True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-09-15
Thrilling Incident in the Insane Asy.
lum at Stockton "A Rrail Woman in
the PnmRr of q nAsnArafA Maniac

the Power OF q Desperate Maniac!
The following narration exhibits some
thing of The craftness and cunning Of the
Insane but especially the great tact and
presence of mind necessary on The part of
the conductors, particularly in emergen.
ces. when dealing with their patients.
The former excellent matron, Mrs.
Reid, with her attendant generally called
Lizzie had gone as usual in the morning
into the apartment Of the most raving
females. They were all yet in their sep.
arate apartments, leading into one long
hall. On some occasion, Mrs. Reid had
gone forward to the further end. and Liz
zje contrary to regulations had opened one
of the apartments, where very strong
insane woman slept. The woman was
sometimes very furious, and would not
fear to commit any deed. even to take life,
if provoked. She had formerly drank
excessively, and was ardenily fond Of
sherry wine but there was no difficulty
in dealing with her, when che knew that
her managers were stronger than herself.
On this occasion, as Lizzie entered, the
bundle Of keys were imprudently left in
the door, and arrangements were being
made 10 balhe the insane woman.
Watching carefully her opportunity the
woman slipped by Lizzie, shut the door
and turned the key; and then with a
bound of a wild beast, her eyes flashing
with excitement, she sprang forward 10
Mrs. Reid and exclaimed, "Oh Mother
Reid I've shu. Lizzie into my room,
have got The keys, and now you are in my
power" Mrs. Reid beings person o.
only ordinary strength, knew she could
do nothing with her, but pleasantly re-
piled. swell andso what do you propose
to do!" The fierce ma uiac replied. sTI'g
going 10 shut you up, too; open the othel
rooms and let all the women oul."--
SWELL" said Mrs. Reid, sand wha
.hen!" "Then I'm going 10 San Fran
CISCO" was the reply. why! in those
clothes you have got on" "O., well, ,
was The reply after a moments survey o
her clothing, IL will 60 and buy me some
new ones in San Francisco" "Bub'
said Mrs. Reid, "you can't, because every
one will know at once by those clothes
that you came from the Insane Asylum
and they will take You and bring you
right back again" Stopping for o mo.
ment for effect, as The raving woman was
looking at her dress. she added, snow,
know where all the new dresses are, ant
can fix you out SO that no one shailde'
tecl you. You don't know the room bu
come with me snG can show, you.
So together they started along the hall
As they were going, the insane woman
holding, tight the keys, Mrs. Reid Dbser
we'd to her: "Now, do you suppose tina
for a bottle Of sherry wine you could picl
out the key to Lizzie's door :" "Yes,'
was hereply, "for bottle Of sherry wins
| could" ~ hardly think you cam
said Mrs. Reid. 'sYes l cam" was th,
reply. swell, noSg'' said Mrs. Reid
E"let us see." The insane woman turned
at once TO The door where Lizzie was locked
in, and tried one key. and it would no
answer; nexLanother was tried and failed
and the eagerness Of The woman increased
as each key failed, till in a little while III,
right key was reached, turned with
wrench and the door thrown back wid,
open. In a moment Lizzie spraDg out
and Mrs. Reid .grasped the insane won al
round tae waist. pinning her arms 10 hel
body; and Lizzie in like manner seize,
her around the lower limbs, and sbe wal
quickly borne by the two, into her room
and the two stepping out quickly turned
the key, then first to breathe easy sine,
the danger was perceived. II was al
occasion Of rejoicing at their escape. o
severe and deserved reproach 10 Lzzi,
for her impradence in entering alone, ant
leaving the keys in the door, and IF ear
nest protesiaIions BY Lizzie. she would b,
more careful again.
4 49, r. Il