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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Rear Admiral Nathaniel R. Usher, Commandant, Third Naval District

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TRANSLATION         OPERATIONS

     4 September 1917

Commandant Third Naval District – K – 13005

Cipher (Div Comdr), President1 will board USS Mayflower in New York 9 am Saturday September 8th and will proceed in Lond Island Sound. Provide escort of two vessels to remain with USS Mayflower while in your district, Hold this information secret and confidential, Acknowledge,2 15004

Opnav,

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference number: “O-B-800.” Document labeled: “MDH.”

Footnote 1: President Woodrow Wilson.

Footnote 2: President Wilson made a secret trip to Long Island on the Presidential yacht Mayflower for a short vacation. While there he met repeatedly with his friend and confidant, Col. Edward M. House. During the visits Wilson discussed his cabinet and the state of the war. He even suggested replacing Secretary of State Robert Lansing, so that Lansing could be sent to Brazil to negotiate improved military co-operation. See, Wilson Papers, Vol. 44: 175-179.

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