Seattle, Washington
The Fleet regrouped on the 23rd of May at 2:30 pm to transit to Elliott Bay. The USS Connecticut was followed by the Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Kearsarge.
Here is a great period style Welcome card
The Fleet was met by the Mayor of Seattle who presented a gift of the golden key to the city. Admiral Sperry accepted the key made from "gold that came from the land where the Arctic moon shines on snowfields of dazzling brilliance, where the days are bright with sunshine and the heights are ablaze with the multi-colored gleam from the Northern lights."
Admiral Sperry accepted the gift and used the opportunity to express his thanks to the citizens of Seattle and American who’s "patriotism and good wishes will spur them to better effort."
This is a great view of two Fleet units anchored in Elliot Bay with Queen Anne hill in the background. The units shown, at left either the Kentucky or Kearsarge, and at right, the Wisconsin, Illinois, or Alabama. In the center is a small pleasure craft visiting the ships with tourists.
When the Commander-in-Chief, his staff and the captains of the Fleet went on deck, Admiral Sperry, looking across the Sound to the Olympic mountains, said:
"I have found Puget Sound a delightful place. If I were a millionaire I believe that I would give half of my possessions for the experience of going through the Sound. It is a beautiful body of water, and I have enjoyed every moment of my visit here."
The Great White Fleet rounding Magnolia in Seattle to enter Elliot Bay.
A picture of the Fleet Entering Puget Sound –
Regards
Sean
