Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-05-03
stniun aud american.
THE CHOLERA ON THE STEAMSHIP
ENGLAND.
From the New York Herald.

From the New York Herald
STEAMSHIP ENGLAND, LOWER QUARAH-
TINE. April 26.-It is with a willing spirit
and a satisfactory pleasure that we, the un-
dcr,igned accept the invitation offered hy
our fellow passengers san invitation sugges-
,t.4 en expression Of our views regarding
;h- ,;:ssse which unfortunately has proved
10 ,siai -,ong the Storage passengers on
,.srd Too England. Ii is not our intention
L. go a medical detailment Of this disease
generally conceded TO be cholera-for the
object Of this letter would fail in the accom-
plishment Of its object should the matter be
presented in any other than plain, compre-
hcnsive manner, leaving our professional
brethren 10 make their own deductions,
while the general public will he informed
and probably enlightened.
The rteamer England left Liverpool March
29th, for New York, having on board some
nine hundred passengers, touching at Queens
town the following day to take on board
some three hundred more. With this liv-
ing cargo she put 70 sea Upon the second
day out she experienced heavy gales, causing
much sea sickness, violent in its character.
When five days out a case Of sickness occur
red which, from it, rapid course and prom
inent symptoms, was pronounced cholera.
From this time the disease spread among
the Storage passengers rapidly, many fall
ing victims 10 its fatal influence.
To follow day by day the course OF the
disease is unnecessary; suffice it 10 say we
deemed il advisable TO put into the nearest
port for assistance. Halifax being selected,
we made all speed to reach that port, max
ing il on the morning Of April 9. At this
time the disease was carrying off scores CT
victims. Indeed, at no time previously had
il been so fatal. Those cases proving fatal
died in much less time than those occurring
while at sea. As soon as we anchored in
Halifax harbOr measures were Immediately
taken by the officers Of the England to re-
move the passengers 10 other quarters and,
after some delay on the part of the Halifax
officials, it was accomplished. The sick
were placed on board an old hulk lying in
the harbor, while all who appeared well
were landed on McNab's Island, three miles
from Halifax, where tents were provided
them. The weather at this time was fine
and quite cool, aiding 10 dissipate the
disease. Ii is remarkable 10 observe the
change which these measures effected. Those
placed on shore, enjoying the benefit Of free,
pure air, remained perfectly well, and save
a very few cases, which no doubt had their
origin on shipboard, 4. e., began on board,
every trace of the fatal epidemic vanished,
no new cases occurring. How was it on
board the hospital ship? We are sorry to
say nearly all who were sent there, even
those slightly sick when sent there, died.
In two days the disease was checked and
conquered by a mere change of situation.
The England was subjected to every ap-
proved mode Of fumigation, and after lying
nine days in quarantine, seven days of
which time she was fumigated, she took on
board the land passengers, who now seemed
spirited and gave every evidence of robust
health. Leaving Halifax, April 18th, the
England weighed anchor and steamed for
New York, after sixty hours reaching the
lower quarantine, no cases Of the disease oc-
curing en- route
The ship has now been in quarantine
since April Dist, and up to this time no
cases Of the fatal disease have shown them
selves. In our opinion, VIC firmly believe
the disease is 30 far rs this ship is con-
cerned, entirely eradicated.
Before concluding, il is our wish 10 bring
pointedly 10 the public notice a few general
observations. viz: The disease occurred first
in that portion Of the ship most scantily
supplied with pure air. 1t increased upon
coming 10 an anchorage in Halifax harbOr,
and disappeared almost entirely when the
passengers were placed upon the land.
Finally, no cabin passenger contracted the
disease, although constant intercourse was
allowed between the steerage and saloon.
No person who lived in good air and en-
ioyed moderate comforts took the disease,
leaving Us ali to strongly certify to the non
contagious character Of this unfortunate cpl
demic
Sincerely hoping our effort will not be 4
failure-an effort calculated 10 throw some
light upon a subject now engrossing the at
tention of both profession and public-we
have the honor TO remain, dear sir, your
obedient servants,
n. w. HEATH, NJ. d.,
Licentiate Royal College Surgeons, Ireland.
DIR. albert KoELGEs, Germany.
DIR. RICHARD THOMAS, Jr.,
Late Surgeon u. $. Army.