A considerable number of dispatches from America and Hongkong addressed to Admiral Dewey outrageously exalt him over and above Farragut and Nelson. It seems that these dispatches fell into the hands of Colonel Montojo, a gallant gentleman and also a good loser, who added his congratulations before transmitting them to the admiral. There seems to be a lack of seriousness on both sides. How foolish it is to mix frivolity with war! Some take this kind of play for chivalry, but I only see its emptiness.
Just like countless other tales, this story of the dispatches is nothing but a stupid prank, demeaning to those who relate them as well as to those who believe them.