American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-22
correspondence ofthe Richmond Dispatch.
THE FEVER IN NORFOLK.
NORFOLK, Sept. 6, 1855.

NORFOLK, Sept. 6, 1855.
To attempt description of what is
going on here, to assay to give you
correct idea of the extent and fury and
power of the fierce and fearful visitation
would be futile. SO far as my reading
has extended, history furnishes no paral-
lei to the dreadful and heart-rending
mortality in our small remaining popu-
lation, aud the same or even stronger
remarks apply also to our sister town
across our beautiful river. The deaths
here have recently numbered fifty sixty
sevenly-are very nearly eighty per
day, i'll our remnant Of a population of
about six thousand, or at most seven
thousand! The rich, the poor-old aud
young-white and culored-all have
been indiscriminately levelled down by
the disease which now holds fearful
way in our once happy city, through
out whose streets, avenues and squares
there reign science and a desolation
that are sickening audoppressive beyond
description.
The physicians seem to be driving
races on every street, and the mombers
OF the Howard Association are vigor.
ously pursuing their invaluable labors
all over the town--sending nurses, food,
medicine and aid of every kind. Of,he
generous aid from abroad too much can
not be said. The physicians, nurses, &c.
who have comes and the funds and goods
sent from other cities inspire all here
with a deep sense of gratitude ; and an
incalculable amount of good is being
thus effected, aud suffering and want, to
a fearful extent, is prevented.
There are many individual cases Of
deep interest, many instances of loss.
bereavement and aiiliclion that are cal
cu!ated To make the heart bleed. The
calamity has come down with crushing
weight upon us. .
A few days ago was ono Of three
Zone physician) who stood conversin g
in the street upon the subject that fills
the minds of the people now. Allthree
were soon attacked-one in your city,
where he diads; ;he doctor is also dead;
Uos .%anks 10 d ntaG 9Iovioence, All,
pronounced out of danger, aud am able
to set up aud write. | was attacked
with chill, which was soon succeeded
by pains in the head, back and legs
AS you may feel interest enough in it,
| will give you the treatment that sue
ceeded in my case. was fortunate in
having the benefit of the skiIful attend
ance and experience of Dir. Robert II.
Gordon. He has charge of the City
Hospital where hundreds of cases h ave
been successfully treated) together with
his able assistant Dir. Geo. l.. Upshur,
another very valuable member of the
regular profession here.
1t is common to give about 10 grains
of calomel, but this will not suit every
case. My feet were immersed in water
with mustard and salt thrown i'm and
stirred then took large wine-glass
of castor-oi; this operated well. Then,
the fever being very high. took 10 grs.
quinine; 2 hours thereafter 5. and two
hours after more. This nearly broke
the fever, and seemed to be getting
better; but i; was discovered that the
stomach was not sufficiently ceansed,
and seidlitz powder was taken, and
two more doses of quinine q grs. each)
conquered the disease. | was kept still
aud warm in bed; drinking warm tea.
lemonade and eating ice, and the appe-
tite gradually returning, was allowed
to take soup and such other things as
the stomach seemed able to bear. This
is the ninth day,and | am strong enough
as you see. to sit up aud write little.
Yours respectfully, F.....