The Cholera at Harper’s Ferry

The Cholera at Harper’s Ferry.

We regret to learn that the cholera has commenced at Harper’s Ferry again with increased violence, and that a considerable number of deaths have taken place during the past two days. The following letters from our correspondents give all the information that could be obtained up to the time of the departure of the cars yesterday:—

HARPER’S FERRY, August 8, 1850.
The Cholera at Harper’s Ferry– Seven Deaths in One Day– Death of Dr. Haye, &c.,d,d……..

Messers. Editors:– The cholera is still in our midst, and though now seemingly abating, within 24 hours seven deaths have occurred. Among others, prominent in our community, we painfully record the death of Rev. Joseph G. Haye, M. D. He literally fell as a martyr to his profession, as a practicing physician, and in the triumphs of Christianity. His remains will to-day be taken by the Baltimore train to his farm in Frederick county, to be interred in his family burying ground. AMICUS.

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HARPER’S FERRY, Aug. 8th, 1850.
Spread of the Cholera– Great Excitement– Public Works Abandoned– The Death of Mr. Mettee– Effect on Travelers– People Leaving, &c.

Messrs. Editors: The excitement here is intense. there were but about 15 hands at work in the Armory yesterday– so one of them told me– and today there are very few at work. People are running for doctors, ice, and everything else which they think will be likely to do their sick and dying good, or to save them from death.

Mr. Charles A. Mettee, of Baltimore, was attacked, after supper on Tuesday evening, and by eight o’clock next morning (Wednesday) he was a corpse. Some say that four and others that six died yesterday– but four certain– and last night a lady died and was taken off this morning in the cars from Frederick. Mr. Mettee was sent to Baltimore yesterday.

Mr. Carroll, proprietor of the United States Hotel, at the Bridge, (where I am stopping,) went to bed last night, was taken at 3 o’clock, and at 5 this morning he was dead.

New cases are reported here and there all about town, but I have no certain information of how many or whom. They are now cleaning and liming all the puddles, gullies, sinks, &c., and the utmost excitement prevails.

When the cars from different quarters arrive the spectacle is both amusing and sad. Some go without their dinners sooner than land on this infected spot– some will not even look out of the cars for fear of snuffling in some of the cholera fever, and those who change from the through trains to the Winchester cars (in some cases) do so with the utmost vigilance, running, as though some terrible fiend was after them.

The weather here is fine and not so excessively hot, though warm enough. Mr. Carroll will be buried this evening at 6 o’clock.

I wanted to get a horse this morning to ride to Shepherdstown, but I could not get one, not even for the liberal price of $5. Every horse, cart and carriage is engaged to carry away families and sick folks.

I shall leave here to-morrow, and I think and hope I may escape. I think I will get home safe.
Yours, &c., BALTIMOREAN.