Naval History and Heritage Command

The text is reproduced here exactly as in the original, following the original spelling of words and place names. Words inserted for clarity are in brackets.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, November 15, 1898.

The PRESIDENT.

Sir: Since my last annual report the Navy has, for the first time since its rehabilitation, been put to the supreme test of war. Years of patient, persistent training and development had brought it to a point of high efficiency, which resulted in the unparalleled victories at Manila and Santiago--victories which have given the names of our naval commanders world-wide fame, and added an additional page to the glorious naval history of our country.

It is not possible in the space of an annual report to state in detail the operations of the Navy in the recent war, or do justice to the conspicuous gallantry of its officers and men. Only a brief summary of the appendices which accompany this report can be given.

[John D. Long]

[END]