TR's 'speak softly, carry a big stick' letter for sale
PHILADELPHIA -- The typed letter in which Teddy Roosevelt first used the phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick" is for sale at $200,000.
It was written in 1900, and Roosevelt, then governor of New York, is pleased he convinced Republicans to reject a reappointment: "I have always been fond of the West African proverb: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.' If I had not carried the big stick ... I would not have had 10 votes. But I was entirely good natured, kept perfectly cool ..."
Less than two years later he was president. The letter comes from a dealer; a carbon copy is in the Library of Congress.
Read entire article at AP
It was written in 1900, and Roosevelt, then governor of New York, is pleased he convinced Republicans to reject a reappointment: "I have always been fond of the West African proverb: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.' If I had not carried the big stick ... I would not have had 10 votes. But I was entirely good natured, kept perfectly cool ..."
Less than two years later he was president. The letter comes from a dealer; a carbon copy is in the Library of Congress.