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Navigazione Generale Italiana
Società Riunite Florio-Rubattino

Dal Bordo Del Piroscafo "LIGURIA"
Li 27th April, 1903.

Dear Colonel Hecker:-

This is a glorious spring morning, and our obliging Captain is manouvering his ship in an interesting bay running inland into the island of Sardenigia. He says he is doing all of this for two reasons:- First, to amuse his passengers. Second, to delay his arrival at Naples until seven o'clock tomorrow morning, so as to afford his passengers a fine morning view of the sail up the bay of Naples. The first officer however, tells us the Captain is testing a new compass. Whatever the cause the experience is pleasant and an opportunity is afforded to write you a few lines without the usual roll of the ship.

Our trip thus far has not lacked variety. The first three days were stormy, everybody sick including some of the officers and crew -- then came a week of fog, clouds and showers saved from depression by occasional bursts of sunshine and starshine.

The last four days have been perfect.

We have enjoyed delightful views of Pico, the coast of Portugal -- the coast of Spain and now as said before, are close to Sardegna - (We are now leaving the bay and the ship is beginning to roll again). Our ship is well built and nicely fitted up: the decks are roomy and very pleasant; I have been given a much better room than was originally assigned to me and have very little fault to find with the trip. Of course, the food, the officers, the navigation, the service and the regulations are "very Italian". There is a decided flavor of macaroni in every thing that happens but of course, how else should one properly approach "Sunny It."?

Father Van Antwerp of Harper Avenue and Father Pallisary of the Detroit Cathedral are both on board and they are both fine men. There are other priests, some doctors -- all wise men and good company. Also a sprinkling of people one would rather not mix with -- but on the whole the crowd is all right, and the conditions seem very appropriate to the route.

Yourself and family are all well, I hope. Will you be good enough to present my cordial regards to each and accept