Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward
Sir: * * * * * *
The sanitary condition of the city and country is still unsatisfactory. It seems impossible to obtain reliable information in regard to the number of attacks and deaths by the cholera. The disease has been shorn of many of its terrors by prompt medical assistance and careful nursing. Very many of those now attacked recover. An approximation to the number of deaths is sometimes reached by stationing men at the gates of the city, and at the cemeteries within the walls, to count the dead carried out of the enclosure or buried within it. Suffice it to say that morning and night many persons are borne to their final abode, and grave-diggers and doctors are in constant demand. Several temporary hospitals have been established where many attacked with the cholera are speedily borne and receive every attention for their relief and recovery. The hand of charity has also been freely opened for the suffering poor. Bread and soup are given to the hungry and famishing, and the sick and distressed are nursed and counselled free of charge.
While the reports from other parts of the regency are generally improving, the rage of the pestilence is not at an end. I saw a telegraphic despatch received this week from Media, which read thus: “Wife and mother dead; two sons attacked.” Many similar statements have come to my knowledge.
Off among the mountains in the interior of the regency, quite another scene has been recently presented. The Bey’s troops under Generals Zarrouk and Hashem have had an encounter with the Bedouins, and blood had been shed on both sides. A statement of the facts in the case I am unable at this time to give.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.