Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy John Long to Ensign Henry H. Ward

 

  [Washington, D.C.], April 28, 1898.

Sir:-

     Proceed to Liverpool, England and go on board the Yacht Kethelles for a cruise in Atlantic waters and, if necessary, the eastern end of the Mediterranean, for the purpose of obtaining and reporting all information obtainable in regard to the strength, movements, and condition of the Spanish fleet.

     Another officer1 having been assigned more especially to duty of like nature along the coast of Europe, you will not delay your departure from that side for the West Indies, so long you learn that the strength of the Spanish fleet is still in European waters, or for other sufficient reasons.2

     You will obtain funds for the purpose of this duty through the naval attachés or through Wm. Johnson, Limited of Liverpool, as the Department may decide.

Very respectfully,

John D. Long

Secretary.

Source Note: TD, DNA, RG 45, Entry 29. Addressed below close: “Ensign H. H. WARD,U. S. N.,/Bureau of Navigation.”

Footnote 1: Ens. William H. Buck.

Footnote 2: For more information, see, Chadwick, The Spanish-American War, 2: 360-62; and Report of the Bureau of Navigation, 1898, 33-34.

Related Content