Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-08-09
tFrom the indianapolis JoumalI
A FEARFUL VoYAGE--THE YELLOW
FEVER ON A HIAN-OF-WAH.

FEVER ON A nIAN-OF-wAR.
A letter received by Colonel Sydney d.
Maxwell, of this city, from his brother, of
the United States ship-of-war Jameston, gives
detailed account of the terrible voyage from
Panama of the plague-stricken vessel, from
which we are permitted to make brief sum
mary.
Having for three months suffered fearfully
from the yellow fever in the bay of Panama,
they received orders in April to proceed 10
sea, and 60 as far northwest as was neces-
sary to the re-establishment of the health of
the ships crew. No orders ever found a
more cheerful response. They were hailed
as the condemned receives the news of his
repreVe. Soon they hoped to be away from
the influence that had combined to keep the
destroyer constantly in their midst. In this,
however, they were doomed to disappoint-
ment. Calm weather followed, in which
the vessel could make little progress. The
rains set in, compelling the closing of matches,
thus adding to the depression produced by
the intense heat and the infection of the ves-
had elapsed, they were still but few min
utes north of seven degrees north latitude.
During this period, in which the elements
seemed combined against them, the fever
continued, new cases occurred, and deaths
followed. On the 22d of April there were
two deaths, Alonzo Horton, ships cook, and
James McBeth, ordinary seaman. Surgeon
ID. Bloodgood, Acting Ensign Leakin Barnes
and Corporal George Bradley, were attacked
on the 9th, and within few hours of each
other. Bradley died on the 1st of May.
The other two recovered. William ]. Roin-
man, carpenter, died, after short illness
on the 9th of the same month.
On the 14th of May they lost their apothe-
cary, Edward A. Smith, young man nine
teen years of age, and of unusual fidelity
and worth. Not intimidated by the knowl-
edge of the fact that the disease was raging
upon the ship, he came from the North and
entered upon the discharge of his duties
| with Christian heroism that won all hearts
They had now made decided progress to
the northwRrd, being not far from twenty
degrees north latitude. The heat was yet
intense, but purer atmosphere greeted
them, and all felt that they enjoyed the har-
blnger of permanent change for the better.
From this time the temperature continued to
decline until they reached their destination.
AT first the change of air did not appear to
check the progress Of the disease, but the
beneficial effects were not long delayed.
William Martin, steerage cook, died on
the 21st of May. This was the first death
upon the vessel. The fresh, pure air OF the
North, that appeared like winter to those
who had been under a tropical sun, brought
about rapid restoration, sickness diminished,
and by the 1st of June all on board were
convalescent. For forty-eight hours preced
ing the sight of land, they, under cleai
sky, experienced severe gale that threat
ened to swamp the vessel; but this they sur
vived, and on the morning of 9Th of June
after voyage of sixtY-six days, with JOY
that was only tempered by the recollection
of the aifliction through which they hat
passed, they dropped anchor in the harbol
of San Francisco ..l-7.
Thus closed one of the most appalling
chapters in the history of our navy. Fol
five months their vessel had been a hospital
in which was raging one of the most fearful
diseases with which humanity is affiiGted
At Panama for three months a tropical SUI
stimulated the disease to further conquest
while dry scorching winds famed the FAM
that was consuming them. Even after thei
departure, when they expected early relief
calm seas and rainy days followed, to aggra
vate their troubles and delay succor. From
another source we learn that Of the TO-
whites on board, 48 had been afflicted will
the fever Of the latter number 81 ha(
died, of whom were buried at sea. Thes
figures can best be appreciated by auppoSing
within five months, 10000 cases of fearful
malady in indianapolis, attended by thi
death OF nearly 5000 persons.