Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

QUARANTINE AT ALEXANDRIA. In our last we mentioned a report that had reached us, to that vessels from the port of Norfolk had been compelled to perform a quarantine at Alexandria, until they had completed the twelfth day after their departure from Norfolk. We have since taken pains to inform ourselves, as far as we could, on a subject so interesting to this place; and are now able, on what we conceive good authority, to state, that,

Two vessels, regular packets, from this port, were detained at the quarantine below Alexandria, for several days, (the number we have not ascertained) and were then discharged. We understand that the quarantine was raised, and afterwards reinforced, and the time extended to the fourteenth day after the departure hence. A third vessel, (Captain O'Meara's packet), we learn, passed the quarantine, and proceeded either to Georgetown, or to Washington; on her return to Alexandria, Capt. O'Meara was prosecuted for a breach of the quarantine law.

This conduct we consider very grievous; and, with the greatest respect both for the Mayor and Health-Officer of Alexandria, we apprehend it is not authorized. We should have expected that respect for the constituted authorities of this borough, would have induced a thorough examination of any rumour which might have reached them, before they thus publicly declared that a malignant disease existed in a place, with which Alexandria is so closely connected by ties of trade; to lay aside every other consideration. Nothing but the existence of a malignant, or contagious disease could authorize the measure of which we complain.

On whatever rumours the corporation of Alexandria may have proceeded, we have great pleasure in declaring that they have no foundation in truth; and it is with unfeigned satisfaction, and grateful thanks to that power from whom proceeds both disease and health, that we assert, that so far from our being visited by any malignant disease, in the memory of the oldest physician in the place, Norfolk never has been more healthy than it now is, and has been all this season.

To make this assertion we have the authority of respectable Mayor. Wishing to have good grounds on which to proceed, the following letter was yesterday written to that gentleman.

SIR,

I have heard, from persons well informed on the subject, that the health officer at Alexandria, has thought proper to order vessels from this port, arriving under his jurisdiction; to perform a quarantine, for such number of days as shall complete the fourteenth day after their departure

I need not point out to you how very inexpedient and unjust is this exercise of power on the part of the Corporation or health-office of Alexandria: which is not authorized by any circumstance connected with the health of this borough.

The injury which it may occasion, is not to be looked for merely in the interrupted intercourse with that place. Other ports, at a greater distance, relying upon the correctness of the measure, may follow the example; and the interests of the merchants and others here be hereby materially affected.

As it is the wish of the Editors of the Publick Ledger to do away, or prevent, as far as in their power, any bad consequences which might follow this extraordinary proceeding of the town of Alexandria, and to rescue this borough from the evil report which has been raised without any foundation, I beg leave to solicit your aid in performing this duty.

Submitting to your better judgment, I would suggest, that you collect the opinions of the medical gentlemen, with several of whom I have conversed and that, as magistrate, you give us your authority to contradict any report which may have deceived Doctor Dick, and to make a true representation of the uncommonly favourable state of health with which we are at this time so highly blessed.

With due regard,

Jas. Shr

Your obedient servant;

GEO. L. GRAY.

To WILLIAM KING, Esq. Mayor, &c.

Mr. King has, in consequence, authorized us to make the assertion which we have made; and to say that he has consulted several gentlemen of the faculty who are ready to confirm it; that he has written on the subject to the Mayor of Alexandria

Captain O'Meara arrived opposite the Point early in the night a shot was fired at him which he went ashore in his boat, stated that he was bound to the Navy Yard, and asked if it were necessary for him to anchor. He was allowed to proceed and when he came opposite the town he was ordered by Capt. Pearson (the quarantine officer) who told him he breaking the law. O'Meara said he had incurred at Washington until and on returning to Alexandria; and should if required, that he will corroborate it by proclamation. We hope these facts will induce the Mayor, or those having the power, in Alexandria, to correct the error into which they may have been led by very erroneous information.