The terror of the tents, or, Quarantine restrictions as imposed and enforced in Jamaica during the prevalence of small-pox, under so-called paternal government.

Date:: 1872

Credit: The terror of the tents, or, Quarantine restrictions as imposed and enforced in Jamaica during the prevalence of small-pox, under so-called paternal government. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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$for general use, a fact attested by ^^r.—■— , . states that the only medicine ordered for an individnal pa- tient was some mixture for Wm. Bennett, who took two doses before he died. Fourth Subject of Inquiry. Has necessary medical supervision and attendance been paid to those suffering from Small-po.\ wliile placed under so-called quarantine restrictions ] It would appear that the number of persons admitted into the tents from the latter end of March till the -5th May was nine, of whom five are said to have died. It would appear that two medical gentlemen had the supervision of the Quarantine Regulations, namely, Drs. Ross and Cargill,—the latter being the District Medical Officer. There appears to have been a very general belief that the Medical Officer of the district had expressed his inten- tion not to attend any Small-pox patients who he was not bound by his appointment to attend, on the plea, that if he did so, his other patients would not employ him ■, , , and Mr can speak as to this point; and I am compelled, most reluctantly, from what Mr. —-. has mentioned to me (25th June) to add, myself can prove. It appears also that the Medical Officer of the district had distinctly declared that it was not his duty, as Govern- ment Medical Officer, to attend any of the poor persons of the parish, but those on the pauper list. On this point , —, and myself, at least, can speak. It is commonly stated that the District Medical Officer, when called to cases of Small-pox, or cases in which per- sons were or might be supposed to be suffering from Small-pox, did not examine them in the usual manner ; that for the most part, at least, he kept at a distance, and did not touch the patient; that he was satisfied with the report of the nurse or Irieuds. On this point , , and can speak. The same absence of approach to, and of examination of the patient, is said to have existed on the part of the Medical Officer as regards the inmates in the tents. On X\\\s point the same parties above named can speak, as$