In a letter to his son, Admiral Farragut wrote: "I am almost as fond of Watson as I am of your own dear self." In his report of the battle of Mobile Bay, where Watson was wounded, Farragut wrote: "Lieutenant Watson has been brought to your attention in former times.

He was on the poop attending to the signals and performed his duty, as might be expected, thoroughly.

He is a scion worthy of the noble stock he springs from, and I commend him to your attention." A squadron of invincible power was made up for Watson in the summer of 1898, with which it was intended Commodore Watson should pay a hostile visit to the coast of Spain.

But for the signing of the peace protocol, that visit under its gallant and distinguished commander would have proved one that the decrepit monarchy would remember to the end of time.
Captain John W.Philip, promoted to the rank of commodore for his superb work with the _Texas_ off Santiago, is brave, modest, devout and fond of practical joking.

He is genial, exceedingly popular with his associates and men and one of the finest officers in the navy.