The morning of March 10, 1893, started like any other. The streets of Washington buzzed with the sound of autombiles and street vendors. Matthew Hesh sat in the Oval Office, reviewing reports on infrastructure projects when a messenger burst in unexpectedly, followed closely by Henry Collins, his chief of staff.
"Mr. President," Collins said urgently, motioning for the messenger to step forward. "We've got a developing crisis."
The messenger, pale and visibly shaken, handed over a telegram. "This just came from the health department in Chicago, sir. There's been an outbreak of a strange disease... and it's spreading fast."
Matthew took the telegram, his eyes scanning the hastily written words:
"Unidentified illness reported. Symptoms include high fever, large black boils on the skin, rapid organ failure. Over 300 dead within the past three days. Fear of further spread imminent. Request immediate federal support."
