In an earlier post, I made the statement that on 10 July, Deputy Surveyor Guy W. Steele brought a friend, Ary J. Lamme, a stock broker aboard the boat during Steele's inspection. As such, Lamme was the only unauthorized person to get aboard the boat while she was in Baltimore. STBaltimore suggested that in fact there was another unauthorized visitor, which caused me to reconsider my original claim until I had more complete information. After piecing every bit of information I can find, I am still of the opinion that Lamme was the only unauthorized visitor. What I found might interest you.
On Saturday 15 July, Lois Marshall, the wife of Vice President Thomas R. Marshall, and her parents, were the guests of Captain Hinsch aboard the Neckar. While the parents remained aboard the Neckar, Hinsch gave Mrs. Marshall a tour of the U-Deutschland inside and out. Lois Marshall was the only woman allowed aboard the boat while she was in Baltimore.
On Sunday 16 July Captain König and his two watch officers hosted Senator Claude A. Swanson (VA) and his wife, Sen. William H. Thompson (KS), Sen. William Alden Smith (MI)and Congressman Sidney Mudd (MD). The guests had the opportunity to view the U-Deutschland from the vantage of the Neckar’s deck. Another group of senators, who refused to be identified, were allowed onto the pier alongside the U-Deutschland to view the boat at “close range.” But were not allowed to go aboard.
On 27 July, a delegation of the Congressional Rivers and Harbors Committee arrived at the McLean Pier to have a look at the U-Deutschland. Rep. J. Charles Linthicum of Maryland was the group's leader, and with him were Senator Willard Saulsbury, Jr. of Delaware, Representatives Thomas W. Miller, of Delaware, J. Hampton Moore and Peter Costello of Pennsylvania, Henry Dupre of Louisiana, John Small of North Carolina, James A. Frear of Wisconsin, William Kettner of California, and George Hulbert of New York. They met with König and Hinsch at the front gate where König told them that no visitors were being admitted to the pier or aboard the U-boat, but if Hinsch agreed, they could go aboard the Neckar and look down from the rail. He then gestured to Hinsch who stepped forward and politely told them "No," explaining that he regretted the decision, but "circumstances would not allow it."
This is an excerpt from the "Submarine Report" that Treasury Inspectors James J. Farrell and A. T. Rouse submitted on 3 August 1916. "The steamship people exercised extraordinary precautions to protect the vessel. She was screened on two sides by a warehouse, and on two sides by barges. The two entrances to the wharf were guarded by special watchmen under the strictest orders that, aside from Customs Officers, no one was allowed to pass through except on special permission of the Superintendent Captain F. Hinsch. In addition to this a special detail of Baltimore City policemen were on duty day and night."
So, at this point, Lamme is still the record holder. However, if any of you come up with a name, date and source for another unauthorized visitor to the boat, I would greatly appreciate the information. Dwight
Bookmarks