Assistant Secretary of the Navy Charles A. Allen to Commodore George C. Remey, Commander, Key West Naval Base
Washington, D. C, June 2, 1898
Naval Base, Key West, Fla
General Shafter1 wires Washington, War Department, June 1st, that he was progressing rapidly with loading transports and expects to be able to start Saturday morning.2 Some American troops to join from Mobile, making in all about 18000 or 20,000 men. He does not state the number of transports. Inform Captain Taylor,3 co-operate with army, adding such vessels to the convoy as you see fit.
signed Allen
Source Note: TCy, DNA, RG 313, Entry 51.
Footnote 1: Maj. Gen. William R. Shafter, commander, 5th Army Corps.
Footnote 2: The convoy did not actually depart until 14 June.
Footnote 3: Capt. Henry C. Taylor was the senior naval officer in command of the convoy escorts.
