My dear Sir:
It gives me pleasure, replying to your letter of the 26th instant, to record my testimony in favor of a gallant foe.
1. In regard to the port of Subic, it was carefully reconnoitred on the 30th of April by three of my ships, two of which made the complete circuit of the bay without finding anything to oppose them.
2. Your statement as to the probability of greater loss of life in a deep bay like that of Subic than in shoal water as at Cavite, appears or to me to be incontrovertible.
3. Although without accurate knowledge as to the condition of your ships, I have no hesitation in saying to you what I have already had the honor to report to my government, that your defense at Cavite was gallant in the extreme. The fighting of your flagship, which was singled out for attack, was especially worthy of a place in the traditions of valor of your nation.
In conclusion, I beg to assure you that I very much regret that calumnies have been cast at you, and am confident that your honor cannot be dimmed by them.
With assurances of my highest consideration,
Very sincerely,
GEORGE DEWEY,
Rear-Admiral, U. S. N.,
Comdg. Asiatic Station.
(As a service to our readers, clicking on title in red will take you to that book on Amazon.com)
Dewey, George, Autobiography
of George Dewey (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1987, originally
published in 1913 by Charles Scribner's Sons, New York) ISBN 0-87021-028-9
274-275.
