All children were required to be vaccinated against smallpox, notwithstanding well-founded doubts about the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Noncomplying parents could be fined, have their household goods distrained or sold, or be jailed. Despite the growing anti-vaccination movement, provisions for conscientious objectors were not available until 1898.

General Jeffrey Amherst , British commander in North America, suggested that smallpox might advantageously be introduced among the disaffected tribes of Indians currently being led in rebellion by Pontiac .