Rear Admiral William A. Kirkland, Commandant, Mare Island Navy Yard, to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long
May 1898
Dated Mare Island Cal 16
To Secy Navy Washn DC
Relative Charleston sailing- Ammunition not ready, Eight inch powder arrive Sunday morning five oclock, commenced filled charges eight oclock Sunday morning have been working night & day will commence loading ammunition today finish her tomorrow probably ready to sail early Wednesday morning1
Kirkland, Comdt
Source Note: C, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 320. Cable was handwritten on “THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY,” stationary and includes information entered by the telegrapher.
Footnote 1: The protected cruiser Charleston did not leave to join Dewey’s squadron until 21 May 1898. See, Kirkland to Long, 21 May 1898, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 320.
