Daily National Intelligencer

Hydrophobia among the Foxes.—We have seen several gentlemen from the Northern Neck (between the rivers Potomac and Rappahannock) who state that the Hydrophobia exists at present to the most alarming degree among the Foxes. In the county of Northumberland upwards of forty persons have been bitten, who have been sent to the mad stone. A most remarkable circumstance attends the malady, which is, that the afflicted animal, in place of avoiding the human species immediately makes towards them, and even enters houses in the middle of the day. We have seen one gentleman who states that a Fox entered a house yard in his presence, notwithstanding there were several dogs, and that the dogs instead of attacking the animal, immediately retired, exhibiting great signs of fear. On another occasion a Fox made towards a boy who was walking along the road. The latter, to avoid him, leaped into a wagon which was passing, but the Fox pursued and bit him in several places. Much injury has likewise been done to the cattle; and, we are informed that the greatest uneasiness exists among the inhabitants, on account of this singular and extraordinary malady.—Pet. Intel.