Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 | Friends We Have Lost | 3

American History Tellers

Wondery

Society & Culture, Kids & Family, History, Education For Kids

4.7 • 18.3K Ratings

🗓️ 23 November 2022

⏱️ 41 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In 1793, Philadelphia served as the nation’s temporary capital, and the yellow fever epidemic crippled the federal government. After fleeing the capital, President George Washington struggled to make decisions and govern the young nation. Meanwhile, Philadelphia was running out of space to bury the dead. With the epidemic growing in strength, crime soared and jobless tenants were evicted from their homes. But soon, relief would come from an unexpected source.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, prime members, you can listen to American History Tellers add free on Amazon Music,
0:05.6	download the app today.
0:09.4	Imagine it's a swattering morning at September 1793 in Philadelphia, the nation's capital.
0:24.2	You're in your study at home, reviewing some accounting from last month.
0:28.0	For the past two years, you've worked as a clerk in the US Treasury Department, collecting
0:32.4	the customs and taxes on imported goods that fund the federal government.
0:36.8	But recently, your colleagues have all fled the city to escape the yellow fever epidemic.
0:41.8	Now you're the only one left, making sure that the treasury keeps running.
0:46.6	You open a drawer to pull out a fresh sheet of paper, but a yellow ribbon catches your
0:50.6	eye.
0:51.8	You pick it up, run it through your fingers, as a fresh wave of grief washes over you.
0:57.2	You bought it for your daughter, and meant to give it to her for her fifth birthday.
1:02.5	A courier enters, pulling you back into the present.
1:05.6	Good morning, your wife let me in.
1:07.5	I've come with another delivery from Mr. Walcott.
1:11.0	You wins at the strong smell of vinegar on the courier's clothes.
1:14.4	Ah, good morning, yes.
1:16.4	Set it down there, please.
1:18.6	The courier places a small envelope on your desk, and sweeps his gaze over the mess of papers
1:23.4	in front of you.
1:24.4	I must say I'm surprised to see you still in town.
1:27.2	I'm just as surprised as you are.
	...

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