The Secretary of the Navy, John D. Long, a former Governor of
Massachusetts and Congressman, was an able administrator. He was
not, however, interested in the details of Naval architecture,
turret design, coal supplies, drydocks and the like. Long
recognized Roosevelt's obvious love for these matters, and
relied on Theodore to address them. Long did not share
Roosevelt's views on Naval expansion and the need for new
capital ships, and, in spite of badgering from Roosevelt, would
not fight vigorously for these items. Long, however, did not
like the heat of Washington in the summer and would return to
New England...leaving Roosevelt in Washington. Roosevelt took
full advantage of the opportunity. He continued to provide Long
an ongoing dialogue by letter of all goings-on. The letters were
long and detailed, and tedious as far as the Secretary of the
Navy was concerned. Roosevelt suggested that, as summer turned
to fall, that the Secretary should not be in any hurry to
return, or even answer Theodore's letters.