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Modern Persecution, or Married Woman's Liabilities

From: Modern Persecution
Creator: Elizabeth P. W. Packard (author)
Date: 1873
Source: Available at selected libraries
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 1  Figure 2  Figure 3  Figure 4  Figure 5  Figure 6  Figure 7  Figure 8  Figure 9  Figure 10  Figure 11  Figure 12  Figure 13  Figure 14  Figure 15  Figure 16

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1615  

CHAPTER XXX.
Dr. McFarland's Infamous Proposal to Miss Julia A. Wilson.

1616  

In the Report of this Investigating Committee is found, and corroborated by most responsible testimony, the following infamous proposal of Dr. McFarland to Miss Wilson.

1617  

Miss Wilson, from Buffalo, N. Y., visited the institution at the time the Investigating Committee were there in session taking testimony, for the purpose of visiting her sister, Mrs. Brown, who had been a patient there since 1861, and if possible procure her discharge.

1618  

From the acquaintance she had made with the Doctor during this time, she had formed the most exalted opinion of his character as a gentleman and as a superintendent. And during her interview with the Doctor on this occasion, she frankly avowed this esteem for, and confidence in, his judgment and integrity, in response to his expression of solicitude as to the termination of this investigation. She told him she was confident there was no ground for his solicitude, fully believing, as she and the public generally did, that his unblemished character could stand the test of the closest scrutiny.

1619  

These kind words of womanly sympathy seemed to be most highly appreciated by this afflicted Doctor, and being fascinated by her good looks and attractive manners, as it would seem, he invited her to become their guest at the asylum for a week, at least, until arrangements could be satisfactorily made for the removal of her sister. But, said he:

1620  

"I am compelled to ask you to defer this visit until this Committee leaves, as we cannot give you so comfortable accommodations as we would like until then."

1621  

He urged as a reason for this visit that it would afford her opportunity to see how to manage her sister in case she should remove her, as he did not consider her as a restored patient.

1622  

This plausible argument induced her to accept his invitation, and as she had some purchases to make for her sister's wardrobe, she said she would stop with her friend, Mrs. Dr. Grant, of Jacksonville, until their guests had left.

1623  

The Committee left Friday noon, and Miss Wilson returned to the Asylum Saturday afternoon, at about five o'clock. She met the Doctor in the reception-room, when he immediately showed her up to the guest-chamber which she was to occupy, and talked with her about the condition of her sister. He said she was not in a condition to be removed, that she was not fit to live among sane people, but that she had better remain awhile and she could see for herself.

1624  

This unexpected intelligence affected her to tears, and she asked the Doctor to let her see her sister immediately, and said she had hoped she could occupy the same room with her, as she had clothes to fit and make for her before her removal.

1625  

Examining the windows he said: "They are not safe!"

1626  

This alarmed her, and she decided not to have her sister remain with her over night.

1627  

The Doctor left her and soon returned, and after a short time her sister was ushered into the room by an attendant.

1628  

He then left again, but soon returned and took a seat, and after talking a few moments, handed her an envelope, saying, as he did so:

1629  

"I wish you to examine this -- the key of Mrs. Brown's ward is there."

1630  

And went out.

1631  

But as Miss Wilson supposed it contained some directions respecting her sister's room or treatment, she did not open the envelope for sometime but sat and talked with her sister.

1632  

Her tears seemed to annoy her sister, and she asked what she was crying for.

1633  

She told her because the Doctor had convinced her of the impracticability of taking her home with her.

1634  

She took her sister to the door of her ward and gave her to an attendant, and returned to her room and opened the envelope, which contained an infamous proposal, which was expressed in these words:

1635  

"An appreciative friend, who deeply sympathizes with you in your troubles, wishes to know if his company will be agreeable after retiring hours."

1636  

Signed "A. M. F." as she thinks, but is not positive, for under the impulse of instantaneous indignation she tore the infamous note to pieces, and scattered it upon the floor.

1637  

But the contents were so indelibly impressed upon her heart and memory that she does not hesitate to take her oath upon it that these were the exact words of the note.

1638  

This astounding revelation of the Doctor's character, which before she regarded as above suspicion, so rebounded upon her feelings and judgment as led her to the firm determination that she should take her sister away, and stay with her until she could do so. Her unshaken confidence in the integrity of the Doctor being thus summarily overthrown, her mind was left open to see his faults, to which she was before entirely blind.

1639  

Upon further acquaintance with her sister she found he had entirely misrepresented her condition; that instead of being wild, furious, or unsafe, she was calm, quiet and perfectly safe for her companion, both night and day, as she was ever after her room-mate during her stay at the Asylum.

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