Summary

When Roosevelt returned to America in June 1910, communications between him and Taft had stalled and the president was miffed that Roosevelt had never acknowledged the golden ruler Taft gave him before Roosevelt left office. Furthermore, Taft's correspondence by mail and telegram had not been returned. So Taft was wary of his friend's return because of their estrangement. At the same time, Roosevelt was peeved that his family have not been shown the proper respect by the White House. Taft decided to send Roosevelt a greeting and welcome home note before he sailed from Europe. He sent Archie Butt — a longtime friend of both men — to deliver the note to Roosevelt. When Butt caught up with the former president and delivered Taft's message, he also told Roosevelt that Nellie Taft had suffered a massive stroke and was not well which...