Mr. Hay to Mr.
Porter.
Department of State,
Washington, October 23,
1900.
No. 839.]
Sir: I inclose for your information copy of a
dispatch from the consul of the United States at Havre, reporting the
recent death by drowning of Howard Linwood Ridlon, and stating that the
French officials promptly acceded to the request for permission to land
a firing party from the Hartford, and that a
delegation of French soldiers was sent to the funeral.
At the instance of the Secretary of the Navy, you are requested to convey
to the French Government the thanks of the Navy Department, in suitable
terms, for the courtesies of the former on the occasion.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Thackara to
Mr. Hill.
Consulate of the United States,
Havre France, October 3, 1900.
No. 78.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the
Department of the death by accidental drowning of Howard Linwood
Ridlon, a landsman belonging to the U. S. S. Hartford, on September 27 last.
The deceased was buried with military honors in the Sainte Marie
Cemetery of Havre on September 29, 1900.
The French Government officials most promptly acceded to my request
for permission to land an armed firing party from the Hartford, and sent a delegation of soldiers
to the funeral, representing the infantry, artillery, and maritime
gendarme services.
In answer to my letter of thanks I have received a most courteous
reply from the commandant d’armes, the highest military officer in
command at Havre.
I have, etc.,
A. M. Thackara,
U. S. Consul.
[Page 481]
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Long to Mr.
Hay.
Navy Department,
Washington, October 19,
1900.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of October 17, informing the Department of
the receipt by the Department of State of a dispatch from the consul
at Havre, reporting the death by accidental drowning of Howard
Linwood Ridlon, a landsman of the U. S. S. Hartford, on September 27 last, and stating that the
French officials promptly acceded to the request for permission to
land a firing party from the Hartford, and
that a delegation of French soldiers was sent to the funeral.
The Department requests that its thanks be tendered to the French
Government for its courtesies on this occasion.
Very respectfully,
