Philadelphia’s 1793 Yellow Fever: Narrative of the Proceedings of Black People Essay

The 1793 yellow fever eructation was a national problem. At this time the United States Capital was fixed in Philadelphia, PA. This essay w light focus on the outbreak in Philadelphia, PA, particularly how a few different views of the African American community of interests played a role. During this terrible time thousands of local residents fled Philadelphia, including prominent members of political science such as the first United States President, George Washington along with many a(prenominal) other community members. A local paper had an ad flavour for people of color to help attend to the sick.The ad also cognizant those helped would not get sick ,and would be compensated. Responding to this ad was Absalom Jones and Richard Allen. Both manpower were leaders in the African American Community as puff up as free men. Fast forward to the details of what happened during this period. There were three-fold theories as to the cause of the outbreak. Who could or couldnt contra ct the disease was indecipherable as well. Also, accusations of theft and set gouging were do regarding those who helped. Then an article was write by Matthew Carey, a prominent white printer in Philadelphia. bandage he praised Richard Allen and Absalom Jones for their work (Winch) he suggested that blacks had caused the epidemic, and that some black nurses had charged spicy fees and even stolen from those for whom they cared. (Carey) This caused a printed rebuttal by Allen to save the reputation of the African American community. Allen wrote for everyone to read about what he personally saw, as he stayed in Philadelphia during the outbreak, and was on the front line helping. Multiple accounts of the helping blacks were renowned in his text. Examples of African Americans caring for, treating, and burying the ill are given.In most of these instances no money was taken by the African Americans who stepped up to help. However, Mr. Allen did admit there were a few instances of sha dy acts by members of his community. Mr. Careys accusation of the price gouging and stealing from the ill wasnt supported by any examples. We feel ourselves hurt most by a partial, critical paragraph, in Mr. Careys second edition, of his account of the sickness, in Philadelphia pages 76 and 77, where he asperses the blacks alone, for having taken advantage of the distressed situation on the people.See much how to start a narrative essay introduction(Crowley and Stancliff 283). Since this was printed in multiple editions it appears Mr. Carey did very well financially selling papers, rather than reporting existent information. We believe he has made more money by the sale of his scraps than a dozen of the greatest extortioners among black nurses. (Crowley and Stancliff 284). Mr. Allen acknowledges that some blacks train committed crimes, but they have been convicted of their crimes. He also points out Mr. Carey didnt even stick around to offer any help to the ill rather, he fled his hometown to help assure his health.Mr. Allen uses some powerful stats in a letter to the Mayor of Philadelphia. The purpose was to show what happened to the beds of the sick after they had passed remote and that they were not price gouging. This would counter the claims of Mr. Carey about the blacks stealing from the ill and everyplace charging. The letter was of a chart showing what was paid to the men and women for their service, and what be were incurred, Then end result was an out pocket loss of over $27,000 in todays terms, if the conversion from pounds to dollars chart is correct.Mr. Allen used stats, comparisons, and middle witness accounts to back up his claims that the majority of the blacks who helped during this crisis did so with unplayful intentions, often turning down money offered to them. He also gives a agree of very strong examples of whites taking advantage of the ill. One being of a white muliebrity caring for a couple that both died in one night. Sh e had demanded six pounds, and upon searching bulges in her clothing, she was found in self-denial of buckles from the gentleman that had passed, among other things.Another account was of four white men that demanded forty dollars just for carrying a coffin downstairs. Lastly, a white woman who was caring for an elderly lady was found with rings, one on her find and another in her pocket. The Philadelphia mayor praised Allen and Jones as well as the African American community for all their help. All the stats and eye witness accounts of what happened makes Mr. Allens account believable and admirable. Mr. Carey was not there for the duration of the epidemic and did not back up his accusations with evidence. This also makes Mr.Allens account more convincing. Mr. Allen seems to think up the good and bad accounts of his community. When he examines the whites that helped all that was noted was that of stealing and price gouging. Again, the article Mr. Carey prints doesnt back up his c ommunity with any examples of good deeds. In conclusion, Mr. Allen, the author did his best to defend his community to anyone that read his text. He was very clear, easy to understand, and didnt seem to present a prejudice view. He presented his account, both the good as well as the bad, and made me feel like Mr.Carey was not a credible author. Works Cited Crowley, Sharon, and Michael Stancliff. A narrative of the proceedings of the black people during the late awful catastrophe in Philadelphia. Critical Situations a Rhetoric for Writing in Communities. Lauren A. Finn. Penguin Academics, 2008. 281-95. Print. Carey, Matthew. A short account of the malignant fever. 1794. P. 63 web. Retrieved June 20 2013. Winch, Julie. on Jones and Allens responses to Carey. Part 3. Philadelphia, Yellow Fever Epidemics. PBS. org. 1998. Retrieved June 20 2013.