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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Commander Joseph K. Taussig, Commander, Little, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

U. S. S. Little,

Base 7,

[Brest, France]

June 10, 1918.

Dear Admiral Sims:-

     The Little class, I am sorry to say seem to me a distinct step backward from the previous destroyers in that we are not economical, as was anticipated, and in addition have only from 85 to 90% of the fuel capacity of the others. I think perhaps that the Bath and Cramp boats will operate more economically than these Fore River Ships1 on which the workmanship is very poor, and on which, in spite of our strenuous efforts during the past two months are still full of leaks. However I am hoping that the boats now being completed at Quincy will be turned over in better condition than was the case with these first ones. About everything that can happen to a destroyer has already happened to my ship in a more or less degree, so I am now looking forward to a long period of operating without mishap.

          Please give my regards to my friends on your staff in London.

Very sincerely,

          Sd. J.K.TAUSSIG.

Source Note: LTS, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Container 23. There is a notation in the upper-left corner reading “Admiral Sims’/Personal File.” and another in the upper-right that reads “1/3/J” in columnar fashion. Document is addressed below close “Vice Admiral Wm S. Sims, U.S.Navy,/30 Grosvenor Gardens,/ London, England.”

Footnote 1: Bath Iron Works, William Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company, and Fore River Shipbuilding Company.

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