1832, _July_ 13. Mellonia Thorn (who came from Plymouth, where the cholera was prevailing, on Wednesday, the 11th, in perfect health, to Underwood, on a visit to her daughter, Mary Pepperall), after a few hours’ illness, died this evening of that disease. I called to see her, but she was too near her end to derive benefit or consolation from any one. So sudden was the attack which seized this poor woman, that the greatest dismay and confusion prevailed among the inmates of the house. She rose in the morning, apparently quite well, and was occupied during the day, until three o’clock, p.m., in ironing her son’s linen. About this time, she complained of sickness, and in less than half-an-hour, other symptoms of cholera followed with fearful rapidity. While she was in this state, a neighbour called to see her, and advised her to try the effect of _brandy_. _Her friends followed this advice_, _and gave her half a glass of brandy every ten minutes or quarter of an hour_, _until she had taken half a pint_. Between six and seven o’clock, Mr. Langworthy {14} arrived. But the second or cold stage had come on. The poor woman was more tranquil than she had been, but much exhausted, and harassed by continual thirst. The disease progressed so rapidly, that it baffled every effort to afford relief. Various remedies were tried, without the least effect. A vein was opened,—no blood flowed,—it was congealed,—and, gradually, between nine and ten o’clock, the poor sufferer ceased to breathe. The news of this fearfully sudden death soon spread through the parish. Many a heart, with anxious throb, sickened under gloomy forebodings; and many lips, hitherto unaccustomed to prayer, began to seek, through that neglected resource, the mercy of God. _July_ 14. The funeral of Mellonia Thorn took place to-day. The advice, that as few persons as possible should be present, was strictly attended to. Two only, besides the bearers, were there! and, in the stillness of a lovely summer eve,—no sound interrupting the sublime burial service of our Church, and with an increased solemnity, consequent upon such an awakening occasion,—the mortal remains of this first victim of the cholera in our parish were consigned to the grave! _July_ 27. John Gulley, of Underwood, aged fifty-three, died this afternoon. He was unwell a few days; but thought that, as his indisposition was unaccompanied by pain, it was of no importance. Medical aid was not called in, until he had fallen into the second stage of cholera; and he was rapidly carried off. _July_ 28. Having been informed that precautionary measures were much required at the house where John Gulley died, I went there, enquired for the family, and gave directions for fumigating the rooms, the use of chloride of lime, &c.