I used all the power there was in my office to aid these men in getting the material ready.

I also tried to gather from every source information as to who the best men were to occupy the fighting positions.
Sound naval opinion was overwhelmingly in favor of Dewey to command one squadron.

I was already watching him, for I had been struck by an incident in his past career.

It was at a time when there was threat of trouble with Chile.

Dewey was off the Argentine, and was told to get ready to move to the other coast of South America.