An Autobiography · Chapter
Appendix A: A Manly Letter explained
The appendix recounts a sequel to the 'round robin' incident, where Secretary Alger published an extract from Roosevelt's private letter criticizing National Guard regiments.
What happens
The appendix recounts a sequel to the 'round robin' incident, where Secretary Alger published an extract from Roosevelt's private letter criticizing National Guard regiments. Alger later sent a gracious apology, which Roosevelt accepted, and they remained friends.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Vigor
Roosevelt's forthrightness in praising his troops and his willingness to accept a sincere apology reflect a vigorous, manly character.
Duty and Public Service
Roosevelt's focus on the regiment and brigade, and later his magnanimous relationship with Alger, underscore a commitment to service over personal grievance.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of the letter to Secretary Alger, recipient of the apology, and later President.
- Secretary Alger
Secretary of War who published Roosevelt's private letter extract and later sent a manly apology.
Key passages
“I thought this a manly letter, and paid no more heed to the incident; and when I was President, and General Alger was Senator from Michigan, he was my stanch friend and on most matters my supporter.”
Roosevelt considered Alger's apology honorable, dismissed the quarrel, and later enjoyed a friendly political alliance with him.
Demonstrates Roosevelt's capacity for forgiveness and political pragmatism.