However, the people higher up ultimately stood by Dewey.
The incident made me feel that here was a man who could be relied upon to prepare in advance, and to act promptly, fearlessly, and on his own responsibility when the emergency arose.

Accordingly I did my best to get him put in command of the Asiatic fleet, the fleet where it was most essential to have a man who would act without referring things back to the home authorities.

An officer senior to him, of the respectable commonplace type, was being pushed by certain politicians who I knew had influence with the Navy Department and with the President.

I would have preferred to see Dewey get the appointment without appealing to any politician at all.

But while this was my preference, the essential thing was to get him the appointment.