fortifications in the bay of Manila.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 1, 1898_.

_To the Congress of the United States:_

The resolution of Congress passed May 9, 1898, tendering to Commodore
George Dewey, United States Navy, commander in chief of the United
States naval force on the Asiatic station, the thanks of Congress and of
the American people for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with
the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet
and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898,
and through him extending the thanks of Congress and of the American
people to the officers and men under his command for gallantry and
skill exhibited by them on that occasion, required the President to
communicate the same to Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers
and men under his command. This having been done, through the Secretary
of the Navy, on the 15th of May, 1898, the following response has been
received and is hereby transmitted to the Congress:

I desire to express to the Department, and to request that it will be
transmitted to the President and to Congress, my most sincere thanks for
the great compliment paid to me.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.