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Story Archives: 1823 Natchez: A season of fever, parties, waltzes & death
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1823 Natchez: A season of fever, parties, waltzes & death
(Fifth in a Series)
A new lawyer in Natchez, John Quitman kept his father, brothers, sisters and friends apprised of his life with periodic letters. In late August 1823 he wrote a friend that he had found sanctuary at the home of well-respected widow at her plantation home, Soldier's Retreat:
"I have been a refugee from Natchez, where the yellow fever is raging...The awful pestilence in the city brings out, in strong relief, the peculiar virtues of this people. The mansions of the planters are thrown open to all comers and goers free of charge. Whole families have free quarters during the epidemic, and country wagons are sent daily to the verge of the smitten city with fowls, vegetables, etc., for gratuitous distribution to the poor."
In Natchez was born one of the most peculiar habits during the seasons of sickness and death, which usually ran from late summer until late fall when the fevers, chills and intestinal pains disappeared. As in all crises such as this, the poor suffered the worse although the rich offered aid. In the fine estates in the country, the mansions swelled with guests who indulged on wine, food and sport while in the midst of the fatal scourge some of the population took part in strange rituals.
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