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President Roosevelt instructs Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry to ensure there is enough coal for the Great White Fleet’s trip, and says the Bureau of Equipment is “on trial in this matter.” He likes the idea of “having one first-class man. . .represent all the newspapers.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-17
Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry’s letter helped President Roosevelt better understand the situation. Roosevelt believes the best itinerary for the Great White Fleet to follow is through the Straits of Magellan and returning through the Suez Canal, but he seeks advice from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, Admiral Willard H. Brownson. Roosevelt also believes several reporters should accompany the fleet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-10
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 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 Robley D. Evans gives Chief of the Bureau of Navigation Rear Admiral Brownson his thoughts on routeing the Atlantic Fleet. He is primarily concerned about how other nations will view the Fleet’s maneuvers, and the season the fleet will be passing through the Straits of Magellan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-17
Postcard showing a landscape with horses with view looking across the waters of the Strait of Magellan near Punta Arenas, Chile. Snowcapped mountains visible in background. Charles C. Myers notes that it is one of the narrowest parts of the Strait.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “A view of one of the small valleys near Punta Arenas and looking out across the Magellan Strait.”
Postcard showing two views of a narrow channel of water. Charles C. Myers notes that it is a view of the Strait of Magellan at the narrowest part.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Two views of the narrow part of the Magellan Straits.”
Postcard showing a painting of the Strait of Magellan with mountains in the background and a ship on the water.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is only a painting of the straits, however it does not exaggerate the real beauty of the place. While the lower parts of the mountains are covered with a kind of brush which stays green the year round, the top of the mountain has always a blanket of snow. There is always a strong wind here and the sun seldom shines but when it does break forth for a few minutes the beautiful scenery is beyond description. There you see the high mountains on either side with the great claciers (sic) sliding down their slides. On the top the snow is pure white but farther down it looks a little dirty or grey like snow looks after laying in the ground for a long time, alittle farther down it has a yellowish cast while toward the bottom it has a green color as it is then clear and solid ice before it breaks off into the water as huge icebergs. After breaking off into the water during the summer time these icebergs break up and melt very rapidly and pieces of ice of all sizes may be seen floating in the water of the straits where the large ships often procure a fresh supply of ice.”