A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People, During the Late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia, in the Year 1793 And a Refutation of Some Censures Thrown Upon Them in Some Late Publications

In 1793 Philadelphia was severely plagued by a severe yellow fever epidemic – more than 100 people were dying per day. Mainly whites since African-Americans seemed largely unaffected by fever. For this reason Mayor Matthew Clarkson asked Absalom Jones and Richard Allen to organize the African-American community to assist in caring for those stricken; and burying those who died. However, after the epidemic abated, some accused the African-American community of overcharging and stealing from people for whom they were caring and robbing the dead. Richard Allen and his partner, Absalom Jones wrote "A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People, During the Late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia, in the Year 1793: And a Refutation of Some Censures, Thrown Upon Them in Some Late Publications," to address the charges levied against their community.