Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-10-02
The sickness In Town.


We append to the few remarks we are about to make
an extract from business letter to the propretors by
q gentleman in the country, who is not only valued
friend Of but of very large number of the citi-
zens of Wilmington 1t will be seen that our friends
il the country sympahise deeply with us in this the
hour Of our deepest affection. We Think Indeed we
entertain no doubt but that friend correct as to
the manner in which the disease was introduced. The
general impression here in which fully concur is that
it has been clearly traced to the steamer Kate, from
Nassau which vessel arrived here late in July last
1t was asserted at the time that two of her died
here Of the yellow fever very after her arrival
They were unknown few thought about the matter and
pubc attention was not directed to it. The sicky
not having arrived the disease although occurring sporad
icay had not made much progress assumed an cpl
demc character until few weeks since when it commenc
ed spreading with great rapdy AS to the idea that the
endemic was introduced here designedy, have
heard such thought suggested, and do not now think
that there any to entertain it for moment AS
for Dine-tenths of the vessels running the blockade
have already expressed opinion that they do
harm than good 1t is pity that these vessels had not
always been rgidly quarantined
1t is possible that had the disease attracted more at
tention at frs its progress might have been stayed
its limits confined and many valuable lives saved But
of this we are not qualified to speak. How many
lives have already been lost cannot ascertain but
they have been many-too many and the mortality does
not abate although town is almost depopulated, all
who could get away having gone. We learn that
twelve deaths reported on Saturday, and thirteen
on Sunday, yesterday
Among those whose deaths We have to record, are
come who died elsewhere, but Enthusiastically of the dis
ease contrasted here One of these we may mention
now VIM. @. Bettencourt, Esq, one of cur oldest
and most egtimabe citizens, who died of Yellow Fever
GA Thursday last, in Clinton. DR.. James Fl. Dickson
physician of the highest character and standing died
lere on Sunday morning of the disease. Dr.
Dcksons death great loss to the profession and to
the community.
We have just heard Of the death, at the Sound, Of
Stephen Jewett, Esq, Cashier Of the Bank of Will
mington of the prevailing fever, contracted here.
II at the frst to the war excitement speculation the
overaxty in permitting vessels from tropical ports to
run the blockade past quarantine might be attributed
some relaxation orgetuneSs of proper sanitary pre-
cautions we feel convinced that the Sanitary Committee
is now doing oil in its power to limit the progress of the
disease The measures adopted, together with the great
y reduced population of Town, will we trust, not be
nc prayed for. No person who has not visited our
town since the outbreak Of the epidemic form any
estimate Of the suffering the people who are compelled
TO remain here are undergoing. Yesterday was
full day. One Of the editors OF this paper has had the
misfortune Of going through similar visitation in his
native town Washington n CO. some years ago. 1t
was bad enough there bt nothing to compare with the
distress bere at this time. Few be obtained
and when they can be had the comforts of life can only
be got in cases. while deicaces for tie SICK can
not in many instances be obtained at all.
The medical gentlemen of our town are exertiDg
themselves noby and to them, to DR.. Chopin of Gen
Beauregard's staff, who kindly volunteered his ser
vices az also to the nurses who came from Charleston
in accordance with the prompt and kind response of the
Mayor to our call for aid the thanks Of our commun
ty are due.
We have thus endeayoured for public information,
outside Of town. to give history of the rise and pro-
gress-woud we could also add the decline and fall of
this scourge In what we have said we have had no wish
to reflect Intentionally upon any Now is not the
time for anything of that Kind. We may hereafter in
other and camec times refer the SENATOR'S sub JUDGE
in order to learn lessons Of warning for the future
The following is the brief extract alluded to at the
commencement ofthis article:
KENNANsvILLE, Sept. 9th, 1882.
&essrs. Fulton and Price
Indeed, and in truth, do feel for yonr Town and at
present, and from rumors here yesterday, all can say
(and is ny hearts say,) God grant you speedy de-
ticerdnce.
Ny dear srs, have feared this running of blockade
which have heard of for time is " Yankee trick
and from that belief have thought, (and s hink) the
blockade should be inside well outside of the bar
With much respect, &C.,
EoTE.-I hear the epidemic brought to your Town
By vessel from Nassau which the blockade. If So
C0uld il be deSt Jaediy. J.. P.