A remarkable piece of American history, directly linked to a near-fatal assassination attempt on President Theodore Roosevelt, has been discovered by a presidential historian in Pennsylvania. The artefact is the first page of a thick speech manuscript, still bearing the impact of a bullet, which played a crucial role in saving Roosevelt's life during the 1912 attack.
Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was campaigning for a third term when he was shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The bullet, fired by John Schrank, struck Roosevelt in the chest. However, the folded, fifty-page speech manuscript, along with his spectacle case, in his breast pocket acted as a rudimentary form of body armour, significantly reducing the bullet's velocity and preventing a fatal injury.
Remarkably, despite being wounded, Roosevelt insisted on delivering his scheduled speech. He addressed the crowd for over an hour, famously stating, "It takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose," before finally seeking medical attention. This incident cemented his reputation for resilience and courage in the public imagination.
The newly uncovered page, reportedly signed by Roosevelt himself, offers a tangible link to this extraordinary moment in presidential history. Its preservation provides a unique insight into the events of that day and the sheer fortune that allowed Roosevelt to survive the attack.