The Spirit of Pestilence

Missionaries and Misery

Fortunately, in comparison with the reaction of the authorities, the missionary reaction to the smallpox epidemic was somewhat more humane. During the epidemic, Catholic and Anglican missionaries endangered themselves to minister to Native people. As it is difficult to gain access to information on Catholic information in Victoria, this page concentrates on Anglican efforts.

	Rev. Alexander Charles Garrett was working with the Natives before the smallpox epidemic, and remained in their camp to treat them when the epidemic began.
	Bishop George Hills' response to the epidemic shows something about missionary attitudes toward Native people.

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