The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-06

CURIOUS CASE OF MoNoMANuA-How THE THEN
PRESIDENT WAS PURSUED AND THREATENED
by GIGANTIC Observation-Disclosures OF
THE MAN IN A LUYATIc ASYLUM AND HIS
CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.
WASHINGTON Dec. s, 1878.
In the summer of 1874 it reported to the detec-
tves of this city by President Grant that he pur-
sued constantly by large and muscular Irishman.
and confronted unexpectedly and threateningly by
him during his daily walks; that he was not only
spoken to by the man. but most frequently the
latter would stand and glare at him passed that
some occasions the would demand. in very
resolute manner, payment of a large Of money.
which he claimed General Grant owed him; that of
course he the Generar had had no business ransac-
ton with him. and in fact knew nothing about the
man or his occupation or business
THE MoNoMASIAc.
The matter progressed until constant repetition
became uncomfortable. and the General rovided him.
self with large and heavy he believed that
he would sooner or later be assaulted. This man
turned ont to be Thomas higgins, of some
property who carried the business of grocer
and retailer of liquor at place short distance
west OF the Executive Mansion. He was man of
good habits and peaceful disposition ordinarily and
of Herculean physical proportions. higgins was a
widower. and dressed richly and in good taste and it
was suggested that his peculiar conduct the
suit Of mental alteration.
As the detectives received this information
they learned that Mr.. Drury attorney -at-law,
the President With the assistance Of Mr. Drury the
detectives were enabled to decoy Mr.. higgins of
whose strength they had very reasonable dread:
into carriage and by beguiling stories, induced
him to so to Police Headquarters. where two ply
sicians in readiness to make the convenient pri
va.c examination. by which any excited American
citizen could be confined in the Government In
sane Asylum. The result Of the examination in this
instance by very competent physicians was to make
such the
as the basis for commitment to the asylum, where
Bggins was promptly taken and received by the
Superintendent then DIR. Nichols. since removed
RELEASED on CONDITIONS.
higgins confined for several months and until
his friends and immediate relatives employed counsel
who at first determined to attempt the release Of Big
gins on habeas corpus; hut inquiry into the facts
that the proceeding would not avail because both
the Doctor and all his medical assistants and attend
ants at the asylum could testify that Biggins al
though sane on all other subjects, labored under
undoubted demertia in regard to General Grant, that
no other physicians had such familiarity with Big
gins during the several months of his confinement
would enable them to successfully oppose their
opinions, however the fact of the insanity
might be to these medical experts Therenpon
negotiations entered into which resulted in
arrangement to discharge higgins provided he would
agree to make voyage to ireland. his native country.
II being hoped and expected that the voyage and
the visit to his old friends and companions would
have beneficial effect upon his mind.
THE VOYAGE TO IRELAND.
Thereupon higgins taken by an attendant at
the asylum to the city of New York ana placed on
board of steamship. II expected, and in fact
it was understood. that higgins would remain abroad
for several months, but in point of fact he
manned only long enough to supply himself
with cheap but excellent addition to his ward
robe. Since his return higgins has deported
himself quietly, excepting on the occasion of his
| appearance before the committee OF the House Of
Representatives to investigate DR.. Nichols manage
ment Of the asylum when he greatly astonished aud
grievously disappointed the prosecution that had
| called him witness by testifying that General
Grant had unfortunate habit OF visiting him at
night when he had retired to sleep and terrifying him
by passing into the room through the keyhole. Sub
sequently and Immediately upon the termination of
Grants term of Office suit begun by higgins for
| alleged false imprisonment.
Mr.. A. w. Worthington, General Grants counsel,
said last evening that he had received letter from
the General dated Paris, and that the General directs
him TO go with the trial. and in obedience to the
| wishes of General Grant, Mr.. Worthington in
! court to-day prepared to defend his client.
THE COURT ROOM
Quito large attendance present this morning
in the Circuit Court OF the District of Columbia
pal figure in the court room in the eyes of the spec
| tators was higgins, who stood near his counsel.
/ Mcssrs. Browne and Mcconnell higgins is man
fully six feet two inches high and Weighing two
hundred pounds. He is about forty hveycars OF age.
He u full beard nearly seven inches in length,
| and was attired to-day in the height of fashion
i ADJOURNMENT
The the last the calendar for to-day but
before it was reached the counsel for Bggins an
nounced that Mr. A. s. Worthington counsel for Gen.
eral Grant. desired defermcnt until owing
to his suffering with sick headache. Counsel for Big
gins interposed objection and the case went over