MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: In the process of demobilization, the Marine Brigade, which by the President’s order became a part of the American Expeditionary Forces and was thus a part of the forces under the control of the War Department and under the command of Gen. Pershing, has now been returned to this country, detached from the Army, and restored to the control of the Navy Department. I can not permit this heroic force to terminate its association with the Army without expressing to you, and through you to the officers and men of the Marine Corps, the deep sentiment of the War Department and of the Army toward it. The whole history of the Brigade in France is one of conspicuous service; when it was finally incorporated into the Second Division of the American Army it had early an opportunity to give a heroic demonstration of the unconquerable tenacity and dauntless courage of American soldiers. From then on in successive, almost continuous, battles the Marine Brigade and the division of which it was a part fought sternly and successfully until victory was obtained for the Allied Armies. Throughout this long contest the Marines, both by their valor and their tragic losses, heroically sustained, added an imperishable chapter to the history of America’s participation in the World War. On behalf of the Army I congratulate the Navy Department, the Major General commanding the Marines, those who have been instrumental in the formation and training of this splendid organization, and the officers and men of the organization itself. Cordially, yours, NEWTON D. BAKER. In reply Acting Secretary Roosevelt said: NAVY DEPARTMENT, _August 13, 1919_. Hon. NEWTON D. BAKER, _Secretary of War, Washington, D. C._ DEAR MR. SECRETARY: Your very cordial letter and the tribute it bore to the Fourth Brigade of Marines was received with pleasure and deepest appreciation. The heroism of the Marines and the Regulars in the famous Second Division, and their sacrifices, have endeared them to all Americans, and it is with very pardonable pride that we welcome them back to the Navy. The spirit of cordial cooperation between the Army and the Navy was never better manifested than in the participation of these Marines in the great battles in France under the command of Gen. Pershing as a part of the United States Army, and shoulder to shoulder with units of the Regular Army. It is with extreme gratification that we can look back upon this unbroken cooperation between our two departments that started at the time the first Navy ship carried troops to France and continued uninterruptedly through to the end.