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Astounding Disclosures! Three Years In A Mad House

Creator: Isaac H. Hunt (author)
Date: 1851
Publisher: Isaac H. Hunt
Source: Patricia Deegan Collection
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2  Figure 3

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Bartlett has repeatedly told me, that if he was put upon his oath, be could testify to facts that would astonish the public! But unless he was put upon his oath, he would not reveal them. He has told a great many people that they dare not turn him away, for if they did, he could start all of their boots! He has said, further, that he could put them where the Dogs would not bark at them! Thus intimating that he knew enough to send them to the State Penitentiary! He has further stated that he would make money out of this scrape before it was ended -- meaning the investigation. And he told me after I had been before the committee to prefer my charges, that he had been taken into the confidence of the officers of the Hospital, and had been taken into their private room where the whole matter had been talked over between them. He gave me then to understand that he should sustain my charges by his testimony. But instead of doing so he has sold himself, his honor, his reputation, for being an honest man, for a mess of pottage. Now I believe that he told me and others the truth, when he said that he could start their boots, or put them where the dogs would not bark at them; but, instead of so doing, has had his own boots started, and left Dr. Bates secure in his office, and not caring the snap of his finger for all that he can now say.

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"Have there been abuses by improper food?" Yeas five, nays nine.

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"Has tainted meat been sent to patients?" Yeas six, nays five.

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Just give the testimony a careful glance, and judge of this.

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One complaint was that "the puddings were so improper that neither the officers nor attendants would partake of them." Puddings, it seems, were made for the patients from the broken bread which came from their own tables.

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No decent man would compel his family of swine to eat after such filthy brutes as some of these patients.

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In concluding this report, the committee would say that they have given the most ample opportunity to the complainants to be heard. It was managed on their side by able counsel, and the resources of the State were placed at their disposal for acquiring proof. And to insure the freest and fullest investigation, witnesses were allowed to testify, who would have been excluded from courts of justice, both as to the witnesses and the matters testified to. And none, it is believed, who have witnessed the patient sittings of the committee, will accuse them of unfairness and partiality. The Insane Hospital is an institution in which the whole people have a deep interest -- their means erected it -- their means sustain it. To them it was due to know whether those means have been well or otherwise bestowed. Is, then, the Maine Insane Hospital worthy the continued care and confidence of the people? Has this long and arduous investigation revealed it as a safe and suitable retreat for those unfortunates? Such is the belief of the committee.

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I had engaged Mr. Lot M. Morrill as my council, he having full knowledge of my pecuniary circumstances, and being a man in whom I had the utmost confidence as an advocate. He did attend the two afternoons on which I preferred my charges before the committee. On the morning of the investigation he assured me that he would attend. Instead of so doing he did not attend, nor did be send me the slightest word for his not coming, but left me alone in the hour of my greatest need. The following afternnoon -sic-Mr. Morrill came, but in the interim I had engaged B. F. Chandler, esq., who attended faithfully to me and my cause. Mr. Morrill's desertion was disastrous to me in more than one sense, as his non-attendance had the effect to prejudice a portion of the committee and the Legislature, against me and my cause. The reasons for Mr. Morrill's desertion are best known to himself. It is my opinion, however, that Mr. Morrill was a little fearful that if he was to espouse the cause of a poor and friendless man, one contending single handed against wealth and power, he might suffer in certain political aspirations, fearful that the unterrified Democracy of Maine would not sanction the doctrine, that "all men are born free and equal."

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HOSPITAL REPORT, 1850.

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The Trustees have made their monthly and quarterly visitations to the Hospital, with one exception, as provided by law, in all of which they have seen and conversed with the patients, and made such examinations and inquiries as were deemed necessary for a more intimate knowledge of their situation, necessities, &c.; and are satisfied that they have been treated with all the care that humanity or kindness could suggest, or science dictate. The Superintendant and other officers and attendants have appeared very gentlemanly in their deportment; kind and affable in their intercourse with the patients, and untiring in their efforts to improve the condition of all under their care.

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Eight males and seven females have died during the year, apparently from the following causes, viz: Palsy, (general) three; palsy, (partial) one: marasmus, or gradual wasting of the physical system, four; exhaustion from violence of disordered physical and mental action, two; old age, pulmonary consumption, and inflamation of the brain one, each.

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