The Rough Riders · Chapter
Appendix F: Farewell Speeches at Montauk Point explained
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt delivers two farewell addresses to the Rough Riders at Montauk Point in September 1898.
What happens
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt delivers two farewell addresses to the Rough Riders at Montauk Point in September 1898. He emphasizes the deep bonds forged through shared hardship and combat, urges the men to carry their sense of duty into peacetime, warns against resting on past glory, and accepts an equestrian bronze with gratitude. He praises the regiment as a typical American unit composed of cowpunchers and men from every state and background, and pays tribute to fallen comrades Capron, O'Neill, and Fish, as well as the regular cavalry including the colored troopers.
Themes in this chapter
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
Roosevelt repeatedly emphasizes the deep ties between officers and men, shared hardships, and the bond that will last beyond the war.
American Exceptionalism
Roosevelt describes the regiment as a 'typical American regiment' composed of men from every state and background, embodying the American spirit.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Roosevelt honors those who died in Cuba and in hospitals, and recalls sharing hardtack and blankets with his men during the campaign.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Delivers two farewell speeches to the Rough Riders, expressing deep personal bonds, pride in the regiment, and gratitude for the equestrian bronze gift.
- Allyn Capron
Mentioned by Roosevelt as one of the men who died in the pride of youthful strength, along with O'Neill and Fish.
- Bucky O'Neill
Mentioned by Roosevelt as one of the fallen comrades who died in the pride of youthful strength.
- Hamilton Fish
Mentioned by Roosevelt as one of the men who died in the pride of youthful strength, along with Capron and O'Neill.
- Frederic Remington
Sculptor of the equestrian bronze presented to Roosevelt; Roosevelt notes the gift's appropriateness.
- Trooper Murphy
Quoted by Roosevelt as saying 'my men were nearest my heart,' prompting Roosevelt's affectionate response.
Key passages
“I feel, and I know you all feel, that we are knit together by ties that can only be severed by death.”
Roosevelt says the bonds among the regiment are so strong that only death can break them.
Opening of the first speech, emphasizing lifelong camaraderie.
“For just about ten days you will be overpraised, over-petted; then you will find that the hero-business is over for good and all; and if you try to trade any longer on what you have done in Cuba, you will merely excite the laughter of derision.”
Roosevelt warns the men not to rely on their wartime glory, as public adulation will quickly fade and they must prove themselves in peacetime.
Advice to avoid resting on past achievements.
“The latter the Spaniards called 'smoked Yankees,' but we found them to be an excellent breed of Yankee.”
Roosevelt praises the African American cavalry troopers, noting that the Spanish derogatorily called them 'smoked Yankees,' but the Rough Riders found them to be excellent soldiers.
Acknowledgment of the colored troopers' service and bravery.