Lieutenant Howell and four engineers were left at the Hospital, doing, I hope, well.
Since leaving Port Royal we have had two deaths, and some addition to the number of cases, but generally on approaching a cold climate, all seem to improve and we have had no new cases for the last 48 hours.
I beg leave to forward three letters from Surgeon Pinckney, who was taken down in the commencement of the epidemic, also one from Passed Assistant Surgeon Maccoun, from whom I have received the most valuable aid, during this severe visitation. As I had but one surgeon left, and fearing he might also fall sick during the passage home, I applied to Admiral Stewart for a medical officer, and previous to our departure from Port Royal, he sent us Assistant Surgeon Rose, who kindly volunteered his services.
I cannot find words to express my sense of obligation to Admiral Stewart for the kind and prompt manner in which he placed the Royal Naval Hospital at our disposal, and furnished us with every convenience for landing the sick, nor to Dr. Kinnear, Deputy Medical Inspector, and the medical officers under him for their attention to the comforts of those placed under their charge.
I also take great pleasure in mentioning that Commodore Kellett and Captain Hay of the "Indus" came to offer their assistance with boats and cots to land the sick.
I have left instructions with Mr. Harrison, our Consul at Kingston, relating to the sick at the Hospital, and have drawn a bill on the Navy Department in his favor for $1500, to cover any necessary expenses that might occur until further instructions should be received from the Department.
I have only to add my great regret at being obliged to leave my station without instructions from the Department, but the circumstances of the case rendered it absolutely necessary.
I have the honor to be, &c., &c.,
Joshua R. Sands,
Captain United States Navy.