What Will We Learn?

[Eleanor Rose]

(Public Domain)​

In the 19th​ century, infectious disease ravaged the globe. Typhoid, cholera, the bubonic plague, and tuberculosis, just to name a few, besieged people around the world in epidemics and pandemics. Hundreds of thousands died. A New Orleans newspaper printed in 1878 read, "There is nothing that deprives men of the natural use of their reasoning powers so quickly and entirely as fear."

These words were likely intended for the local folks who were in a yellow fever frenzy and understandably so. They were facing what appeared to be an unending struggle to cope with the disease and its consequences. The caregivers of all types struggled to cope with their professional shortcomings and their personal feelings of inadequacy. No doubt these emotions were heightened by the number of healthcare providers and patients who were dying from the sickness.

There is a glimpse into the caregiver's experience during the yellow fever epidemic, but it seems to be infrequently touched on by historians. These accounts offer a window to view the epidemics, as those considered most adept at handling disease questioned their own methodology and, sometimes, their very being.

In 1878, Dr. William Armstrong was living in rural Columbia, Tennessee with his family. When yellow fever hit Memphis that summer, he decided to leave the comforts of his home to travel to Memphis and treat the stricken. He remained in Memphis throughout the outbreak and wrote detailed letters to his wife describing his experiences and struggles. His letters detail some of the most evocative reflections from the 1878 outbreak as he expresses his self-doubt and feelings of helplessness to deal with the number of dying patients. However, despite lacking a viable cure, he remained devoted to care giving.

Armstrong's words are heart-wrenching, revealing a guilt-ridden man. The discomfort that his failed interventions caused him is obvious. He wrote, "I feel sometimes as if my hands were crossed and tied and that I am good for nothing, death coming in upon the sick in spite of all that I can do."

While his words demonstrate the challenge of managing an unstoppable pandemic, they also shine a light on understanding the cost of yellow fever on 19th​ century medical workers.

Dr. Armstrong was not alone in his despair. A New Orleans nurse, corresponding with her sister in Madeira, Portugal frequently turned to religion during her times of distress. She expressed guilt for not being able to resolve the ailments of her patients and articulated a desperation for supernatural intervention. She wrote, "... I sometimes when out in the yard look up and think will God not hear me? The stars look down upon me with their diamond eyes, but are they smiling on me. Or are they mocking me in my despair?"

So many caregivers were tormented by feelings of helplessness. They yearned to voice their concerns and challenges – those shared, but often unspoken by others.

Today's coronavirus – COVID-19 – is yet another example of the many things we have in common with 19th​ century Victorians. We all hurt, we all fear and we all face death. What will we learn from this pandemic? What will you take away from this experience when it's finally over? Please share.

 

[Southern Unionist]

I think we often overlook the impact that the public health situation had on inhibiting the growth of large cities in that century, and all the activities associated with larger cities. Maybe we started taking it for granted that we could always be around large groups of people, safely. Maybe we won't take it for granted again anytime soon.

 

[Mrs. V]

Very hard on all. The care givers, those ill, and those anticipating the illness. Thats what I find hardest..that anticipation of, "Will I become ill? And how severely?" And then there are my loved ones. I worry for them too. I do pray. I find it comforting to reach for that higher power. Doesn't matter what name that power goes by..reaching beyond myself..and then there is music..which fills and soothes the soul.

 

[DBF]

I have to remind myself that medical personnel in the 1800's did not wear any protection when they went in to care for the sick - no gloves or masks - and I know some were taken ill themselves while treating their patients.

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."

 

[lelliott19]

In 1878, there was Yellow Fever epidemic in the Tennessee River Valley area of Alabama. My gg grandfather had served all through the Civil War as a Surgeon - first in the 16th Alabama, then as brigade surgeon for SAM Wood's brigade, and then in the Army of Tennessee's mobile hospitals at Gainesville, AL, Ringgold, Newnan, and Americus, GA and finally at Meridian, MS where he was surrendered and paroled. He was 46 years old when he enlisted, so by the time the Yellow Fever epidemic occurred, Dr Cross was 63 years old. He lived at Cherokee, AL, very near Tuscumbia. The cases that occurred in that part of the state are well-recorded -- Of the 97 cases in Tuscumbia, 31 died. There were other cases nearby that likely required the attention of these same physicians: Leighton 4 cases, 1 died; Florence 1,409 cases, 50 died; Town Creek, 1 died. From the Alabama Historical Marker at Tuscumbia:
"Doctors serving around the clock: Robert T. Abernathy, Samuel J. Cooper, William C. Cross, William Desprez (who gave his life), and E. P. Rand."

EDIT TO ADD ABOUT THE OTHER DOCTORS:
Robert Townes Abernathy was a Confederate Surgeon in the 5th Alabama Cavalry; he was 53 yo when he treated Yellow Fever patients around the clock.
Samuel Johnstone Cooper was, at enlistment, a 16 year old Private in Company I 10th Alabama Cavalry; he was 33 years old at the time of the epidemic.
William Desprez was born in Paris, France in 1806; he was 72 years old and treating patients around the clock! He died 16 October 1878 - the last death of the epidemic occurred October 30, 1878.
Edward Pearsall Rand was the youngest of the doctors caring for Yellow Fever patients in Tuscumbia and vicinity; He was 30 years old during the epidemic.

 

[Viper21]

Great thread! It's an interesting topic, certainly more so with the current circumstances we're all in. I would think with all the deaths during the war that weren't combat related, the subject would receive more attention. It should anyways.

Today's coronavirus – COVID-19 – is yet another example of the many things we have in common with 19th​ century Victorians. We all hurt, we all fear and we all face death. What will we learn from this pandemic? What will you take away from this experience when it's finally over? Please share.

I know what I'll take from it all. I don't want to live in a world where this social distancing stuff becomes normal. I live somewhat secluded, or at minimum, pretty rural. That doesn't mean I'm anti-social. I know several people who are terrified to leave their house. I'm not talking about people with underlying conditions, etc. I'm talking about otherwise healthy people literally living in fear. I find it saddening.

Hearing the stories of people unable to have funerals, or even family functions, again..... saddening. I'm usually a keep to myself kind of person in public. At the same time, if I see you struggling to carry something to your car, I'm almost always willing to help. Today I might get shot for that..! lol. I often speak to elderly people. They most often appear to be folks who appreciate a nice gesture, or conversation. No bueno today. Many people will struggle mentally, without social interaction. Video calls are cool but, not the same.

I was saddened at the sight of a friend the other day, viewing an elderly family member through a window. It's just not the same as a hug, or holding their hand. Again, I don't want this to become the norm.

I apologize if this isn't what you were intending by your question. It was literally just my first thoughts after reading your question.

 

[lurid]

View attachment 353916
(Public Domain)​

In the 19th​ century, infectious disease ravaged the globe. Typhoid, cholera, the bubonic plague, and tuberculosis, just to name a few, besieged people around the world in epidemics and pandemics. Hundreds of thousands died. A New Orleans newspaper printed in 1878 read, "There is nothing that deprives men of the natural use of their reasoning powers so quickly and entirely as fear."

These words were likely intended for the local folks who were in a yellow fever frenzy and understandably so. They were facing what appeared to be an unending struggle to cope with the disease and its consequences. The caregivers of all types struggled to cope with their professional shortcomings and their personal feelings of inadequacy. No doubt these emotions were heightened by the number of healthcare providers and patients who were dying from the sickness.

There is a glimpse into the caregiver's experience during the yellow fever epidemic, but it seems to be infrequently touched on by historians. These accounts offer a window to view the epidemics, as those considered most adept at handling disease questioned their own methodology and, sometimes, their very being.

In 1878, Dr. William Armstrong was living in rural Columbia, Tennessee with his family. When yellow fever hit Memphis that summer, he decided to leave the comforts of his home to travel to Memphis and treat the stricken. He remained in Memphis throughout the outbreak and wrote detailed letters to his wife describing his experiences and struggles. His letters detail some of the most evocative reflections from the 1878 outbreak as he expresses his self-doubt and feelings of helplessness to deal with the number of dying patients. However, despite lacking a viable cure, he remained devoted to care giving.

Armstrong's words are heart-wrenching, revealing a guilt-ridden man. The discomfort that his failed interventions caused him is obvious. He wrote, "I feel sometimes as if my hands were crossed and tied and that I am good for nothing, death coming in upon the sick in spite of all that I can do."

While his words demonstrate the challenge of managing an unstoppable pandemic, they also shine a light on understanding the cost of yellow fever on 19th​ century medical workers.

Dr. Armstrong was not alone in his despair. A New Orleans nurse, corresponding with her sister in Madeira, Portugal frequently turned to religion during her times of distress. She expressed guilt for not being able to resolve the ailments of her patients and articulated a desperation for supernatural intervention. She wrote, "... I sometimes when out in the yard look up and think will God not hear me? The stars look down upon me with their diamond eyes, but are they smiling on me. Or are they mocking me in my despair?"

So many caregivers were tormented by feelings of helplessness. They yearned to voice their concerns and challenges – those shared, but often unspoken by others.

Today's coronavirus – COVID-19 – is yet another example of the many things we have in common with 19th​ century Victorians. We all hurt, we all fear and we all face death. What will we learn from this pandemic? What will you take away from this experience when it's finally over? Please share.

What does your last paragraph tell you about our medical community? It tells me that the medical community is the same now as it was 150 years ago when it comes to finding a cure for viruses. Not trying to offend anyone, but the truth is the truth. They used social distancing back in 1918 for the Spanish Flu, so that's not a novelty either.