The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-10-21
Out of the Yellow Fever
BY REV. l.. C. MATLACK.

1.-THE following sketch, by the Rev. L. c.
Matlack, which he entities "Out of the
Yellow Fever" is in that able dvine's best
vein, and is altogether the most quaint
and graphic description of "Yellow Jack"
that we have ever met with.
1. Hon Got it.-Attended the funeral
of Senator Pierce-a victim-n church
full of people-themselves acclimated. In
the absence of the loyal white ministers,
all recreating at the North, | conducted
the services alone, addressed the people,
went to the cemetery walked through the
long path to the dead house uncovered in
the blazing noon sun, reciting the burial
service, followed slowly by the Governor,
1t. Governor, Senators, City Admnistra-
tors, and a crowd of friends, none of whom
thought of shading me with an umbrella
This was Sept. IA.
9 When Hdppeared.- in a friends
office, Monday Sept. IS, he said, '' don't
like your looks. You must not be out in
the sun to-day. Go home at once.' On
the way | thought the car passengers sus-
pected me of having the Yellow Fever
Perhaps not. A dull, don't-care. don't
disturb-me, sort of feeling, soothed me
into supreme Indifference, to everything
and everybody, myself included. So |
reached home, entering l lay down and
tried to sleep, but headache and nervous
ness prevented it.
3. Progress Of a.-The first night-rest-
less, sleepless, with burning fever. Imme-
date determination toward the brain the
second day. Pains in back and limbs, but
not severe. An illusion constantly leading
me to change the posture of feet, head, and
70. fan1 IL, T
did, for four days, and nights. Paroxysms
occurred daily, from noon, for hours, and
then the fever ragged. Then my face was
mahogany color. The blood seemed angry
under the skin. A pious brother said it
had devilish look, " if lie should say
such thing!'' The fourth day the disease
seemed uncomfortable. Such fearful use
of nerves for Abnormal purposes, l never
imagined. The innumerable variety, in
form and color of the most delicate mnia-
ture flowers, of every hue in patterns suited
to dress goods of every fabric known to
European or Oriental artizans, which |
conceived, would make Lowell Agent
millionaire, in a few years at most. The
same was true of geometrical lines and
figures, combining color with perfect sym
metry, and all entirely original, and of
charming beauty. So also in the line of
painting and photography. Distinct por-
traits in miniature, of friends and others,
stood out, each bright particular star, or
diamond of light. But alas! all this was
accompanied by keen anguish, and fearful
consciousness that l should go mad, if the
wild revelry of fever in my veins was not
checked speedily.
4. Treatment of the Fsoer.-First and
repeatedly, when paroxysms required, a hot
mustard bath from the knees down, cold
wet cloths on the forehead, with free
allowance of ice TO eat, was given me. A
small portion of Fever tincture was admin
istered every two or four hours. This was
alternated with an antiperiodic - to pre-
vent the return of paroXysms.
The medication however was the minor
part of the treatment. The observance of
directions given the nurse and patient, were
most relied on. Quiet, lying motionless as
far as possible; pure air; no currents of
air; the same temperature carefully pre-
served; no exposure of arms or chest. So
tucked in and held fast, lay as the arena
fight out life's battle. To be or not to be. |
The physical power was yielding, weak
ened by want of sleep, when the skill of
the physician interfered, at the crisis, with |
"1ydrate of Chloral," and sleep was in
duced. Three minutes only elapsed and |
was quiet and motionless as II log for five
hours, waking as from natural slumber.-
Then commenced Precipitation. The fever
was broken. The patient was helpless
For five days quiet, easy life of childhood
type was mine. All the time from the first
day food was allowed, and tea, with iced |
lemonade, between meals.
5. Peculiar F6atures.-With Precipitation |
commenced an offensive exhalation from |
every pore, that filled the chamber, and |
shocked the sense of smell. / loathed my
self. The flavor was that of badly cured |