Minister Jackson to the Secretary of State.
Athens, October 6, 1906.
Sir: I have the honor to report that Rear-Admiral Willard H. Brownson, commanding the armored-cruiser squadron, in his flagship, the U. S. S. West Virginia (Capt. Conway H. Arnold), and accompanied by the U. S. S. Maryland (Capt. Royal R. Ingersoll), Pennsylvania (Capt. Thomas C. McLean), and Colorado (Capt. Sidney A. Staunton), anchored in the Bay of Phaleron on Tuesday, the 2d instant, and left again for the East this morning. On the day after his arrival the admiral, together with his chief of staff (Capt. Aaron Ward) and the several commanding officers, called officially at the legation, and the next day I returned the admiral’s call on board his flagship, when I was received with the customary honors, and when—upon my leaving the ship—a salute of 15 guns was fired. The admiral made, as well, the usual official visits, which were returned in the customary manner.
Prior to the arrival of the admiral—of whose intention to visit Greece I had learned through personal letters—I had made application for an audience of the Crown Prince (Regent), and on the 4th instant he had the honor of being received by Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess, in company with the commanding and a number of other officers, at their palace in this city. On the following day Admiral Brownson entertained at luncheon on board the West Virginia the Crown Princess (the Prince having left for Thessaly the evening before) and Princess Andrew of Greece (a daughter of Prince Louis of Battenberg).
As usual, the Greek papers were complimentary in their comment upon the conduct and general behavior and appearance of our sailors. Astonishment is always expressed at the number of men who visit the Akropolis and the museums, and this year much surprise was occasioned by the number of men who attended the performances of Italian opera, which are now going on at the Municipal Theater. Our sailors are always welcome in Greece—for sentimental reasons, because of the long-existing friendship for America, and for practical reasons as well, because of the amount of money left behind them. Under the circumstances I venture to suggest the advisability of making Athens (either Phaleron or the Pirӕus, according to the season) a regular place for the ships to stop on their way to or from the East, in order to give liberty to the crews. The general health is good, the people are friendly, and there is something to interest the men when they come ashore. For me personally it is always a pleasure to see my former comrades of the navy, and I think that generally both officers and men profit by and enjoy a visit to the Greek capital.
I have, etc.,