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Summary: Theodore Roosevelt, the former New York City Police Commissioner, congratulates John McCullagh on becoming the first Chief of Police of the newly consolidated Greater New York. Roosevelt tells McCullagh that: “The Chief of Police of Greater New York is the foremost police officer in the entire world, and he is one of the six or eight most important men in New York itself. You have reached the pinnacle. Your place is assured. You will leave a name and great reputation to your children.” Theodore Roosevelt. Typed Letter Signed to [New York Police] Chief John McCullagh, January 10, 1898. 2 pp. Inventory# 21457 $9,500 Historical Background: Roosevelt warns the new chief that this power comes with many opportunities for corruption. “All kinds of chances to go crooked without much risk of detection will offer themselves…But I do want you to realize most seriously that you must not ever make the least slip, for if you make even a small one it will give men a hold upon you." When Roosevelt became commissioner in 1895, he sought to reinvent the NYPD. He had inherited a force weakened by widespread Tammany Hall corruption. Favors and extortion had become hallmarks of the force under McCullagh’s predecessors, Thomas Brynes and Peter Conlin. Roosevelt had them both removed. Here, he warns McCullagh of following their examples. “Both Byrnes and Conlin had very great chances before them, but they could not stand the strain; only a man of indomitable will, of great power, and a resolute purpose for integrity, can. I am very sure you are such a man, and I confidently look forward to the event proving my belief to be right, and that every man of us will be able to be proud of you and proud of the officers under you.”
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