American Military Hero Admiral Schley Thanks Daughters Of The American Revolution For Flag That Hung Over Morro Castle

ADMIRAL WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY was born at Frederick City, MD, October 9, 1839 and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from Maryland. He graduated in 1860.  During the Civil War, he served on the USS Niagara, 1860-61, and USS Winona, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, 1862-63. Schley participated in an engagement with a battery near Port Hudson, December 14, 1862, and engagements that led to the capture of Port Hudson, March-July 1863. 

Schley became famous when he commanded the USS Thetis in The Greely Rescue Expedition of 1884. He sailed northward through precariously icy seas and rescued Adolphus Greely (who had been out of touch in Greenland since 1881) and 6 survivors at Cape Sabine.

During the Spanish-American War, he commanded the Flying Squadron in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, July 3, 1898, which resulted in the destruction of Admiral Cevera’s Spanish fleet.

Post-war he was Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic Squadron, 1899-1901. He retired on October 9, 1901. He was presented with a gold sword by the people of Pennsylvania, a silver sword by Royal Arcanum, a gold and jeweled medal with thanks of Maryland legislature, a silver service for services at the Battle of Santiago.

4 pp, 4 1/2 x 7, ALS with cover, to Mrs. Donald McLean of New York, Charter Member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Everett, Washington, DC, Jan. 22, 1899.

In part, “Thank you so much for your letter and for the many kindly things you say of me...I am afraid I shall not be able to accept (your invitation) for the reason that I cannot be certain that I shall be at home at that time...

“The beautiful flag your chapter sent to me...was displayed in [front of] old...Morro Castle [Cuba] guarding the entrance to the harbor. Never was a grand gift more fitting...It is a most trying...[and] one more evidence of the thoughtful attention of our lovely American women whose influences were always being manifested in many good ways all during the Spanish American War...”

Letter is in excellent condition. Light paperclip remnant at the top.  Writing is a bit challenging but quite readable.

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