Teddy Roosevelt: Feeling feverish. Probably just the heat. (May 2, 1909 at 1:37 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Laying down for just a moment to regain my strength. (May 2, 1909 at 6:12 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Annnnd I vomited. (May 2, 1909 at 6:15 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
HIST300A: Roosevelt Invents the Big Game Safari
Teddy Roosevelt: After three days on safari, have yet to take quinine--real American men should go into the tropics without any anti-malarial protection. I firmly believe a sound immune system is the sign of sound physical rigor and moral character. (May 1, 1909 at 7:43 a.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Feeling feverish. Probably just the heat. (May 2, 1909 at 1:37 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Laying down for just a moment to regain my strength. (May 2, 1909 at 6:12 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Annnnd I vomited. (May 2, 1909 at 6:15 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Feeling feverish. Probably just the heat. (May 2, 1909 at 1:37 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Laying down for just a moment to regain my strength. (May 2, 1909 at 6:12 p.m.)
Teddy Roosevelt: Annnnd I vomited. (May 2, 1909 at 6:15 p.m.)
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Teddy Roosevelt:
ReplyDeleteDear America,
If you thought the savage Indians were bad, just wait until you come to Africa. The tribes here are PURE SAVAGE. Yeah, they're totally legit. Next time you think someone is savage, think again.
Sincerely,
Teddy
(Page 2)
Teddy Roosevelt: Just shot Simba and Nala...oops. But, no worries, Scar is a wonderful singer and does excellent musical numbers with hyenas.
(Page 71)
Teddy Roosevelt: Spent the day hunting wildebeests. They seem like bison, and there aren't any more in the US for me to hunt. I shot all of our kill, not to brag. (May 1, 1909 at 5:15pm)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: Cutting up the beasts for dinner, we noticed they were absolutely covered in ticks, flies, and maggots. Their lives are pretty awful. Not only do they have to live in Africa, but they're constantly covered in parasites. (May 1, 1909 at 6:50pm)
Teddy Roosevelt: Bringing back the hides for the National Museum. Hoping they don't smell too bad by the time we get back to America. Not very optimistic however. (May 4, 1909 at 10:25am)
(pgs 26-29)
well today sucked....my zebra-pony ran off while I tried to finish a kill....which also managed to run away... Let me just say if you can't deal with being stranded like that, you are not fit for the outdoors.
ReplyDeletechin-up though! builds character!
(May 2,1909)
Ehhh.. who needs wildebeests when you can get a rhino? Only took me 9 bullets and true "Man" heart to take him down- May 3,1909
177-178
Teddy Roosevelt: "At the dinner at the Mombasa Club I met one of the actors in a blodd-curdling tragedy which Colonel Patterson relates." (May 2, 1909 at 12:35 p.m.) Page 10.
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: "Game is as objectionable as any other form of wanton cruelty or barbarity." (May 3, 1909 at 10:30 a.m.) Page 13.
Teddy Roosevelt: "And as the beautiful creatures fled we saw now one and now another bound clear high over the bushes" (May 4, 1909 at 1:33 p.m.) page 16.
Teddy Roosevelt: These Germans really know how to sail in style. (Page 4)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: That will teach those silly Giraffes to play on the train tracks at night! (Page 14)
Teddy Roosevelt: I'm glad to see that those lions finally got what was coming to them.
(Page 80)
Teddy Roosevelt: I am realizing that the Zebra's coloration is not for protective purposes. In fact, the animal probably never in its life hides from its foes. (Page 45)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: I have been working on my walking and running shooting and it seems to be paying off. Seeing as though I killed 2 animals walking, and 5 running. I'm sure you can imagine what a graceful sight those were. (Page 170)
Teddy Roosevelt: Met some of my bros at the Mombasa Club--totally diggin' the food. Can anyone say beach week in the Hinterlands?
ReplyDelete(Page 7)
Teddy Roosevelt: UGH. Telegraph lines were down ALL. NIGHT. Stupid giraffes. I couldn't send telegrams for like, 3 WHOLE hours...guess I know what animal is first on my hunting list now...
(Page 14)
Teddy Roosevelt: DUDE. Camping in the SAME spot where a bunch different people ended up as lion food. Sure wish I had more than a tent flap between me and Mufasa...
(Page 65)
Teddy "Hunter Extraordinaire" Roosevelt: The Africans sure are primitive, hunting with their spears and all. They hardly wear any clothes! It’s a good thing white men are here working to civilize the continent so that I can come here more often and kill stuff. Boy, the scenery sure is beautiful. I was just telling everyone to make sure they appreciated it. Kermit and I are going hunting later. I respect a man who’s a good hunter, especially in these parts. (April 21, 1909 at 4:03pm)
ReplyDelete(Pages 3, 5-7)
"Distances are deceptive on the bare plains under the African sunlight" (pg.26)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: May 5th, 1909 at 5:15 p.m.
"I just saw what appeared to be that fine looking gentleman by the name of Grant, I think I shall stalk him ....... I want that ass!"
(pg.26)
Teddy Roosevelt: May 5th, 1909 at 5:45 p.m.
"NOT GRANT!"
-Roosevelt’s description of his arrival in Africa is interesting. It is evident that there are a lot of foreigners in Africa with various goals from vacationing to trading to missionary work. Roosevelt admires the “first-class” English and German men who are both in Africa competing for resources in what he describes as a “friendly rivalry.” He hopes that their relations will grow and become steadily better “not only in East Africa, but everywhere else-” does this follow along with the idea that we discussed in class, that new ideals from abroad should return to the states? What does Roosevelt mean by the statement? (p5)
ReplyDelete-Roosevelt obviously embraces this ideal of “tropicality.” In the foreword, he dives into the fantastical images he has of Africa. He withholds the idea of a dark and mysterious wilderness referring to the “terrible lords of the wilderness” and “death broods in the dark and silent depths.” Challenging these dangers seems to be one of the appeals for this tourist hunting. To hunt large and dangerous predators in the Africa, and to be successful in doing so, is seen as valorous.
-His description of the natives shows his lack of understanding for their culture. He has divided them by appearance and task, and describes the hunters as “creatures not much wilder or lower than themselves.” –Which is ironic because the way he describes his own hunting as brave and mighty.
-On pg 7, what do you think Roosevelt means by the “unofficial and official worlds”?
-Roosevelt’s perspective on Africans and African Americans is very interesting. He compares the indigenous people in Africa to the African Americans in the United States. However, the only basis for the comparison is the color of their skin- calling the African indigenous less superior because they were only “lightly touched by white influence.” – I think this description is important in understanding the mindset of probably most Americans traveling to Africa at the time- and the comparison was most likely applied to African animals and plants that were different and unusual/misunderstood.
-In my opinion, Roosevelt’s ideas for sanctuaries seems selfish to me. He wants a place where nature can be preserved and gaming can happen- just like Maine! He says, “Game butchery is as objectionable as any other form of wanton cruelty or barbarity; but to protest against all hunting is a sign of softness of head, not soundness of heart.” – I assume that “man fond of sport” to Roosevelt means upper class men- this notion of sanctuaries for gaming seems socially exclusive and an excuse for white man sport hunting in Africa- also imposing American ideas in Africa- the natural sanctuary.
-We see the effects of the railroad in Africa. Roosevelt describes incidents where the trains have run into large animals like giraffes, elephants, and rhino, killing them. This is similar to the plight of the buffalo in the west. While inside the trains are comfortable and completely removed from the environment they are traveling through- ironic.
-On 58 and 59, we see how Roosevelt (and probably most Americans and Europeans) classified African wildlife. The prime animals for hunting were the elephants, rhino, leopard and lion. Crocodiles, snakes, hippos, and hyenas are labeled as pests. How do these labels relate to the classification of wildlife in the United States—like the wolf and the buffalo?
-The appeal of gaming seems to be this idea of power, of conquering wild barbaric animals in this dangerous, mysterious land. This is evident on page 69 where Roosevelt says, “Everywhere thought the country we were crossing were signs that the lion was load and this his reign was cruel.” The lion is seen as a cruel lord. What do you think this power struggle aspect of gaming means to these white hunters?
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt says: “Seriously ready to get off this train and conquer some lions. As I sit here sipping my delectable African coffee, I see signs of the cruel lion lord all over the land- adrenaline rush!!! Anyways, look for a new prof. pic later tonight of me with my newly conquered lion beast- will be making sure Kermit brings his camera!” (pg69-70)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: is encouraged by Great Britain’s imposition of civilization upon these barbarian people in East Africa. (2)
ReplyDeleteTR: One of my hunting companions just got his face ripped off by a hyena! (60)
TR: Spots the African porters carrying a dead lion, while engaging in a very strange, traditional ritual. (80-81)
Roosevelt says: "See you in awhile Crocodile!"
ReplyDeleteRoosevelt says: "Out hunting or being hunted? To be determined."
Roosevelt says: "The hunter who follows any of these animals always does so at a certain risk to life or limb; a risk which it is his business to minimize by coolness, caution, good judgement, and straight shooting." (pg, 58)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt says: I feel like a woman carrying all of these bags on the safari. The things I do in the name of science!
ReplyDeletePage 17
Teddy Roosevelt says: Hide your lionesses Teddy's heading out on the prowl. I'm dressed to kill and I'm packin' heat! I don't think Africa is ready for me!
Teddy Roosevelt says: I would like to see one of those cowardly hyenas try and attack me! I would take care of it Major Coryndon style.
Page 60
Roosevelt says: We should advocate for game protection, but let me kill two of each first
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: Today I am sailing from New York to Africa in charge of a scientific expedition to collect birds, mammals, reptiles and plants, and some big game! March 23, 1909
ReplyDeleteTR says: Today was a good day, spent it alone with just my horse and gun (pg 57).
TR says: Those stupid vegetarians who think all shooting is apparently wrong (pg 11).
Teddy Roosevelt: so glad I brought my favorite gun with me, the Fox No. 12 shotgun. Its never let me down once (23)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: I can't believe Selous has killed around 400 animals in Africa! What an inspiration! (63)
Teddy Roosevelt:
ReplyDeleteTsamina mina zangalewa
'Cause this is Africa.
Teddy Roosevelt: A hot shower is a tropical necessity, however this morning mine was cold. fml. (pg. 19)
Teddy Roosevelt: living with Ali and Simba...maybe I should change my name to Walt. (pg. 20)
Teddy Roosevelt: Forgot my lucky rabbits foot today. Shucks. At least I remembered my waterproof matchbox, compass, course, and knife (pg. 25)
Teddy Roosevelt: Saises picked 300 ticks today...new record. (pg. 25)
Teddy Roosevelt: All these animals are named about their discoverers, Tommies and Grant's...hopefully we will find a Roosevelt. They will call it Roo... (pg. 26)
Teddy Roosevelt: Stalking was hard today. There was not sufficent bush cover. (pg. 26)
Teddy Roosevelt: Hyenas are on a rampage due to an increase of sleeping sickness. One attacked Major Coryndon last night. I plan on sleeping with my rifle. (pg. 60-61)
Teddy Roosevelt: Poll of the day: what is the most dangerous foe? Comment! (pg. 64)
Teddy Roosevelt: Shipping out to Europe.
Teddy Roosevelt: Wish I hadn't worn these damn heavy shoes with the hobnail/rubber soles, I tripped over a log today while stalking a Gazelle and my face fell right into a huge pile of Elephant excrement.(22)
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: Today while hunting, a lion snuck up on us and almost got Kermit. I was scared to death, but I am glad for the Khaki trousers, because they prevented anyone else from seeing that I had soiled myself.(22)
Teddy Roosevelt: The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. Nice kill @Kermit! #wildebeest #28
ReplyDeleteTeddy Roosevelt: met an admirable Africander today, a true frontiersman by our terms. We got friends out here guys! @progressives #roughriders #68
Teddy Roosevelt: I know that I am not ranked as a great hunter or a trained observer of dangerous game,...yet on the whole it seems to me that the weight of opinion among those best fitted to judge is that the lion is the most formidable opponent of the hunter, under ordinary conditions. This is my own view. But we must ever keep in mind the fact that the surrounding conditions, geographical locality, and wide individual variation of temper within the ranks of each species, must all be taken into account.(64)
ReplyDeleteLet me elaborate by sharing part of an all day lion hunt. It was late in the day long after lunch when Sir Alfred was not willing to call it a day and I followed him on horseback to another watercourse with a patch of tall thick brush and we shouted loudly. We immediately heard loud grunting and crashing through the brush. We were off our horses in an instant, I sprang to one side; and for a second or two we waited, uncertain whether we should see the lions charging out ten yards distant or running away. Fortunately, they adopted the latter course. Thirty yards off, there appeared, from behind the bushes a big maneless lion. Crack! the Winchester Spole; and as the soft-nosed bullet ploughed forward through his flank the lion swerved so the I missed him with the second shot; but my third bullet went through the spine and forward into his chest. Down he came, sixty yards off, but we were uncertain if it was merely grazed, his charge might have done mischief. So Kermit, Sir Alfred and I fired, almost together, into his chest. His head sank and he died.(73)
May 10, 1909 4:40 p.m.
Theodore Roosevelt: I think it needs to be stated once and for all which animal of the African Game trails is the most dangerous. In my opinion, Selous who is an expert hunter having killed hundreds of animals is correct, that the lion is the most dangerous brute, the buffalo and elephant are equally formidable opponents while the lazy rhino is easy game. (April 16, 1909 at 7:03pm)
ReplyDeleteKermit Roosevelt: I have to disagree with your opinion their dad. Drummond was right when he wrote that the rhino is the big game to watch out for. (April 16, 1909 at 8:15 pm)
Governor Jackson (Theodore Roosevelt like you comment): You guys are both wrong! The elephant is the biggest menace of them all. The rhino compared to the elephant is just a daisy in the wind. (April 18, 1909 at 10:45 a.m.)
Theodore Roosevelt: I at least agree with you about the rhino being less of a threat, Governor Jackson. I think the hunting of the rhino is for amateur hunters such as my son. (April 18, 1909 at 11:30 a.m.)
Kermit Roosevelt: ouch…:( (April 18, 1909 at 2:45 a.m.) (pg. 63)