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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Commodore George Dewey, Commander, Asiatic Squadron, to George Goodwin Dewey

FLAGSHIP OLYMPIA

Off Manila

5h May /98

My dear Son:

     Long before you receive this you will have heard of our brilliant victory on May first.

I doubt if any Naval victory was more complete than ours. I have not taken the city of Manila as we have no troops to occupy it but have completely cut off its communications with the outside world. I am sending this by one of our steamers to Hong Kong having cut the cable the day after our arrival. Billy Winder1 is well and happy. I send his note of congratulations to me.2 Is it not just like him? Continue to write to Yokohama. Our mail will be forwarded.

          In haste

              Your affectionate father

                   George Dewey

Source Note: ALS, DN-HC, PGGD, Box 1. On “Flagship OLYMPIA” stationery. Included with this document are a typed transcript and photocopy of the original envelope.

Footnote 1: Lt. William Winder of the protected cruiser Raleigh.

Footnote 2: Attached letter from Lt. William Winder states:

Dear Commodore,

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! With best congratulations on your grand success.

                   With love

                        W Winder

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