A
BRIEF ACCOUNT
OF THE
EPIDEMICAL FEVER
Which lately prevailed
IN THE
CITY OF NEW YORK ; 
WITH THE
Different Proclamations, Reports and Letters of gov. Jay, gov. Mifflin,
The Health Committee of New York, & upon the Subject.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
AN ACCURATE LIST OF THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
OF THE DISEASE, FROM July 29, TO Nov. 1.
BY M.L. DAVIS.
NEW YORK :
Printed and Sold by Matthew L. Davis, №. 151 Water street.
1795.
(Copy Right Secured.)



TO THE PUBLIC
THE following sheets are submitted, in their rude
state, to the candour of the Public. Various imper-
fections will, doubtless, be found in them ; but, it is
hoped, they will not be reviewed with a critical eye.
The early period at which they are published may be
plead in their defence, if the arrangement is con-
demned. The Editor is anxious to publish a more
correct and extensive account of the disease, and, for
that purpose, respectfully solicits any information that
his fellow Citizens can afford him.
He is, with due Respect,
The Public's very Obedient Servant,
M. L. D.
New-York, Nov. 1.



A
BRIEF ACCOUNT
OF THE
EPIDEMICAL FEVER, &c.
WHEN I first determined on publishing the present
pamphlet, it was my intention to have presented
the Public with a Work not inferior to the one pub-
lished by that indefatigable man, and meritorious Au-
thor, Mr. Mathew Carey, of Philadelphia ; and to
accomplsh this desirable object, I applied to several
medical friends to write a Dissertation upon the dis-
ease, with a statement of such important facts as came
within their knowledge, and promised to furnish them
with all that I could obtain. In this pleasing anticipa-
tion, however, I have been much disappointed, for
each and all declined undertaking the business, for lo-
cal reasons. I mention this circumstance as an apolo-
gy for my coming forward, I trust, before an indulgent
Public. The great satisfaction which many strangers
may derive from perusing an accurate list of the
deaths, and thereby discovering, in a degree, whether
or not, their friends and connections are still living, in-
duced me to procure the statement which is annexed
to the Work.
It is not my intention to hazard any opinion what-
ever, upon the disease, whether imported or originat-
ing in local causes ; but simply to collect: the several
letters and other publications which have appeared on
the subject, and which I conceive will be found any
way interesting or satisfactory to the reader. The
proceedings of the Health Committee, the different

[ 6 ]
letters, &c. are arranged agreeable to the dates on
which they appeared.
Perhaps it may be considered a duty incumbent on
me to say something concerning the situation of the
city, previous to the introduction or appearance of the
disease : and in these remarks, as well as in any others
I may have occasion to offer, I shall be as laconic as
the nature of the subject will permit.
New York was, doubtless, one of the most increasing
and flourishing cities in the United States. Some
idea may be formed of its rapid population, by remark-
ing, that in the year 1791 it contained about 4,700
families, and in May 1795 about 9,000. This state-
ment is from the City Directory, which is annually tak-
en. Since the commencement of the present war be-
tween France and the combined despots, the necessaries
of life had progressively risen, till they had arrived at
an enormous price, and in many particulars beyond
what was ever remembered here before. Such is the
effect the war had, and still continues to have on Ame-
rica, at least this part of it, notwithstanding our boasted
neutrality. What is still more distressing, the rise of mecha-
nical labour had by no means been equal, or bore a just
proportion to the former. The one had risen, in many instances,
an hundred per cent. while the other, generally
speaking, had not rise more than from twenty-five to thir-
ty. The rent of houses had also nearly doubled, particu-
larly those which were situated in the most public streets.
These circumstances rendered it difficult for people
in moderate stations, to do more than maintain and edu-
cate their families. The city, however, was fast increasing
in luxury and pride, those barriers to happi-
ness ; and many who considered virtue and not num-
bers, the strength of a republic, dreaded the future
consequences. Splendor, pomp, and dissipation, were
at a shameful height. Money was in great demand :
The interest frequently given was from two to three
per cent a month.

[ 7 ]
In consequence of the enormous price of rents, ma-
ny families, particularly among the Irish emigrants,
were reduced to the necessity of living, or rather exist-
ing, in damp cellars, and among this class of people it
will be found that the disorder was most prevalent, and
operated most powerfully. I believe it may be safely
asserted, that a very large proportion of those, in tole-
rable situations, who had proper medical aid in the ear-
ly stages of the disorder, and were regularly attended
afterwards, perfectly recovered in the course of ten or
fifteen days.
I shall now proceed to a few remarks on the general
symptoms of the disease.
"THIS malady, in many instances, has been pre-
ceded by an unusual flow of spirits, though for the
most part a degree of stupor has been observed ; some
hours after they are attacked with violent pains in the
head, back and loins : The bowels are extremely cos-
tive, seldom yielding but to powerful purgatives, and
the tongue soon becomes considerably foul. In some
cases, the pulse is strong and tense ; the countenance
flushed ; the eyes greatly inflamed ; the pains more
violent, and respiration very laborious. In others, and
more particularly those of a slender habit of body, the
pulse is weak, though frequent; the face rather pale
and of a yellowish tinge ; a constant desire for sleep ;
soreness over the whole system, and extreme debility.
About the third and fourth days the symptoms become
more violent; the tongue is dry and covered with a
black scurf ; the appetite greatly impaired ; respiration
more difficult ; the pulse scarcely to be discerned; sud-
den startings, when in a dose, as though affrighted ; a
sense of weight around the præcordia ; the body more
yellow, but particularly the face and breast; the ex-
tremities cold; the stomach unable to retain its con-
tents, and what is thrown up in vomiting, has the ap-
pearance of black coffee grounds ; a hemorrhage of the
fauces, and frequently a discharge of blood with the

[ 8 ]
stools, which were now perfectly black; convulsive
motions of the superior extremities, and shortly death
terminated the scene. The body now put on every
appearance of immediate putrefaction.
In one person whom I had an opportunity of visiting,
attacked in this alarming manner, the lower extremities
were almost black ; the evacuations involuntary ; the
parts to which blisters were applied, were seemingly
mortified ; the blood oozed out of every part where
it could find vent, and in fact he was a perfect mass
of putrefaction, before the vital functions were sus-
pended*."
It may not be improper to remark, that a very great dif-
erence of opinion prevailed among the physicians, both as
to the disease and the treatment of it. Another circum-
stance which engaged much of the public attention was
the appearance of an advertisement in the newspapers,
against the mode of treating the disease by the practiti-
oners in general, and challenging them to defend their
practice. The author was Mr. Alexander Cuthill,
taylor. Which of the parties were right is not my
province to determine; but to state facts is my object.
In some instances the doctors positively refused visiting
a patient who had been seen during his indisposition by
Mr. Cuthill; and in others discontinued their visits on
finding that he also came to the house where the sick
person lay. I leave the public to draw what inference
they please from these facts. 
A general opinion has prevailed, among medical cha-
racters in particular, that the present epidemic has made
its appearance in a greater or less degree, among us du-
ring the autumns of the last three, or four years. That
a malignant fever did rage here, during the months of
September and Oct. of 1791, is a fact, and on compa-
ring the symptoms with those of the present disease,
they will be found not dissimilar. It is worthy of no-
tice that the fever in 1791 first made its appearance
* MS. Of George Davis.

[ 9 ]
within a few yards of the spot where it has proved
most fatal the present season. 
"About the middle of August, 1791, a contagious
fever appeared in the city of New York, which first
discovered itself near Peck slip, a part of the city thick-
ly inhabited ; its houses generally small, and badly
ventulated : many of the inhabitants were in indigent
circumstances, which is a frequent cause of the want of
cleanliness. Here it raged a considerable time ; it then
began to spread, as some attendants on the sick be-
came affected, who lived in other neighbourhoods.—
By this means it was carried to different families, and
most generally could be traced from this source. It
likewise proved more particularly, fatal near the place
where it first appeared, than in any other part. Thus,
at length it spread through the city, until about the
middle of October, when the weather growing a little
cooler, the disease greatly abated, and in a short time
nearly disappeared. I have been informed by several
physicians of reputation, who reside and practice in the
country, that many of the boatmen who frequented the
city from Long Island, and the upper part of Hud-
son's river, carried the disease home, where it proved
fatal to several.*
At the same time in the south western part of the
city, an intermittent and remittent fever prevailed, to-
gether with a few cases of dysentery. This caused
much dispute among physicians, as they generally na-
med the disease from the cases which they had an op-
* Doctor William Moore, an eminent physician of New-York,
informed me that a gentleman of Lime, in the state of Connecticut,
was on a visit to this city when he became a patient of his, in whom
the disease was evidently marked, attended with large vibices ; he,
however recruited considerably before he left the city : on his pas-
age to Lime he relapsed, and died shortly after he reached home.
The greater part of his family caught the contagion, and soon be-
came affected with a similar disease; which proved fatal to his mo-
ther, and some other persons in the family.
B

[ 10 ]
portunity of seeing most prevalent. Some called it a
remittent, others billious ; some typhus, putrid, or ma-
lignant ; and others, following Sydenham, febris, bili-
osa remittens.
In consequence of a few cases terminating suddenly
fatal, together with the very unjust, as well as unge-
nerous judgment of some physicians, in determining
every disease to be the putrid fever, fear spread from
mind to mind like a devouring famine, and terror, fre-
quently more hideous than the disease itself, wrought on
the minds of the credulous and weak. This, in some
cases, greatly increased the malignity of the fever : in
others again, even a slight head ache caused them to
despond, and threw them into a state of languor more
easily conceived than described ; but without the real
symptoms of the fever. Whether this diagnostic was,
given through ignorance, or as a professional trick, in
order to gain applause, by making many and speedy
cures, is uncertain; however, it was nevertheless so
considered. Thus some physicians obtained a credit in
curing the complaint, without possessing any real merit.
This disease, generally, in the first place, affected the
person with a sense of chilliness, alternating with gen-
tle flushings and a sense of soreness of all the muscles ;
the face appeared pale, the features shrunk, the body
weary, as if it had undergone some great fatigue, at
tended with yawnings and and stretchings of the extremities;
a disinclination for any bodily exercise ; and when any
exertion was made, it was attended with sluggishness
and unweayy sensations. The pulse at this time was
weak and frequent ; the mental faculties were likewise
impaired, and frequently a small pain in the head, at-
tended with sighings and anorexy : respiration being
anxious and rather small at this stage of the disease.
In some cases the following symptoms took place
without the patient's knowledge of the former having 
past: they however, in general, preceded, violent pains
in the head, back, loins; a pulse more tense, full, and

[ 11 ]
something increased in fullness. (In one case the pati-
ent compared the pulsation of the temporal arteries, to
the striking of a hammer against his temples. In some
a delirium came on immediately after the cold stage, so
that the persons affected got out of their beds, and
wandered about their rooms or houses. Sometimes
nausea and vomiting appeared early in the disease,
which proved very troublesome, and greatly debilitated
the patient. Respiration was now rather laborious
than anxious; the skin dry and hot, belly most com-
monly costive, though some had a gentle diarrhoea
from the beginning of the disease ; no appetite, but a
great desire for drink, particularly any united with ve-
getable acids, as the acid of lemons, &c. the adnatae
of the eyes, in some, were much inflamed, so that the
light became scarcely tolerable ; the countenance, on
the first and second days, in many, appeared much
flushed, attended continually with a violent head ache,
so as frequently to produce delirium, with restlessness
and watchings, which greatly exhausted the patient's
strength; the tongue was generally dry, and in the
beginning of the disease covered with a whitish scurf,
and the patient complained much of anxiety, or a great
sense of weight at the præcordia ; the excrementitious
discharges, whether natural, or produced by art, were
very fetid and disagreeable. 
About the third day the inflammatory symptoms
greatly changed to those of a putrid kind, or a remis-
sion took place; if the latter did not succeed, the
tongue became dry, and began to be covered with
brown or black sordes; not long after the teeth and
lips put on the same appearance ; respiration became
now anxious, with an increased prostration of strength:
the vital functions at this time were much more dis-
turbed ; watching, or a comatose state, now took
place, if it had not before appeared; and even those
who did sleep, enjoyed it but for a few moments,
when they waked as if in a fright : the pulse became

[ 12 ]
smaller, weaker, and more frequent ; thirst was greatly
increased; nausea much more intolerable, together
with the sense of oppression at the stomach: those
who had not vomited before, had that direful symptom
added now to the others; the contents of the stomach,
which were thrown up in the act of vomiting, were
generally of a fetid nature; the voice began to be
changed ; small petechiæ appeared about the neck and
breast, when the body, and even the room, unless
well ventulated, had a cardaverous smell. The pa-
tient kept continually rolling or turning in the bed,
and frequently picking the bed-clothes. In some, the
bowels, at this stage of the disease, were very costive,
so that recourse was obliged to be had to artificial
means, whenever it became necessary to evacuate their
contents : in others, a profuse diarrhoea considerably
increased the weakness of their debilitated bodies.
Most generally on the fourth or fifth day of the dis-
ease, with those to whom it proved fatal, all the last
mentioned symptoms were greatly increased, together
with a cardaverous smelling sweat, which would appear
on the body, when the trunk was hot, and the ex-
tremities cold; the pulse became more frequent, irre-
gular, and sometimes intermittent : the person would
lay on his back, with his knees drawn up, and his
body appearing as if falling down in the bed; his
voice low, and scarcely perceptible: he was now
senseless of persons standing around, or any of their
proceedings : the pulse in this stage of the disease was
so weak as scarcely to be felt ; the extremities put on
a livid appearance. From the comatose state, which
had already taken place, the patient could hardly be
roused by the strongest stimuli of found and light,
though in the beginning of the disease he was scarcely
able to bear the most gentle ; and if he should be
roused from the situation, in a few moments the same
would again succeed. The urine and stools were fre-
quently involuntarily discharged a hiccup followed,

[ 13 ]
if it had not before taken place ; and the person, in
consequence of universal debility producing inability to
discharge the natural secretion in the bronchial vessels,
appeared as if choaking with phlegm, or something
pent up in the trachea : convulsions, or subsultus ten-
dinum, now affected the frame ; the eyes put on a
glassy appearance, and death, in a short time, closed
the scene.
This was the general course of the symptoms in those
to whom the disease proved fatal ; but in some, they
came on a little sooner, in others later: in some the pe-
techia?, and even macular and vibices, extended over
the body before death, though all shewed evident signs
of putrescency directly after.
In one person, on the afternoon of the second day,
an entire intermission of his symptoms took place; on
the morning of the third, they returned with increased
violence, when a vomiting came on with apthea appear-
ing in the mouth and sauces. Upon taking a few drops
of any thing in the stomach, vomiting would immedi
ately be produced, which terminated in hiccup ; this
continued a few minutes ; it would then subside until
any thing was again swallowed, when the same cir-
cumstances returned. Petechia appeared on his neck
and breast the fifth day, and as nothing could be retain
ed on his stomach, he was supported with glysters of
broth, for several days, to which, as there was no other
way of administering it, the red bark was added. The
pulse in this person remained good, until within a few
hours of his death, when it began to diminish, weaken
and become intermittent. From this time it was remark-
ed any thing would remain on his stomach ; the hiccup
ceased, and death in a few hours closed the scene. This
was on the morning of the seventh day.
In some the disease made its appearance in a more 
gradual manner, without any inflammatory symptoms
attending it, and most commonly those were protracted
beyond the eleventh or fourteenth days, when a remis-

[ 14 ]
sion or intermission took place, or the person sunk un-
der the disease. There were some who recovered, as
well as those who perished, on whom petechial eruptions
appeared ; and the stomach in many of those who sur-
vived was very much disordered.
Some had other accidental symptoms accompanying
the disease, such as a dry ickling cough, pains in differ
ent parts of the thorax, twith other catarrhal and pneu
monic symptoms ; so that some physicians were induced
to declare it a simple inflammatory fever and treat it ac-
cordingly. In other patients a billious yellowness ap-
peared over the surface of the body, the vessels in the
adnatae of the eyes were filled with bile, and attended
with the other symptoms of Dr. Cullen's species of ty
phus, the icteroides.
Many of those who survived the disease were a long
time troubled with rheumatic pains of a chronic nature,
or a small eruption over the surface of their bodies,
which seemed to be caused by the debilitated state in
which the disease had left them; and the eruption ap
peared to depend particularly on a weakened action of
the extreme vessels*."
I have thought proper to quote the preceding account
of the fever which prevailed here in 1791, from Dr.
J. S. Addoms' dissertation ; and shall now return to the
object of this publication.
In Philadelphia, " It was some time before the
disorder attracted public notice §;" very opposite was
the case in New York, for before the complaint made
any progress whatever, the Health Committee pro-
ceeded to the discharge of their duty. The first death
which created alarm was that of Dr. M. Treat, Health
officer of the port, on the 29th of July. By some it
is believed he took the infection by visiting a vessel
* Dr. Addoms's dissertation on the malignant fever which prevail
ed in the city of New-York during the months Aug. Sept. and Oct.
1791.
Mathew Carey.

[ 15 ]
from the West Indies, having a malignant fever on
board ; by others (physicians) it is positively asserted
that he did not die of an imported disorder ; but by all,
I believe, it is allowed that he died of the epidemic
which has since proved so fatal to many.
The disorder first made its appearance in July, at
the upper end of Water street, near New slip, and here
it continued for a very considerable time, not spreading
out of that street, a few instances excepted, until the
month of September, after which, in some degree, it
prevailed throughout the city ; but ultimately proved
most mortal in the street where it commenced. Near
New slip there had recently been opened a small street,
called George street ; it had been much neglected ;
was very filthy, and principally inhabited by people in
indigent circumstances ; not less than sixty persons were
buried out of it, within the small compass of twenty
houses. The disease also proved very fatal about the
Fly market, and from thence, in Water street, to the
Coffee house. The alarm became pretty general in
the beginning of September, and the citizens at that
period commenced removing into the country. The
recent sufferings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, occa-
sioned a greater fear of infectious fevers than would
otherwise, probably, have existed. The hasty burials
after death, was also a cause of great dread; the mode
was no less terrifying : For the speedy removal of the
dead, a hearse was provided, drawn by an horse, and
attended by two men. As soon as the breath was out
of the body, these men were sent for ; they usually
brought a coffin and tarred sheet with them, in which
the corpse was wrapped, put into the coffin, and drove
off to Potter's Field, a place purchased for the burial
of strangers and the poor, and entered without the at-
tendance of single connexion or friend to bemoan their
loss. It is asserted, and doubtless is a fact, that in
many instances the hearse came for the sick, while yet
living, and that coffins have been in the house for some

[ 16 ]
hours before the death of the persons for whom they
were destined. No excuse can be plead for such pro-
ceedings, but the general consternation which prevailed.
The fever itself did not, in many instances, occasion
more alarm than the hearse ; as a proof of this many
cases might be enumerated of women fainting away at
the sight of it, and being sometime before they perfect-
ly recovered ; and in others it has occasioned hysteria,
and a fever succeeded. One striking instance of the
effect of fear, and which came within my own knowledge,
was in a young woman who for some days dreaded the
disease: at length she was seized with it, and a delirium
in a day or two ensued ; during the whole of her indisposition,
which was five or six days, she constantly
complained against the hearse and tarred sheet, and al-
most her last request when dying, was, that the family
would not suffer her to be buried in this manner.
About the middle of September, some persons, by
what authority I know not, undertook burning tar one
night in the streets: This became a topic of conversation,
and among those of weak minds increased the a-
larm: in short, a coincidence of circumstances like these
doubtless operated to the disadvantage of the city, as
the rumour spread through the country, much exagge-
rated, and thereby, in many instances prevented sup-
plies from coming into town.
The sufferings of the poor were great ; a Lazaretto
was prepared for their reception, and a physician and
nurses appointed to attend them: but unfortunately
great prejudices prevailed against it, and many were of
an opinion that the patients did not receive proper at-
tention, particularly from the nurses: as I have not
been able at this early period, to procure satisfactory
documents on the subject, I shall suspend any animad-
versions.
"The Lazaretto, or pest-house at Belle Vue, a few
miles from New York, on the East River, has, though
a healthy place, and under good regulations, been con-

[ 17 ]
sidered by the people at large, as the house of death.-
So odious is the very idea of being placed there, that
there is high probability the objection of mind atten-
dant upon their getting into new quarters, and the
anxiety and fatigue consequent upon being moved thi-
ther, have contributed, in several instances, to lessen
their chance of recovery.
The governors of the City Hospital gave directions,
in pursuance of there being a Lazaretto provided for
those sick of the yellow fever, that no case, supposed
to be of that, or any other infectious disease, should
be admitted into that charity. It was reported that
several poor persons, who had been recommended, as
patients to the Hospital, were considered by the phy-
sicians as improper, by reason of suspected contagion,
to be admitted into the house. In consequence of re-
jection there, it has happened that men, like calves
and other live stock, have been put upon carts at the
Hospital, and drawn thence in succession to the doors
of several of the members of the Health Committee,
over the stony roughness of the pavement, and under
the scorching rays of a noon-tide sun ! a procedure
which stirred up indignation, as well as alarm, in the
citizens who saw it.
The general anxiety, caused by a concurrence of fearful
circumstances, operated so powerfully upon many per-
sons whose children were students of Columbia College
that applications for leave of absence, in order to remove
to the country, became very frequent. The students
participated the alarm of their parents and guardians,
and became intent on departing. The greater part
discontinued their attendance on the lectures, by direc-
tion of their friends, and the rest withdrew themselves
by degrees, so that in a few days nobody appeared on
the ringing of the bell, and the professors gave up their
labours of tuition. There was never any formal ad-
journment of the College. The prevailing sentiment
C

[ 18 ]
of the board of professors was, "That no such thing
ought to take place, as not warranted by any real cause
of alarm."
Much praise is due to the Health Committee for
their attention to the distresses of the poor, and it is
not to be doubted, but some valuable citizens were
snatched from the jaws of death by their timely assist-
ance. Mr. Frederick Steymets, a member of this
body, fell a victim to the disease, much lamented by
all who knew him. His attention in the discharge of
his duty was unlimited, and it is expected, will ever be
remembered with gratitude by all good citizens. Capt.
Buchanan, who voluntarily offered his services to visit
the sick, and distribute such monies as were put into his
hands by the Committee, also died of the epidemic : It
is only necessary to remark that this worthy man fulfil-
led his duty with promptitude, and that he afforded the
poor and indigent all the consolation and relief that was
in his power ; society has lost in him a valuable mem-
ber. There are many more whose services have been
of equal importance with those already enumerated ;
but among these I shall name one man only ; a man who
sacrificed every kind of interest to assist and relieve the
distressed, and whose philanthrophy it is hoped will ne-
ver be forgotten. I refer to Mr. Levi Wayland ; to
enumerate his virtues would require more time than
can be well spared ; I shall therefore only remark that he
was a good citizen, and a sincere friend : He died of the
epidemic, in the 31st, year of his age, on the 12th, of
October.
Having given a sketch of the principle occurrences
that took place during the months of August, Sept. and
Oct. I shall next proceed to arrange the proclamations,
letters, &c. of the governor, Health Committee, &c.
COMMITTEE OF HEALTH
SOLICITOUS to quiet any unfounded apprehension
which may rest on the minds of the citizens, with re-

[ 19 ]
spect to the spread of any malignant disease, but at the
same time convinced of the necessity of a faithful detail
of facts, as far as they have come to their knowledge.
When the public is addressed on this subject, the Com-
mitte of Health think proper to declare, that in their
opinion, no circumstance has existed in this city which
ought to have occasioned the alarm which is said to have
gone forth. It is true that a fever precisely like one
which has twice, in the course of four or five years been
observed, in the autumnal seasons, in this place, has a-
gain made its appearance. Some sea-faring men have
fallen victims to it. It is suspected to have originated
on board a certain vessel which lay at Fitche's wharf,
but of this there can be obtained no decided evidence.
Notwithstanding which, the vessel has been ordered
off in the stream. It is suspected also, but without de-
cided evidence, that our late worthy health officer fell
a victim to some unguarded exposure, to an infected
corpse on board a vessel. Besides him, notwithstand-
ing the most diligent enquiry, we have obtained infor-
mation of not more than eight deaths happening among
our citizens since the 20th of last month, from fevers,
supposed in any degree malignant. The number of per-
sons killed by the imprudent use of cold water, has been
remarkable, and labourers and others actively employ-
ed, ought to be frequently cautioned on this head.
The Committee have taken the most prompt and effec-
tual measures to guard the health of their fellow citizens ;
a house is prepared at Belle Vue for the reception of sick
persons, who may be suspected of infection, with very
agreeable accomodations, subsistence, and medical aid.
All vessels coming from Foreign countries, from
which there is any reason to apprehend the introduc-
tion of infectious fevers, are now obliged to remain be-
low Governor's Island, until visited by the health offi-
cer, and a regular permit for their entry be granted.
The citizens ought to consider it their duty individually
to report to the committee, any person who may at-

[ 20 ]
tempt to evade this precaution, that the penalty of the
law may be enforced. The practitioners of physic in
the city, have been particularly requested to be early
and faithful in reporting any dangerous or suspicious
case. A hearse is provided, and may be readily ob-
tained by an application to the chairman of the Com-
mittee, or any one of the aldermen, for the early buri-
al of the dead, whenever it shall be thought necessary,
a practice earnestly recommended during the hottest
season, it being a well established fact, that the body of
a patient who during life could give no infection, may
yet, when a corps, be suddenly, rendered capable of
so doing in a great degree. The Committee are of
opinion, from taking into their consideration, the pre-
sent state of the health of the city, the uncommon de-
gree of heat in the weather, and the lengthy period it
is yet to elapse, before the season arrives which us-
ually observed to check the progress of autumnal dis-
eases, that great care and circumspection are necessary.
Moderation, regularity and cleanliness, are especially
recommended.
The cleanliness of the streets, yards, cellars and
markets, and the removal of all putrescent matter, are
objects of very great importance, and ought to be par-
ticularly attended to, especially in those parts of the
city, which are contiguous to our Eastern waters.
By order of the Committee,
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
August. 8th, 1795.
On the 14th of August governor Jay issued a pro-
clamation, forbidding all vessels from the West Indies,
&c. to approach nearer the city than Governor's Is-
land, until they had been visited by the health officer
of the port, and received a certificate from him, certi-
fying that such vessel or vessels, were entirely free from
any infectious distempers and contagion.

[ 21 ]
The same proclamation contained the appointment
of Dr. Pitt Smith, in the stead of Malachi Treat, health
officer deceased ; and also Andrew Van Tuyl esq; in
the stead of White Matlack, member of the Health
Committee, absent; whereby the Committee stood as
follows—
John Broome, Isaac Stoutenbergh, John Campbell,
Theophilus Beckman, Gabriel Furman, Drs. Samuel
Bard and Pitt Smith, and Robert Bowne, Nicholas Car-
mer, Robert Lenox, Nathaniel Hazard, George Jane-
way, Andrew Van Tuyl, and Frederick Steymets.
The Committee appointed to prevent the introduction
and spreading of infectious diseases in this city,
REPORT,
That they have not ceased to make the most diligent
enquiries respecting the epidemic which has of late ap-
peared in this city; that a few cases of a suspicious na-
ture do still occur, but none which have come to their 
knowledge (and they possess the best means of informa-
tion) afford any reason to conclude this disease to be
more contagious than fevers at this season of the year
frequently are in their latter stages. That nurses, ser-
vants, friends and attendants, very generally escape
with impunity, and that after the most attentive enqui-
ry, they can hear of no more than fourteen deaths in
this large and populous city since their report of the 8th
instant, which can be attributed to this complaint.
By order, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
August 15th, 1795.
On the 15th of August different practitioners of
medicine met in consultation : The 17th the following
notice appeared in the newspapers :
"On Saturday last, agreeable to notice, a number
of physicians assembled at the City Hall, who after
some conversation on the state of health in this city,

[ 22 ]
were unanimously of opinion, that no CONTAGIOUS 
fever, in any particular different from what this city
has been accustomed to, for some years past, at this sea-
son, exists at present."
The Committee appointed to prevent the introduction 
and spreading of infectious diseases in this city,
REPORT,
That since their last report on the 15th inst. twelve 
persons have died of the prevaling epidemic, which
still continues limited to a particular, district of the city ; 
out of which not above two or three cases have
yet occurred, nor as yet no instance of death has hap-
pened to any nurse or attendant ; and they have no in-
formation of more than twelve persons sick of the pre-
vailing disease. By order, & c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
August 21st, 1795.
The Committee appointed to prevent the introduction
and spreading of infectious diseases in this city,
REPORT,
That they cannot sufficiently regret the exaggerated
accounts that have gone abroad in the country respect-
ing the state of health in this city : That they can as-
sure their fellow citizens in the country and neighbour
ing states, that they make the most diligent enquiries,
and that their reports contain, the whole truth, accord-
ing to the best of their information. 
That an epidemic fever does exist, in a small district
of this city, is true, as is usual at this season of the
year, but it is equally true, as yet it has exhibited no
decided evidence of a specific contagion ; or of a na-
ture peculiarly infectious, not more than four instances 
having occurred, where either physician, nurse, or 
friend have even been suspected to have contracted
fever, and (excepting that of our late worthy health
officer) not one who has died in consequence of their

[ 23 ]
attendance on the sick. That they have heard of seven
deaths since their report of the 21st instant ; that
they believe about thirty may now be ill ; that from
accurate information, the whole number of deaths,
which daily occur in this city, are considerably short
of what has been usual in the same season of other
years ; and that the peculiar sensibility of the public
mind, arising from the late sufferings of Philadelphia,
New Haven and Baltimore, can alone account for the
present apprehensions of our fellow citizens and neigh
bours. By order, & c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
August 24th, 1795.
The Committee appointed to prevent the introduction
and spreading of infectious diseases in this city,
REPORT,
That since their report of the 24th inst. twenty per-
sons have died of the present epidemic. The Com-
mittee are so fully persuaded that the disorder which
exists principally, if not altogether, along a part of the
Eastern shore of this city, is a local malady, that they
have directed various measures to be pursued for the
removal of its probable sources.
The committee further report, that the number of
sick have decreased since their last report, and that two
persons have died in the last twenty-four hours.
By order, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
August 28th, 1795:
The Committee appointed to prevent the introduction
and spreading of infectious diseases in this city,
REPORT,
That the violence of the epidemic fever, which has
of late afflicted the upper part of Water-street and its
vicinity, has so far abated, that few new cases occur,
and that those are manifestly of a less dangerous nature.

[ 24 ]
That since their report of the 28th instant, four per-
sons have died in this city, and two at the hospital at
Belle Vue.
By order, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
Auguft 30th, 1795.
After this period the reports of the Committee sel-
dom contained more than the number of deaths. I
shall, therefore, in future omit them, excepting where 
they occur with some remarks annexed.
To the Inspectors of the Health Office, and the Con-
sulting Physician, and his associates for his advice, &c.
Gentlemen,
Although I am confident that you will exercise all
your vigilance in executing the authority vested in you
by law, for preventing the introduction of infectious
diseases into this commonwealth, I cannot forbear re-
questing your opinion for public information, respecting
the existence of a contagious disorder in the city of
New-York, and upon the expediency of taking some
precaution to guard against its being brought hither.
The nature of my official trust, and the solicitude of our 
fellow citizens, on this interesting subject, will suffici-
ciently excuse the trouble of the present application.
I am with great esteem, gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble Servant, 
(Signed) THOMAS MIFFLIN.
Philadelphia, August 26th, 1795.
Sir,
Health Office, Philadelphia, August 29th, 1795. 
Sir,
The Inspectors of the Board of Health, for the city
and liberties of Philadelphia, having received your let-
ter of the 26th instant, and given it every attention
which the importance of its contents required, are fully
of opinion, that the prevalence of a contagious fever in 

[ 25 ]
New York, is sufficiently substantiated by a number of
letters from several merchants in that city, which have
been laid before them.
Though the Board of Health are fully sensible of the
great inconvenience consequent to a stoppage of all intercourse
between New York and this city, yet, they
are confident the urgency of the case, and present anxi-
ety of the citizens will justify the proceeding.
Under these impressions they are free to leave the
subject with you, being well satisfied, you will take such
steps as our exposed situation may require.
By order of the Board of Health,
(Signed) RICHARD TITTERMARY, Chair'n.
(Signed) J. KAIGHN, Secretary.
To Thos. Mifflin, esq; gov. 
of the state of Pennsylvania. 
THOMAS MIFFLIN esq; governor of Pennsylvania,
Sir,
Agreeably to your request contained in your com-
munication of the 26th, to the Health Department,
the physicians appointed by law to consult and advise
respecting the necessary measures for preventing the in-
troduction of contagious diseases into the city of Phila-
delphia, had a meeting this day ; they have desired me
to inform you, sir, that after carefully comparing the
various accounts, which have come to their knowledge
respecting the existence of a contagious disease in the
city of New-York, there does not appear to them suf-
ficient information to convince them that such contagi-
ous disease prevails there at present, as would render
it necessary to stop intercouse with that city. They
have, however, taken measures to inform themselves
more particularly reflecting the disease said to prevail
there, at this time, and expect an answer, to their enqui-
ries by Monday or Tuesday next, when, should any
D

[ 26 ]
thing further of importance be communicated, they will
without delay, give the governor information thereof.
I am, Sir, your very obedient humble servant.
(Signed) SAMUEL DUFFIELD.
Philadelphia, August 29th, 1795.
In the name and by the authority of the commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
(L. S.) By Thos. Mifflin, gov. of the said commonwealth.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas the Board of Inspectors of the Health Of-
fice of Philadelphia have reported to me, that it ap-
pears from authentic information to them exhibited,
that an infectious or contagious disease exists in the city
of New-York, in the state of New-York, and that there
is reason also to believe, that a similar disease exists in
the town of Norfolk, in the state of Virginia, so that the
safety and health of the citizens of Philadelphia require
a stoppage of intercourse with the said infected places.
Therefore, in pursuance of the duty in such case on me
enjoined by law, but with a sincere regret for the un-
happy occasion, I, the said Thos. Mifflin, governor of
the said commonwealth, have deemed it expedient to
issue this proclamation, hereby prohibiting for the term
of one month, or until such prohibition shall be by
proclamation lawfully revoked, all intercourse between
the said city of Philadelphia, and the said city of New-
York and the said town of Norfolk, and any place or
places within five miles thereof, respectively, as well by
land as by water, under the penalty of three hundred
dollars, to be recovered from, and paid by each and e-
very person transgressing the said prohibition in the man-
ner herein after specified, agreeably to the terms and
directions of the act of the General Assembly, in such
case made and provided: and to the intent, that suita-
ble and sufficient measures may be taken and pursued
for carrying into effect the said prohibition, I have fur-
ther deemed it expedient hereby to request that as well

[ 27 ]
the mayor, aldermen, and other officers of the city, as
the inspectors of the Health Office of the port of Phila-
delphia, shall and will, with all possible vigilance and
lawful authority and power, guard the various avenues
or entrances into the said city of Philadelphia, by land
and by water, so that any person or persons having
been in the said city of New-York, or the said town of
Norfolk, within the space of ten days, and attempting
to transgress the said prohibition, by approaching near-
er to the said city of Philadelphia, than five miles, shall
be forthwith remanded to the place or places where
such person or persons respectively came or shall be
conveyed (at the discretion of the said mayor and al-
dermen, or of the said inspectors) to the Hospital on
Staten Island, and there kept as long as the case may
require. And all citizens, particularly those who have
been in any wise concerned, or shall be acquainted
with the intercourse between the said city of Philadel-
phia, and the said infected places, are earnestly exhort-
ed and enjoined to give to the mayor, or some other
magistrate of the said city, or to the inspectors of the
Health Office, the earliest information of any and eve-
ry attempt, which shall be made to transgress, or evade
the prohibition aforesaid, in order that the offender or
offenders may be dealt with according to law.
Given under my hand, and the great seal of the
state, at Philadelphia, this thirty-first day of August, in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
ninety five, and of the commonwealth the twentieth.
(Signed) THOMAS MIFFLIN.
By the governor. A. J. DALLAS, Sec'ry.
To Dr. Amasa Dingley, President of the College of
Physicians, New York.
SIR,
When the Committee of Health, at the commence-
ment of the present alarm, addressed to their medical
fellow citizens a letter, requesting their aid and advice,

[ 28 ]
in the execution of their trust, it was not only thought
the most prudent (because the most silent) but it was
viewed and intended to be as respectful a mode of con-
sulting them as any that could be devised. It is, there-
fore, with some astonishment, as well as sincere regret,
they hear that many if not most, of the medical charac-
ters of this city have been so far offended at this pro-
cedure, as actually to resolve to withhold the informa-
tion and advice they have solicited, and which is so ne-
cessary to their successful endeavours to serve their fel-
low citizens.
If this information is just, they presume it must be
founded on a mistaken opinion, that it was the inten-
tion of the Committee indelicately to interfere with the
attending physician in the examination or management
of his patient—a conduct which they have studiously
avoided, and of which they believe no instance can be
produced, where the attending physician himself has
given them the necessary information : but where this
information has been withheld, and they have received
from other quarters, well attested accounts of a dan-
gerous case, as the only means of information in their
power, they have been constrained to send and make
the necessary enquiry, that they might at least save
their fellow citizens from the danger which in such
cases would attend a procrastinated funeral, and the
neglect of proper precaution reflecting the bedding,
cloathing and chambers of the sick, and this explana
tion, will, they make no doubt, with any candid man,
acquit them of the charge of inattention or disrespect.
But if the information they have received is founded
rather in the peculiar sensibility of individuals, than in
the impression their conduct has made on the minds of
medical gentlemen in general, then it exposes the profession
to the unmerited censure of having suffered 100
punctillious an attention to etiqutte to have interfered
with an important and essential duty.
At any rate, however, it is now, as it ever has been,

[ 29 ]
the unanimous wish of the Committee, cordially to unite
with the medical gentlemen in their endeavours to a-
vert or lessen the misfortunes with which this city is
threatened, and to avail themselves of their united
counsel and information ; they therefore have directed
me to address to you this letter, and to request you will
communicate it to the society, over which you preside;
that no misunderstanding or trifling punctilio may lessen
their utility, or in any wise defeat their exertions, in
the truly important objects of this institution.
I am respectfully, Sir, your most,
Obedient humble Servant,
By order &c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
Aug. 25th, 1795.
To J. Broome, esq ; Chairman of the Health Committee.
Sir,
The College of Physicians of New-York, respectful-
ly acknowledge the receipt of your letter, by order of
the Committee ; and it is, "with some astonishment,
as well as sincere regret,"that they find an implicati-
on of censure in the said letter, on "many if not most
of the medical characters in this city,"in your suppo-
sing they had formed a resolution to withhold any ne-
cessary information and advice from the Committee,
and which might have been necessary for your "successful
endeavours to serve their fellow citizens."
Whether the suggestion, so injurious to the practiti-
oners of this city has arisen from the illiberal insinuati-
ons of the Dean of the Faculty of Physic of New-York,
is a subject they deem highly worthy of the enquiry of
the Committee, as it must have been obvious that some
of the measures recommended by the said Dean, were
calculated to defeat the important objects for which you
were instituted, as they must inevitably operate to the
great injury of the unfortunate patients to be removed,
the distress and affliction of his friends, an unfounded

[ 30 ] 
alarm of the public, and an infraction of the laws of
hospitality, and the social compact, without drawing
the attention of the citizens to the real sources of dan-
ger.
How far this implication may have been applicable
to some medical characters in this city, is not for them
to investigate ; but they conceive it a duty they owe
to themselves and to the public, to assure you, that no
such dispositions are to be found in their body ; on the
contrary, they have individually, after the receipt of
your first letter, communicated all the information, as
well as all the cases of a dangerous nature, to the Com-
mittee, which they judged necessary and proper for
them to know, in order for your making the most pro
per arrangements for the preservation of the public
health, and the alleviation of the misfortunes of those
of the poor, or others who might suffer dangerous
sickness.
They sincerely hope that such enquiries as the Com-
mittee may deem expedient to be made, will on all fu-
ture occasions be conducted with such candor, deco-
rum, and unequivocal information, as may not be inju-
rious to the patient, disrespectful to the physician, or 
lead to any unjustifiable alarm of the public mind, at
the same time preserve the dignity of the Committee. 
They are happy, on all occasions, to avoid all those
quarrels and disputes which have so long disgraced the
Faculty of Physic of New York, and therefore it is
deemed highly inexpedient to enter into any theoreti-
cal account of the present sickness. But from all the
facts that have occurred under their observation, they
are not yet convinced that there is any thing essentially
different in the disease, now exciting such general alarm,
from what has been commonly observable at this sea-
son of the year. 
They believe, and are compelled to observe, that the
measures recommended by the said Dean, relative to
the arrangements of Belle Vue hospital, the visitation

[ 31 ]
of the unfortunate patients, the interment of the dead,
and several other particulars are of such a nature, as are
highly interesting to the reputation of this city ; and it
now becomes a serious question, whether it would not
be wise and prudent in the Committee to adopt new
and more salutary measures.
They cannot but hold in abhorrence every attempt
at dictatorial usurpation; that there is not a member
of their body who has not been regularly licensed as the
law directs, and they flatter themselves that they are
duly sensible of the sacred nature of those obligations,
which ought to govern their conduct as practitioners;
and at the same time they feel it an important and essential
duty to countenance every man or body of men,
labouring for the public good.
They also find it necessary further to remark, that
there are no points of"etiquette,"as you are pleased
to term them, which have ever been suffered to inter
fere"with an important and essential duty."
They most sincerely wish,"that no misunderstanding
or trifling punctillio,"may lessen the public utility
of either institution, by obstructing the channel of
truth, but at the same time they think proper to suggest
the propriety there would be in recommending to the
medical department, annexed to your body, a more
cautious expression of language on the nature of the
supposed prevailing epidemic; by these means the alarm
will not be increased from the source of ostensible au-
thority.
They also assure the Committee of their readiness on
all occasions, cordially and unanimously to unite with
the Committee of Health, in their endeavours to avert
or lessen the misfortunes with which this city may at
any time be threatened, by epidemics or other dan-
gerous diseases.
I am, therefore, directed to address to you this let-
ter, and to request you to communicate it to the Com-
mittee, in which you have the honor to preside, and re-

[ 32 ]
quest them to pay the most serious and candid attention
to the aforementioned facts.
I am respectfullv, Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
By order of the College of Physicians of New York,
(Signed) CHARLES BUXTON, Sec'ry.
Sept. 2d, 1795.
To JOHN BROOME, esq;
Sir,
YOUR favour of the 25th inst. was communicated
to the Medical Society on the 26th, when they had a
pretty numerous meeting, and I am authorised to in-
form you, that they unanimously disclaimed the idea
of having taken offence at any part of the conduct of
the Health Committee, or of having resolved to with
hold any information or advice, which may aid them
in the attainment of their laudable views.
We have reason, sir, to believe, that the informa-
tion that you allude to, has originated with some cha-
racters who are out of the pale of the Medical Society,
and that if you have hitherto received few, or no com-
munications from the members of that body, it is be-
cause nothing has occurred to them, which they have
judged of sufficient importance to communicate.
You may rest allured, sir, that the Medical Society
are heartily disposed to co-operate with the gentlemen
of the Health Committee in every measure which may
tend to avert or mitigate the calamities of their fellow
citizens. I am, Sir, with esteem and respect,
Your very humble Servant,
(Signed)- JOHN CHARLETON,
Aug. 28th, 1795. Presi'dt Med. Soc. N. Y.
Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1795.
Sir,
THE physicians appointed by law to consult and
advise respecting the necessary measures for preventing

[ 33 ]
the introduction of contagious diseases into the city of
Philadelphia, met this day ; and they request me to
inform the governor, that, by the answer they have
received to their inquiries, alluded to in their letter of
the 29th ult. and from other information, they are
happy to find, that the disease, which has lately ex-
cited so much alarm, is rapidly subsiding in the city of
New York : And consequently, that they continue of
the same opinion as their last, respecting the stoppage
of intercourse with that city.
I am, Sir,
Your very obedient, humble servant,
(Signed) SAMUEL DUFFIELD.
Thos. Mifflin, esq; gov. of 
the state of Pennsylvania. 
Letter from his Excellency John Jay, governor of the
state of New York, to governor Mifflin, relative to sus-
pending the intercourse between the cities of Philadel-
phia and New York, on account of a malignant fever
in the latter city.
New York, 19th Sept. 1795.
Sir,
Your Excellency's proclamation of the 31st of last
month, prohibiting all intercourse between this city
and Philadelphia, induced me to write the following
letters to the President of the Medical Society in this
city.
New York, 4th Sept. 1795.
Sir,
By a proclamation of the governor of Pennsylvania,
dated the 31st day of last month, all intercourse be-
tween this city and Philadelphia is prohibited for the
term of one month, or until that prohibition shall be
revoked.
The reason assigned for this prohibition is thus ex-
pressed in the proclamation—"Whereas the Board of
E

[ 34 ]
Inspectors o£ the Health Office of Philadelphia, have
reported to me, that it appears from authentic informa-
tion to them exhibited, that an infectious or contagi-
ous disease exists in the city of New York, in the State
of New York, and that there is reason to believe that
a similar disease exists in the town of Norfolk, in the
State of Virginia, so that the safety and health of the
Citizens of Pennsylvania require a stoppage of inter-
course with the said infected places, " Therefore, &c.
This proclamation, by exciting alarms and appre- 
hensions throughout this and the neighbouring states, 
and in foreign countries, naturally tends to produce 
embarrassments to the commerce of this city ; and to
interrupt that intercourse with the country which is at
all times necessary to the convenience and interests of
both. Hence it becomes important to examine and
ascertain with precision, whether any and what degree
of credit is due to the information alluded to in the
abovementioned report of the inspectors of the Health
Office of Philadelphia. No infectious or contagious
disease can exist and prevail in this city, without the
knowledge of the gentlemen who practice physic in it;
and as the greater part of them are members of the
Medical Society over which you preside, I request the 
favour of you to summon a meeting of the society, and
to lay before them this letter.
They will oblige me by reporting to me an accurate
statement of such facts and observations as may in their
opinion be necessary to the forming a right judgment
relative to the existence, nature, and extent of the dis-
ease in question.
If such a disease does really exist and prevail here, 
it should candidly be admitted and made known, that
the dangers resulting from it may be guarded against.
If, on the contrary, the reports concerning it are ill
founded, care should be taken to prevent their continu-
ing to gain credit.
Although the truth of the frequent reports made and

[ 35 ]
published by the Health Committee has not been im-
peached, yet as the before mentioned proclamation
appears to be grounded on information more alarming
than what those reports afford, I think it advisable to
enquire whether it is warranted by any facts within
the knowledge of the members of your society.
I have the honour to be, &c.
Dr. John Charleston, Presid't
of the Med. Soc. in the city
of New York.
To this letter I received the following answer.
SIR,
THE communication which you were pleased
(through our President) last evening to lay before the
Medical Society, we consider of a nature the most serious
and important, and the information you desire
we offer with great respect, and under impressions the
most scrupulously conscientious.
About six weeks ago, in a particular part of the ci-
ty, being very low, and having an eastern exposure, a
fever has been observed to exist, marked by the vio-
lence of those symptoms which are acknowledged to
characterise those of the malignant sort. This fever,
in a short time, attacked a considerable number of per-
sons, in proportion to the space which it occupied, and
proved fatal to more than is usual with us, and which
(previous to the salutary and heavy rains we have late-
ly had, and the consequent cloudy and cool weather)
assumed an aspect which called for, and justified every
prudent exertion that could be made to investigate its
origin, and check its progress.
Unfortunately, however, the sensibility of the pub-
lic mind, on a subject of this nature, giving reality to
apprehension, converted the necessary efforts for securi-
ty and prevention into sources of fear and terror.
Hence probably have arisen most of the exaggerated
reports which at first alarmed our own citizens, and

[ 36 ]
being sent abroad, have excited the apprehensions of
our neighbours, and given origin to measures more
timid as they respect themselves, and more injurious to
us, than the nature of the case in any wise justified.
The collective opinion of this society, as the result
of attentive observation is— With regard to the conta-
gious nature of this disease, most of the members are
of opinion that it is not contagious, and all agree that
it is so little so, as to afford no apprehension of its being
communicated from man to man, out of the sphere of
its original and local atmosphere.
As to its origin, suspicions have been entertained by
a few physicians, that it may have been imported, whilst
at the same time there arc many among us who consider
it as little more than that species of fever which has
more or less prevailed in this city at the same season,
for several years past, rendered, by the extraordinary
heat, and some local sources of malignity, more violent
and fatal than usual.
If the Board of Inspectors of the Health Office of
Philadelphia have received any information respecting
the disease in question, other than that from the Health
Committee of this city, which they deemed authentic,
we are extremely sorry that they should have been in-
fluenced by it, from a persuasion that such information
was equally unfounded as unauthorised.
We assure your excellency that we have no disposi-
tion to disguise or conceal facts, nor do we hesitate to
declare our opinion, that the alarm which has gone a-
broad, has been unreasonably great, and quite dispro-
portionate to the actual state of the disease, which, as
we have already observed, has been confined to a very
inconsiderable portion of the city. It affords us great
pleasure to be able to inform your excellency, that this
complaint is fast diminishing, and that the general
health of our city has been throughout the summer, and
continues at this moment, unusually good.

[ 37 ]
We have the honour to be, with sentiments of great
respect, your Excellency's
Most Obedient Servants.
By order of the Medical Society.
(Signed) JOHN CHARLETON, Presid't.
New York, Sept. 5, 1795.
His excellency John Jay, &c. &c.
The Committee of Health in this city was appoint-
ed for the express purpose of guarding against the in-
troduction and progress of infections distempers, and
they have manifested great vigilance and attention to
the discharge of their duty. As they possess the best
means of information and will always communicate it
with accuracy and candor, I wrote the following letter
to them :
New York, 6th Sept. 1795.
Sir,
The alarming and exaggerated reports in circulation,
that a dangerous and infectious distemper prevails in
this city, will be corroborated by the proclamation of
the governor of Pennsylvania ; prohibiting all intercourse
between us and Philadelphia.
I think it prudent to obtain from you and others,
and transmit to the governor of that state, authentic
and conclusive information relative to the question whe-
ther any such distemper does exist and prevail here.
The reports which you have from time to time pub-
lished, are for the most part concise and summary ; and
it is not necessary that they should in common be otherwise.
On the present occasion it may be useful to re-
port to me a more particular and circumstantial state-
ment.
I have the honour to be,
Sir your most obedient humble servant.
John Broome, esq; chairman 
of the Health Committee. 

[ 38 ]
In pursuance of this letter I received one from the
chairman, enclosing the report mentioned in it. They
are as follow :
Sir, New York, Sept. 8th, 1795.
I took the earliest opportunity to lay your letter of
the 6th inst. before the Health Committee, when they
made immediate arrangements to comply with your ex-
cellency's wishes. This you will find contained in the
enclosed report, which after mature deliberation was
adopted by the Committee; it is as particular and cir-
cumstantial a statement as they have it in their power
to make, and which, I believe, is very near a real state
of facts. I have the honour to be,
Your Excellency's most obedient,
and humble servant.
Sir, —
In answer to your excellency's letter of the 6th inst.
requiring from us a particular and circumstantial state-
ment of such facts, relative to the disease which has
lately made its appearance in this city, or have come to
our knowledge. We beg leave to submit the following.
On the 20th day of July, Dr. Malachi Treat, the
late health officer of this port, visited the brig Ze-
phyr from Port-au-Prince, on board of which he found
three persons ill of fever, and the corpse of one that di-
ed that morning. The Doctor calls the fever in his
report a billious remitting fever. The brig was order-
ed to ride quarantine. On the 22d day of July, Doc-
tor Treat was taken ill, and died on the 30th of a fever
marked by a yellow skin, hemorrhages, vomiting of a
black matter, resembling coffee grounds, and all such
symptoms as characterise billious fevers of the malignant
kind. On the 25th day of July, four persons from on
board the ship William from Liverpool, which arrived
here several weeks before (all the crew having, previ-
ous to that day, and during the voyage, been perfectly
healthy) were taken ill of fever, attended with similar
symptoms, and all died within seven days.

[ 39 ]
The ship lay at a wharf at the foot of Dover street,
in the south easterly part of this city, which lies ex-
ceedingly low, is much of it made ground, has an eastern
exposure, and (from the streets having been raised about
three years ago, which threw the yards and lots into
hollows of considerable depth) is almost unavoidably
liable to great collections of offal and filth of all kinds;
is a part of the town very much crouded by poor in-
habitants, and contains a great number of lodging houses
in which seamen and strangers of the poorer class com-
monly reside: and from all these causes, is unques-
tionably the most unhealthy part of this city; and ever
has suffered most from the regular autumnal diseases
as well as from any new and uncommon complaint.
From all which circumstances, we entertain no doubt,
but that the seaman of the ship William contracted the
disease of which they died here, and did not introduce
it into this city. A little before, and immediately after
the attack of the seamen of the ship William, which
first called the attention of this Committee, several o-
ther persons in Water and Front streets, and in the
neighbourhood of Dover street, were seized with fe-
ver, which especially in those cases which proved mor-
tal, was marked by severe vomitings, a yellow skin,
hemorrhages, and in some cases a vomiting black mat-
ter resembling coffee grounds, and which generallly ter-
minated within seven days ; and proved fatal to more
in proportion to the number seized, than is usual in the
ordinary complaints of this season, in this city.
From that time the disease continued to spread in
that neighbourhood, extending itself to a few houses
lower down towards Peck's slip, to one or two in Pearl
street and Cherry street, but principally upwards, to-
wards the ship yards; the number of deaths increasing
slowly until the 9th of August, from which, to the
11th inclusive, thirteen died ; from that day the num-
ber of deaths reported to us have gradually decreased,
so that nine only are reported to have died within the

[ 40 ]
last five days ; and in all, from the 30th of July to
this day, eighty-nine deaths have been reported to this
Committee : forty-four persons in all have been sent to
Belle Vue Hospital, of which the greatest number have
been seamen and strangers, who have arrived in this
city, sick of various complaints, and of this number,
several in the very last stages of their disease ; twenty
have died ; sixteen have been discharged cured, and
eight remains in the house, most of them convalescent.
The number of deaths includes all the cases which
to our knowledge have happened between the 26th of
July and the 7th of September inclusive, either in this
city, at the New York hospital, or at the hospital at
Belle Vue, arising from fever in the least approaching
to the character of this disease.
And as this Committee have made every exertion in
their power to obtain the necessary information, they
do not hesitate to say, that this statement is sufficiently
correct to afford the basis of every public measure,
which may be thought necessary for our own safety,
or for the security of our neighbours.
By order, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BROOME, Chairman.
Sept. 8th, 1795.
This report, and the one from the Medical Society,
have been communicated to the mayor and corporation
of the city, to whom, on the 6th instant I wrote the
following letter.
New York, 6th Sept. 1795.
Sir,
The suspension of all intercourse between this city and
Philadelphia is inconvenient to them, as well as injuri-
ous to us. The information which induced their Health
Office to apply to their governor for this suspension,
was doubtless such as in their opinion justified that mea-
sure. There nevertheless is reason to believe that more
credit was inadvertently given to it, than it deserved.

[ 41 ]
Whether a contagious disease does exist and prevail
in this city, is a question to which a satisfactory an-
swer can only be formed from correct statements of well
authenticated facts, and the opinions of men well in-
formed and meriting confidence.
On the present occasion, I think it adviseable to ob-
tain such statements and opinions, and to transmit them
to the governor of Pennsylvania.
If it should appear from them that the usual inter-
course between this city and Philadelphia may be restored
without any danger to the latter, the prohibi-
tion which suspends it, will of course be revoked.
I have requested and received from the Medical So-
ciety in this city their report on this subject, and when
to this is added the late publication of the Medical gen-
tlemen who compose the society called the College of
Physicians, the sentiments of the faculty relative to it
will be ascertained.
As the Common Council of the city is composed of
magistrates and other members from the different wards
and as a dangerous infectious distemper cannot be presumed
to prevail here, without exciting their notice and
attention ; I request from them a statement of such in-
formation as they may possess, together with their opi-
nion relative to this interesting subject.
These documents, with the report of the Health
Committee, will afford to the governor of Pennsylvania
the best and most authentic evidence that the nature of
the case will admit of ; and such as cannot fail to reduce
the many exaggerated reports that are in circulation, to
the standard of truth.
I have the honour to be,
With great respect and esteem,
Sir, your most obedient
and humble servant.
The hon. Richard Varick, esq ;
mayor of the citv of New York. 
F

[ 42 ] 
In answer to this letter I received one from the may-
or, enclosing an extract from the minutes of the Board
on this subject. They are as follow.
Sir, New York, Sep. 8th, 1795.
I have the honor to inform your excellency, that on
this day I laid before the Common Council of this city
your letter of the 6th inst. together with the copy of
the report of the Medical Society of this city, on the
subject of the disease said to exist in this city, which ac-
companied it ; and also a copy of the report of the
Health Committee of this date, to your excellency on
the same subject.
In answer to your letter I am requested by the Com-
mon Council to inform you, that they have duly con-
sidered those reports, and that they do believe that the
facts contained in them are, according to the best in-
formation they have been able to obtain, correct and
true ; and further, that from the information received
by the individual members of the Board, it is their opi-
nion that a much greater degree of general health pre-
vails in this city at present, than is usual at this season
of the year.
A certified copy of the resolution of the Board upon
that subject, I do enclose to your excellency.
I have the honor to be,
With great respect and esteem,
Your obedient Servant. 
City of New-
York. 
} ss.
At a Common Council held on Tuesday, the eighth
day of September, 1795,
Present, Richard Varick, esquire, mayor.
Gabriel Furman,
John Campbell,
Theophilus Beekman,
Wynant Van Zandt, 
Isaac Stoutenbergh,
Andrew Van Tuyl,
Nicholas Bayard, 
} esquires, Aldermen,

[ 43 ]
Garrit Harsin,
George Janeway,
Frederick Stymets, 
Mangle Minthorn,
Nicholas Carmer,
} Assistants.
The mayor laid before the board a letter from his
excellency the governor, of the 6th inst. on the subject
of the proclamation issued by the governor of Pennsyl-
vania, suspending all intercourse between this city and
Philadelphia, and the said letter, together with a report
made to his excellency on the 5th inst. by the Medical
Society in this city, and also a report made to his ex-
cellency by the Health Committee of this city, on this
day, were respectively read and duly considered, and
thereupon resolved, that Mr. Mayor be requested to
inform his excellency the governor in answer to his let-
ter, that this Board do verily believe that the facts con
tained in the said respective reports are, according to
the best information this Board have been able from
time to time to obtain, correct and true. And further,
that from the information received by the individual
members of this Board, it is the opinion of this Board
that a much greater degree of general health prevails
in this city at present, than is usual at this season of
the year.
Extract from the minutes,
ROBT. BENSON, Clerk.
Your excellency will find herewith enclosed a paper
containing a letter from the President of a society of
medical gentlemen in, this city, called the College of
Physicians, to the Chairman of the Committee of
Health.
Thus, Sir, I have laid before you, and submit to
your consideration, a collection of facts and opinions,
which merit credit and respect.
I flatter myself it will appear to your excellency,
from these documents, that it is not necessary to suspend
the intercourse between this city and Philadelphia, and

[ 44 ]
therefore that the prohibition in question will be re-
voked.
I have the honor to be with great respect,
Your excellency's
Most obedient and humble Servant,
JOHN JAY.
His excellency Thomas Mifflin, esq;
governor of Pennsylvania,
Governor Mifflin's answer.
Sir,
On the receipt of your excellency's letter of the 9th
inst. I referred the statement, which it contains, to the
consideration of the Board of inspectors and the Board
of Physicians, appointed by law, to prevent the intro-
duction of infectious diseases into this commonwealth ;
and I have now the honor to inclose copies of my letter
and their report for your information.
It is a source of sincere regret to every citizen of Phi-
ladelphia, that the recent intelligence from New York
renders the existence of a contagious disease in that ci-
ty no longer a matter of doubt or apprehension. We
are confident, therefore, that while we cherish every
sentiment of a just and liberal sympathy, the citizens
of New York cannot disapprove our using those pre-
cautions, which are necessary to prevent the extension
of so great a calmity. It could certainly be no allevia-
tion of their sufferings, that the inhabitants of Phila-
delphia should be exposed to the same affliction ; and
your excellency will readily allow, that every embar-
rassment, as well foreign as domestic, that may be the
effect of a suspension of the intercourse between the
two cities, will operate equally against both. This con-
sideration of interest as well as every motive of duty, jus-
tice and humanity, will prompt me to seize the earliest mo-
ment, in which the prohibition contained in my proclama-
tion may be safely revoked ; and I shall esteem any informa-
tion that your excellency may be pleased from time to time

[ 45 ] 
to communicate on the subject, not only as deserving
the highest confidence and attention, but as a mark of
personal favor.
With sentiments of sincere respect and esteem,
I have the honor to be,
Sir, your excellency's
Most obedient humble Servant,
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
To his excellency John Jay, esq;
gov. of the state of New York.
Report of the Board of Health, in answer to the go-
vernor's letter of inst. in consequence of the let-
ter from governor Jay, relative to the malignant fe-
ver now prevailing in New York.
Health Office, Philadelphia, Sep. 16th, 1795.
Sir,
In our communication to your excellency of the 4th
inst. we had the honor to inform you, that the inspectors
of the Health Office proposed a further joint meeting with
the Board of consulting physicians, on the Wednesday
following; We accordingly met this day; the result of
our consultations we have now to detail to your excel-
lency. And first we shall notice the following pas-
sage in your letter. "That governor Jay may be ap-
prised of the facts on which your opinions and reports
have been founded, you will be pleased to furnish me
with a particular statement, to accompany my answer
to his letter."
Previously to our advising the intercourse between
the two cities to be stopped, we have received informa-
tion by a number of oral and written testimonies, that
a dangerous and malignant fever existed in the city of
New York. It will hardly be expected we should
mention the names of those persons from whom we re-
ceived information, either verbal or written; to give
up the names of those we conversed with on the sub-
ject could answer no good purpose: and in respect to

[ 46 ]
mentioning the writers of letters, or extracts of letters,
from whom we derived a considerable share of information ,
would we conceive be an useless as well as unpardonable
breach of confidence. Suffice it to say, the informa-
tion was such as on which we conceived we could safely 
depend, and in this body of evidence it may not be
amiss to mention it comprised the reports of the Health
Committee of New York, and letters from their port
physician.
These united testimonies tended to establish that the
late Health Officer of the port, Dr. Treat, who con-
fessedly resided in a healthy part of the city, on the
20th of July visited the brig Zephyr, just arrived from
Port au Prince, on board of whom was the corpse of
a man who had died that day, as also three persons sick
of a fever, all three of whom died in a few days after ;
that Dr. Treat was taken ill about the 22d, and died
on or about the 30th of the same month, of a fever ;
the symptoms of which was of the most malignant kind,
and such as is characteristic of what is commonly called
the yellow fever; that shortly after the part of the crew
of the ship William from Liverpool were taken with
a fever apparently of the same nature, and all died (in
a statement since made by the Health Committee of
New York and communicated to your excellency by
governor Jay, we have to lament the omission of a
most material circumstance ; it is whether or not the
brig Zephyr had any communication with the William ;
they only tell us she was ordered to perform quaran-
tine) our private information goes to shew that there
actually was a communication between those vessels ;
if this information is well founded, the contagion may
be readily traced from the Zephyr to the William.
From about this time a fever of the same nature with
that of which Doctor Treat and part of the crews of
these vessels died, was observed to break out in a par-
ticular district of that city, confined within a small space 
and continuing to increase insomuch that in the course

[ 47 ]
of the month of August we are told about eighty per-
sons (some augment this number greatly) died of the
same kind of fever within that district only: if this
statement may be depended on, and we think it corro-
borated by the documents transmitted by governor Jay,
we have no hesitation in saying, that the citizens of Phi-
ladelphia had cause for serious alarm, for it is much
doubted if a greater number died in Philadelphia du-
ring the same month, of the disorder which prevailed in,
and afterwards proved so calamitous to our city, du-
ring the summer and autumn of 1793.
In both cities the disorder appears to have broke out
about the same time of the year, and is remarkable for
a similarity of progress, except that in the present month
it has as yet less spread over the city of New York than
it did with us: but may not this be ascribed to the
plentifully rains, a cool and favorable state of the at-
mosphere and other natural causes which have prevail-
ed this season in a remarkable degree (the reverse of
which was the case in the summer of 1793) than to a
less degree of malignancy in the disorder ; besides if
the constitutions and habits of the citizens of New-
York are indisposed to imbibe the infection, are we
sure the Philadelphians are not predisposed to take it,
and would it become us as guardians of the city's health
to try the experiment for the sake of conviction : rather
would it not be more prudent to make use of every
reasonable means the most likely to avert an impending
calamity ; the answer is obvious.
It is of small moment to the point in question, whe-
ther the disorder was imported, or originated in the ci-
ty from local causes; it is sufficient to prove it contagi-
ous; and that it is so under certain situations and cir-
cumstances few will deny, who attentively consider the
foregoing statement. Dr. Treat received the conta-
gion from visiting the brig Zephyr, and the crew of
the William received it from the same vessel, from
whence it was imbibed by the citizens of New York,

[ 48 ]
more immediately contiguous to its original sources of
contagion and predisposed to take the infection.
From the above statement we think it will be readily
admitted that the disorder now prevalent in the city of 
New York, is of the same nature with that which pre-
vailed in Philadelphia in the year 1793, and that in
certain situations and circumstances it is also contagious ;
if these facts are admitted, we think they will suffici-
ently justify the measures we recommended.
Thus we have given to your excellency the principal
facts, on which were founded our opinions and reports,
and our reasons for their justification.
In respect to the Proclamation prohibiting the in-
tercourse between the two cities, we have to inform
you that it was the unanimous opinion of the joint
Boards, that there does not now appear any reason for
revoking the said Proclamation ; on the contrary, con-
sidering the prevailing hot weather, and the recent ad-
vices from New York, it was our unanimous opinion,
that the Proclamation should not only be continued ;
but that it ought to be strictly carried into effect. 
We are very respectfully, Sir,
Your most obedient servants.
By order of the Board of Health.
(Signed) ROBERT SMITH, Chairman.
(Signed) JOHN KAIGHN, Sec'ry. 
Thomas Mifflin, esq ; gov. of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Sir,
We have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 8th instant, and are happy to have it in our 
power to inform the governor, that from the best in-
formation we have been able to obtain, the fever, 
which has for some time past prevailed in New-York,
is greatly mitigated., and from the late propitious change
in the atmosphere, plentiful rains, we may entertain a
reasonable hope of that fatal malady being soon dis-
sipated altogether.

[ 49 ]
We are however unanimously of opinion, that the
disorder has not so far subsided, as to justify a revoca-
tion of the proclamation suspending the intercourse
for the preesnt.
We are respectfully, Sir,
Your most obedient Servants,
By order of the Board of Health,
ROBERT SMITH, Chairman.
John Kaighn, Secretary,
Thomas Mifflin, esq; governor of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
In September, the following gentlemen were appoint-
ed in the city of Albany to prevent the introduction of
the epidemic into that place, Ebert Willet, Abraham
Eights, Leonard Gansevoort, jun. Jeremiah Lansing,
Elisha Kane, Henry I. Bogert. Stephen Lush, Thomas
Mather, Barnet Van Alen; Sanders Lansing, Garret
Van Sante, and Jonathan N. Bleecker.
On the 21st day of Sept. governor Mifflin issued his
second proclamation, prohibiting the intercourse be
tween the city of Philadelphia and the city of N. York.
On the 7th of Oct. the governor of Virginia, by
proclamation ordered all vessels from New York to
perform quarantine.
Sir,
TWO years have not elapsed since a correspondence
took place between us, on a subject, the most distress-
ing ever know to Americans. The dreadful calamity
with which our city was then visited, alarmed the Uni-
ed States, from one extreme to the other. We became
the objects of the benevolence of many of our neigh-
bours, and we recollect with the most lively gratitude,
the part, which the city of New York took in our afflic-
tion, and the generous assistance we received from
thence. We lament that you are now suffering under
G

[ 50 ]
a similar visitation, and we feel the most poignant dis-
tress for your calamitous situation.
Under the influence of these sensations the sum of
seven thousand dollars hath been collected among my
fellow citizens, which I have the pleasure of forwarding
to you, at their desire, in the enclosed draft on the
Bank of New York, requesting that you will be plea-
sed to cause it to applied to the use of the poor and
distressed of your city.
May a gracious providence continue the favourable
change which appears already to have taken place, and
shortly put a period to your sufferings, by restoring
your citizens to that happy state of health which they
have been accustomed to enjoy.
With sentiments of personal regard and esteem,
I am Sir, your most,
Obedient humble Servant,
MATTHEW CLARKSON.
Philadelphia, Oct. 3d, 1795.
Richard Varick, esq; mayor 
of the city of New York.
Sir, New York, Oct. 6, 1795.
I had the honor (by yesterdays post) of receiving
your favor of the 3d inst. covering a draft on the Bank
of New York in my favour for 7000 dollars, to be ap-
plied to the use of the poor and distressed of this city,
in their present afflictions.
On the last evening I communicated the contents of
your letter to the Health Committee, and on this day
to the Common Council of the city ; they heard it with
heart-felt satisfaction, and prompted by inclination as
well as duty, I do with great pleasure, at their express
request, in behalf of our afflicted fellow citizens, pre-
sent to you, Sir, and the citizens of the city of Phila-
delphia, whom you have the honour to represent, our
most respectful acknowledgements for the benevolent
feelings and consoling sympathy which you express for

[ 51 ]
our hapless situation, and which you and they have
so fully manifested by the very liberal donations you
have been pleased to transmit to us on this occasi-
on. You may be assured, Sir, your benevolences will
be faithfully applied, and will excite in your favour the
repeated prayers and blessings of many a mourning fa-
ther, disconsolate widow and helpless orphan.
I sincerely lament that at so early a period after a
calamitous and distressing pestilence had in some mea-
sure desolated the city of Philadelphia, and excited to-
wards her, in her afflicted state, the tear of sympathy
and the hand of benevolence of her neighbours, the
Almighty Ruler of heaven and earth should have found
too just cause to remind us, that we also are beings de-
pendent on his sovereign will, and that we have not re-
quited him with gratitude for the many very signal bles-
sings and unparalleled prosperity we have enjoyed fine
the late revolution, and our return to our dwellings ;
and by this distressing visitation, to impress on our minds,
that under him human beings are dependent on each
other, by making us in turn the objects of the commise-
ration and benevolence of our sympathising neighbour.
I fervently hope and wish that you, sir, and your re-
spected fellow citizens, may never again witness such
distressing scenes as you have lately experienced ; and
that the affliction which has now come to the doors of
my fellow citizens, may be sanctified to the survivors,
and teach us, that unless supported by the Divine Hand
the things of this life, which we so highly prize, are
very vanity, and life itself a mere vapour.
We were very sanguine in our expectations, about 4
weeks ago, considering the then general state of health in
this city, beyond all former seasons, that the epidemic
which was then confined to a small district of the city,
and which since has caused so much alarm and distress,
and deprived us of some valuable citizens, would have
been confined there and finally subsided ; but the warm
weather and fears of many, and want of caution in

[ 52 ]
others, has caused it to spread from that quarter some-
what northward and principally eastward to the ship
yards, where it has been most fatal among the poor emi-
grants, who lived and died in filth and dirt ; and altho'
the cool air of the close of Sept. had much diminish-
ed the mortality, and had given us reason to hope that
the judgment would be speedily removed, it has again,
by the uncommonly warm weather, or perhaps unknown
causes, become very alarming, and has taken off a few
individuals, I suppose, not exceeding 30 or 40 in the
whole, south-west of the Fly market and Crown street,
and west of Broad street, continued into the Bowery,
exclusive of the Hospital.
The number of deaths has however, again decreased
from 29 on Sunday evening, to 22 on Monday, and 17
on this evening (the whole number now being 525)
and we have reason to hope and expect, from the small
number of new cases which have come to the know-
ledge of the Health Committee on the last evening,
that, with the blessing of heaven, the disease will soon
subside, and permit our affrighted fugitive fellow citi-
zens, who are scattered in every quarter around us, to 
return to their dwellings in safety, and again open the
intercourse between us, and our more happy neigh-
bours ; the want of which has in a very great degree
enhanced our misfortunes.
Accept our unfeigned thanks, Sir, for the interesting
and friendly part you have taken in our days of calami-
ty and distress ; and believe me to be with sentiments
of great personal respect and esteem,
Sir, your very humble servant,
RICHARD VARICK.
The hon. Math. Clarkson, esq; may-
or of the city of Philadelphia.
SIR,
It is with the sincerest pleasure, that I find myself
justified in restoring the intercourse between the cities

[ 53 ]
of Philadelphia and New York, in consequence of the
enclosed report of the inspectors of our Health Office.
Permit me, sir, to convey the cordial congratulations
of the citizens of Pennsylvania to you and our fellow
citizens of New York, upon the change which has
taken place in the health of your city ; and to assure
you that nothing could equal the sympathy which we
felt, during the continuance of the calamity that has
afflicted you, but the joy that we experience on its ces-
sation. 
With sentiments of great respect and esteem,
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your Excellency's most obedient,
Humble servant,
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
To his Excellency John Jay, esq;
gov. of the state of New York.
Philadelphia, Oct. 21st, 1795.
COMMITTEE OF HEALTH.
Fellow Citizens,
But three persons have died on the last four days in
this city, and but three at Belle Vue since the 27th of
October, of fever in any degree resembling our late
epidemic. 
The alarming situation in which this city has lately
been, is calculated to excite the most serious reflections
-to inspire feelings of veneration for that all control-
ing Power who in the midst of such judgment numbers
mercy ! - We trust that it has been under a sentiment
of grateful dependance on him, that we have been en-
couraged to fulfil the duties you had entrusted : And
we trust that while congratulations are repeated upon
returning seasons of health, all hearts may be disposed
to improve to moral and virtuous purposes both the
threatening and felicitating dispensations of heaven.
Your Committee at this period cheerfully recognize
those principles of undeviating veracity, which during

[ 54 ]
the increasing terror of their fellow citizens, directed
their daily reports respecting the progress of disease.
It is with great satisfaction that they have found it
evinced by their experience, that such exact details as
they have made to the public, instead of increasing those
terrors, have tended, in a great measure, to subdue
them ; and the accomplishment of this is of immense
importance to public happiness and convenience ; fear
mitigates its objects. During the existence of a cala-
mity of this kind, circumstances will be ever exagge-
rated, by the timidity and credulity of individuals.
It is to be lamented, however, that falsehoods
have been propagated from the basest, meanest,
and the most despicable motives; by some as an apolo-
gy for their panic apprehensious, by others, from the
sensibilities of self interest, and to gratify a sordid lust
of gain. Lies have been propagated for the sake of
the wonderful, and the excitement of surprize, by per-
sons ungenerously forgetful of the extensive mischiefs
naturally originating from this source—despair, deser-
tion, poverty, famine and death!
Perhaps an ill-judged tenderness for their reputati-
ons has prevented the publication of the names of some
offenders. Had the falsehood repeated with great
confidence in the country had any proper foundation,
our city would long since have been nearly desolated. 
We turn with pleasure to the recollection of circum-
stances more creditable to humanity ; and to acknow-
ledge the liberality of those of our fellow citizens who
have contributed to alleviate the distresses of the sick and
suffering poor. The generous inteferences of sympa-
thy from Philadelphia, and some neighboring villages,
demand our lasting gratitude : Such instances of mutual
good will and beneficence remain grateful memorials
of the fraternity of a free and virtuous people.
From these resources, 8837 dols. have been received;
and your Committee feel a responsibility in the faith-
ful and just distribution. Its proper objects being nu-

[ 55 ]
merous, and often probably not within the sphere of
individual knowledge, each of the members of the Com-
mittee is associated with two respectable citizens in
seeking out the sick, and relieving those to whom their
charity is directed.
Circumstances have not been wanting to shew the
happy influence of temperance, cleanliness, and cold
upon the late epidemic. But while we rejoice that
benevolent nature has given power to these agents to
set bounds to its ravages, let us recollect that they are
assiduously to be employed. We feel it incumbent on
us to remind our fellow citizens of this truth, particu-
larly those who are returning from the country. Houses
which have contained the sick, should be carefully
ventulated ; and things that have been employed by
them, that cannot conveniently be cleansed by water,
should be subjected freely to the action of cold.
It is not impossible that neglect in those particulars
may occasion a few solitary instances of this disease un-
til we have experienced intense frost. For though we
flatter ourselves it is extinguished as an epidemic, and
our streets free from all infection, we have before us
the experience of other places to impress the necessity
of such precautions.
Among the arrangements made by the Committee to
prevent the spread of infectious disease they consider
early interments and the use of the hearse, as one of
the most important. Satisfactory proofs of its utility
might be detailed. It is to be wished that the good
sense of the community might be exerted to conquer
any prejudice which may remain in opposition to a prac-
tice of burial so much more convenient than the com-
mon mode, and so much more safe.
The present state of Belle Vue hospital is pleasing;
not only from it we anticipate the speedy extinction or
all disease therein, but from the happy and comfortable
situation of the sick, and from the satisfaction expressed
by them with respect to their medical aid and attend-

[ 56 ]
ance. But three new patients have been received du-
ring the last ten days. There are now thirteen sick in
the hospital, twelve of whom are considered as out of
all danger. Since its first establishment, eighty nine
persons have been discharged, cured ; the deaths have
been published with our daily reports.
It is with great satisfaction that we remark that al-
though some of the people have been slightly affected
with the epidemic no one has died.
Much to the injury of the unfortunate persons who
have been font to this place, its circumstances have
been grossly misrepresented. The sick have in consequence,
in numerous instances, fought this asylum with
hearts aching with anxiety and despair.
A senior consulting physician was early appointed to
visit it occasionally from this city. From its first esta-
blishment, one, and since the 24th of Sept. two, phy-
sicians have constantly resided within its walls. A new
building has been erected during the sickness, and no
expense has been spared to render the sick commodious
and happy. A Committee from this Board have made
frequent visits and examination of its circumstances,
and from time to time have witnessed with pleasure its
improving state.
A more vigilant, humane, or attentive man was ne-
ver appointed purveyor to an hospital, than our late
worthy member Mr. Frederick Steymets, whose death
reminds us of the loss of our other friend and associate,
Dr. M. Treat, who there is reason to suspect, was also
a victim to the discharge of faithful duty. The public
will join with us in deploring the loss of such worthy
and respectable members of society.
Before we dismiss the subject of the hospital, it is
but just that we acknowledge our sense of the merit of
Dr. Alexander Anderson, and Dr. McFarlin, resident
physicians at Belle Vue.* Both for their persevering
* The former of these gentlemen engaged with zeal and virtue, at
early period and under discouraging circumstances, in their ardu-
ous duty.

[ 57 ]
attention, humanity and fidelity to the sick, they have
deserved well of their country.
The Committee being employed in arranging expen-
ditures, and in the settlements of accounts, request that
all persons having demands upon them, present the
same to alderman Furman, 106, Broad Way, on or
before the 20th instant.
JOHN BROOME, Chairman,
GABRIEL FURMAN, Alderman,
ANDREW VAN TUYL, do.
JOHN CAMPBELL, do.
ROBERT LENOX, do.
THEOPHILUS BEEKMAN, do.
ROBERT BOWNE,
NICHOLAS CARMER,
Dr. WILLIAM P. SMITH,
ISAAC STOUTENBURGH,
GEORGE JANEWAY,
NATHANIEL HAZRD. 
N. B. Dr. Samuel Bard, absent from this city on bu-
siness.

[ 58 ]
A LIST of the NAMES of those who have DIED of
the EPIDEMIC, from July 29, to Nov. 1, 1795.
A
ABEEL, David G.physici-
an, Nassau street
Abeel, Mrs. wife of Garet,
Cherry street 
Abrinckthy, William. Oliver st.
Accularius, Henry. baker, Skin-
ner str.
Adamson George, Water do.
Adams, Mary, daughter of Mr.
Dodds, Water str.
Adams, Mrs.
Addison, William, staymaker,
Cliff street
Abbertson, -, Belle Vue
Anderson Mr. Water street
Anderson Mrs. wise of William,
Water street
Angus, Walter, labourer, Ca-
tharine str.
Allen, Gilbert, house carpenter,
Catharine str.
Armor, William, stone cutter,
Lombard str.
Aston, David, shoemaker, Wa-
ter str.
A woman, Otswego market.
B
Baker, Jeremiah, Front street
Bailey, John, barber, Cherry do.
Bains, Brightman, dyer, do.
Bains - son of Brightman, do.
Bains, Susannah, Belle Vue
Baird, Mrs. wife of R. shoema-
ker, Lombard str.
Banner, James, Partition do.
Baines Robert, grocer, Catha-
rine str.
Barbary, a young woman, Cher-
ry str.
Bartrom, Eurice Belle Vue
Bassy, James, Belle Vue
Barnaby, John, sailor Cherry st.
Beekman, Wm. dock builder,
Oliver street
Betsy, at Mr. Marshall's ship
carpenter, Water street
Berrian, Mr. ship carpenter, do.
Berthou, Constant, French tea-
cher, Vesey street
Bertine Samuel, Bell Vue
Berry, Andrew, do.
Beckworth, Jonathan, mason,
East George street. 
Billings, Noyes, clerk, Front str.
Bleeker, John, merchant, Cher-
ry street.
Blake, Mary, negro, Roosevelt st.
Blake, Mrs. Church do.
Blow, Robt. laborer, Skinner st.
Blithe, Rev. Mr. Baptist minis-
ter, Pearl street.
Bowman, Sam. sailor, Water st.
Boss, Wm. silversmith, do.
Bonnet, Mrs. Susan, Pine str.
Bown, Elias, city marshall
Bolin, Noah A. Belle Vue
Boyle, Mary, Division street
Boyle, Patrick, Harman do.
Bowen, Samuel, Water do.
Boyd, Julia, Belle Vue
Boston, Matthew
Bolton, Mrs. Pearl street.
Bolton, Nicholas, do.
Buckley, Mrs. Water do.
Barnet, Peter, jun. Catharine st.
Buchanan, Mrs. wife of John,
Cherry street
Buchanan, John, do.
Bucker, Mrs. wife of John, Wa-
ter street. [str.
Burling, Mr. stone cutter, Thames
Burlington, Brukford, Belle Vue

[ 59 ]
Bukman, William, Cherry str.
Buckley, Elijah, taylor, Bata-
via lane
Buckley, Biddy, Belle Vue
Burger, Mrs. wife of John, Skin-
ner street
Braine, J. H. shoemaker, Pearl st.
Briggs, Sarah, negro, Water str.
Button, John, Cherry do.
Bruster, Mrs. Water do.
Bruncan, Anthony, Front do.
Brown. Mr. Catharine do.
Brown, Mr. grocer, Bowery lane
Brown, Han. widow, Rutger st.
Brown, Matthew, Water do.
Brown, Mary, Belle Vue
Brown, John, brewer, Cheapside
Bragg, John, hardware merch't.
Water street
Bryson, Robert, tallow chandler,
Rose str. [wich str.
Brodie, Wm. notary pub. Green-
Brooks, Mr. physician, Cherry st.
Byrne, Nich. mulatto, Belle Vue
Campbell, Donald, Harman st.
Campbell, James, carpenter, Bar-
clay str.
Campbell, Nathaniel, Belle Vue
Camp, John, merchant, Frank-
fort str.
Cannon. William
Casey, Thomas, Water str.
Casey Rose, do.
Casey, Fanny, Augustus str.
Carmichael, James, Front do.
Cady Mary, Belle Vue
Cady. Samuel silversmith, Fly
market. [Front st.
Carpenter, John, boarding house,
Carpenter, A. Rose str.
Carpenter, James, taylor, Har-
man str. [ter str.
Carman, Benjamin, hatter, Wa-
Cameron, Valentine, Cherry str.
Compton, Matthias, carpenter,
Belle Vue
Cook, Sarah, Cherry str.
Cook, Catharine, Oliver do.
Cook, Mr. [str.
Connon, Dan. carpenter, Charles
Cock, James, Peck slip
Cock, Ephraim, grocer, do.
Camidinue, John, shoemaker,
Pearl str. [do.
Commardimer, Andrew, printer,
Coles, Ann, Peck slip
Coles, Mr. tay]or, do.
Cottle, John, Belle Vue
Cossey, Mr. Beekman str.
Concklin, Mrs. wife of John,
George str.
Concklin; widow, Cherry str.
Connoly, John, tallow chandler,
Rutger str.
Copping, Francis, East George st.
Colon, Mary, Chapel str.
Conden, Margaret, George str.
Conden, Margaret, daughter of
Margaret, George str.
Connick, Dan. clerk, William st.
Conroy. Mrs wife of Peter, Roose-
velt str.
Coe, John, carman, George str.
Cox, Eliz. East George str.
Cox, widow Amelia, do.
Courtney George
Christie, John, tavernkeeper, Wa-
ter str,
Christie, James, son of John, do.
Christie, Mary, widow, do.
Chambers, Rob. shoemaker, Ro-
sevelt str.
Chapman, Daniel, William do.
Chevalier, Mons. French teach-
er, Cliff str.
Charne, John, Harman str.
Church, William, Belle Vue
Chidowson, Mr. laborer, Water st.
Clark, Jas. stone cutter, Vesey st.
Clark, Mary, City Hospital
Clapp, John, Belle Vue
Clancey. James, barber, Peck slip

[ 60 ]
Clancey, Wm. laborer, James st.
Clancey, James, ship chandler,
Cherry str.
Clancey, Thos. nailor, Thames st.
Crawford, Susan, wife of Thos.
Roosevelt str.
Crawford, Thomas, Belle Vue
Crawford, Mary, Roosevelt str.
Craran, John, custom house gua-
ger, Church str.
Curry, James cooper, Cherry str.
Cunningham, Miles, currier, 
Gold str. [velt str. 
Cumming, Thos. cooper, Roose-
Cuff, a slave, James str.
D
Dalton, James, Cherry street.
Dalton, Mary, wife of James, do.
Dalton, Mary, daughter of James,
Cherry str.
Dater, Jacob, house carpenter,
Chatham str.
Daniel, Samuel, Pearl do.
Davis, Phebe, wife of Wm. sail-
or, William str.
Davis, Mrs. wife of John, tay-
lor, Catharine str.
Davis, Elizabeth, widow, Lom-
bard str.
Davis, Geo. mason, Hester do.
Davenport, Josh. seaman, Green- 
wich str.
Day, James, Water str.
DeWitt, Wm. baker, Belle Vue
Dealing, Ann, widow, Oliver st.
Dennis, a mulatto, Ferry str.
Dickinson, Betsy, Belle Vue
Disonway, David, Water str.
Dixon, James, Cheapside.
Dixon, John, Belle Vue
Dixon, Eliza, widow, Cheapside
Dalben, Steph. tavern, Water st.
Donnoville, Susan, wife of Paul,
ship carpenter, Pearl str.
Douglass, Mrs. Catharine Au-
gustus str.
Douglass, miss, Angustus str.
Doody, John, Belle Vue
Doyle, Mrs. wife of Moses,
Lombard str.
Duffie, Sarah, Alms house
Dutch, John, George sir.
Dutch, John's wife, do. [Vue
Duncan, Wm accountant, Belle
Dunscomb, Daniel, a son of Da-
niel, Cherry str.
Dunscomb, Tedford, son of Da-
niel, Cherry str.*
Dunscomb, Mrs. wife of Dani-
el, Cherry str.
Duhoose, Sarah, wife of John,
Lombard str.
Dubois, Elizabeth, Golden hill
Drocut, William, Dover str.
Drawbridge, Mr. merch't, Cher
ry str.
Drowley, James, merchant, do.
Drummond, J. taylor, James st,
Dwishel, Elizabeth, Gold str.
Dyell, Francis, laborer, James st.
Dyer, Ephraim, Cherry str.
E
Eagle, Margaret, Belle Vue
Eden, Polly, Water str.
Egbert, Mr. Division str.
Egleston, Sally, Cherry do.
Ellison, James, Belle Vue, [st.
Ellicot Arthur, accountant, Front
England, Elizabeth, Belle Vue
England, Richard, do.
Eustice, Mrs. wife of Charles,
Water str.
Ewen, Samuel.
F
Fairley, Wm. grocer, Wall str.
Fanny, a negro, Poor house
Fargo, Mr. East George str.
Fargo, Mrs. do.
Farden, Wm. carpenter, Golden
hill
Farrol, James; Belle Vue
Farley, John, clerk, Warren str.

[ 61 ]
Farrington, Mary, seamstress,
Water str.
Fee, Jacob, painter, Magazine st.
Fitch, Edward, sailor, Belle Vue
Finch, Mr. Pearl str.
Finly, John, do. 
Fenton, Joseph, Belle Vue
Fish, Cornls. merchant Water st.
Ferguson, Ann, Lombard do.
Fosdick, Williams, Belle Vue
Fogarthy, John, Cherry str.
Foly, Wm. James do.
Fosley, Eric, Belle Vue,
Fountain, James, Barclay str.
Flagen, Ann C. Rutger do.
Flanagan, Patrick, Belle Vue
Flaig, Rob. accountant, Pearl st.
Food, John, house carpenter, do.
Fletcher, Thomas, stone cutter,
Lombard str, [do.
Francis, Melchior, grocer, Pearl
Fray, Ann, Belle Vue
French, John, Belle Vue
Freeman, Mrs. wife of Silas,
Cheapside str.
Ferris, Josias, East George do.
G
Galloway John, Water str.
Gale, Joseph, New slip
Galer, John, Water str. [Vue
Garvin, John, bookbinder, Belle
Garland, Mrs. wife of George,
Fly market
Gattey, Elizabeth, wife of Hen-
ry, Water str.
Gauman, Samuel, Lumber do.
Gautier, Cornelius, Barclay do.
Gautier, Mrs. wife of Samuel,
James str.
Gardner, L. jun. Eagle do.
Gardner, Rutii, Pearl do.
Gardner, Mrs. wife of Noah,
Water str. [cher st.
Gardner, Moses, shoemaker, Flet-
Gardner. Wm. Belle Vue
Garey, Mary, wid. Roosevelt st.
Gedney, Mrs. wife of John,
Roosevelt str.
George, a sailor, Crane wharf
George, a mulatto, Dover str.
George, a negro, Belle Vue
Gilmore, Miss, Pearl str.
Gilson, Mr. toyman [str.
Goilligar, Henry, sailor, Henry
Goddard, Truelove, Rose str.
Godbey, Wm. near the Bridewell
Goodwin, Joseph, Belle Vue
Gooram, Nancy, do.
Gutherie, Robert, do.
Graham, Mr. Water str.
Grantz, Eliza, Belle Vue
Grancey, Geo. Catharine str.
Gray, Joshua
Grant, Allen, Belle Vue
Grant, John, carman, Broad st.
Grant, Edward, Rutger do.
Gray, Elizabeth, Water do.
Green, Sam. clerk, Dover do.
Green, Mary, Cherry do.
Green, Ally, Belle Vue
Griswold, Tim. sailor, Crane wh.
Griffiths, Edward, cooper, Rose-
velt str.
Glover, Mr. Pearl do.
Glover, Jehn, carpenter, do.
Glover, Mrs. wife of John, do.
Glover John, jun. son of John, do.
Glover, Wm. Belle Vue
Gleen, Wm; Division str.
H
Hart, Mrs, Rose street
Hart, James, grocer, Cherry do.
Hart, James, Roosevelt do.
Hart, Samuel, Broad Way
Hare, Mrs. wife of Sam. Lom-
bard str.
Hannah, Mrs Water do.
Hannah, Mary do.
Hannibal, a negro, Peck slip
Halliday, Mrs. wife of John, Wa-
ter str. [man st.
Hamilton Wm. grocer, Beek-

[ 62 ]
Hambleton, Mrs. Bunker's hill
Hambleton, Charles, labourer,
Skinner str.
Hannah, a slave
Hathaway, John, Wm. str.
Harroway. James, blacksmith,
Cheapside str.
Harraway, Catharine, Belle Vue
Harris, Mary, James st.
Harris, Elizabeth, Beekman do.
Hauxhurst, Daniel ,
Herring, John, carman. Rector st
Herring, John, Belle Vue
Hewit, Capt. John, Liberty str.
Heyer Walter, jun Pearl do.
Heymer, George, Belle Vue
Herton, Sarah, Water str.
Heyer, Walter, clerk, Pearl str.
Holmes, John, Belle Vue
Holmes, Eve, negro, New slip
Hoyt, Abigail, Fitche's wharf
Horton, Isaac, grocer, Fly market
Houston,Wm. stone cutter,Lom-
bard street [Fly market
Holdcop, Mrs. wife of Thomas,
Hodges, Robert, carpenter, Lombard
street
How, John, Bowery
Higginbottom, Mr. Belle Vue
Hill, James, Water str.
Hill, John G. clerk, do.
Hoagland, John, Pearl str.
Howel, Catharine, widow, do.
Hoyer, Pet. carpenter, Newmarkt
Hunt, Eden, tavern, Water str.
Hugh, Mrs. wife of Samuel,
Mulberry str.
Hudson, Frederick, Bancker st.
Hinuncue, Casper,Greenwich st.
Hunter, Peter, Batavia lane
Hutchins, Mr. taylor, Liberty st.
Hutchinson, Fred. Bancker str.
Hume, Hen. laborer, Harman st.
Humes, Robert, Henry str.
Hurtin, John, taylor, Water str.
Hubbs, Daniel, Catharine str.
Hubord, Dr. J. Beekman atr.
Huggeford, Peter, apothecary.
Pearl str.
I
Ivers,Hez. rope maker, Bayard st.
J
Jackson, William, City hospital
Jackson, Hannah, wid. Hague st.
Jackson, Mrs. wife of John, Fer-
ry street
Jackson, a negro man, ship yards
James, Thomas V. merchant,
Water str.
Jenkins, Mr. merchant, do.
Jenkins Aron, carman, Warren st,
Jefferson, Robert. George st.
Jeffery, Rachel, water str.
Jessop, Silas, carpenter, Cheapside
Jeremiah, a sailor, Belle Vue
John, -, clerk to Mr. Ferguson,
Water str.
John, -, George str.
Jones, Mrs. wife of Arthur,
George str.
Jones, Thos brewer, Cheapside
Jones, Mrs. wife of Thos. do.
Jones, Rebecca, Belle Vue
Jones, Matthew, Roosevelt str.
Johnson, Mrs. Fly market
Johnson, Jane Water str. 
Johnson, Joshua, schoolmaster,
Lombard str.
Johnston, Josh. near ship yards
Johnston, John shoemaker Cliff st.
Johnston, Mary, Bancker do. 
Johnston, John, grocer, Liber, st.
Johnston, Lawrence, schoolmast.
Fair str.
K
Kane, Mr. Belle Vue
Kelly, Richard, do. 
Kelly, Thos. labourer, Lomb. st.
Kellioye, Hugh, Belle Vue
Keen, Mary
Kennedy, John, huckster, Cliff st.
Kessiah, laboring worn. Dover st.

[ 63 ]
King, George, Belle Vue
Kipp, Ann, daughter of Abm.
Water str.
Knapp, Jos. tavern, James do.
L
Lackling, James, Belle Vue
Lamb, Mrs. James str.
Lawrence, Margaret Pearl do.
Lawrance, Mrs. wife of Joseph,
Cherry str. [zine st.
Lee, Mrs. wife of Wm. Maga-
Lee, James, merchant Ferry str.
Lewis, Joseph, Pearl do.
Lewis, Capt.
Leake, Wm. culler, Water st.
Ledyard, Mrs. clerk, do.
Leaycrast, Mrs. do.
Le Veillard, Mr. merchant,
Front street
Little, Hugh, Orchard str.
Livingston, Mrs. George str.
Lilburn, Ann, near ship yards
Loosy, Mr. Roosevelt str.
Lockhar, Patrick, Belle Vue
Long, Mr. Burling slip
Low, John, taylor, Water str.
Loudon, Saml. jun. printer, do.
Lovely, Thomas, Belle Vue
Luder, Ann, Rose str.
Lynch, John, Water str.
Lynch, Sarah, wife of John,
Chesnut str.
Lyon, Jas. labourer, Nicholas st.
Lyon, Gilbert, Belle Vue
M
Mabee, John, carman, Pump str.
Mann, Richard
Mason, Mrs. James str.
Matthews, James, Murray str.
Manning, John, Belle Vue
Martain, Mrs. huckster, Peck st.
Maynard, Phineas, Eagle str.
Maxwell, Arthur, Belle Vue
Martin, William, do.
Magitter, Harmanus, Church st.
Masterston, J. shoemaker, Fair st.
M'Alpin, Catharine, Batavia lane
M'Auly, John, lab'rer, Barclay st.
M'Auly. Rob't, do. Augustus st.
M'Carvin, Daniel, Belle Vue
M'Carr, J. laborer, Catharine st.
M'Canna, Arthur, do. George st.
M'Crea, Mrs. wife of Archibald,
Cherry str.
M'Conell. Susannah, Belle Vue
M'Cullen, J. laborer,Lombard st.
M'Cullen, J c'rpent'r, Thame st.
M'Cormick.Phil sailor, Front st.
M'Donell, Wm.baker,Cherry st.
M'Donald, Malcom, laborer,
Rutger str.
M'Donald. Ann, Front str.
M'Dowel, Conway, Cherry str.
M'Dougal,Neal.taylor, Water st.
M'Gillings, John, Beekman slip
M'Gregor, J. laborer, Orange st.
M'Guunigal, Pat. do. Skinner st.
M'Gumican, Mary, Belle Vue
M'Kenzie, Charles, George st.
Mc'Kenzie, Eleanor, do.
M'Kenzie, Alexander, do.
M'Kenzie, Mary. do
M'Kenzie. C. do.
M'Kenzie, Isabella, Bell Vue
M'Kinley, Catharine, Lumber st.
M' Kinley, Alexander,Belle Vue
M'Kinnon,Catharine Gerrg st.
M'Laren, Bernard, Belle Vue
M'Murry, Jane, do.
M'Nabb, Mr. grocer, Cross st.
M'Nabb, Mr. sawyer, Water st.
M' Natty, Peter, Peck slip
M'Neil, Mrs. Lumber str.
Mc'Quay, Barney, Belle Vue
M'Quire, Philip, George str.
Meeks, Betty, Belle Vue
Meen, Andrew, sailor, Water st.
Miller, John, sawyer, Moore str.
Miller, Mary, Lombard str.
Miller, James, Belle Vue
Miller, Alexander, do.
Miller, Mr. shoemaker, Water st.

[ 64 ]
Miller, Miss, water str.
Mitchel, Michael, Pearl str.
Mitchel, Wm. rigger, George st.
Minchal, Robert, Belle Vue
Mine, Mary, do.
Morris, Mr. laborer, Ferry st.
Moote, Mr. Water st.
Mott, Win. merchant, Pearl st.
Mou, Richard, do. Water st.
Mooney, John, ropemaker, do.
Moore, Ann, widow, Cherry st.
Morrough, Robt. Maiden lane
Morrough, Joshua, Belle Vue
Montgomery, Henry, do.
Mullen, John, pilot, do.
Mulberry, Mr. do.
Muleneaux, Mrs.
Munn, Robert, clerk, Water st.
Murren, Robert, Urime str.
Murdock, Wm. George str.
Murph, John, Belle Vue
Murphy, Mr. barber, Fair str.
Murphy, James, labourer, do.
Myers, Mary, widow, Cath. str.
N
Nash, James, shipwrrght
Nation, Miss, Cheapside
Nelly, at Mr. Wright's, Pearl st.
Nelson, James, Belle Vue
Nicholas, Wm. cabinetmaker,
Hague str.
Nicholas, a sailor, Crane wharf
Nichols, Capt. John Wm. st.
Nichols, Moses, Fly market
Niel, Mich, labourer, Cheapside
Nixon, Mr. City hospital
Norton, Eliz. widow, Cherry st.
O
Ogilvie, Anth. painter, Oliver st.
Ogilvie, widow, Front do.
Ogilvie, Mr. house carp Geo. st.
Ogilvie, Isaac, sailor, Water do.
Ogorman, Mrs. George do.
Ohew, Thomas, Dover do.
Orr, James, Banker do.
Oswald, Col. E. Wm str.
P
Packharness, John, Cherry str.
Paine, James, custom house offi-
cer, Fair str.
Paine Jasper, Belle Vue
Paine, E. Water street [hill.
Parker, Asher. taylor. Golden
Parker, Mrs. wife of James, Wa-
ter str.
Parks, Thos. Belle Vue
Palmer, Abijah, porter
Parcells, Nancy, Cherry str.
Parcells, Mr. ship carpenter, Di-
vision str.
Parrot, Stephen, Water str.
Patterson, Mrs. Bancker str.
Patterson, Simon, cooper, Fa-
yette street
Patrick, -, st one cutter, Golden
hill 
Peebles, Sarah, Fair str.
Peebles, John, Belle Vue
Pearchan, Mrs. wife of Justice,
Oliver st.
Pearse, Mrs. Catharine str.
Penny, Charles, junr. painter,
Little Catharine str.
Penny, Richard, blacksmith,
Harman str.
Penniker, Wm. ship carpentery
Lumber str. [str.
Pettit, Mrs. wife of Pet. Lombard
Plumer, Richard Belle Vue
Platt, Sam. Catharine str.
Pomeroy, Andrew, Pearl str.
Port, Mrs. junr. Water str.
Potter, Geo. tavern, Water str.
Powell, Samuel, George do.
Provoost, James [side
Pury, Steph. blacksmith, Cheap-
Q
Quick, James, Warren str.
R
Ramsay, James, Belle Vue
Ramage, Mrs. wife of Thomas,
James street.

[ 65 ]
Ranger, John, grocer, Cherry st.
Ray, James, barber, Catharine st.
Ray, Hannah, Cherry do.
Reeve, James, boatman, Coffee
house slip
Reeves. Barnab. grocer, New slip
Reeves, Hannah, wid. of do. do.
Reid, Thomas, Belle Vue
Repose, Zachariah, do.
Reach, John, sadler, Water str.
Renwell, Thos. Lombard do.
Richards, Wm. merchant
Richards, Ann, Water str.
Richmond, Wm. mason, do.
Ricker, Nancy, a black woman
Ridder, Ann, Batavia lane
Roberts, Mrs. wife of Thos. do.
Robertson, Jno. taylor, Water st.
Rose, Sarah
Ross, Edw. labourer, Harman st.
Rooper, Mrs. Cherry do.
Rooper, Andrew, Belle Vue
Roosevelt, Mrs. wife of Oliver,
painter, Cherry str.
Rogers, Isaiah, schoolmaster,
Lombard str.
Rogers, Owen, George do.
Rogers, Polly, Cherry do.
Royal, Pat. labourer, Division st.
Rosin, James B. Pearl do.
Rhodes, James, merch. Water st.
Rhodes, John, do. do.
Russel, Francis, mason, Peck st.
Russel, Susannah, do.
Rudd, Joseph, Water str.
Ryin, Edw. labourer, Water st.
S
Sands, Mary, wife of Thomas,
George str.
Sands, Thomas, George do.
Sands, Phebe,daugh. of Tho. do.
Sands, Ann, wife of Robert, Oli-
ver str.
Sanders, Mrs Jacob do.
Sanders, Thomas, Catharine do.
Satully, John, Belle Vue
Sarah, -, Belle Vue
Santag, John, Front str.
2 Sailors, ship William
a Sailor of the brig Eliza
Seaman, Sam. taylor, Ferry str.
Seaman, Mrs. Peck slip
Seaman, Robert, Belle Vue
Seeker, Rebecca, do.
Scott, John, clerk, Water str.
Scott, Wm. Pearl do.
Scott, Wm. Harman do.
Shaw, Isaac, near Belvidere
Shaw, Mr. clerk, Wall str.
Schemmel, Mrs Ferry do.
Shute, Frederick, George str.
Shute, Mr Cherry do.
Showel, Mr do.
Skinner, Abraham, do.
Sline, John, shipwright, Water st.
Sline, Ann, widow, New slip
Sim, George, grocer, Cross st.
Simmonton, Rob. Catharine str.
Shilling, Mrs wife of Samuel,
Cherry str.
Skaats, R. carman, Church st.
Smith, Elihu
Smith, Mrs Belle Vue
Smith, Mary, do
Smith, Wm. do
Smith, Catharine, Water street
Smith, Mr Fitche's wharf
Smith, Mrs Liberty street
Smith, Mrs Water street 
Smith, Mrs Front do.
Smith, Michael, barber Cherry st.
Smith, Mrs Catharine street
Smith, Dan grocer, Water do.
Smith, Julia, Oliver street
Smith, Ann, widow, do.
Smith, Rob, carman, Charlotte st.
Smith, Zella, widow, Cherry st.
Smith, Mrs wife of Robert, O-
liver street
Smith, Jer. grocer. Coenties slip
Sneddegrass, Mrs wife of James,
George street
I

[ 66 ]
Stout, Wm. Corlear's hook
Stobo, William, James str.
Spranger, John, ship carpenter,
Cheapside
Spranger, Mary, Cherry str.
Squires, Frank, bell ringer, do.
Stafford, Nicholas, Belle Vue
Stackhouse, Mrs wife of Timo-
thy, Bowery
Stewart, Abigail, Belle Vue
Stevenson, Samuel, do.
Stratton, William, cabinet ma-
ker, Chesnut str.
Suffield, Capt Aaron, Water st.
Tappan, Mrs wife of Neal, Wa-
ter street
Taylor, Marg't,widow, James st.
Teer, Mrs Front street
Thistle, Samuel, Belle Vue
Thomas, John, ditto
Thomas, Nancy, ditto
Thomas, Robert, taylor, Roose-
velt street
Thompson, John, blacksmith,
Lombard street
Thomberg, Agnes, Belle Vue
Thorp, Jas. merchant, Water st.
Tillinghast, Charles, deputy col-
lector, Cherry street
Tidd, Ann, Oliver street
Treat, Malachi, physician of the
port, William street
Towers, Bartholomew, Belle Vue
Tragg, Ann, do.
Trader, Mrs wife of Hen. Rose st
Tiligreene, -, bark Neptune
Tinny, Jeremiah, Belle Vue
Town, Mrs Rhinelander's yard
Tool, James, Belle Vue
Totter, Neal, shoemaker, Water
Tompkins, Eliza, Belle Vue
Twist, Wm. do.
Tute, Wm. Bowery lane
Tweed, Philip, Rutger str.
Tydgaat, Jacob, Beekman do.
U
Underwood, Eliza, Pine str.
V
Vannerman, Anthony
Vandenenden, James, merchant,
Front str.
Vallen, William, Belle Vue
Van Dyck, Mary, Rutger str.
Van Gordon, John, Belle Vue
Van Pelt, Christ. East Geo. str.
Van Wagenen, wife of Hubert,
Beekman slip
Varian Mr
Vincent George, Water str.
W
Wall, Thomas, Belle Vue
Walsh, Mrs wife of James, car-
man, Roosevelt street
Walsh, Richard, stone cutter, do.
Wayland, Levi, printer, Water st.
Warner, Thomas, Ann street
Watson, James, jun. near battery
Weag, Matthew, City hospital
Weeks, Mrs wife of Nicholas,
carpenter, Cherry street
Weeks, Elizabeth, Water street
Weeks, Jesse, Roosevelt street
Webb, Nat. apothecary, Pearl st.
Webster, Lewis, Belle Vue
Wells, Hor. silversmith, Pearl st.
Welsh, Barbary, Gold do.
West, Thos. upholst. Water st.
West, Mrs. do.
Wench of Rev Freeman, Cher-
ry str.
Wickee, Wm. Belle Vue
Wiley Mrs Cherry str.
Wiliams, Richd. Front str.
Williams, Ephraim, Belle Vue
Williams, Mr taylor Divis. str.
William, a sailor, Water str
Willet, Samuel, labourer, Har. st
Willis, Prissilla, Cherry str
Wilson, Wm. carpen. Cheapside
Winnon, Han. wife of Dan. Pinest

[ 67 ]
wife, Capt Thomas, ship Hope
Whaley, Sarah, wid. Cherry st.
Wheaton, Ann, Roosevelt st.
Wheeler Silas, carpenter, near
tea water pump [berty st
Wheeler, James, merchant, Li-
Whetmore, Mrs George str.
White, Mrs wife of Paul, sailor,
Cheapside
Whiten, Mrs do.
Whitman, John, laborer, Catha-
rine street
Whiteleg, Mary, wife of Wm.
Front street
Whild, Molly, Harman str.
Wood, Henry, carpenter Vesey
street
Wood,Jeremiah, tanner, Ferry st.
Wood, Richard, Belle Vue
Woodware, Wm. Belle Vue
Wright, Ellis, butcher, James st
Wright, Mr joiner, Bowery
Y
Youles, George, Belle Vue
Young, Jas. carpenter, Charlotte st
Young, John, Dover street
Z
Zeller, Sam. East George street.
FINIS.