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Memorial To The President, From The Lunatic Asylum

Creator: n/a
Date: December 1856
Publication: The Opal
Source: New York State Library

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I am incapable of uttering a falsehood at this late day, and trust that the utmost credence will be given to the above statements and every particular connected with it. Be it known, then, that any assumptions of celestial or infernal powers, whenever written, are base and infamous forgeries.

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In the agitated state of my mind, I commenced this appeal to you; but am told that it is too late; let others judge.

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The great error of my life has been a tame and spiritless submission to wrongs and injuries, which others would promptly resent, otherwise prompt measures would have been taken to lay my case before some proper authority; but my intellect has been so impaired by excessive drinking, that it is only at intervals that I am roused up to a sense of my condition.

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The handsome little property which I acquired by my industry and labor was left, and I know not what disposition has been made of it. There could not have been less than fifteen hundred or two thousand dollars, including improvements to the place. The fate of my wife and the dear little boy whom I had taken awaken the deepest interest. My wife was 38 years of age, the boy 14, and was brought home by my wife when 4 years old, or thereabouts, the son of one P., who is dead, and whose mother was a relative of her's, subsequently married to a Mr. D. There are two individuals who must know all about the three members of my family. My wife's mother was one of three sisters, all widows, whose united ages amounted to upwards of three hundred years, who, sixty years ago, stood at the grave of their mother.

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Unfavorable inferences will be drawn, probably, from my long silence and occasional appeals. I pay no attention to the marching and counter-marching about we. The great object I have is, of course, my liberation from this place. Those who brought me here should be responsible. By the help of friends I hope yet to accomplish this object. I cannot complain but that I have been treated with indulgence and kindness.

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I have been totally ignorant of the conduct and management of such a vast institution, I know that a feeble individual can do little in a warfare against public sentiment, if awakened against him; but still he has his rights. I can, as I know, offer but a feeble vindication in indulging my appetite for food, but mean to comply with all that is required of me. I forgot to mention about my having been drugged and operated upon before being brought here.

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Perhaps my doom is irretrievably sealed. Personalities might be avoided: God grant that they may be needless. I offer my prayers for all. Nil desperandum est.

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Your most obedient humble servant,
W. T. G.

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