Cholera in Galway

The Galway Advertiser, Vol XVI, No. 27, July 7th 1832 [check date]

Progress of Cholera in Galway

Considerable alarm was created in this town on Monday last, from the fact that Cholera had increased to a very great degree, but, thank God, we may, in some measure, say, it was only momentary, as the number of cases gradually decreased towards the end of the week, as may be seen from the subjoined report. However, the average number for the present week shows an increase, as compared with the past one, for up to twelve o'clock this day there were 103 cases, 34 deaths, which are 14 deaths, and 65 cases more than last week. The sudden transition from the favourable state of the disease on the Sunday preceding (it being then generally understood that scarcely a new case had occurred), is sufficient to show us, if proof were wanting, the treacherous nature of this malady. Indeed it was the general impression of all, that Galway had been subject to one of these relapses which had occurred in many other places. But there is no effect without a cause, as we understand that number of persons (the day before Cholera had taken such an unfavourable turn) had been attending what are usually termed "Honors", or drinking parties got together for making merry over the remains of some departed friends. As long as this state of things remains, and that the poorer class of the people give themselves up to such habits, the upshot of the thing will be that Cholera will be lingering amongst us until the very individuals who are the cause of its remaining, will ultimately become its very victims. We are aware that the clergy are doing every thing in their power to bring these absurd and rude customs into disrespect, and we sincerely trust they will not relax in their endeavours until they succeed in convincing the people that they are only following a course alike injurious to themselves, as it is ruinous to the general state and prosperity of the community. — Surely the people cannot now be so foolish as not to see that the man who leads a regular life, and takes nourishing food, is scarcely ever subject to Cholera, while it is notorious that the dram drinker and tippler eventually fall a sacrifice to it. — We are aware, indeed, that the disorganised state of trade in general, debars, in some cases, the poorer classes of artisans and workmen from being enabled to procure for themselves and families any food at all. Yet this we will say, and we will not shrink from the opinion, that more might be done on their part in appropriating to good purposes what they obtain from charity, and their own individual exertions.

The following is the report of the number of cases up to twelve o'clock this day : —
July 1. — Remaining at last Report, 28 ; new cases, 4 ; died, 2 ; recovered, 0 ; remaining, 30 ; total from commencement, 655 ; total deaths, 307.
July 2. — Remaining at last Report, 30 ; new cases, 11 ; died, 4 ; recovered, 0 ; remaining, 37 ; total from commencement, 665 ; total deaths, 311.
July 3. — Remaining at last report, 37 ; new cases, 24 ; died, 4 ; recovered, 0 ; remaining, 57 ; total from commencement, 590 ; total deaths, 315.
July 4. — Remaining at last Report, 57 ; new cases, 19 ; died, 10 ; recovered, 17 ; remaining, 49 ; total from commencement, 709 ; total deaths, 325.
July 5. — Remaining at last report, 49 ; new cases, 14 ; died, 3 ; recovered, 13 ; remaining, 45 ; total from commencement, 723 ; total deaths, 330.
July 6. — Remaining at last report, 45 ; new cases, 9 ; died, 5 ; recovered, 10 ; total from commencement, 732 ; total deaths, 335.
July 7. — Remaining this day (twelve o'clock,) 39 ; new cases, 22 ; died, 4 ; recovered, 11 ; remaining, 46 ; total from commencement, 754 ; total deaths from commencement, 339.
Signed by order,
J. Veitch, M.D.
T. L. Whistler, M.D.

Cholera in Loughrea

We regret exceedingly at having to state that the much dreaded Cholera has at length reached Loughrea, but it is a visitation which, in the ordinary course of things, we were prepared fro an account of, for evidently coming as this scourge is from an offended Creator, we may rest assured it will visit every town and village in Ireland. We feel satisfied, however, and we know enough of the spirited inhabitants of Loughrea and its vicinity, to enable us to say, that every thing will be done on their part calculated to stem the torrent of this desolating malady. We hope the more respectable portion of the inhabitants will see the folly of running away, or of being seized with panic ; a great deal of good is likely to arise from their remaining stationary, and the contrary effect from pursuing a different course. In Galway, when Cholera first appeared, the only thing that was thought of was that of save himself who can now when the real state of the case is known, persons who did so would be better pleased that such a step had never been taken, for in point of fact they are more likely to take the disease on their return than before. This opinion we have always maintained, and we have frequently adverted to the evils arising from such a course, and we take this opportunity of cautioning our Loughrea friends, lest they might fall into a similar error.

The Marquess of Clanricarde

This Nobleman has subscribed the sum of 251. towards the Relief Fund for the town of Galway. He need not do so if he did not like it ; but we must take this opportunity of stating, that he ought to have given more, inasmuch as he derives a princely income from his landed property in the County of Galway, falling something short of about 20,000I. per annum. However, "there is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof, to their hurt".

All the Dalystown estate in the county of Galway, sold in the Master's office, on the 13th inst., has been bought by Edmund Kelly, of Rockwood, Esq., for the sum of 65,000I.

Cholera in Oranmore

There have been several cases and some deaths from Cholera, in and about the town of Oranmore, this week. As every preparatory measure has been taken by the inhabitants, it is to be hoped, that, its effects will not be so much felt, as otherwise. We take this opportunity of warning our Craughwell friends, (about whom for many reasons we are naturally interested) to take the necessary precaustions, if they have not done so already. They have Captain Rathburne, a resident, always attentive to their local interersts, who with the judicious assistance of James H. Burke, of St. Clerans, (a humane and upright Gentleman,) can bring a board of health, and a committee of relief into operation, aided no doubt as they will be by Mrs. Burke, whose unabounded and unostentatious charity, (and we know it,) is only equalled by her great zeal, to feed the hungry, & clothe the naked, & whose constant study, is to promote the happiness and prosperity of all around her. Would to God that the wealthy portions of the community, were actuated by such conduct and worthy motives, and devote as equal a proportion of their resources, as she does to the cause of suffering humanity.

Cholera in Arran

We understand, and with regret, that these romantic, and what we might naturally expect healthy, little Islands, have been visited with this pestilence — remotely situated as they are, and in a great measure beyond the reach of medical assistance, a weighty responsibility rests upon the local proprietor to use his best exertions to have such provided for the inhabitants. Enough now has transpired to shew us the folly of running away from Cholera. If we had ever entertained such an idea, these very Islands would be the very spot that we would select as most likely to put us beyond its reach, salubriously situated as they are. The hand of God is evidently upon his people. Time like a rolling stream, with hasty strides is fast hurrying us into eternity.

All born on earth must die, destruction reigns
Round the whole Globe, and changes all its scenes.

Cholera in Castlebar

(From the Mayo Constitution)

Our report up to this day is, on the whole, rather cheering — and we have witnessed, with much satisfaction, within the last few days, the return of some degree of confidence among the peasantry of the neighbourhood who are once more bringing in fuel and provisions for the supply of our diminished population. Altho' a good many cases have occurred since our last, the immediate medical attention which the patients now re???, and the excellent accommodation provided for them in the Hospital, have tended much to lessen the number of deaths and Cholera does not now appear by any means, so formidable a disease in the eyes of the inhabitants, as their fears had at first led them to imagine. We subjoin the latest official report : —

Castlebar Board of Health

Thursday, July 5th, 1832.
Remaining at last report, 15 ; new cases, 9 ; deaths, 5 ; recovered, 4 ; remaining, 14 ; total cases from commencement, 63 ; total deaths, 29.
R. Blakeney. — Secretary.

Cholera in the 83rd Regiment

July 5th, 1832.
Total cases from commencement, 30 ; died, 2 ; recovered, 20 ; in hospital, 8.
Of the above six were females.

There is not upon the Tuam Cholera Relief Committee or local Board of Health, a single individual to whom we will yield in an anxious wish for the good of the public and the poor. — Whenever their interests are concerned, we forget all political differences, and are never guided by a sectarian feeling. We owe no enmity to his Grace the Protestant Archbishop, but on the contrary gratitude, for his valuable and efficient exertions in the cause of Christian charity on every occasion, when it has pleased the Providence of God to visit our poor people with his vengeance ; on the contrary we have availed ourselves of every opportunity of hearing testimony to the extent of his services, as our Tuam friends must do us the justice to believe, that in alluding to those services, we have invariably thrown overboard all those "saintly recollections", which, under the circumstances, might lead to harshness or asperity. — Connaught Journal.

The Cholera Official Report

Central Board of Health for Ireland
Council Office, Dublin Castle July 5, 1832.

Dublin, July 4. — Remaining at last report, 525 ; new cases, 153 ; died, 48 ; recovered, 91 ; remaining, 539. Total from commencement, 4,875. Total deaths, 1,430.
St. George's Parish. — Remaining at last report, 17 ; new cases, 7 ; died, 2 ; recovered, 1 ; remaining, 21. Total from commencement, 124. Total deaths, 58.
Cork, July 4. — Remaining at last report, 99 ; new cases, 19 ; died, 9 ; recovered, 13 ; remaining, 96. Total from commencement, 3,283 ; Total deaths, 835.
Ballinasloe. — Remaining at last report, 18 ; new cases, 3 ; died, 1 ; recovered, 10 ; remaining, 10. Total from commencement, 146 ; total deaths, 38.
Tuam. — Remaining at last report, 12 ; new cases, 4 ; died, 2 ; recovered, 3 ; remaining, 11. — Total from commencement, 76. Total deaths, 47.
Limerick. — Remaining last report, 163 ; new cases, 35 ; died, 9 ; recovered, 52 ; remaining, 127 ; total cases, 1,653 ; total deaths, 638.
Ennis. — Remaining at last report, 14 ; new cases, 20 ; died, 16 ; recovered, 20 ; remaining, 12. Total from commencement, 20 ; total deaths, 28.
Kilrush. — Remaining at last report, 8 ; new cases, 2 ; died, 0 ; recovered, 1 ; remaining, 9. Total from commencement, 47 ; total deaths, 28.
Signed,
Francis Barker, M.D. Sec.