Secretary of the Navy Charles J. Bonaparte informs President Roosevelt that he has received the Newport collision report from the Court of Enquiry, which found that officer error caused the collision. Court martial is recommended for the captain and a lieutenant of the Alabama and reprimand recommended for the officer on deck of the Kearsarge; the crew of the Illinois has been cleared of blame. Bonaparte is startled to learn that the Kearsarge had been in the care of a young midshipman though the boat was in a thick fog; this and other questions will spur his further inquiry into the accident. Bonaparte also notifies Roosevelt that, on his way to Panama, Roosevelt’s presence has been requested in New Orleans, and he discusses the logistics of such a trip if Roosevelt chooses to make it.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1906-08-14
Creator(s)
Bonaparte, Charles J. (Charles Joseph), 1851-1921