Written by:
Elizabeth Jones
- In August 1819 there was an outbreak of fever. The “Medical Resident” of Hamilton recommended: “…where there was a congestion of blood in the vessels of the head, bleed, moderately, from a small orifice, to the extent of 16 or 20 ounces as early as possible… Have the hair cut close and cold affusions constantly administered to the head over the body … The “primae viae” (bowels) fully evacuated by large doses of calomel and jalap (a kind of morning glory). As soon as it had operated, calamel was given alone in doses from 5 to 10 grains, every two or three hours, until the gums were affected – after that had taken place no patient was lost…” Since calomel is a mercury chloride mineral, it’s likely most patients suffered mercury poisoning.
- On August 30, 1823, it was reported in Bermuda that “Within the last few days an immense number of fish, of that species called blue fish and by some green headed thumps, have floated ashore, dead, about the West End and along the South Side; and so offensive has been the stench from the putrid carcasses, that the inhabitants have been obliged to dig large holes and bury them in the sand….” Apparently there were “thousands upon thousands of them as thick as the frogs of Egypt.”
- The Slavery Abolition Act received Royal Assent on August 28, 1833. August 1, 1834, slavery officially ended in most British colonies, including Bermuda. It was reported that “over 50 marriages of coloured people were celebrated within the last fortnight” of Emancipation Day.”
- In August 1822 the Gazette reported “A London paper says: with a view to addition of the great public expense attending the making of the island of Bermuda a safe and convenient naval port, it is intended to employ about 300 convicts in carrying on the labourer’s work. The “Coromandel” and “Tortoise” are to be fitted for their conveyance thither.”
- August 1, 1842 marked the first time former convict William Facy delivered post by horse coach from Hamilton to St. George’s. He left Hamilton at 9 o’clock in the morning and returned 6:15 in the evening. The following day, a Mr. Southward left the post office in St. George’s at 9 o’clock, leaving Hamilton at 4 in the afternoon. Both drivers were allowed to carry two passengers, charging each 4s for one way and 5s for the round trip. They were the first mail carriers to deliver the post by coach between the two towns. Found guilty of stealing and selling his father’s horse, Facey had been transported to Bermuda to help build the Royal Naval Dockyard. His conduct at Dockyard was so exemplary, he was one of the very few convicts allowed to stay on after being freed, and he became the first livery owner in Bermuda.
- In August 1986, a new postal system came into effect requiring house numbers and postal codes to be written on all local mail.
- On August 4, 1914, war was declared by Great Britain and Germany at 7 PM. Lieutenant General George McAndrew proclaimed martial law in Bermuda.
- From August 24 to September 5 1953, Charlton Heston starred in Macbeth, staged at Fort Saint Catherine. While in Bermuda, he was offered the part of Moses in the film The Ten Commandments. He voiced his indecision as to whether he should take on the role to a local barber who happened to be an evangelical. While cutting Heston’s hair, the barber told him it was God’s will he should accept the role.
- On August 16 1995, 73.7 percent of the voters returned a no vote to independence during a referendum held in Bermuda as Hurricane Felix brushed past.
