Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-02-02
TGnrCrstet
THE SMALL POX.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1926.

THE SMALL POX.
In our last we noticed the existence of the
Small Pox in the towns of Uxbridge and
Douglas, in this County, since which, we have
received further information relative TO it. A |
young daughter of John Aldrch, in Douglas,
was the first person affect with it. She re-
sided in an obscure neighborhood, where it is
not known that she could have been exposed
to any contagious disease, nor has any plausi-
BILE conjecture been formed of the origin of
the disorder. 1t was first called Measles, or
Chicken Pox, by her physician, but the symp.
toms becoming more alarming, DIR. Willard,
of Uxbridge, was called in, and pronounced it
the Varioloid, or Small Pox, and recommend
ed immediate vaccination, which, however,
was not attended to. In about fifteen days,
six more of the family and several of the
neighbors were taken in consequence Of
which, DR.. Thurber, of Mendon, who has
been conversant with the Small Pox, was CALI
ed in. He found the father of the girl first
mentioned, dead, and the rest of the family,
and many of the neighbors covered with
Small Pox Of the most malignant type.
We understand that vaccination has been
generally adopted, and that hospitals have
been established, SO that it may be hoped
that the disease will soon be checked. For
further particulars our readers are referred to
the annexed letter, which is from a response
BILE source.
Douglas, Jan. %, 1925.
SIR,-As there is great agitation and alarm
in this vicinity, relative to the Small Poe, it
is presumed that correct statement respect
ing it would be gratifying to the public.
1t is now about five weeks since its first APP
pearance in this place. Three persons have
already died with the disease, and there are
now about forty sick with it, in the Hospitals
IN the south east part OF this town-.in the
southwest part of UXbridge, and in the north
cast part of Burrillsvillc, r three or four
OF whom, it is feared, will not recover. In
the commencement of the disease here, II was
feared, by some, that it was the yarioloid, but
it is now ascertaned beyond Il reasonable
doubt that it is the small poX, assuming its u
sual type and operation. Some cases have
run into continent state, but generally speak
lug, it is no more severe IN its operation than
could reasonably be expected, considering the
circumstances of the patients who are afflicted
with this grievous malady.
Measures have been adopted to prevent the
spread of this scourge of the human race but
through imprudent conduct many people in
this vicinity have been exposed, and it is fear
ed that nothing short Of extensive or universal
vaccination will be effectual TO their security.
And it is strongly recommended to all the
towns in this vicinity to adopt effectual meas
ures for the vaccination of all, in each town,
who are liable or subject to the small pox.
When the kind and benefcent Parent of
the human race has furnished us with an eff
fectual preventative Of such distressing mala-
dy, is it not ungrateful and inhuman not to
make use oft?
In the language of Doct. Page, of Portland,
may we not ask, How long is this scourge of
mankind to remain among us The time ought
long since to have passed, when nothing could
be heard of this loathsome disease but its
name, and nothing known of it but from books
but the period is far distant, unless the leg
islature will compel all those who delight in
the murder of their offspring, and entailng
misery upon makind, to erect the altar of Mo-
loch in place remote from the habitation of
humanity"
Since the above letter was received, we
learn that another death has occurred, making
}our in all.