Office of the Historian

Mr. Hay to Mr. Francis.

Department of State,
Washington, February 21, 1902.
No. 21, Greek series.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, with inclosure, reporting the courtesy extended by Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Hellenes to the officer commanding the United States naval force on the European Station.

The Department is gratified at the kind reception accorded to Rear-Admiral Cromwell and his staff.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Long to Mr. Hay.

Navy Department, Washington, February 17, 1902.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith for the information of the Department of State a copy of a letter this day received from the commander in chief, United States naval force on the European Station, with regard to his visit to Piraeus, Greece.

Very respectfully,

J. W. Long, Secretary.
[Subinclosure.]

Rear-Admiral Cromwell to Mr. Long.

U. S. Naval Force on European Station, Flagship Chicago,
Piræus, Greece, January 31, 1902.

Sir: 1. I have the honor to inform the Department that in reply to inquiry made by the American minister, Mr. Charles S. Francis, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Greece fixed upon Monday, the 27th instant, as the day when it would be agreeable to them to receive a visit from myself and the officers of my staff. Accompanied by the American minister, the commanding officers of the squadron, my fleet and personal staff, in all numbering eleven, we arrived at the palace from Piraeus at the appointed time, and were cordially received with all honors by Their Majesties, His Majesty paying us the additional compliment of wearing the uniform of an admiral. We were also presented to Prince George, the governor of Crete, who appeared in the uniform of a vice-admiral.

2. His Majesty invited me to dine at the palace, and the invitation was afterwards formally extended to all the officers who accompanied me and to the American minister and the ladies of his family.

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3. The dinner took place on Tuesday, the 28th instant. There were present Their Majesties the Princes Nicholas and Andreas, the ladies in waiting, the marechal, and the chamberlain, the American minister and ladies, the wife and daughter of the American professor, Richardson, the commander in chief and staff, and the commanding officers of the American squadron.

4. Their Majesties in turn accepted my invitation to visit the Chicago, and they, accompanied by Prince Andreas and the officials and ladies of the court, were received on board to-day with the prescribed honors, and appropriately entertained. They seemed especially pleased at the formation, drill, and marching of the battalion.

5. Their Majesties expressed their great pleasure at the reception given them, and it was manifestly apparent that they, as well as all others who were present, enjoyed their visit.

Very respectfully,

B. J. Cromwell,
Rear-Admiral, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief.