THEODORE ROOSEVELT. A SMALL COLLECTION OF MATERIAL FROM ROOSEVELT'S ROUGH RIDER DAYS, CIRCA 1898

Lot includes: Two pages (8 1/2 x 11 in.; 215 x 279 mm) endorsement signed ("T. Roosevelt | Col. 1st U. S. V."), as colonel of the Rough Riders, on verso of an Army Discharge Certificate for Albert S. Johnson, Camp Wikoff, Long Island, 15 September 1898, partially printed form, engraving of American eagle at top. "Did not serve under me personally;" Roosevelt notes on the verso, but Johnson "is reported to me as a good and loyal officer." — One page (4 1/4 x 3 1/2 in.; 90 x 112 mm) autograph endorsement signed ("T. Roosevelt"), as Colonel of the Rough Riders, Camp Wikoff, Long Island, 7 September 1898, pinned to verso of Albert S. Johnson's 5 September 1898 application for 60-days leave. It would seem that Roosevelt passes along Johnson's request, noting: "Respectfully forwarded. This officer did not serve in Cuba but remained in Florida with the Squadron left behind." Incidentally, Johnson's application was ultimately denied, as his regiment was about to be disbanded and taken out of service. — Black and white photograph (4 x 3 in.; 102 x 76 mm), mounted on cabinet card, depicting Roosevelt in full uniform, [ca. 1898].  The present image shows Roosevelt standing outside a tent, documents in hand, with his campaign hat. [With]: Two cabinet card photos of Albert S. Johnson.

Christie's New York, 19 June 2007, lot 304 (undesignated consignor)

The Rough Riders was a nickname given to the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, which served in the Spanish–American War, and was the only regiment to see action. The regiment was also called "Wood's Weary Walkers" in honor of its commander, Colonel Leonard Wood. Colonel Wood's second in command was Theodore Roosevelt.  Material from Roosevelt's Rough Rider days is relatively rare.