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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 Captain Joel R. Poinsett Pringle, Commander, Destroyer Flotilla, Queenstown

November 12th. 1917.

My dear Pringle,

          I have received your two notes of November 9th.1 I am [glad your are] satisfied with my remarks on the Report of Fitness. It is a pleasure to be able to put such remarks on one of these reports. I shall always be grateful to you for your exceedingly efficient and loyal services.

          Referring to your other note. I am very glad to have the copies of the photograph of our good old friend the “MARY ROSE”. I have often thought with great regret of her loss, particularly as she was so well known to our people.2

          I am sorry to say that Admiral Benson will not be able to visit Queenstown as he proposed, as Colonel House requested him to remain here in London for the conferences that are taking place before the big conference in Paris later in the month.3 It is just possible that the Admiral may return here before he sails for home and that he may be able to visit Queenstown later. This is however, not very probable.

          You will be glad to know that I regard the Admiral’s visit as of great value to us and to the Allied Cause. He is fair and square in all respects, and will do everything he possibly can to promote the interests of the Allies. He is in entire agreement with me and with the Admiralty as to what should be done. It is very fortunate that we have such a man at the head of affairs and it is particularly fortunate that he has come over here to look into matters himself [assuming he is to continue to try and run all details himself]

Very sincerely yours,        

Source Note: Cy, DLC-MSS, William S. Sims Papers, Box 79. Addressed below close: “Captain J.R.P.Pringle, U.S.N./U.S.S.MELVILLE./Queenstown. Ireland.” Words in brackets were hand written.

Footnote 1: Documents have not been found. However, Pringle also sent Sims a letter on 8 November 1917. See: Pringle to Sims, 8 November 1917.

Footnote 2: Mary Rose was sunk by German cruisers on 17 October 1917. See: Sims to Pringle, 19 October 1917.

Footnote 3: Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, and Col. Edward M. House of President Woodrow Wilson's administration.