Commander In Chief Of The Pacific Fleet

HUGH RODMAN (1859-1940) Rear Admiral in the US Navy. Served during the Spanish-American War and World War I. In 1917 Admiral Rodman served as Commander, Battleship Division 9, Atlantic Fleet, in his flagship, New York. Ordered to European waters late in the year, his division joined the British Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow and became the 6th Battle Squadron, British Grand Fleet, under Admiral Sir David Beatty. In 1919 he became Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. In 1923, he accompanied President Warren G. Harding on his ill-fated inspection of Alaska. In 1937, he represented the U.S. Navy at King George VI's coronation ceremonies in London. The destroyer Rodman (DD-456) and the transport Admiral Hugh Rodman (AP-126) were named for him. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p. 4" x 7". On "The Autograph Collection of Howes Norris, Jr." Letterhead, he replies to the collector's request: "Autograph of Hugh Rodman, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy / Late Commanding the U.S. Battleship Squadron operating with the British Grand Fleet against the German High Seas Fleet. The latter surrendered Nov. 21, 1919." Atop is the date February 20, 1919, probably the date the collector sent it to him. Mounting traces on back. Fine.