Originally Posted by
symbian simian
George Washington 1777:
The small pox has made such Head in every Quarter that I find it impossible to keep it from spreading thro’ the whole Army in the natural way. I have therefore determined, not only to innoculate all the Troops now here, that have not had it, but shall order Docr Shippen to innoculate the Recuits as fast as they come in to Philadelphia. They will lose no time, because they will go thro’ the disorder while their cloathing Arms and accoutrements are getting ready.
12. In the draft GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman wrote this paragraph after crossing out one that reads: “The small Pox is making such Head in every quarter that I am fearful it will infect all the Troops that have not had it. I am divided in my opinion as to the expediency of innoculation, the Surgeons are for it, but if I could by any means put a Stop to it, I would rather do it. However I hope I shall stand acquitted if I submit the Matter to the Judgment and determination of the medical Gentlemen.” The Continental troops in the Morristown area underwent inoculation throughout February and into early March 1777, and on 8 Mar. GW ordered the inoculation of the Continental troops under Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam’s command at Princeton (see George Johnston to Putnam, that date, in DLC:GW
).
Force inoculating the military is different than forcing civilians. Yes, being threatened with losing your job is force. Smallpox had a 30% mortality rate, what a useless comparison.
Or is it ok now to make it a condition of employment to sleep with your boss? You can just quit your job right, what's the problem?