Commander William C. Gibson to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long
Steamer “CITY OF PEKING”,
San Francisco, Cal.
25th May 1898.
Sir:
1. The transports “CITY OF PEKING”, “CITY OF SYDNEY” and “AUSTRALIA” are ready for sea, and unless telegraphic orders are received detaining them, will sail for Honolulu at three p. m. to-day.
2. At the request of General Otis,1 United States Army, I have detailed Lieutenant-Commander Phelps2 and Lieutenant Holcombe3 as advisers and assistants in nautical matters, to the Commanding Officers of troops on board the “CITY OF SYDNEY” and “AUSTRALIA”, respectively.
3. It was found impossible to stow all Navy freight on board the “CITY OF PEKING”. The surplus has been stowed on the “CITY OF SYDNEY”. All Ordnance material is on board the “PEKING”.
Very respectfully,
W. C. Gibson
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Source Note: TLS, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 320. Addressed below close: “The Honorable/The Secretary of the Navy,/Navy Department,/Washington, D. C.”
Footnote 1: Gen. Elwell S. Otis.
Footnote 2: Lt. Cmdr. Thomas S. Phelps, Jr.
Footnote 3: Lt. John H.L. Holcombe.
