CHAPTER XXII

EFFICIENCY OF OUR NAVY IN SAVING LIVES

The following radio messages were received by me on the evening of September thirteenth, while at sea, en route to Athens, and after:

Litchfield 9-13-22.

_Simpson_

0113 fire has almost reached Consulate. Consulate has escaped with practically all official matter of value. A large number of other Americans have been taken on board and now being taken on board but have no complete muster as yet. Entire population on water front have placed many orphans and employees of American benevolent associations on _Winona_ with request but not order to evacuate them to Athens promising your assistance in matter of their landing, 2220 Litchfield Capt.

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_Simpson_ 9-14-22.

For Horton. _Winona_ leaving 4 P. M. to-day for Piræus with three hundred and fifty refugees directed to report to you for instructions about evacuation. Simpson awaits arrival _Winona_ due about 9 A. M. Friday signed Hepburn—1130 Capt. (file)

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_Simpson_ rdo 9-15-22 0800

Direct for Horton. 0114 ref my 0114 dash 1136 _Winona_ will have about 1000 refugees destroyer _Odsall_ left 7 A. M. for Salonica with 600 all she could carry. Please announce and assist evacuation if possible Hepburn 1900—

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_Simpson_ rdo 9-15-22. 7 A. M. date

_S. S. Winona_ 848

Consul-General Horton, _U. S. S. Simpson_—_Winona_ arrives 11 A. M. to-day with refugees. Please arrange to expedite debarkation. Short of provisions—Walter Master.

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_Simpson_ rdo 9-15-22. Time 0850

Litchfield 848

_Simpson_

1014 for Horton Am Consul September 14th, 5 P. M. Consulate completely destroyed by fire last night. Code funds and valuable documents saved. Three-fifths of city now burning and no apparent possibility of stopping fire. Your personal property including car lost Credit Lyonnais in midst of fire zone and manager and staff gone. Signed, Barnes.