At nine o’clock the U. S. S. Connecticut, flagship of Rear-Admiral C. S. Sperry, U. S. Navy, Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Atlantic Fleet, came in and anchored. After a conference between the Ambassador and Admiral Sperry, it was decided that the Bayern and the Culgoa should co-operate in relief work along the coast. The Ambassador, accompanied by Mr. Dodge, then quitted the Bayern, embarked in the Connecticut, and sailed in her at 5 P. M. for Naples.
Mr. Cutting and Mr. Chanler here joined the Bayern.
Digging in Ruins for Bodies at Messina.
(Photo by S. H. Chapman.)
About the time of the Connecticut’s sailing, staff officers from General Mazza and Rear-Admiral Viale, Senior Italian Naval Officer present, called on board the Yankton and Culgoa to state that supplies would be welcome at Reggio as well as at Catania. Lieutenant-Commander Patton and I, therefore, arranged to proceed to Reggio together next morning; and for easier communication between us, he lent the Bayern a signalman and two wireless operators from the Culgoa, who rigged up a small improvised wireless set over night.
REGGIO.
Sunday morning we left Messina about seven o’clock, reaching Reggio di Calabria about 8.30. We were unable to see General Mazzitelli, as he was ill, but Captain Cagni, commanding the Napoli, Senior Italian Naval Officer present, received us in his stead. He showed much satisfaction in having our supplies to draw upon, especially for women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, oil stoves, tent canvas, cooking and table utensils, tools and nails. About four-fifth of the Napoli’s crew had been sent away on relieving expeditions among the outlying small villages, and our supplies were in good time for use in a second expedition which was being prepared.
There were no sick or wounded needing to be cared for on board, nor any refugees to be sent; but we were cordially thanked for our offer of these facilities, as well as for our supplies. The latter made about 25 tons, in four boatloads, which we were able to transfer that afternoon. The Bayern then returned to anchor over night at Messina, there being no good berth at Reggio; the Culgoa remained off Reggio to deliver provisions next day.