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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Documentary Histories
Spanish-American War

Introductory Essay

Squadron Bulletins

 

THE “Squadron Bulletin” was first published on board the U.S. Flagship New York, on June 14, 1898.1 At that time the main part of the North Atlantic Naval force was in front of Santiago de Cuba, engaged in somewhat monotonous work of blockading that harbor. Scattered around the Island of Cuba were other ships of the squadron, cut off, for the most part, from all news and with few means of communication. It was the idea of relieving the monotony of blockading routine and of affording the officers and men of the fleet an opportunity to learn the daily progress of the war that the bulletin was issued. Thanks to the energy of Captain [French E. Chadwick], my Chief of Staff,2 who despite his many duties always found time to personally prepare the bulletin, it became a boon in every sense of the word. Since the necessity for the further issue of the bulletin ceased on August 14 there have been many requests from officers of my command for complete sets and missing numbers. Doubleday & McClure have kindly consented to republish the series. Whatever profit there may be on the sale of this reprint will be donated to the proposed Sailor’s Rest, Brooklyn.3

W. T. SAMPSON,4

Rear Admiral

Source Note: French E. Chadwick, Reprint of the Squadron Bulletins of the North Atlantic Squadron (New York: Doubleday & McClure Co., 1898).

Footnote 1: The first “Squadron Bulletin” appeared on 13 June 1898.

Footnote 2: Capt. French E. Chadwick was also the commander of New York.

Footnote 3: Research indicates that Sailor’s Rest was not established.

Footnote 4: RAdm. William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet.

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