With regret that we might not prolong our stay, we sailed as soon as the last slingful was over the side, at 7 P. M., arriving at Civita Vecchia at 4 P. M. the next day, Sunday, January 17, after an absence of just ten days.
At Civita Vecchia we received a hearty welcome from the Sub-Prefect; Sindaco, captain of the port: Mr. Page and Mr. Pasigli, of the Committee; Mr. and Mrs. Billings, of Massachusetts, and Mr. Anniser, the Lloyd agent. There was time enough to transfer our aged charges ashore comfortably, with the expedition and baggage, to take the six o’clock train for Rome.
Drs. Egidi and Alessandrini, two Italian women and two men nurses remained on board to care for the twenty-four orphans until they were given over into other hands. Everything of our cargo, and more besides, taken from the ship, had been distributed, as originally intended.
Written instructions were given Dr. Egidi, who was left in charge of our party remaining on board, covering the delivering of children and return of the doctors and nurses to Rome. Written instructions were also given to the captain of the Bayern to proceed to Genoa, and releasing the vessel there upon the delivery of the children into proper hands. Telegrams were sent to the American Consul-General and to the Quæstor at Genoa, informing of the coming of the ship with persons for them to receive. The American Ensign and the Red Cross were then hauled down, at 5.15 P. M., and I came ashore with the captain of the port.
The party were greeted at the landing by Mr. and Mrs. Griscom, accompanied by Mr. Dodge, while a large crowd of the people of Civita Vecchia were gathered outside the gates. Carriages were provided by the municipality to convey the party to the station, with free passage by rail to Rome, the Italian officials and people favoring us with every kind wish. The trip to Rome was without incident.
Tuesday afternoon, the 19th inst., Drs. Egidi and Alessandrini reported their return in person and their duty completed, bringing a receipt from the Quæstor in Genoa for the twenty-four orphans. This receipt was turned over by me to the secretary. Dr. Egidi also reported that the American Consul-General at Genoa had taken charge of the woman with three children, bound for America to join her husband. A letter concerning her case had been written the Consul-General by Mr. Cutting. The active work of the relief ship may therefore be regarded as completed.
Ambulance of Italian Red Cross in Naples.
(Photo by S. H. Chapman.)
Before closing this report I take the opportunity as executive head of the expedition to express my appreciation of the admirable manner in which the members, individually and collectively, performed their duties. Perfect harmony prevailed throughout; there were no complaints, no questioning of orders, no difficulties of any kind. If fatigue was felt by anyone, it was not mentioned until after working hours.