Addendum and correction - Correction Notice

In my continuing research on this topic, I realized that two statements needed to be corrected or clarified for accuracy in my article, "Why Military Vaccines Are Important for Force Protection." I apologize for any misrepresentation of facts surrounding these events.

1. The information about Sir Jeffrey Amherst was incorrect and should state that the year was 1763 instead of 1767 and the site of this use of smallpox-laden blankets was at Ft. Pitt (later to become Pittsburg), which had been laid siege by Chief Pontiac and his Ottawa Tribe and not in New York at Ft. Carillon. Although the plan was approved by Sir Jeffrey Amherst, he did not give a direct order to proceed. The plan was then carried out by the commander of the fort, Captain Simon Ecuyer.

2. Some clarification is needed about the smallpox infection of the Continental Army troops at the Battle of Quebec in 1776. Although 5,500 of the troops contracted smallpox, not all of these troops died from the disease. Their commander, General Thomas, did die from it. It was the overwhelming combination of the smallpox deaths and illness, combined with the bitter cold that forced the retreat from Quebec City.

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