Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-08-16
EAMrLrON's INSTRUCTION..
Or. Murray, of the Marine Hos.
pilal Service, Ordered TO
Brownsville, Texas.

Some days ago our authorities cut
numerous didOes over the health
papers Of the tug Clarence, issued by
the Marine Hospital Surgeon at New
Orleans, fined the tug captain $50, re-
mitted the fine and issued a 6rman to
the effect that We will not recognize
tho Marine Hospital authorities, or
its papers, any more than we would
the authority Of a steamboat deck
hand"
Words to this effect were used by
one of the officials, and other sem
fences equally strong we're ventilated
by those in power. They, at the mo-
ment, did not know that the marines
we're then on top, and the N. B. H.
folks we're under a cloud, but so it was
and is.
Recently DR.. Murray, of the Marine
Hospital Service here, received a tele-
gram to hold himself in readiness to
go to Texas, and the following written
instructions came by mail, which ex-
plain themselves completely and
show very plainly that Surgeon Gen
eral Hamilton understands the gravity
Of the situation and will do his part
toward suppreSsing yellow fever or
combining it to the smallest possible
area:
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
OFFICE SUPERVISING SURGEON GENERAL,
U. 5. MARINE HOSPITAL kKRvICE,
WAsHISeToE. August 10, 1882.
Surgeon Robert d. Murray, u. s., Marine
Hospital Service, Memphis, Tenn:
SIR-Referring to kilograms from this
office of the 18th inst, relative to holding
yourself in readiness to proceed to
Brownsville, Texas, you are directed, in
case the necessity arises (of which you
will be notified by telegraph, to take with
you the four hospital tents referred to in
dispatch of the 18th, and proceed by the
most direct route to Galveston, Texas,
where a revenue cutter will be in readi-
arrival at Galveston you will lay
in a supply Of such medical and
hospital stores as may be needed,
taking them aboard the cutter with you.
A number Of efficient medical men of
Texas will meet you at Galveston and
proceed With you to Brownsville--their
names will be furnished you upon your
arrival at Galve ton. In regard to nurses,
it is believed that you can obtain all that
will be necessary at Brownsville; and you
are directed to confer with the authorities
of that place in all matters connected with
the management Of the disease, with a view
of having perfect accord in measures for
the suppression Of the epidemic.
1t is suggested that you place one of
your assistants in charge of each hospital
tent, OF make such disposition Of them as
the exigency of the occasion may require,
at all times working in conjunction with
the local authorities and the Health Officer
of the State, CDR. Swearingin(, with whom
you will place yourself in communication
Immediately upon your arrival at Browns
vile.
If not already done, you will suggest to
the State health officer the propriety Of
at once establishing a Gordon, extending
from Laredo to Corpus Christi, across the
country, and al inspection station at Rio
Grande City (which is the head Of river
navigation for the purpose of requiring a
rigid examination of travellers and their
baggage, and permitting as little trans
p%ortation of tho latter as practicable,
No measures should be adopted by you
in conflict with the local or State health
officers, without first submitting a state
ment of the same to this Office, and you
are requested TO make a daily report
by telegraph of the progress of the dis
ease and what has been doneto arrest it,
and such report should be signed con-
by yourself and the State Health
Officer. The tents, Of course, will be used
for such cases as cannot be cared for at
their own homes, or in such manner as
may be decided upon by yourself and the
Health Officer.
No fee shall be accepted byyou for any
services rendered under these orders, and
you will be governed by the Regulations
Of the Service (Par. I'LL in all purchases
you may make, forwarding bills for the
same in the usual manner, chargeable to
the Contingent Fund for the Suppression
of E~pidemics. This fundfs limited to one
hundred thousand dollars ($l00,0C0( and
you are therefore directed to be judicious
in your purchases, as funds may be need
ed at other points throughout the South.
Very Respectfully,
JOHN s. HAMILTON,
Surgeon General U. s. NJ. H. S.