who would listen the stories of Las Guasimas and San Juan Hill.36 A particularly interested auditor was Robert Bridges, editor of Scribner's Scribner's. Four months before, when the Rough Riders were still organizing at San Antonio, Roosevelt had offered Bridges "first chance," ahead of Century Century and and Atlantic Atlantic, for the publication of his war memoirs. He suggested that this "permanent historical work" should appear first as a six-part magazine series, beginning in the New Year of 1899.37 Bridges had accepted with alacrity. Now the editor was pleased to discover that Roosevelt already had the book "blocked out." Not a line had been written, but the Colonel's diary contained scraps of choice dialogue, and the stories he was telling on the piazza were obviously being tested for popular appeal. Bridges expressed concern that politics might delay Roosevelt's reentry into literature, but the author was supremely confident. "Not at all-you shall have the various chapters at the time promised." Bridges had accepted with alacrity. Now the editor was pleased to discover that Roosevelt already had the book "blocked out." Not a line had been written, but the Colonel's diary contained scraps of choice dialogue, and the stories he was telling on the piazza were obviously being tested for popular appeal. Bridges expressed concern that politics might delay Roosevelt's reentry into literature, but the author was supremely confident. "Not at all-you shall have the various chapters at the time promised."38 On the morning of 24 August, Roosevelt's last before returning to Camp Wikoff, he was waited upon a second time by John Jay Chapman. The Independent leader, who was accompanied by Isaac Klein of the Citizens' Union, requested an answer to his proposal of 18 August. Roosevelt, feeling his power, said he would run as a party regular or not at all. But if the Republicans did honor him with their nomination on 27 September, he would be happy to accept that of the Independents afterward as an "endorsement." He had no objections to the Independents making a preliminary announcement of his acceptance, as long as it was accompanied by a statement of his own making clear the stipulations involved.39 This, of course, was all that Chapman and Klein wanted. They happily returned to New York to begin work on a provisional ticket. Chapman had always admired Roosevelt, in the way thinkers follow doers, but now the admiration deepened into reverence. "I shall never forget the lustre that shone about him...my companion accused me of being in love with him, and indeed I was. I never before nor since have felt that glorious touch of hero worship.... Lo, there, it says, Behold the way! You have only to worship, trust, and support him."40 Every day brought new indications that Roosevelt was the coming man of Republican politics, not only in New York State, but across the country as well. National committeemen, Senators, and representatives of far-flung party organizations urged him to run for Governor, and begged his services as a campaign speaker.41 An envelope adorned with nothing but a crude sketch of him in military uniform was delivered to Oyster Bay, along with sackfuls of other mail. An envelope adorned with nothing but a crude sketch of him in military uniform was delivered to Oyster Bay, along with sackfuls of other mail.42 In Chicago several Union Leaguers announced the formation of the "Roosevelt 1904 Club," proclaiming him as the natural successor to President McKinley when that popular executive stepped down after another term. There were some who whispered that he might run, and win, against the President in 1900. In Chicago several Union Leaguers announced the formation of the "Roosevelt 1904 Club," proclaiming him as the natural successor to President McKinley when that popular executive stepped down after another term. There were some who whispered that he might run, and win, against the President in 1900.43 Roosevelt, perhaps remembering his too-rapid boom in the New York mayoralty campaign, announced that he would return to Montauk twelve hours early, on 25 August. He was still an Army officer, not a politician, and "I feel that my place is with the boys."44 There followed a week of silence and secrecy while the Colonel nursed his regiment back to health and strength, and Boss Platt's pollsters sounded out opinions on Roosevelt v. Black. One of these pollsters was Isaac Hunt, the gangling reformer of Roosevelt's Assembly days. He reported that only one Republican delegate in three would vote for Black. "Ike," said Platt, "I have sent men all over this state; your report and theirs correspond."45 On 1 September, the Easy Boss allowed the first news leaks indicating that he personally favored Roosevelt's nomination. E. L. Godkin of the Post Post chortled over the prospect of two such ill-matched bedfellows coyly climbing into their pajamas. "The humorous possibilities of such a situation are infinite." chortled over the prospect of two such ill-matched bedfellows coyly climbing into their pajamas. "The humorous possibilities of such a situation are infinite."46 Chapman and Klein hurried to Montauk for reassurances that Roosevelt would not "take our nomination and then later throw us down by withdrawing from the ticket." The Colonel's response appears to have been guarded, yet positive enough for Chapman to write on Sunday, 4 September: "We expect to put Roosevelt in the field [soon] at the head of a straight Independent ticket."47

ON THE SAME DAY at Camp Wikoff there occurred a symbolic incident highly pleasing, no doubt, to the Roosevelt 1904 Club. President McKinley arrived at Montauk railroad station on a mission of thanks to Shafter's victorious army. As he settled into his carriage with Secretary Alger, he caught sight of a mounted man grinning at him some twenty yards away. "Why, there's Colonel Roosevelt," exclaimed McKinley, and called out, "Colonel! I'm glad to see you!" at Camp Wikoff there occurred a symbolic incident highly pleasing, no doubt, to the Roosevelt 1904 Club. President McKinley arrived at Montauk railroad station on a mission of thanks to Shafter's victorious army. As he settled into his carriage with Secretary Alger, he caught sight of a mounted man grinning at him some twenty yards away. "Why, there's Colonel Roosevelt," exclaimed McKinley, and called out, "Colonel! I'm glad to see you!"

Secretary Alger manifestly was not, but this did not prevent the President from making an extraordinary public gesture. He jumped out of the carriage and walked toward Roosevelt, who simultaneously tumbled off his horse with the ease of a cowboy. In the words of one observer: The President held out his hand; Col. Roosevelt struggled to pull off his right glove. He yanked at it desperately and finally inserted the ends of his fingers in his teeth and gave a mighty tug. Off came the glove and a beatific smile came over the Colonel's face as he grasped the President's hand. The crowd which had watched the performance tittered audibly. Nothing more cordial than the greeting between the President and Col. Roosevelt could be imagined. The President just grinned all over."Col. Roosevelt," he said, "I'm glad indeed to see you looking so well."

Before McKinley reentered the carriage Roosevelt made him promise to visit "my boys."48

THE C COLONEL CONTINUED to juggle, expertly but dangerously, with the two balls tossed him by Chapman and Quigg. When, on 10 September, the former publicly praised Roosevelt as one "who in his person represents independence and reform," Roosevelt himself announced, by proxy, that he was "a Republican in the broadest sense of the word." He confirmed for the first time that he would accept, but not seek, nomination by his regular party colleagues. Any subsequent nomination by the Independents would of course be "most flattering and gratifying." to juggle, expertly but dangerously, with the two balls tossed him by Chapman and Quigg. When, on 10 September, the former publicly praised Roosevelt as one "who in his person represents independence and reform," Roosevelt himself announced, by proxy, that he was "a Republican in the broadest sense of the word." He confirmed for the first time that he would accept, but not seek, nomination by his regular party colleagues. Any subsequent nomination by the Independents would of course be "most flattering and gratifying."49 To make his position doubly clear, at least to himself, he wrote two letters on 12 September, one to Quigg defining the conditions on which he would accept nomination, the other to the Citizens' Union saying that a new statement that he was still available as an Independent candidate was "all right." The warmth and length of the first letter (thirty-six lines) compared with the curt brevity (two lines) of the second left no doubt as to where his true hopes and sympathies lay.50 However neither recipient could make this comparison at the time, and both continued to work for Roosevelt's nomination. However neither recipient could make this comparison at the time, and both continued to work for Roosevelt's nomination.

THE FOLLOWING DAY, Tuesday, 13 September, was a poignant one for Roosevelt. Demobilization work was complete, and the Rough Riders prepared to muster out, troop by troop. Although the regiment's life had been short-a mere 133 days from formation to dissolution-its rise had been meteoric, leaving an incandescent glow in the hearts of its nine hundred surviving members. Civilian life seemed a dull, even dismal prospect to those who had clerkships and ranch jobs and law school to return to. Yet the glory had to come to an end. At one o'clock bugles rang through the grassy streets of Camp Wikoff, summoning the Rough Riders to their last assembly.51 Roosevelt, writing in his tent, was surprised to hear his men lining up outside. He had not expected the mustering out to begin until a little later in the afternoon. But now a group of deferential troopers ducked in out of the sunshine and requested his attendance at a short open-air ceremony.

Emerging, the Colonel found his entire regiment arranged in a square on the plain, around a table shrouded with a lumpy blanket. Nine hundred arms snapped in salute as he stood with brown face flushing. He looked around him and saw tears starting in many eyes; his own dimmed too.52 Then Private Murphy of M Troop stepped forward and announced in a choking voice that the 1st Volunteer Cavalry wished to present their commanding officer with "a very slight token of admiration, love, and esteem." Murphy struggled to summarize the "glorious deeds accomplished and hardships endured" by the Rough Riders under Roosevelt, while the sound of sobbing grew louder on all sides of the square. "In conclusion allow me to say that one and all, from the highest to the lowest...will carry back to their hearths a pleasant remembrance of all your acts, for they have always been of the kindest." Then Private Murphy of M Troop stepped forward and announced in a choking voice that the 1st Volunteer Cavalry wished to present their commanding officer with "a very slight token of admiration, love, and esteem." Murphy struggled to summarize the "glorious deeds accomplished and hardships endured" by the Rough Riders under Roosevelt, while the sound of sobbing grew louder on all sides of the square. "In conclusion allow me to say that one and all, from the highest to the lowest...will carry back to their hearths a pleasant remembrance of all your acts, for they have always been of the kindest."53 The blanket was whipped away to disclose a bronze bronco-buster, sculpted by Frederic Remington. From thumping hooves to insolently waving sombrero, it was the solid remembrance of a sight seen thousands of times in camp at San Antonio and Tampa, again in Cuba when there were native horses to be rustled, and yet again in Wikoff for the benefit of visitors and envious infantrymen. Roosevelt was so overcome he could only step forward and pat the bronco's coldly gleaming mane.54 He found his voice with difficulty, forcing the words out: He found his voice with difficulty, forcing the words out: Officers and men, I really do not know what to say. Nothing could possibly happen that would touch and please me as this has...I would have been most deeply touched if the officers had given me this testimonial, but coming from you, my men, I appreciate it tenfold. It comes to me from you who shared the hardships of the campaign with me, who gave me a piece of your hardtack when I had none, and who gave me your blankets when I had none to lie upon. To have such a gift come from this peculiarly American regiment touches me more than I can say. This is something I shall hand down to my children, and I shall value it more than the weapons I carried through the campaign.55 "Three cheers for the next Governor of New York," yelled a voice.

"Wish we could vote for him," came the answering shout.

Roosevelt asked the men to come forward and shake his hand. "I want to say goodbye to each one of you in person."

Company ranks were formed, and the Rough Riders began to pass by their Colonel in single file. Many cried openly as they walked away.56 "He was the only man I ever came in contact with," confessed one private, "that when bidding farewell, I felt a handshake was but poor expression. I wanted to hug him." "He was the only man I ever came in contact with," confessed one private, "that when bidding farewell, I felt a handshake was but poor expression. I wanted to hug him."57 Roosevelt had a compliment, joke, recognition, or a ready identification for every man. As he shook the slender fingers of Ivy Leaguers, the rough paws of Idaho lumberjacks, the heavy dark hands of Indian cowpunchers, Roosevelt doubtless reflected, for the umpteenth time, what a microcosm of America this regiment was-or, to use the Roosevelt had a compliment, joke, recognition, or a ready identification for every man. As he shook the slender fingers of Ivy Leaguers, the rough paws of Idaho lumberjacks, the heavy dark hands of Indian cowpunchers, Roosevelt doubtless reflected, for the umpteenth time, what a microcosm of America this regiment was-or, to use the World's World's metaphor, what "an elaborate photograph of the character of its founder." metaphor, what "an elaborate photograph of the character of its founder."58 Here were game, bristling Micah Jenkins, "on whom danger acted like wine"; Ben Daniels of Dodge City, with half an ear bitten off; languid Woodbury Kane, looking somehow elegant in battle-stained khaki; poker-faced Pollock the Pawnee, smiling for the first and only time in the history of the regiment; and Rockpicker Smith, who had stood up in the trenches outside Santiago and bombarded "them -- Spaniels" with stones. Here, too, were dozens of troopers whom Roosevelt knew only by their contradictory nicknames: "Metropolitan Bill" the frontiersman, "Nigger" the near-albino, "Pork Chop" the Jew, jocular "Weeping Dutchman," foul-mouthed "Prayerful James," and "Rubber Shoe Andy," the noisiest scout in Cuba. Here were game, bristling Micah Jenkins, "on whom danger acted like wine"; Ben Daniels of Dodge City, with half an ear bitten off; languid Woodbury Kane, looking somehow elegant in battle-stained khaki; poker-faced Pollock the Pawnee, smiling for the first and only time in the history of the regiment; and Rockpicker Smith, who had stood up in the trenches outside Santiago and bombarded "them -- Spaniels" with stones. Here, too, were dozens of troopers whom Roosevelt knew only by their contradictory nicknames: "Metropolitan Bill" the frontiersman, "Nigger" the near-albino, "Pork Chop" the Jew, jocular "Weeping Dutchman," foul-mouthed "Prayerful James," and "Rubber Shoe Andy," the noisiest scout in Cuba.59 After the last tearful good-bye and promise of everlasting comradeship, Roosevelt's Rough Riders marched off to be paid $77 $77 apiece and discharged. By early evening the first of them were trooping into New York with wild cowboy yells. Within twenty-four hours the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry was dissolved. "So all things pass away," Roosevelt sighed to his old friend Jacob Riis. "But they were beautiful days." apiece and discharged. By early evening the first of them were trooping into New York with wild cowboy yells. Within twenty-four hours the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry was dissolved. "So all things pass away," Roosevelt sighed to his old friend Jacob Riis. "But they were beautiful days."60

ON S SATURDAY, 17 S SEPTEMBER, the Colonel (as he would continue to be called throughout his life as a private citizen) braced himself for a prenomination meeting with Senator Platt. Confident as he might be of his new political powers, it was noted that he, not Platt, crossed the gulf between them, namely the East River of Manhattan. He sneaked into the Fifth Avenue Hotel via the ladies' entrance, shortly before three o'clock in the afternoon, looking somber in black and gray, but wearing a defiantly military hat.61 Advance word of the meeting had been leaked to the press, along with rumors that Platt was mistrustful of Roosevelt's continued flirtation with the Independents; consequently the hotel's main lobby was thronged with excited politicians and reporters. Anticipation rose as two hours ticked by with no word from the Amen Corner. Some pundits guessed that Platt would insist Roosevelt run as a Republican only, and that Roosevelt would agree, for the very good reason that Platt controlled some 700 of the convention's 971 votes.62 Others said that the Colonel's boom was already so great that Platt's survival as party boss depended on his favor. Betting on Roosevelt v. Black ran $50 to $20 against the Governor. Others said that the Colonel's boom was already so great that Platt's survival as party boss depended on his favor. Betting on Roosevelt v. Black ran $50 to $20 against the Governor.63 A few minutes after five o'clock Roosevelt appeared alone at the top of the grand stairway, hesitating with his habitual sense of drama until the crowd saw him and surged across the intervening space. "I had a very pleasant conversation," he began to say, "with Senator Platt and Mr. Odell-"

An impatient voice interrupted him. "Will you accept the nomination for Governor?"

"Of course I will! What do you think I am here for?"64

THUS DID R ROOSEVELT proclaim himself both a gubernatorial candidate and an orthodox Republican willing to compromise with, if not actually obey, the Easy Boss. He denied that he had been asked to withdraw from the non-partisan ticket, and the Independents bravely insisted he was still their man, but few doubted that John Jay Chapman would soon receive a "Dear Jack" letter. Sure enough, Roosevelt waited only until the mails reopened on Monday morning. proclaim himself both a gubernatorial candidate and an orthodox Republican willing to compromise with, if not actually obey, the Easy Boss. He denied that he had been asked to withdraw from the non-partisan ticket, and the Independents bravely insisted he was still their man, but few doubted that John Jay Chapman would soon receive a "Dear Jack" letter. Sure enough, Roosevelt waited only until the mails reopened on Monday morning.

I do not see how I can accept the Independent nomination and keep good faith with the other men on my ticket. It has been a thing that has worried me greatly; not because of its result on the election; but because it seems so difficult for men whom I very heartily respect as I do you, to see the impossible position in which they are putting me.65 Chapman simply refused to believe that the hero of San Juan Hill could write anything so petulant as the last words of this letter. "I know that you are the least astute of men," he shot back. "...I am satisfied, however, that you misapprehend the situation and that you never will decline."66 On 22 September, Roosevelt sat down to write an icily formal reply. "Dear Mr. Chapman...It seems to me that I would not be acting in good faith toward my fellow candidates if I permitted my name to head a ticket designed for their overthrow, a ticket moreover which cannot be put up because of objections to the fitness of character of any candidates, inasmuch as no candidates have yet been nominated."67 Was it lingering wistfulness for his own youthful idealism, mingled perhaps with sympathy for the non-partisan workers frantically canvassing upstate in his behalf, that caused him to pigeonhole this letter for three days?68 Or did he withhold it because he wished to take on as many Independent voters as possible before nudging Chapman overboard? Lack of documentation makes a definite answer impossible. Unpleasant as the latter alternative may be, it is by far the more likely. Wistfulness and sympathy were not characteristics of Roosevelt the politician; a fierce hunger for power was. Clearly, every day he could Or did he withhold it because he wished to take on as many Independent voters as possible before nudging Chapman overboard? Lack of documentation makes a definite answer impossible. Unpleasant as the latter alternative may be, it is by far the more likely. Wistfulness and sympathy were not characteristics of Roosevelt the politician; a fierce hunger for power was. Clearly, every day he could seem seem to cling to both nominations increased his potential strength at the convention and in the election; the longer he kept Chapman guessing, the less chance the Independents had of finding an adequate replacement. to cling to both nominations increased his potential strength at the convention and in the election; the longer he kept Chapman guessing, the less chance the Independents had of finding an adequate replacement.69 Whatever his motive, he patiently suffered the abuse of Chapman, Klein, and other desperate Independents. They called him a "broken-backed half-good man," a "dough-face," and-publicly, when he remained obdurate-the puppet of Senator Platt and "standard-bearer of corruption" in New York State. During one meeting, he allegedly "cried like a baby" and "could hardly walk when he left."70 Chapman's final argument with Roosevelt, at Sagamore Hill on the afternoon of 24 September, was so violent that the Colonel accused his one-armed aggressor of provoking "an able-bodied man who could not hit back." Chapman stormed out of the house, but returned sheepishly half an hour later to say that the last train for New York had already left Oyster Bay Station. Roosevelt, amused, let him stay for the night and supplied a conciliatory toothbrush. "We shook hands the next morning at parting," wrote Chapman, "and avoided each other for twenty years."71

NO SOONER HAD R ROOSEVELT decided that he was strong enough to run for Governor on one ticket, than a sensational private revelation threatened to destroy his candidacy overnight. On 24 September headlines in all major newspapers shouted the story: decided that he was strong enough to run for Governor on one ticket, than a sensational private revelation threatened to destroy his candidacy overnight. On 24 September headlines in all major newspapers shouted the story: ROOSEVELT NOT A CITIZEN OF THIS STATEThis Is the Bomb That Gov. Black and His FriendsAre Ready to Throw Into the SaratogaConvention72 The gunpowder in Black's bomb was an affidavit Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt had executed just six months before, at the height of his tax problems and worries about his ailing family. It stated that he had been a legal resident of Washington, D.C., since 1 October 1897, when his lease of a Manhattan town house (actually Bamie's place at 689 Madison Avenue) came to an end. This had effectively disqualified him as a New York State taxpayer, saving him from a personalty assessment of $50,000. But it also appeared to disqualify him from the governorship of New York, since the constitution required that all candidates must be "continuous" residents of the state for at least five years prior to nomination.73 With only three days to go before the opening of the convention, Boss Platt and Chairman Odell swung into rapid, ruthless action. The party's most eminent lawyers, including Joseph H. Choate and Elihu Root, were called in to analyze the problem. Roosevelt was ordered to stay at home and say nothing to reporters.74 The more Choate and Root looked into the case the less they liked it. Not only had Roosevelt declared himself a Washingtonian to escape taxes in New York, he had previously declared himself a New Yorker to escape taxes at Oyster Bay.75 Cynics might justifiably wonder if the Colonel had since established a residence in Santiago, in order to avoid paying any taxes anywhere. Cynics might justifiably wonder if the Colonel had since established a residence in Santiago, in order to avoid paying any taxes anywhere.

Choate, perhaps recollecting Roosevelt's disloyalty during his Senatorial bid in 1896, refused to "put himself on record" as to the candidate's fitness for office.76 Root, too, was "extremely anxious and dubious" about the evidence, until Chairman Odell reminded him that Roosevelt, if elected, would almost certainly bring in a Republican Attorney General on his coattails. There would then be no risk of proceedings Root, too, was "extremely anxious and dubious" about the evidence, until Chairman Odell reminded him that Roosevelt, if elected, would almost certainly bring in a Republican Attorney General on his coattails. There would then be no risk of proceedings in quo warranto in quo warranto, and Roosevelt's defense, however flimsy, would stand inviolate.77 This was the sort of reasoning that Senator Platt understood. He said that it was the best legal opinion he had heard so far.78 Roosevelt's nomination would go forward as planned. Root must research, and if necessary invent, enough scholarly argument to reassure the Saratoga Convention that they were in fact voting for a citizen of New York State. Meanwhile he, Platt, would see to it that Root got a delegate's seat, and be recognized as a speaker in advance of the first roll call. Roosevelt's nomination would go forward as planned. Root must research, and if necessary invent, enough scholarly argument to reassure the Saratoga Convention that they were in fact voting for a citizen of New York State. Meanwhile he, Platt, would see to it that Root got a delegate's seat, and be recognized as a speaker in advance of the first roll call.79 Root philosophically set to work on Roosevelt's affidavits and covering correspondence. Analysis of the latter showed that the candidate was more sinned against than sinning; he had received foolish advice from family lawyers and accountants, despite repeated pleas to them to protect his voting rights. But the cold evidence was embarrassing. Roosevelt had definitely declared himself a resident of another state during the required period of eligibility. Root decided to prepare a brief on varying interpretations of the word resident resident, mixing many "dry details" with sympathetic extracts from Roosevelt's letters, plus a lot of patriotic "ballyhoo" calculated both to obfuscate and inspire.80 According to at least two accounts, Roosevelt was nevertheless so depressed about the tax scandal that he went to Platt and suggested that he withdraw his candidacy. "Is the hero of San Juan Hill a coward?" sneered the old man.

"By Gad! I'll run."81

ROOSEVELT SPENT S SUNDAY, 25 September, relaxing with his family at Oyster Bay, and let it be known that he intended to stay at home through the convention. He was too tired to write more than a few lines to Henry Cabot Lodge: "I have, literally, hardly been able to eat or sleep during the last week, because of the pressure on me." September, relaxing with his family at Oyster Bay, and let it be known that he intended to stay at home through the convention. He was too tired to write more than a few lines to Henry Cabot Lodge: "I have, literally, hardly been able to eat or sleep during the last week, because of the pressure on me."82 Conscious of his dignity as a candidate by request, he made no attempt to establish telephone or telegraph connections with the village. He lounged casually in a white flannel suit, napped after lunch, and went for a twilight stroll with Edith. Shortly after sunset the couple changed into evening dress and dined with their children. Then they adjourned to the library, where a fire was crackling, and sat waiting for the first news to come up the hill.83

AT 8:30 A MESSENGER BOY arrived on a bicycle and handed Roosevelt a telegram. It was signed by his personal representative at Saratoga. arrived on a bicycle and handed Roosevelt a telegram. It was signed by his personal representative at Saratoga.

READING BY ROOT OF TAX CORRESPONDENCE PRODUCED PROFOUND SENSATION AND WILD ENTHUSIASM. C. H. T. COLLIS.