FOURTH LIBERTY LOAN

NAVY DEPARTMENT
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
WASHINGTON

October 8, 1918.

Mrs. Minnie Almira Bevins,
Davenport, Florida.

Subject: Loss of Coast Guard Cutter TAMPA.

Dear Madam:

1. This office is deeply grieved to announce the loss of the Coast Guard Cutter TAMPA with all hands in Bristol Channel, England, at about 8:45 p.m. September 26, 1918. The dispatches show that your son, Water Tender A. K. Bevins, was on the TAMPA at the time and that hope has been abandoned of finding any survivors of the catastrophe.

2. It appears that the TAMPA was escorting a convoy of merchant vessels and that for some reason unknown she speeded ahead of the others and was lost to view. At about 8:45 p.m., the shock of a heavy explosion was felt on board the vessels of the convoy, but owing to the darkness it was impossible to discern what had caused it. The convoy arrived at destination without the TAMPA and the circumstances were reported to the proper officials. Immediately American and British destroyers were despatched to the scene but all they were able to find was a few life preservers marked TAMPA, some wreckage and two unidentified bodies in uniform. Information was withheld a few days in the hope that survivors would be found, but all search being fruitless, Vice Admiral Sims then made official announcement of the disaster. As soon as possible thereafter this office sent messages to the nearest of kin of the unfortunate victims.

3. The Coast Guard is now operating as a part of the Navy in accordance with law, and in the sinking of the TAMPA the naval force has suffered its greatest individual loss during the war. The officers and men of the Coast Guard are inured to danger and there is no room for doubt that those on the TAMPA met their fate with heroic fortitude. Their names head the list upon the roll of honor of the Coast Guard in our united effort to establish personal liberty and the freedom of the seas throughout the world. The precise circumstances that caused this disaster will probably never be known but it is a matter of record that the officers and men who went down with the TAMPA met their fate in the performance of their duty. No greater tribute could be paid the memory of any man.

4. In testimony of the efficiency of the TAMPA and of the high regard in which her officers and men were held by the Force Commander, Vice Admiral Sims has sent to the Navy Department a cable despatch, a copy of which this office deems it a privilege and an honor to inclose.

Sincerely,
E P Bertholf[signature]
Captain Commandant.

Copy of a message dated October 2, 1918, from Admiral Sims to the Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department.

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From October first to July 31 TAMPA steamed on average 3566 and point five miles each month and was underway an average of 50 point four percent of the total time. Since TAMPA'S arrival on station she escorted 18 convoys between Gibraltar and United Kingdom was never disabled was ready whenever called on. Only one request for repairs and this for two minor items was received from her.

This excellent record is an evidence of high state of efficiency an excellent ship spirit and an organization capable of keeping the vessel in service with the minimum of shore assistance. The squadron commander takes great pleasure in congratulating the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew on the record which they have made.

Following telegram was received from Vice Admiral C.H. DareMipyrn[sic], Commanding Officer, at Milford Haven: "For Vice Admiral Sims, U.S.Navy Force Commander U.S. Navy Force. Please accept the universal sympathy felt at Milford Haven by all ranks and rates in the loss of USS TAMPA.

Myself and staff enjoyed the personal friendship her commanding officer, Captain C. Satterlee and had great admiration for his intense enthusiasm and high ideals of duty.

Both he and his crew worked close and harmoniously cooperating with my vessel on many occasions and will be greatly missed."

The Force Commander is most appreciative of the excellent services performed by the TAMPA while under his command and sympathize most sincerely with the family of the officers and crew who were lost in this disaster.

It is requested that a copy of the above be sent next of kin of persons lost in the TAMPA.

(signed) SIMS.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
U.S. COAST GUARD
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
RETURN AFTER FIVE DAYS

Mrs. Minnie Almira Bevins,
Davenport[struck out],
Florida[struck out].

[written in pencil]
2 Center St
South Jacksonville Fla