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, Senior Officer Present, Destroyer Flotilla

October 16th, 1917.

My dear Pringle,

          I have been talking over the question of the assignment of you and certain other officers to the Staff. I occupy a dual position as Commander of the Destroyer Force and also as Commander of all the forces over here. For the latter position I have a staff of which Twining if [i.e., is] theChief.1 I have never established a Flotilla Staff. I think it would be a good idea to do so and to designate you Chief of Staff, Daniels as Aide and Chruch2 and your Repair Officer and Paymaster etc, on the Flotilla Staff, and then get the Department to it, etc.

          Please Drop me a line on the subject and give me the list of officers that you think should be on the Flotilla Staff, and I will issue the necessary orders and send them to Washington for approval.3

          Too busy just now to write an ything else.

Very sincerely yours,

SIMS.    

P.S.      In reference to thea bove, see the order which we issued designating certain officers for duty on the staff, as well as on the MELVILLE, and suggest the titles that eachone of these officers should have.4

Captain J.R. Poinsett Pringle, U.S.N.

     U.S.S. MELVILLE,

          Queenstown.

P.S.      Very sorry to hear about the Cassin and the loss of one of our men. I hope the wounded will pull through. We have no details as yet.5