The _Leviathan_ was so big a target and the German eagerness to sink her was so well known that there was at first opposition to the use of this big vessel as a troop-ship, and Admiral Sims wrote to me on November 2, 1917: I have previously reported against using the _Vaterland_ for the present until we have a little more experience in handling the other large transports. The _Vaterland_ is, of course, a much larger target, and injury to her would be a serious affair. I am assuming too that all of the troops that we have to transport for the next few months can be accommodated in other transports, assisted by British liners. Whenever the situation becomes pressing, I presume we shall have to use the _Vaterland_ and take the additional risk. We did use the former _Vaterland_ with such success that during all the war she was never touched by the enemy; but the fears entertained of attack on this biggest transport afloat were justified. On the fourth voyage, when in sight of the coast, May 30, 1918, the _Leviathan_ recorded her first encounter with a submarine, following being the entry in the ship's log: 12:29 p. m.--Sighted submarine pursuing us on our port quarter about 1,500 yards distant. Ordered full speed, 165 revolutions. Opened fire with Number Six and Number Eight guns, three shots. Stopped zigzagging. Changed course 12:40 p. m. 12:59 p. m.--Submarine appeared again. Opened fire with Number Six and Number Eight guns. Nine shots. 1:19 p. m.--Submarine appeared again. Opened fire with Number Six and Number Eight guns. Seven shots. 1:34 p. m.--Threw in maneuvering combination. Standard speed 112 revolutions. 1:45 p. m.--Entering harbor at various courses and speeds. Of this attack, the _Leviathan_ History says: The coolness of our commanding officer, Captain H. F. Bryan, and the splendid coördination of the entire crew were so perfect, that only three distinct orders were issued in this moment of peril as follows: 1. Hold your course. 2. Open fire on submarine, port quarter. 3. Sound General Alarm. Every shot fired was greeted by cheers and shouts of encouragement from the enthusiastic soldiers on the decks, who crowded to favorable positions to witness the accurate firing of our gun-crews. The Army nurses left their luncheon to take a peek at the "fun," and their calmness and enthusiasm in the face of a deadly menace were an inspiration to the sailors manning the big guns.