Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-06-14
From the Hartford Times, June 8.

The last grand 'hop' of the season, by the in
mates OF the Insane Retreat in this city, was
given last evening, June /. These social parties
are usually confined to the Retreat family, and
not intended for the pleasure Of the public.
This being the last one Of the winter series, how
ever, his excellency Governor Minor and lady,
and several others, were invited to be present.
One hundred and eighty four inmates were as
seInbled in the hail. They were Of all ages and
conditions in life, from the gray hairs OF sixty and
seventy winters to the blooming youth Of four
teen summers. An hour previous several Of them
were raving manacs, tearing their clothes, or at
tempting to do So and requiring the closest atten-
ton Now brought into the hall, under the in
huence of music, and impressed with the idea that
they were among a social party, bearing part OF
the responsibility of its general good conduct,
their deportmoot was unexcephopable. Of course
all Of them did not join in the dance, but fall sets
were formed of those who were so disposed, and
they INDUCED in cotillions and country dances.
Following each figure, the party were favored
by singing, and music on the piano. Several Of
the patients have excellent voices, and one OF
them especially, an old lady of Spanish descent,
thoroughly educated in Paris, moved the keys
with dclicacy Of touch that equaed the most
popular performers.
Finally refreshments were served; and then the
elephant Jupiter" was marched through the
hall, to thUgreat amusement of the spectators.
1t was an admirable personation, and practical
eye could not readily distinguish IL from 'srenl
live" monster Of trunk and tushes. Jupiter
bowed to tho Governor and his lady, raised his
his tnnk gracefully in sautation to the audience,
and ''spoke to 'em'' in that hoarse voice, rarely
heard save in the Jungle Of the East
At ten o'clock grand march to music con-
Guided the festivities Of the evening" and the large
family retired in order, to their respective apart
ments.
Dr. Butler informs us that they have had two
such parties every week during the winter, and
the results have been most gratifying The nights
following these parties are the most quiet through
out the institution Of any in the week. The
gloomy are inspirited, and the frantic are inter-
csted, queted and made tractable. The attention
of all the patients is drawn away from the set
channel of thought or unhealthfu1 imaginings
which unbalanced them, and better tone is given
to both body and Minis,
DR.. Butler is also introducing many pictures,
, engravings, and paintings in the halls and par
Tors. These interest and attract the attention OF
the patients, and are found to be OF much value.
The past has been one of the most successful
years of the institution gratifying per centage
of the whole number of patients having been en-
tirely cured and large number very much i'm
proved.
The institution is not gloomy dungeon,
where harsh treatment predomnates, as many
suppose; but great pains taken to make il
agreeable and pleasant to the inmates. Several
Of them who have been there for many years
| consider it their home, and would be quite I'M
happy at the idea of ever removing. The loca-
ton of the institution is an exceedingly pleasant
one, the buildings being surrounded by shade and
fruit trees, and pleasant walks. Dr. Buffers
family is we'll cared for, and furnished with all
the comforts and attentions calculated to make
them contented and happy.
DIR. Butler is ably assisted by DR.. Porter, DIR
| Blakeslee, Mr. and Mrs. Holiday, Mrs. Coolidge,
&c