The island also contained housing for typhus patients, but the lepers objected to this.

The arrival of a ship from Ireland with many typhus and smallpox patients forced them to be moved to Middle Island.

[4] Dr. Alexander Key, Secretary to the Board of Health for Northumberland and Gloucester, was the official in charge.

Disagreements over the matter meant that the buildings were not moved from Middle Island until April 3.

A brawl erupted on the island between representatives of the Board of Health and Justices of the Peace over the matter.