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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet, to Major General William R. Shafter

U. S. Flagship New York, 1st Rate,

Off Santiago de Cuba,  

July 18th, 1898.

Sir:-

     Referring to your dispatch of the 17th instant,1 just received, ships can now enter the harbor keeping to the westward of the wreck of the Merrimac.2 All the observation mines that can be exploded have been destroyed, four remaining ones, which will offer no danger, and four contact mines on the eastern side of the Merrimac will be removed during the day.

                        Very respectfully,

                             W.T. Sampson

                             Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy,

                        Commander-in-Chief,U.S.Naval Force,

                             North Atlantic Station.

Source Note: CbCyS, DNA, RG 313, Entry 32, vol. 7, p. 453. Addressed below close: “Major General Shafter,/Comdg. 5th Army Corps.”

Footnote 1: See: Shafter to Sampson, 17 July 1898.

Footnote 2: The Merrimac was intentionally sunk in Santiago de Cuba on 3, June 1898 in an attempt to block the harbor. See: Sampson to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long, 3 June 1898.

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