Lieutenant W. A. Kirk, U.S.N., who witnessed the surrender from a point
of vantage on the bridge of the battleship _New York_, standing just
behind Admiral Rodman and Admiral Sims, said that it was exceedingly
difficult at the time to grasp the significance of their surrender and
feel duly impressed, as there was a lack of show or emotion of any kind.

"The whole affair," he added, "was run exactly according to prearranged
schedule, and was only another proof of the quiet, businesslike,
efficient way the Royal Navy does things."

Continuing, he said:

"We proceeded into port in this formation, our lines gradually
converging as we approached the entrance of the Firth of Forth. After
reaching a point a short distance in the Firth the German ships dropped
anchor, and Admiral Beatty on his flag-ship stood by to inspect them. As
we passed within 500 yards of the enemy ships on our way to anchorage,
we gave the British Admiral three rousing cheers. He returned them by
waving his hat to Admiral Rodman. About three that afternoon Admiral
Beatty sent his famous message, 'The German flag will be hauled down at
sunset to-day, and will not be flown again until further orders.' The
German ships a few days later, and after more inspection, were convoyed
to their port of internment, Scapa Flow."

The American battleships remained with the Grand Fleet for about two
weeks after the surrender, and then departed, amid many felicitations
and interchange of compliments, to Portland, where they joined the
vessels assembled to escort President Wilson into Brest. This done, the
American sea-fighters lay for a day in Brest, and then, spreading
600-foot homeward-bound pennants to the breezes, the armada headed for