Lot 364
Sims, Lieutenant-Commander William S. -- TLS Referencing President Roosevelt and Information Re Battleships and the Caliber of Their Guns (1858-1936) U.S. naval officer who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I. He was an important modernizer of the American Navy in the early 20th century and was president of the Naval War College. A confidential Typed Letter Signed "Wm. S. Sims" on Department of the Navy Bureau of Navigation stationery, 2pp, 10½x8", Washington, D.C. Oct. 30, 1906.To George Harvey, Editor of the North American Review, regarding confidential gunnery information in a controversial article by Captain Mahan "in which he arrives at certain conclusions, concerning the most advantageous size and speed of battleships and the caliber of their guns, that are diametrically opposed to those held by the great majority of naval officers of all countries. These opinions are nevertheless of considerable weight, on account of Captain Mahan's great reputation -- so much, so that I think President [Theodore] Roosevelt's convictions concerning large battleships were somewhat shaken thereby…" President Roosevelt has asked for Sims' opinion, as Inspector of Target Practice for the Navy, and Sims is submitting galley proofs (not present) of his "carefully prepared letter which is, I believe, regarded as entirely conclusive by all who have read it…" Fascinating content of particular interest as it references the work of Mahan. Fine. Bold pencilled notation of receipt at upper left. Estimated Value $400 - 600
The George Snook Collection.
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