Commodore George Dewey, Commander, Asiatic Station, to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long, 4/4/1898

Documentary Histories

Spanish-American War

Commodore George Dewey, Commander, Asiatic Station, to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long

Hongkong, April 4, 1898.

Secretary of the Navy, Washington:

I have chartered the British steamer Nanshan, having over 3,000 tons of coal now on board. Before the outbreak of hostilities can and would purchase this steamer. I request the earliest information in order to conclude arrangements. Can not be made after the outbreak of hostilities.1

Dewey.

Source Note Print: Report of the Bureau of Navigation, 1898, p. 66.

Footnote 1: Long previously requested that Dewey purchase coal and an escort steamer to carry coal and provisions. See: Long to Dewey, April 4, 1898.