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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to P.B. Brill, General Manager, Lake Torpedo Company

August 13th.1918.

My dear Mr.Brill,

          I have just received your letter of July 19th.1 enclosing a photograph and newspaper clipping showing the patriotic cooperation of your workers with the personnel of the Navy.

          This is exceedingly gratifying to a man over here who thinks and dreams in terms of the military weapons upon which he has to depend. If all of the workers in the United States could once completely understand that they are really fighting in this war, I am sure they would all spit on their hands and keep busy from whistle to whistle. Generally speaking, the success of our armies is going to depend upon two classes of vessels. One is the merchant vessel to bring over what the armies must have in order to succeed and the other are the anti-submarine craft to oppose the submarine and to make the passage of our troops and supplies reasonably safe.

          Very sincerely yours,

Vice-Admiral. U.S.Navy. 

Source Note: Cy, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Container 24. Addressed below close: “P.B.Brill Esq.,/General Manager,/The Lake Torpedo Company,/Bridgeport. Connecticut. U.S.A.”

Footnote 1: This letter has not been found.