Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-08-23
From the Chicago Times, Aug. 2.

one Of the strangest cases of insanity il has been
our lot to witness, Ii came up on the petition Of
Mr.. 5. Is. Cobb for commission de linatico in
qtlirendo, in the case Of the Rev. George ID.
Goss, Baptist minister, and formerly chaplain
of the Second Kentucky Volunteers, in the cam
paign in Mexico. MIR. Goss is fine appearing
man, about 35 years of age. He graduated at
Georgetown, Ky, after which he resided ut Paris,
in the same State, and oficiated as pastor of
church On his return from Mexico, he took up
his residence for time at Coyington, on the Ohio
river. He has been in this city since the first Of
January last, and il was since that time that his
mind began to lose its balance. No predisposing
cause of insanity is known; but IL is said (and
Mr.. Goss tells version of the story hmself) that
he had one or two love affairs in Kentucky,
where the of true love, in his case at
least, did not any smoother than in Chicago.
DIR. l.. ID. Boone was sworn, and stated that
he had known Mr.. Goss since some time last
winter; he came to his (witnessO Office on one
occasion, and desired n private consultations; the
request being granted, Goss proceeded to make
inquiries in regard to Mrs. Matteson, (relict Of
the late Joel Mattcson, and proprietor Of the
Matteson House) stating that he had partially
formed an intention to marry her, and desired to
obtain the opinion of third party in regard to
the matter; he appeared TO be perfectly sane and
sincere, and went about the matter as any pru-
dent man would; the first time witness suspect
ed Goss to be out of his right mind, was when
declared that number of persons were watching
him (Goss) for some purpose which he suspected
was not right; that often when he came out of
his boarding house, he persons standing on
the opposite side of the street, looking at him,
and that at one time they followed him to the
post Office. DIR. Boone told him it was mere fancy,
and that ended it for the time; this was about the
first of April last; some time subsequently,, Goss
called on witness, and showed him letter which
he had received from the brother Of Mrs. Matte
son, informing him that his visits to that lady
were dsagreeable to her. and desiring him to dis
continue them.
Goss declared his belief that the letter had
been written not by Mrs. Mattesons desire, but
by her brother, without her knowledge, and con
trary to her sentiments of regard for him. He
desired Dr. Boone to see the lady and ascertain
if such were not the case. Two or three days
afterwards he called again on Dr. h. and renew
ed the request with such pertnacity that the lat
ter went to see Mrs. M. abont it. She informed
him that Goss had become excessively annoying
by his persistent visits to her house, that he had
made proposal Of marriage, which she had re-
iected, and told him that his visits were not
agreeable; but continuing to call, she had de-
sired her brother to write the letter in question.
During the Baptist anniversaries in May, several
ladies, strangers to MIR. Goss. complained that
he came into the pew with them, and was guilty
of ungentlemanly conduct in putting his limbs
against them--his feet upon theirs, and using
other rude familiarities.
Mr.. Goss, who occupied seat at the end of
the judges table, here interrupted the witness,
and said the ladies were mistaken.
The witness proceeded Some of the ladies'
complained that Mr. Goss stared them impu-
IDENTITY in the face, and put his arm behind them
on the back of the pew, letting his hand rest
over their soulders.
Mr.. Goss contrsdicted this also,l and said his
hand was only placed on the back of the pew,
and when the ladies leaned back, it came in con-
tact with them.
Question by iuror-Doctor, as a medical man,
is it your opinion that Mr. Goss is nsanei
Witness replied he had not the least doubt Of
his insanity.
Mr.. Goss asked the witness, Gas n medical
man" to explain what crazy man was. The
doctor, he said, might be medical man, and
mayor; but Know -nothings got to be mayors and
legislators sometimes; and unless the doctor
would tell the jury what crazy man was, he
thought his testimony not good for much.
Witness--Well, Mr.. Goss, | will explain by
giving an illustration. When man tells me he
is about TO be married. and goes so far as to pur-
chase wedding clothes, white gloves, and all the
other etceteras usual for such an occasion, when
the lady he declares is TO be his wife has forbidden
him her house only day or two before, think
it some evidence that he is insane.
Mr.. Gross denied that such was the case, and
made very ingenius and amusing explanation Of
his object in purchasing the clothes.
Mr.. s. B. Cobb was SWORN. He said the first
time he heard about Mr.. Goss s insanity lie was
spoken to by Mrs. Matteson in regard to it. She
said, when Mr.. Goss first called her, she
thought he was gentleman, and received him as
such. When he made proposition Of marriage,
she began to think he was deranged. She told
him she would not marry him nor any ono else,
and desired him to discontinue his visits lie re-
piled he could not keep away from her--he must
visit her-and begged her to receive him. He
persisted in going to her house--staid there till
late of nights, and at length became so annoying
by his behaviour that the police were called in,
and he was elected from the house The witness
detailed some of his singular behaviour The
most peculiar and striking indication of insanity
was that of touching everything with his hand.
He would walk about the room, and touch with
his hands or feel every object all parts Of the
wall, &c., and could not be induced TO leave the
house so long as anything remained untouched.
Mr.. Goss contradicted several statements of the
witness, particularly in regard to his staying late
at night. Hc said he mover staid later than ten
O'Clock but once, and then Mrs. Malteson urged
him to remain longer.
Mr.. Cobb. Mr.. Goss, don't you think your
self you nsanei
Mr.. Goss acknowledged he might be eccen-
trio.
Mr.. Cobb. Do you know how far these eccen-
tricities may lead your
can, whether you will be crazy at FIVE o'clock to
night. God only knows.
In regard TO another question touching his in
sanity, Mr.. Goss said: Poets and enthusiasts are
thought by some 10 be lunatics: so is any man
who bends his mind wholly TO one idea. ] under
stand something Of theology, law, and physic;,
let one Of the jury put question to me in any Of
these sciences, and if don't answer him correct
ly he may pronounce me insane
Mr.. Boone. Mr. Goss don't you believe all the
men in this room arc insane'
Mr.. Goss. | did think my friend DIR. Boenc
was little insane on the temperance question,
but find he is hardly insane enough.
Mr.. Goss acknowledged that he might be in
sane in love, for, said he, 81 love that woman
MRS. Matteson) more than any other on earth
III marry her yet"
The jury retired TO make up their verdict. As
soon as they had left the room, Mr.. Goss rose,
and commenced "touchng," commencing with
the books and papers the judges table, and
going TO every object in the room---touching tho
hands, arms, and limbs of each one of the specta-
tors, and even to the buttons on their garments.
He conversed PLEASANTLY and nationally oil the
while, displaying an unusual degree of wit in
many Of his replies TO questions. The proceed
ings was continued until the jury returned when
Mr. Goss resumed his seat. The verdict was