File No. 841.857/355
The Consul General at London ( Skinner) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5.30 p.m.]
Edward Ellis and John Handley, born New York City, have reached London from Falmouth, where landed 20th from British tug Bureaucrat. Had been picked up in open sea with other members crew of British sailing ship Centurion after drifting 14 hours. Centurion left Pensacola, January 1 with lumber for London. On February 19, German submarine fired warning shot whereupon crew [Page 147] took to lifeboats. German seamen placed eight bombs in holds. Vessel sunk within 10 minutes after explosion. Ship unarmed. Crew drifted in fairly heavy sea with limited provisions of food from 11.30 a.m., February 19, until 2.30 following morning.