August 19. [70a] My kind friend, the Rev. Joseph Rosdew, preached for me twice, as I was too unwell to undertake two full services. In the evening, Mrs. Jenny Cocker and Elizabeth Blake were buried. Several fresh cases of cholera reported. Received a letter from the secretary of the Central Board. The Plympton St. Mary Board of Health regularly appointed. [70b]
August 20. Amongst others, I visited Betty Heard, at Underwood, a poor industrious woman, aged seventy-two. She was quite alone—no one had been near her—creeping about the cottage in great pain: she could hardly stand, but refused to go to bed. She had taken some precautions to check the premonitory attack. She stood near her spinning-wheel, and when she perceived I was looking at it, she shook her head, and said, “Ah! sir, that is of no use to me now. When I can use it, I get but a very small matter to live upon! and now”—She could not finish the sentence; but sat down and cried like a child. How gladly did I avail myself of the subscription fund to relieve this helpless creature. In a short time, a proper nurse was with her. Page’s children better; the cramp had subsided.
A messenger came to me, requesting my immediate attendance at old Mrs. Cocker’s. She was in a room below, harassed with incessant sickness, &c., and in great pain. Her agitation of mind at the time of her daughter’s death on Saturday, caused a shock from which she had by no means recovered. Mr. Richard Langworthy [72] had seen her, and administered a dose of calomel; but the progress of the disorder was astonishingly rapid. She fainted: her son Elias was with her, and we supported her as well as we could. When she revived, her countenance assumed the common character of the collapsed stage of the disease. With much difficulty, we carried the poor sufferer up stairs; two women were sent for, and they assisted in putting her in bed. Having become a little easier, she requested me to pray with her. From that moment, when not in extreme pain, she was incessantly occupied in that sacred duty. On the first indication of sickness, she said she had the cholera, and she knew “she should not get over it.”
Being confident that this was a desperate case, from its exhibiting those fatal symptoms which often terminate in death within twelve hours, I went for Mr. L., who had, unfortunately, been detained at Shaugh, five miles off, and did not return for two hours. On his arrival, he said he quite approved of all the measures which had been adopted; and he considered it an extreme case. The rooms were fumigated, and chloride of lime was sprinkled all about the house. The poor creature suffered much from cramp and spasms. It was, indeed, distressing to see her. Every limb seemed to be contracted—her teeth grinding, and her blue shrivelled fingers clenched so tight, it was very difficult to open her hand; and her long grey locks, matted with perspiration, adhered to her cold damp cheek. Mr. L. proposed, as a last resource to allay such misery, that a vein should be injected. I prepared about six quarts of the fluid. The vein was opened, one or two dark drops trickled out, like treacle; after this, the vein appeared to be empty. The process of injection was immediately commenced, and the suffering almost instantly subsided. We knew her age was against her; but feeling that though life might not be saved by it, yet that this experiment would be valuable, inasmuch as we had remarked that all suffering from cramp ceased when recourse was had to it; it was, therefore, adopted. The pulse returned; but it fluttered and intermitted. She said she knew her time was very short. Her younger son was hanging over her, the tears flowing down his cheeks. Throughout this sad scene, his anxious and tender care for a dying mother was incessant. She said, “Let us pray—it is my only comfort.” We all knelt round the bed. Clasping her hands, she prayed aloud. Nothing could be more devout; and there was something so indescribably affecting in the plaintive tone of her voice and the aspirations she uttered at intervals, that a common feeling of sympathy vibrated through the hearts of those who witnessed the touching scene. She expressed herself cheered and refreshed by such an employment; then with her cold hand she grasped mine, and begged me not to leave her. She became rapidly weaker, the pulse again intermitted and sunk, sickness returned, but not the cramp. Although she had for a long time refused to take any nourishment, in twenty minutes after the injection of the fluid, she vomited a great quantity of what appeared to be water, with a dark sediment, like decomposed blood, which sunk immediately. From this time, nothing would stop the incessant sickness. Every animal function seemed to be exhausted; yet her senses were perfectly unimpaired to the last. I did not quit her—it was her dying request. “Thank you—thank you for remaining,” she, faltering, said to me. I observed to her that although we must part, there was one above, who has promised to his faithful disciples, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” “Oh! yes—yes,” she said, in a low whisper,—“it is true: I feel the comfort of it. ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.’ I am so—so weary,—when will this be over.” She then sunk into silence: for some time it was difficult to say whether life was extinct or not; at last she sighed, and her spirit departed in peace.
This affecting scene lasted six hours after the violent symptoms of the disease commenced. Returned home and endeavoured to answer some kind notes from enquiring friends. I could not write, owing to the excited state of my feelings; but, thankful to a merciful Providence for preservation, I retired early, hoping to be refreshed by rest.
I was awakened from a sound sleep by a loud knocking at my door. It was half past twelve at night, when my servant informed me that a person had arrived from Plympton, entreating me to go instantly to Mary Taylor, a parishioner of Plympton St. Mary, who was in the last stage of cholera, and was particularly anxious to see me before she died. I was a little refreshed by sleep; but still so unwell, my servant intimated that it might be in time, if I went in the morning. The morning might be too late! The idea of her having expressed an earnest desire to see me—in her dying moments too—something, perhaps, required or to communicate, which might tend to relieve her mind, and soothe the pillow of death. I could not have rested, if I had delayed to go. Before one o’clock, I was at the house. Mary Taylor had given up her own comfortable room to Susan, from the kindest and most considerate feeling; and, that she might be kept as quiet as possible, had removed to the dwelling of her parents, which was, indeed, a miserable place for a sick person. Below sat her father, by a small remnant of a fire, his face between his hands, his elbows resting on his knees, not caring to speak. He told me Elizabeth Job was with Mary, and that Mr. L. had been there in the evening, but not since—that he was very unwell when he went away. I heard the poor creature moaning—went up to her. The chamber where she lay was on the landing-place, without a door or partition—no ceiling—open to the roof. A common bedstead, without hangings or curtains, an old-fashioned oak chest, and a broken chair, composed the whole of the furniture. In a corner of the same room, covered with various old clothes, lay her husband, who was also ill. A rushlight, flickering in a current of air from the roof, only added to the wretchedness of the scene. The moment I approached the bedside, poor Mary held out her hand to me, and burst into an agony of tears. “I am going, sir,—I know I shall die. I wished so much to see you once more. I feared it would be too much for you to come; but I do not expect to see the morning. I do not wish to live; but my poor dear little helpless infant—what will become of her when she has lost her mother!” After some conversation, she became more tranquil, and appeared greatly comforted by the presence of a Christian minister. Spoke much of the awfulness of being on the brink of eternity—prayed frequently that God would forgive her sins, and receive her to himself, through the merits of a crucified Saviour. “Yes,” she said, “he died for me.” Stayed by this anchor, she became resigned and calm.
Before I went upstairs, I ordered the fire to be made up, and plenty of hot water to be in readiness. The poor old people very slow, and nothing in the house which such a case of emergency required. The cramp was gaining ground, and spasms had returned. Mr. L.’s residence not being far off, I hastened there, thinking it possible that he might be up; but could make no one hear, therefore I went away without disturbing him. I knocked up the people at a shop, and got some mustard and vinegar. When I returned, the medicines which were left, with directions, by Mr. L. were given. I had brought the cholera lotion, or stimulating liniment, with me, which was tried; but the poor sufferer was icy cold. Hot water in a stone bottle was applied to the feet. The pain at the pit of the stomach was very acute. I tried to get hot salt or sand; but nothing of the sort could be obtained, it being past two, a.m. Having noticed that, in the fire-place below, there were some loose bricks, I heated one of them, and wrapped it in a piece of old drugget. This simple remedy afforded her much relief, as soon as it was applied. She had been extremely patient, and said she felt better; but from the cold perspiration, and her discoloured appearance, I feared she would not recover. At three, a.m., I became so unwell, I desired that Mr. L. should be called, at all events. As he had been up the whole of the two preceding nights, and was very unwell, I had hitherto deferred calling him as long as I could; but I was obliged to return home.
August 21. Being anxious to know the fate of Mary Taylor, I went at eight o’clock to enquire for her. I learnt that Mr. L. came to her almost immediately after I left her, and injected saline fluid into a vein. She rallied for a time; but now, at nine, the alarming symptoms had returned. I went to Mr. L. and reported the apparently hopeless state of the patient. He returned to the house with me, and proposed a repetition of the experiment. She said it was all in vain. Her pulse had entirely ceased to beat. She enquired for Susan,—then spoke of her child with the tenderest feeling. She “hoped God would forgive her anxiety about the dear little soul. She would rather it had been taken before her, or with her, that both might be buried together; but God’s will be done. May we meet in a happier world.”
We had all joined with her in prayer, at her own request; she then consented to the operation. After a small quantity of the saline fluid had been injected, her husband’s sister offered to be blooded, as soon as the transfusion of blood was proposed. The transfusion was commenced, but no more than a teacupful could be borne, as a most startling effect was produced; the eyes having in an instant become red and staring to a frightful extent. Mr. L. saw this, and stopped the process instantaneously. Her breathing was quick and laborious. The pulse merely fluttered, and then stopped. It evidently was the will of God that human means should not avail. She was dying! I left the room with a sorrowing heart, sincerely lamenting her death. Before the attack of cholera, she had been in a delicate state of health; therefore Mr. L. feared that her constitution was not sufficiently strong to bear the shock. Every thing tended to depress our spirits. Such touching scenes, in such rapid succession—so great an accumulation of misery, nearly overwhelmed us. The appalling reality is almost incredible! But we have worked together, heart and hand; and we must trust that the same merciful Providence which has hitherto protected us, will, through the aid of the Spirit, grant us renewed strength for the conflict.
I called to see Susan Taylor; she was better, but requiring the greatest care. Attended the funeral of Mrs. Cocker. Richard Hurl, aged one year and half, died at Underwood. Elizabeth Hicks, of Underwood, seriously ill—collapse had rapidly come on,—Mr. Osmond in attendance. Very active treatment had been pursued. Towards the evening, she was much relieved, but extremely weak. Richard Smaldridge taken ill. Mr. Hook attending him.
August 22. [83] A vestry meeting was held, also a meeting of the Board of Health. On this day, the first order was made for assistance from the parish, to be paid to the chairman of the Board of Health. Hurl’s child buried. Elizabeth Hicks recovering.
August 23. George Tarr, aged forty-four, received at the Hospital: a bad case.
August 24. George Tarr died. Ann Higgins, aged one year, died.
August 25. I visited several people who laboured under great debility. Not so many fresh cases during these three days.
August 26. At eight o’clock, a message was brought to me from Mr. Crewes’s family, at Plympton, [85a] requesting me, if I possibly could, to go to them immediately, as their servant was alarmingly ill. Soon after I arrived, Mr. Deeble Boger [85b] and the Messrs. Langworthy came. It was one of those cases which exhibit great severity of character—discolouration of the skin—incessant sickness and restlessness—coldness of the flesh, tongue, and breath. There was very little hope of her recovery. Perhaps this attack had been brought on and aggravated by her own imprudence, in taking with her dinner, yesterday, a quantity of vinegar, which had been left in a plate with some cucumber. Debility and exhaustion rapidly increased. She became calm after awhile, and was perfectly sensible. I left her and went to Church. The Rev. J. Rosdew again kindly assisted me both parts of the day. But one feeling pervaded the whole congregation—the ministers and the people—the deepest solemnity! The plague is abroad. Who is to stand between the living and the dead? The fervent prayer of faith availeth much. “Lord, hear our prayer, and let our cry come unto thee!” How many appeared to pray in earnest on this day! doubtless not here only, but through the nation. May the supplication of a suffering people be received at the Throne of Grace.
Mr. Crewes’s servant died in the afternoon, and Maria E. Taylor, aged six months, of Underwood, died on this day.
August 27. Whilst at breakfast, I was entreated to go as soon as possible to Wm. Arthurs, at Underwood, as he was extremely ill, and he was thought to be dying. After attending to a number of applications for medicine, I went immediately to the sick man. His wife, in tears, was standing at the door, watching my arrival. Her mother, Mary Martin, and another woman, with dismay in their countenances, were near her. One of the children ill with cholera, in a cradle, two other little creatures, unconscious of what was passing, were playing about the room. I first endeavoured to quiet the minds of the women, impressing upon them, that there was not so much danger to be apprehended from the disease itself, as from giving way to such excessive alarm. That all excitement and agitation of the mind, tended to increase, if not to cause, an attack of the malady. I found the poor man very ill. Upon enquiry, it appeared that he had been “very bad all the night, and they thought he could not have held out till the morning.” But, “why did you neglect to send for medical advice at first?” “O, sir, we hoped it would pass.” I told them they must send immediately for Mr. L. or for some other medical gentleman; but they said it would be of no use, as Arthurs refused to take any medicines; indeed, he had said the same to me: but, after much persuasion, he consented to take what I gave him. At this time, he was in a state of partial collapse—writhing with pain—large drops standing on his icy cold forehead—his tongue cold—harassed with incessant and violent sickness. The wife standing by, concealing her face with her apron, not being able to look at him when the paroxysms came on. At a glance, the appearance of every thing indicated the cleanliness of the family. A white cloth was on a little table near the window—a second bed in the room—a little store of potatoes in a basket, in a corner near the stairs. The women were prompt and ready in preparing the stimulants—mustard and hot vinegar, and hot water, in stone bottles, for the feet. All linen was removed from the bed. The child below was, at this time, screaming so violently, that we were obliged to use for her similar remedies. Rhubarb and ginger had been given to the child. I gave a saline draught, which appeared to check the sickness. The poor man required constant attendance, sickness and cramp being most distressing. I had sent for medical assistance, but at that moment it could not be obtained. What was to be done? The poor man was in agony, and the sickness violent, without an intermission of ten minutes. In this extremity, I gave him the same medicine which I had taken myself. In half-an-hour, the man was again extremely harassed, and the sickness was not abated. He complained of insatiable thirst. I then prepared a saline mixture, composed of the same ingredients which had in some instances been adopted by Mr. L.; viz., carbonate of soda, one drachm, common salt, one drachm, oxymuriate (chlorate) of potash, six grains, and a teaspoonful of salvolatile, to a quart of cold water, of which he drank freely. After this, the vomiting subsided for a time, but pain and nausea remained; friction with stimulants were continued, and hot salt applied to the stomach. Being somewhat relieved, he was desirous that I would pray with him. The poor women knelt round the bed,—tears streaming down, though they held their hands before their faces, to conceal their grief and apprehension. At this time, the appearance of the man’s eyes began more decidedly to assume the character which we had remarked in the worst cases of cholera. Our prayer was shortened: but a sigh only, in faith, fails not to reach the Throne of Grace. I sent again, with the hope of obtaining medical aid, but without success. I began to tremble at the responsibility I had taken upon myself; but I could not leave the patient at such a crisis, and to have remained inactive might have been fatal. His pulse, when I first saw him, was scarcely perceptible, it now began to improve; sickness again came on, but not so violent as before. He drank freely of the saline mixture. At two o’clock, I left him for half-an-hour, to attend the funeral of Maria Taylor’s infant. Soon after my return (about three o’clock), Arthurs became easier and more tranquil; the pulse had improved, general warmth succeeded, and at four o’clock, profuse perspiration: more clothing was put on the bed, to keep that up. He wished for some tea and biscuit, and took a small quantity. In half-an-hour afterwards, the pulse became extremely full and quick. At five, p.m., I went to Mr. Langworthy’s, and found him just returned. I informed him of Arthurs’s case, and we went there together; but before we arrived, a medical gentleman had called, bled him sparingly, and had gone away. Mr. L. ordered him medicine, and gave directions how to proceed. The poor man then expressed himself as being weary, and soon sunk into a calm sleep. The child was much better towards the evening.
I went across the way to John Andrews’s; their daughter, Mary Ann, aged six, who was taken ill in the morning, having died at four p.m. The other child who was ill on the 6th, recovered. Peggy Andrews, the mother, though deeply afflicted, shewed much Christian resignation. At her urgent request, I went upstairs to see the child as she lay a corpse. She had been carried off so rapidly, they could scarcely believe she was dead. Chloride of lime was used abundantly, and the poor people promised that the rooms should be whitewashed on the following day. Their cottage is kept particularly neat. Having remained some time in conversation with them, I went to Richard Dunn’s. Their little girl, aged two years, sinking from exhaustion in a low fever, like typhus, which immediately followed an attack of cholera. Every possible attention was paid her, but nothing would make her rally. She lay perfectly quiet, her clear blue eye fixed on me, being a stranger; and just at that moment a parting ray of the evening sun beamed through the casement upon her face, her light silken locks shone upon her spotless brow, giving to her appearance an unearthly effect, which I shall never forget. Very soon she was cold and lifeless; but a smile rested on her countenance, so serene and lovely, that the transition from life to death was not perceptible. I could not be surprised at the distress of the parents. Difficult it was at such a moment to acknowledge the reality, that their loss was the child’s gain. Under what a variety of circumstances does this fatal malady strike its victims! Equally varying, therefore, the occasions for Christian consolation. May this be profitable to minister and people. Wrote to the Central Board of Health. Two new cases.
August 28. Mary Ann Andrews, buried. No death on this day: one new case only reported—Betty Wills, of Underwood. The patients generally extremely weak. Seven cases remaining.
August 29. Attended Board of Health. Received a letter from the Central Board, requesting a daily report to be transmitted as long as the disease exists at Plympton St. Mary, as well as a return of all cases and deaths from the commencement of the disease.
Upon referring to the several medical practitioners, it was found to be impossible to obtain any thing like a regular return; because our Board of Health had not been legally constituted until the 22nd instant; and no authority for such a requirement having previously existed, no regular notes of cases and deaths had been kept. Besides this, in consequence of the scarcity of medical practitioners, those who were employed in cholera cases, were engaged with their patients from morning till night, and had little or no time for making regular memoranda.
Visited Arthurs;—better as to the original disease, but very severely salivated. Elizabeth Hicks and Mary Martin, recovering. Buried Dunn’s child. Visited Susan Taylor;—gradually recovering, but labouring under great weakness. We had some serious conversation upon the afflicting circumstances which had occurred, and the mercy of God in her own particular case;—her preservation up to the present time, after all she had gone through herself, and after what she had witnessed in others, having herself, not only passed much time as a nurse in the midst of the worst cases of the disease, but having also assisted in the last fearful office for three of its victims. She entered fully into all this in a right frame of mind. Whilst alluding to the state in which she lay under the influence of the collapsed stage, she said she knew what was passing, though she appeared unconscious of every thing; that the sensation produced by injecting the saline fluid into the vein, was that of having taken an unusual quantity of liquid or broth, the stomach seemed to be very full; and when the blood was transfused, she felt it in the jugular vein, on both sides, causing an oppressive fulness, as if it would burst; but it subsided as soon as the process was stopped. As an instance of consciousness being retained in the last stage of cholera,—while the blood was being transfused, though she could neither move nor speak, she heard me suggest that a handkerchief might be lightly thrown across her eyes, lest she should be shocked if she revived and saw what was being done; and Mr. L.’s reply, that it was of no consequence, as she was too far gone.
August 30. One new case, Mary Martin, Underwood. Five cases remaining. Several people suffering from weakness and debility; all who required it, had nourishing things sent to them. By Mr. L.’s advice, I returned home sooner than usual, as I had been very unwell during the last few days.
August 31. Susan Taylor [96] was sufficiently recovered to return to Underwood. No new cases reported to-day. What a mercy! The fearful disease has nearly subsided in this parish, though as yet prevalent in the adjoining parish of Plympton Maurice.
From this time, no death by cholera occurred in the parish; but through the month of September, those who had been attacked by the disease, laboured under great debility. Some new cases were reported; but of a milder character, with the exception of two, which were taken to the Hospital. One was that of an aged woman, who, on the 10th of September, was discovered lying on the floor, at her house at Colebrook, in a state of collapse. A medical gentleman had seen her as he passed by, and called to inform me of the circumstance, at the same time recommending what medicine should be given to her. I found her, as described, lying on the stone floor, with all the symptoms of confirmed cholera, and in great agony. After much persuasion, she took the medicine, and consented to be removed to the Hospital, only upon the condition that I would take charge of her goods, and keep the key of her room. Unhappily, she was one of those whose thoughts are entirely engrossed by the objects of time; therefore her mental agitation and alarm were proportionately increased: and at such a moment, when life was ebbing on the brink of eternity, there was no desire for religious exercise, although at the eleventh hour; and all before her was worse than blank—not a shadow of comfort!
After she arrived at the Hospital, her suffering was very considerable. Mr. L. pursued the same treatment which had been previously adopted, with the addition of active friction, and hot salt in bags applied to the stomach. Warmth was restored in about four hours, and she became gradually better. In three days afterwards, she walked home, recovered.
About this time, a man was found, in a wretched state, cold and collapsed, in an open shed near Ridgeway. He was conveyed to the Hospital immediately. Drinking and dissipation had most probably tended to increase his sufferings, for they were excessive. His habits were well known, and there was every reason to suppose he was in a state of intoxication when seized with the disease. A strong emetic of mustard and salt was first given to him, and active remedies were afterwards resorted to. Some hours elapsed before warmth could be restored, and it was thought the attack would terminate fatally; but God was merciful to him, and he so far recovered as to be able to leave the Hospital in two days. How far he was impressed with the awfulness of his situation, or of thankfulness for his escape from impending danger, rested with his own conscience. He gave no satisfactory proof of any salutary impression having been made upon his mind. He was enveloped in utter darkness, and religious duties were evidently irksome to him.
With the exception of these two cases, nothing occurred beyond the usual routine of visiting convalescent patients, or those taken with slight attacks, from the end of August to the 3rd of October. During that period, the attendance at meetings of the Board of Health, and constant communication with the Central Board, as well as ordinary parish duties, were attended to. On the 3rd of October, it was reported, and with devout thankfulness acknowledged, that the disease was mercifully withdrawn from the parish—the plague was stayed—and the Board of Health was adjourned. Thus terminated the progress of the fearful visitation in this parish. Thirty deaths, chiefly from the village of Underwood, had occurred between the 13th of July and the 27th of August. In the adjacent town of Plympton, where the population by the census of 1831 was 804, there were twenty-two deaths between the 12th of August and the 21st of September.
CONCLUSION.
Here it may be useful to make a brief allusion to some of the circumstances connected with the progress of the disease in this rural district. The first patient who died of the cholera at Underwood, arrived there two days before she was taken ill, from Plymouth, where the disease was making fearful havoc. After her death, nearly a fortnight elapsed, when two other deaths occurred, of persons who were dwelling near the centre of the village. Then the disease visited the extreme western end, taking its course eastward, and at that end finished its career. The time of its duration was between two and three months: its fatal effects were limited to about five weeks.
Nearly a month after the disease had visited Plympton St. Mary, it proceeded to Plympton St. Maurice, commencing on the 12th of August, in the middle of the town; then, as it had done at Underwood, it went to the western extremity, afterwards taking its course eastward, and, on the 20th of September, ceased at one of the last houses in that direction. Although in both parishes its fatal effects were limited to five weeks, it lingered in the neighbourhood some weeks afterwards.
It may be supposed that, because the malady, during the later period of its existence at Underwood, did not prove fatal, it was understood better than at first, and that the medical treatment was on that account more successful. But if so, it would not have been so fatal afterwards at Plympton; as it was in the hands of the same medical practitioner.
It may be worthy of remark, that towards the end of August, the weather became cooler, and the vapour which rises in the valley below Underwood, concentrated in a white frost, though in a slight degree, in the month of September; to which the gradual disappearance of the disease was in some measure attributed.
By the entries in the Register of Burials, it appears that the deaths were,—males, 14, females, 16; total, 30. One male only died between the ages of 10 and 39. One female only died between the ages of 10 and 45. Two males died upwards of 50 years of age; viz., 53 and 72. Five females died upwards of 50 years of age; viz., 56, 67, 75, 76, and 77.
Burials in Plympton St. Mary:—
1831 |
males, 26 |
females, 18 |
total 44 |
1832 |
„ 31 |
„ 31 |
„ 62 |
1833 |
„ 14 |
„ 18 |
„ 32 |
From the 1st of June to the 1st of September:—
1831 |
males, 4 |
females, 3 |
total, 7 |
1832 |
„ 20 |
„ 19 |
„ 39 |
1833 |
„ 4 |
„ 5 |
„ 9 |
The fact that nine out of twelve inmates of the cottage [103] inhabited by Parsons’s family were swept off, under circumstances of a peculiarly aggravated and appalling character, may be attributed to the unfortunate inattention to sanitary precautions, which has already been mentioned.
In consequence of the Board of Health not having been regularly constituted until above a month after the commencement of the disease in the parish, no returns from medical practitioners were received before the 22nd of August; and even after that period, so constantly were those gentlemen occupied, and worn out with fatigue, the returns were very imperfectly supplied. Therefore, a statistical account of cases, dates of seizure and recovery, cannot here be attempted. It must, therefore, suffice to state, that between 200 and 300 in this parish were more or less affected with the disease; and in Underwood alone, about 200. The proportion of deaths, in cases which had advanced into the second or cold stage before medical assistance had been obtained, was about one out of three. In the foregoing Extracts, only a portion of the cases of confirmed cholera are mentioned; omitting those which are termed incipient.
It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the attention of every one, that if the atmosphere surrounding houses is corrupted by the effluvia of stagnant water in pools and ditches, unwholesome sewers, choked drains, or any accumulation of filth—if badly ventilated rooms are crowded with an excess of occupants—if the diet is low and unwholesome, and the habits of the people are dirty, particularly if they are addicted to drunkenness and dissipation,—diseases of various kinds are engendered as a natural consequence; therefore, under such circumstances, what can be expected during a visitation of an extraordinary epidemic like that of cholera, but its baneful effects, and those of a most aggravated and appalling character.
It is essential that due attention be paid to the very first indication of indisposition during the prevalence of the epidemic. Vegetables and fruit should be avoided. Strong affections of the mind, arising from anxiety, alarm, or excess of grief, are extremely injurious; therefore the mind should be kept calm, and if any symptoms, however trivial, should occur, medical advice should be obtained as speedily as possible.
If, through neglect, or any other particular cause, the second stage has come on, with violent sickness, cramp, cold extremities, weakness, and sinking of the pulse, &c. the disease is extremely dangerous. I have not heard of any specific having yet been discovered, which can be recommended with assurance of success. But even from this stage, and under the most disheartening circumstances, several patients have recovered.
It is hoped, that a plain statement of some of the remedies which were resorted to in this parish, may have a place here, without a risk of being objectionable; especially as it is unaccompanied by any attempt to encroach upon the prerogative of those whose professional education and experience entitle them to be the sole arbiters and directors of such subjects.
Many instances occurred, when medical aid could not be immediately obtained; and some, when there was every probability of considerable loss of time. Under such circumstances, to prevent, if possible, the early stage of the disease assuming a more serious character, much benefit was derived from the following recipes, supplied by Mr. Langworthy; due regard being observed to circumstances as they arose at the time, as well as to the proportions usually allowed for difference of age, sex, and constitution:—
Powdered rhubarb |
8 grains. |
Powdered ginger |
6 grains. |
Carbonate of soda |
20 grains. |
Calomel, occasionally added |
3 or 4 grains. |
It appeared to us, that in most cases which came under our observation, where the use of heating or spirituous liquors had been resorted to, for the purpose of allaying pain in the bowels, it did more harm than good.
In cases which were attended with aggravated symptoms, five, ten, fifteen, or twenty grains of calomel, with nearly an equal quantity of powdered ginger, were given by Mr. L., according to circumstances, and in an hour or two afterwards, from half an ounce to an ounce of castor oil, with one, two, or three drachms of tincture of rhubarb.
When much irritation has been going on, soda water, in a state of effervescence, or a teaspoonful of carbonate of soda, and the same quantity of salvolatile, have tended to allay sickness, &c.
In more advanced stages of the disease, the following mixture, drank cold, has given relief:—
Carbonate of soda |
1 drachm. |
Common salt |
1 drachm. |
Oxymuriate (chlorate) of potash |
3 or 4 grains. |
To be mixed in a quart of water, and drank when the patient complained of thirst.
When internal cramp has caused great suffering, dry heat, by the application of a bag of hot salt, to the pit of the stomach, has been beneficial in relieving the pain; and, in the cold stage of the disease, the use of friction with stimulating liniment, and mustard and vinegar poultices applied to the extremities, have been attended with good effects. In extreme cases, on the verge of death, recourse was had to injecting some principal vein with saline fluid. This invariably stopped the sufferings of the patient; but in the application of the experiment by Mr. L., it did not succeed in saving the life, unless a small quantity of blood was afterwards transfused into the vein. This was done only in the three cases here, of Wm. Gully, Susan Taylor, and Mary Taylor. The two former recovered, and are living at the present time. The latter was in a weak state of health before the attack of cholera, to which the failure of the experiment was attributed. The two former relapsed after the injection of the saline fluid alone, and were rapidly sinking; but upon a repetition of the process of injection, with the addition afterwards of blood, they recovered.
It was remarked, that if calomel effected any degree of salivation, the patient recovered.
In the event of a recurrence of such a fearful pestilence, from which, may it please God in mercy to protect us, it may be worth consideration, that Boards of Health become legally constituted as soon as possible; that they may be empowered to provide for cases of emergency, and engage medical assistance, in proportion to the requirements of the district, with a remuneration to the medical gentlemen commensurate with their arduous duties. Also to provide an adequate attendance of efficient nurses. In the case of our Board of Health, there was no legal authority for making orders for assistance, until the 22nd of August, nearly six weeks after the disease had commenced in the parish. One medical gentleman only, with the aid of his relation, had to attend nearly all the poor people who were ill, in addition to his own private patients; and the other medical practitioners were fully occupied. The consequence was, that, in some instances, much valuable time was lost. The difficulty of procuring nurses at the time, has already been adverted to.
Under these circumstances, the consequences would have been still more lamentable, if a subscription had not been raised to meet the emergency; as extra expenses, to a large amount, which had been incurred by a series of such fearful sickness and distress, during a period of six weeks, were met by that resource.
In justice to those parishioners who had the means, it should be mentioned here, that, in addition to their benevolent and liberal subscriptions, all aided in relieving the necessities of their poorer brethren, and mitigated much of their distress, by providing, from their own houses, many things which could not be obtained in the poor man’s home. Some of the principal families were absent at the time; but they took a lively interest in the progress of events, and repeatedly gave directions that the poor sufferers should be supplied with whatever they required, from their houses.
In concluding this plain record of some fearful occurrences among his parishioners during the visitation with which God, for wise purposes, afflicted them, the writer, in adverting to the many acts of Christian beneficence, cannot refrain from expressing his grateful remembrance of the affectionate kindness which he himself experienced, from the highest to the lowest of his parishioners, to which was added, an unexpected but gratifying testimonial of regard from the parishioners in general, and another from the village of Underwood in particular.
In these Extracts from a Diary relating to one particular subject, many minor details have been omitted, as superfluous; and the mention of some circumstances of a painful nature, as to the state of mind or conduct of particular individuals, has been avoided, from consideration for the feelings of others. If, however, it should be asked, what effects this awful warning produced upon those who witnessed its solemn call, it must be confessed, in general terms, that, with the exception of a few individuals, no permanent change of character was perceptible. There were then, as unhappily there are now, persons upon whom no passing events, however striking, make any salutary impression—who make light of the most solemn calls to repentance and amendment—run through life utterly heedless of the one thing needful; and when they “pass through the valley of the shadow of death,” they have no staff to rest upon for comfort and support. The state of such people calls for the deepest commiseration. Much do they require the Christian’s prayer, that they may be converted and live. Well will it be for all of us, if, in viewing the judgments of God in the world, we acknowledge them as such; and in the endeavour to theorize upon second causes, we do not overlook the Great First Cause. The hand of God must be acknowledged, when, by either of His sore judgments, whether of pestilence, famine, or the sword, He afflicts a people for their iniquity. His divine blessing must be sought, with the earnest prayer of a contrite heart through faith in the Saviour; for without His blessing, without His Almighty aid, all our endeavours to escape the rod of His displeasure will assuredly fail.
Whether as a nation or as individuals, let us not be regardless of the warnings and mercies which we have from time to time experienced at the hand of God. Let us remember the word of the Lord addressed to his rebellious people of old, “Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast,” &c. And again, “If ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. And when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you.”
During a succession of many generations, the judgments of the Lord, either of pestilence, famine, or the sword, have visited our land at different periods. On these occasions, days for public humiliation have been resorted to, with confession of sin, and vows of repentance and amendment. The prayer of the nation has been invariably heard, and the scourge withdrawn. The mercies thus experienced have been acknowledged by national thanksgiving. But notwithstanding these things, we have been a rebellious people. It was only within the last year that another of God’s judgments called forth our humiliation, and public prayers for deliverance. Again a supplicating nation was heard—the calamity was withdrawn; and this was acknowledged by a general thanksgiving. The Lord has hitherto been merciful to us; and still, as a nation, we are wonderfully blessed. But fearful signs and warnings have been hovering around, to awaken us from spiritual lethargy, and forgetfulness of the past. In addition to this, the storm which has recently burst forth upon our continental neighbours, and shaken the foundations of thrones and empires, whilst it bids us to be thankful for the privileges we enjoy, calls upon us to put our whole trust in Him who hath hitherto succoured us. Therefore, amidst all the foreboding signs of the times, and the internal convulsions that threaten other nations, may we have grace so to acquit ourselves consistently with our Christian profession, that God may yet be merciful to our land, and continue to us His blessing.