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President Roosevelt congratulates Captain Gleaves on his successful trip and finds it interesting that Germany was friendlier than England. He apologizes for being unable to stop and visit Newport, Rhode Island, although the president was interested in what Gleaves wrote about mines and torpedoes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-10
Brigadier General Murray contests several statements made by Mr. Archibald regarding the incompleteness of the fixed defenses of the Pacific Coast harbors. Murray assures Chief of Staff Bell that the mines used in the coastal defense system are controlled from shore and are harmless to friendly vessels. Murray also notes that submarines are promising war vessels but they have not yet proven to be valuable and, therefore, Mr. Archibald’s suggestion to adopt submarines for the defenses of the harbors is “preposterous.” Murray does believe, however, that submarines possess decided merit for uses supplemental to fixed defenses in harbors where mines cannot be used.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01
President Roosevelt asks the American Ambassador to Germany, Charlemagne Tower, to assist the bearer of the letter, Naval Commander Albert Gleaves, in his mission to inspect torpedo factories throughout Europe. Roosevelt also mentions the need for discretion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-01
Admiral George Dewey writes to Secretary of War Taft to report on a meeting of the Joint Board discussing the defenses of Puget Sound. The meeting discussed several alleged deficiencies in the defense that had been raised by United States Representative William E. Humphrey of Washington State. Dewey reviews these charges, as well as general information about Puget Sound and the measures already taken for its defense. The Board concludes that once presently-planned changes to the defenses of Puget Sound are completed, they will be sufficient with assistance from the Navy, but at present they are not sufficient. Dewey outlines several steps that the board recommends.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-20