Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-06-15
VERMONT INSANE ASYLUM.


from Braeboro', says:
The institution is under the charge Of DIR Rock
well and DIR Chaplin, gentlemen eminently caIcu
lated by profound medical knowledge and contin-
ued practical experience in treatment ofihe insane,
as well as by urbane manners and courteous bear
ing, for the responsible situation they occupy
The latter gentleman has been from early youth
connected with institutions of similar nature and
already acquired a medical reputation, which his
seniors might well be proud Of He seems IA.
vorte with the unfortunates under his charge, and
patient, Just recovered, informed me that he is
one OF the kindest and best men in the world
Such is the esteem in which he is regarded by the
p a@aisa a 4 81 A avsfy ehafadSr,c of gentle
man.
There are at present 1876 patients in this Asy
lum, whose diseases are ascribcd TO various eau
ses. In some it is hereditary and constitutional
but in n majority induced by accidental events |
was deeply afflicted with the appearance of two
young ladies, and inquired the cause of their in
sanity. One of them bright eyed, merry laugh
ing creature Of eighteen, was deprived of her
son. through foo intense application to her Studies
while al seminary tn Medford, near Boston,
She is daughter Of wealthy gentleman of New
York, and has been reared in the lap of elegance
and luxury. Though totally lost 10 reason, she
retains that mate air which bespeaks high born
paren,age and refined early associations. was
accompanied by my avorite spaniel. OF whom she
was very much alarmed and desired me to take
him away, as she "knew he was mad" Having
made him lay down, she seemed quite delighted,
and took advantage Of her good nature TO ask
her to favor me with a song. She cheerulIy as
scented and led The way 10 the parlor, where she
seated herself at the piano, and running over the
keys in beautiful cadence, she burst forth INTO
the air of 'Home, sweet home which charming
melody never heard sung with more touching
aad electrical effect
The plaintive tone of her voice was overpow-
erng, and the tears gushcd down her checks,
almost feared the fort would be 10 much for her
but no sooner had she brcalhed the last note thar
she abrup pity turned TO me and cnquirod isn't tina
= preuyP Poor creaurcl it will be long ere for
got your syren notes.
! was equally touched with the appearance o
) another young lady, of nearly the same age
, Her history is most touching one and may b
briefly narrated thus Born Of wealthy parents
idoized in youth, grafed 10 the Indulgence OF he
. fondest hopes, and perfected in every accomplish
. mcnt Of the day. she the pride Of her iamil,
and the belle OF the social circle, whose deslin.
q she controlled One Of these enthuslastlc beings
!. who are never satisfied with divided aft ction he
J, mind was so exquisltely strung that the least dis
y cord afflicted il, aud marred the music Of ID
d whole Some three years SINCE, she was intro
70 duced 10 Young raval offieer,who soon wood an
, won her. but william like, having spored awh bill
? with III choco fame which nothing but slmme
y and sunshine should gladden. end after having b
l. sedulous attentions appropriated the rare gem
himself left ii exposed 10 lhe rude blast OF winle
~ until chilled and crushed has fallen 10 the grouu
a scared and blasted like the wiihered ieaf Of al
o. tumn The story Of his perfdy reached her car
m but woman.like she would not credit aught again
n the idol of her heart ill her eyes perused
d. the paper Of a neichboring city his marriage
n. another. The news came like a thunder bolt u
rs on her, withering and destroying her Ia va
,s did her friends endcayor to cheer her despondin
or hcar BY travel aud the kindea attention Now
at bliiei ami spir broken thing, she no more boun
~ ded on the green Ike the fawn. or earolled m q
,is sunshine ike the lark winging II flight 10 be
lie ven's gate a fearful chaspe had come over b,
~ aud reason soon deseried is throne leaving her
ak maniac. She takes no in,eresi 10 the moYemef
u OF the other patients bu, sis apaH, all the da
I'd looking from window, upon the boundless pro
is neet before her Every aiiemP TO direct her mi
nd has been. as ye unsuccessful and though passic
no s,ely fond OF music m her moments OF reason,
,es sound Il now dispeAEng TO her, and she retIfes