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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Diary of Commander Joseph K. Taussig

[Extract]

Thursday

Novr 15

[Queenstown]

     This forenoon I turned over the command of the Wadsworth to Dortch. After inspecting the crew and the ship, the crew was mustered at Quarters, I read my orders and Dortch1 read his. I turned to go forward when Prather (the Chief Gunner’s mate) stepped forward and stated he would like to say a word. He then made a very good little speech and presented me with a silver bowl for Lulie. Engraved on the bowl is:

   To —

Mrs. Joseph K. Taussig

With the compliments of the crew

U. S. S. Wadsworth

Then Bezeke (Chief Boatswain Mate) stepped up and said he had a letter from the crew which he wished to present to me. I was too moved to make any but a very brief reply.

When we went forward to the Ward room, the officers presented me with an embroidered table cloth and twelve napkins for Lulie. Then Pernia and Villafranka, the Filipino cook and boy brought me a little box addressed to Mrs. Taussig. I have not opened it yet so do not know what is in it.

I am going to remain on the Wadsworth until time for the Bridge to sail. . . .

Before we went to the Admiralty house the Duncan came in and I had the pleasure of seeing Roger Williams. Poor Roger was much broken up because after trying for 6 months to get over here, and finally succeeding, he has orders to go right back to the States. I told Admiral Bayly2 about his disappointment, so with not a word he took a telegraph blank and wrote a message to Admiral Sims3 suggesting that the Duncan escort the Bridge to 17 West and then return to Queenstown. I hope for Roger’s sake it will bear fruit.4

 

 

Source Note: D, RNW, Joseph K. Taussig Papers, Mss. Coll. 97, Naval Historical Collection.

Footnote 1: Lt. Cmdr. Isaac F. Dortch.

Footnote 2: Adm. Lewis Bayly, R.N.

Footnote 3: VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval forces Operating in European Waters.

Footnote 4: Duncan, a Cassin-class destroyer, did remain at Queenstown.

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