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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

 Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to Commander Benyaurd B. Wygant, Commander, Callhoun

[Extract]

April 30 th.1918.      

My dear Wygant,

          I wish there were more of the fellows in the flotilla gang who would take the trouble to write a latter once in a while and tell us what is doing. Your letter of April 8th.1 has just arrived, and I was very glad indeed to hear what you had to say about the progress of destroyers at the Fore River Works.

          We are all very sorry over the Department’s decision to hold these destroyers of the other side until they can be relieved by new ones coming out. We need them very badly over here on account of the increasing number of transports and also to go ahead with the hunting squadrons. I am trying to induce the Navy Department to change its decision. What I would like them to do would be to give the boats a trial for 25-knots and if she can do that to shove her off the next day for Europe. It is plenty of speed for chasing the submarines and you can bring her up to standard speed after the war is over. Even if you never reach the standard speed and we can win this war it is worth the damage it would cost...

Source Note: TL, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Box 23. Document is from: “Admiral Sims personal Files.”

Footnote 1: Wygant’s letter has not been found.

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