Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-10-10
GAZETTE
ASIATIC CHOLERA.


We copy the following from Capt SINNERS
Excursions in India:-
I shall never forget the afternoon of our arrival
at Patna; the cholera had been raging some time
amongst the native population, and all the dead
bodies seemed to have been placed on clear spot
without the city, and under the walls of some
rich mans palace. The hot wind Blew very vio-
len,ly, and we were lone within sight of this
place without heing able to reach it; the water
was very low, and several dead bodies that had
been washed from the bank by the river were
stranded on the shadows in its centre. II was
the lst Of Nav, aud corruption was most rapid:
every breath Of the sirocco blew poison; the scene
was indescribable: bodies foated sumetimes a
sainst our boats, for they were nearly all aground
and remained under the bows for an hour al a
time, while Others swan unintcrruptedly down
the stream. with flocks of birds upon them; little
could be heard but the noise of the vutures tear
ing off the flesh with their beaks, while the crows
angled in their quarfeIs for the morseS that fell
from them. About sunset we reached the shore;
but, alas Icould get no further than the burial
ground, along the edge of which we we're obliged
To moor. Ii was streWed with skulls and dead
mems bones,' and the air was pestilence.
The jackas and the wild dogs skuiked away
from the mansled limbs as we approached. while
the vultures, the very sight of which speaks OF the
charnel-house, rose from the half eaten body, and,
lowering for a moment above it, like evil spirits,
descended to the completion OF their horrible re-
past. There were great number of the Harslla
large storks. known by the name OF adjutants IN
India, from their measured step, stalking cvsg
the ground; they are always close attendants up
on Europeans. aud had come from the station of
Diuapore to share in the feast that death had pre-
pared for them; their 'steaithy pace seems we'll
suited TO a church yard, over which, tn their de-
signs, they move like ghosts. There Is some-
thing truv narrowing in the appearance OF these
gigantic birds ia the twilight, ur the pale moon
light knowing. as we do, the object Of their ra-
Wishing strides.
All night, for we were forced to continue all
night in this spot, the bowling OF the jackals was
tremendous, aud even the fifes that were it up
by our numerous followers did not seem to scare
themSthere must have been thousands collected.
So wild and 50 extraordinary scene never be-
fore behelL; and so uncomfortable one, to some
of the senses. have no desire to see repeated
In 81 large a population as that OF Patna, any
infectious disease must make great havoc, but
especially such one as the cholera mDrbus,
| against which there seems to be 50 few human
remedies.
At daylight, on the second of May, we towed
past the city of Patna. at the time its crowds
were assembled on the ghaut to battle. The most
animated scene possible is native beach cover
ed with bathers; as well as people Of all descrip
tons, there were cattle, horses. and elephants;
the latter lying on their sides while their drivers
rubbed them all over. appeared to enjoy the lux
ury beyond all around them. In the afternoon,
we had the good fortune to complete our voyage
on the Ganges."