Harvey to William H. Seward, December 28, 1865

Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that the cholera has now entirely disappeared from this kingdom, and, therefore, that the interruptions to commerce and the apprehensions occasioned by its presence no longer exist. All restrictions relating to quarantine have been removed.

It is proper to state, in this connection, that fears are entertained by medical and scientific men, who have devoted much attention to the subject, that this terrible malady may reappear on the peninsula during the approaching spring.

In view of such a possibility, it would be wise that the sanitary precautions adopted in our great cities should not be relaxed, but rather continued with a watchful care, so as to abate, at least, if not to turn aside entirely, a pestilence which scourged a large part of this continent during the last few months.

The rigid, energetic, and prompt measures taken by the authorities of this city at the outbreak of the disease contributed greatly, under Providence, to arrest its progress, and to confine within a limited range, and with diminished violence, ravages that were so painfully visible in the adjacent provinces and Spanish towns.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,