Treasury Department. 
Marine-Hospital Service. 
PRELIMINARY REPORT 
ON THE 
YELLOW-FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1882, 
IN THE 
STATE OF TEXAS. Treasury Department, 
Document Xo, 341. 
Marine-Hospital Service. 
R E P O E T. 
Treasury Department, 
Office Supervising Surgeon-General 
U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, November G, 1882. 
Sir: I have the liODor to transmit herewith, for your information 
copies of the correspondence, telegraphic and otherwise, in relation to 
the epidemic of yellow fever which prevailed at Brownsville and 
vicinity in Texas, and Tampico, Matamoras, and towns along the 
frontier of Mexico bordering upon the Eio Grande, and which has not 
yet abated. Owing to the fact that communication by mail was im- 
possible, orders by telegraph were necessary, and only a preliminary 
report can be made at this time, and the details of the work done in 
Brownsville by an officer of this Service, acting in conjunction with the 
health officer of Texas, will be furnished as soon as practicable after the 
cessation of the epidemic. The appropriation under which action was 
taken is in terms as follows: “The President of the United States is 
hereby authorized, in case of a threatened or actual epidemic, to use a 
sum not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars, out of any money in 
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, in aid of State and local 
boards, or otherwise, in his discretion, in preventing and suppressing 
the spread of the same.” The President, acting in his discretion, de- 
cided to employ this contingent appropriation, through the agency of 
the Treasury Department, which, by reason of having in its service 
the officers of the customs, the Eevenue-Marine Service, and the 
Marine-Hospital Service, has at all times the means at its command for 
effective service of this nature, and especially the prevention of the 
introduction of the disease at maritime ports. The Secretary commit- 
ted the duty of inquiring into the necessity for the use of the money, 
and of directing its use in case of need, to this office, because its chief 
was not only the chief medical officer of the Department, but all ac- 
tion of the Department heretofore taken in relation to quarantine had 
been taken in pursuance of the advice of the incumbent of the office. 
Immediately upon having the trust committed to me, a circular de- 
fining the manner of its use was issued, and steps were taken at once 
to place the Service in readiness to perform such services as might be 
necessary. But one State has applied for assistance, through its gov- 
ernor, and that the State of Texas—Florida ha ving done so, but with - 
drew the application the same day it was received. 4 
In accordance with the terms of the act, the most active measures 
were taken to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy localities. 
In this work the officers of the Department have received the encour- 
agement and most cordial support of the State government of Texas, 
and so far have had the satisfaction of seeing their work crowned with 
success. The letter of instructions to Surgeon Murray and the report 
from that officer, and also those to the collectors of customs at Corpus 
Ohristi and Brownsville, and to Acting Assistant Spohn, will show 
the general plan which I advised the Department to adopt, and which, 
with the subsequent light thrown by experience, I should again advise 
in a similar exigency. This plan Was, briefly, the establishment of a 
cordon sanitaire to restrict travel to and from the infected district, the 
establishment and maintenance of a hospital for the sick in the infected 
city, and subsequently the disinfection and cleansing of the places 
infected. Ho person was confined to the town by the quarantine, as 
will be shown further on. 
It is too late in the nineteenth century for any one to claim for quar- 
antine that it will prevent disease, but it certainly takes the first rank 
among the remedies for the prevention of its spread. When all cities 
shall be so-clean that the filth therein shall afford no nidus for the 
growth and propagation of the seeds of contagion, and the common 
carriers of commerce are likewise clean and healthful, then, and not 
until then, may quarantines be abolished. This reflection would seem 
unnecessary were it not for the fact that at a recent meeting of a quasi 
scientific body the cordon sanitaire was denounced as u the murdering 
of people,” and the members thereof individually pledged themselves 
to interest the members of Congress in the maintenance of some sys- 
tem directly opposite to that pursued, although no one announced for 
the public information the particular plan that should have been 
adopted. The plan of the cordon sanitaire is by no means new, although it 
is only in recent years that its application has been made on a scale so 
extensive. The plague which broke out in Russia in 1879 was confined 
to its original limits by means of a strict cordon, and it was adopted by 
the advice of the leading sanitarians of Russia, and afterwards di- 
rected by the advice of the International Sanitary Council, composed 
of representatives of the principal nations of Europe. The success of 
that measure has been met by a like success attending similar man- 
agement here,* and it is only necessary to point out the difference be- 
4 “ The navy-yard (at Pensacola) continues free from fever by virtue of its cordon sanitaire, not- 
withstanding it has been so long within sight of infected localities. Dr. Owen must feel grateful not 
only that bis seventeen hundred people have been saved from the infection and its dangers, but that 
a demonstration has been given as well of the non-indigenous nature of the disease as of the neces- 
sity for a less subtle means of communication than is atforded by the air.”—Dr. Smart, Secretary 
National Board of Health, in Philadelphia Medical News, Nov. 11, 1882. 5 
tween the rapid and fatal extension of the disease in Mexico, where 
there was no cordon or local quarantine; and in Texas, where the dis- 
ease was held within the original limit of infection. Ido not doubt 
that a cordon around Tampico and Bagdad in the first instance would 
have saved Matamoras and Brownsville the invasion of yellow fever, 
with all the train of suffering and disaster more calamitous than a war 
or famine. 
The Department was not requested to take charge of the measures 
against the epidemic until a general panic prevailed in Southwestern 
Texas and the triangle formed by the Bio Grande river, the Gulf, and 
the line of railroad extending from Laredo to Corpus Christi was filled 
with refugees from Brownsville and Matamoras. The several counties 
of Texas bordering on the infected district had organized a desultory 
quarantine, and such of the guards as were efficient and willing to 
serve were mustered into the service of the United States, and an 
effective cordon sanitwre established for a distance of one hundred and 
sixty miles along the south side of the railroad. These guards were 
mounted, fed, and clothed at their own expense, and were paid at the 
rate of three dollars per day. Mounted pickets were placed along all 
roads leading from the cordon to Brownsville for a distance of fifty 
miles, to give timely notice of the approach of refugees with infected 
baggage. Within forty-eight hours after the establishment of this 
cordon several refugees were stopped and made to encamp inside the 
line, some of whom afterwards had yellow fever while in camp. The 
period of detention for persons was ten days, and baggage liable to 
carry the infection was prohibited from crossing the cordon on any 
pretext. This line was about one hundred and eighty miles distant 
from Brownsville. A medical officer experienced in the treatment of 
yellow fever was immediately ordered to Brownsville, and as soon as 
practicable after his arrival at that place a cordon was established 
thirty miles from Brownsville, extending from the bank of the Bio 
Grandeat Santa Maria alongthe Arroyo Colorado to the gulf. The object 
of this was to enable disbanding the longer and more expensive cor- 
don. Before this could be safely done, however, a sufficient length of 
time was allowed to elapse for the development of any yellow fever 
that might appear between the lines. The cases of yellow fever among 
the refugees in camp were isolated, placed in quarantine, their baggage 
and clothing burned, and the disease did not spread to any other per- 
sons. Finally the cordon from Laredo to Corpus Christi was dis- 
banded, and that on the Arroyo Colorado alone depended upon. But 
at this period it was found that the fever was rapidly extending in 
Mexico, in the towns bordering on the Bio Grande. Beynosa, Camargo, 6 
Mier, Guerrero successively became infected, and there was a great dis- 
position to break through the local quarantines on the Texas side of 
the river; then the cordon sanitaire was established from Santa Maria, 
the western end of the Arroyo Colorado cordon, to Laredo, along the 
Eio Grande, where it is now maintained. The distance is nearly three 
hundred miles. During the prevalence of the epidemic a hospital was 
maintained in Brownsville, and supplies were regularly transported to 
Brazos Santiago by the revenue-cutter McLean. It was closed as soon 
as the disease diminished so that no new patients applied for admis- 
sion. 
The expenses of all kinds, on account of the epidemic, up to Sep- 
tember 30, amount to $26,855.23. 
I cannot close this report without mentioning, as entitled to the 
thanks of the Department, if not of Congress, those officers whose ser- 
vices entitle them to such recognition as being in the highest degree 
faithful and meritorious, namely : Robert D. Murray, surgeon United 
States Marine-Hospital Service, and the assistants under his com- 
mand; Acting Assistant Surgeon Arthur E. Spohn, and the assistants 
under his command; all the officers of the customs at Brownsville and 
Corpus Christi districts, and Doctor 0. B. Combe, deputy State health 
Officer of Texas. 
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JOHX B. HAMILTON, 
The Hon. Charles J. Folger, 
Surgeon- General. 
Secretary of the Treasury. 
Mortality Table of Yellow-Fever Cases at Brownsville and Point Isabel, 
Texas. 
Brownsville, Texas. 
Cases. 
Deaths. 
For two weeks up to August 11 - - - 
62 
10 
August 12 ...... 
13 
23 
1 
23 
50 
3 
August 16 
17 
3 
August 17 
32 
3 
August 18 
38 
1 
August 19 
30 
2 
August 20 . 
35 
1 
August 21 
32 
3 
54 
4 
August 22) 
53 
2 7 
Mortality Table of Yellew-Fe'ver Gases.—Brownsville, Texas—Continued. 
Cases. 
Deaths. 
August 24 
August 25 
August 26 
62 
51 
56 
1 
3 
3 
August 27 
46 
3 
August 28 
82 
8 
August 29 
70 
2 
August 30 
50 
3 
August 31 
September 1 
60 
71 
2 
3 
September 2 J 
103 
September 3 and 4 
148 
10 
September 5 
67 
1 
2 
September 6 
49 
September 7 
48 
2 
September 8 
57 
4 
September 9 . .. 
57 
3 
September 10 
58 
September 11 
47 
1 
September 12 : 
31 
3 
September 13 
32 
Seutember 14 
24 
Seutember 15 
18 
2 
September 16 
22 
September 17 
27 
1 
September 18 
19 
4 
September 19 
14 
1 
September 20 
18 
1 
September 21 
8 
1 
September 22 
4 
1 
September 23 
9 
September 24 
2 
September 25 
5 
1 
September 26 
5 
September 27 ? 
11 
2 
September 28 $ 
September 29 
3 
1 
September 30 
4 
Week ending October 7 
12 
2 
Week ending October 14 
24 
3 
Week ending October 21 
15 
2 
October 21 to October 25 
15 
October 26 
8 
October 27 
2 
October 28 
1 
Week endintr November 4 
23 
Total 
2, 000 
114 
At Point Isabel, (inside the Arroyo Cordon.) 
Cases. 
Deaths. 
10 
8 
1 
8 
1 
4 
1 
Total _ 
30 
3 CORRESPONDENCE. 
[True copies. ] 
[Telegram.] 
Augtjst 6,1882. 
Collector of Customs, Brownsville. Tex.: 
Report by telegraph whether shipping affected with yellow fever, 
and sanitary condition of port. 
HAMILTON, Sure]eon- General. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August, 7, 1882. 
To J. B. Hamilton, Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C: 
Sanitary condition of this port not good. Yellow fever of mild form 
prevailing here. The fever is of more malignant type in Mataraoras, 
against which place quarantine has been established. Shipping of 
port thus far not affected. 
J. L. HAYNES, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
August 8, 1882. 
Governor Roberts, Austin, Tex.: 
Do you desire action of the Government in assisting you to suppress 
yellow fever at Brownsville? 
CHAS. J. FOLGER, 
Secretary of the Treasury, 
Circular.—Threatened or Actual Epidemics. 
> Treasury Department, 
Department No. 91. > „ J 
Marine-Hospital Service. ) OFFICE SUPERVISING SURGEON-GENERAL 
TJ. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Washington, I). (7., August 9, 1882. 
To Medical Officers of the Marine-Hospital Service 
and Officers of State and Municipal Boards of Health: 
I am directed by the Secretary of the Treasury to inform you that 
Congress, at its last session, enacted that— 
u The President of the United States is hereby authorized, in case 
of a threatened or actual epidemic, to use a sum not exceeding one 
hundred thousand dollars, out of any money in the Treasury not 10 
otherwise appropriated, in aid of State and local boards, or otherwise, 
in his discretion, in preventing and suppressing the spread of the 
same.” 
He further directs me to inform yon that the President has decided 
to employ this contingent appropriation through the agency of the 
Treasury Department, and that, in case of a threatened or actual epi- 
demic, immediate action will be taken, upon application from the 
governor of a State addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury. 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Supervising Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service. 
[Telegram.] 
Washington, August 11, 1882. 
Collector of Customs, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Furnish daily telegraphic reports, at ten o’clock each day, of pro- 
gress of disease. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
Circular.—Compliance with Local Health Laws. 
1882. 
Department No. 94. 
Marine-Hospital Service. 
Treasury Department, 
Ofeiob Supervising Surgeon-General 
JJ. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Washington, J). C., August 11, 1882. 
To Medical Officers of the Marine-Hospital Service : 
The attention of all officers is called to the following paragraphs of 
the regulations governing this Service, approved by the Secretary of 
the Treasury November 10, 1879 : 
“ Paragraph 61. Medical officers and acting assistant surgeons of 
the Marine-Hospital Service will inform themselves fully as to the 
local health laws, and the regulations based thereon and in force at 
their respective ports and stations, and will comply strictly there- 
with. 
“Paragraph 62. Medical officers and acting assistant surgeons 
are, under the direction of the Supervising Surgeon-General, required 
to observe and to aid in executing the quarantines and other re- 
straints established by the health laws of any State, and to report 
forthwith to the said Surgeon-General any important event or fact 
that may come to their knowledge bearing upon the importation, out- 
break, or spread of cholera, yellow fever, small pox, typhus, or other 
epidemic disease, at or near their respective stations.” 
A strict compliance with these paragraphs is enjoined. 
Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service. 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Approved: 
H. F. French, 
Acting Secretary of the Treasury. 11 
[Telegram—Received August 12, 1882.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 11, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C.: 
First case of yellow fever occurred in Matamoras a month ago. In- 
troduced through Bagdad, Mexico, by railroad tramps from Tampico. 
Average daily deaths in Matamoras for past ten days, ten. Disease 
appeared in Brownsville two weeks ago. Total number of deaths, 
ten or twelve. Several distinct types of fever prevail in both cities 
at present. No new developments to-day. Total number of all classes 
of fever cases in Brownsville, sixty-two. Disease in statu quo. Will 
report to-morrow. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 12, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Supervising Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C.: 
Thirteen new cases fever reported to relief committee. Mayor pre- 
siding. No deaths. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
August 12,1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Marine-Hospital, Memphis: 
Hold yourself in readiness to go to Brownsville, if required. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
August 12, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Memphis, Tenn.: 
Four hospital tents will be shipped you to-morrow; store them 
until needed. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 12 
Treasury Department, 
Office Sup’g Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Washington, August 13, 1882. 
Sir: Referring to telegrams from this office of the 12th instant, 
relative to holding yourself in readiness to proceed to Brownsville, 
Texas, you are directed, in case the necessity arises, (of which yon 
will be notified by telegraph,) to take with yon the four hospital tents 
referred to in despatch of the 12th, and proceed by the most direct 
route to Galveston, Texas, where a revenue cutter will be in readi- 
ness to take you to Brownsville. Upon arrival at Galveston you will 
lay in a supply of such medical and hospital stores as may be needed, 
taking them aboard the cutter with you. A number of efficient medi- 
cal men of Texas will meet you at Galveston and proceed with you to 
Brownsville. Their names will be furnished you upon your arrival at 
Galveston. In regard to nurses, it is believed that you can obtain all 
that will be necessary at Brownsville; and you are directed to confer 
with the authorities of that place in all matters connected with the 
management of the disease, with a view of having perfect accord in 
measures for the suppression of the epidemic. 
It is suggested that you place one of your assistants in charge of 
each hospital tent, or make such disposition of them as the exigency 
of the occasion may require, at all times working in conjunction with 
the local authorities, and the health officer of the State, (Dr. Swearingen,) 
with whom yon will place yourself in communication immediately 
upon your arrival at Brownsville. If not already done, you will sug- 
gest to the State health officer the propriety of at once establishing 
a cordon extending from Laredo, to Corpus Ohristi, across the country, 
and an inspection station at Rio Grande City, (which is the head of 
river navigation,) for the purpose of requiring a rigid examination 
of travellers and their baggage, and permitting as little transportation 
of the latter as practicable. 
IsTo measures should be adopted by you in conflict with the local or 
state health officers, without first submitting a statement of the same 
to this office; and you are requested to make a daily report by telegraph 
of the progress of the disease and what has been done to arrest it, 
and such report should designed conjointly by yourself and the State 
health officer. 
The tents, of course, will be used for such cases as cannot be cared 
for at their own houses, or in such manner as may be decided upon by 
yourself and the health officers. 
Ac fees shall be accepted by yon for any services rendered under 
these orders, and yon will be governed by the Regulations of the Ser- 13 
vice, par. 171, in all purchases you may make, for warding hills for the 
same in the usual manner, chargeable to the contingent fund for the 
suppression of epidemics. This fund is limited to one hundred thou- 
sand dollars, ($100,000,) and yon are therefore directed to be judicious 
in your purchases, as funds may be needed at other points throughout 
the South. 
Very respectfully, 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon-General, TJ. S. Marine-Hospital. 
Surgeon Egbert H. Murray, 
U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, Memphis, Term. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 13, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, H. G. : 
Twenty-three new cases fever ; one death from yellow fever, 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram,] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C. : 
Brownsville, Tex., August 14, 1882. 
Twenty-three new cases fever reported ; no deaths. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsville, Tex., August 15, 1882. 
Surgeon- General, Washington, D. G.: 
Fifty new cases of fever reported to relief committee ; three deaths 
reported from yellow fever. E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 16, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, I). G.: 
Seventeen new cases ot levers. Three deaths from yellow fever. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 14 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsyille, Tex., August, 17, 1882. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, I). G.: 
Thirty-two new cases fevers. Three deaths from fevers. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsyille, Tex., August 17, 1882. 
Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, I). C. : 
Following communication handed me to-day: 
u Collector of Customs: One of the results of the quarantining of 
this city by all the ports of Texas and New Orleans has been the 
throwing out of employment of large portion our working population. 
These people, thus deprived of their resources, have become paupers 
and are dependent for means of existence on charity, and we have tnus 
far kept them from want, but the establishing of a hospital therefor 
and care of the sick, the fumigation, disinfecting, and sanitary meas- 
ures made necessary by threatened epidemic, are taxing our citizens 
to the extreme limits'of our means. We had not proposed to make 
any appeal to the outside world for help in this emergency, and could 
have borne the burden imposed upon us by the sickness alone, but 
the pressure of two thousand unemployed and destitute people war- 
rant us in asking that yon apply to the General Government for such 
relief as under the circumstances it may deem desirable to grant, as, if 
we have to care for the destitute, we can not deal with the sick, and 
neglect of either will bring about an immediate and most probably un- 
controllable increase of the disease for the citizens of Brownsville.— 
Thos. Carson, Mayor” 
E. H. GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
August 18, 1882. 
Acting Collector of Customs, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Inform the mayor that all applications for aid from the Government 
must be made by the governor of Texas to the Secretary. 
H. E. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsyille, Tex., August 18,1882. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. G. : 
Thirty-eight new cases fevers ; one death 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 15 
[Telegram.] 
Hon. Chas. J. Folger, 
Austin, Tex., August 19, 1882. 
Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, I). G. : 
On behalf of tlie mayor and citizens of Brownsville, Texas, I ask 
for aid in suppressing and confining the yellow fever. There are two 
thousand destitute and unemployed people who will need provisions 
at once, and fifty cases under treatment for yellow fever. Corpus 
Christi and other places near Brownsville need aid to pay guards. 
Please let me know when and how aid can be furnished that you pro- 
posed to me. 
O. M. ROBERTS, Governor. 
[Telegram. ] 
O. M. Roberts, 
August 19,1882. 
Governor of Texas, Austin, Tex.: 
This Department will muster quarantine guards into service and 
pay them. Will also take charge of hospital at Brownsville, and 
proper inspection stations if you desire. Cannot furnish rations 
except for the sick in hospital! Texas must feed the destitute. An- 
swer. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 19, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Thirty new cases.fever; two deaths from yellow fever. Disease 
assuming more malignant character. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C.: 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Hon. H. F. French, 
Austin, Tex., August 21, 1882. 
Acting Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. G.: 
Your telegram of 19th just received. Your tender of aid at Browns- 
ville, Texas, accepted. Thomas Carson is the mayor of Brownsville. 
O. M. ROBERTS, Governor. 16 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsville, Tex., August 21, 1882. 
Surgeon- General, Washington, I). (7. : 
Thirty-two new cases fever; three deaths. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 21, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Thirty-five new cases fever; one death. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, J>. (7. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon Robert Murray, 
Marine Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. : 
Washington, August 21, 1882. 
Take three tents, proceed to Brownsville via Galveston. Report 
departure from Memphis and arrival at Galveston. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Dr. A. E. Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
Washington, August 21,1882. 
Marine-Hospital Service will take charge of quarantine in Texas by 
request of the governor. Inform local-health authorities, and act in 
conjunction with them. Inform me at once of condition of inspection- 
station, number of guards, and so forth. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram.] 
August 21, 1882. 
O. M. Roberts, Governor, Austin, Tex.: 
Orders given by Surgeon-General Hamilton; Surgeon Murray leaves 
Memphis to-day for Brownsville, Texas, via Galveston. Please direct 
State health officer to meet him at Galveston for consultation. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 17 
[Telegram.] 
Jno. B. Hamilton, 
Corpus Christi, Tex., August 21, 1882. 
Surgeon-General, Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, i>. 0. ; 
As soon as yellow fever was declared in Matamoras and Browns- 
ville tliis city enforced strict quarantine against those cities and vi- 
cinity, also requested the two Laredo’s and all places on the line of 
the Texas Mexican Railway running between Corpus Christi and 
Laredo to quarantine immediately. This quarantine, as now estab- 
lished, cuts off all communication between Brownsville and the rest 
of the State by land. Cor])us Christi and Nueces County have six- 
teen paid guards covering two lines south of the railroad, and one 
hundred volunteer guards guarding approaches to the city. We have 
nine quarantine stations besides Aransas Pass. The hospital at Aran- 
sas Pass was burned a few days ago ; no shelter there for sick nor a 
proper boat for service. A steam-tug is necessary for the health 
officer there. We need tents, provisions, and medicines at onr local 
stations, where many refugees from Brownsville are now under guard 
without shelter. We had official notice yesterday from Brownsville 
of large numbers of refugees coming this way, and of more from 
Tampico having landed at Bagdad, Mexico, who will follow. The 
danger to Texas is by land, there being little or no communication by 
water now with Brownsville. We need a hospital here to accommo- 
date sick seamen, this being the principal port now supplying Central 
Mexico. The present arrangement is not satisfactory to onr citizens. 
Onr city is very healthy and in excellent sanitary condition. 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN, 
Health Physician. 
[Telegram. ] 
Austin, Tex., August 21, 1882. 
Hon. H. F. French, 
Acting Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, I). C.: 
Dr. Swearingen, State health officer, is on his way to Austin from 
Brownsville, and will be sent to Galveston as soon as he returns. If 
he does not; I have given directions to president board at Galveston. 
O. M. ROBERTS, Governor. 18 
[Telegram.] 
Washington, August 21,1882. 
Goodrich, Acting Collector, Brownsville, Tex. : 
Report number mounted inspectors customs under you. What ar- 
rangements exist for land quarantine? 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 22, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Three mounted inspectors at Brownsville; nine in northern part of 
district, which has quarantined against us. But one officer of force 
besides myself at this port for duty; remainder sick or attending their 
sick families. Have appointed four temporary officers. State with- 
drew city quarantine officers on 15th. Quarantine maintained against 
Matamoras by city authorities, with assistance of customs officers; not 
effective. On 14th,Mexican steamer “Asturias,” from Tampico,lauded 
at Bagdad, Mexico, some forty or more railway laborers. They were 
quarantined three days, during which time several died. Some six- 
teen or more of these pilgrims have entered Texas, and gone in direc- 
tion of Corpus Ohristi. One left behind with fever placed in hospital 
here. Fever is being carried to the ranches by these parties and fam- 
ilies flying from the city. 
Surgeon- General, Washington, I). C. : 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Ghristi, Tex. : 
August 22, 1882. 
As soon as possible close cordon will surround Brownsville, to 
prevent infected persons and baggage from leaving city. There 
will then be no necessity for anything but inspection stations at Cor- 
pus Ohristi. Stations can be managed by the ordinary guards. You 
will be informed when Brownsville is invested. See instructions to 
collector. One hospital tent will be shipped. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram. 
August 22, 1882 
Assistant Surgeon Carter, Memphis, Term.: 
Ship hospital tent to Dr. Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 19 
[Telegram.] 
Collector of Customs, Corpus Ghristi, Tex. 
August 22, 1882. 
Direct deputy collector at Laredo to use inspectors of customs ou 
lines of railroad coming from Mexico into Laredo. Baggage and 
freight from Mexico must be detained and fumigated before allowing 
it to proceed to other points in the State. Persons and baggage be- 
longing to Laredo may pass without detention. Issue same instruc- 
tions to inspectors of customs at or near Corpus Christi as to railroads 
and water lines. Allow transportation through baggage from Laredo 
with proper certificate. Baggage and freight from intermediate towns 
between Laredo and Corpus Christ! detain and fumigate unless own- 
ers prove no communication with Brownsville. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 22, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Fifty-four new cases fever; four deaths 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. G. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General J. B. Hamilton, 
Corpus Christi, Tex.. August 22, 1882. 
Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, I). C.: 
A cordon around Brownsville is now impracticable and useless. 
All persons who can leave there left. A cordon cannot be placed 
around Matamoras; authorities here adhere to present arrangements 
to guard the country south of the railroad, as many of the ranches 
south of the railroad are full of people from Brownsville and Mata- 
moras. No change from the present arrangement can accomplish the 
object in view. I speak advisedly, knowing the country well. 
Health Physician, A. A. Surg. M.-H. Service 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN, 20 
[Telegram.] 
Goodrich, Acting Collector of Customs, Brotcnsville, Tex.: 
Muster into Marine-Hospital Service sufficient number guards to 
August 23,1882. 
make quarantine effective, reporting number and rate of pay. Inform 
mayor. Surgeon and supplies will be at Galveston to-day en route for 
Brownsville. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram. ] 
August 23,1882. 
Collector of Customs, Corpus Christi, Tex. 
Muster sufficient number of men into Marine-Hospital Service to 
make cordon between Laredo and Corpus Christi effective, reporting 
number and rate of pay. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram. ] 
Broivnsyille, Tex., August 23, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Fifty-three new cases fever*, two deaths 
Surgeon-General, Washington, I). C.: 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
August 23, 1882. 
Supervise all professional matters in your district, and consult with 
collector regarding cordon from Laredo to Corpus Christi. Charter 
tug if necessary. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram.] 
August 23,1882. 
Assistant-Surgeon Cooke, Galveston, Tex.: 
On arrival Surgeon Murray, inform him that he must take to 
Brownsville four doctors, eight nurses, barrel of sulphur, mustard, 
champagne, &c. Help him obtain medical aid. Doctor Spohn and 
collector at Corpus Christi have been directed to establish cordon 
Corpus Christi to Laredo. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 21 
[ Telegram. ] 
Galveston, Tex., August 23, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Arrived at 6 p. m. Expect to sail to-morrow noon. Swearingen 
absent in quarantine. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Christi, Tex., August 23, 1882. 
Secretary of the Treasury: 
In consultation with the marine-hospital surgeon at this port it is 
decided that as many as seventy-five mounted guards are necessary 
to establish cordon along line of railroad from Corpus Christi to La- 
redo 5 rate of pay, three dollars per day. Am I authorized to charter 
a special to establish cordon!! • 
S. M. JOHNSON, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Hon. Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. G. : 
Your telegram of yesterday received. Have issued instructions to 
Corpus. Christi, Tex., August 23, 1882. 
deputy collector at Laredo. There are no mounted inspectors at, or 
near Corpus, and the local inspector here is occupied all the time re- 
ceiving bonded goods from foreign steamers. Shall I appoint a special 
inspector for the railroad trains from Laredo! 
SAM. M. JOHNSON, 
Collector of Customs. 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Christi, Tex., August 23, 1882. 
John B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General Marine-Hospital Department, Washington, D. C.: 
Your instructions will be enforced immediately. The local authori- 
ties request me to ask you if the expenses incurred in guards up to 
date will be assumed by the Department. 
A. E. SPOHN, 
Acting Assistant Surgeon. 22 
[Telegram.] 
Murray, Surgeon, 
August 24, 1882. 
Care Doctor Coolie, Galveston, Tex. 
Cooke has orders for you. Take cots with you; none at Browns- 
ville. Report from Point Isabel and Brazos. Forward certified bills 
here. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
August 24,1882. 
Pay and expenses chargeable to the Department from date of muster 
into its service; cannot pay back expenses. You must have competent 
assistants for each town between Laredo and Corpus Christi. Refugees 
must not be allowed to cross railroad except after proper detention 
and fumigation. Household effects must be interdicted. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
August 24, 1882. 
Instruct postmasters Corpus Christi, Laredo, and intermediate 
points about fumigation of mails. ’Expose all mails to fumes of burn- 
ing sulphur. Letters must be punctured with sharp knife, not less 
than six cuts. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Collector op Customs, Brmvnsville, Tex. : 
August 24, 1882. 
Inform postmaster letters forwarded by mail must be punctured with 
sharp knife, not less than six cuts, and expose to fumes of burning 
sulphur. Department has given instructions to allow passage of letter- 
mail after fumigation as above. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Johnson, Collector, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
August 24, 1882. 
Authority granted to employ mounted guards at three dollars per 
day. You may charter special to establish cordon. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. [Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsville, Tex., August 24, 1882. 
Surgeon-General. Washington, 1). G. 
Sixty-two new cases; one death. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
Brownsville, Texas, August 25, 1882. 
[Telegram.] 
J, B. Hamilton, 
Fifty-one new cases fever; three deaths. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, I). G.: 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
John B. Hamilton, 
Laredo, Tex., August 25, 1882. 
Surgeon- General Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, I). C. : 
Cordon from Corpus Christi to Laredo perfected; also extended 
New Laredo by Mexican authorities, acting in conjunction with us. 
A. E. SPOHN, 
Acting Assistant Surgeon, Marine-Hospital Service. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 20, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, Surgeon-General, Washington, 1). G.: 
Fifty-six new cases of fever; three deaths. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
John B. Hamilton, 
Corpus Christi, Tex., August 26, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, 1). C.: 
We are holding under guard about fifty refugees from the infected 
district. Seven are from Tampico via Matamoras and Brownsville, 
the rest from Brownsville; they have neither food nor shelter. Shall 
we provide for all refugees at expense of the Department1? Most of 
them are indigent. 
A. E. SPOHNj 
Acting Assistant Surgeon. 24 
L Telegram. J 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
August 26, 1882. 
The Department cannot feed any except sick. Apply to the gov- 
ernor for food for poor. After sufficient detention, allow persons to 
pass without baggage, and after fumigation of clothes worn. Allow 
no baggage to cross on any pretext. 
HAMILTON, Sur(jeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
August 26, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Point Isabel, Tex.: 
Establish inspection station Point Isabel. Instruct postmaster 
about fumigation of letters. Puncture all letters, six cuts with sharp 
knife, and expose to fumes burning sulphur. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
Treasury Department, 
[Letter.] 
Office Sujig Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Sir: You will forward to this office at the close of each month pay- 
rolls for the quarantine guards mustered into the Service, made out 
on the regular pay-roll chargeable to the appropriation for “prevent- 
ing the spread of epidemic diseases.” You will certify the same, and 
cause them to be receipted, when checks will be forwarded in your 
care, drawn on the assistant treasurer at New Orleans. 
Washington, August 26, 1882. 
Very respectfully, 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon-General Marine-Hospital Service. 
Collector oe Customs, 
Corpus Christi, Tex. 
[Letter. ] 
Treasury Department, 
Office Sup7g Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Washington, August 26, 1882. 
Sir : You will forward to this office at the close of each month pay- 
rolls for the quarantine guards mustered into the Service, made out on 
the regular pay-roll, chargeable to the appropriation for “preventing 25 
the spread of epidemic diseases.” You will certify the same and cause 
them to be receipted, when checks will be forwarded in your care 
drawn on the assistant treasurer at New’ Orleans. 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon-General U. 8. M.-H. 8. 
Collector of Customs, 
Brownsville, Tex., 
[Letter.] 
U. S, Marine-Hospital Seryice, District of the Gulf, 
Port of Broivnsville, Tex., Surgeon’s Office, August, 28, 1882. 
Sir : I have the honor to report that myself and party arrived 
here via the It. G. R. R. at dark last evening. Several cases of mild 
type yellow fever were visited at Point Isabel, and one severe case. 
On inquiry it was found that there is no necessity for an inspection 
station there, as the only point necessary to guard is the mouth of 
the Rio Grande, which is protected by a competent guard. 
The postmaster was instructed relative to mail fumigation. 
Last night was chiefly spent in visiting patients, all of whom ex- 
hibit signs of yellow fever. • 
This A. m. I visited the relief committee, and as a result of the 
convention I have assumed the control and expense of the temporary 
hospital and placed Dr. Finney in it as medical attendant. Dr. Burke 
is placed in the contract drug-store as pharmacist, while Dr. Towsey 
and Igo into the city as practitioners among the poor. The distress 
is great, and consternation is increasing, but amid all there is hope of 
a speedy subsidence of the fever. 
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
R. D. MURRAY, Surgeon. 
Surgeon-General Jno. B. Hamilton, Washington, D. G. 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsville, Tex., August 28,1882. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. G. : 
Forty-six new cases fever, three deaths, for twenty-four hours end- 
ing 10 A. m. yesterday. Eighty-two new cases and eight deaths past 
twenty-four hours. Dr. Murray lias arrived. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 26 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Christi, Tex., August 29, 1882. 
Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, I). G.: 
I have mustered into Marine-Hospital Service one hundred and 
twenty-five mounted quarantine guards, placing them where Acting 
Assistant Surgeon Spohn has instructed. A complete cordon from Cor- 
pus Christi to Laredo is now established. 
SAM. M. JOHNSON, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Murray, Surgeon, Brownsville, Tex. : 
August 29, 1882. 
Telegraph general condition of affairs. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Christi, August 29, 1882. 
John B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon- General, Washington, I). C. : 
Two of the Tampicb tramps reported sent back by our advance 
guards have died of the fever. We have an advance line of guards 
on all roads, fifty miles from cordon line, to report movement of ref- 
ugees. The death of these tramps will create a panic in the ranches. 
I am re-enforcing the line, and may have to muster two hundred guards. 
Can you have a company of troops sent from Laredo to San Diego to 
assist ns in keeping this line effective, or shall we rely entirely on the 
citizens, and do yon approve of my increasing the force? Will go 
over the line in the morning and re-enforce where necessary. 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN, 
A. A. Surgeon. 
[Telegram. ] 
August 29, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Advise mayor to burn all infected bedding. Telegraph general con- 
dition of affairs. 
H A MILTON, Surgeon-General. 27 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Brownsville, Tex., August 29,1882. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, 1). C. : 
Hospital organized for sixty patients; sufficient supplies for two 
weeks; don’t need English doctors. Seventy cases, two deaths, past 
twenty-four hours. Will establish cordon on Arroyo Colorado to- 
day, completely investing Brownsville Six cuts ruin letters. No 
mail to be sent unless we can slit envelopes. Station at Isabel im- 
practicable. Doctor Towsey sent to Isabel, where there are ten cases, 
but no deaths. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
CARSON, Mayor. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgcon-GeiTeral Hamilton, Washington, 1). G.: 
Brownsville, Tex., August 30, 1882. 
Condition hopeful. Don’t need doctors if local physicians are em- 
ployed. Shall I pay them for visiting sick? Answer. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
[Telegram. ] 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Ghristi, Tex. ; 
August 30, 1882. 
Re-enforce line so far as is necessary, and with due regard to economy, 
but keep your cordon tight. Protective cordon now completely in- 
vesting Brownsville. Put yourself in telegraph communication with 
Surgeon Murray as to movements of refugees. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
August 30, 1882. 
Keep Dr. Spohn, in charge of Laredo and Corpus Christi cordon, 
informed movements of refugees and other matters. Inform Cooke 
by telegraph supplies needed next shipment to Brownsville. Use 
your judgment about method fumigation of letters. Instructions here- 
tofore given were those used in Europe time of plague. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 28 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., August 30, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Fifty new cases; three deaths. Don’t need more doctors here. Not 
increasing at Point Isabel. Fever exists in western parts quarantine 
districts, for which medicines must be supplied. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
CARSON, Mayor. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Murray, Surgeon, Brownsville, Tex.: 
August 30, 1882. 
One doctor sent before your yesterday despatch received. Cannot 
pay physicians’ bills for attending private patients. Direct your as- 
sistants to attend hospital cases and inspection stations. Detail one 
to Rio Grande City if necessary. Cordon must be regularly inspected. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram.] 
Passed Assistant Surgeon Cooke, Galveston, Tex.: 
August 30, 1882. 
Purchase, under paragraph one hundred and seventy-one, supplies 
on order Surgeon Murray, to go by next cutter in about ten days; 
sooner if necessary. HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). C.: 
Brownsville, Tex., August 31, 1882. 
Sixty new cases, two deaths, past twenty-four hours. Dr. Melon 
sick. Hidalgo County quarantining Brownsville. Arroyo Colorado 
cordon from Santa Maria to Gulf in perfect condition. No known fever 
outside. Letters sent in perforated envelopes. Eight new cases, one 
death, at Point Isabel. When can cutter leave Galveston % 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Cutter can leave Galveston any day. 
September 1, 1882. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 29 
[ Telegram. ) 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C. : 
Brownsville, Tex., September 1, 1882. 
Seventy-one new cases reported. Some are evidently reported twice. 
Three deaths. Inspectors report no known fever in the ranches or 
north of Arroyo. 
MTJEEAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE. 
GOODEICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Brownsville, Tex., September 2, 1882. 
One hundred and three new cases reported. Five deaths past twenty- 
four hours. 
MTJEEAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE. 
GOODEICH, Collector. 
[ Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 2, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, 
Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, 1). C. 
Dr. Murray considers his authority and instructions coniine his 
action to care of sick in hospital. Nme-tenths of our sick poor refuse 
to go to hospital, and have to he treated at their homes. Dr. Murray 
brought hospital accommodations for about thirty patients. We have 
overlive hundred sick who need gratuitous medical care and medicines. 
All our present resources are barely adequate to relief of destitute. 
Can you instruct Dr. Murray to take charge of entire sick poor, and 
furnish him instantly with physicians and medicines to do so promptly 
and effectually? or otherwise we must appeal to the public for further 
help to enable us to do so. 
THOS. CARSON, Mayor. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
September 2, 1882. 
Mayor Carson complains that sick outside of hospital not attended 
by you. Government cannot support Brownsville, but will give nec- 
essary aid in attending yellow-fever patients at proper' places. See 
mayor and make your recommendation. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 30 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 4, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
One hundred forty-eight cases reported for two days; ten deaths. 
Cordon on Arroyo and river effectual. Ho emigrants from Mexico, and 
no refugees from here. Eight mild cases at Point Isabel. One death 
yesterday. Some disease in eastern ranches on river. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 5, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, 1). G. 
Sixty-seven new cases reported; one death. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
GOODEICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Collector of Customs, Corpus Ghristi, Tex.: 
September 6, 1882. 
Ho pay-rolls received for guards. Forward certified pay-rolls at 
once, and checks will be sent. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
September 6,1882. 
Goodrich, Collector of Customs, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Ho pay-rolls received for guards. Forward certified pay-rolls at 
once, and checks will be sent. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Letter.] 
Office Sup'g Surgeon-General, U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Treasury Department, 
Washington, September 6, 1882. 
Sir: I forward by this mail blank clinical records, sick reports, &c., 
which you are requested to use, if necessary, in compiling your report 
of the epidemic at Browmsville. I desire that this report should be 31 
as thorough and complete as practicable, and to that end have to re- 
quest that yon will use all possible endeavors to make the record full 
and satisfactory. I suggest that the report, when completed, be ac- 
companied with a meteorological statement from the signal observer 
at Brownsville, and that a sketch map of Brownsville be prepared 
showing the elevation and topography of the city and environs. 
The monthly medical and surgical reports, Forms 1920 and 1921, 
should only show the cases admitted to treatment under your charge 
Very respectfully, 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon-General M.-H. S. 
Surgeon R. D. Murray, 
U. 8. Marine-Hospital Servicef Brownsville, Tex. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Brownsville, Tex., September 6, 1882. 
Forty-nine new cases reported; two deaths in past twenty-four 
hours. Two cases fifteen miles above on river. Established quarantine 
for refugees at Santa Maria, with quarters, wood, and water for fifty or 
sixty people. Will insist on ten days’ detention, with thorough fumiga- 
tion. No cost to the service. The Arroyo cordon bids fair to confine the 
disease; are not allowed to send mail to Pena, the first railroad station 
on mail route. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer, 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 7, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, 1). G.: 
Forty-eight new cases reported, two deaths, past twenty-four hours. 
Disease diminishing, but more virulent. Pena still refuses to pass our 
mail. No accounts from here till mail has transit. Have I authority to 
fumigate houses and improve sanitary condition of city ? Cordon on 
river and Arroyo confines all present fever. Is the Laredo cordon of 
any service1? 
MURRAY, Surgeon. [Letter.] 
Sir : I transmit herewith a report by the Surgeon-General of the 
Marine-Hospital Service on the present condition of the yellow-fever 
epidemic at Brownsville, in Southwestern Texas, and concur in his 
recommendation relative to the releasing of all inland quarantines 
north of the cordon extending from Corpus Christi to Laredo, now 
under the control of this Department. 
Treasury Department, September 7, 1882. 
Very respectfully, 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Hon. O. M. Roberts, Governor of Texas. 
Acting Secretary. 
[Letter.] 
Office Sup’g Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Treasury Department, 
Washington, September 7, 1882. 
Sir : I have the honor to report to you, for the information of the 
governor of Texas, that two cordon lines have been established in 
southwestern Texas, one extending from Corpus Christi, on the Gulf, 
to Laredo, on the Rio Grande river, on the south side of the railroad 
between the two places, and also a protective cordon from Santa 
Maria, on the Rio Grande, down the Yalley of the Arroyo to the Gulf. 
No known cases of fever exist now between the two cordon lines, 
Moreover, the fever at Brownsville is rapidly exhausting its material, 
and is manifestly decreasing from day to day. In view of these facts, 
it now seems proper, in the interest of trade, that you transmit this 
information to the governor of Texas, with the request that, if he con- 
cur in the recommendation, he issue a proclamation releasing all inland 
local quarantines in Texas north of the outer cordon. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon-General M.-H. S. 
Hon. Ohas. J. Foluer, 
Secretary of the Treasury. 
Treasury Department, 
[Letter.] 
Office Sup’g Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Sir : In view of the fact that a report will have to be made to the 
Secretary of the Treasury on the conclusion of the epidemic, and fur- 
ther, for the information of this office, you are directed to prepare a full 
Washington, September 7,1882. report concerning tlie business and operation of tlie cordon under your 
charge as speedily as possible. For immediate information, I desire 
to know what is the distance patrolled by each guard. How many 
guards are there now in active service ? How many hours are they 
off and on*? Is the service carefully performed at night? 
The news from Brownsville is thus far most encouraging. The Ar- 
royo cordon is so far effectual. It looks now as if the disease would 
be confined to the immediate vicinity of Brownsville, which is grati- 
fying in the extreme, if the result shall sustain the present appear- 
ances. 
As soon as deemed proper to do so', you will be directed by telegraph 
to dissolve your cordon. Before so doing, however, it is desired that 
every ranch in this space between the Arroyo cordon and the cordon 
under your charge be inspected. This can best be done by your 
guards, after which they can be mustered out of service. It is believed 
to be perfectly practicable to do this, and I leave the details of its 
carrying out to your discretion, only premising that any ranches where 
cases of sickness have occurred of a suspicious character should be 
thoroughly fumigated, and a memorandum taken of the sanitary con- 
ditions of the place, &c., in order that it may be identified in case of a 
second outbreak of fever. If any cases of undoubted yellow fever 
have occurred at any ranch, the bedding should be destroyed. Please 
regard so much of these instructions as relates to the inspection of 
ranches as confidential until you are directed by telegraph to carry 
theminto effect, which may, of course, be several weeks hence, although 
it now appears likely that it may be done sooner. 
I have this day written to the health officer at Texas, Doctor Swear- 
ingen, suggesting this inspection of ranches, as it is evident it will re- 
quire some authority of the governor for the guards to have the right 
of search of the premises, and will await his reply before giving you 
telegraphic instructions. If the inspection is made, it seems to me that 
the cordon guard can be deployed as skirmishers, marching towards the 
Arroyo cordon. The Arroyo cordon will be kept in operation for some 
weeks later. 
Yery respectfully, 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon- General M.-JB. S. 
A. A. Surgeon Arthur E. Spohn, 
Zf. S. Marine-Hospital Service, Corpus Christi, Tex. 34 
[Letter.] 
Office Sup’g Surgeon-General U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
Treasury Department, 
Washington, September 7, 1882. 
Sir: You are doubtless aware of tlie two cordons sanitaire in the 
southwestern portion of Texas, and I will not describe them in this 
letter. I write for the purpose of suggesting that, as soon as the yel- 
low fever has exhausted its material at Brownsville, which it now seems 
likely to do at no very distant day, an inspection of the ranches in the 
space now confined between the two cordons, be made as early as 
practicable, as the guards on the outer cordon, namely, that from Corpus 
to Laredo, will be mustered out of service as soon as the epidemic has 
disappeared. They can, however, be utilized for the purpose of in- 
specting these ranches. It will, in my opinion, be of material effect, in 
preventing a future outbreak of the fever, that all baggage, &c., belong- 
ing to refugees from Brownsville or remaining in ranches which have 
been infected by yellow fever, and which may have possibly escaped 
the attention of those whose duty it was to report it, should be thor- 
oughly fumigated or destroyed if necessary. It is evident that, under 
existing law, the quarantine guards cannot perform this service unless 
clothed with proper authority from the governor. In case you coin- 
cide with these views, I would suggest that you advise the governor 
in this matter, and co-operate with Doctor Spohn in carrying out the 
details of the inspection. Please notify me immediately of the govern- 
or’s action in this case, in order that there may be no delay in com- 
mencement of operations, as the guards cannot be kept under pay 
when there is no longer any service for them. Should your views be 
different, inform me as soon as practicable, and oblige, 
Yours, respectfully, 
JOHN B. HAMILTON, 
Surgeon- General M. H. S. 
E. M. Swearingen, M. D., Health Officer, Austin, Tex. 
[Telegram.] 
Dr. Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
September 7, 1882. 
Quarantine officer at Pena is holding letters from Brownsville, not- 
withstanding they have been fumigated. Cause him to allow them to 
pass after second fumigation at Pena. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 35 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Ohristi, Tex., September 8, 1882. 
Surgeon-General John B. Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
We have passed the Brownsville mail, but the postmaster at Pena 
refuses to receive it. Will go out to Pena to-night, and pass it through 
if possible. 
ARTHUR E. SPOIIN. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 8, 1882. 
Fifty-seven new cases reported j four deaths. Some mild cases at 
Isabel. No refugees from here. Destitution fully relieved. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C. : 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Murray, Surgeon, Tex.: 
September 8,1882. 
You have authority to fumigate houses on request of health officer. 
Cordon on river and Arroyo under joint charge yourself and collector. 
All professional directions must come from you. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
September 8,1882. 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Ghristi, Tex.: 
Murray reports Pena still refuses to pass Brownsville mail. Report 
where the obstruction is. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 9,1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G.: 
Fifty-seven new cases fever. Three deaths from yellow fever. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. [Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Brownsville, Tex., September 10, 1882. 
Fifty-two new cases reported three deaths. Overflow river prevents 
all exit from Brownsville in vehicles. 
MITE RAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
September 10, 1882. 
Doctor Swearingen, Health Officer, Austin, Tex.: 
Surgeon Murray thinks lower cordon now sufficient. Please answer 
letter of 7th September by telegraph, after consultation with governor. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 11, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). V. ; 
Fifty-eight new cases reported. Ro deaths from fever. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
Brownsville, Tex., September 12, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
[Telegram.] 
Fifty-seven new cases; reported death Customs Inspector C. Malley. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Austin, Tex., September 12, 1882. 
Sir : I have received your telegram of 10th, and letter of the 7th, 
and have submitted them to the governor. As no infection has de- 
veloped outside the lower cordon, the governor thinks, and I concur, 
that an inspection of the vast territory suggested by you is unnec- 
essary. By the strengthening the line on the Arroyo Colorado, the 
Corpus Christi and Laredo cordon can in a short time be safely with- 37 
drawn. Only county quarantines exist north of it at present, and by 
our law any county or town can declare and maintain quarantines at 
will against infected places. 
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 
R. M. SWEARINGEN. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, M.-H. S., Washington, 1). G. 
[Telegram.] 
September 12,1882. 
Collector of Customs, Corpus Ghristi, Tex.: 
Acting secretary directs that you disband cordon to-morrow. For- 
ward receipted pay-rolls here for settlement. Direct Doctor Spohn to 
continue inspection station at New Laredo. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
September 12, 1882. 
Laredo and Corpus Christ! cordon will be disbanded to-morrow. 
Strengthen your cordon if necessary. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Ghristi, Tex., September 12, 1882. 
John B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, JD. G.: 
Guards on Brownsville road, forty miles from here, report three 
cases of fever and one death yesterday in camp of refugees. If cor- 
don is disbanded, can you retain a few guards in the Service to hold 
these refugees a sufficient length of time for safety ? 
A. E. SPOHN. 
[Telegram. ] 
Corpus Ghristi, Tex., September 12, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, D. G. : 
Do not know your reason for ordering disbandment of cordon, but, 
being on the spot, think it inexpedient to do it too abruptly, A grad- 
ual reduction is suggested as preferable, as the danger is still immi- 
nent. Answer. 
TOM OCHILTREE. 38 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 13, 1882. 
Surgeon-General, Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, 1). C.: 
Have examined cordon matters carefully. To abolish it entirely 
would be exceedingly dangerous. Refugees in camps between this 
and Brownsville reported dying with fever. Doctor Spohn goes to said 
camps to investigate, and respectfully suggest suspension of disband- 
ment till he returns. Am convinced the force can be reduced two- 
thirds and be thoroughly efficient. Collector Johnson and Doctor 
Spohn agree with me in above. 
(Sent by Sam. M, Johnson, Collector of Customs.) 
TOM OCHILTREE. 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 13, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C. : 
[Telegram.] 
I will go and investigate country between Corpus Christi and 
Brownsville cordon to-day. It will take four days. Please hold cor- 
don if you can until I return. 
A. E. SPOHN. 
[Telegram.] 
September 13, 1882. 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
Detail necessary men from quarantine force. Surround refugees’ 
camp. Detain them ten days, and fumigate. Arroyo cordon reported 
effectual for last ten days. Inform me when these refugees left Browns- 
ville. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
[Telegram. ] 
September 13, 1882. 
Collector of Customs, Corpus Christi, Tex. 
Hold cordon four days longer. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon- General. 
Brownsville, Tex., September 13, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
[Telegram. 1 
Thirty-one cases reported; three deaths. Arroyo cordon prevents 
refugeeing. Country nearly overflowed. No refugees. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 39 
[Telegram. ] 
Corpus Christ:, Tex., September 14, 1882. 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, I). G. : 
Taylor, assistant surgeon, Fort Ringgold, reports forty cases fever 
at Mier, Mexico, introduced in goods from Matamoras on 11th. Ref- 
ugees going from Mier to Monterey, 
JOHNSON, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Austin, Tex., September 14, 1882. 
Sir: Yellow fever has appeared at Reynosa, Camargo, and Mier, 
Mexico, opposite the county of Hidalgo, and the towns of Rio Grande 
City and Roma, Tex. Will you please establish a line of mounted 
guards, connecting with north end of your lower cordon and extend- 
ing twenty miles above Roma. Roma is the danger point, and a 
highway to the interior. If yon cannot grant entire application, give 
us guards to front Reynosa, Camargo, and Mier. We have no money 
to meet these heavy demands, and must again ask for aid. 
Your obedient servant, 
R. M. SWEARINGEN, 
Surgeon, Health Officer. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, 
Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, I). C. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 14, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G.: 
Thirty-two cases reported, including relapses and intermittent 
cases; no deaths. Force of disease broken. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 15, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). C. : 
Twenty-four cases reported; no deaths. No cases above Arroyo 
unless from Mexico. Some mild cases in ranches near here, that 
originated here. Please help ns to get mail. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 40 
[Telegram.] 
Collector op Customs, Corpus Ghristi, Tex.: 
September 15, 1882. 
Consult with Doctor Spolm regarding’ reduction of force on cordon, 
but do not discontinue cordon. Guards have been ordered opposite 
Mier, Caniargo, and Eeynosa. 
H. F. FEEUCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
\. September 15, 1882. 
Collector of Customs, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Use your inspectors at Eoma, Eio Grande, and Edinburg, if practi- 
cable; otherwise muster into Marine-Hospital Service and place quar- 
antine guards at crossings opposite Mier, Camargo, and Eeynosa. 
H. F. FEENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
September 15, 1882. 
Dr. E. M. Swearingen, 
Health Officer, Austin, Tex.: 
Guards have been ordered opposite Mier, Camargo, and Eeynosa. 
H. F. FEEUCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
September 15. 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Upper cordon will not be removed for the present. 
P. H. BAILHACHE, Surgeon. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 16,1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, 1). C.: 
Eighteen new cases reported; two deaths. Fifteen guards mustered 
for Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Overflow encroaching Brownsville, 
and renders travel difficult. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 41 
U. S, Marine-Hospital Service, 
District of the Gulf, 
Doctor: I received your letter of the 31st August a few days 
ago, and delayed answering until I could hear from the country be- 
tween Corpus Christi and Brownsville, which I have given you in a 
letter of this date reporting my visit to the camp of refugees. We 
had in all five camps—one at the head of Padre Island, one at a 
crossing called La Rita, one at Banquitti, and two near the rancho 
Los Olimas. Besides these camps, we had a family of eleven persons 
in quarantine near Corpus Christi. In the first camp there were sev- 
enteen, who left Brownsville on the 26th of August; in the second, 
fifteen, who left Brownsville on the 24th of August; in the third, five, 
who left Brownsville on the 22d of August; and the two near Los 
Olimas, described in my letter of to-day, containing in all sixteen, left 
Brownsville and Point Isabel on the 16th and 24th of August; with 
the eleven in quarantine near Corpus, in all sixty-four, besides many 
more who came to our line and turned bach rather than be held in 
camps. I have not included in the above San Diego and Laredo, but 
about twenty-five miles extending from Corpus Christi to Banquitti. 
Our guards have done excellent work—in fact, are men who have 
their families here and are determined to allow no communication with 
any infected parts. I will send two of the guards to-day to examine 
the country nearer the Brownsville cordon. After they return, if 
satisfactory, more of the guard can be discharged, or, if necessary, 
moved to protect the country between Mier and Laredo. They have 
not sufficient Americans to make an effective guard between Laredo 
and Mier, and a Mexican guard cannot be depended on. My men are 
nearly all “cow-boys,” who know every path, water-hole, and crossing 
between the Gulf and Rio Grande, by night as well as day, and can 
be relied on. We had difficulty in getting good guards at Laredo, as 
most of the men there are railroad hands, who know nothing about 
the country, and if sent out in the brush would never get back without 
assistance. 1 appointed Doctor King my assistant at Laredo, and 
Doctor Wright at San Diego. Would recommend they be allowed 
five dollars ($5) per day, and I think I should have extra pay for this 
quarantine duty. I have been on the road almost constantly, which 
is a serious injury to me in my practice, which is very extensive. I 
think about ten dollars ($10) a day would be just. In my report I 
will give full particulars of the cordon. 
Port of Corpus Christi, Tex., Surgeonh Office, September 16, 1882. 
Very respectfully, 
(Unofficial.) 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN. 
To Surgeon-General M.-H. 8., Washington, I). C. IT. S, Marine-Hospital Service, 
Fort of Corpus Christ I, Tex., Surgeon's Office, September IQ, 1882. 
Sir: I have just returned from the camp of the refugees, reported 
District of the Gulf, 
sick, seventy-five miles from this city, on the Brownsville road. When 
first reported they were only forty-five miles from Corpus Christi, 
their camp having been changed, on account of scarcity of wood and 
water. In one camp there are two persons, who left Point Isabel on 
the 16th of August. They are healthy, and have not been in communi- 
cation with the other camp, and as soon as their clothing can be washed 
and fumigated they will be allowed to pass. 
In the other camp there are twelve—one from Point Isabel, the rest 
from Tampico, via Matamoras and Brownsville. The man from Point 
Isabel told me that he left there on the 24th of August, in company 
with a Frenchman, whose name he does not remember. When four 
days out, (they were walking,) his companion was taken sick with 
fever. The next day he missed him, and after searching some time 
found him lying under a tree dead. He left him, and does not know 
whether he was buried or not; but tried to tell some Mexicans, and 
thinks they buried him. The other party say they were ordered to 
leave that city (Brownsville) about the 16th of August, and came until 
stopped by some of the guards. They went into camp and were fur- 
nished provisions by this county. The guards issued five days’ rations 
at once, and heard no complaint of sickness until the man died. I 
suppose they were afraid to say they had sickness in the camp, for fear 
of being held longer. This man took sick on the 6th of September, 
and died on the 11th. They say he had brain fever; could not retain 
anything on his stomach, and was delirious three days before he died. 
Three of the others have been sick, but are now convalescent, and com- 
plain of being very weak. I gave each of them a new suit of clothes, 
ordered the old ones burned, and that they be removed to a new camp. 
The man who died is named I. W. McCarty, No. 63 Fifth avenue, 
Albany. I visited several of the ranches in the vicinity, and could 
not hear of any sickness or refugees. It would be almost impossible 
for any refugees to reach our line. The people on the ranches, being- 
very much frightened, allow no person to come to their houses, and 
turn them back. I was told that the rancho Los Olimas turned back 
between forty and fifty refugees on the 12th. This ranch is about 
eighty miles from Corpus Christi on the Brownsville road. There may 
be more refugees nearer Brownsville, satisfied when out of danger, 
not caring to come to our line. We reduced the guard to-day to between seventy and eighty, and will be able to do good service. We now an- 
ticipate danger from Mier, Mexico. It is strange the fever has not 
broken out in Camargo, built on a low flat between two rivers, while 
Mier is built on a hill of limestone rocks, well drained, and one of the 
healthiest points on the river. I lived there two years, and do not remem - 
ber ever having seen a case of ague. Mier must now contain about 
ten thousand inhabitants; is one hundred and sixty miles from Mat- 
amoras and Monterey. With the present facility for travelling, it takes 
but two days and a half to go from Mier to Laredo via Monterey or 
up the river. While the fever was confined to Matamoras, I was satis- 
fied with the Mexican quarantine, but now, threatened from Mier also, 
I do not feel secure, and recommended cutting off communication at 
Laredo. I have very little confidence in their quarantine. The mayor 
of New Laredo is a gentleman in favor of strict quarantine, but he 
has not the approval of his government, and the Mexican people do 
not believe there is any protection in it. I know they are very care- 
less and take no caution to prevent epidemic spreading among them. 
Many persons coming from Monterey have told me no examination 
was made on entering New Laredo, and on the 14th the stage left 
Mier with the mail, and I suppose passengers, arriving in Laredo in 
the evening of the 15th. The authorities claim they did not know 
there was any sickness in Mier; still it was their duty to find out. We 
have no sickness of any kind in Corpus or vicinity; and if you will 
try and give us the guards a little longer, with the co-operation of the 
citizens I think we can prevent the disease spreading to Texas. 
Yery respectfully, 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN, 
Acting Assistant Surgeon M.-H. 8. 
John B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. G. 
[Telegram. ] 
Washington, September 16, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Mail ordered to Galveston, to go by first steamer or revenue cutter. 
When will you need cutter to carry supplies? 
BAILHACHE, Surgeon. 44 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 16, 1882. 
Jno. B. Hamilton, 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. G.: 
Just returned. Refugees held under guard. Guards will be reduced. 
Have no confidence in Mexican quarantine. Would recommend 
stopping communication with Mexico at Laredo. Will write fully. 
A. E. SPOHA. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 17, 1882. 
Fever in Reynosa and Carmargo; also extending to ranches above 
Brownsville, on Corpus Christi road. Would recommend to move this 
cordon, increased, south fifty miles, join with Murray’s, and hold one 
strong line from the coast to Rio Grande City, outside the infected dis- 
trict, thence from Rio Grande City to Laredo. Murray’s men could 
hold end near coast and not communicate with Mier. 
ARTHUR SPOHA. 
[Telegram.] 
Corpus Ghristi, Tex., September 17, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G. : 
It is necessary to increase the cordon on account of fever spreading- 
on this side Rio Grande. I must be allowed discretion as when to re- 
move cordon, if I have charge. When necessary to remove, I will 
notify you, and I know the evil effects of the last reduction. Refugees 
have Hooded the country where the advance guards have been removed. 
A. E. SPOHA. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 17, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G. : 
Twenty-two new cases; no deaths. Sufficient supplies procurable 
here at present. Ao prospective nse for cutter. Eight new cases, one 
death, at Point Isabel. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. [Telegram.] 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 18, 1882. 
JBailhachb, Surgeon, for Surgeon-General, Washington, I). C.: 
I recommend moving this cordon south as far as possible, to keep 
outside of the infected district, and join with Murray’s cordon and hold 
one strong line from the Gulf coast to Rio Grande City, then a line 
from Rio Grande City to Laredo. 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
September 18, 1882. 
Dr. Spohn recommends moving upper cordon south as far as possible, 
to keep outside of the infected district and join Murray’s cordon, and 
hold one strong line from the Gulf coast to Rio Grande City, then a 
line from Rio Grande City to Laredo. What do you say? Consult 
with Spohn if necessary. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville Tex., September 18, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Twenty-seven cases reported; one death. All distress fully met by 
contributions on hand. Confidence being restored. No disease be- 
yond Arroyo. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, T). C. : 
Brownsville, Tex., September 19, 1882. 
Nineteen new cases; four deaths. Reply to telegram will be sent 
when couriers return to-morrow. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
COMBE, Health Officer. [Te'egram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 19, 1882. 
Surgeon- General M.-H. $., Washington, D. C.: 
Am thoroughly satisfied all Mexico, from Brownsville to Laredo, 
sliould Ibe quarantined against. Captain Dick King and others agree 
to it, and Dr. Spohn, whose management here has been brave, judi- 
cious, and able, should be invested with great discretion in the future, 
as in the past. So far your course has been admirable. 
TOM OCHILTREE. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, 1). C. : 
Fourteen cases reported; one death. City full of Matamoras people. 
Attack being made on legality of Arroyo cordon. No action possible 
until governor decides jurisdiction. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C. : 
u To the Collector of Customs and Health Officer, Corpus Christi, 
Tex.: We, the committee appointed by the citizens of Laredo, in mass 
meeting assembled, do herewith protest against any reduction of the 
present quarantine guard now acting, under direction of the United 
States military hospital authorities, between Corpus Christi and 
Laredo, and ask for their continuance, for the reason that the yellow 
fever has now passed the limits of Matamoras and Brownsville, and 
is actually in the town of Mier, Mexico, and a ranch on the Texas 
side, over one hundred miles above the Brownsville cordon, and sixty 
miles below this place. Please forward these resolutions to the United 
States Secretary, by telegraph, at our expense, and oblige J. P. Arthur, 
health officer, city of Laredo; M. Mullin, M. D.; C. G. Brewster, chair- 
man committee; F. C. Ainsworth, captain and assistant surgeon, U. S. 
A., Fort Mclntosh; J. H. King, U. S. M.-H. S.” 
Transmitted: 
S. M. JOHNSON, Collector. 
A. E. SPOHN, U. S. M.-H. S. 47 
Corpus Christr, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G. : 
Murray telegraps me lie thinks there is no fever above his cordon. 
The whole Mexican side is infected to Mier. We think there is no 
danger south of us, but great danger from the upper Eio Grande. 
Families crossed from Mier before the fever was reported. Some came 
as far as San Diego, were stopped by our guards. Too late now to move 
this cordon, and it should be strengthened from San Diego to Laredo. 
If this line is not strong, the fever will extend to Southern Texas and 
the coast towns. SPOHR. 
[ Telegram. ] 
Broavnsyille, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). C. : 
Quarantine against Matamoras raised by Mayor Carson, and guard 
arrested for stopping ferry. Unless our guards are sustained by State 
authorities, the cordon is futile and should be disbanded. Some con- 
flicts must arise along whole line. Restrictions here, under our control, 
are necessary to prevent influx of paupers and new material and prog- 
ress of disease into ranches. Copy sent to governor. 
MURRAY, Surgeon, 
COMBE, Health Officer. 
[Telegram. ] 
Austin, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
Sir: I have invoked all the power of law to sustain your officer, 
Doctor Murray, at Brownsville, and trust the State can continue his 
valuable services. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, 
O. M. ROBERTS, Governor. 
U. S. M.-H. S., Washington, I). C. 
[Telegram.] 
Beoavnsville, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G. : 
Following telegram received from Governor Roberts: “ Have sent 
following telegram to Mayor Carson: ‘Surgeon Murray and Health 
Officer Combe have entire control of quarantine against Mexico. They 
can modify if they wish, but not suspend, quarantine until authorized 
by proclamation. ’ ” 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Gollector. 48 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G. : 
Brownsville, Tex., September 20, 1882. 
Inspectors report Arroyo cordon perfect, with no sickness outside of 
or near it. Can prevent the spread of fever if lam sustained against 
legal qnibblers. The Arroyo is the only practicable line for cordon 
until fever gets five miles or more beyond it. Hidalgo and Starr 
Comities will not permit transit. Cameron is too large and too healthy 
to enclose in cordon. River guard is necessary, and full authority 
essential. Eighteen cases; one death. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
WOLFF, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Letter.] 
U. S. Marine-Hospital Service, 
District of the Gulf, 
Fort of Corpus Christi, Tex., Surgeons Office, September 21,1882. 
Sir: On the 17th instant I telegraphed you recommending moving 
this cordon south and joining with Murray’s cordon to form a line from 
the Gulf coast to the Eio Grande somewhere near Eio Grande City, 
and then extend the line to Laredo. I did this because if Murray’s 
cordon is effective there is no necessity for this. Murray telegraphed 
me on the 19th that he thinks there is no fever outside of his line. I 
immediately sent three men to examine the ranches between this line 
and Murray’s, and we reduced the cordon at the Corpus Christi end and 
made it stronger towards Laredo, because there is now more danger 
from the vicinity of Mier. San Diego is made up of people from Mier, 
and as soon as fever was announced in Mier I gave instructions to 
guard against Mier refugees, and several have been turned back. 
After knowing refugees from Mier were in the country, I thought it 
would not do to move this cordon south, and telegraphed you to that 
effect, and that it should be increased from San Diego to Laredo. I 
ordered all communication cut off with Mexico on the 19th, and sent 
guards to all the crossings between Laredo and Eio Grande City. 
Murray has the river guarded from the edge of Zapato County to his 
line. Yesterday a man was found very sick with fever in the suburbs 
of San Diego, eleven days from Mier, Mexico. He slipped through 
the line at night on the 19th. The family he is with, six in all, were 
immediately removed out of town and put in a tent, the house fumi- 
gated, and the houses near guarded, although they had no communica- 49 
tion with. him. The case is suspicious, but may not be yellow fever. 
Mexico is now willing to put on rigid quarantine, but it is too late. 
Refugees were allowed to enter Monterey, and some died on the road. 
We cannot take any chances, and have cut off all communication with 
Mexico. The good result of our cordon is apparent from this fact, that 
the fever has not spread on this side to any extent, while the whole 
frontier of Mexico is infected. Will advise yon with reference to San 
Diego by letter. 
Yery respectfully, yours, 
ARTHUR E. SPOHR. 
John B. Hamilton, Esq., 
Surgeon-General M.-H. 8., Washington, I). C. 
[Telegram.] 
September 21, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray and Acting Collector Goodrich, 
Brownsville, Tex. 
Employ sufficient guards for river. Governor Roberts telegraphs 
he has invoked all power of law to sustain yon. 
H. F. FRENCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
September 21,1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Telegraph deputy collectors between Brownsville and Laredo, and 
ascertain whether yellow fever exists on Texas side along river or vi- 
cinity. Also, whether it exists at Mier, Camargo, or Reynosa, and 
inform this office. 
BAILHAOHE, 
For Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram. ] 
Washington, September 22, 1882. 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Ghristi, Tex. : 
Inform president board of health, New Orleans, at his expense, of 
sanitary conditions Corpus Christi. Will answer your telegram 
about upper cordon after reports received from deputy collectors on 
Rio Grande. 
P. H. BAILHACHE, Surgeon, 
For Surgeon-General. 50 
[Telegram.] 
September 22, 1882. 
Doctor Spohn and Collector Johnson, Corpus Christi, Tex. : 
Elver guards now extend from Brownsville to Zapata County. 
Swing down fifteen or twenty guards to complete river cordon to 
Laredo, and disband your cordon. Fever in Eeynosa, Oamargo, Mier, 
Guerrera, and intermediate randies 5 none in Hidalgo or Starr Counties. 
H. F. FEEFTCH, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G.: 
Brownsville, Tex., September 22, 1882. 
Eight new cases; one death. Four new cases and one death at 
Point Isabel. Forcible breaking quarantine for two days has in- 
creased the number of paupers. 
MIJEEAY, Surgeon. 
WOLFF, Health Officer. 
Brownsville, Tex,, September 22, 1882. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G. : 
Have full reports from upper river. Wire has been down. Fever 
in Eeynosa, Oamargo, Mier, and Guerrera, and in intermediate 
ranches. Camargo xirohibits oral messages across river. Seventeen 
deaths in Mier for three days ending Sunday. There is no fever in 
Starr or Hidalgo Counties for twenty miles above here. We guard 
to Zapata County. Will need men when river falls. Spohn should 
swing fifteen men south from Laredo. Law seems to be re-established 
here. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
GOODEICH, Collector, 
[Letter.] 
Custom-House, Brownsville, Tex., 
Collectors Office, September 23, 1882. 
Sir: In obedience to your telegraphic instructions of August 23, 
1882, I mustered into Marine-Hospital Service the following-named 
mounted quarantine guards, at a compensation of five dollars per 
diem, viz.: 51 
August 24.—Win. H. Putegnat, O. B. Walton, jr., W. O. Eeicliel, 
Win. More, William Wilson, F. M. Campbell, T. B. Bussell, Peter Col- 
lins, Joseph Webb, John McGovern, E, Baltizer, Jules Lncadon, Martin 
Hanson, James O’Connor, H. Schreiber, M. Werbiskie, James Dough- 
erty, Christian Stein, Ferdinand Seibert, Ohas. F. Tilghman, D. M. 
Brown, and H. Sherwood. 
August 26.— J. I. P. Franklin and Ohas. F. Durr. 
August 29.—Miguel Solis. 
It was impossible to secure the services of efficient guards at less 
compensation, on account of sickness existing in nearly every family 
in the city. The expense of subsisting man and horse on the cordon, 
and the privations caused by the overflow of the river, which, while 
materially aiding the effectiveness of the cordon, rendered the service 
of much greater hardship to the guards. 
At midnight of the 24th August, ultimo, a cordon was established 
from the mouth of the Bio Grande to Santa Maria, a distance of sixty- 
five miles by wagon-road, the course of the river being at least three 
times that distance. There being no duly-authorized State health 
officer outside of the city of Brownsville, upon obtaining the assurance 
of the county authorities that my action would be sustained by them, 
I instructed the guards to stop all ferries, haul out of the river or tie 
up all skiffs and other small boats. 
On the 27th August, Surgeon B.D. Murray, Mariiie-Hospita.l Service, 
arrived, and on the 28th personally assumed charge of these guards, 
and foraged a cordon on the Arroyo Colorado, a natural barrier outside 
of the fever district. The number of guards was increased as the neces- 
sity for their services became known, strengthening the cordon as 
directed. The appointments made for this purpose, together with 
those in the counties of Hidalgo and Starr, covering the river opposite 
Beynosa, Camargo, and Mier, will be submitted upon return of the 
inspectors from the cordon. No mail communication Avith these coun- 
ties, and no wire connections other than with Bio Grande City, 
requiring messages to be sent along the river cordon. 
The rate of compensation for the guards in Hidalgo and Starr Coun- 
ties was fixed at three dollars per diem, as the same reasons for greater 
pay do not exist there. 
Trusting my action may be approved, I am, sir, very respectfully, 
E. H. GOODBICH, 
Acting Collector. 
To the Surgeon-General 
Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, i). C. 52 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
September 24, 1882. 
No sick report from yon since 22d. Spolin directed to guard river 
in Zapata County up to Laredo. Is river cordon complete 1 How 
many guards have you on river and Arroyo, and what rate of pay ? 
BAILHACHE, Surgeon, 
For the Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Bbownsyille, Tex., September 25, 1882. 
River cordon completed to Zapata County. Have thirty-four mounted 
guards, at five dollars per day; five foot guards, at two dollars fifty 
cents, on Arroyo and river cordon and Cameron county. Twenty 
mounted, at three dollars, on river Starr and Hidalgo Counties. Will 
need more guards on Arroyo when water falls. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
[Telegram.] 
Bbownsville, Tex., September 25, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: a 
Saturday, four cases, one death; Sunday, nine cases; to-day, two 
cases, no deaths. Several cases at Isabel—one death. Relief sent to 
ranches, but curtailed in city. Can cutter bring accumulated mail 
from Galveston now? Will she carry out mail? 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
WOLFF, Health Officer. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Bailhache, Surgeon M.-H. S., Washington: 
Corpus Christi, September 25, 1882. 
Four cases of fever in camps of refugees sixty miles from here. One 
case of black-vomit reported at the Jarita ranch, eight miles this side 
of Arroyo. Cordon from Laredo to south side of Zapata County per- 
fected; twenty men on duty. Seven men south of Corpus guarding 
refugees. 
A. E. SPOHN. 53 
[Telegram.] 
Bailhache, for Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C.: 
Corpus Christi, Tex., September 26, 1882. 
Can I keep six guards—two to guard refugees, four general inspec- 
tion duty—for fear tramps may come through Murray’s line; and I 
think it necessary to keejD look out. 
A. E. SPOHN. 
[Telegram.] 
September 20, 1882. 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi : 
Yes. Keep good lookout, and retain the six guards. 
BAILHACHE, Surgeon, 
For the Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 26, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). C.: 
Five new cases, one death, here. Isabel, one death—Deputy Collec- 
tor Davis. Elver cordon completed to Laredo. No fever on Texas 
side from twenty miles above this place. Fever increasing at Eey- 
nosa, Camargo, and Mier, with great mortality. 
MUERAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
September 26, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Doctor Spohn reports case of black-vomit at Jarita ranch, eight miles 
above Arroyo. Employ more men when necessary. Cutter will carry 
mail to Brazos on next cruise south, but cannot bring away mail. 
JNO. C. NEW, 
Acting Secretary. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., September 27, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton : 
Five new cases; no deaths. Surgeon Murray gone to inspect Jarita 
and other ranches reported as infected outside cordon, with intention 
of placing cordon around them, Arroyo remaining as a base, if infec- 
tion is found. Reports believed to be unfounded. 
GOODRICH, Acting Collector. 54 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Brownsville, Tex., September 28, 1882. 
No new cases; no deaths. Surgeon Murray, at Jarita, reports no 
fever there, or at other ranches outside cordon reported as infected. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
September 28. 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex.: 
Surgeon Murray visited Jarita ranch. Reports no fever there, or 
other ranches outside. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Brownsville, Tex., September 30, 1882. 
Three new cases fever. One death from yellow fever. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
Brownsville, Tex., September 30, 1882. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Eleven new cases of fever. Two deaths from yellow fever. There are 
several cases intermittent and remittent fever. 
GOODRICH, Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
October 2, 1882. 
Doctor CooKEj Custom-House, Galveston, Tex.: 
If Surgeon Murray needs any supplies, forward them hy cutter which 
leaves for Brazos to-day. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 2, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). C.: 
Four cases, no deaths, since Saturday. Cordon perfect, with no 
fever beyond it. Closed hospital to-day. Shall surplus supplies be 
sold to liquidate miscellaneous bills? 
MURRAY, Surgeon.. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 55 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
October 3, 1882. 
Destroy hospital-bedding used with yellow-fever patients. Pack 
medicines, store at custom-house; other appliances must be sold, 
and proceeds deposited in Government depository. Forward bills for 
payment. Commissary supplies on hand, if needed to relieve suffer- 
ing persons, may be issued to relief committee. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 6, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Seven new cases, one death, past forty-eight hours. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
GOODEIGH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 7, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, B. C. : 
Five cases the past twenty-four hours; no deaths. Disease continues 
in ranches, but is not fatal. Continues with severity in Mexican 
towns. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
GOODEICH, Collector. 
[Telegram. J 
October 10, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray, Brownsville, Tex.: 
Offer your services to local authorities for house inspection, should 
they deem necessary. Employ your assistants in same service. As 
soon as work is done, let them proceed to cordon, pass necessary de- 
tention, fumigation, and order them home. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 
[Telegram.] 
Broavnsvillb, Tex., October 10, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G.: 
Ten new cases and two deaths from yellow fever past seventy-two 
hours. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
GOODEICH, Collector. 56 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 11, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C. : 
Three cases, no deaths, past twenty-four hours. No fever beyond 
Arroyo. Towsey at Point Isabel, Tanner at Santa Maria, Burke in 
garrison. Impracticable to pass assistants through cordon and across 
country. Will subsist them here. 
MIXER AY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
J. B. Hamilton, 
Corpus Christi, Tex., October 12, 1882. 
Surgeon-General M.-H. S., Washington, D. G.: 
Owing to strict local quarantine between places on the Rio Grande 
and Mexican interior, large numbers are thrown on the border. In- 
crease force of six men needed on line between Laredo and Rio Grande 
City. Is the increase authorized1? 
ARTHUR E. SPOHN, 
Acting Assistant Surgeon M.-H. S. 
NELSON PLATO, 
Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C. : 
Seven cases past twenty-four hours; no deaths. 
Brownsville, Tex., October 12, 1882. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G.: 
Brownsville, Tex., October 13, 1882. 
Three new cases and one death from yellow fever past twenty-four 
hours. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
October 13,1882. 
Doctor Spohn, Corpus Christi, Tex. 
Increase of six men authorized. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 57 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 14, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, JD. G.: 
One case, no deaths, past twenty-four hours. Disease diminishing 
in ranches from want of material. None outside of cordon. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 18, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Nine cases, one death, since report of 14th. No fever across the 
cordon. Efforts to nullify results on the part of politicians. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 19, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G. : 
Three cases past day. One death, of recently arrived person. Brisk 
norther blowing, after hard shower. 
MURRAY, Surgeon, 
WOLFF, Health Officer. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington D. G.: 
Three new cases in forty-eight hours: no deaths. 
Brownsville, Tex., October 21, 1882. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., October 24, 1882. 
Surgeon Murray : 
As soon as Arroyo cordon can be safely discontinued, do so, and 
notify this office immediately when safe to dissolve Rio Grande cordon. 
Report. 
HAMILTON, Surgeon-General. 58 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Brownsville, Tex., October 25, 1882. 
Fifteen new cases, no deaths, since 21st. Surgeon Murray on cor- 
don. 
E. H. GOODWICH, 
Acting Collector. 
Brownsville, Tex., October 26, 1882. 
[Telegram.) 
Surgeon-General Hamilton : 
Eight new cases in twenty-four hours; no deaths. Arroyo cordon 
will be disbanded at earliest possible moment, bnt not before the dis- 
ease subsides at Mier. If disbanded sooner, disease will be carried into 
the country. The river guards nearly all on the cordon. Murray is 
compelled to give personal attention on horseback to the protective 
measures. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Two new cases past twenty-four hours; no deaths. 
Brownsville, Tex., October 27, 1882. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G. : 
Brownsville, Tex., October 28, 1882. 
One new case; no deaths. Murray, on river cordon at Roma, re- 
ports fever on increase in Camargo; decreasing slightly in Mier. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 
Brownsville, Tex., October 30, 1882. 
[Telegram.] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Incoming mail not detained; outgoing detained at Pena Station, 
on Laredo and Corpus Railroad. 
E. H. GOODRICH, 
Acting Collector. 59 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., November 1, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Fifteen cases since Saturday; no deaths. No fever behind the guard 
line. Have increased the upper river guard. Quarantine against 
Matamoras raised. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., November 2, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Three cases past twenty-four hours; no deaths. One case Santa 
Maria. Near west end of cordon some fever, and much ague in ranches. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Laredo, Tex., November 2, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G.: 
Your telegram received here yesterday. Officers sent to Pena to- 
dab to fumigate mails from Brownsville and forward at once. 
PLATO, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, I). G. : 
Brownsville, Tex., November 3, 1882. 
Two cases past day; no deaths. Weather hot and sultry. Ague 
increasing in town and country. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
Brownsville, Tex., November 4, 1882. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. G.: 
Three cases past day; no deaths. Mail starts on steamer to-day. 
Out-going mail prohibited transit at Pena, Duval County. All valu- 
able mail has found exit via Monterey, Mexico. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 60 
[Telegram.] 
Laredo, Tex., November 4, 1882. 
Hamilton, Surgeon-General, M.-H. S., Washington, I). C.: 
Owing to extreme heat prevailing, authorities here refuse to permit 
Pena mail from Brownsville forwarded, even after fumigation. Ther- 
mometer ranges high as ninety-two daily. Soon as change of weather 
occurs, the delayed mails will be fumigated and forwarded. 
PLATO, Collector. 
KING, U. S. M.-H. S. 
AINSWORTH, Assistant Surgeon TJ. S. A. 
J. P. ARTHUR, City H. 0. of Laredo. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., November 5, 1882. 
•Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, T>. G. : 
One case at Point Isabel yesterday. People returning to Mier and 
Camargo take fever. Seven deaths Camargo third; eleven deaths 
Mier second and third 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram.] 
Brownsville, Tex., November 6, 1882. 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, 
Washington, 1). C.: 
Pour cases, one death, past two days. Weather hot and calm. Un- 
safe to discharge guards to-day. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, D. C.: 
Brownsville, Tex., November 7, 1882. 
Two cases past day; no deaths. Slight breeze, but no material 
changes. 
MURRAY, Surgeon. 
GOODRICH, Collector. 61 
[Telegram. ] 
Surgeon-General Hamilton, Washington, JD. (J.: 
Brownsville, Tex., November 10, 1882. 
Fever cases occur yet, but difficult to get number. Arroyo cordon 
removed to-day. Eeceive-guards in Hidalgo and Starr Counties con- 
tinued. 
MUEEAY, Surgeon. 
GOODEIOH, Collector. 
The following notice was given in relation to the cordon sanitaire 
at Brownsville: 
Aviso al Publico. 
Habiendose establecido un cordon de sanidad, desde la boca del 
Eio Grande hasta la linea del Condado de Hidalgo y por el Arroyo 
Colorado hasta el Golfo, con el fin de encerrar y curar la fiebre am- 
arilla que hoy existe en esta poblacion y condado, se les avisa a todos 
los habitantes del districto dentro dicho cordon, que esta prohibida 
la salda, si no es bajo las condiciones que esta oflcina establesca y 
publica. 
Las personas que desean salir, pasarau una cuarentena de diez dias, 
en algun pun to de la linea en que no haya enfermedad y bajo la vigi- 
lancia de un guarda de la cuarentena. A los ocho dias se han de 
lavar y sahumar la ropa que llevan, entendiendose que no se les jmr- 
mitan llevar para fuera ropa de cama, ni ropa 6 lienzo de lana, ni 
baules 5 otras cubiertas que no han sido sahumados. Pasados los 
diez dias y estando en buena salud se les dan permiso para salir. 
Personas del otro lado del Arroyo Colorado, pueden pasar la linea 
para dentro con el solo objecto de llevar provisiones 6 necesarios de 
la vida, bajo la condicion que se han de entrar despues de la salida 
del sol y volver a pasar para fuera el mismo dia antes que se mete el 
sol. 
Pueden mandar mercancias para el Arroyo de Brownsville 6 Santa 
Maria bajo las condiciones siguientes : 
Que el conductor de ellas no duenna dentro una casa en el camino 
y que no lleva ropa 6 ropa de cama infectado para la orilla del dis- 
tricto. 
Se ha establecido una estacion de la cuarentena en el rancho del Sr. 
J. G. Tucker cerca a Santa Maria en donde las personas que quieren 
salir, pueden pasar los diez dias de la cuarentena, sin gasto para casa, 
lena 6 agua. 
A todos los habitantes del districto fuera de Brownsville, se les 
recomieuda particularmente, a que no admitan en sus casas a personas 
que residen en el pueblo y que cuando sus negocios les Hainan al 
pueblo, que salgan el mismo dia. 
Se dese.a que estas restricciones scan aplicado con todo la indul- 
gencia posible y se espera que todos se trata de conforraase a ellas, 62 
por que no tienen otro objecto que salvar a vidas x>reciosas, y el pronto 
reestablecimiento del trafico y comercio. 
Qnartel general del cordon de sanidad del Rio Grande y Arroyo 
Colorado, Brownsville, Texas, Setiembre 11 de 1882. 
E. D. MUEEAY, 
Surgeon IT. S. M.-H. Service. 
C. B. COMBE, 
Deputy State Health Officer. 
E. H. GOODEICH, 
Acting Collector of Customs. 
[Translation. ] 
Notice to the Public. 
A sanitary cordon having been established from the month of the 
Rio Grande to the line of Hidalgo County, and along Colorado river 
down to the Gulf, for the purpose of confining and stamping out the 
yellow fever,, which now exists in this county, notice is hereby given 
to all the inhabitants of the district situated within the said cordon 
that no person is allowed to cross the cordon otherwise than under 
the conditions prescribed and promulgated by this office. 
Persons desiring to leave will pass a quarantine of ten days at some 
point on the line where there is no disease, and under the supervision 
of a quarantine guard. On the expiration of eight days the clothing 
of the persons in quarantine must be washed and fumigated, it being- 
understood that they will not be permitted to carry outside, bedding, 
woollen clothes, or underwear, and trunks or other packages which 
have not been fumigated. At the expiration of the ten days persons 
in good health get a permit to leave. 
Persons from the other side of Colorado river may cross the line 
when coming for the sole purpose of fetching provisions or necessaries 
of life, under the condition that they must come in after sunrise and 
leave on the same day before sunset. 
Goods may be conveyed across the river from Brownsville or Santa 
Maria under the following conditions: That the carrier shall not sleep 
in any house on the way, nor carry infected clothing or bedding across 
the line of the district. 
A quarantine station has been established on the ranche of Mr. J. 
G. Tucker, near Santa Maria, where the persons desiring to leave may 
pass the ten days of the quarantine, without charge for room, fuel, and 
water. 
It is particularly recommended to all the inhabitants of the district 
outside of Brownsville not to admit to their dwellings persons resid- 63 
ing in the city, and not to stay overnight if coining to the city for 
business. 
It is desired that these restrictions should be applied with all pos- 
sible leniency, and it is expected that all persons will cheerfully sub- 
mit to them, for the reason that their sole object is the preservation of 
precious human lives and the prompt re-establishment of trade and 
intercourse. 
Headquarters of the Sanitary Cordon of Eio Grande and Colorado 
Eiver, Brownsville, Texas, September 11, 1882: 
E. D. MIJEEAY, 
Surgeon U. S. M.-H. Service. 
Deputy State Health Officer. 
C. B. COMBE, 
E. H. GOODEICH, 
Acting Collector of Customs.