SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 91 



any feverish symptoms appearing, or on feeling the least in- 

 disposed. In March, 1799, I had been actively employed 

 in the morning receiving and taking account of several boat 

 loads of goods, which were landing from a ship in the river, 

 and very carelessly exposed myself to the sun without an um- 

 brella. About four o'clock in the afternoon, I was taken 

 very ill with a severe pain in my head, and accordingly 

 went to bed. Dr. Dunkin, a man of superior medical talents, 

 and physician to the garrison, attended me in the very'friendly 

 manner for which he is so noted, and entered into conversation 

 with me as to the nature of my disease, of which he affected 

 to make light. This conduct was certainly calculated to keep 

 my spirits from drooping, and in fact had the desired effect. 

 My disorder became a bilious fever, which was clearly vi- 

 sible by my very sallow complexion, and the appearance of 

 iny eyes and tongue. I looked as if I was turning into a mu- 

 latto. Emetics, purges, pills, and bark, were given me in 

 due order, and after four days, I was pronounced to be out 

 of danger, and removed for better air into the country. 

 This was called my seasoning, and a more ardent attack of 

 fever had not been experienced for some years by any one. 

 This fact I think will clearly prove the necessity of imme- 

 diate recourse to medical aid, let the symptoms be ever so 

 trivial ; mine was at first merely a head-ache, but if it had 

 been suifered to have passed unnoticed that night, the result I 

 think would have been fatal. I was soon after attacked by 



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