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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy John D. Long to the Partners at Aaron J. Welds Sons

May 21st, 1898.        

S I R S :

     The impracticability of communicating with Admiral Dewey1 by telegraph and the length of time it takes to communicate with him by letter, makes it necessary for the Department to leave all matters of detail, concerning the management of affairs in the PhillippineIslands entirely to his discretion. The Department has no doubt that he will take the best action practicable in this matter.

Very respectfully,          

 

Secretary.   

Source Note: Cy, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 363. Addressed below close: “Aaron J. Welds Sons,/Boston, Mass./FSH” The three letters after the slash are probably the typist’s initials. Document reference: “113101.”

Footnote 1: RAdm. George Dewey’s squadron was in Manila, however, the closest telegraph line was located in Hong Kong. Dewey used McCulloch to carry messages that were sent via that line.

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