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1772 
Smallpox Journal
New York
Sept 10 – Oct 12
S.D.
 

A Long Journal of a short voyage from Providence to N. York. With an account of my having the smallpox by inoculation in that city. Together with other occurences during my residence there. To which is added a few observations concerning inoculation 

By Solomon Drown Junr. From September, 10th to October, 12th 1772 

September ye 10th 1772This morning at a quarter of an hour past eight o’clock I set out on a tour to the westward in order to be inoculated in some of the towns that way. Mrs. Varnum, Henry Tillington John Manchester & John Earle also set out with the same design. We set sail for N. York in the Sloop Defiance, Samuel Warner Commander, in which go Mr. Manning1 & his lady to visit their friends in New Jersey, Mr. Gano2 and his son (who is one of the scholars of Rhode Island College3) in their return to New York. Thomas Ustic, A.B. also in his return t N York, and Miss Sally Henshaw to accompany Mrs. Varnum, or rather to see her brother who lives in N. York.  

We arrive at Newport at ¼ past 12, drop anchor, and go to the wharf in our boat. Ustic and myself, go up to Mr. Roger’s where we dine with Eaton, and Miss Polly Parham a Lady from Philadelphia. After dinner Ustic and myself go down to see what time the vessel is going to proceed, and find that it is not till 9 or 10 P.M. Ustic goes on board; but I go up to Mr. Thurston’s Meeting House, with Nobby Rogers, Mattw Cozens, and Harry Tillington where Mr. Thompson preaches a sermon from Romans 7ch. 9ver. . After meeting go down to Mr. Rogers with Daniel and Wilson Rawson, and drink tea there; after which go to Mr. Kelly’s to see Elias Hoell of whom I get what he borrowed of me in Providence, and who goes with me to Mr. Cozen’s where from we walk down town together & up again to the Parade where Hoell leaves me to go and see Dennis, and I seeing Miss Sally Cozens at the window go into the house to her. Set and chat with Sally till 8 or 9 o’clock, then walk down town with her and Betsy, then back again and from there go up to Mr. Rogers’s, and then Johny accompanies me to Capt. Anthony’s where are Mr. & Mrs. Manning, Mr. Gano, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Thurston, Mr. Kelly & Daniel Gano; we all sup there; after which we go down to the boat in order to sail to N. York. We go on board, and have to wait a little while for Ustic. The following passengers are added to our number in Newport, The Revd. C. Thomson, Captn. Curtis & Captn. Fowler. Captn. Curtis is a very clever, obliging, Gentleman. Captn. Fowler is in bed and about half …..? the bay, and he had seen in Providence.  

Weigh anchor at ¼ past 10; after singing and prayer, I turn into one of the berths with Daniel Gano : But laid not long before I was obliged to turn out again : For we are not far without the lighthouse before I begin to be as sick as a piper. I go upon deck and hold the shrouds (for I can scarce stand) and puke overboard merrily, then down into the cabin again where Mrs. Manning, Mrs. Varnum & Sally Henshaw are at it, the two last look droll enough with both their heads over a bucket at once. The humane Captn. Curtis, could not see us thus, unconcerned; he gets up, and makes some tea for us, and waits on the ladies with all imaginable courtesy. As for Captn. Fowler he keeps on asking Mrs. Varnum how she does, and saying, God bless you : For his name is Robert. I am obliged to go out upon deck pretty often, and once concluded to stay out there all night, and so laid down in order to take a nap; but the cold drives me into the cabin again; for I sent in after a cloak or hurra? or something to cover me but they were all in use. So I lye about upon trunks, and every little while poke my head out of the cabin door & let fly. Thus I spend the greater part of the night and towards morning happen to fall asleep.  

11th : This morning I wake up and go to my old business of puking at which I was up very late last night. I eat a little breakfast which is up almost as soon as down; in short I am as sea sick all day long, as, I suppose, ever anybody was. Captn. Curtis, who has traveled very much about the world, declares, he never saw any person as seasick as I am, and so say all on board. The wind being very high, and it being stormy, we put into N. Haven Harbour, where we anchor about ½ past 1. P.M. We are entertained with Wetherall’s Orations read to us by Mr. Manning & T. Ustic. This evening Mr. Manning, Captn. Fowler & Ustic sing together till pretty late : I sleep pretty well this night though very wearisome ness.  

12th : This morning at ½ past 6 weigh anchor again and set sail for N. York with a fair wind, go through Hell-Gate at ½ past 3 P.M. Mrs. Manning continues sick longer than any of us. It being very pleasant weather and hardly any wind we are all hands upon deck to enjoy the beautiful prospects that surround us, composed of villas, gentleman’s seats, delightsome groves, &c. The vessel gently glides along hurried by a strong currant. In short (Timothy) every thing seems to conspire to render the remainder of our passage agreeable.  

Arrive in N. York about ¼ past 5.P.M. As soon as we get on the Wharf we proceed up to the house of the Revd. John Gano where we drink tea, and Daniel & Harry go after a carman to bring up our trunks from the vessel. This evening we conclude to be inoculated in the City of N. York, by Dr. John Stites4, Mrs. Gano consenting to take three of us into their house.  

13th. This morning John Manchester & Earle are inoculated by one Dr. Talman, before we have an opportunity to acquaint them of our determination. They board at Mrs. Pines. Hear Mr. Manning afore afternoon from Matthew 11ch. 29ver.. Mr. & Mrs. Manning, Mrs. Varnum, Harry & myself dine at Dr. Stites. After dinner talk of being inoculated at the Doctor’s house before meeting. But, Mrs. Varnum not liking to take off her gown, as it is almost meeting time, we put it off ‘till after meeting when we are all three both together inoculated up in Mr. Gano’s chamber by the abovementioned Dr. Stites., brother to Mrs. Manning & Mrs. Gano, and who has had great success in inoculation, having inoculated above five hundred without losing one. I am out in the yard while he is inoculating Mrs. Varnum : But as soon as I find what they are about in the house I run in strip off my coat, and Harry & I contend who shall be inoculated next to Mrs. Varnum; however I come next & Harry last.  

We are inoculated after the Suttinian Method, which is this, The Dr. with his lancet just scratches up the skin so as to fetch blood, then fixes a piece of thread, infected with the matter, into the scratch, upon which, a very tenacious plaster is applied, and a bandage round the arm.  

As soon as we are inoculated, Harry, Daniel & myself go to Mr. Byvanks, and deliver to Anthony the letter which Tory Rogers gave me. We drink tea there with Mr. Thomson, and Mr. Skillman another Baptist preacher; after which we go to see the College, Anthony accompanying us. The College is an elegant stone building, but nothing so large as Rhode Island College. From there we walk to the northward out of the City to North River, and then back & go by St. Paul’s Church, which is a grand, magnificent building; at the front are four large stone columns, and over head the image of St. Paul with a bible under one arm & a sword in his hand. We pass by Trinity Church also an old, venerable stone building, and go to the Fort before which is a statue of his Majesty on horse back very neatly made with lead, and overlaid with gold leaf. It is in an iron enclosure, round which at proper distances lanterns are placed. We then go round by the Battery passing by the statue of Wm Pitt which is made of marble, with Magna Charta under his arm and his left hand extended, and is also inclosed with iron. We return to Mr. Gano’s just as they are singing in the meeting house, which is but a step or two from the house. We go in and hear Mr. Thomson preach a sermon from the ???36ch. 18ver.. After meeting go in the house, and take a pill.  

14th. This day go to carry the letter to Mr. Holmes which my …….? Afternoon Mr. Hoell & Smith arrive, who set away from Providence Sunday before last and came by land. In the evening hear Mr. Manning preach a sermon from 2 Cor. 4ch. 17ver.. After which take another pill.  

15th. This morning take a dose of powders which they mix up with some fluid and call chocolate. It is as nauseous, ill tasted stuff, I believe, as ever was contrived, and sets me a puking directly. This day go to market, but am obliged to ……? back again pretty quick, I am so sick. About noon Mr. & Mrs. Manning, Mr. Thomson set away for the Jerseys5, & afternoon …? Hoell ……? This afternoon Jno Manchester & Earle come to see us with whom we walk down to our packet (boat), and then by Dr. Stites, where I stop and drink tea, then I return to Mr. Gano’s, from little Johnny and myself go in order to see the Grenadiers exercise, but could not find them; and so we go to Trinity Church, where we see a child buried or rather intombed by candle light; return home take a pill this night.  

16th. Mr. Gano preaches this evening; but we are not allowed to go out. Omit taking a pill this night.  

17th. Nothing remarkable this two days, only that Harry & I wrote home. Isaac E. Gano? 4 months old is inoculated. Take a pill this night.  

18th. This morning take another dose of the hated powders, which makes me sick again. Afternoon Daniel, Harry & I go to the Doctor’s, thence to the Packet, then to Mr. Holmes, then to Mrs. Willey’s, then to Anthony Byvank’s shop, then to see North Church inside, which is truly magnificent, and for surpasses anything of the ……? I ever saw before, then return home. Take a pill this night.  

19th. This afternoon I wait upon Mrs. Varnum & Peggy Gano to Mr. Prince’s where we hear Miss Polly Prince play on a spinet; return home. Take a pill this night. which is the last. My head aches very much which is a symptom of the approaching smallpox. Mr. Smith preaches this evening; but we can’t go to meeting.  

20th. This morning Timothy ……? (my bed fellow) & I get up before six, & get my powders ready which I take; and carry up Harry’s to him in bed which he takes also, and Mrs. Varnum comes down & takes hers. This is the last dose I have to take, which makes me glad, tho’ as sick as a dog. This morning my joints are stiff & ache, a pain in my back & head, & from which the Dr. concludes the smallpox will break out upon me tomorrow, therefore I shall not write any more ‘till I get over the smallpox, if through the tender mercies of my Father who is in heaven, my life should be spared, and health restored me. This day Mr. Smith preaches here.  

21st. This day the pock begin to make their appearance upon the skin, very much resembling flea bites.  

24th. This day Mrs. Manning & Mrs. Woodruff6 her sister, come over from the Jerseys to see us. Mrs. Varnum, Harry & myself are now broke out, and the pock begin to fill. Harry has about four or five hundred upon him, and Mrs. Varnum and myself about three or four hundred apiece. I have about fifty in my face, and upwards of forty on my left hand and of fifty on my right.  

25th. This day after dinner Mrs. Manning & Mrs. Woodruff return to the Jerseys. Daniel Gano goes with them.  

29th. Nothing very remarkable these several days past, only that we were so sore we could scarce stir about. The pock break out every where without ceremony and are so troublesome that we can sleep but little for them : however we spend the time as agreeably as one could expect considering our situation : for we have the smallpox rather worse than we expected, or than is common by inoculation.  

30th. This morning before we are out of bed Mr. Gano brings up to us the bitter cup which we are obliged to drink to the very dregs. I dress myself as soon as possible after taking it to be in readiness for puking. This dose is, I think, worse than anything I have taken yet : But I have this to comfort me that this is the last and clearing up dose. This gives us the back door trot to a truth, Harry & I almost continuously supplying each other’s place as Captain of the castle. We are very merry this day, omnibus consideratis (everything considered). Hear Timothy read part of the History of James Lovegrove Esqr.  

October ye 3rd. 1772. This evening Anthony Byvancks comes to see us, and he, Harry & myself go to see the waxwork which is truly curious. On our first entering the chamber a little girl conducting us, we see a Lady sitting by a cradle in which is an infant; a little Negro boy stands by the cradle with his hand thereon as if rocking it, and indeed a little motion of the cradle will cause his hand to move back & forth; so as to make it appear very natural. The next objects that commanded our attention were Dalilah, Samson and the Philistines. How just a representation this is, I cannot say. The habit of Dalilah would rather bespoak a Lady of quality of the present times, than a woman of the East in those old times, according to the idea I have of them : however, as to their postures they appear very natural, Dalilah sitting in a magnificent chair, while Samson sits on the floor with his head reclining on her lap fast asleep. On his knees close by, is one of the Philistines (a barber by trade, I suppose) with his uplifted razor, just about to shave off the seven strength infusing lock from the head of poor Samson; & at a little distance kneels another fellow with a slip knot round Samson’s legs ready to catch him as soon as his hair is off. Not far from him stands an Officer of the Philistines who looks not a little frighted; and one of them hid behind the hangings just pokes out his head to see what is going on. As to the other representations we saw, I have neither time nor an inclination to describe them; and so shall only mention them. Cain & Abel, Mr. Whitfield, the American farmer, two Church Ministers, Darby & Joan, two young ladies and lastly Job in his afflictions with his comforters sitting round him, and his wife standing by. These are all done extremely well, and appear very natural, especially Whitfield, who tho’ dead, yet seemeth to live.  

We return to Mr. Gano’s a different way from that we came to make the walk longer, it being a pleasant evening. This evening also, Timothy and Peggy go to see the wax work just after we are gone away : so that we are not there together. Timothy’s senses were so much imposed upon by these images, that he bowed to the Revd. Clergy when introduced to them.  

4th. Sunday. This morning while I am dressing Mr. Richard Stites7 comes up into our room, who arrived from Newport last night. He brings me a letter from my sister, and also the melancholy news of the death of Mr. Rogers. This morning we clean up after the smallpox. Harry & myself go down to the kitchen fire where we wash ourselves with rum all over. Timothy our good friend assisting us. This day is just three weeks from the day we were inoculated. Mr. Richard Stites & myself dine at Dr. Stites. After meeting in the afternoon Timothy Hughs, Tommy Ustic, Harry and myself go to Trinity Church to hear the organ, which is truly a grand one. The Church is elegantly ornamented as to the inside; but without is plain, yet by it’s situation and antique appearance it commands veneration. From Church we return to Mr. Gano’s, and this evening hear him preach from Mark 7ch. 37ver. .  

This morning very early while it is yet dark Timothy Harry & myself get up and go to the Methodist’s meeting where we hear a sermon from James 5ch. 16ver. . They meet every morning for public worship. After meeting we walk down to the wharf where Lovell’s packet lies to see what time he is going to Providence and find he is not going there two or three days : from thence we go up to Dr. Stites, but it is so early that they are not up yet. Timothy leaves us to go where he had some business to do, and Harry & I walk to the upper end of the City & about the streets ‘till the Doctor’s shop is opened. We stay ‘till breakfast and talk about various things, It __ pr?cipice de ___  ___  (this is as appears in the journal) I ask the Doctor what books he thinks would be most proper for a person to begin with who proposes to become an accomplished physician, and he recommends to me Cheselden’s Anatomy & Turner’s Surgery. We return to Mr. Gano’; and sometime after Harry & I go down to Mr. Holmes of whom I enquire the price of flour & who has any for sale : Capt. Lovett being there goes with me to two or three places, and at length we find some at Mr. Theodore van Wyck’s, it being superfine, and none of the common sort to be had, I at first determine to take but one barrel : but Capt. Lovell advises me to get two as flour is very scarce in Providence. I therefore buy two barrels both together weighing £3.3s.22d N?at @ 25/- York currency ??£. They amount, the casks, inspecting & weighing altogether to £5.2.6½ N. York currency that is 8/- one dollar, or 6/- lawful money.  

This afternoon Mr. Gano, Mr. Richard Stites, Mrs. Varnum, Miss Katy Byvank, Miss Peggy Gano, Harry & myself go out to the windmills to see the several independent Companies of the City exercise. There are four Companies, viz. the Governor’s Guards, the Grenadiers, the Light Infantry and the Rangers : but at first we have not the pleasure of seeing more than the Light Infantry being tired of seeing these we return, and on our way out meet the Life Guards just going out upon which Miss Katy, Peggy & I go back, and find three of the Companies had drawn up together to exercise viz. the Governor’s Guards, the Grenadiers, the Light Infantry. Their uniforms are beautifully neat, and as far as I am a judge they exercise with great order and dexterity. We stay ‘till it begins to grow dark then go home. Miss Katy goes home with us, where we find Mr. Stites and Mrs. Varnum who had been into St. Paul’s Church. They having all been to tea, we sit down, having previously drank a bottle of mead. After tea I wait upon Miss Katy home and thence return to hear Mr. Stites read Belisarius (a few lines of Latin ensue).  

6th.  This day Harry & I get each of us a bottle of Daffy’s Elixir Salutis at an apothecaries near Fly Market, cost half a crown N.Y. currency. Mr. Stites & Mrs. Varnum go over to the Jerseys this forenoon to Elizabeth Town. This evening Timothy Hughs, Anthony Byvank, Harry & I go to the Jews Synagogue, it being some extraordinary time with them, a fast I believe. Timothy and I get into the Synagogue but are pretty much crouded. All their worship is performed in the Hebrew language, so that we can understand nothing of what they say. After having staid a good while we go away. Anthony returns home where he had left some Ladies; and Timothy, Harry & I go to an Oyster House where in the first place we call for two bottles of mead cakes, and afterwards have a fine supper of oysters fryed & served in the neatest manner. It being somewhat late, the next thing was to get home without letting Mr. & Mrs. Gano know where we had been : for we fear they will ask us to sup which having already done heartily we cannot do again. In order therefore to make it yet later we go back to the Synagogue & thence return home determining to tell them, if they ask where we have been, that we have just left the Synagogue, and if they should ask us if we did not want supper, that it is so late we will adjourn it ‘till tomorrow morning. Thus we escape being found out this time.  

7th. This day rainy & unpleasant. Timothy and I go to the book stores in order to get a Belisarius for Mrs. Gano, and a set of Turner’s Surgery for myself. We go to Mr. Noel’s store where we find them both but Belisarius not being bound, and not knowing whether such a one would suit Mrs. Gano, we take one and carry to her, which not liking, after dinner we go to Hugh Gain’s store, and get one that was bound; & carry the other back. I buy of Mr. Noel a set of Turner’s Surgery which cost 20/- N. York currency. This evening hear Mr. Thomson preach a sermon from Isaiah 53ch. first part of the 10ver.  

8th. This day we go to the boat : but the wind not being fair shall not set away this day. The Doctor has concluded that Harry is not well enough to go home, having sores about him which he thinks will fright the N. England people. Mr. Thomson, Harry & I go to Mr. Noel’s store where Mr. Thomson buys a Belisarius, each of us buy Young’s N. Thoughts, and I buy Harvey’s Meditations bound in one volume. This, with Night Thoughts, cost 12/- N. York currency. I buy one Bogert 7d. of biscuit. This afternoon go to Tommy Ustic’s with Timothy who works there. See his school, take a lexicon to carry to Elias Hoell, take my leave of him, and return to Mr. Gano’s This evening Harry, Stephen Gano & I go to Mrs. Wiley’s. Take my leave of her, her son &c. Return and carry my trunk as far as Mr. Byvank’s, Timothy assisting me. There Mr. Thomson joins us with his box, and we three carry them aboard the boat. This night I sleep with Mr. Kelly who came here from Philadelphia this day. He wants to return to Newport with us tomorrow; but cannot because he has engaged to preach for Mr. Gano next Sunday.  

9th. This morning I rise very early and get every thing in readiness to depart. Take my leave of Mrs. Gano while she is in bed. Mr. Gano, Mr. Kelly, Timothy, Anthony & Harry accompany us to the boat. Stop in at Dr. Stites, who goes with us to the boat. (Tho’ by the way I forgot to write that I stopped at Mr. Byvank’s where Mr. Thomson lodges, and take a little breakfast, take our leave of them, &c). The boat being ready to set sail we bid them farewell and step on board. This morning, therefore, at a ¼ past seven we set sail for Providence in the sloop Betsy, Lovett Commander. The wind not being very favourable, we cannot make out, even with rowing, to reach Hell-Gate before the tide turns, and then such a current sets against us that we are carried backward faster than we went forward before, ‘till by good fortune a man on the Long Island side hallows to us & says we may anchor with safety close under where he stands, which we accordingly do. We almost all go ashore upon Long Island and get fruit of one kind and another. Afternoon we set sail and oars and get through Hell-Gate at about a ¼ of an hour past 3. We sail near 20 miles in company with a sloop bound to N. London. No little blackguarding passes from one to the other, and indeed every vessel we meet; for some of our passengers are a parcel of blackguard fellows (sic – blagard, scoundrel, foul mouthed person) in the number of passengers on board our small frigate; three or four very wild youth who don’t treat Mr. Thomson over well. They play cards every day & night except Sunday during the passage : but this is the least of their misbehavior.  

10th. This day we are becalmed again at N. Haven, and the above three or four crazy fellows get out the long boat with a design to go to New Haven altho’ 7 or 8 miles distant. They put in the shore about 2 miles from us, and a fine breeze springing up we make signals to them to come aboard, but they not observing or not caring for them to stay ashore. At length we pretend to go & leave them, and do in fact go several miles, then put back for them which they observing come off to us, and are reprimanded for not coming before : but little do they mind it.  

11th. This morning I am out upon deck pretty early. See the sun rise, to appearance, out of the sea. Very pleasant weather. I am sea sick a little; but nothing to what I was on my passage to York. At ¼ past four o’clock just as we are sailing into Newport Harbour the Man of Wars barge comes aboard of us to which obliges us to lay to a little while, but not finding anything but what was properly cleared from York they quit us, and upon passing the ship we lower our peak. We come to a wharf in Newport at ¼ past 5. I go up to Mr. Kelly’s house. Walk with Hoell in the back street down town. He leaves me to go into a certain house where a certain Miss lives. I return to Mr. Kelly’s and stay for Hoell who comes at length. I lodge here this night.  

12th. David Rogers comes here this morning. I go with him to their house. Find them very busy in taking an account of the goods in the shop. Tory goes with me to the boat after a letter. I dine at Mr. Kelly’s, set out for Providence at 25 mins past 1. Am becalmed a little above Batuxet, get out long boat, take some of our old passengers from another Packet which had accompanied us from N.P. now ashore at Field’s Point, walk home where I arrive at about 9 o’clock. All well.  

Finis  

A few observations concerning inoculation. The smallpox is a terrible disease when taken the natural way, and for the most part is attended with fatal consequences, but when taken by inoculation, and proper prescriptions observed, it is disarmed of it’s every terror, and rather proves salutary to the human frame by purifying the blood, and throwing out the viscous, morbid matter which lurks tho’out ye body. Nor is the operation of inoculating painful to be born, being no more than the scratch of a pin. Indeed, the worst of all is taking the physick, and suffering a little from the soreness of ye pock when they are full. Dieting is no hardship at all, for we were allowed to drink tea, tho’ not to eat any butter with our bread & biscuit; to eat as much peach & milk, baked & roasted apples & milk, &c. as we pleased. For dinner we had broth with rice boiled in it, were allowed to eat sauce, now and then a little boiled chicken, or lean fresh mutton; in short almost anything that was not salt or of an oily nature. Tis true we were prohibited spirituous liquors; but these we cared nothing about. The cost is not very much : for I gave only 8 dollars for my board, and 4 dollars was the Doctor’s bill.  

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A transcription of the original journal by Simon Parker-Galbreath (2006) :-

Drowne Family Papers - John Hay Library, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.  

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Notes

Dr. John Stites (jnr.) is the 5th great-grandfather of Simon, the transcriber of this journal. Three sisters of John Stites are also mentioned in the journal, see notes below, the numbers corresponding to relevant markings in the journal.  

1. Mr. James Manning (Rev.)  & Mrs. Margaret Manning. Margaret was Dr. John Stites sister. He conducted the marriage ceremony for Dr. John Stites’ daughter Cornelia to David Galbreath in 1785. See note 3 re. Manning & Rhode Island College.

2. Mr. John Gano & Mrs. Sarah Gano. Sarah was Dr. John Stites sister. The Rev. John Gano is a famous Baptist minister, and is said to have baptised George Washington in a river :-
http://www.therestorationmovement.com/gano,john.htm

3. Rhode Island College – Revd. James Manning was the College's first President. Dr. John Stites father, John Stites Esq. was one of the founding fathers of the College. Now known as Brown University, Rhode Island - http://www.brown.edu

4. Dr. John Stites jnr. – brother of Mrs. Margaret Manning & Mrs. Sarah Gano. Son of John Stites Esq. of Connecticut Farms, Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. Father of Cornelia Stites who married David Galbreath, merchant, in 1785.

5. Jerseys – refer to East & West New Jersey, unified as New Jersey in 1702. This is where John Stites and his sisters hailed from – Elizabeth Town, NJ.

6. Mrs. Woodruff is Dr. John Stites’ sister Abigail.

7. Richard Stites – brother of Dr. John Stites. He was the second student to enroll at Rhode Island College, which his father John snr. helped to establish. Richard was killed in the War of Independence in 1776.

 

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