JOHN D. LONG - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/22/1898 - HFSID 317294

JOHN D. LONG
As Secretary of the Navy, he declines an invitation from a New York judge
Typed Letter signed: "John D. Long" as Secretary of the Navy, 1 page, 8x10½. Washington, 1898 October 22. On official letterhead to Judge Willard Bartlett, [New York] Supreme Court Appellate Division, 2nd Judicial Department, Brooklyn, New York In full: "I have your letter of the 20th instant, conveying to me your very cordial invitation to attend the annual banquet of the New England Society on the evening of December 21st. I regret very much that I am unable to avail myself of your courtesy, but the demands upon my time will be such as to prevent my acceptance. I have made it a rule since coming into the Navy Department to decline practically all invitations of similar nature, as under the advice of my physician I find it necessary to avoid anything that increases the demand upon my time and energies. With many thanks for your invitation, and my regrets, which I request you to extend to the members of your society, I am very sincerely yours". 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. Long signed this letter in one of the greatest years in US Naval history, lopsided victories over the Spanish fleets at Santiago and Manila Bay. Hostilities had been suspended on August 12, 1898, but negotiation of a peace treaty was still underway, and military complications remained, especially in the Philippines. Long would hardly seem to have needed a doctor's excuse to avoid extraneous engagements. Multiple folds. Toned. Corners lightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.