Captain Edward Simpson, USN Governor of Guam In 1916 – Archive SOLD

Captain Edward Simpson, USN Governor of Guam in 1916 Archive. Simpson briefly served as the acting 20th Naval Governor of Guam from May 8, 1916 to May 30, 1916.  From 25 December, 1915, to 31 December, 1918, Simpson was the commandant of the U.S. Naval Station, Cavite & Olongapo, P.I.    “Under cable instructions proceeded to Guam and assumed the duties of Governor, an interim, from 9th to 30th May, 1916.  Senior Naval Member Joint Army & Navy Board Philippine Islands.  During the war, performed the duties of Senior Officer present in Philippine Waters, during the absence of the Commander in Chief from the Philippines, in charge of the Naval defense of Manila Bay and the defensive Sea Areas.   Repaired ten ex-German vessel taken over by the Insular government authorities.  Took over the Dutch steamers, “Tjikembang”,”Tjisondari” and ” Poseidon” in Manila Bay, under cable orders from the Department, and manned and sent home the two former.  The Governor General cabled the Department his appreciation of my performance of duty as Commandant.  For his service in this period, Simpson was awarded the Navy Cross:

“The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Edward Simpson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commandant of the Navy Yards, Cavite, Philippine Islands, and Olongapo, Philippine Islands, and in charge of the naval defenses of the Philippines in the absence of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet.”

This archive includes an assorted group of material relating to Edward Simpson’s time as the Naval Governor of Guam, including, diaries, letters, documents, flags, tin cased set of chapeau, epaulets and dress sword belt, and more. He held the position pending the arrival of the incoming Captain Roy Campbell Smith.  At that time, Simpson was commandant of the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay.

Contents include:

• Two pocket diaries,  both recording Simpson’s time as Governor, May 5th to May 30th, 1916. The first has every page filled and the other about a quarter filled with the dates from the 29th to 30th. The beginning mentions that S had “started writing a memo of events happening since my arrival at Guam.” (see photos of memo note in diary and the memo he wrote, being a 60 pages).  Highly detailed account of Simpson’s less than 30 day assignment as ad interim governor.
• Memorandum, 60 pages,  The Palace, Guam, Sunday, May 14th, 1916.  lt started mentioning the CinC, Maxwell, was on the sick list (heart disease).  This memo covers just the few days before arriving and a few days after taking the duties of governor.
• Cablegrams marked 11 & 12, May 8 and 9, 1916.  May 8th, to Secnav -Arrived Guam, assumed command……  May 9th, From Josephus Daniels, ..appointed governor ad interum until arrival of Smith…..
• Naval Government of Guam letterhead, May 9, 1916. The hand written note in ink on the upper left corner of this document reads, “My proclamation read by me in front of Palace at 2 pm, May 9/ 16 -full honors & 16 guns  E. Simpson.  The part cancelled was done before the reading  ES.”  2 pages signed by Simpson.
• Printed document, Government House, Guam, Executive Notice No. 78.  May 9, 1916.  (see photo).
• Copy of letter from Simpson to the Secretary of the Navy, May 12, 1916.  Describes S’s compliance with orders, and going on to cover condition of Captain Maxwell, found restricted to quarters in his quarters, and palace garden under constant surveillance of marine officer with guards out of sight but within call. …Maxwell protested against restraint and being placed on sick list…Upon the Navy’s cablegram May 9, assumed the office of Governor of Guam….
• Government House, Guam, May 17, 1916.  From Captain Maxwell, 6 page letter to S.  A difficult letter to read, but I gather it refers to Maxwell’s troubles being replaced. He apparently has known S for some time and wishes the best to S’s wife, and wishes him success in his new assignment as governor…..much more.
• Letter from USS Supply, At Sea, May 19, 1916, From George C. Thomas to S, regarding Capt. Maxwell asking Thomas to write concerning treatment toward Maxwell, the only way open to S.  Thomas mentions Maxwell physical condition being good, and facing his situation as best he can under circumstances.
• Near a dozen cablegrams to Simpson, concerning several matters, most regarding governorship of Guam. Many different types, US Army Signal Corps, Pacific Ocean Cablegram, US Naval Radio Service, hand written from Naval Station, Guam, Telegraph Division Bureau of Post-Manila, and one from U.S. Naval Station Guam, from Capt. Smith, to Secnav, transfer of Navy Secret Code – a receipt from Capt. E. Simpson, registered number 70., (signed) Roy C. Smith.
• U.S. Naval Station, Guam, May 25, 1916.  A copy letter to marine officers, Captains Dewey, Moses, Manwaring, Lieutenants Thing, Picket, Baker.  “At Captain Mexwell’s request i promised him that I would ask all the officers who were on duty at the Palace while he was on the sick list what they thought of his mental condition, and I would appreciate anything you feel at liberty to write me in regard to it. Signed E.Simpson.
• Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guam May 29, 1916. A letter from marine lieutenant J. K. Picket, regarding his observations of Captain Maxwell.
• Letter, Guam, May 29, 1916, from and signed by C.S. Baker, (lieutenant, US Marines),  Concerning Captain Maxwells condition…much irritation, very restless, more.
• U.S. Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guam, May 26, 1916.  Typed letter signed by Edward B. Manwaring, concerning the mental condition of CinC Maxwell, a brief report on the mental and physical condition of the ex-governor.
• Testimony of Capt. Simpson. In questionnaire form, type format copy with both questions and Simpson’s answers, concerning his time at Guam.  Mention of Maxwell, and W.P. Cronin (LtComdr who briefly replaced Captain Maxwell), much more.
• Calling cards of Marine, Naval officer, Dr. at Guam.
• Japanned tin case with rear admiral’s chapeau, epaulets, and dress belt.  Sold by S.N. Meyer, Washington.  The condition overall is fine. The epaulets show that the rear admiral rank replaced the captains rank, by evidence of some minor holes. There are some black crape armbands for mourning usage.
• Black leather sword belt and buckle, with sword hangers and swivels. Excellent condition.
• Small RADM’s 2 star flag. 18 x 25 inches including the hoist.  Faded but fine otherwise, no markings, was found in the presentation box.
• Silk U.S. flag.  24 x 35 inches approximate.  Excellent, found in presentation box.
• Hawaiian flag being the British Union Jack with stripes.  24 x 35 approximate. Excellent condition.  Found in presentation box.
• Unknown white silk flag, same size approximate to the above, with purple triangle at center.  Only thing close is the YMCA flag, but most likely not that.
• Hostess Committee for Entertainment of British Fleet July, 1924..left with this lot, as it was found in box,  Mrs. Simpson name on pin bar.  Fine condition.
• French Naval cap tally for BAYARD, an Ironclad launched on 1882.  Don’t know the connection.
  • Presentation box presented to Admiral Simpson (see photo of presentation). Comes with a letter form the  Mayor, John H. Wilson, of Honolulu, dated June the Seventh, 1923, to Simpson, then the commandant of the 14th Naval District, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  (see photo for letter and cover).
• 10 x 7 x 2 1/2