Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1839-09-26
THE TELEGRAPH.
B AT H M &:
THURSDAY MORNING, SEPT. 90.

THURSDAY MORNING, SEPT go.
The great anxiety of the public to obtain
direct and satisfactory information relative
TO the existence of small pox at Boothbay,
and some of the adjoining towns, has in
duced US to improve the opportunity offer
ed us for the publication of the following
letter, On the subject, from Dr. Shaw of
Wiscasset TO DR.. PAYNE of this town.
The letter was not intended for publica-
ton, but as il is the most direct and salts
factory information that we have been able
TO obtain, duty TO the public must be our
apology TO DR.. S. for The liberty we have
taken.
II appears that this gentleman has had
the opportunity Of examining most of the
cases at Boothbay and vicinity, and, with
out hestancy. pronounces the disease dis
tinct Small Pox, thereby confirming re-
port tina, we were before inclined 10 dis
credit.
Thete is now, we think, no longer rca-
son to doubt that this pesllence is amongst
US, and of the probability Of its spreading,
the public will be better able to Judge afer
having read the remarks of DR.. S.
We trust none will DELAY yaccin alton.
Not moment should be lost.
We woald advise that no unnecessary
excitement be indulge1. 1t is well that the
fact should be known. and that every pre-
cautionary step should be taken.
WIscAssEr 2lst Sept. 1889.
DR.. PAYNE-Deor Sr:-The Small
Pox which is now spreading in this ylcin-
ty, is Of the Distinct variety, and the ,ses
| have seen, present the different grades Of
the disease, from varioloid to the most ma
lignant and frightful kind of Distinct Small
Pox. On Monday last, was called to
Boothbay. There were then in one vicin-
ity in the south part of that town, 90 cases
in the eruptice stag, aud the disease was
rapidly increasing. Friday last, visited by
request of the Sclectmen. the case in
Edgecomb, then the 4th day from the al
tack, and Cd after the eruption. Visited
him yesterday and found the disease at its
crisis, and in its most oathsome character.
The pestules 80 numerous, and so nearly
confuent, that al first sight you would sup
pose it Of that variety On my return
from Boothbay, found man in this village
(already in the suppura,ive stagc) WHO
had been at Boothbay, some weeks since
in company with one in Edgecoub. The
disease has been communicated 10 one in
Alma, and report this afternoon says, there
is cnse in Watcrvile for the t:uih of
this last ! will not vonch. A very natural
enquiry is, how came this disease in Booth
bay? The only satisfactory account they
gave me was this. A seaman directly fom
some infected port, arrived at Boothbay
some time since-was sick there, and had
an eruption, which was supposed by The in
habitants to be chicken por, but which in
fact was probably modified, (varioIoid) or
perhaps a very mild ease of Distinct Small
Pox. Some who were much exposed to-
the infection Of this man, totally uncon-
scious of the character of his disease, went
east on fishing voyage, and soon after put
into harbor where they had the Small
Pox. They all recovered; one with the
loss Of an eye. Before the inhabitants of
Boothbay had tidings of this vessel, the
disease began to spread In the mean
time many OF the inhabitants of this vicn-
ity, and from many Of the towns in Kenne-
bee and Somerset .esor,ed to this cane har-
Dor in Boo,hbay-some for fish, aud others
for the benefit of the sea air, without sus-
picon that such pestilence was there
How far they may have communicated this
"scourge of mankind" is question in
volving fearful aPprehensions-which a
few weeks must decide.
Very Respectfully,
F. 4 NJ SHAW.
The SEA SeyDenk This old e. llow was