Final answer:
Anthrax spores, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, were contained in the white powder that was sent through the US Mail, resulting in several deaths and illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The white powder that was sent through the US Mail and caused several deaths and illnesses was anthrax spores. The organism responsible for this is a gram-positive bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is a disease caused by the introduction of endospores from this bacterium into the body.