September 25, 1863: An Epidemic Breaks Out in New Orleans

SEPTEMBER 26TH, 1863:  Epidemic sickness was one of the persistent hazards of extended blockade duty in warm climates.

This date, to illustrate, Commodore H.H. Bell reported to Secretary Welles from New Orleans:  "I regret to inform the Department that a pernicious fever has appeared on board the United States steamers repairing at this port from which some deaths have ensued.

"Some of the cases have been well-defined yellow fever, and others are recognized here by the names of pernicious and congestive fever."

A Dangerous Duty.  --Old B-R'er