The morning news., 1888-09-22
GAINEsvILLE's STORY.
A Detailed Account of the Trip to
Fernandina and the Outbreak.


GAINESVILLE, FLA. Sept 21.-By order
of Gov Perry, the Gainesville Guards, to
the number of twenty-six rank and file,
left here on special train at midnight on
Thursday to go to Fernandina to quell a
riot in progress there. The Ocala Rifles
joined the train at Waldo. At Starke eight
men got OH, and at Baldwin fifteen men
from Ellaville Joined the party, occupying
the same car with the Gainesville Guards.
The train arrived in Fernandina at day
light.
The Gainesville Guards were commanded
by Capt. J. E. Webster, Capt. Lambeth
being pro tenn. first lieutenant. They were
in Fernandina five days.
Arriving there on Friday morning, after
being up all night, they Immediately went
on duty, Friday night slept under arms in
the armOry on the window blinds. unhung
and placed on chairs for this purpose.
Saturday all the company were on picket
duty around Mr. Howelrs house and ex-
posed to the rain and storm during the
consequently no change when they came
off duty.
HARD LUCK.
Sunday night they again slept in the
armory, as before, on the blinds and under
call. Monday night the Gainesville guards
and Ocala rifles rebelled against this treat
ment, and went to the Egmont hotel for
beds at their own expense. Tuesday after
noon, at 20 o'clock, they left for home on
the regular train The Gainesville boys
bore the brunt of the duty. for the reason
that they were better disciplined than the
| other commands present.
The question of quarantining the Guards
on their return from Fernandina was dis
cussed by the local board of health
Finally. it was decided to admit them. On
their arrival, they were worn out by unex-
pee ed and unprepared-for exposure to the
weather and hardships. That some were
sick, did not at first cause any suspicion,
and they were visited bv friends and rela-
tives. Their symptoms growing suspicious,
everybody began to realize the dread posi-
bilities of these being cases of yellow fever.
THE PATIENTS.
Lieut. E. Evans was first stricken sick
then Privates B. Miller, j. a. Ammons and
J. Waugh quickly followed. j. Hodges and
W. Wilson completed the roll of the sick.
On Sunday the doctors attending these
cases held consultation, and found that
all had similar symptoms, not yet suffi-
GENTLY developed to decide positively that
| it was yellow fever but seriously tending
| UlldU way. CuuOdy bllcES was llI
| development, and it was at once declared
| to be yellow fever. 1t was announced in
the churches, and the people Immediately
began preparations for fleeing from the city.
| All night long every available vehicle was
kept going, and by daylight there was but
| small number of people left III town.
Ropes were stretched around the infected
houses and armed guards stationed with
orders to allow no one to emerge from them.
Yellow flags were nailed on the gates, and
those remaining in the city realized the
situation before them.
AN EXCITING SUNDAY.
AS the day wore on, many refugees re-
turned to get such medicines and disiufect-
ants as prudence suggested, told the where
abouts of their places of refuge and laid in
stock of provisions. Only Two provision
stores were open. These were full of GUS
toners, eager to get off before nIghrfall.
Wild reports of new cases and deaths were
heard. On Monday evening Lieut.. Elam
Evans died.
Tuesday dawned bright and clear. and
the reports from the sick ones were favora-
BILE. The cheering news and bright skies
produced confidence, faces wore a more
cheerful look, and, there were no new cases
when the long train of cars came i'll for ref
ugees, those kind persons in charge were
surprised to be simply thanked for the prof
fered relief, while its acceptance was re-
spectfully declined. The doctors acted
promptly, the board of health acted
promptly and the people acted without de-
lay. Thorough isolation and disinfection,
and the almost entire depopulation of the
city, is expected to soon remove this inn
ported calamity from our midst. The peo-
pie of Gainesville realize the necessity of au
open way via this city TO South Florida, and
will spare no expense within their power to
remove this intruder from its present inhos-
pit6be tenure
The Savannah, Florida and Western
railroad line passes through Gainesville in a
street 90 feet wide. The depot is half a
mile from, and 80 fifty feet lower than the
| square.
'rhe sanitary condition of the city is ex-
liant