Letter to Francis McCormick Regarding Diphtheria
1/14/1903
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Miss Clara D. True sent this letter to Francis McCormick, clerk-in-charge of the Indian Schools in Santa Fe, NM. True was concerned about a possible diphtheria outbreak and anti-toxin and vaccine points on hand. She was discouraged that the quarantine was not enforced and that the women of Espanola still employ Pueblo women as washerwomen. She explains that she is spending her own money and risking her life in fighting this disease and it not costing the government anything except for disinfectants and anti-toxins.
Transcript
Department of the Interior,INDIAN SCHOOL SERVICE,
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Espanola, N. Mex.
Jan. 14, 1903
Mr. Francis J. M c Cormick,
Clerk-in- Charge Indian School,
Santa Fe, N. Mex
Dear Sir:
No Diptheria developments as yet. Patient reported by telegraph Monday still living but
recovery doubtful. Anti toxin on hand sufficient for but prior cases. Would suggest that supply
be held in readiness for immediate use.
Kindly send at earliest convenience two gallons wood alcohol and disinfecting apparatus
addressed to Dr. Holterman who will bring same from station.
Please send at least twenty-five vaccine points.
In closing I mention that I have done all in my
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power to have quarantine regulations enforced, but to no adequate purpose apparently. The
Governor shuns responsibility and tho Espanola people continue to hire washwomen from the
pueblo despite notice from the doctor and myself that Diplhtheria prevails.
I beg to say that there will be no expense to the Government for the suppression of
contagion, except for disinfectants and antitoxin. I might add that I am daily spending my own
money and hourly risking my life in work before me, and it is small encouragement to hear at
length “what the Government will not do.” I did not, do not, and shall not expect any aid from
the Gov’t
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except in supplies herein requested, so there need be no apprehension of outlay at anybody’s
expense except my own.
Very respectfully,
Clara D. True
This primary source comes from the Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
National Archives Identifier: 293174
Full Citation: Letter to Francis McCormick, Clerk-in-Charge, Indian Schools, Santa Fe, NM regarding diphtheria outbreak, quarantine and anti-toxin; 1/14/1903; Letters Received from Day School Teacher Clara D. True, 8/29/1902 - 9/17/1906; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives at Denver, Broomfield, CO. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/true-mccormick-diphtheria, April 29, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
