(Copy)
November, 1900. The Adjutant-General United States Army,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
During the work of the Board convened at Quemados for the purpose of studying
tropical diseases, Dr. Lazear voluntarily submitted to being bitten by a mosquito
which had just partially filled itself on a yellow fever patient. He assumed the
risk for the purpose of demonstating on himself whether or not, yellow fever could
be directly transmitted in this manner. Dr. Lazear developed yellow fever in
four and a half days and died. His death was a sacrifice to scientific research of the highest character and
was one of the initial experiments of a definite character which may be of the
greatest value in determining the transmission of the dread disease. It is difficult to imagine a more worthy motive than that which actuated this
officer. His widow, I understand, is left with little or no means and is an appli-
cant for a pension. With the approval of the War Department it is probable that
her application will be successful. I have the honor to request and recommend that any action which the Department
can take in the way of assisting her be taken. Very respectfully,
Leonard Woods.
Major General Commandent
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