Dennis Mitchell, a crewmember on the blockade-runner Kate died of Yellow fever August 17, 1862 while the vessel was in drydock for repairs at the foot of Market street. This set off an epidemic from which eventually 800 to 1000 died.
Some believed it stemmed from the Kate's crew drinking from a cistern.
The September 29th Wilmington paper asked if the fever had been purposefully introduced.
From term paper of Tammy L. Colson: "General Yellow Jack: Yellow fever in Wilmington, NC."
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
