Morning journal and courier., 1880-03-11
From Prison to Asylum.

Andersen Sent to MiddIetOwn-Olher |
 Insane CODvfcts-An Official Examin-
 atIon--Andersen's Cell and Outbursts.
 At the request of the trustees, Dr. Russell, of Hartford and Drs. Amy and Avery made an examination of the alleged cases of insanity among the convicts in the State prison, with view to recommendation to the Governor for an order for their release and their con- yeyaiee to the State asylum at Middletewn. The result of the investigation was that the examining physicians recommended the Gov ernor to release John Andersen, formerly of this city, the violent Swede who made such murderous work at Wallingford, and William E. Haggerman and John Finnessey. These men were pronounced unquestionable cases of iu- sanity-two of them, at least, even of the worst and most uncomfortable mania. John Keefe, another prisoner, was also examined, but his case is not recommended to the Gov ernor.
 In accordance with the recommendation of the examining physicians, Governor Andrews yesterday issued aa order for the release of Andersen, Hagerman and Finnessey, and they were taken in the afternoon from their places of confinement in the prison and sent to the Middletown asylum. There they will be treated according to the humane rules for such unfortunates.
 The Post has the following: On Novem-
 Der 10, 1878, cell was provided for Andersen in the new prison. In this he has been con- fined until his removal to Middletown to day.
 A moro wretched spot for 8 human being to live in could not be well imagined, and yet it
 is the best afforded for insane prisoners at
 ,GalI 1od <r,
 mind more the dungeons of medieval times
 than of modern advancement and thought.
 This hole is in dimensions about three and
 half feet wide by seven in length, and scarce
 ly high enough to allow man to stand up
 right. Upon the hard stone floor, and en-
 tirely covering it, two pallets of straw were
 placed, one above the other. The only re-
 maining furniture was wooden box, on which
 the prisoner placed his pillow. The door to
 the dungeon is only one foot and six inches
 wide, and is of solid iron, a small
 barred window near the top admitting light.
 In this cell was confined John B. Andersen.
 His legs were shackled and the chain fastened
 to an eye-bolt in the floor. Upon his hands
 manacles were fastened, and in such confne ment has the wretched man existed. The door of the cell was usually left open, as he was so bound that escape was impossible. No light reaches the dungeon except from win dow some distance up in the wall, and so
  reach the cell. Upon the walls of his place
 of confinement Andersen, who is considera- ble of an artist, has drawn, using for color ing matter blue rag torn from his blanket, a number of fanciful pictures and designs. One of these represents himself with wings upon his shoulders, and beneath is the in scription Andersen soaring above his tor mentors" Others are pictures of his wife and the men whom he considers are to blame for his misfortunes. His mind is al most completely gone, though he shows at times signs of remarkable intelligence. But in conversation he always returns to the subject of his revenge, and his eyes slisten and turn most savagely at the recital. He has been allowed the use of the library at the prison and has availed himself of the privilege.
 On the day that he was removed to the dun geon his savage nature broke out with all fierceness. He was taken from the prison hall toward the new prison by two officers, the blacksmith going before for the purpose of riveting the irons upon his legs. When he discovered where he was going and when near the guard room door he endeavored to break away and sprang upon one of the officers like wildcat, and although he was handcuffed the officers were obliged to exert great force to re- strain him. Finally he was knocked down, and he struck, scratched and bit until he was secured. During the scuffie he had more the resemblance of wild beast than human be-
 
 him, was bitten in the elbow.
 The above is but single instance of wh at the officers at the prison have had to deal with I in the case of this man. He is hopelessly and
 dangerously insane, and the facilities for treat inga case of this nature at the prison are none whatever.
 John Finnessy, also removed to Middletown day, was pronounced insane bya commis- sion appointed during ex-Governor Jewelps term of office. He was convicted in New l London, April 2, 1874, on the charge of at tempted rape. Three indictments were 1 found against him, and on each of these he
 was sentenced to three years imprisonment. His present age is thirty years. When first confined he was placed in cell in the prison hall but was so noisy that he could not be left l there, and so was removed to the new prison. In habit he is exceedingly filthy and dirty, and his malady has made him foolish.
 William B. Haggerman WAS born in New York. He was convicted at Bridgeport June 6, 1876, for placing Instructions on railroad tracks. His age is 31. Before his present sentence he had been confined in the State Reform School. At times the prison authori- ties have considered him rather dangerous. His chief hallucination appears to be that l somebody is talking through him, though what he means by this cannot be learned. About year ago he assaulted one of the off, cers and WAS removed to the new prison, and was kept there for three weeks when he was taken back into the hall. and has been kept since in close confinement.