Senator William Eaton Chandler to Secretary of the Navy John D. Long
Private
& Personal
SENATE CHAMBER
WASHINGTON,
March 10/98
My dear Mr. Secretary
Should’nt our Asiatic Squadron be strengthened by adding a battle-ship, if the squadron is to remain there? With a battle-ship it could take Manila, without it, it can do little and might as well come home.1 But I should not favor its return. Our Pacific coast has’nt many harbors like the Atlantic; and besides, A Spanish fleet is not likely to appear there[.] Therefore I hope you will send over a battle-ship, which will stop en route at Hawaii It is a long journey and ought to begin at once. Excuse me for writing to you[.] I am unable to reach the Department this morning to see you. I congratulate you upon the creditable action of the Department so far Thank God Cuba is to be free; and we are to take at least a little part therein. The birth of a new American Republic is a great effort my friend, although its beginning may be feeble!
Sincerely Your friend
W=E Chandler
Source Note: ALS, MHi, Papers of John D. Long, Box 39. Addressed below close: “Hon John D. Long/Secretary.”
Footnote 1: The only battleship that might have been added to the Asiatic Squadron at this time was Oregon at San Francisco. Instead of being sent to join the Asiatic Squadron, Oregon was ordered to steam around South America and join the North Atlantic Fleet. See: Long to Capt. Alexander McCormick, 12 March 1898.
