Autograph Letter Signed

Yellow Fever Epidemic and Clothing

Hodgdon does not believe that the clothing was infected from the recent yellow fever epidemic and explains why. He has also consulted a Doctor Hodge, who says that there is no danger of infection. Recommends that the last load, for the 4th Sub Legion, be aired before sent to destination.

Yellow fever epidemic and clothing

1793

08

31

Philadelphia

Copy for Major Craig

Henry Knox

Samuel Hodgdon

Doctor Hodge

McKebbin

Major Isaac Craig

Philadelphia

yellow fever

epidemic

sickness

illness

clothing

infection

stores

invoice

aired

Yellow Fever epidemic

1793083154001

1

Philadelphia 31st Augt 1793
Sir -- No 123
I received your Note of yesterday --
With respect to the Clothing forwarded I will state
a few facts and then give you my opinion respecting
the probability of its having received any infection. ---
Nearly the whole of Clothing was in the Store
before any signs of the malady that has proved
so fatal to the neighborhood appeared -- The
room in which it was deposited is a large airy
one, three stories high, and unconnected with
any other. No person affected has touched
any part of it. The moment my men com-
plained I sent them off, and when I felt
the symptoms of the disease I retired myself.
This much for facts --- In a matter of so
much importance I have consulted professional
men -- Doctor Hodge gives me leave to mention
his name --- he joins with me in the opinion that
not the smallest danger of infection from the
clothing needs to be apprehended ---- But, Sir, for
prudence sake alone I would recommend
that the last load that went on which was
by McKebben on the 26th instant and is
numbered agreeably to an invoice inclosed
this morning by post to Major Craig, be opened
and aired before it is sent to its destination --
The clothing is for the 4th SubLegion ---
Sincerely & affectionately
Yours,
/ signed / Samuel Hodgdon
General Knox
(Copy for Major Craig)