Mr. Hay to Mr. Lenderink.

No. 183.]

Sir: I inclose copy of a portion of the report made by the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Philadelphia, relative to the courtesies and aid extended to him by the Chilean authorities in removing the remains of Lieut. Selim E. Woodworth, United States Navy, from the cemetery at Valparaiso.

You will advise the Chilean foreign office that this Government sincerely appreciates the courtesies extended.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Long to Mr. Hay.

Sir: The Department transmits herewith for the information of the State Department a copy of a report from the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Philadelphia in regard to the exhumation at Valparaiso, Chile, of the remains of the late Lieut. Selim E. Woodworth, United States Navy, and their subsequent burial at sea.

[Page 34]

The Department invites particular attention to the eighth paragraph of the report, and would be gratified if it should meet with the view of the State Department to communicate to the Chilean Government its appreciation of the courtesies rendered by Chilean officials in connection with this matter.

Very respectfully,

John D. Long,
Secretary.
[Subinclosure.]

Captain Mead to Commander in Chief.

Sir: I have the honor to report that in obedience to Navy Department’s order to the commander in chief, United States naval force, Pacific Station, directing that when a vessel of his command visits Valparaiso the remains of the late Lieut. Selim E. Woodworth, United States Navy, be exhumed and buried, I have this day buried, at sea, in position indicated by latitude and longitude given above, and about 15 miles off the coast of Chile, the remains of the late Selim E. Woodworth, United States Navy.

On arrival at Valparaiso it was learned, through the United States consul, that a law of the country prohibited the exhumation of a body before the expiration of one year from the date of burial. As Lieutenant Woodworth died only about six months previous, there might be some difficulty in obtaining the necessary authority.

Application was, however, at once made to the intendente of Valparaiso and by him referred to the minister of interior of Santiago, who immediately granted my request for the removal of the remains.

Lieut. G. H. Burrage, United States Navy, attached to this vessel, was placed in charge to make all arrangements for the disinterment and embarkation of the body, having as an assistant Dr. McCullough, United States Navy. These officials engaged the same undertaker who officiated at the original burial, and were thus assured as to the correct location of the body, which had been placed in the Protestant cemetery in a numbered cemented niche, as is the custom in Chile.

On the morning of February 18, 1901, Lieutenant Burrage and Dr. McCullough witnessed and attended the removal and embarkation of the body. A municipal regulation required the casket to be inclosed in a zinc-lined case before removal from the cemetery, and this was attended to by the undertakers.

When the body was placed in the boat our flag was half-masted, in which mark of respect we were joined by the Chilean squadron of five vessels at anchor in the bay.

After the reception of the body on board, this vessel proceeded to sea, and at 2.45 p. m. the remains of the late Lieut. Selim E. Woodworth were committed to the deep with the burial service of the Episcopal church, read by Chaplain Boorom, United States Navy, all hands being called, and the ceremonies observed as prescribed in the United States Navy Regulations. The body was left in the original casket, this being inclosed in the zinc-lined case, and all sunk by a heavy weight lashed securely.

In concluding I wish to call special attention to the courtesy of the Chilean officials in connection with this matter. It was necessary to waive the law governing disinterment, yet I everywhere met with the most cordial and friendly assistance, and experienced no difficulty in obtaining the necessary permit, which I herewith inclose, as it may be of interest to the family of the late Lieutenant Woodworth.

Very respectfully,

W. W. Mead,
Captain, United States Navy, Commanding.