Of all the diseases that threatened the residents of the Dry Tortugas, none were as terrifying as “Yellow Jack.” Fort Jefferson had previously fallen victim to the plague of yellow fever, which saw the victims’ skin become yellow and their vomit turn black. Starting in August of 1867, another yellow fever outbreak struck the fort. The epidemic ravaged the fort, killing many officers and even the prison doctor. In episode six of the series, we see how the different Lincoln conspirators fought against, endured, and even succumbed to this deadly disease.
Part 6: Yellow Fever
To learn more about this video series and to watch the other installments, please check out The Lincoln Conspirators at Fort Jefferson page.
LincolnConspirators.com 
These videos are of amazing quality, depth, entertainment, and research. Congratulations Dave on creating a fantastic series.
Thank you, David. I’m glad you are enjoying them.
Honestly, reading about this and all, despite my general dislike for the conspirators, I was kind of like, “Go Dr. Mudd!!” He was a pretty good doctor despite what he did.
I think if he had just told the truth in the first place he wouldn’t’ve gotten in as much trouble as he did, but now I’m wondering what would happen if he never got sent to the Dry Tortugas… what would happen with the Yellow Fever outbreak then?
Thanks for this really good video !!
Dr. Mudd was brave to volunteer his services in face of the yellow fever epidemic. He was the only doctor on the fort for two days before Dr. Whitehurst came from Key West and took over as the main doctor. This bravery contributed to Dr. Mudd’s pardon and also led to the erection of a plaque in his former cell in the 1960s.
In my mind, Dr. Mudd’s sentencing was in line with the other two conspirators (Arnold and O’Laughlen) who had knowledge of Booth’s plotting against Lincoln, but the evidence did not prove that they were aware of the change to assassination. Dr. Mudd was in a bit more hot water since Booth also showed up at his door after committing the deed, which is why Mudd is claimed to have avoided execution by only a single vote. I think Dr. Mudd was lucky he got off with his life and even more lucky that Johnson was such a bad President that he had the gall to pardon the conspirators as a slap in the face to his critics.
it’s funny how some of the worst presidents came directly BEFORE and directly AFTER Lincoln, huh?
I completely agree with your sentiments!!