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Rear Admiral Davis submits a report to Secretary of the Navy Metcalf about his actions at Jamaica, providing relief following an earthquake there. In particular, Davis notes the actions taken by his sailors, and Jamaica Governor James Alexander Swettenham’s request for them to withdraw.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-21
Assistant surgeon W. N. McDonell reports to Medical Inspector Ames on activities that he and other naval surgeons conducted during the relief efforts in Jamaica following the earthquake. Many Americans in Jamaica have expressed disapproval of the Governor’s handling of the disaster relief efforts, and McDonell agrees with this sentiment. The U.S. Navy eventually established a hospital ashore because of the many requests for assistance it received.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-20
Navy Medical Inspector Ames writes a narrative to Admiral Davis relating the events that unfolded when he arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, to provide medical relief after the earthquake. Ames found the city of Kingston to be absolutely demolished, and the populace to be in a “dazed, frightened, and nervous condition.” When Ames offers medical assistance and advice to Governor James Alexander Swettenham, the assistance is refused, and the suggestions denied, with the exception of some limited supplies for which the governor is thankful. Because both Ames and Davis, among others, found that the official city response was lacking, Davis informed Governor Swettenham that the naval medical officers would establish an independent hospital that would serve everyone “irrespective of age, sex, creed, or nationality.” The Jesuit fathers gave their cottage in Winchester Park as the site of the hospital, and they were able to treat many injured people with the help of the Sisters of Mercy. Ames offers comments on the casualties and destruction caused by the earthquake.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-20
Lieutenant Gilmer of the USS Missouri provides a detailed description of the United States naval response to the January 14, 1907, earthquake in Kingston, Jamaica. Gilmer explains that the Navy landed in Kingston on January 17, setting up a hospital, landing forces, and providing aid. Gilmer describes the destruction of the city both from the earthquake and the subsequent looting and the various dead victims he sees and living victims he interacts with. After the governor of Jamaica asked the Navy to leave the island, Gilmer interacts with many who request that the Navy stay and insist they are badly needed. The Navy withdraws on January 19, back to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-19
Rear Admiral C. H. Davis writes to Robley D. Evans, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, regarding the situation in Jamaica. Much of Kingston has been damaged by the earthquake and ensuing fire, and is a scene of total confusion, although shipping has not been disturbed. The governor, James Alexander Swettenham, seems to have the situation under control, and has declined assistance from Davis’s men. Davis has respected this, but believes that Swettenham has overestimated the security of the situation, especially away from the main city, and feels that the Missouri should remain until the situation is clearer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-17
Commander Anderson of the USS Whipple reports to Rear Admiral Davis of the USS Missouri that the channel has changed, the marks are down, the pilot brought the Whipple in using private lights, no landing force was necessary, and no medical assistance was needed. Anderson also notes that there is a food shortage ashore, and they have no food to give.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-17