Theodore Roosevelt typed letter signed, “T. Roosevelt,” one page on Navy Department stationery, dated May 3, 1898, addressed to Colonel John F. Doyle, Jr. Roosevelt writes, “My dear Colonel Doyle: I wish I could place you, but there isn’t a vacancy left in the regiment. We have a waiting list of hundreds. With great regret, sincerely yours, T. Roosevelt.” Written while serving as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, this letter directly references Roosevelt’s legendary “Rough Riders” regiment during the Spanish-American War. The reverse of the frame includes a copy of Doyle’s original application letter to Roosevelt, dated April 28, 1898, in which he writes of his eagerness to join: “I love the Colors, and my Country, beyond expression and sincerely promise that I’ll do my part with ‘the Roosevelt Rough Riders’ in maintaining the Honor and Dignity of old Glory.”Also included in the display is an engraved invitation from Governor and Mrs. Roosevelt, requesting the presence of Colonel and Mrs. Doyle at the Executive Mansion.
The letter measures 5.25" x 7", the invitation 3.25" x 5", and the overall framed presentation 12.5" x 14.5". Expected mailing folds and light toning to the letter; the invitation is in fine condition. The reverse retains Doyle’s 1898 application letter, showing scattered edge wear, paper loss, and small holes affecting portions of the text. A remarkable pairing linking Roosevelt’s famed Rough Rider recruitment efforts with his later role as Governor of New York.