R. G. (Robert George) Baker
A Letter to the Parishioners of Fulham
"A Letter to the Parishioners of Fulham" by R. G. Baker is a public health letter written in the mid-19th century, specifically in 1849. This document serves as a compassionate appeal to the members of the Fulham parish addressing the urgent public health crisis caused by a cholera outbreak. The letter discusses the alarming rise in mortality and emphasizes the need for improved sanitary conditions in the community, particularly concerning the living situations of the poorer inhabitants. In the letter, R. G. Baker outlines the devastating impact of cholera on the local population, particularly among the poorest individuals living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. He presents various factual data regarding the deaths within different age groups, emphasizing the connection between poor housing, inadequate drainage, and the outbreak of disease. Baker urges the parishioners to take collective action by improving sewerage and water supply, as well as addressing the urgent need for better housing conditions. He proposes a plan to acquire land for building improved dwellings for the poor, combining public health with the moral obligation to provide decent living conditions, ultimately aiming to create a healthier community that can withstand future outbreaks.