Capt. P.C. Wertsch, Steamer “Clinton:”
Dear Sir:—As we draw near the end of our voyage on the steamer “Clinton,” I cannot refrain from giving expression to the feeling of satisfaction and gratitude that all the members of the Red Cross party entertain for you and your crew. If you have any influence with the gods of wind and wave, you must certainly have exerted it, for verily we have been “sailing o’er summer seas” during the past weeks, and a pleasanter time than we have had could not well be imagined. It gives me great pleasure to say to you that the uniform courtesy and consideration that have been shown our people and the general comfort of the “Clinton” are highly appreciated. We congratulate the Morgan Line on having such a ship and such a crew.
In saying good-bye, permit me to thank you most heartily for your many kindnesses and your unfailing courtesy, and to wish you and all the members of your crew a long life and the best of everything in it.
Sincerely yours,
Clara Barton.
Captain Wertsch replied in the happy manner following:
On Board Steamer “Clinton,”
September 2, 1898.
Miss Clara Barton, President American National Red Cross:
Dear Madam:—Your very kind note, in which you commend my ship and crew, is received, and I have to return my most grateful thanks. A commander’s duties not only embrace the safe navigation of his craft, but the comfort and happiness of his passengers and crew, and it is a great pleasure to know that my efforts in that direction, combined with the propitious conditions of the elements, have met with your approval, and I shall always treasure your approbation as one of the bright spots in my rather monotonous calling. I esteem it one of the greatest honors to have as passenger and friend one who has so distinguished and endeared herself to all the civilized world by her many years of faithful and never-ceasing devotion to suffering humanity, and it is my sincere hope that God may grant you many years more in which to continue your work of love, and that every success may crown your efforts. I have the honor to subscribe myself,
Your devoted friend,
P.C. Wertsch, Captain.
We arrived at Egmont Key on the morning of September 3, and the party went into camp for a five days’ quarantine, which, barring the heat and mosquitoes, was rather a pleasant rest after the worry and suspense of the past week. Dr. Geddings, of the Marine Hospital Service, the surgeon in charge of the quarantine station, did everything in his power to make our stay agreeable, and he succeeded far better than we had anticipated.