JOHN D. LONG - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/16/1900 - HFSID 291713

JOHN D. LONG
Teddy Roosevelt's Secretary of the Navy during the Spanish-American War discusses pending legislation affecting the Navy
Typed Letter signed: "John D. Long" as Secretary of the Navy, 1 page, 8x10½. Washington, D.C., 1900 March 16. Also initialed: "E.M.T.". On official letterhead to T. W. Arms and W. R. Pattison, Paymasters Clerks, US Navy Yard, Boston. In full: "I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 27th ultimo, enclosing a copy of the bill (H. R. 215), addressed to the Bureau of Navigation, with the request that it be referred to the Department, and that favorable action be taken thereon. In reply I enclose, for your information, a letter, dated January 24, 1900, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs, United States Senate, in answer to a request from that Committee for the Department's views in regard to the bill. S. 402, which is identical to the bill, H. R. 215, forwarded by you, and upon which you request favorable consideration. The Department's views are fully expressed in the enclosed copy of the letter above-referred to. [Item not included.] Very Respectfully." John D. Long (1838-1915) followed his terms in the state legislature (1875-1878) with service as Lieutenant Governor (1879) and Governor (1880-1882) of Massachusetts, then went to Washington as a U.S. Representative (1883-1889). He was Secretary of the Navy under Presidents McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt (1897-1902). A capable Secretary, Long helped prepare the US Navy for its success in the Spanish-American War and its further expansion under President Roosevelt. Multiple mailing folds. Heavily toned. Staple holes at top left corner. Corners creased. Otherwise, fine condition.