[THE FIFTH CHOLERA PANDEMIC (1881-1896) / TRADE SHIPS IN THE BOSPHORUS & THE BLACK SEA / RUSSIAN-BRITISH RIVALRY] A highly uncommon autograph letter signed ('Edwd. Thornton') as a secretarial document, to T. W. Smyth of the West Hartlepool Shipowners Society, regarding 'excessive quarantine' at Russian Black Sea ports during the Fifth Cholera Pandemic in 1884.

Original manuscript letter written in black ink on a bifolium paper with blind-stamped "the royal coat of arms of Britain" letterhead. Small 4to. (24 x 19 cm). In English. 3 p. In good condition, lightly aged, with slight traces of glue from mount along inner edge of reverse of second leaf, which is endorsed and carries pencil notes. Folded once. Signed by Thornton, with the rest of the document in the hand of a secretary. A highly uncommon manuscript autograph letter by Thornton as the British ambassador in St. Petersburg, documenting the challenge of Russia's enforcement of a 14-day quarantine on ships arriving from Italy at Black Sea ports, despite their prior 10-day quarantine in Turkish waters during the Fifth Cholera Pandemic (1881-1896). The recipient is addressed as T. W. Smyth Esq. of the West Hartlepool Shipowners Society. Thornton references a letter and telegram, stating that he has been "making constant representations to the Russian Acting Minister of the Interior concerning the hardship and severity of the fourteen days quarantine imposed upon vessels arriving from Italy at Russian Ports of the Black Sea, notwithstanding their having already performed ten days quarantine in Turkish waters." Thornton notes that none of his arguments have "succeeded in inducing the Imperial Government to counterorder or relax this excessive quarantine," but the matter is "still under the consideration of the Medical Board." He emphasizes that will not discontinue his "efforts on behalf of British Shipping." The complete text reads: "St. Petersburg, September 17, 1884. Sir, J. W. Smyth Esq - West Hartlepool Shipowners Society, With reference to your letter of the 11th instant and your telegram received on the 16th instant I beg to inform you that I have been making constant representations to the Russian acting Minister of the Interior with regard to the hardship and severity of the fourteen days quarantine imposed upon vessels arriving from Italy at Russian Ports of the Black Sea, notwithstanding their having already performed ten days quarantine in Turkish waters. No arguments of mine however have succeeded in inducing the Imperial Government to counterorder or relax this excessive quarantine. The subject is however still under the consideration of the Medical Board, and I shall not discontinue my efforts on behalf of British Shipping. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, Edwd. Thornton, H.B.M. ambassador." THE DOCUMENT UNDER REVIEW: The 1884 diplomatic clash over Russia's 14-day quarantine on British ships arriving from Italy, as documented in Sir Edward Thornton's letter, encapsulates a pivotal moment in 19th-century global history. It reveals the intersection of public health concerns, maritime commerce, and international diplomacy during a time of pandemic disease and geopolitical tensions. Cholera's Shadow and the Logic of Quarantine: At the heart of the dispute was the fifth cholera pandemic (1881-1896), a global crisis that reshaped public health policies. Russia's strict 14-day quarantine reflected the country's genuine fears of cholera's devastating effects. The disease had already claimed millions of lives and spread rapidly through busy ports. However, this policy also highlighted inconsistencies in international standards. Ships arriving from Italy, having already undergone a 10-day quarantine in Ottoman waters, faced additional delays upon arrival in Russia. This "excessive" measure pointed to a lack of trust in foreign inspections, especially those conducted by the Ottoman Empire, whose administrative challenges and political tensions with Russia likely coloured perceptions of its quarantine system. Gateways of Commerce and Contagion: Russia's Black Sea ports, such as Odessa and Sevastopol, were crucial hubs for grain exports and Mediterranean trade. The 1869 opening of the Suez Canal had further amplified their importance, but it also exposed them to heightened vulnerabilities. The qu