, 1889-04-25
Admiral Kimberly. Report From sa-

= WASHINGTON, April 20.-This morn
ing's mail to the navy department
brought two letters from Admiral Kim
berly, referring to the wrecking of the
American fleet at Apia. They were ac-
companied by long detailed report, but
this was not reached. The first letter
was dated March 10, at Apia.
SECRETARY NAVY, SIR: Ihave to CON.
mend the to government :of the United
States for the very great assistance we
received in saving public property from
our wrecked vessels at this place, from
Matafa, who without request on my
part called on me personally and
sent some hundred :of his men to as
sist our people in saving the stores and
material from the wrecked vessels.
When the Nipsic and Vandalia went on
shore they risked their lives to save our
men who endeavored to reach shore by
swimming, and two of them lost their
lives in the attempt. Ii some recogni-
ton Of these services could be made l
think it would be appreciated highly by
the Samoans, particularly as they have
so generally given their services, and
| in two cases lost their lives to befriend
u.s."
Under date Apia, March 2, Admiral
|
off last night and is now afioat without
her rudder or rudder post. Her crew are
engaged III trying to get up her chains.
The Trenton is sunk, the water coming
over the port side of her gun deck at
high water. / think her back is broken
and she might possibly be freed from the
water if we had the proper appliances,
powerful steam pumps etc. She has no
rudder, rudder post or propeller, and
lies with her decks slightly inclined to
the seaward. 1t is alongside OF the wreck
of the Vandalia, which is shoreward of
her. The latter vessel is Il total wreck
broken in two and at high tide the
water rises over her topgaliant forecastle
only her torema5t is standing. We are
engaged securing moorings for the Nip
sic, and in wrecking the Trenton and
Vandalia. A good deal of what We
saved might be sold at auction to save
the expense of storing and Transports
ton. Our sick and injured are doing
well, 1t would perhaps be well to send
a wrecking vessel here later in the sea
son to save the Trenton's heavy guns,
ammunition etc. l have received from
Capt Henry C. Kane, royal navy a diving
suit and apparatus, and will use it for all
it is worth, but we ought to have an
other in case OF accident to this l hope
the department will not forget Captain
Kane's kindness to us in our distress.
He commands her magesty's ship Cal
Hope, which vessel had but one boat.
gave to her one of our ten-oared cutters
but he didn't consider it safe to lie
there at this season of the year. She
sailed this morning for Sydney, where
she will be repaired; she is considerably
damaged by the Olga eolliding with her
Almost every vessel was at one time Ol
another in collision with another vessel
and great deal of damage that occurred
was owing to this cause. If can SAVE
the Nipsic, which can be done if the
weather permits. will sail under cove
to Auckland, to be docked and repaired
Another ship should be sent here for tn,
purpose of conveying her, as the risk o
an imprisoned rudder is too great II
send her alone. / have still to learn o
the condition of her machinery ant
propeller, but shall be informed in tn
course of few days.
Very respectfully your obedient ser
want, l. A. KIMBERLY,
Rear Admiral U. s. N. cOmmandin
L., S. Naval force, on Pacific station.