Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain Joel R. Poinsett Pringle, Chief of Staff, Destroyer Flotillas, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

U.S.Naval Forces Operating in European Waters,

Destroyer Flotillas,

U.S.S.Melville, Flagship.

Base Six      

6 September 1918.  

My dear Admiral:

     The Admiral1 returned from his leave very much the better for it, and plunged into business with renewed vigor. You are, of course, aware of the steps he took looking towards the establishment of an Officer’s Club on shore here, and from what he has told me, I take it that there is no doubt but that he will succeed in putting the matter through. I have heard nothing of any further steps in the matter.

     He has been considerably disturbed over certain stories and rumors which you discussed with him while you were in London.

     He has arranged for a motor car to meet Admiral Mayo2 at Berehaven upon his arrival, and will send the Admiral a note inviting him to make a visit to Admiralty House, but of course he does not know whether the Admiral will accept or not. In case Admiral Mayo does come down, we are prepared to open up the Base for his inspection and to give him a performance at the Men’s Club. I hope he will stop in as I think his visit will have a good effect upon the personnel.

     The sub chaser business is I think progressing entirely favorably and I have no doubt that we will succeed in establishing the service upon a sound basis and entirely along the lines which you desire. The principal difficulty to be solved lies in the administrative facilities which are required by Hepburn3 and his assistants, and this I believe we will overcome quite successfully by installing them in one floor of the Training Barracks building. I am very glad that these chasers have been sent here as I am sure that Admiral Bayly and Hepburn, in conjunction, will be able to work them to the maximum degree of efficiency, and we should certainly get the best results possible from the ships.

     I was very sorry to hear that Twining4 would be unable to come down, and I hope we shall see you down here before very long, as the Admiral tells me that you have promised to come as soon as you can.

Very sincerely yours,        

/s/ J.R.Poinsett Pringle.