Show secretary long quotes president mckinley washington peb 7 secretary long today issued the following letter in regard to alie retirement of near aamir al bampton on navy department washington february 7 1902 sir in notifying you of your retirement the department recognizing your services and deeply sympathizing with you in your impaired health quotes with pleasure the following letter from the late president mckinley washington march my dear sir 1 am in receipt of your very considerate letter of the cintli instant in which you express a desire that without reference to your own interests the other naval officers who rendered such conspicuous seme in the naval campaign in the west indies have the advancement which you recommend for them and in which you aek nothing for I 1 highly commend this disinterested te acteon on your part let caa assure you baat I 1 have the highest appreciation of your services as command er in chief of alie atlantic naval forces during the spanish war in blockading cuba co with the army directing the movements of ahe great number of vessels under your order and at last after the most effective preparation consummating with the gallant officers and men under your command the destruction of the spanish fleet it was in recognition of your services and of your great seii tha I 1 recommended to the senate the ad j van cement which you had earned very truly yours signed wm mckinley rear admiral arif T sampson U 8 N commander air chief U tf naval forces north atlantic station V Q flagship new york havana cuba very respectfully signed john D long secretary rear admiral wm T sampson U S j N 1613 new hampshire avenue wash 1 angton D C |