Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-09-15
From the Salem Gazette.
WORCESTER LUNATIC ASYLUM.

| During a recent short visit to Worcester,
we were favored through the kindness of a
( friend, with an Introduction to the Hospital for
the Insane, under the care of DIR. woodward,
and his assistant, DR.. Chandler. We were
most happy to be permitted TO witness the de-
/ IiQhtlul result to which benevoence and SCI
ence have led in this interesting asylum.
| The building is situated very finely, within
quarter Of mile from the village, and on a
! hill which commands an extensive and beauti-
| full view of the surrounding country. The
grounds about the house bore the marks OF
taste, and looked like an attention to the graft
fication of the inmates. We were struck ON
first entering the buildings, with the extreme
neatness Of everything. We were shown into
broad gallery, from which open on each side
comfortable apartments large enough for health
and convenience. Many Of the inmates were
still in their own rooms, where they are always
privileged 10 remain if they wish to avoid the
intrusion of visitors. One young gill was sit
ting with the door of her room open, playing
very zealously with the backgammon board;
she seemed rather unwilling to be interrupted;
and very shy ofour presence, but as we turned
away, asked us very civily TO ''call again."
| Many were walking up and down the gale
ny, and catching the exhilarating influence OF
the morning air, and singing the most light
hearted strains One or two looking pitcously
sad and asked us about the friends from whom
they were separated, and 10 whom they sent
messages--begging us TO tell them that we
had been there. One young woman at first in
sisted upon going with us, but was easily per-
suaded TO remain behind. Most of them gave
an impression of comfort and even happiness.
AT the time Of our visit DR.. Woodward was
absent on n short journey, and the patients
were asking eagerly, when he would RETURN
| He exercises perfect control over them, al
though he has hardly ever been obliged to ie-
sort TO force in the management of them
When they are troublesome or behave inn
properly, he locks them into their own room,
aud this punishment is usually sufficient To
bring them to order. At table, where they have
two attendants, they usually behave with per-
feet propriety, and their meals go on with reg
ularity and order
They manifest great Partially for the socie-
~ Of children, and little girl Of six years old,
passes in and out among them without ever
| being molcsted, and they consider IL as a privi-
lege from DR.. Woodward to let her come and
see them. They always express great at
tachment 10 him when they leave the Asylum
and generally beg him TO keep room for them,
if they are sick again. II is found TO have a
very soothing and beneficial effect upon them
To meet together for religious services, and the
Trustees are now erecting n chapel for the pc
cular use Of the Asylum. They have also
nearly completed erecting new gallery on the
| opposite side of the house, which will be glass
ed from the floor to the ceiling, and while il az
| fords them an extensive promenade will also
give them full view Of the face of nature.
One Of the inmates remarked TO us tba,
when the gallery was completed she expected
il would be so pleasant that they should make
beiiere crazy il they were not so for the sake
Of being permitted 20 remain there. Some Of
the men were employed at work on the grounds,
and make valuable laborers.
The impression we received from every thing
we saw was cheering and delightful, and we
cannot hut hope that those who labor in this
field of benevolent effort win find their reward
and satisfaction bear some proportion TO the
seli-sacriiicing and resoluie spirit which they
carry on their noble enterprise.