_Special Commissioner Plenipotenitary_.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 12, 1898_.
_To the Senate of the United States:_
In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, I inclose
herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, inclosing a copy of a
report from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation.
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, _Washington, April 9, 1898_.
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE.
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Senate resolution of
April 4, directing that the Senate be informed "of the total number of
human lives that were lost by the sinking of the United States battle
ship _Maine_ in Havana Harbor, Cuba, on the 15th day of February,
1898, the total number of dead bodies rescued from said ship, the total
number remaining unrescued, and what effort, if any, is being made to
rescue them," and in reply thereto inclose a copy of a report from the
Chief of the Bureau of Navigation covering the above inquiry. I have the
honor to be, sir, very respectfully,
JOHN D. LONG, _Secretary_.