Your TR Source
Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte writes that nothing further can be done about the “torpedo situation” until funding has been granted by Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-26
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt apprises President McKinley of what ships are available to send to Hawaii, given Japan’s dispatch of their protected cruiser, Naniwa. He discusses each ship’s strengths, weaknesses, and firepower.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-04-22
Despite Admiral Robley D. Evans’s conclusion that water line belts are too high, the real vulnerability on battleships is that they do not have enough armored protection at and above the water line. Further, ships are not carrying the draft levels recommended but are exceeding them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-14
Theodore Roosevelt wishes all success to the Volunteer Torpedo Patrol of the United States, Potomac Division.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-16
Headline from the newspaper The World announcing the ship Lusitania was sunk by two torpedoes with a loss of 1,446 lives. President Woodrow Wilson is in stunned seclusion.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1915-05-08
At the request of President Roosevelt, Admiral Taylor responds to Lieutenant Poundstone’s paper. He disagrees with Poundstone’s support for large warships, suggesting that effective battleships do not need to exceed 13,000 tons. Taylor agrees on the desirability of underwater torpedo tubes but believes that Poundstone overstates the battle value of torpedoes. Taylor concurs with Poundstone’s views on the ideal caliber for naval guns.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-08
W. W. Kimball reviews his theories on the organization, training, and outfitting of torpedo-boats.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
W. W. Kimball reviews the history and theory behind torpedo-boats. He compares past and present scenarios using statistics and a review of fleet freeing methods of organization. Kimball concludes by submitting his own memorandum on torpedo-boat organization and service.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
In a letter to the editor, T. A. Brassey argues that the British Navy should not focus on producing Dreadnaught-class battleships. He cites the recent sinking of large ships, especially during the Russo-Japanese war, to show that even heavily-armored ships are vulnerable to submarine mines and torpedoes. Furthermore, the costly large battleships are vulnerable to accidents at sea, and the more expensive guns on a ship the greater the financial loss when it sinks. Finally, Brassey argues that having more, smaller ships will allow for the great training and promotion of young captains.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-28