Merriam, Greenlief Augustus, 1849-1908

In reference to Senator Frye’s letter, which enclosed letters from Helen S. Merriam and General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, President Roosevelt encloses a report which explains itself. Merriam’s husband, Greenlief Augustus Merriam, died in September, and she believes he died of a broken heart after being removed from command of the Atlantic Fleet. It is clear to Roosevelt that Captain Merriam suffered no injustice, and that the Navy Department could not have taken any other action.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-16

Colorized stereograph showing the USS Missouri and the USS Alabama at Hampton Roads. Text on the reverse of the stereograph lists the captains and various features of each ship.

Comments and Context

As printed on the reverse of the stereograph, “This magnificent view of the Missouri and Alabama was made at Hampton Roads in the summer of 1907. The Missouri is commanded by G. A. Merriam, and is in the third division of the second squadron. The Missouri is in the same class and has the same displacement as the Maine and Ohio, being 12,500 tons and 18 knots an hour speed.

The Alabama, Captain T. E. W. Veeder. This battleship is in the fourth division under Rear-Admiral Sperry, has a displacement of 11,552 tons and a speed of 17 knots. It is in the fourth class and carries 18 guns over four inches and two 12-inch guns in her turrets.”