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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain Colby M. Chester, Commander, South Atlantic Station, to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long

U.S.S.CINCINNATI, 2nd. Rate,  

Key West, Fla. March 28, 1898.

SIR:-

  1.  I have the honor to report the movements of the vessels of the South Atlantic Station, under my command, since the date of my #100, of March 22nd. reporting the arrival of the Squadron at Port Antonio, Jamaica.

  2.  As soon as practicable after our arrival at Port Antonio, the ships were coaled and the CASTINE was despatched to continue the search for the U.S.S.ANNAPOLIS, between Jamaica and Hayti,1 in accordance with the Department’s instructions in cipher despatch of the 16th. inst. The same day (the 23rd. inst.), the Department’s instructions to proceed with the Squadron to Key West, was received.2 This ship and the WILMINGTON left within three hours from the time of its receipt, and a course was taken to intercept the CASTINE.

  3.  The Squadron was reassembled off Cape Nicolas Mole, Hayti, ay 2.00 P.M. the following day, and from this point the best speed possible for the ships was maintained until arrival at Key West at 6.00 P.M. on the 26th. inst.

  4.  I have reported to the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S.Naval Force on the North Atlantic Station.3

Very respectfully,     

          C.M.Chester       

Captain, U.S.Navy,

Commanding.

Source Note: TLS, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 227. Addressed below close: “The Secretary of the Navy,/Washington, D.C.” Document reference No.: “#106.” Docketed on front page: “U.S.S. CINCINNATI,/(2ND RATE.)/Key West/Fla./Mch 28,1898/CHESTER, C. M.,/Captain U.S. Navy,/Commander-in-Chief,/Comdg. U.S. Naval Forces/on South Atlantic Station./SUBJECT:/Further report on/South Atlantic Squad.” Rectangular Stamp: “BUREAU OF NAVIGATION/APR 2/1898/NAVY DEPARTMENT.” Docketed on second page: “U.S. FLAGSHIP NEW YORK,/Key West, Fla/Mch 29 98/RESPECTFULLY FORWARDED,/WS Sampson/Captain REAR ADMIRAL,/COMMANDER IN CHIEF US NAVAL FORCE,/NORTH ATLANTIC STATION.”

Footnote 1: Haiti.

Footnote 2: Key West was the primary base of operations for the United States Navy in the Caribbean.

Footnote 3: Commo. William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Station.

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