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dirty, and cramped environment of Philadelphia

In August of 1793, several prominent Philadelphia physicians gathered to discuss a worrying trend: an increasing number of patients with symptoms of nausea, black vomit, lethargy, and yellow skin coloration. Among those present was Dr. Benjamin Rush, the city's most prominent doctor, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and supporter of the state and national constitutions. He quickly concluded that the culprit was the dreaded yellow fever.

As the fever spread, and as doctors were unable to agree either on its cause or its proper treatment, panic soon held sway

Philadelphia of 1793 was the nation's largest city and its national capitol, as well as the Pennsylvania state capital. The fever thus, was not just a 'local' problem, but one of national significance, and particularly foreboding to a young republic. Jefferson, Washington and Hamilton were only the most famous residents of the area; and as the disease attacked the prominent and common alike, all remained susceptible to the fever. So, the national government disbanded with the hope of returning in cooler weather.

. Both Alexander Hamilton and his wife contracted the fever and were treated as outcasts on their flight to Albany--a pattern that would repeat itself for almost all of the diseased refugees.

Rumors of husbands abandoning wives, and parents their children ran rampant. However, many Philadelphians stayed in order to minister to the sick, and to prevent the total collapse of the city. Among those who remained, Stephen Girard, most physicians, the African-American clergymen, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, and the largely African American corps of attendants and nurses stand among the foremost in bravery. Their unselfish participation stood in contrast to those who fled the city.