National Republican., 1883-07-06
SIX MONTHS ASLEEP.
The Long nnd IncxplioabIc Nap OF n Com
neeticut Man OF Thirty-Five.
Br4dosport Conn, Standard.


Bridgeport Comm Standard
Skillful medical men, deep thinkers, and
even the psychologicslly gifted have been
called ON for opinions as to what ails Mr..
Thomas w. Platt-what first induced his
drowsincss, and what has tended to bind and
keep him so long in a lothargic state, COM
pared with which there is no parallel in med
ical history. Mr.. Platt is at this time in the
house where he has always resided with his
father, Mr. Wanzor Platt, well to do
farmer, whose dwelling stands four
miles from Newtown and about the
same distance from Bethel, at point
known as Morgan's Four Corners. The
sleeper is well built man, about 35 years
old. He received good education, and in
manhood rs in youth was above mediocrity
us to intelligence and amiability. While not
leading in the social circle, he always stood
we'll with his fellows, and enjoyed the re-
spect of all who knew him. of a retiring
disposition, he was unlike most Of the young
mon of his town, in that he never had a
hankcring TO leave home To take position in
some store or business house, prcferring rather
the quiet of his native heath. Owning pro-
ductive farm, the father sought to conduct il
on correct principles, by which il is under
stood that, TO receive real profit, one must do
most of the work within himself, and assist
ing in this the sleeper secured pleasure and
satisfaction, He was ever an obedient son,
and in payment therefor was the subject of
special patornal care, During the spring of
1882 Mr.. Platt to be In fashion with the rest
of the world, was attacked with malaria and
while treqtment of the disease was in accord
ance with the symptoms recovered slowly,
and afterwnrd was at no time frcc from its
effects. During the summer he continued
working on the farm, but manifested "A few
ri tba
period he was rs active in the field as any
and conducted himself in all particulars as
he had dono in previous yea E. One hot day,
however, he was affected moro than usual by
tho heat, md, while not overcome by il, lay
down ON the hay undor tree TO rest, noping
to feel better after a short nap. While under
the tree the belief is entertained by his
mother, Mrs. Platt, that ho suffered sun
stroke, for ON being removed 70 the house he
acted and talked strangely and was never
afterward really himself Whether 1t was
malaria, sun Sc. Nke, or the two combined
that induced his present condition or not,
certain it is that after last THANKSGIVING he
kept himself aloof, remained most of the
time within DOORS and, three or four days be-
lore Christmas, sank into deep sleep in his
bed. continuing there till the latter part of
January, scarcely changing his position or
recognizing any person in attendance, and
not once rousing from his stupor. Meantime
WdtCululHCSS ana care nave been given him
day and night. Toward spring there was a
slight change in the sleeper, which was mani
rested by an inclination to move, but he did
not open his eyes, and during tho three
months since his semi-unconscousnes set in
has scarcely eaten enough to sustain life.
What influence kept life in him is more than
any one can tell. With lengthening days he
was from time to time bolstored up in bed,
still with closed eyes and mouth sealed
against speech. He expressed by sound
or motion no evidence of suffering, and
silence seemed to indicate that his wish
was simply to be left alone. Later he was
assisted to sitting position, but the kindest
words OF an atfectionate mother were uttered
in vain in his ears--those words fell as upon
the ear Of ono totally bereft of reason. At
last he was taken from the bed aud his clothes
put on. This was brought about with diff
Guilty, and he was like one with no life and no
muscular power. IN April he began to walk
tremblingly at first, holding on by articles of
furniture, and afterward he could stand and
walk alone. No power of language, however,
resulted in the reply of syllable. AS days
came and went, he walked from his bed to The
rocker, and back again to the bed. Daily,
like an infant, he was dressed and undressed
Evidences of returning strength have been
marked since the arrival of warm weather,
but reason only in part. Hunger has swayed
him toanswer its call, and as if by instinct, n
while ago he scented the way to the household
pantry, some boyish memory, it may be, ofthe
hiding place of frosted cake aud mince pie CIV
ing the cue and direction, and he has since at
nearly regular intervals, oscilated between
the chair and the cupboard shelves. In tran
sit his eyes have opened only partially, and he
has uttered involuntary words only and none
which could be understood or accepted as in
telligent or with motive. Rising in the
morning after sleeping Soundly all night. he
is now regularly put into his garments, like
a baby, and led to the rocker, where he i'm
mediately sinks to slumber. In the chair he
maintains an upright position, gently leaning
with the left arm for support on the ann of
chair, his eyes all the while closed. When
hunger prompts he rises, often with eyes
wholly shut, proceeds to tho pantry, eats, re-
turns to the chair, sleeps, and when night
comes disrobes and goes to sleep again. In
winter or early spring, or before the strange
nature of his case was known, many persons
were admitted to see person who could
sleep so long and live, but of late none arc
allowed to see the patient save the immediate
members of the family. The period of his
lethargy at this writing covers 1sS days, with
no evidence of change for better or worse,
though hope on the part Of friends is ardent
that he may live and yet come out Of it and
Do h imself apoin