The Portland daily press., 1881-09-30
Last DAYS with DR.. Greene,

We are permitted to make the following
extract from the private letter of a lady who
was passenger on the ship with Dr. Greene
1t gives touching picture of his last days.
and shows him then, as always, kindly, ten
der and helpful:
On Saturday, Sept. 3, at O'Clock p. M. we
went to the dock in Liverpool TO embark for
our home in America. We first went on
board tug which was to carry US out to the
S. s. Parthia, which was lying at anchor
about two miles from the shore. Among the
first acquaintanccs we made on board the tug,
all being strangers when we started. Was DIR.
Greene from Portland to whom we were at
tracted by his genial face, his sprighty MAUI
ners and his agreeable conversation. By the
time we were comfortably located in our cab
ms, and began to feel a. home on the ship, we
felt that we knew DIR. Greene very well. He
was fond of children, pitching quois, playing
shuttle board, &C., with Sam and his young
companions. Hequite won our hearts, indeed he
was soon great favorite with all. Among the
many distinguished physicians un bpard-Drs
Ssyre, Little and others-who had been dele
gates to the Medical Congress- he took con-
spicuous place. His conversation was in
structive, bis opinions highly received.
The days Were passing pleasantly. Satur-
day, Sunday, Monday passed. Tuesday came
and with it storm A little land bird had
been following the ship. IL bad no place 10
rest its weary wings save on the ship. 1t
would light on the rigging, then on the cabin,
then frightened by the noise and confus on,
it would venture again TO try its wings. Ex-
hausted and as though in a fit OF despair it
sought rest aud safety high up in the folds of
the top-gallant mast. The good, kind Doctor
watched the movements OF the bird. his ex-
pressions OF sympathy for the sad fate that
must befall the little thing should it again
venture upon the ocean in the then raging
storm, excited the admiration OF all, aud be-
came so contagious that all on board became
anxious to devise some means TO secure the
bird and carry il once more to land. The Doc
tor was the first to move in the matter prac-
tieally. He offered an expert sailor ten shil-
lings if he would after dark climb the rigging
and secure the prize. At O'Clock the next
morning the Doctors heart was made glad by
the sailor delivering TO him the bird and de-
manding the reward. immediately the ship
carpenter prepared cage for which the Doc
tor promptly paid him and then set to work
to provide for its wants. He gave it crumbs,
canary seed and water. 1t ale heartily, and
the Doctors ambition seemed to be satisfied.
He felt sure he would land the little fellow
safely on American SOIL The next morning
the Doctor appeared on deck disconsolate, dis
turbed, disap pointed and distressed bis
little bird was dead. He announced
the fact to the many who were anx-
iousy inquiring how was the pet, with fearful
eyes. An old sailor standing by said in an
undertone, II am sorry; there will De death
on board before we reach New York"
That evening = Wednesday, the 7th =
the Doctor went TO his berth.
Thursday evening the ships surgeon was
called in and prescr bed as for ordinary
sea sickness There was nothing in the symp-
toms that was alarming. The mex day Dr.
Little was consulted, then DR.. Sayre. DIR.
Greene seemed indisposed 10 communicate with
the doctors, said it was all right and that he
would be out in the morning The morning
(Saturdsy) came, the ships surgeon was alarm
ed. Again consultation was held and every
possible effort made to relieve the poor mans
sufferings. 1t was too late. AooutS O'Clock
he was a corpse 1t was but short time be-
fore the sad news was heard by all on board.
A sdeep gloom overhung the ship, all was
breathless silence, sympathy for the deceased
and for his family was on the lips OF every one.
We all felt as if we had lost a friend. We put
our selves ia his place, and away out III mid
ocean many a tear was shed which, when it
mingled with the waves, we trusted might be
carried to the home of those who were anxious
ly awaiting the return of the Doctor, as tokens
of the love we bore him and as evidence that
though he was among strangers and dead, he
was being thought OF and cared for. The
Masons on board at once proceeded to look
after his rem aims, ready to guard them and re-
turn them safely to his friends, bat alas they
could not execute their purpose. The captain
after consultation with the doctors as to the
practicablity of carrying him so far without
the necessary appliances, decided to obey the
rules of the company and ordered that ne Do
buried at sea at O'Clock in the afternoon OF
the day on which he died. Then came the
most melancholy scene that ever human eye
can be called to witness-a burial at sea- A
rude box covered with the American flag was
carried on deck by the sailors 1t was follow
ed by the officers of the ship and the Masons.
1t was deposited on a plank which reached
over the deck for some distance and was held
in position by two sailors. The burial service
was read by the captain amid the sobs and
signs of the passengers, who had gathered on
deck to witness the solemn service, and to do
all honor in their power to him who had been
thus unexpectedly carried away. At the close
of the service the captain requested that we
sing hymn, when lady, wish knew her
name, sang with angelic voice. Nearer my
God to Thee" We all Joined in and as the
last notes of the beautiful hymn were waited
far out over the mighty waters the captain
read earth to earth, dust to dust. ashes 10
ashes," and the body of DR.. Greene was cast in
TO the snrging sea- Ehere was not dry eye
on the vessel, and / question whether the
awful picture can ever be erased from the re-
collection of those who saw il.