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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 Anne Hitchcock Sims

London, England         

May 6,1918         

My darling Nani:

          Yesterday I sent you a long letter in the pouch and some big envelopes with clippings etc1

     This morning I find that an officer is leaving for Liverpool and will be sent out on a tug to catch the steamer, so I am taking advantage of the opportunity to send you a line to give you a piece of good news.

     By the mail before last I wrote to Benson and told him that there were many rumors reaching me that Admiral Eberle, or some other admiral was to be sent out here to take command of the destroyers; that articles were appearing in the papers about it, etc. and that I would be glad if he could reassure me by cable; that such rumors added to the strain on me, etc2

     I have just received a reply this morning, which is as follows:

     “Nothing whatever in rumor referred to in your personal letter 16 April. Department perfectly satisfied with your administration of destroyers as well as all other forces”.3

     So, that is settled, at least for the present.

     I believe it also disposes of the Mayo incident.4

     I must close this at once, as the officer is leaving

     All my love to you and the five precious ones.

Your devoted       

Will          

     As this will be mailed in New York, it will doubtless reach you a day or so before the letters that are in the pouch.

Source Note: ALS, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Box 10.

Footnote 1: This letter has not been found.

Footnote 2: See: Sims to William S. Benson, 16 April 1918. RAdm. Edward W. Eberle was Superintendent of the Naval Academy.

Footnote 3: See: Benson to Sims, 6 May 1918.

Footnote 4: Sims previously received reports that Adm. Henry T. Mayo, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, claimed that he should be in European waters and in command of American forces there. See: Sims to William V. Pratt, 16 April 1918.

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