Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to report that the presence of cholera in this town was declared by the board of health on the 12th instant. The number of deaths reported on that day was three; on the next twelve; the next thirty-four; the next thirty-eight; the next thirty-four; the next fifty-three; the next sixty-one and yesterday, when the malady had prevailed a week, ninety-four. As Alexandria has a population of about one hundred and seventy thousand, these deaths are more significant from the rapid increase they exhibit than from their [Page 322] absolute number. The proportion of deaths to population at its highest is still very much less than one in one thousand.
The outbreak of the disease has nevertheless caused great alarm, and many persons have left the place. The regular steamships have been crowded, and several have been charted for extra trips. I learn that at the Greek, Italian, and Austrian consulates general, each of which has a very numerous colony here, hundreds of passports are signed daily (at the Austrian 400 in one day) for their subjects who are fleeing in dread of the disease.
I am happy to be able to report that thus far there has been no death in the American community.
His Highness the Pacha departed for a marine excursion in his steam yacht at the beginning of the last week, and is now reported to be at Scio.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.