Virus and Response 1856 Pt II - "In relation to the charge of transmitting small pox virus."

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA. 

SENATE. 

                                                                                TUESDAY. March 4, 1856.

The President presented various Executive communications, among others a communication from Dr. Petticolas, in relation to the charge of transmitting small pox virus. The Governor appointed Dr. Wm. A. Patterson† to visit New Kent and ascertain the facts. Dr. P. reported that the small pox virus had been transmitted, but that the best medical skill could not have prevented it.  

The communication, on motion of Mr. SAUNDERS¹, was referred to a special committee —Messrs. SAUNDERS, RANDOLPH², CREIGH³, FUNSTEN⁴ and MCKENNEY⁵were appointed said committee.

 -Daily Dispatch, 5 March 1856


*The President of the Senate

† that is William A. Patteson,(1795-1870) who had an office on the south side of Main between 8th and 9th streets. A graduate of the College of Philadelphia, he had studied under Rush. A former Delegate he had been practicing medicine in the city and in Manchester since 1817.

¹ Robert Saunders of Williamsburg, who represented New Kent as well as the rest of the Peninsula
² Benjamin F. Randolph of Albemarle
³ Thomas Creigh who represented a district in what is now West Virginia
⁴ Oliver R. Funsten who represented the northern Valley
⁵ William N. McKenney who represented the City of Norfolk