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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 Anne Hitchcock Sims

[Extract]

July 13, 1917

My darling Nani:

          It is three months and three days since I arrived in London. It does not seems possible that it has been so short a time. It seems more like three years since I have seen your dear face and those of our bonny darlings. When will I see you again?

Of course it may be a long time. Then again it may not be so very long. If our embargo on neutral commerce (beyond the food they actually need) is strictly applied, it may be that the Huns will not face another winter. When they begin to realize how much the U.S. can help, they may see that their case is hopeless, and make a peace satisfactory to the Allies. Let us hope so. However, we must win, no matter what it costs. It is our war as well as that of the European Allies.

     This is only a wee note just before the mail clears. I will always regret not having more time to write you. Perhaps I will have more time later when I get more assistance. Twining1 and two other officers are coming, and I hope for many more still so that I can have a real staff.2

     I have gotten Ad.J.3 to cable that the Admiralty would welcome six of our officers (a Captain, 2 Comdrs and 3 Lt. Comdrs) to work in the Admiralty with their own officers.4 The ambassador5 is calling to the same effect.

. . . .Good bye, my sweetheart. The war will be over some of these days and we will be reunited.

Your devoted

Will

Source Note: ALS, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Box 9.

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Commander Patrol Force, Squadron One (Nantucket Patrol).

Footnote 2: See: Sims to Daniels, 16 July 1917 for a list of the staff officers Sims requested.

Footnote 3: First Sea Lord Adm. Sir John R. Jellicoe.

Footnote 5: British Ambassador to the United States Sir Cecil Spring Rice.

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