CHAPTER VII CORRESPONDENCE WITH DR. REED As illustrating the way in which we looked at conditions at Havana at the time that our mosquito work was first begun, I will quote correspondence which took place between Dr. Reed and myself at this time. (1) War Department, Surgeon General’s Office, Army Medical Museum and Library, Washington, May 16, 1901. MY DEAR GORGAS: Briefly speaking, how is the yellow-fever situation in Havana? I got your report for April and noted, with much pleasure and satisfaction, your enthusiasm in tackling C. fasciatus and her numerous cousins. Later, I think on May 4th, I read of “a serious outbreak” in your town, to the extent of two cases. Since then I have heard nothing concerning the progress of your epidemic. How many cases have you at the present writing, and what are your prospects of prognostications for the future? I ask for this information particularly because Dr. Durham, of the English Commission, in a letter recently received, has proposed to join us in Cuba for the purpose of trying to reconcile his work, or rather the results of his work, at Para, Brazil, with our observations at Quemados, and as he will reach here during the last week in May, it is barely within the bounds of possibility that you may again see us back in our old haunts by July 1st. Everything will depend upon Dr. Sternberg’s decision.... As much as I should like to see you and other friends, I would prefer to spend the summer in the United States. I hear that my friend, Kean, has been promoted to be the head of Charities and Correction for the Island. Who, then, is Post Surgeon at Columbia Barracks? How does Dr. Guiteras succeed at his propagating station? I trust that your own and Mrs. Gorgas’ health is very good. Please remember me very kindly to the latter and to Col. Havard and Glennan. Sincerely yours, WALTER REED. (2) Havana, Cuba, May 22, 1901. MY DEAR REED: Yours of the 16th received. I wrote you a day or two ago, but I have forgotten whether or not I answered your question. The fever situation is all that could be desired, I think. The last death from yellow fever occurred on March 13th. Since that time we have had a case April 21st; another on April 22d. We had no more cases then till May 6th, when we had one; and on May 7th, three more. Since that time, two weeks, we have had no more; and as the conditions, as far as non-immunes are concerned, seem more favorable for the spread of yellow fever, I am in high fettle.