Page 29 - Fever 1793

I fanned myself with the wooden spoon. “Grandfather says this trouble will soon be over. He says people don’t have gumption anymore.”
Eliza mumbled something under her breath that I couldn’t quite hear. When it came to strong-headed opinions, Eliza, my mother, and my grandfather were evenly matched. She untied her apron and hung it from the hook.
“Where are you going?” I asked. “Grandfather and I could run any errand you need.”
“Not this errand, you couldn’t.” Eliza reached for her pretty straw hat. “The Free African Society is having a meeting about the fever. It should prove a lively gathering. I’ll return in time for supper.”
Out back, the door of the necessary slammed.
“Mattie Cook!” called Grandfather. “Must I wait all day?”
Andrew Browns print shop smelled of ink and grease and the sweat of muscular apprentices carrying trays of lead type from the composing table to the printing press. When I was a child, Mr. Brown let me pick out letters and set them in the form. It had been a thrill seeing my words in print.
The printer issued no invitation to me that morning. He was deep in conversation with Mr. Carris as we entered.
“What news, William?” Mr. Brown asked. “Packed your bags for a trip to the country?” He wiped his hands on his apron and sent an apprentice for a bucket of ale.
Grandfather banged his cane on the floor.
“I didn’t run from the redcoats, and I won’t run from a dockside miasma. What is wrong with people, Andrew? We suffered all kinds of disease in our youth, but folks were sensible. They didn’t squall like children and hide in the woods.”
Mr. Carris cleared his throat.
“If the yellow fever were a soldier, you’d run it through with your famous sword and sit down to a hearty dinner. But there may be cause for caution, old friend. Listen to the mayors orders which Andrew has just printed.” He picked up a broadsheet and read:
“ON ADVICE FROM THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS:
1. ALL PERSONS SHOULD AVOID THOSE THAT ARE INFECTED. 2. THE HOMES OF THE SICK SHOULD BE MARKED.
3. SICK PEOPLE SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE CENTER OF LARGE AIRY ROOMS WITHOUT CURTAINS AND SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAN.
4. WE MUST SUPPLY A HOSPITAL FOR THE POOR.
5. ALL BELL TOLLING SHOULD CEASE IMMEDIATELY.
6. THE DEAD SHOULD BE BURIED PRIVATELY.
7. THE STREETS AND WHARVES MUST BE KEPT CLEAN.
8. ALL PERSONS SHOULD AVOID FATIGUE OF THE BODY AND MIND.
9. ALL PERSONS SHOULD AVOID BEING IN THE SUN, DRAFTS, AND EVENING AIR.