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
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