satisfaction with all he saw, and was very complimentary, even intimating that he would become a siren to endeavor to retain our party here, to continue such energetic work.
“In fact the work has spread so since you were here that what you saw is comparatively insignificant. Mr. Derby said this morning that, remembering how comparatively little there was when he was here in April, six weeks ago, he can hardly realize that it is the same place. The growth, the white paint, and the clearing up of the streets, have made a complete transformation; and from the top of the hotel one gets a view of the whole settlements that gives an idea not to be gained in any other way.
“At Villaggio Regina Elena, all our houses were finished on Friday afternoon; the door and window hanging and the kitchens will probably be done by the end of this week; and a contract has been given to another painter to paint them by the end of this month. The job has been done very well and quickly, and when the white paint is on the appearance will be all that could be desired.
“The foundation for the main buildings of the hospital is finished, and the framing is beginning today. I will push that work all possible, so that we may leave a cleanly finished set of buildings. The roofing, foundation, and plastering will each cost more than I had estimated, considerably; and the hardware for doors and windows must be bought.
“Here at Messina, we are on the last week of cottage building, all houses being framed that we are going to build. I have told the Prefect that I would leave here on June 12th.
“As the houses are completed, after Mr. Derby has inspected the kitchens and passed them, Lieutenant Brofferio and Avvocato Donate go over them, note whether they are ready for occupancy, or whether some minor repairs are needed, and then, on the revised list given by Brofferio, I report to the Prefect that the houses specified are ready for occupation. After the Prefect’s Committee have assigned a house, the applicant brings the written authorization here, and Donate installs him, or, generally, her.
“The new aspect of the settlement, since the painting began, and the towering bulk of the hotel, have brought a steady stream of visitors; and on Sunday there were crowds, all over the place and through the hotel. These conditions are gratifying, but they make it difficult for us to remain and work; so that the date, June 12th, must be regarded as definitely fixed.”
Translation of an inscription on a visiting card
left in camp office
(Crown)
“Comm. Luigi Majolino
“Messina.
“Having the concession for the American house of A-7, No. 11,—before occupying it, I feel it due to salute the Egregious Doctor Donelson, Commandant Belknap, Lieutenant Buchanan, and Sub-Lieutenant Spofford, who, with love and self-sacrifice, have borne in among us for all time the good will of the great nation of the United States of America.