Annual report of the managers of the State Lunatic Asylum. : Utica, January 16, 1844.

  • New York (State). State Lunatic Asylum
Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report of the managers of the State Lunatic Asylum. : Utica, January 16, 1844. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    83/124 (page 83)
    No. 21.] B3 'charge of all vthe cells, and really appeared heartily interested for the unfortunate creatures so dependant on their continued good offices ; yet were these subject, by many contingencies, to serious evils and suffer- ings. Lewis County-House, at Lowviile, is small, ill built, and in no way suited for the use to which it is appropriated. It is uncommonly deficient in ventilation, and in being purified by frequent applications of lime-wash, and scrubbing. The inmates appeared to be abundantly supplied with food ; and to have suitable apparel, if it had only had the advantage of more frequent washings. The overheated and crowd¬ ed rooms gave the idea of ureal discomfort, though no discontent was manifest on the part of the occupants ; and it is quite likely they would not feel under obligation to any who should insist on a more suitable •conduct of their domestic affairs. There are no tolerable apartments for tbe insane ; and at the time I was there, none were in close con¬ finement. In fact, for such as these, there is no provision at all. Several crazy persons were associated with the family at large. I un¬ derstand that, the farm and the dairy are well conducted. Justice to the master and mistress of such an establishment seems to require new and wholly different buildings. Certainly under the present circumstances they are very unjustly burthened with responsibilities, without fit means for securing good conduct or moral discipline. I have understood that this subject is likely to receive attention. Hamilton County is but partially settled, and till lately has been an almost unbroken extent of wilderness. It covers an area of one thousand and sixty four square miles, has but seven small settlements, and but about two thousand inhabitants. I was able to learn nothing cf the poor and insane. It is safe to infer that they are very few ; and f may add that the former certainly would not be likely to fall into a condition of much suffering. Oswego County-House, at Mexico, is a decent building, with the usual defects as an alms-house. A part appeared well arranged ; lodg¬ ing-rooms not in the order which should distinguish them from the supe¬ rior care they should be supposed to receive. General aspect of the inmates negligent, and implying want of sufficient employment for those able to work. I impute no intentional neglect to the overseer of this house, and I ought not to omit the fact that several imbecile per¬ sons seemed to receive uncommon care in being kept comfortably clean.