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Willard H. Brownson, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, forwards a letter from the Navy General Board to President Roosevelt concerning the Great White Fleet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-19
Admiral Brownson, chief of the Bureau of Navigation, sends President Roosevelt a letter from Admiral Robley D. Evans with information about the Great White Fleet. Brownson comments on Evans’s points about fleet movements, maneuvers, and supplies. He feels it best to have just one journalist accompany the fleet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-19
Rear Admiral Willard H. Brownson is under the impression that President Roosevelt has not seen the enclosure regarding the hospital ships, and asks if William Loeb would show it to him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-23
Willard H. Brownson writes to President Roosevelt that his appointment last April as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation brought him gratification as a symbol of Roosevelt’s confidence in him. For him to perform this job satisfactorily, however, he requires the confidence of the service and the higher authority, indicative of a strong military spirit. The recent placement of a medical officer as commander of the hospital ship is a departure from established protocol and displays a lack of Roosevelt’s confidence. As such, Brownson tenders his resignation from the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-24
Rear Admiral Brownson, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, gives President Roosevelt his opinions and recommendations on Admiral Robley D. Evans’ proposed route plans for the Atlantic Fleet. Brownson feels a single newspaper correspondent for the trip is ideal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-17
Admiral Brownson thanks President Roosevelt for his message to the officers and crew of the USS Georgia. Brownson goes on to discuss the construction of new battleships: in order to complete twelve battleships in two years, the costs associated would increase by nearly fifty percent, and require two shifts of men. While there is enough space to construct the ships, there is not enough skilled labor to accomplish the task. Brownson advocates considering purchasing ships from abroad. In terms of war with Japan, Brownson believes financial resources will determine the likelihood of conflict.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-30
Rear Admiral Brownson, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, asks William Loeb to inform President Roosevelt that he emphatically does not approve of sending the Great White Fleet home from the Pacific via the Suez Canal, no matter what an editorial in the Herald might say.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-04