The Great Galveston Disaster, Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times Page: 118
xiv, 17-536 p. : front., plates ; 24 cm.View a full description of this book.
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118 HARROWING DETAILS OF THE DISASTER.
One of the most remarkable escapes recorded during the
flood was reported to-day, when news came that a United States
Battery man, on duty at the forts last week, had been picked up
on Morgan's Point wounded, but alive. He had buffeted the
waves for five days and lived through a terrible experience.
SURGEON GENERAL WYMAN MAKES A STATEMENT.
The following statement from Surgeon-General Wyman is
dated Washington, D. C., Friday, Sept. I4:
"In response to the request concerning the situation in Galveston,
I have a report from Passed Assistant Surgeon Wertenbaker,
who was directed to go from his station in New Orleans to
Galveston, practically confirming the press reports as to the effect
of the storm and conditions existing. He says:
"'City is wrecked. Press reports not exaggerated. Deaths
estimated at 5,000. Bodies being cremated as fast as found.
Many bodies under debris not yet removed. Water supply limited.
Very scarce now, but supplies coming in rapidly. The
only means of communication is by railroad to Texas City, thence
by boat, or by boat from Houston.'
" Dr. Wertenbaker is at Houston, and Surgeon Peckham and
Acting Assistant Surgeon Lea Hume are giving all the aid possible
in Galveston. I do not apprehend an outbreak of any epidemic
of disease as a result of the storm. The law and regulations are
ample to meet the emergency.
"There is danger of sickness caused by unusual exposure
and deprivation of food and water, but the people of Galveston
and Governor and other officials of the city and State are thoroughly
alive to the necessities of the situation. Their disposal
of bodies by cremation is certainly a wise measure, and I am convinced
that the native energy of the people, supplemented by the
tents and rations furnished by the War Department and the contributions
which have been and are flowing in from all parts of
the country, will obviate the outbreak of widespread disease.
"WALTER WYMAN,
"Supervising Surgeon-General Marine Hospital Service."
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The Great Galveston Disaster, Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times (Book)
This book covers the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the United States' deadliest natural disaster. It includes accounts from survivors and eyewitnesses, and photos of the devastation.
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Lester, Paul. The Great Galveston Disaster, Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times, book, 1900~; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth26719/m1/145/: accessed April 20, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.