Kingston Cholera Epidemic Analysis

Conference 5: Primary Source Assignment In 1832, for the town of Kingston, many inhabitants would appear to receive their news from the newspaper, more specifically the Kingston Chronicle. In this newspaper, during the height of the cholera epidemic, there would be many articles discussing whether or not it has come to Kingston and on its progress in Montreal and in Quebec. It is clear from the authors that there was widespread fear and that these articles on cholera that the habitants would read need to be as informative as possible. For instance, in the Kingston Chronicle of June 16, 1832 on page 3 in column 1, it gives a brief summary on the “measures discussed at Court House on Thursday, June 14, 1832” that dealt with “preventing the

Furthermore, that it is almost with great certainty that it will affect the town soon. 2) Preservation of Public Health: In essence, try to stop the spread of the disease and help those who come into contact with it. 3) Providing a shelter for those who may potentially be affected (i.e. separation of sick from healthy) which helps the sick recover quicker. The shelter is under the control of the “Medical Gentlemen of the town.” 4) Funds are necessary to help others as well as to obtain the necessary precautions against the disease. 5) To ask for the aid of Sir John Colberne in obtaining the funds needed to secure this town and help the sick. 6) That a committee would be established that will be in charge of, for example, funds. Information gathered from Quebec and Montreal about the spread of the disease gives rise to and overall sense that the community needs to work together as a whole in order to limit the spread of Cholera. In working together as one, there are numerous things that need to be done. Namely, “appointing a health officer, co-operating with the committee”, and that there is little contact between the sick and healthy, etc. If this is not accomplished, then there will be nothing done to stop the contagion from coming to this town. Essentially, a huge sense of urgency will sweep over the