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The Tribunal of Health and the other authorities did not oppose

this proceeding; they only ordained some precautions, which,

without obviating the danger, indicated too plainly their

apprehensions. They issued severe orders to prevent people from

abroad entering the city; and, to insure their execution,

commanded the gates to be closed. They also nailed up the

condemned houses; "the number of which," says a contemporary

writer, "amounted to about five hundred."