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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy John D. Long to Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic fleet

 

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

 

Washington, June 21, 1898.

 

S I R : -

     Commodore Watson is assigned to the command of the 1st Squadron of the North Atlantic Fleet,1 Commodore Schley is detached from the command of the Flying Squadron and assigned to the command of the 2nd Squadron of the North Atlantic Fleet,2 Commodore Remey is assigned to the command of the Naval Base at Key West.3 You will assign such vessels as you may deem most advisable to the first and second squadrons of the fleet under your command, making such alterations, from time to time, in these assignments as may appear most expedient to you. The Commandant of the Naval Base at Key West will exercise command, under your authority, over all vessels within signal direction of Key West.

                        Respectfully,

                             John D. Long

                                  Secretary.

Source Note: TLS, DNA, RG 313, Entry 47. Addressed below close: “REAR-ADMRIAL/W.T. Sampson, U.S.N.,/Commander-in-Chief U.S. Naval Forces,/North Atlantic Station.” This letter is on Long’s Secretary of the Navy stationery and includes the identification number 1”2076.” In the upper left corner is the stamp: “RECEIVED/FLAG-SHIP N. A. STATION/JUN 27 1898.”

Footnote 1: Commo. John C. Watson.

Footnote 2: Commo. Winfield S. Schely; the Flying Squadron was disbanded on 21 June 1898.

Footnote 3: Commo. George C. Remey, Commandant, Key West Naval Base.

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