However, before this event, matters had culminated fast in Barclugh’s affairs. The tenth day of July, 1780, had arrived, and communication had been opened up between Barclugh and Andre at New York. By means of a few hundred pounds sterling, Barclugh had arranged to have letters addressed to John Anderson, Esq., New York, delivered to a boat from the Albatross, that landed at the Swede’s fishing hut on the Little Egg River. In return the fisherman brought a sealed package addressed to Mr. Gustavus, Philadelphia. Gustavus was the name of the Swede. This line of communication was maintained at regular intervals,--whenever a load of fish came from Little Egg Harbor inlet, a sealed letter was delivered to Barclugh and an answer returned. When Roderick Barclugh fell ill, he awoke in the early morning with terrible pains in his back and loins. He found that he was unable to arise, suffering intensely with a fever and pains in his joints. His man-servant went as usual to the door of Mr. Barclugh’s sleeping apartment but he did not find him astir, and as he listened, he heard slight groans. When he gently opened the door, there was Barclugh, helpless, breathing heavily, his eyes bulging. The only thing to do was to bring Doctor Biddle. When Dr. Biddle arrived, a hurried examination of pulse, eyes and tongue soon convinced his experienced eye that the patient had the most dreaded of diseases in the seaport of Philadelphia,--the _peste_. By this time the sick man was unconscious, and the Doctor turned to the servant and said: “I am sorry to inform you, but this gentleman has the _peste_. Who has charge of his affairs? We shall have to procure him nurses and medicines.” As though a thunderbolt had come out of a clear sky, James, the servant, stood speechless and perfectly colorless at this announcement. At last he regained his self-possession and said: “I will notify Mr. Milling; he knows Mr. Barclugh best. But I can not stay here and nurse him myself. My wife and children would die of fright.” “But,” remarked the Doctor, “you have been exposed.” “All right! all right! Doctor, but you see there’s a mighty difference betwixt the nursing of it and the staying away from it. Let these rich men who can afford to die, be having the risks. I will go and tell Mr. Milling.” With that he put on his hat and ran to the office of Milling & FitzMaurice, and without any ceremony rushed into the presence of Mr. Milling, simply announcing: “Mr. Barclugh, my master, has the _peste_.” James then rushed out of the office of the merchant prince, and up Front street, telling every person that he met: “My master, Mr. Barclugh, has the _peste_.” Thus, inside of an hour, the whole town was put in a fever of excitement. Soon the number of cases was reported as a score; rumor had it that every one had been exposed.