Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to Vice Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly, Commander, Southern Ireland

[Extract]

September 22nd. 1917.

My dear Admiral,

     I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th. as this was written on the day I left London for France, I received it only upon my return to the office this morning.1

     . . . . During my absence in France I visited Brest, St.Nazaire, Bordeaux and inspected the installations in those ports , and I am glad to say that everything seems to be going very satisfactorily.2

     I am returning herewith the letter from Bishop Brown which I have read with much interest. I have no doubt the good Bishop will be able to correct the impression caused by his hot headed subordinate. I hope the unfortunate incident to which he refers will be settled to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. . . .3