"The Small Pox"

The British Colonist, April 29, 1862

Two deaths occurred among the Chimseans yesterday from small pox, and Rev. Mr. Garrett, who is untiring in his exertions to alleviate the distresses of the sufferers, reported two fresh cases. Mr. G. was unable to learn of any member of another tribe having been attacked. The Songish Indians, greatly alarmed at the near approach of the disease, have loaded their canoes with iktas, and will leave for their fishing-grounds on San Juan Island early this morning. King Freezy says his tribe are "Aiyou quash," because of the affliction which has fallen on the Chimseans, but he firmly believes that they are visited with the small pox as a punishment for their many sins. Two or three loaded canoes from the Northern encampment crossed the harbor yesterday, and from the appearance of things we judge that the occupants were bound for the ravine to take up a summer's residence. Their presence in that quarter may prove highly detrimental to the health of the town. Three white people in town are afflicted with the disease, [one line illegible] of Police to his officers to prevent the entrance of Indians into the town, and the Chimseans were given one day in which to leave the [four words illegible] with their sick. One of the gunboats will assist in the enforcement of these orders.