The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-05-30
VERMONTINsANE ASYLUM.

VERMONT INSANE ASYLUM.
A correspondent Of the Boston Bee, writing from
Brateboro,' says:
The Institution is under the charge of DR. Rock
we'll and DR. Chaplin, gentlemen eminenty calculated
by profound medical knowledge, and continued prac-
teal experience in the treatment ofthe insane, as
we'll as by urbane manners and courteous bearing,
for the responsible situation they occupy. The latter
gentleman has been from early youth connected with
Institutions Of a similar nature and has already &C
qured medical reputation, which his seniors might
well be proud OF. He seems favorte with the I'M
&runates under his charge, and patient, just
covered, informed me that he is one the kindest
and best men in the world. Such is the esteem in
which he is regarded by the inmates Of the Asylum,
while can endorse his possession Of every charac-
ersc Of gentleman.
There at present 1856 patients in this Asylum,
whose diseases are ascrbed to various In
it is hereditary and constitutional, but in ma
jority induced by accidental events ! was deeply
afflicted with the appearance Of two young ladies, and
inquired The cause of their insanity. One ofthem
alright eyed, merry laughing creature Of eighteen,
deprived Of her through too intense appli-
afon TO her studies while at seminary in Medford
Boston. She is the daughter of a wealthy gen
lehman Of New York, and has been reared in the lap
of elegance end luxury. Though totally lost
son, she retains that mate air which bespeas high
born parentage and refined early associations. 1
accompanied by my favorite 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 favor
me with song. She cheerfully assented and led
the way to paror, where she seated herself at the
piano, and running over the keys in beautiful ca
dence, she burst forth into the air Of Home,
hOme,' which charming melody never heard sung
with more touching and electrical effect.
The plantive tone of her sweet voice was overpow
erng and as the tears gushed down her cheeks,
almost feared the effort would be too much for her,
but had she breathed the last note than she
abruptly turned to and enquired Isn't that pretty?'
Poor creature! it will be long ere forget your syren
notes!
was equally touched with the appearance of an
other young lady. Of nearly the same age.-Her
history is most touching one and may be briefly mar
Ted thus. Born o: wealthy parents, idolized in
Youth gratfed in the indulgence other fondest hopes,
and perfected in every accomplishment ofthe day,
she was the pride of her family and the bell Of the
social circle, whose destiny she controlled. One of
hose enthusiastic beings, who satisfied with
divided affection, her mind exqusitely strung
thai the least discord afflicted it, and marred the mu-
SIC OF the whole. Some three years since, she was
hEoduced to young naval officer, who soon woed
and her, but villain like, having sPorted awhile
with the choice fame which nothing but summer and
sunshine should gladden., and after having by sedu-
lOus attentions appropriated the gem, to himself,
left exposed to the rude blast Of winter, until chilled
and crushed it has fallen to the ground, scared and
blasted like the withered leaf Of autumn. The story
oil his perfdy reached her ears, but, woman-like she
would not credit aught against the idol of her heart,
I'LL her own eyes perused in the paper OF neighbour
ing city his marriage to another. The news came
Ike thunder bolt upon her, witherlng and destroy
ing her. In vain did her friends endeavor to cheer
er despondiug heart by travel and the kindes atten
"On Now blighted and spirit-broken thing, she no
more bounded the green like the fawn, or CARROLL
Cd In the shine like the lark wnging its flight to
"eaVen's gate "a fearful change had over her,
'nd reason deserted its throne, leaving her
lanac She takes interest in movements Of the
"e' patients, but sits apart, all the day, looking
''u' window, upon the boundless prospect before
y" Every attempt to direct her mind has been, as
~ unsuccessful, and though passonately fond of
h ''o IN her moments Of reason, the least sound Is
=" o'sPeasing to her, and she reres to her apart
cosing the door after her, as if to secude her
" from the society Of others What has the man to