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July 25, 1855

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
Yellow Fever at Gosport.

The Norfolk Herald of yesterday morning has the following explicit article on the subject of the introduction of yellow fever into Gosport, a sort of appendage to Portsmouth, inhabited chiefly by the workmen of the Navy Yard. We trust that the vigilant measures adopted may prevent the further propagation of the dreaded epidemic.

The steamer Ben Franklin, Capt. Bynan, from St. Thomas, arrived at quarantine on the 7th June. It was boarded by the Health officer, to whom the captain stated that she had no case of yellow fever on board; a fireman had died suddenly from disease of the heart, and the man who took his place had also died of exhaustion; with these exceptions, the crew had been entirely free from disease. The steamer remained at quarantine 12 days and no case of sickness having occurred in that time, the Health Officer finding the vessel in a cleanly condition, with the consent of the Board of Health, gave her a permit to come up into the harbor, on the 19th June, upon the positive condition that her hold was not to be broken out.–Having contracted with a party in Gosport to have her work done there, she was taken up to Page and Allen's shipyard, (next to the navy yard wall.) There she remained 19 days, during which period he stated the Captain violated his engagement in having the hold broken open.

On the 5th of July, a man who had been at work on board of her was taken sick, and his disease believed to be yellow fever. This was the first case in 28 day since the steamer's arrival. He died on the 8th of July, and the Town Councils of Portsmouth immediately convened and issued an order to send her back to quarantine, which was done forthwith and she now remains there. Following this case there was a number of others, among whom were six of the hands belonging to the steamer, who were sent to the Marine Hospital; two of whom have died. In Gosport six persons have died in all–including the man before named, and the following is a list of their names and residence. Mr. Carter of Richmond; Jacob M. Race, New Jersey; Mrs. Duberry, Hampton, Frederick Godwin, Gosport; Miss Follins, Gosport.

About fifteen cases remain under treatment.

As yet the epidemic has been confined to the vicinity of Page & Allen's ship yard, which has been boarded up and all communication with it interdicted. We have not heard of any case beyond this small infected district, which was not contracted within it; and have no doubt, with due precaution, the ill be kept confined to its present limits and soon cause for want of material to feed upon. Whatever rumor may say to the contrary, we truly assert that both Portsmouth and Norfolk are entirely free from epidemics of every kind, and as healthful as usual at this season–in the latter we will answer for, as every precaution will be used to keep it so.

The Councils of Portsmouth, we understand, have instituted a Sanitary Committee, with plenary powers to take any measures they may deem proper to remove the causes and prevent the introduction of disease within the town. The committee consists of the following gentlemen:
J. N. Schoolfield, M. D.
I . V. Pratt and Geo. R. Snead.

The committee, we are informed, will publish daily reports in the Transcript of the progress of the disease.

July 26, 1855.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.

YELLOW FEVER IN PORTSMOUTH.–A letter writer from Portsmouth, under date of July 22nd, says that there is intense excitement there on account of the yellow fever in Gosport. The Irish were the principal sufferers. There were five cases in Portsmouth. Gosport was fenced in and watchmen placed at every avenue to prevent persons from passing. Business was almost suspended.

The Norfolk and Portsmouth papers do not mention the "intense excitement." The Portsmouth Transcript published the report of the Board of Physicians which dates up to Monday night. The following is the report:

From the returns of three physicians, there were under treatment at sunset last night (Monday) 18 cases. Up to the present time there have been eight deaths only. The disease is principally confined to Gosport, there being only a few cases in other parts of the town, and they originated in Gosport."

Friday Morning, July 27, 1855.

EPIDEMICS.

Some facts upon the Epidemics of the middle ages are given in a German work by Dr. Hecker, which are of more than abstract interest, relating as they do to the terrific power of certain unknown agents of mortality, which there is reason to fear still exist, and which occasionally manifest themselves and set at defiance all the skill and science of our modern civilization.

Prominent among the epidemics of the middle ages was the "Black Death," by which it is computed twenty-five millions of people–one fourth of the then population of Europe–were destroyed. The disease is believed to have originated in the kingdom of Cathay, to the north of China, in the year 1333. Thence it spread in a westerly direction, making its appearance in Constantinople in 1347. It appeared in France in 1348, and in England the following year. It next visited Scotland, Norway, Russia and Poland, in which latter country three-fourths of the entire population perished, and in Norway and Russia two-thirds. The disease is described by Hecker as a species of oriental plague, exhibiting itself in inflammatory boils and tumors of the glands, accompanied with burning thirst; sometimes, also, with inflammation of the lungs and expectoration of blood; in other cases, with vomitings of blood and fluxes of the bowels, terminating like malignant cholera, with a discoloration of the skin, and black spots indicating putrid decomposition, from which it was called, in the north of Europe, the "Black Death." The attacks were usually fatal within two or three days of the first symptom appearing, but in many cases were even more sudden, some falling as if struck by lightning.–In some countries, dogs, cats, fowls, and other animals, were affected by the disease and died in great numbers. In England it was followed by a fatal murrain among the cattle, occasioning a great rise in the price of food.

The "Black Death" had scarcely subsided when a new and extraordinary epidemic appeared in Europe, known as the Dancing Mania, or Tarantism, a name applied to it in Italy, where it was attributed to the bite of a ground spider, common in Apulia, called the tarantula. The disease, it is said, showing itself in violent and involuntary contractions of the muscles of the legs, the physicians of the times formed the idea that if the patients were encouraged to dance until they fell down exhausted with fatigue, a reaction would commence, by which a cure might be promoted. Bands of music were therefore provided and airs composed to suit this wild kind of dancing; but "the public exhibition of these dancers seems to have had the effect of propagating the disorder over the whole of Germany, doubtless through the power of that sympathetic action of the nervous system which, in the familiar instances of laughing and yawning, will impel a large company to imitate the example of a single individual."

* * *The dancing mania continued in Italy as late as the seventeenth century, long after it had disappeared from Germany. Mention is also made of an epidemic, called the biting mania, which began with a nun, in a German nunnery, showing a propensity to bite her companions, and which spread to many other nunneries; and of a mewing mania, which commenced with the case of a sick nun in a French convent, and became equally infectious, all the nuns in the convent commencing mewing at a certain time in the day, for several hours together. Both these epidemics occurred in the fifteenth century, when nervous diseases appear to have been unusually prevalent in Europe.

A disease, called the "sweating sickness," broke out in England in 1545, producing a fatality nearly as great as that of the "Black Death." It visited England five times, the last visitation, at least under that name occurring in 1551. The disorder is described as a violent inflammatory fever, which prostrated the powers at a blow, caused painful oppressions in the stomach and head, accompanied by a lethargic stupor, and suffused the whole body with a fetid perspiration.–The disease arrived at its crisis in a few hours, and not more than one in a hundred of those attacked, escaped with life. Robust and vigorous men were the principal victims, children and the aged almost universally escaping.

Fatal epidemics, popularly known as plagues, continued, after the year 1551, to be of frequent occurrence in London. The great plague of 1665, carried off 68,566 inhabitants of that city. The disease is described as "commencing with shivering, nausea, headache, and delirium, followed by sudden faintness, total prostration of strength, and sometimes paroxysms of frenzy. If the patient survived these to the third day, buboes commonly appeared, and when these could be made to suppurate, there was hope of recovery."

A disease, called the "plague of the guts," is mentioned in a table of London casualties which occurred in 1659 and 1660. There can be but little doubt that this disease was cholera, in its malignant form; common dysentery being separately mentioned under the heads of "bloody flu" and "scouring." It appeared again in 1665, and occasioned great devastation in 1670 and 1699. The minute descriptions given of the disease by an eminent medical authority, identify it with the epidemic cholera, of this period, and explode the view that before the year 1814, the cholera was altogether unknown either in India or Europe.

The yellow fever, that scourge of our own times, though endemic in the tropical climates, is occasionally epidemic in some of the higher northern latitudes. It has at times raged with considerable violence in New York and Philadelphia. It is most common in sea-ports, though occasionally found in inland situations. It runs its course generally in from two-to-five days, a part of the cases terminating in black vomit. Those well acquainted with this disease, say that everything depends on careful nursing. We believe that the large majority of physicians deny that the yellow fever is contagious.–The rapidity with which it sometimes spreads is attributed by them to the causes which make it an epidemic, and not to any contagious quality.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Norfolk, July 25, 1855.

I have been unable to advise you by telegraph of the ravages of the yellow fever in Gosport, because the miserable line between Portsmouth and Petersburg was down or out of order, as usual. I suppose by this time the Portsmouth papers have given you the particulars. By the by, if some enterprising association of gentlemen would purchase this line, they would find a profitable investment for $10,000 or $12,000. It works well enough when in good order. The offices in Portsmouth and Petersburg have excellent operators in them–but it is very seldom in that condition.

Business of every description is dull; and now that the yellow fever has broken out on the opposite side, and is likely to become an epidemic, trade, it is feared, will become completely stagnated. Various reports, mostly exaggerated, are flying around in regard to it. As far as I can learn, there have been about eight deaths and sixteen cases; it was brought to Gosport in a steamship called the Ben Franklin, which arrived from St. Thomas; and although the health officers from both towns boarded her, she was allowed, through some oversight, to come up and go to Gosport, and a party of Irishmen who worked on board contracted the disease, which was its first appearance there. Great excitement prevails on that side of the river, and all communication between the Navy Yard (main gate) has been cut off. The Gosport bridge has been partly torn down to prevent persons from crossing.

It was rumored yesterday that two deaths had occurred here, but I think it was untrue. Our street inspector seems very energetic in keeping the city cleansed and if our citizens generally second his endeavors, I think there is but little cause for alarm. It is stated that many of the workmen in the Navy Yard have left for home, but I cannot vouch for its correctness.

MAYOR WOODIS AND THE COUNCIL being at logger heads, about the appointment of Watchmen, we have no regular department in that branch of the city government, and in lieu, His Honor appoints daily a volunteer watch or patrole, composed of citizens of our city–and there are many here so much pleased with it, that when they cannot serve as volunteers they act on the opposite side, and instead of caging, get caged; as in the case of one of my acquaintances who was locked up on Saturday night, having acted as patrole himself the night previous.

Correspondence of the Dispatch
Hampton, July 26.

The reports of yellow fever from Gosport–wonderful to say–are not at all exaggerated, and nobody here feels the least alarm.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.

YELLOW FEVER IN GOSPORT.–ITS ORIGIN.–The Norfolk Herald publishes the fact that the yellow fever was introduced into Gosport by the deception of the Captain of the Ben Franklin, who pledged his word to the Health Officer that there was no sickness on board, when there was a man sick with the yellow fever on the vessel, who died in Gosport on the 20th. Notwithstanding this fact, the Captain sent on to New York for another crew–the former crew having left him. The men came on, like sheep to the slaughter. Two of them died of the fever, and all the others are down with it. The owners of the vessel, in consequence, have discharged Capt. Bynan, and appointed Capt. Harrison to command her. The following is the report of the Sanitary Committee of Portsmouth up to Tuesday evening:

According to the returns received from four physicians there have been three new cases of fever, and two deaths, for the twenty-four hours ending at sunset yesterday.

All the cases originated in Gosport, as yet no case has been reported as originating in any other place.

Monday, July 30, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

THE YELLOW FEVER AT GOSPORT.–The Petersburg Express has a letter from Gosport, with the following list of yellow fever victims there. The letter is under date of Thursday last:

John Cooke, Robert Allen, Bridget Flood, ____ Connelly, all Irish and living in Leigh's Row, Mrs. Duberry and Michael Noland, on the opposite side of the street, Miss Follins, (near the Navy Yard gate,) Jacob M. Race from New Jersey at Mrs. Cushing's Boarding House; Frederick Godwin and P. E. Glenn, son and son-in-law of Alexander Godwin; and ____ Aland, (Irish) on Randolph street; Mrs. Lyons, (Irish) Randolph street; Mrs. Cushing, M. A. McFadden, clerk of the Foundry; and Mrs. Eliza Glenn, daughter of Alexander Godwin are not expected to live but a short time. There are some twenty cases under treatment, most of whom are our adopted Irish citizens.

August 1, 1855.

YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK

It will be seen by reference to our latest news that this much dreaded epidemic has indeed made its appearance in Norfolk, where, up to Monday night, there had been seventeen cases and two deaths. In Portsmouth, we regret to say, it is still increasing, though not rapidly. The corporate authorities of New York have declared both Norfolk and Portsmouth infected places, and subjected all vessels from those ports to quarantine.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Norfolk, July 30, 1855.

The yellow fever, as might have been expected, made its appearance in our city, notwithstanding every precaution was taken to prevent the spread of the disease from Gosport. I understand that the disease was brought here by a woman who escaped from the infected district at Gosport.

The deaths here up to this evening are reported as three, and the number of cases twenty. I am pleased to learn that the Sisters of Charity connected with St. Patrick's Church here, volunteered their services to aid the sick in the hospitals, and their force is to be divided between here and Portsmouth. Should death thin their ranks, or the disease spread very rapidly, they will be reinforced from Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The agents of the Richmond and New York steam are telegraphed today to Richmond, to have the Jamestown anchored at Old Point. The Roanoke is now in quarantine at New York.

The disease here commenced in "Barry's Row," a filthy place; and the deaths which have occurred, took place there. One patient, who died Thursday had the black vomit twelve hours before he died.

The Sanitary Committee of Gosport report 10 new cases of fever for the twenty-four hours ending Saturday evening, and three deaths. MARINER.

August 2, 1855

LOCAL MATTERS (RICHMOND)

CITY COUNCIL.–A called meeting of the Council was held at the Chamberlain's office yesterday afternoon at four o'clock, Messrs. McCance, Quarles, Sinton, Stearns, Ayres, Richards, Scott, Fry, Snead and Crutchfield being present.

The President being absent, on motion of Mr. Quarles, Mr. McCance was requested to act as Chairman.

Special Business.–The Chairman, on taking his seat, stated that the Council had been called together to fix a quarantine ground for vessels coming from Norfolk, Gosport and Portsmouth, where the yellow fever exists; and that he had called on Mr. R. T. Daniel, the City Attorney, and requested him to prepare an ordinance to meet the emergency of the case.

Mr. Daniel being present, reported the following ordinance, which was read, explained and adopted. It reads as follows:

An Ordinance concerning Quarantine.

I. Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Richmond that there shall be established, by and with the concurrence of the county Court of Henrico, a Quarantine Ground for the city of Richmond, between a line drawn across James River from a point at high water mark on the Henrico side, and a point at high water mark on the Chesterfield side of said river, so as to touch the lower end of Hancock's Island, and a line drawn from the Henrico side, at a point at high water mark opposite Warwick, to a point at high water mark on the Chesterfield side which points shall be designated and marked by the Superintendent of Quarantine.

II. Quarantine shall be performed on the said ground by vessels, persons and merchandise coming or brought from any port or place, whence the Council, by resolution published in one or more of the newspapers published in the city of Richmond, shall declare it probable that any plague or other infectious disease may be brought during such time and in such manner as shall be directed by the Council by resolution published as aforesaid; and until they are discharged from such quarantine, no such persons or merchandise shall be brought on shore, or go, or be put on board any other vessel, but in such case or in such manner as shall be permitted by the orders of the Council; and the vessels and persons receiving goods out of such vessels shall be subject to the orders concerning quarantine, and for preventing infection which shall be made by the Council.

III. There shall be a Superintendent of Quarantine, who, during the time of actual quarantine performed in said ground, shall receive five dollars per diem for his services; and he shall have such assistants as the Council may appoint.

IV. The quarantine herein provided, and all persons, vessels and goods subject thereto, shall in all things be governed and regulated by the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 20th actions of chapter 86 of the Code of Virginia, and such regulations consistent therewith as the Council may ordain.

V. The Superintendent of Quarantine shall, under the direction and approval of the Council, provide by contract sufficient buildings and shelters for the safe keeping of the goods or merchandise which it may be necessary to land from on board any vessel performing quarantine in obedience to this ordinance, as well as for the accommodation of the person superintending.

VI. This ordinance shall be in force from its passage. [This ordinance cannot go into effect until concurred in by the county court of Henrico, which meets on Monday next.]

Superintendent of Quarantine.–On motion of Mr. Richards, the Council resolved to proceed to the election of a Superintendent of Quarantine.

Nominations.–Mr. Richards nominated Mr. Robert Rankin as a suitable person to fill that office.

Mr. Stearns seconded the nomination, believing as he did that a better selection could not be made.

Mr. Quarles nominated Capt. Wm. Burke, which nomination was warmly seconded by Mr. McCance.

There being no other nominations, the roll was called with the following result:

For Robert Rankin.–Messrs. Ayres, Crutchfield, Snead, Sinton, Stearns, Scott, Fry and Richards–8.

For Wm. Burks.–Messrs. McCance and Quarles–2.

So Mr. Rankin was declared elected.

Important Notice to Vessels.–Dr. Snead offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That until otherwise ordered by the Council of the city of Richmond, all sail and steam vessels of whatever class, coming from or touching at either of the ports of Norfolk, Portsmouth or Gosport, shall be subjected to quarantine limits for the port of the city of Richmond.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND GOSPORT.

The Norfolk papers of yesterday state that for the twenty-four hours ending on Tuesday at 2 P. M., there were six new cases and no deaths. The disease was still confined to Barry's Row, where it originated.

In Gosport, for the twenty-four hours ending Tuesday evening, there were six new cases and five deaths. The committee have erected a hospital for the sick, about one mile west of the town, where the sick will be kept, and to which place contributions from citizens for the sufferers will get sent. The medical officers of the U. S. Hospital have contributed $25 to their relief. The President and Secretary of the Navy have granted the use of one of the wings of the Naval Hospital for the sick of Portsmouth and Gosport.

August 3, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

QUARANTINE.–The City Council of Petersburg has taken steps to establish quarantine at City Point, against the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND GOSPORT.

The Norfolk and Portsmouth papers are received, but with reports not as late as those given by our Norfolk correspondent. The Norfolk official report, up to 2 P. M., Wednesday, says there was one new case of fever and two deaths. The Portsmouth committee, up to the same hour, report three new cases and three deaths. A report, showing larger mortality, is given by our correspondent, which may be relied upon as being correct.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Yellow Fever at Norfolk, Portsmouth and Gosport
Norfolk, Aug. 1, 9 P. M.

There have been twenty-four cases of yellow fever here since the disease appeared, up from yesterday evening, and five deaths. All in the same locality–Barry's Row–in which it originated. Thirteen are now under treatment, of which two will probably die with the next 12 hours. All the rest are doing well.

Since last night at 8 o'clock, there has been one new case and two deaths. G. S. U.

We learn by a passenger who came up from Portsmouth yesterday, that there were four deaths in Gosport Wednesday night, and two new cases in Portsmouth.

Baltimore, July 1.

Dr. Maund, by authority of the health department, left here on Tuesday evening in the steamer Louisiana, for Norfolk, and Dr. John F. Powell left this evening in the steamer Georgia, with the view of protecting this city against contagious diseases which might be brought here by persons residing in the infected districts. The board learn from ____ N. Falls, Esq., of the bay line of steamers, that the fever was decreasing in Norfolk on Tuesday evening, at which time the North Carolina left that port.

August 4, 1855.

YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The Norfolk papers of yesterday report no new cases of fever there for the 24 hours ending the day before and one death. There remains only eight cases under treatment. The report for the same time in Portsmouth shows that there were ten new cases and four deaths. A large number of sick had been sent to the Naval Hospital. The committee find it almost impossible to obtain conveyance for the sick from their residences to the Hospital. They call on the people for co-operation. Nurses are required for the patients in the Hospital, and they must be had at any cost.

The Norfolk Argus speaking of the disease there says:

We announce with much pleasure, that the fever seems to have spent itself in Barry's Row, and upon some of the hapless residents of those damp, filthy and unventilated tenements. We could hear of no new cases whatever, and the Board of Health reports none as late as 2 o'clock, and only one death for 24 hours ending at that hour. The few who are sick, or the most of them, are rapidly recovering under skillful treatment, and it is sincerely hoped that in a few days we shall have the happiness to declare every part of Norfolk entirely free from epidemic disease.

The Beacon, speaking Barry's Row, says:–As an evidence of the crowded state in which the tenants of Barry's Row lived, we are reliably informed that four families, at least, occupied every six of the small rooms, while in one tenement (a boarding house) sixteen laborers were wont to sleep in one room, and the whole number living there, including the landlord's family, being at least thirty.

August 6, 1855

YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The yellow fever is on the decrease in Norfolk. The report of the committee for the twenty-four hours ending Friday, 2 o'clock, P. M., shows five new cases of fever and no deaths. The patients are being removed from Barry's Row to Oak Grove and the houses of the row are being whitewashed and otherwise cleaned. The deaths in Norfolk for the month of July were 53, of which 3 were of yellow fever.

In Portsmouth, the reports of the committee show that the disease is increasing. For the twenty-four hours ending on Friday at 2 P. M., there were ten new cases, and eight deaths. The panic among the citizens was increasing, and fully one third had left the place. The grocery and dry goods stores generally are closed. The boarders at the Macon and Crawford House had left. J. A. Grimes, a policeman, died Friday, and G. Marshall, a gunner in the U. S. navy.

August 7, 1855.

YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.
Distressing State of Affairs.

The report of the Portsmouth Sanitary committee for the twenty-four hours ending Saturday, at 2 P. M., shows eight new cases of fever, and four deaths. In Norfolk, for the same time, there were no new cases and one death.

At Old Point Comfort, the commandant of the fort has issued an order forbidding the steamers from Norfolk to touch there and they now stop at Hampton. The effect of this was to cause quite a stampede among the visitors, and the Curtis Peck came up yesterday afternoon crowded with 300 passengers, among whom were families of Jas. Lyons, Esq., and Dr. Chas. S. Mills of Richmond.

The panic in and around Portsmouth was truly distressing. The steamer Coffee left her wharf yesterday morning loaded to her guards, and left fully a hundred on the wharf praying to be taken on board.

Persons from Hampton and the adjacent counties, were flying from the fever in all directions.

In Portsmouth a large number of stores were closed, as are two hotels and the public market house.

The telegraph operator, with his family, had fled from the city, leaving no one in the office there. We are, therefore, without telegraph dispatches.

The panic is fast becoming universal.

Arrangements have been made by which the Baltimore boats can get their passengers from the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad without touching at the infected cities.

C0rrespondence of the Dispatch.
Yellow Fever at Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Philadelphia, August 6, 1855.

The Board of Health has passed a resolution that, until otherwise ordered, all vessels coming to this port, including steamers, from Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., shall stop at the Lazaretto station, for the purpose of receiving a visit from the physician of that place before coming up to the city.

FEVER AT PORTSMOUTH

PORTSMOUTH, Aug. 7.–The Yellow Fever is on the increase here. Over half of our citizens have left the city

(SPECIAL DISPATCH)
YELLOW FEVER IN PORTSMOUTH.

PORTSMOUTH, Aug. 7.–The yellow fever is raging here terribly, with a fearful increase.

For the 24 hours ending yesterday, there were 15 new cases and 9 deaths–five of the deaths were at the Naval Hospital.

J. N. Schoolfield, chairman of the Sanitary Committee, is dead.

Mrs. Alex Godwin, the last of the family, died yesterday.

The reports from Norfolk are truly alarming.

August, 8, 1855.

YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The Norfolk Herald urges the use of disinfecting agents, but expresses its entire confidence in the speedy disappearance of the fever. Passengers by the Jamestown report that the fever is much worse in Norfolk than represented by either the press or the Sanitary Committee. The following is the report of the committee for forty-eight hours up to Monday evening.

Two cases of fever in the infected row, which were left as hopeless when the rest of the sick were removed, have since died.

There have been since Saturday's report, ten new cases of fever at the new hospital, among the families removed from the infected row, but the cases are reported to be mild, with the exception of a child four years old; and the cases previously reported are convalescent. No death in the hospital.

There is one case, reported by the attending physician to be yellow fever, which was developed out of the infected district, but probably originated from exposure to its atmosphere. It is now under treatment.

Two other cases have occurred in the city–one who had recently removed from the infected row, and the other from Gosport. Both are under treatment.

Everybody is flying from Norfolk and its vicinity in every conveyance that can be obtained.

Mrs. Capt. Barnum [or Barrum], wife of the commandant of the Navy Yard, was down with the fever.

Master J. Pendleton, reported dead in Portsmouth, is still alive.

For the reports from Norfolk see telegraphic head. None is published in consequence of the death of J. N. Schoolfield, chairman of the Sanitary Committee.

August 9, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

LIST OF THE DEAD.–The Petersburg Express publishes a list of the persons who have died of yellow fever in Portsmouth, since Friday night last. It will be seen that the telegraphic report of the death of Dr. J. N. Schoolfield was incorrect, as he still lives and acts as the chairman of the sanitary committee. The following is the list:

Wm. Dugan; Mrs. Herald, wife of John Herald, deceased, sent in my last report; Patrick Galilee; Jas. Fortune; Mrs. Mary Cooke; Alexander Godwin; Mrs. A. Godwin. (These are the last of a family of 12, every one of whom have been swept off with the fever during the past two weeks.) Mrs. Martin Flaherty, a most excellent woman; John Shannon, a youth, son of J. H. Shannon; Mrs. Waters; Mrs. Daniel Sullivan; Mrs. O'Niel; Robert Ash, son of Wm. Ash.; John K. Pendleton, a most excellent young man, and Captain's clerk on board the U. S. Ship Pennsylvania; Nancy Higgs, a sister-in-law of Geo. Marshall, dec'd; Moses Quarles, an overseer in the Navy Yard; Mrs. Brinkley Saunders; Mrs. Ayler, a widow lady; Miss Brown, a young daughter of Wm. D. Brown, ship-carpenter. Making in all 20, which added to those previously reported number 66.

Dr. D. C. Spratly, is recovering slowly.

LOCAL MATTERS.

DEATHS BY YELLOW FEVER.–Our readers have doubtless watched with painful anxiety the progress of this fatal disease in Gosport, Portsmouth and Norfolk and many of them have had occasion to shed bitter, bitter tears at the fatal inroads made in their circle of friends and acquaintances; but we know of no man whose afflictions have been more severe, and who has greater cause to bewail the devastating effects of this besom of destruction, then Mr. Mills C. Godwin, one of the compositors in the Dispatch office. Two weeks since, the father, mother, aunt, sister, brother, brother-in-law, nephew and cousin of Mr. Godwin were all living in Gosport, doing well, and enjoying good health. When the news reached this city that the yellow fever had made its appearance in that town, he consoled himself with the hope that the report was founded on an isolated case, carried there by some vessel, and knowing that his friends were temperate, prudent people, felt but little uneasiness for their safety. His feelings may be better imagined than described, when, a few days after, the telegraph brought the heart-rending news that his brother, Frederick A. Godwin, in the bloom of youth, and with worldly prospects the most flattering, had been seized by the scourge and hastened from time into eternity.– Bowed down with grief at the loss of his brother, and having his anxieties aroused for the remainder of his family, Mr. Godwin impatiently awaited the receipt of the dispatch, on the following day, on the arrival of which he learned that his brother-in-law, Mr. P. E. Glenn, had also fallen a prey to the fever and was no more.

Harrowing as was this sad intelligence, his cup of misery was not yet full, for on the next day he learned that his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Glenn, and her infant child, had been stricken down by the same unrelenting enemy, and had gone to join their husband and father, in another and a happier world. Well might Mr. Godwin exclaim in the anguish of his heart, "my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me," for, swift as the lightning's flash, came pouring in the sad news, that one after another was passing away. The thoughts of his aged mother and father seemed now to rend his very soul, and as messenger after messenger handed in their dispatches, he devoured their contents with burning eyes and aching heart, to learn the worst. The fourth victim was his cousin, Mrs. Amelia Jones. Then fell his aunt, Mrs. Mary B. Drewry–who, in turn was speedily followed by her son, Arthur Drewry, a lad about six years old. All, all were now gone save his mother and father, and a faint hope began to dawn on the mind's horizon, that Death had satiated his appetite and would spare them; but that hope was only momentary, for the next news that came informed Mr. Godwin that his father, Mr. A. H. Godwin, had fallen a prey to the disease, and been ushered from time into eternity.

Heart rending as was the agony created by this last message, ere he received it, another and a more agonizing one was outstripping the wind to tell him that his mother, Mrs. Eliza S. K. F. R. Godwin–that mother around whose knees he had spent so many happy hours in infancy–that mother who had trained his mind to honesty and truth–that mother whose advice had been his guiding star in manhood–that mother whose prayers to heaven for her son, had supported and sustained him when buffeting the adverse waves on life's ocean, was no more! Mr. Godwin, by the help of Providence, might have given up father, brother, sister, aunt, cousin and nephew, without repining, had his mother been spared him; but when she, too, was swept from earth to heaven–when the cold hand of death was laid heavily on her, and he not by her bedside to receive her parting blessing, and close her glassy eyes–was it unnatural for him to throw aside stern man, and weep like a child, refusing to be comforted. Bereft of every relative save three sisters, with heart bruised and broken by repeated afflictions, he can only hope for consolation.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The Sanitary Committee of Norfolk made the following report for the twenty-four hours ending Tuesday at 2 o'clock:

No new cases, or any death of yellow fever within the city limits, has come the knowledge of the Board.

There have been six new cases at the hospital, out of the city; deaths none.

We learn by a passenger from Portsmouth, that for the twenty-four hours ending Tuesday afternoon, there were seventeen new cases in that town and five deaths.

Mrs. Barrum, [or Barnum] wife of Capt. Barrum, commandant at the Navy Yard, our informant says, had died of the fever, and Capt. B. himself had been sent to the Naval Hospital, with the same disease. The papers do not mention Mrs. B's death.

The town council of Hampton has established quarantine against the infected ports, and no persons residing in the infected districts will be allowed to enter the town; and all persons going to Hampton are required to produce certificates, showing that they are not such residents.

The mail from Richmond arrives at Portsmouth by railroad, opens at 6 P. M., and closes at 8 P. M.

The Norfolk Herald complains bitterly of the rigid quarantine, established against that city at all ports.

An unsuccessful attempt was made on Saturday night to burn "Barry's Row," in which the fever commenced.

Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, or Portsmouth, is not dead, as erroneously reported yesterday.

Mr. W. B. Whitehead, of Suffolk, had sent $100 to be used for the sick of Portsmouth.

Yesterday was set apart by the Mayor of Portsmouth, at the request of the ministers in the town, as a day of humiliation and prayer "for the confession of sins, and earnest prayer to the Almighty that His scourge may be removed."

Mrs. Ann R. Cocke of Portsmouth and Dr. Wm. Hodges of Norfolk, both well known residents, have died.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Baltimore, Aug. 7.

Dr. Maund, one of the physicians, acting in behalf of the Board of Health of Baltimore, and running in the steamer Louisiana, reached here this evening in that steamer, and gives a number of very thrilling details. The Doctor states that the city of Norfolk seems to have become entirely forsaken, especially in the night time, when the streets are deserted. On one night, he lost his way on going to the wharf, and after long searching found a colored man, whom he paid to show him the way. The stores are closed, and people were flying away to every direction and in every possible conveyance. The Louisiana brought up 275 passengers, besides about 200 children, who laid upon the floors of the saloons in every direction–all of them pretty considerably frightened and delighted to reach the city of Baltimore. The boats have brought up large numbers of passengers, but on the return trip to Norfolk, no freight and but very few passengers.

TWO FEMALES, members of the order of the Sisters of Charity, left this city on Friday afternoon last for Norfolk and Portsmouth, to minister to those who are afflicted with the yellow fever in those cities.

August 10, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

LIST OF THE DEAD.–The correspondent of the Petersburg Express continues the list of the dead at Portsmouth and Norfolk:

Mrs. Captain Samuel Barron, wife of Capt. Barron of the Navy, Mrs. Morris, mother of Mr. W. H. Morris, merchant; Mrs. Saunders; Mrs. Garrison's child; John B. Denson, a clerk in the Navy; Anna O'Rouke; Geo. Dill's child; Mary Webster; Joseph Roach; Susan Kemp; Mrs. O'Donohue; Mrs. David Ripley; and William, a slave belonging to B. O'Neil. Mrs. Francis Herbert's oldest son, who left town last week, has since died of the fever at Princess Anne. Total 14, which added to the 66 previously sent, makes 80.

He gives the names of the following who are lying ill of the fever:

Capt. Samuel Barron of the Navy Yard, is lying ill at the Hospital, also his second daughter; the wife of Mr. Francis Herbert, merchant, is dying; so also, is Mr. James Totterdale's grown daughter; Dr. R. H. Parker is very ill, his son and two daughters are also sick; J. E. Wilson, and W. B. Collins, (an extensive brick manufacturer and house builder,) are both sick.

LOCAL MATTERS.

CITY COUNCIL.–A called meeting of the Council was held at the Chamberlain's Office yesterday morning, at 11 o'clock, Messrs. Mills, McCance, Ayres, Quarles, Saunders, Sinton, Stearne, Crutchfield, Butler, Richards, Talbott, Scott, Fry, and Snead being present.

The President stated the object of the meeting to be, to take further steps in relation to "Quarantine."

Re-considered.–Dr. Snead moved a re-consideration of the ordinance passed on the 1st of August, and the question being put, was unanimously passed.

New Ordinance.–The following ordinance was then reported, discussed and passed:

AN ORDINANCE,

Regulating Quarantine, and prescribing duties in the nature of Quarantine at the Port of the City of Richmond.

I. Be it ordained, that all vessels subject to quarantine shall immediately, on their arrival, anchor within quarantine anchorage ground, and there remain with all persons arriving in them, subject to the examinations and regulations imposed by law.

II. The Mayor, whenever in his judgment the public health shall require it, may order any vessel at the wharves of the city or in their vicinity into quarantine or other places of safety; and may require all persons, articles and things introduced into the city from such vessel to be seized, returned on board, or removed to the Quarantine Ground. In case the master, owner or consignee of the vessel cannot be found, or shall neglect or refuse to obey the order of removal, the Mayor shall have power to cause such removal at the expense of such master, owner or consignee, and such vessel or persons shall not return to the city without the written permission of the Mayor. Such vessel when removed to the Quarantine Ground, shall in all respects be subject to the regulations of quarantine.

III. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent of Quarantine to board every vessel subject to quarantine, (or to visitation, if, in the opinion of the Superintendent, such visit be necessary,) immediately on her arrival; to enquire as to the health of all persons on board, and the condition of the vessel and cargo by inspection of the bill of health , manifest, log book or otherwise; to examine on oath as many and such persons on board of vessels suspected of coming from a sickly port, or of having, or having had during the voyage, sickness on board, as he may judge expedient, and to report the facts and his conclusions to the Mayor.

IV. The Superintendent shall have the power to direct the location within the quarantine anchorage ground of any vessel subject to quarantine regulations; to cause any vessel under quarantine, when he shall judge it necessary for the purification of the vessel or cargo, to discharge her cargo at the quarantine ground or some other suitable place out of the city; to cause any such vessel, her cargo, bedding, and the clothing of persons on board, to be ventilated, cleansed and purified in such manner, and during such time, as he may direct, and if he shall judge it necessary, to prevent infection or contagion, to destroy any portion of such cargo, bedding or clothing which he may deem incapable of purification; to prohibit and prevent all persons arriving in vessels subject to quarantine, from leaving quarantine until fifteen days after the sailing of their vessels from their ports of departure, and fifteen days after the last case of pestilential or infectious disease that shall have occurred on board shall have terminated, and ten days after their arrival at quarantine, unless sooner discharged by his written permission; to permit the cargo of any vessel under quarantine, or any portion thereof, when he shall judge the same free from infection, to be conveyed to the city of Richmond, or to such place as may be designated by the Mayor, after having reported in writing to the Mayor as to the condition of said cargo, and his intention to grant such permission, but such permission shall be inoperative without the written approval of the Mayor; to permit the cargo of any vessel under quarantine, or any part thereof, if, in his opinion, it will not be dangerous to the public health to be shipped for exportation by sea, but the vessel receiving the same shall not approach nearer than the lower edge of Rockets, without the written permission of the Mayor.

V. Every vessel performing quarantine shall be designated by colors fixed in a conspicuous part of her main shrouds.

VI. No lighters shall be employed to load or unload vessels at quarantine without permission of the Superintendent and subject to such restrictions as he shall impose.

VII. All passengers under quarantine who shall be unable to maintain themselves, shall be provided for by the master of the vessel in which they shall have arrived; and if the master shall omit to provide for them, they shall be maintained on shore at the expense of such vessel; and such vessel shall not be permitted to leave quarantine until such expense shall have been repaid.

VIII. The master of every vessel released from quarantine and arriving at the city of Richmond, shall immediately after such arrival deliver the permit of the superintendent to the Mayor, or to such person as he shall direct; but such vessel shall not approach nearer than the lower edge of Rocketts bar, without the written permission of the Mayor.

IX. No person, without the permission of the Mayor, shall go within the enclosure of the quarantine ground, or go on board of, or have any communication or intercourse or dealing with any vessel under quarantine, without the permission of the superintendent. Any person going on board a vessel under quarantine, without license from the superintendent, may be compelled to remain there in the same manner as he might have been if he had been one of the crew of the vessel.

Note.–By an act of Assembly (see Code, chapter 25, section 14,) any person violating quarantine regulations shall forfeit not less than five, nor more than five hundred dollars.

The ordinance of the 1st of August (heretofore published by us) was taken up, amended so as to provide for a "Quarantine Physician," and passed.

Physician.–Dr. Snead nominated DR. JOHN F. JACKSON for the office of Quarantine Physician, and there being no opposition, he was unanimously elected.

AN ORDINANCE.
Providing further for Quarantine.

Be it ordained, That all steamboats whatsoever, navigating or coming up James River, from below City Point, or persons coming from such ports, place or point, shall be subject to quarantine: Provided, that this ordinance shall not prohibit any tow boat, belonging to the city of Richmond, from bringing to this city any vessel entering the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic direct to this city–subject, however, to quarantine regulations.

Port Walthall Line.–Mr. Scott offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That the proprietors of the steamer Augusta be requested to discontinue the running of their boat during the existence of the yellow fever at Norfolk, Gosport and Portsmouth.

Portsmouth.

We are sure that the deep sympathies of the whole people of the Commonwealth have been aroused by the terrible scourge which has visited our fellow citizens of Portsmouth, and that they only need the suggestion to give those sympathies some substantial form. In addition to the unspeakable sorrows entailed upon one of the most excellent communities in Virginia by the loss of may valuable and precious lives, a heavy expense is no doubt incurred for the nursing and attendance of those who are unable to provide for themselves. We invoke our fellow citizens of Richmond and of other towns to apply for the privilege of sharing with the people of Portsmouth the expense which this affliction has brought upon them. They have extended aid on former occasions to their brethren in New Orleans, and other places visited with the yellow fever, and they will rejoice, we are sure, to be permitted to assist a Virginia town, and one too which has a population as modest and unobtrusive, but as enterprising and intelligent, as that of any town in Virginia. Some of the noblest hearts that ever beat in this old Commonwealth, or any other portion of the habitable globe, are to be found in Portsmouth.

We sincerely trust that the dark shadow of the destroyer will soon pass away from our sister city, and that its future prospects may not be at all affected by a calamity to which every seaboard city in the Union is exposed. Indeed, Portsmouth, usually one of the most healthful places in the Union, with its wide, spacious streets, and generally clean as well as attractive appearance, was one of the last places in the country in which we should have expected yellow fever.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

In Norfolk, according to the papers received from there yesterday, the fever has again appeared. For the twenty-four hours ending Wednesday at 2 P. M., there were three deaths in the city, and one at the hospital out of the city. There were nine cases of the fever in the city and three at the hospital. A portion of the cases were in Barry's Row, and most of the remainder originated within the small district below Main street and west of Commerce street, bounded on the south by the river–the old haunt of the disease on its former visits.

The Argus says that the publication of the Portsmouth Transcript has been suspended. There being no communication between Norfolk and Portsmouth–the ferry boats have stopped running–we have no report from that town.

Mrs. Imogene Barron, wife of Capt. Jas. Barron of the Navy Yard, who died in Portsmouth Wednesday afternoon, was carried later to Norfolk at 9 o'clock on Wednesday night, in a barge, and interred in the Norfolk cemetery by torch-light. Capt. Jas. Barron is recovering and considered out of danger. His daughter is well, not having been attacked as reported.

The Board of Health of Norfolk has directed a house to be fitted up at Lambert's Point for the reception of the yellow fever patients.

We have received the following names to add to the list of the dead: R. A. Parker, Wm. P. Collins, and young Mr. Wm. Kemp. The county of the Isle of Wight had declared quarantine against the infected cities.

August 11, 1855.

LOCAL MATTERS.

RELIEVING THE DISTRESSED.–It gives us pleasure to state that a plan is now on foot to relieve, partially, the distresses of the people of Gosport, Portsmouth and Norfolk, who have been so severely scourged by yellow fever within the past few weeks, and we feel assured that the citizens of Richmond, who thus far have passed the summer in the enjoyment of heath, the greatest blessing bestowed by Providence on fallen man, will gladly contribute of their abundance to relieve the wants and suffering of those who must perish, without aid. When we tell them, that in each of these towns may be found helpless widows, made destitute by the deaths of their husbands–that there are many lonely orphans, without food or raiment, whose parents have been cut down as a flower in the night–that alarm has seized upon and paralyzed the minds of those who have escaped the fever–and that these once peaceful and happy towns have been turned into charnel houses and hospitals, filled with the dead and dying, we think it will need no appeal from us to induce them to come forward and contribute of their means to furnish the necessaries of life and preserve from starvation their friends and neighbors who are piteously asking for aid in this their time of need.

Some few years ago, when the yellow fever raged South to us to an alarming extent, our citizens with that liberality which has ever characterized them, nobly came forward and contributed, as far as money could do it, to their relief. Will they be less willing to give of their means to their friends and neighbors now suffering sadly from the same cause? We hope and believe not, and therefore it is that we urge them to come to the rescue at once and come promptly. As we write there are hundreds of persons of all ages and sexes almost ready to topple into the grave, for want of the necessaries of life; and, cut off as they are from every other portion of the State, can subsist but a short time, unless our people are prompt in sending them succor. Let not an hour be lost, then, in carrying out this noble work, already commenced, but let contributions be handed in to Mr. J. W. Randolph, at his book store, who is ready to receive them. Yesterday we called on a gentleman conspicuous for his benevolence, and received his name for $50, with the assurance that he would go farther if circumstances required it. Others contributed liberal amounts, as soon as they heard a list was open, and we have no doubt that many more will send in this morning such amounts as they can spare to aid this philanthropic work.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.
BARRY'S ROW BURNT.

The report of the Norfolk Sanitary Committee, for the twenty-four hours ending Thursday, at 2 P. M., shows that there have been seven new cases in the city, and two deaths–all except one from the heretofore infected district. In the hospital there were four cases, and one death.

No official report could be obtained from the Portsmouth Sanitary Committee. Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, chairman of the committee–is lying dangerously ill. There are a number of cases among the servants.

On Thursday night "Barry's Row," the infected district, was fired and burned. No attempt was made to stop the flames.

In Portsmouth Wednesday religious services were held in the Baptist and Methodist churches. Rev. W. H. Wheelwright, assisted by Rev. James Chisholm, Episcopalian minister, officiated in the latter. The last named gentleman, our informant says, delivered an eloquent and impressive prayer, beseeching the Great Ruler to stay the ravages of the terrible scourge.

Considering the depopulation of the town, the attendance was large.

There were forty cases of fever in the Naval Hospital, and some of the patients dying. The fever in Portsmouth was rapidly increasing. Messrs. R. H. Parker and Wm. B. Collins, reported dead, were still alive.–Among the sick was the Correspondent of the Petersburg Express, who has heretofore furnished that paper with a list of the dead.

Among the sick in Norfolk, was a son of W. H. Reid, Esq., late Candidate for Mayor of that city.

From a passenger who came up yesterday, we learn that when the Coffee touched at Portsmouth, there was not a soul on the wharf, save a little negro boy. The town looked deserted.

When the Curtis Peck arrived at City Point, a gentleman came out on the wharf, and hoisting a red flag, warned them off, with the alternative–if they would land–of having to leave Petersburg by 5-½ o'clock this morning, which would be enforced by the authorities of that place.

Three cases of fever are reported to have occurred at Hampton.

THE CURTIS PECK was crowded with passengers, who were permitted to land after the Health Officer had done his duty. Many of them, in consequence of the crowded state of the hotels, went on through by the cars going North.

Passengers say that all who could leave Norfolk were leaving.

In addition to the list of dead published, we add the names of Master Wm. Edmund Camp, aged 18, and Miss Amelia Lewis, aged 15.

August 13, 1855.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
LATEST FROM NORFOLK & PORTSMOUTH.
ALARMING INCREASE OF FEVER.

Petersburg, Aug. 12.–On Thursday the Pest House of Norfolk contained 60 cases of fever. On Saturday there were 20 deaths.

In Portsmouth, on Friday, the Naval Hospital contained forty cases, and there were 8 interments. The new cases in Portsmouth are not so great in number.

J. N. Schoolfield, Esq., chairman of the Sanitary Committee, was improving.

There were seven deaths in Portsmouth Saturday.

Rev. Mr. Handy, of the Middle Street Presbyterian Church, was lying quite ill.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The report of the Board of Health of Norfolk, for the twenty-four hours ending Friday, at 2 P. M., shows seventeen new cases in the city, and four deaths, and two new cases in the hospital and seven deaths. The cases all came from the infected district, and all the deaths save one were persons removed from Barry's Row.

The Herald says that at the burning of Barry's Row, the firemen were present to protect adjoining property, but did not attempt to extinguish the row. There were twelve tenements in all, and they were insured in the "Mutual," for $3,200.

A subscription for the relief of the sufferers by the fever, was started in Norfolk, on Friday morning, and in less than two hours $2,200 was raised. The Herald thinks the amount will reach $3,000 soon. A "Howard" Association is to be organized, more efficiently to aid the sick. The new cases of fever are of a mild, manageable type. The provisions are becoming scarce, and it will not be long, says the Herald, before some of the afflicted will be suffering from starvation.

Mr. Robert West, a well known citizen of Portsmouth, died at Hampton, on Thursday; on Friday, Mr. Nathaniel Sorey, an old citizen of Norfolk, died, after a protracted illness.

The Baltimore steamers have again commenced coming up to the quarantine ground, and there receiving passengers from the ferry boat.

August 14, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

FROM NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.–A correspondent of the Petersburg Express, who is an acting member of the sanitary committee in Portsmouth, writes to that paper that the deaths per diem for the two days before Thursday were 12.–On Thursday he wrote ten permits for the naval Hospital. Dr. R. H. Parker died on Friday.–Chas. Fisk, son of the Mayor, Dr. B. C. Spratley, and Dr. J. N. Schoolfield were all convalescent. Fifteen new cases occurred in Portsmouth Thursday. Speaking of the disease and its effects, he says:

"It is confined to no locality, but in my opinion, extends to every part of Portsmouth. When taken into connection with the mortality, the infrequency of the disease, our bad state of preparation to meet it, the alarm it has created, and the immense numbers who have fled, I question whether any community has been as badly scourged and afflicted. The whole surrounding country is overrun–private houses, barns, kitchens, schoolhouses, churches, tents, cabins, (and the Lord only knows what other kinds of shelter,) are all crammed.

"I greatly apprehend that when the mortality of those who have fled and those remaining, shall be correctly summed up, it will be found far greater among the former than the latter. The emigration has left us a deserted town–entire streets have only one or two families remaining, districts depopulated, hotels and stores closed, business suspended, and society disrupted. Poor Portsmouth! She presents a sad and desolate appearance, and some time must elapse before she can recover from the severe shock that has prostrated her."

In Norfolk the fever prevailed to an alarming extent. One or two tents had been erected at the Pest House, and other enlargements had been made to accommodate the patients.

The committee has secured the Race Field building.

YELLOW FEVER

We take from the columns of the Examiner a highly interesting and well-prepared article on yellow fever; its symptoms, causes, and the probabilities of its reaching Richmond. It possesses particular interest at this time, when every mail from the afflicted cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth bring accounts of its ravages there.

Yellow fever is a form of what the doctors call continued fever. Unlike intermittent and remittent fevers, there is a single progressive paroxysm varying notably in duration; but there is no repetition of phenomena. It hurries, with fearful rapidity, to a termination in death. It is true that when nature is able to resist the violence of the onset, there is a reaction from the intense prostration–there is a sort of secondary affection; but it forms no necessary part of the complaint under consideration–it does not belong to this specific disease–but occupies the same relation to yellow fever that diarrhea and dropsy do to measles and scarlet fever.

As to the symptoms with which this terrible pestilence announces its invasion, they are somewhat irregular, varying with the circumstances of constitution, season and locality. Its primary indications present so many features in common with other autumnal fevers, that the most experienced may be deceived without due attention to the endemic or epidemic constitution of the place and time, and the predispositions of the subject in reference thereto. A chill, not necessarily violent, not always noticed, may and usually does mark the onset, soon followed, however, by dry skin, epigastric pain and aching in the head, back and limbs. Anxiety, alarm and restlessness, are prominent symptoms; flushed face and red watery eyes, shunning the light, and painfully moved, are constantly observed.

The headache is violent and persistent; the spinal pains excessive, and the pains about the joints and muscles severe; the stomach is most constantly affected, and, to use Rush's emphatic language, seems "the throne of the disease." Nausea, an intolerable burning heat, extreme tenderness, retching and vomiting, with the ejection first of the stomach contents, then of bile, and afterwards of a thin fluid, variously colored, are ever present signs. The breathing is difficult and irregular, or slow and labored, with a great oppression. The skin is perfectly hot, seeming almost to scorch the hand applied to it, and presents the yellow tinge so characteristic as to give the name to the disease. This sallow dye, somewhat between orange and bronze, colors first the eyes, then the forehead, breast, arms and body. Strange to say, the pulse, which in most fevers, offers so marked a character, in Yellow Fever exhibits but little correspondence with the general condition. In ordinary cases, however, it is found rapid, resistant, tense, bounding and irregular. The tongue, at first soft, swollen, and showing the impress of the teeth, becomes later, pointed and red on the top and edges. The thirst is not great, yet the patient craves cool drinks to relieve the burning stomach. The bowels are constipated in most cases–rare is the diarrheas–and brisk cathartics act but slowly. The expression of the countenance is thought by some to be characteristic. The flushed, tinged face, with red watery eyes, gives a gloomy and distressed, a sort of drunken fierceness of look, marked with sadness and terror.

Such are the features of the first of febrile stage of the malady, lasting from four to seventy, and ordinary thirty-six to forty-eight hours. Following this fierce conflict with mortal suffering comes a calm, almost perfect. The skin becomes moist and soft; the headache and pains cease; the stomach is no longer irritable, or, if vomiting occurs, it is easy and painless, and at long intervals; the face resumes a more natural aspect; the eye is not suffused but more yellow, while the golden hue is more marked on the rest of the surface; the pulse and breathing becomes almost natural; the mental anxiety and dejection pass off; and the patient surrendering himself to the delights of his feelings, resumes his cheerfulness, and fondly hopes the time of recovery is at hand, little dreaming that this agreeable calm is but a prelude to a series of direful and rapidly progressive phenomena which will, in all human probability hurry him to the grave. It is but the stillness of the tiger before his leap. A few hours of quietude, occasionally twenty-four or thirty-six, usually twelve or eighteen, often less, ushers in the third, or stage of prostration.

The pulse soon sinks, the skin grows dark like mahogany, becoming white under pressure, and slowly resuming the dusky hue; the tongue gets brown, dry and fissured, or fiery red and smooth, oozing an offensive blood. The stomach retains nothing, vomiting is incessant and without effort, ejected fluid gradually assuming that peculiar appearance known as black vomit–an apparent mixture of soot or coffee grounds and gum water.–The quantities thrown up seem miraculous. It spouts forth with involuntary force, while the patient lies on his back. The bowels become relaxed, and often the same ominous black tinges the evacuations, a clammy perspiration bedews the surface, which loses its elasticity and sensibility, the features shrink, the outlines sharpen, the eyes are hollow and sunk in the orbits, the nose points, there is a low muttering delirium, with sighing, laborious breathing, bleeding from the mouth, tongue, eyes, nose, ears, stomach, bowels, one or all, occurs, and the victim is released from all his earthly troubles.

Such are the more ordinary features of an attack of yellow fever, a most horrible complaint, ranking, as the records show, with the plague and cholera in its malignity and fatality. Out of a population of 9,000 in Gibraltar, in 1804, twenty-eight persons alone escaped an attack, and 1 in 3 died. In Jamaica 3 out of 4 died of it; in Philadelphia, in 1820, 2 out of 3.

Sir James Fellows tell us, "that during the fever in Cadiz, in 1800, the air became so vitiate that its noxious qualities infected even animals; canary birds died with blood issuing from their bills; and, in all neighboring towns which had been infected, no sparrow even appeared." Rush says that cats died in great numbers in Philadelphia, from the pestilential state of the atmosphere. Perlee affirms that about Natchez, in the year 1819, not only domestic animals, but even the wild deer of the forests, shared the influence of the epidemic constitution of the air.

Is yellow fever contagious? This above all others is the question universally propounded. Is it catching? If one man has it, will those who visit him receive the infection, succumb to its effects, and themselves become centres from which it may radiate in every direction?

Must we establish quarantine and lay embargoes? Must we deny admittance to those who have visited the sick? Must we counsel our friends to flee from the hidden poison which may lurk in our wharfs, hotels, streets and market places? Both sides of this question have strong advocates. Some swear by their heads that it is trifling with one's own life, uselessly, to visit a case of yellow fever, while others affirm as positively, that there is no danger. Which of the parties shall we believe, since both are of equal authority? In media tutissimus is probably a safe guide to our conclusions.

Yellow fever is most assuredly not contagious in the same sense as small pox, measles, and scarlet fever. To touch is not to catch; to be present in the same room, house or city, will by no means insure an attack. Yet the poison of yellow fever may, most probably, when once generated, be conveyed by the winds, by vessels, by individuals, by articles and clothing, from one locality to another; but to render its presence efficient in procuring an effectual transmission to other districts, towns or individuals, there must be superadded the existence of conditions favorable to the multiplication of the poison. In other words, to prevail epidemically, the atmospheric and social states of the locality must be such that the leaven introduced can find material to reproduce itself from; or, the individuals who come in relation with it must be under the influence of the necessary predisposition, otherwise the fearful disease will not be transmitted to individuals, nor prevail as an epidemic.

Lastly, as the probability of its extending from Norfolk to Richmond, we think, from what has been already said, that all must adopt the same conclusion. That elevation, drainage and cleanliness of Richmond, its comparatively sparse population, its latitude and previous exemption, for this is not the first time yellow fever has visited Norfolk, are all conclusive arguments against the supposition.–Columbia occupies about the relation to Charleston in point of frequent communication and difference of elevation, that Richmond does to Norfolk. In Charleston the yellow fever commits, almost annually, the most fearful ravages, yet there is no alarm in Columbia. There is no cessation in the intercourse of the two places.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
Progress of the Fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

From the Norfolk papers of yesterday, we have the following reports of the Board of Health: Thursday, 7 new cases and 2 deaths in city, 4 new cases and 1 death in hospital. Friday, 17 new cases, and 4 deaths in city and two new cases and 7 deaths in hospital. Saturday, 7 new cases and 3 deaths in city, and no new case and 1 death in hospital.–Since the 16th of July up to Saturday, there had been 60 cases in Norfolk, of which 20 died.

The editor of the Norfolk Bulletin, in his issue of Saturday, announces that in consequence of his hands leaving, the paper would be temporarily suspended.

The Howard Association had organized with a sum of $3,000, for the relief of the sick. Capt. W. B. Ferguson was elected President, James A. Saunders Secretary, and Captain R. W. Bowden, Treasurer.

The Board of Health has determined hereafter to publish only the deaths that occur, and not the new cases.

On Thursday there were two cases of yellow fever on board the Pennsylvania, and the patients removed to a vessel at anchor below Craney Island, where all other cases occurring on the Pennsylvania would be carried.

Two hundred persons, mostly prominent men of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and their families, left Sunday in the steamer Georgia, for Baltimore.

We find the following names published under the obituary head: Miss Susan Kemp, aged 16; Mrs. Elizabeth Camp; Mrs. Emma Nolan, aged 28, and Mrs. Mary R. Webb, aged 26.

In Portsmouth, as we learn from the Sanitary Committee in the Transcript, which has again commenced publication, the deaths have been as follows: Tuesday 9, Wednesday 8, Thursday 7, Friday, 7. Total 31.The number of new cases had not been so great and the disease had assumed a milder form.

Much indignation prevailed in consequence of a number of citizens, who had escaped to the Magnolia Springs, organizing themselves into a Board of Health to prevent others from stopping there.–Also against the Commandant at Old Point for denying the citizens permission to land there with their families. Destruction of the Government property was threatened. It is now with the greatest difficulty that a citizen could leave town.–The Naval Hospital is now attended by Dr. Minor and As'st. Surgeons Harrison and Steele of the U. S. Navy.

Three Sisters of Charity from St. Joseph's, Md., are also there.

In the town of Suffolk, $50 had been raised and forwarded to Portsmouth for the relief of the sufferers.

LATEST.

We have the following information by way of telegraph from Petersburg:

There were a large number of new cases in Norfolk Sunday. Drs. Selden and Sylvester, and Sam'l R. Borum, all prominent citizens, were down with the fever, as was also Mr. T. H. Broughton, a son of the editor of the Herald. Gen. Millson and four others, with their families, chartered the steamer Coffee and left Sunday for City Point.–They arrived at Petersburg and left yesterday morning on the Southern cars.

There were a large number of new cases in Norfolk Sunday.

August 15, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.–Among the sick of Portsmouth we notice the names of Messrs. Thomas Herbert and James E. Wilson. Dr. J. N. Schoolfield was improving Sunday evening.

ENRAGED.–As a specimen of the feelings entertained towards the commandant at Old Point, and the authorities of other places, in cutting off communication with Portsmouth, the following appears in the Norfolk Argus: "I would suggest that a town meeting be at once called, and that a similar request be made to the good people of Portsmouth, to pass resolutions, and appoint officers to enforce them, that not one pound of beef, or anything else, be allowed to go to Old Point–no, not a pin–and as for the dirty little holes of Suffolk and Weldon, that no citizen of either place should ever be allowed to enter either town without a coat of tar and feathers."

RETREATING CITIZENS.–Since the yellow fever appeared in Norfolk and Portsmouth, the travel to the Springs has been immense. The passengers who went through Fincastle since Aug. 1st, have numbered 300.

AID TO THE SUFFERERS.

Private contributions, we understand, continue to be liberally made by our citizens for the sufferers in Portsmouth and Norfolk. We would renew our recommendation for a public meeting. Our sister city, Petersburg, with her accustomed energy, has held a public meeting, and subscribed $1,000. It is expected $2,000 will be raised. Let Richmond put forth her characteristic liberality, publicly as well as privately.

QUARANTINE

We some time ago express the opinion first, whilst it was proper to take all reasonable precautions to preserve the health of such communities as have not been visited by the yellow fever, yet it is neither necessary nor humane to deny means of escape to persons in health, who desire to find refuge from the infection. It seems to us that the people of Portsmouth and Norfolk have great right to complain, on this score, of other communities, who have shut their doors against then, as if they were pirates or outlaws. We are pleased to see the views we have expressed, on this subject, sustained with great ability and spirit by the Richmond Examiner. We have but little apprehension that the disease will spread in this pure air. We understand that last summer there was a case of yellow fever brought here from Savannah, but it was confined to the sufferer, and that, in previous summers, vessels have occasionally brought cases to Rocketts, but the disease was not communicated to any one. The Examiner, in a former article upon this subject, remarked that Richmond bears the same relation to Norfolk that Columbia, in South Carolina, does to Charleston. The disease prevails annually in Charleston, but though there is constant and large communication between Charleston and Columbia, the inhabitants of the latter place never suffer from it. It is the opinion of the majority of the medical profession that the yellow fever never prevails except in malarious districts. If this be so there is no cause for alarm in Richmond.–But if there be a peculiar condition of the atmosphere, favoring its introduction here, we cannot escape it by the most rigid quarantine laws.

YELLOW FEVER–MODE OF TREATMENT IN NEW ORLEANS–
PREVENTATIVE.

A gentleman, long a resident of New Orleans, informs us that the mode of treating yellow fever in that city, dictated by the experience and skill of the medical profession there, is as follows: After the first symptoms, which are pains in the back of the neck and in the back, the patient immediately takes a hot mustard bath, and is put to bed and kept well wrapped up. A full dose of castor oil is administered, and should it not operate soon, it is followed by injections, until the desired effect is produced. Warm lemonade or orange leaf tea, is used as a beverage–the latter preferred. No strong medicine is allowed to be taken. The patient keeps his bed, not being permitted to get out on any account under ten days. He is kept constantly covered and all air excluded, particularly after he becomes convalescent, which is, in reality, the most dangerous period, as he does not then feel the necessity of prudence. It is required that a nurse should be with the patient, without intermission, for ten days, as the most critical time is after the patient is apparently out of danger. A change of clothes or bedding produces a relapse, as does also the air. Patients are directed to avoid eating much after getting well. It is believed that, by disregarding these simple regulations, many lives have been lost, which might otherwise have been saved.

As a preventative, a teaspoonful of powdered charcoal in water every morning before breakfast is recommended.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The Board of Health for Norfolk for the 48 hours ending Monday, at 2 P. M., report the following deaths from fever: Mrs. Russell, age 65 years, and daughter 34, on Woodside's wharf; Mrs. Rhea, 49, in Rhea's lane; Wm. Wicker, age 66, Bute st., occupation in the infected district; John B. Stapleton, 38, from the Navy Yard; Mr. A. Kayton, 60, Main st., opposite Bank st; ____ Taylor, a lad of 17, at the Emmett House, Union st.; ____Brown, 60, in Williamson's lane, head of a family that moved from Barry's Row the night of the fire. Total 8. In the Hospital 3.

The houses at Lambert's Point Race Course, about four miles from the city, had been fitted for the sick, who were carried there Sunday, from the temporary hospital, near Oak Grove.

Yesterday, by the proclamation of the Mayor, was observed as a day for prayer to the Almighty, that He would look down upon the afflicted city with compassion, and in His infinite mercy stay the dreadful scourge that is prevailing to some extent at present in our midst."

The Norfolk Herald relates a sad occurrence there on Sunday. A stranger, carrying an oil cloth bag in his hand, was seen staggering in Main street, opposite Bank, it was supposed from the effect of liquor, but on turning into the entry to go up a flight of stairs to Dr. Constable's office, he fell, and in less than fifteen minutes expired. Upon enquiry it appeared that he was one of several boarders at a house which had been closed and he was left in it sick with the fever, without attendance or necessaries of any kind, that in the last stage of the disease, when the victim is mocked with the deceptive consciousness of returning health, he went out in order to procure a permit to go to the hospital; but had just strength to reach the spot mentioned when he became exhausted, and death closed the scene. His name, we learn, was Stapleton–an Irishman, about two years in the country, and had been employed in the Navy Yard. In somewhat more than an hour he was taken away for interment.

On Friday morning Mr. James Edward Wilson, Clerk in the Naval Store, at Gosport Navy Yard, died, and the day before Benjamin B. Allen, aged 19, fell a victim to the fever.

From Portsmouth we have no official account, but learn that the fever had not abated.

The Argus, speaking of the effect of the fever, say: "A stampede has taken place among us.–Our city looks deserted. Thousands of people have fled. Panic has prevailed over the better judgment of our citizens; and business is almost entirely suspended."

Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, Chairman of the Portsmouth Sanitary committee, who was alarmingly ill on Sunday night, was decidedly better yesterday.

Yesterday, D'Arcy Paul, for the citizens of Petersburg, sent down a check for $2,000, and today more will be sent from the city.

SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.

The Examiner has an article on the cruelty of cutting off Norfolk and Portsmouth from all communication with us, and would not be surprised if an offended Heaven should visit us with a vengeance as terrible as our inhumanity is heinous in its sight.

August 16, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

FROM NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.–In Portsmouth the fever has in nowise abated. The office of the Savings Bank has been removed to the residence of George M. Gain, Esq., Cashier. Every director of the Bank of Virginia is out of town except two, and therefore all banking business is suspended.

The business of the Navy Yard is still continued, though over one thousand workmen have taken their discharges. Commodore McKeever, however, announces his intention to keep the yard open as long as there is a man to strike a blow.

The following deaths, among others, have recently occurred:

Lewis Roach, Susan Kemp, Mrs. Ripley, Mrs. Bowen, Jeffrey James, son of Stephen James, Mrs. Lauretta Potter, Mrs. O'Donohue, Miss Lattimer, daughter of Edward Lattimer, deceased, late pilot. Thomas Herbert, recently of Petersburg, and employed at the establishment of Mr. Uriah Wells.

The correspondent of the Petersburg Express says:

"There is much suffering among the poor sick, and we shall most gratefully appreciate the kind exertions being made in Petersburg for us. We are greatly in want of breadstuffs, particularly of meal, and a supply would be very acceptable. Our town authorities are doing all they can; but the scourge is so wide spread, that is beyond their capacity to afford relief to all who are its subjects.–We have to take care, not only of the sick, but of the other members of their families, and many other individuals who are thrown out of employment by reason of its visitation.

In Norfolk, Cains' Hotel has been closed, and nearly all the prominent merchants have removed their counting rooms to portions of the city which are considered healthy–many of them to their residences. The Post office has been removed to the Academy Building, in an upper portion of the city, near Cumberland and Catharine streets.

AMOUNT RAISED.–Petersburg has raised $2,700 for the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers.

OUR DUTY TOWARDS THE CITIZENS OF PORTSMOUTH AND NORFOLK.

The conduct of the commandant of Old Point, in forbidding citizens of Portsmouth and Norfolk to land there, has drawn forth, as a natural, indignant comments from the Norfolk papers. We have no doubt that functionary believed himself to be doing his duty, but it strikes us that it is both impracticable and inhuman to deprive people in effected towns of the means of escape. Such attempts have been repeatedly made and in vain, in the Northern cities. The people will get away. If they cannot travel in the steamboats, they will land privately in sail boats; if they cannot come in railroad cars, they will employ carriages, and if they cannot get carriages, they will walk. It would require fortifications as powerful as those of Sebastopol to prevent the entrance of men who think that Death is on their track.–Moreover, it would be cruel and unfeeling in the extreme, even if practicable. If self-preservation required it, then it would be right; but we have not seen a single argument or fact to sustain that proposition. It is true that in Norfolk the disease commenced with a violation of the quarantine by a sick man, who came to Barry's Row from the infected district in Portsmouth.–But Norfolk has been before subject to yellow fever, and Barry's Row was just such a receptacle of filth and corruption as would ensure the propagation of the disease. But this is not the case with other Virginia cities and towns. The majority of medical men are of opinion that the disease will not spread in such a climate, for example, as that of Richmond. The probabilities are all against it. Even if there were some risk in it, ought we not to hazard something in the cause of humanity? In the late war, soldiers from the mountains went down cheerfully to Norfolk, and encountered the miasmatic influences, in order to defend the seaboard and its people from foreign invasion. They exposed their lives, and many of them perished in the patriotic and self-sacrificing enterprise. Ought not Virginians now to show sufficient courage and sympathy–not to go to Norfolk and nurse the sick–but to facilitate the escape from sickness of those who are well?

The hospitality and the heroism of Virginia have passed into proverbs, but why should the one be confined to the hours of health and the other to the battle field? The highest degree of courage is that which drawing no inspiration from the hope of fame or from the stirring music of the fight, acts always from principle, and faces danger firmly and calmly, whenever duty requires it. It is of course an imperative obligation upon every man to provide for the safety of his own family, but has he not also some obligation to the great family of man, which should prevent him from yielding to a blind terror which may prompt him, in seeking safety for himself, to trample on all the laws of humanity and benevolence? Were every one to act upon such a principle, the poor victims of pestilence would have neither a nurse for the body nor a minister for the soul, whilst the living might possibly avoid for a time the inevitable monster, who, in one form or another, is sure to overtake us at last, only to ensure their condemnation at that tribunal which has made charity and kindness to the sick essential to escape from a second and more fearful Death.

What are our brethren in Portsmouth and Norfolk to do, if they are unable to find refuge in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Petersburg, Old Point–in short, if every possible place of refuge in the United States is placed beyond their reach? Were they great criminals, we could not condemn them to a fate more horrible than to be shut up in a pest-house, with no chance to escape. Yet they are our fellow-citizens, our friends, our brethren; they are themselves among the most hospitable, the best and noblest of the people of Virginia.

THE YELLOW FEVER.

In an article on this subject, the Petersburg Democrat, referring to the apprehension expressed by many people, of the appearance of the malady in Petersburg, says that there is no similarity in the condition of Petersburg and Norfolk. The latter city is within a mile of the place at which the disease originated; Petersburg 150 miles distant.–The atmospheric or meteorological conditions are greatly different. In Norfolk and Portsmouth they have had scarcely any rain for two months past, whilst Petersburg has had the most refreshing rains. We quote these views, because they apply also to Richmond, in which we enjoy the same advantages possessed by Petersburg. Another local cause of the violence of the disease in Norfolk and Portsmouth, is the fact mentioned by the Democrat, that in those cities there is a large quantity of made ground, that is, ground rescued from the sea, and formed by throwing logs of wood into the mud at low tide, and covering them with earth, till an elevation is attained higher than the flood tide.–The soaking of the sea through the logs, with the consequent rotting and putrefaction of the wood, and the want of cleanliness too often found among the occupants of the shanties which are built on this made ground, render their localities especially adapted for the reception and propagation of yellow fever.

Such being the fact, there ought to be no hesitation whatever in allowing free ingress to citizens of the infected district, who are desirous of escaping from the disease to a purer climate, in which, even if they unconsciously brought the disease, it would probably die out.

LOCAL MATTERS.

RELIEF OF THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH SUFFERING.–At a regular monthly meeting of the "Richmond Young Men's Christian Association," held at the Lecture Room of the Second Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday evening, the 14th instant, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The severe visitation which now clothes our sister cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth in mourning and fills them with sorrow and anguish, makes it our duty, as it is our pleasure, to contribute as far as we are able, to relieve their necessities and assuage their grief.

Be it therefore resolved by the "Richmond Young Men's Christian Association, That such District Committee of the Standing Committee of this Association, be, and is hereby appointed a Special Committee, to solicit contributions from the citizens generally, in their respective districts, for the suffering, destitute, and sick of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be and are hereby appointed a Special Committee to receive and distribute as they may deem advisable all contributions that may be received by the District Committee.

Resolved, That the District Committees be and are hereby summoned to attend a meeting to be held at the Association Rooms, on Thursday evening next, at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of carrying into effect the foregoing resolutions, and that in the absence from the city of any member of any District Committee they are hereby respectively authorized to fill vacancies in their districts.

Resolved, That the pastors and congregations of all the churches in the city be, and are hereby requested, to unite in special prayer to Almighty God on Sabbath morning next, that the plague may be stayed amongst our sister cities, and that they be requested to take up contributions in their several churches for the foregoing objects.

Resolved, That the Editors of the city papers be requested to publish these resolutions, and to give us their assistance in this undertaking.

The centres of the streets form the boundaries of the Districts, except when otherwise stated.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

Yesterday was observed in Norfolk as a day of fasting and prayer, and no papers were issued. The greatest distress prevailed here.

The fever leaving the "infected district," has extended to the upper part of the city.

On Saturday night last we learn that Mayor Woodis, while in the execution of his duty, was fallen upon by a party of negroes and badly beaten.

Dr. Sylvester was dying, as were Messrs. Samuel T. Borum and T. G. Broughton, Jr., one of the proprietors of the Herald.

Tuesday Mayor Woodis was taken with the fever, and fell in the street. He is now lying very ill.

In Portsmouth there was no abatement of the disease. Many of the citizens had encamped in the woods at some distance from the city.

The greatest difficulty was experienced in procuring nurses; the negroes refusing to act in that capacity at $10 per night. $5 per night had been paid for the service.

There was but one member of the Council in the city.

Nash Tatem, the Chief Inspector at the Navy Yard, at Gosport, was dead.

To the list of the dead in Portsmouth, it is our melancholy duty to add the names of Col. John Harper, John B. Davis, Nathaniel Manning and Emily Wilson.

Chubb Brothers, in Washington, have volunteered to receive subscriptions for the sufferers; and a meeting is called in Lynchburg today to raise subscriptions for the same end.

The greatest distress is said to exist in Portsmouth.

August 17, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

NORFOLK.–A correspondent of the Petersburg Express writes from Norfolk to that paper as follows:

Would to God that I could say Old Norfolk is so healthy as it has been in times past, but an All-Wise Providence has seen fit to order otherwise, and it is not for me to murmur or complain. The entire city wears a most melancholy appearance. With but very few exceptions, business of every character is almost entirely suspended. It presents more the aspect of the Holy Sabbath day, than anything else to which I can liken it. Everybody you meet looks as serious as if they had lost their nearest kindred. People speak in whispers, and tread lightly. Physicians and undertakers alone seem to be busy, and they may be seen traveling to and fro, dashing up one street and down another–the former to attend the bedside of some unfortunate victim; and the latter to take the dimensions of a corpse, and prepare it for the last sad resting place of the dead.

SAMUEL BARRON.–This gentleman, commandant of the Navy Yard at Gosport, who is ill with the fever, suffered a relapse on Monday, and his dissolution was hourly expected.

SUBSCRIPTION IN PETERSBURG.–The amount of money collected in Petersburg up to Wednesday at noon, for the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers, was $2, 410.00.

NON-CONTAGIOUSNESS OF YELLOW FEVER

The Petersburg Express has been furnished by a physician of that place with the following extracts from a "Treatise on the Practice of Medicine," by Dr. Geo. B. Wood, of Philadelphia, who is confessedly one of the most eminent medical men of the country. Discussing the mooted question, whether yellow fever is contagious or not, Dr. Wood says:

"The contagious nature of Yellow Fever has been maintained upon the grounds, 1. That it almost always occurs near wharves, where vessels arrive from abroad and unload; 2. That it has thus been carried to isolated spots, where the disease had never been known to prevail before; 3. That individuals going from an infected neighborhood into a healthy one, have become the centres of a new infection; and 4. That, like contagious disease in general, it cannot be taken a second time.

But these arguments are met by powerfully opposing facts. Thus, in hospitals, situated in healthy districts, though crowded with yellow fever patients, the disease is never imparted to the nurses and other attendants. From vessels arriving in healthy ports yellow fever patients are often landed, sometimes in considerable numbers without propagating the disease. In cities where the disease prevails within limited districts only those persons are attacked who reside in or visit the infected spot; and patients, seized in consequence of such exposure, and carried into healthy parts of the city, do not impart the disease to those about them. Hundreds of instances occur in extensive epidemics, in which patients originally seized in cities and scattered through the country; and yet the instances are exceedingly rare, in which it is even pretended that the disease is thus communicated. Attempts have been made to propagate the disease by inoculation with the blood and secretion of those affected, but without success; and even the black vomit has been swallowed with impunity. It is obvious that the argument drawn from the exemption afforded by one attack of disease is only analogical, and is deserving of no weight unless supported by positive facts."

Mention is made of the fact, that in the year 1853, when yellow fever prevailed epidemically with great violence in New Orleans, and various other towns on the Mississippi river, below Memphis, it did not reach the last mentioned town, nor any point above it, in the epidemic form. Notwithstanding sixty-two cases of the disease were landed at Memphis, from the towns below, and carried through the streets of the city, in open vehicles, for a mile to the hospital, in no instance, either within the hospital, where they were distributed indiscriminately among the patients, or in the city at large, was the disease communicated.

Such facts as these seem to us to settle the question. If it cannot be propagated by inoculation or swallowing the black vomit, we think that the apprehensions of the most timid may be quieted, as far as contagion is concerned.

Referring to means for the prevention of the disease, Dr. Wood remarks:

"The prevention of the disease is even more important than its treatment. In relation to individuals, when circumstances prevent their leaving the place in which the disease prevails, they should select a residence in the highest and healthiest spots; should sleep preferably in the highest part of the house; should avoid the night air; should abstain from fatiguing exercise, exposure to alterations of temperature and excesses of all kinds; should endeavor to maintain a cheerful and confident temper; should use a nutritious and wholesome, but not stimulating diet; and if compelled to enter any spot in which the atmosphere is known to be infected, should take care not to do so when the stomach is empty or the body exhausted by perspiration or fatigue. Attempts to guard against the disease by low diet, bleeding and purging, or the use of mercury, are futile, and even worse than futile. The feebler the system, the less is it able to resist the entrance of the poison, or its influence when absorbed.

"The public also have important duties in this complaint. Letting alone the vexed question of quarantine, we may insist on the necessity of establishing hospitals in healthy situations, or removing as far as possible all sources of noxious effluvia, of correcting immediately all such bad effluvia where known to exist, by fumigations, with chlorine, and finally, in our Northern cities, where the limits of the infected neighborhoods are often well defined, or removing the inhabitants from within these limits and excluding the entrance of others by the temporary erection of fences across the streets or avenues. In places where the residents have become exempt from the disease by habitual exposure to the cause, it will be sufficient to remove and exclude strangers and children from the infected districts."

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
PROGRESS OF THE FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The Norfolk papers contain the following report of the mortality for the 48 hours, ending Wednesday afternoon at 2 P. M.

Mrs. Kevil, aged 30; Mrs. Kevil, 60, Water street, West of Commerce; Mr. Rankin, 50; Mr. Cosgrove, 50–both in double frame tenements, East end of lower Union street; Eliza Cook, 19, Valentine's row, lower end Church street; Mr. John James' colored boy, 17, residence on Fen church street, occupation in the infected district; Mrs. Brown, Williamson's lane, removed from Barry's Row the night of the fire; Nicholas Cooke, 20, West side Market square; Caroline Born, 36, Commerce street; Mr. Hannan, 46, East Water street; John Banks, (free col'd,) Brewer street, (occupation in the infected district;) Thomas Streeter, 16, corner Bute and Duke streets, had been much about the wharves. No deaths in Hospital. Total 12.

The Norfolk Herald, speaking of the progress of the fever, says: "We have observed the progress of the disease now prevailing in our city, and remarked two important points; first, that no case has occurred N. of Main st. which was not traceable to the infected portion of the city lying South of that street; and that the deaths have been almost exclusively of strangers and persons not acclimated. Among the old residents there has been very little sickness, and no more deaths than in ordinary times. With good nursing and attendance, the disease is very little more to be dreaded than bilious fever."

Wednesday, by the recommendation of the Mayor, was universally observed as an occasion of humiliation and prayer to Almighty God, for the removal of the pestilence from the city. All places of business was closed during the day, and appropriate services held in the different churches.

We learn that there were twenty new cases in Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Samuel R. Borum, Esq., of Norfolk, was dead.

Captain Sam. Barron, commandant of the Navy Yard, was improving, but his second daughter was lying ill of the fever in Norfolk.

Midshipman Walter Jones, in command of the Pennsylvania, was down with the fever, as were five seamen of the vessel. The U. S. Ship St. Lawrence had taken off the crew of the Pennsylvania and gone to Craney Island with them.

Miss Hope, daughter of Mr. George Hope, was lying ill of the fever.

Hon. Henry A. Wise has fitted up his dwelling house, barns, and every other place of shelter, and invited the afflicted communities to come there, assuring them that they should be welcome. Other gentlemen of that neighborhood had followed this example, and their kind offers have doubtless been accepted by many. A large company of the refugees are in Matthews county, Va., and doing well.

One hundred and sixty-two dollars has been contributed in Washington for the relief of the sufferers.

Sydney Giles, a discharged United States soldier, aged 30 years, a native of New Haven, Conn., accidentally fell over from Newton's wharf, in Norfolk, Wednesday morning, and was drowned. There was no Coroner to hold an inquest over the body.

LATEST.

We learn by telegraph, from Petersburg, that Mayor Woodis, of Norfolk, is convalescent. He did not have an attack of the fever.

Capt. Henderson, formerly of the steamer Star, seized with black vomit, Wednesday. Horatio Moore, taken Tuesday night, as were also Capt. Bowden of the Norfolk Blues, and Treasurer of the Howard Association, and Capt. Wm. Freeman, of Fen church street.

The disease is increasing, and new cases have occurred in different parts of the city.

In Portsmouth, Wednesday, there were twelve deaths. One physician had four new cases.

Dr. Schoolfield is improving.

The disease is increasing.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Baltimore, August 15, 1855.

A meeting is to be held tomorrow in the Merchants' Exchange to procure subscriptions for the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

August 18, 1855.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
YELLOW FEVER AT NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

The following is the report of the Board of Health of Norfolk, for the 24 hours ending Thursday at 2 P. M.

Wm. Baten, aged 40, from Portsmouth–intemperate. Wm. Hudgen, 52, Main st., No. 88. George Billups, 19, Cumberland st., occupation in the infected district. Columbus Rhea, 23, Rhea's lane. Dr. R. W. Sylvester, 54, Granby st. Mr. Chreistan, No. 37, W. Main st., Capt. Jas. E. Henderson, 28, Cumberland st–occupation in the infected district. Mrs. Curtain, 67, N. Church st.–Caroline Phillips, 23, Rhea's lane. Total 9.

A resolution was passed by the Board, that a resident physician should be appointed to attend the Hospital at Lambert's Point; that he have full and equal powers with the attending physicians, and shall co-operate with the attending physicians, and during their absence, exercise proper police authority in all cases where it may be proper to interfere; and that the emoluments of the resident physicians shall be the same as the attending physician, and that Dr. Wm. M. Wilson be appointed the resident physician, and be informed of his appointment by the Secretary.

It was ordered that the practice of ringing (except for fire) or tolling the fire bells, be suspended during the pending sickness.

A book has been opened at the office of the Howard Association, over the store of Noah Walker & Co., corner of Main and Talbot streets, for the purpose of registering the names of persons desirous of being removed to the hospital.

Notice had been given by Rev. Mr. McClelland, that the Methodist Church would be open for service every afternoon at 5 o'clock.

Miss Lucy E. Andrews, of Syracuse, N. Y., arrived in Norfolk Thursday morning, and tendered her services to his Honor, the Mayor, as a nurse in the Hospital. Miss A. is a very pretty young lady. His Honor promptly accepted her services, and as promptly escorted her down to Julappi, where she was duly installed. Miss A. made a contribution to the Howard fund.

Dr. Sylvester, whose name occurs in the list of deaths, was one of the most prominent physicians of Norfolk.

The Philadelphia Steam Packet Company have made the very liberal donation of $600 to the Howard Association.

The editor of the Norfolk Argus does not think the people of Norfolk will receive the money subscribed for their relief by persons who have cut off communication with them.

In Baltimore $2,510 has been subscribed, and Mr. & Mrs. Charles Howard, under the management of John T. Ford, were to give a performance for the benefit of the sufferers.

Dr. Warren Stone, a celebrated physician of N. Orleans, had arrived in Portsmouth to practice among the yellow fever patients.

Captain Elias Guy, chief of the Norfolk police, was down with the fever.

Mr. J. Burns, one of the carriers of the Portsmouth Transcript, has fled from the fever, and left the following curious note for publication:

If any of my subscribers wish to take their papers from any one else, they can do so until I return, at which time I will be thankful to receive their patronage again. If I live, I will return, and be as prompt to my duties as ever. If I die, I remain your obedient servant. M. J. BURNS.

A letter received in Richmond yesterday from Portsmouth says there was no new cases there Thursday. Dr. Schoolfield was improving.

Benjamin W. Palmer, a clerk in the Purser's office of the Gosport Navy Yard, residing in Portsmouth, is sick with the fever.

LATEST.

We have the following distressing information by telegraph from Petersburg.

S. S. Stubbs, former Mayor of Norfolk, and family are down with the fever.

The fever is still raging in Norfolk, and a large number of the Irish residents are falling victims.

The accounts from Portsmouth are still more distressing. There were ten deaths there Thursday and between 25 and 30 new cases.

Two of the police are dead and the third is down with the fever.

Capt. Barron's daughter, before reported ill, is dead.

The distress prevailing in the town is represented as heartrending.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
New York, August 16, 1855

Madame Parodi and Strackosch propose giving a grand concert in this city, on the 28th inst., for the benefit of the yellow fever sufferers at Norfolk and Portsmouth.

August 20, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

PORTSMOUTH. –Among those who died of the fever in Portsmouth on Thursday, we find the name of Mrs. John James.

A correspondent of the Petersburg Express, writing from there, says:

Our town presents a gloomy and sombre aspect. There is not a magistrate or constable here; the Council is without a quorum; and nearly all the town officers are gone. Two of the police officers are dead, and a third is now sick. The stores and banks are closed–the market is deserted–the private dwellings are tenantless, and all the hotels and boarding houses are shut up. All our citizens (except those who remain from a sense of duty) who could raise means to get off have left. There were 12 deaths yesterday, and from 20 to 30 new cases of fever.

The Angel of Death is hovering over us, and the few left, are falling like leaves in Autumn.

LOCAL MATTERS.

RELIEF FOR THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH SUFFERERS.–In accordance with a notice published in the papers last Saturday morning, a meeting of citizens of Richmond assembled in the Metropolitan Hall, on Saturday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, to consider and adopt means of affording assistance and practical relief to their afflicted fellow citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

. . . Dr. R. B. C. Howell handed the following communication to the Chairman, and it was read to the meeting:

Office of the R. and P. R. R. Co.
Richmond, August 18th, 1855.

To the Chairman of the Relief Meeting at Metropolitan Hall, for the relief of the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers:

Dear Sir:–I regret that in consequence of indisposition, by which I am confined to the house, I cannot be present at the meeting, and therefore take this method of tendering, on behalf of the owners of the steamboat Augusta, a subscription of $100 towards this laudable purpose, and should it be deemed best by those appointed by the meeting to carry out its objects, to send a part of the amount subscribed in the form of provisions, I tender the use of the steamer Augusta, on behalf of the owners to transport the same to their destination, free of charge–Captain Smith having already expressed himself willing to visit those places for such purposes.

I remain, very respectfully yours,
Thos. Dodamead, Sup't R. & P. R. R. and Ag't of stm'r Augusta.

Having heard with distress and regret of the ravages of Yellow Fever in our sister cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk, of the stoppage of the regular railroad trains and steamboats which communicate with Norfolk and Portsmouth and which might, if plying as usual, rescue many citizens of the infected towns from an untimely death; and being fully persuaded that in offices of humanity and mercy, we shall find more favor in the sight of Heaven than in the artifices of a cowardly and calculating precaution, should the scourge unfortunately be brought to our town doors and hearthstones–it is, therefore, by this meeting:

1. Resolved, That, in the name of the inhabitants of Richmond, we invite and will welcome the citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth to our city, its pure air, ample accommodations, and warm hospitalities.

2. Resolved, That we earnestly urge upon the proprietors of the steamboats that ply between Richmond and the infected Cities, to resume their regular trips, landing their passengers, if necessary, below quarantine.

3. Resolved, That we request, and, so far as this meeting can do so, we instruct the authorities of the City to abolish the quarantine, except so far as to request, that persons actually affected with yellow fever arriving in the City, be removed to the public hospitals and infirmaries.

4. Resolved, That a committee of six from each ward be appointed by the chairman, to solicit subscriptions of money, and all other useful articles and provisions, and that this committee be requested, from time to time, to forward as speedily and directly as possible, if necessary, by one of its members, such contributions.

5. Resolved, also, That we recommend to the Common Council to make, first, such appropriation of the public fund as they can spare from the Treasury as a donation to Norfolk and Portsmouth–and secondly, a sufficient sum to convey to, and take care of in the City Hospital, all persons arriving at Quarantine or Rocketts, with Yellow Fever, immediately on their arrival.

On motion of Dr. Gooch, the Chairman of the meeting, (Geo. W. Munford) was appointed Chairman of the Committee authorized to collect contributions.

Mr. Ro. A. Mayo, on behalf of the steamer Curtis Peck, stated that the company owning that line, plying between Richmond and Norfolk, would carry, free of charge, any provisions, or render other service which might be required by the afflicted and distressed citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

August 21, 1855

Local Matters.

Steamer Coffee
Full travel bill
Not to be reproduced without written permission from © Mariner's Museum,
Newport News, Virginia
(PB19879 Joseph E. Coffee Steamer)

THE CURTIS PECK, Capt. Davis, will leave her wharf at Rocketts this morning at half past 5 o'clock for Old Point and Hampton, and will connect with the Coffee and other steamers in the Roads, running to and from Norfolk and Portsmouth, so that persons who may wish to go to either of those places can do so now with little or no trouble. It must be gratifying to every friend of humanity to know that the Council of this city has repealed so much of the quarantine ordinance as will enable the steamers Curtis Peck and Augusta to resume their runs, and thereby give the residents of the infected cities an opportunity of seeking healthier regions than those in which the quarantine laws of other places seemed determined to pen them up. We are truly glad that Richmond has at length done herself justice by opening her doors to her distressed friends and neighbors and inviting them to seek safety in her midst, for our physicians are unanimously of the opinion that yellow fever can never prevail here as an epidemic. But even if we were liable to suffer from the disease, we should then be willing to see our Norfolk and Portsmouth friends seeking shelter in our city from the death plague which environs them, trusting to Providence to protect us in our philanthropic efforts for our fellow beings. We have been requested to say that a physician will be in attendance on the Curtis Peck, ready to give medical aid to all who may need it, and that every precaution will be used to guard its passengers against coming in contact with all contagious diseases. This course will be necessary to prevent the necessity of quarantining the vessel whenever she may arrive within quarantine bounds.

NOBLE CONDUCT.–Some ten days since, when six or seven residents of Portsmouth were taken down in this city with yellow fever and sent to the hospital, the panic became so great that even the friends and relatives of the afflicted fled from them, nurses could be had for neither love nor money, and Dr. Snead, the hospital physician, found himself so completely overwhelmed with labor that he had to go both day and night, to prevent his patients from dying from neglect. Just at this time one of our own citizens, MR. HENRY MYERS, with that disinterestedness for which he is characteristic, and regardless of all consequences, stepped forward and offered his services as a nurse, which were gladly accepted, and from that moment until the last case of yellow fever had either become convalescent or been buried, devoted himself to the duties he had undertaken, never sleeping a minute–unless in a chair, by the bedside of a sufferer, where he could be easily aroused–and never leaving the hospital, until informed by the attending physician that his aid was no longer needed.

At a meeting of the Council last Saturday afternoon the above facts were stated and vouched for by members, where it was further stated that Mr. Myers was then preparing to visit Norfolk as a nurse, where he felt that he could do something to relieve those who needed attendance. Dr. Snead, however, thought it best to retain him one week longer at the hospital, for fear that other persons now here from the infected cities, might be taken with the fever, at the expiration of which time, if no new case occurs, Mr. Myers will certainly visit Norfolk, and devote himself to the service of the sick.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
Progress of the Fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The fever seems from the report of the Norfolk Board of Health to be on the increase in that city. The Board report the following deaths from the 24 hours ending Saturday at 2 P. M.

Thomas Keeling, aged 22, Cumberland street; Mrs. Job Jakeman, 36, Dod's lane; George, colored man, 50, in Hall's jail; Miss Barron, 15, (from Gosport) Granby street; Mrs. Sarah Taylor, 22, Queen street; Thomas E. Mehegan, 21, N. Church street; Josiah Shipp, 55, Bermuda street; M. Massle, 42, E. Water street; Wm. Hess, 55, W. Main street; Mrs. Fallen, 38, Main street; Phillip, colored man, Freemason street; Mrs. Thos. Hughes, 36, Church street.–Total 12 deaths.

The Beacon says:

Though a larger number of deaths were reported yesterday than on the day before, we have the assurance of physicians that they do not consider that the disease is increasing. Several of the deaths reported were of patients who have been sick for a number of days.

UNDER THE OBITUARY HEAD in the Norfolk papers, we find the names of Mrs. Otelia Butler, wife of Dr. Butler; Tho's P, son of A. Jordan, and Tho's Mehegan.

The Norfolk Argus, speaking of the clergymen who have fled, says–"In alluding to the departure of four or five ministers, since the fever commenced its ravages, we included at least two from the opposite side of the river. We take pleasure in stating that several preachers here are doing their duty faithfully. We cannot speak knowingly in this respect with regard to Portsmouth; but there are some here whose diligent, unceasing and effectual pastoral visitations well deserve notice and commendation. Rev. Messrs. Jackson, of St. Paul's, Walke, of Christ church, (the regular pastor having left for Europe several months ago,) Armstrong, of the Presbyterian, Wills, of the Cumberland street Methodist, Dibrell, of the Granby street Methodist, O'Keefe, of St. Patrick's, McClelland, of the Methodist Protestant, and Jones, of the African Methodist, are among those who are busily and usefully engaged in their efforts to give consolation to the sufferers. Some of them are in regular attendance at the Hospital; and none of those mentioned manifest a desire to fly from the scourge–preferring to die in the faithful discharge of their known duty, to leaving the suffering and afflicted members of there flocks in the midst of disease and death, with those words of comfort and Christian consolation which it become them especially to impart in the hour of extraordinary calamity and trial.

Alluding to the distress prevailing in the city, the News says: We learn from a reliable source that a good deal of distress and suffering already exist among the poor of our city. Deprived of work and without means, many of that class who depend on their daily labor for support, and especially females who live by their needle, are experiencing the want of the necessaries of life.

As the Howard Association are perhaps sufficiently engaged in attending to the sick, would it not be well to form another benevolent association for the purpose of searching out and relieving the worthy and modest poor. We are sure that abundant means could be collected from our citizens to minister to their wants. Who will set this philanthropic ball in motion?

The Herald has the following tribute to the Howard Association there: "This philanthropic Association is daily affording relief to such of the sick poor who have friends willing to nurse them at home and daily sending to the hospital those who have neither friends nor money. Well it is for the unfortunate wretches that such an Association was so promptly organized for their relief. The stoutest heart would shudder were we to describe some of the scenes of poverty and distress that have come under our notice. Alas for poor faithless human nature! Friends, neighbors and acquaintances flee at the first alarm of sickness, leaving the unfortunates alone and helpless, to be sought out and cared for by strangers, and if they should die, the preacher and the hearse driver are the sole attendants of their funeral.

The provisions mentioned yesterday as having been sent to Norfolk from Baltimore, had arrived there in the steamer Georgia.

Mr. Robertson, proprietor of a Restaurant, corner of Market Square and Union street, had commenced supplying soup to the suffering, under direction from the Howard Association. The same association has opened at the warehouse of the Baltimore Steam Packet Company, corner of Wide Water and New Castle streets, a Provision Store.

A lighter leaves the end of Wide Water street every morning, with the sick for the Hospital at Lambert's Point.

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS are convalescent;–Mr. Henry Harwood, Mr. W. H. Broughton and Mr. S. R. Borum.

Mr. Stephen James, an old citizen of Portsmouth, was buried on Saturday. Two of his daughters were ill with the fever.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

WASHINGTON, AUG. 20.–This morning the sum of $1,000 was raised here for the sufferers by fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Five Sisters of Charity have left here for the infected cities to nurse the sick.

August 22, 1855.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Relief for the Norfolk and Portsmouth Sufferers.
Philadelphia, Aug. 20, 1855.

The Committee appointed to solicit money for the relief of the sufferers at Norfolk, Portsmouth, Gosport, Va., have forwarded $2,000 to the officers of the philanthropic associations in those towns–The committees have accepted the services (offered gratuitously) of Dr. Louis Martin y de Castro, an eminent physician of Cuba, Mr. Wm. H. Maull, a gentleman who has had much experience in nursing yellow fever patients in New Orleans, and Dr. W. H. Freeman, all of whom have proceeded on their mission of mercy.

New York, August 20, 1855.

The committee appointed at the meeting held on Friday, to solicit relief for the yellow fever sufferers at Norfolk and Portsmouth have thus far collected $5,000. The Corn Exchange committees have collected $5,000, and are still actively at work.–There is not the least doubt but that the two committees will raise as much as $20,000 before Wednesday. There is no hesitation or lukewarm feeling manifested, but on the contrary, all our merchants, when solicited to contribute, do it freely and with liberal hands.

Baltimore, Aug. 19.

Our subscriptions here for the sufferers at Norfolk and Portsmouth, have reached the liberal sum of $7,130. J. Brune, Esq., the treasurer of the fund, appointed by the meeting held at the Exchange, addressed a letter to Mr. Ferguson, the president of the Howard Association at Norfolk, on Friday last, to ascertain whether he should forward more supplies, or the money he then had in hand, and in reply received an order for more supplies of provisions, and a lot of mattresses and bedding, which were by him duly forwarded to that place.

The subscription list will be kept open at the above places so long as the sufferings of the citizens of Portsmouth and Norfolk shall render it necessary.

LOCAL MATTERS.

NOBLY DONE.–The Young Men's Christian Association of this city have collected, for the relief of the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers, the handsome sum of $2,800. In addition to this Mr. J. W. Randolph has collected and forwarded $500, making in all $3,300 donated by the citizens of Richmond to their afflicted neighbors, besides a large amount of provisions which have been and will be forwarded by the Curtis Peck and Augusta.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
LATEST FROM NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

PETERSBURG, Aug. 21.–Private letters received here from Norfolk represent the state of affairs as truly alarming. Yesterday morning a lighter full of patients left the wharf for the hospital at Julappi. Mrs. W. H. Murphy, a well-known milliner of Norfolk, died yesterday.

In Portsmouth, the deaths and new cases are increasing. A strong appeal from Dr. Trugien, reached here this afternoon for Petersburg physicians to come down and aid them. There are but three physicians on duty in Portsmouth.

AID FOR THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH SUFFERERS.

BOSTON, Aug. 21.–The mechanics in the Navy Yard here, held a meeting last night and voted to appropriate the wages of one day to the relief of the mechanics in the Gosport Navy Yard. The amount will be $1,500.

BALTIMORE, Aug. 21.–The amount raised here for the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers has reached $10,500. The provisions and mattresses ordered by the Norfolk Howard Association will be sent by the boat this afternoon.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21.–The Norfolk and Portsmouth fund has reached $2,500.

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Continued.
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