Mr. Swenson to Mr. Hay.
Copenhagen, September 30, 1902.
Sir: The U. S. S. Albany and Chicago, Captains Craig and Dayton commanding, arrived at the port of Copenhagan the 20th ultimo, on a visit of courtesy. The Chicago put out to sea again the 23d, on telegraphic orders, while the Albany remained in the roadstead until the [Page 374] 4th instant. The ships had been at Christiania, Stockholm, and Cronstadt, coming here from the latter place, thus completing their cruise of the Baltic. Part of this squadron, which was under command of Rear-Admiral Crowninshield, and which originally comprised two more vessels, the flagship Illinois and the San Francisco, had been sent to English waters to participate in the naval review held at Spit-head in connection with the ceremonies attending the coronation of Edward VII. The entire squadron was to have visited Copenhagen, but injuries sustained by the Illinois while entering the harbor of Christiania made this impracticable, necessitating a change in the plans. Much regret was expressed here on that account.
Shortly after the arrival of the Albany and the Chicago the commanders called at the legation. A time was appointed for my return visit, as well as for the different calls to be made on the Danish officials. I presented Commanders Craig and Dayton to the minister of foreign affairs and to the minister of marine, and assisted them in making other customary calls.
I secured an audience with the King and the Crown Prince for Captain Craig and Lieutenant-Commander Rush, of the Albany. Prince Valdemar, the minister of marine, Vice-Admiral Uldall, and other Danish marine officers paid visits on board the ships, which they inspected with great interest. They complimented the officers on the fine appearance of their ships and crews. Private Americans and Danes were also given an opportunity to go on board, and they spoke in high praise of what they saw. The press contained many complimentary notices of the officers and ships.
I gave a dinner at the legation, which was attended by Captain Craig and six of his officers, the minister of marine, the commanding admiral, and many other high Danish navy officers—in all, 21 persons.
The usual toasts were drunk, beginning with the health of the King, which was proposed by me. The minister of marine, in return, showed a like honor to President Roosevelt; after which, Captain Craig raised his glass to the Danish Navy, and Vice-Admiral Uldall to the American.
The minister of marine invited some of the officers of the Albany and myself to a dinner at the hotel Phoenis, and Vice-Admiral Uldall entertained a few of these officers at a luncheon at his home, to which my wife and I were also asked. Many Danish officers were present on both occasions.
Our officers expressed themselves as being delighted with their visit here. Every courtesy was extended to them. The minister of marine, Vice-Admiral Uldall, and others made special efforts to render the stay as pleasant and interesting as possible. An officer was detailed to act as honorary attaché to Captains Craig and Dayton while they remained here. The American officers were received most cordially everywhere, and made to feel that they were welcome on their own account as well as on account of the country they represented.
I have, etc.,