wiP1 -a
' ..! 1 .1.' : i j. . V i"lT:
n fat .
TK)v , IBM V, (Printer fifth Suu.) B.iro its Pioniito. 0ts. iiini-Hum it soiit, iTHiiii 1 rartteu Metekt 1 U
t 6c tiatt tii ioaa it otj Arrtcfidii
(THREE DOLLARS A TEARm iacv
VOL. 30-
114 LEIGH, If. Cm WEDHESDAT, JAJf. U, IMS,
k n r w iim e ei 7 s , m
fcMUM' ; o Mil 'v'ftlUIT 1I1J
Hi 1 .yi a 1 iillM : : i IK H 11 a: '.
R E
11 T.
P o
x OF
- THE SELECT COMMITTEE
. vvos A
Tho committee to whom was referred so much of the Governor's
Message as relates to Asylums, alter giving the subject their most
anxious consideration, nave uirecieu nie 10 suonui uie louowinjr
report and recommendation, as tho result of their investigations :
Yp,ur commiitce lirst directed their a:tention to the consideration
of the establishment of a Lunatic Asylum for the cure of such as are
within the reach of human skill, and for the comfortable support,
and for the amelioration of the condition of that unfortunate" class of
our fellow-beings, visited with tho most direful of all human mala
dies the permanent deprivation of their reason. From the best in-
- formation within tlin reach of your committee, there must be within
our State, some eight hundred persons laboring under mental derange
ment. ' Many of this most unhappy portion of our community, for want of
l'xjtter places of security, have been shut up with culprits and male
factors within the cold and noisome cells of our prison houses, there
- to drag out the-riiiserable remnant of their days, without fire to warm
their benumbed limbs duriii2 the inclement season of winter, and
without triends or relatives to administer to their wants, or to soothe
and calm the tempest ravins within their distempered imaginations,
Yourcommittec know ol several of this unfortunate class, who have
beei imprisoueJ in this way for the last ten or fifteen years, and
wheMterd4'W. of siiffcriiig and privation revolt
fng to humanity aiid it is tTniost .feiu'cfiteblefal-'lfiifflmif
result of this course of treatment is permanent, confirmed derange
ment. Mow different the picture! how changed the result! when
these most afflicted sons and daughters of our race, within a reasona
ble period after these dreadful visitation?, are placed in one of these
X - t -i ; ", ii j
asylums lor tho insarjo, wnerc iney receive mi muse kjiju um-nuoiis,
nil that soothing and consoling treatment, which their unhappy con
dition demands; and where all that art, science or human ingenuity
can suggest tor their recovery is sure 10 dc resonea 10 n is n iaci,
pratifvihff to the cause of humanity, and one which ought to be known
throughout tho length and breadth of our'comnion. country, that the
statistical tables of lunatic asylums, shew that, out of every hundred
timely applications for aid to these institutions, eighty-five -patients
-' are return to soensly .jm.
reason. So that tins urwianu muiaay, wnicn me msi generation con
. idaed as. incurable, is as much within tho reach of medical skill and
other proper treatment, as almost imy -ararase -new - w wsir .
' rn w ilmn. iii view of these important results arid tacts, told our
arms in inactivity 1 Can we satisfy our own consciences with tho
flimsy excuse, that tho financial concerns ot the state are in an em
n.liiittti : that we haie not the money wherewith to ac
omniuh thi i mrti . Hnsiralilo obiect? Surelv that is no excuse for
the iailuro to discharge a duty of such high and imperious obligation
RememWr, that -ont of every hmidrcd xif our fQllow-citizns visited
wkbthis most diretul ot ail maiaaics, cigiiiy-uvo, oy uio aiu which h
i in nnr nowor to fiive. and which it is our highest duty to provide,
may bo restored to their reason, and returned again to their friends
and la society, to enj-f one mow the blessings sUowexed ,ypoti,us by
a ixjunlifiii Providence.
Remember that without this provision which we alone can furnish
these eighty-five out of every hundred persons that might become
Useful members of society, must drag out a miserable existence, the
' innmtP nf th hrison house, the associates of thieves and felons. Can
wo discharge our whole duty, and make no provision for this most
afflicted portion of the community,' whom the all-wise dispensations
nf Prnvidnncn have rendered incapable of providing for themselves
Is it not the imperative duty of every government to provide for those
wlm am unable to nrovidc for themselves ? If Ave have not the funds
necessary for the accomplishment of this high trust, is it not our duty
to provide the ways and means ?
Your committee believe that they cannot discharge their whole du
ty, without extracting from the reports ol the humane, talented ana
scientific gentlemen now at the head of the Virginia Lunatic Asylum,
some'ot the cases i of remaUetmtes, that-hav becn euueted Wha
institution
Case 1, ' was a young gentleman, tveiity-otie years of age, the
son of a his?hlv respectable individual, (now deceased) wno was lor
menlv a prominent and efficient member of the Virginia Legislature.
With a good natural mind, improved by education and such other
advantages as wealtti naa supplied, anu wuu a uisposmun uimunuiy
cheerful, he was at all times a most interesting patient and compan
ion. In ihe autumn ol al4, he was attacKcd wun uiuous lniennu
tent fover, which, although speedily arrested, ,was followed by gloom
and depression of spirits : an aversion to company, indisposition to
engage in business or pleasure, and on indifference to his property or
monev. These Gvmotoms continuing for about two months, his
mind then became harrassed with delusions of a distressing charac
ter, such as that he was surf oii'idod by foes, who were plotting his
destruction j that his former friends -were converted into most bitter
enemies that .he was doomed to perpetual punishment, &c. He re
mained in t' is unhappy state, iri deispite fbf' all that medical skill or
the ceaseless etiorta ol K.ma ana. sorrowing irienus coma eueui, un
til th spriug of the year 1843, when suddenly his spirits revived, he
tiecame eteassively loquacious, sought society, and his former delu
sions pavfe plaa to those of an inspiring and cheerful nature. He
now exnresscd himself as beine cxquisiiely happy, and abounding
in confidence and love to the whole human family fancied himself
by-turns a poet, philosopher and statesman ; . was at one time a saint,
enjoying flie delights of the garden of Eden;, at auothcr,Noah riding
in triumph upon the floods ; and finally became, the Creator ot the
Universe,, i When urge ! by the brother, who accompanied him to this
institution, to remain here under our care, he was unable to perceive
why he sho-ild do so scouted the idea of his labortng.under mental
disorder, which was delicately hinted to him, and declared his tin
willingness to be sane, if his then condition: was considered insanity:
" for," he emphatically remarked my cup of happiness Is now so
fult.ir wrll contaiimo niore p if there be any change, it must be di
minished, and, I cannot consent to place myself under medical or
moraT influences td"toroiace such a result." - After much porsiiasroB,.
however, accompanied with the assnrance that we could render him
more useful, if not more happy, he consented to take an apartment in
the institution ' forfeit, mouths ; hut Jbcfore this period elapsed, our
young friend so far recovered, as to look back upon, bia delusions, as
one who awakes after pleasant dreams. He soon realized fully what
haj been the condition of his mind. His happiness becameof a more
real tinil substantial character, and he left us felicitating himself upon
his. restoration to reason, and expressing the warmest gratitude to all
who had in any manner been instrumental in doing him good. f ;
Case 2d, "was a young married lady of graceful person, accom
plished manners, cultivated intellect, and withal had been an exemr
plary member of the Christian church! '. She came to us excited, bdis
terous, destructive and profane. At one mdment, acknowledging the
goodness' of her Savior, and supplicating' blessings ! for herself and
iViendsj and at another, bi Iding defiance to Omnipotence, and lay-,
i iiiw ' imprecations' on all around her now singing the praises of
it. Tt 5 1 . ' . . . . ..
tier iieueemer, ana again uucnng curses against nor lellow men.
This was a case of nervous insanity, being puerperal iu its origin,
and all connection with home and friends having been severed, it
soon yielded to a course ot anodyne treatment. TSot many days elaps
ed after the first administration of remedies, before she became tran
quil, resumed her wonted lady like deport Dent expressed feelinirs
...: r..-i t i i : . .i i i t .
vi aiiLxuun j"i iter iiusuuiiu. n.uuisi wuum sue iiau conccivea a most
groundless and bitter prejudice manifested solicitude about her in
fant children, towards whom she had been unnaturally indifferent
exhibited a return of kind feelings towards all whom, in moments of
excitement, she had slandered and abused, and m a short time was
restored to her home, which she has no doubt made happy by her in-
intelligence and her virtue and to society,' ot which she is an orna
ment. .
Case 3d, "was a man without family, of stout athletic frame, and
stentorian voice, who came to us laboring under violent mania. He
had been closely bound with cords for about thirteen months, during
which period, although sometimes calm, his friends deemed it un
safe to release him, even for a day. Av hen he arrived here, Jus mind
was unsusceptible to impressions from moral agencies, and hence
neither persuasions, promises, nor threats, could in any degree influ
ence his actions. He was not only boisterous, but profane beyond
description, and resisted with the power of a maniac all ctrorts to pro-
moie ins comion or anay nis excitement, ins symptoms were pre
cisely those which are ascribed by the profession generally to high
arterial action, and treated by an energetic course of depletion. Our
experience, however," guarded us against confounding effect with
cause, and hence after inquiring minutel y into tf ielustaryjf his casey
and investigating closely his condition, we were induced toprescrij
fortli wIt1iar1cofics in" lartfe ddscs to be IrefchltfpTOfcC-Tt
difficulties encountered may be in some measure conceived, from the
statement, that in order to administer medicines, each of his limbs
had to be closely confined, and then, with the aid cX some three or
four assistants, and after repeated attempts, but small quantities were
ever introduced into the system. Hv perseverance, however, the
anodynes administered, thus imperfectly, produced some degree of
cuiiii, udu uiiinmsucu euiuewuiu me uuueumes in repealing me ua-
ses,"until linalJy lie was subjected lully to the narcotic influence, and
the excitement which would have' been aggravated by blistering,
bleeding and purging was entirely subdued. Ilcason gradually re
sumed her sway. J he cords which had so lonj bound him were
severed, and he became entire master of his thoughts and actions.
IJeJqfcus pMs Us eyesand expressing a
lively gratitude to us for having loosed Lis fetters atid'tid hini go
free.
" tdsS74fhrwns tt l
teemed Tby all who knew him. as an attectibnate husband, a fond
father, a generous friend, and in all respects a worthy citizen. As a
merchant he had encountered severe pecuniary losses, through mis
fortune rather than mismanagement on his "parCwhich for a time
arrested his business and ojierated seriously to depress his spirits.
About this time he was attacked with bilious fever, which left his
physical energies materially impaired, and aggravated his mental
despondency. In the fall of 1812, aiid before ho had: regained 1jL
health or spirits, he resumed Ins mercantile business, and without
feeling or manifesting much interest in his affairs, continued tnmva
v u i o
.1 1 ' . . 1 . itl 1 . . m O r t 1. f 1 1
mem his pauiai uiHiuuiiu uiiiu-Augusir,ioio, . wnen iiisjrienuji..jpr
came satisfied that his mind was materially diseased. The evi
dences of this fact. rapidly multiplied, and he soon becamo maniacal,
when Ins lamily, tinder tho advice ot an intelligent physician, and
contrary to his own remonstrance, placed him in this Asylum. On
his arrival he was feeble and emaciated, slept but little, was without
appetite, and so extremely Unhappy, that, a fond brother, who accom
panied him, expressed the most painful apprehension, lest ho should
be driven to terminate his own existence. His delusions varied fre
quently, but were all of a destructive character. His wife's image
seemed to haunt him by day and by night, and no persuasion or ar
gument could convince him that he did not constantly see or hear
her. At one time he believed his litl le son was about being sacri
ficed lor the redemption of his soul, and then in agony beyond de
scription, and with a, fervor which betokened the sincerity of Ids
conviction, he prayed that, the sentence might be averted. At ano
ther time he considered "himself as doomedbo devoured; h y Mom,
and with an anxiety painful almost beyond endurance, he seemed
to await the arrival of those who had been appointed to cast him
into the den. He could often observe demons surrounding him on
every side, and his ingenuity was severely taxed to escape the
names which issued lrom their nostrils. 1 hese, and such like,
were the hallucinations which destroyed his peace, and rendered him
of all mm the most miserable, lie was not long under our care
before his malady seemed to yield somewhat to the operation of re
medies. Jlis physical health improved. Jfe became gradually
more tranquil one delusion after another was surrendered his
spirits became cheerful, and eventually he was able to leave us in
the full possession 01 his reason, a most grateful and happy man."
The committee have not time to relate any more of the interesting
cases of complete recoveries effected at tho Virginia Asylum; but
iney wouiu ueg leave 10 icier 10 uie uuie reports tit xnax lnstnuuon,
where much interestingmatter will be found to aid the Legislature
in any course tney may aeem it moi auvisawe to pursue, r;r
Yow committee. would further jemark. that institutions for the
insane, are not alone beneficial on account of the great number of
cures effected. It is clearly established at this time, that institutions
for the insane are highly important on account of the great advanta
ges conferred at such establishments upon those whose diseases are
incurable. It is now clearly demonstrated, (says Dr. Stribling, in
his report of tho Western Lunatic Asylum. . made in Jan. 1B12.
"that by humane and judicious attentions, the maniac, however ri
vited the disease, con,, in his wildest paroxysms of plirenzy, be
soothed and tranquilized. The dejected and care-worn melancholic
can be cheeredand enlivened. The dreadful apprehensions and imagi-
nary suuerings 01 me miscraDie nypoconariac can no aispeiieu or
suspended. The thoughts of tlie unhappy monomaniac can be di
verted from the topic ol hallucination which had dethroned his tea
son, rendering him a burthen to himself and a drone in society; -and
ail, wiiaictvi till? viivittvt . w iu 11111 uiuiaujr, t.uit m jvijuiji-
ed, for a time at least, both Useful and contented." To illustrate the
truth, that even the hopelessly insane can, by proper mnnagmentj
be rendered both useful and happy, the following case, (says Doctor
Stribling,) is selected from many of 'which' this institution can
proudly boast. No. C5 has . been insane about ten, years, and those
who knew htm best, having apprehended danger : from his being
permitted to go at large, he was confined for some, years to the jaU
of . ' . county, awaiung a vacancy in this asylum. He is quite
poor, and previous to his mental affliction, supported himself as a
common day laborer. He fancies himself a mysterious being, who
came into the woild, he knows not how -and frcSi hd knows not
where, unless, indeed he ''droppad from the sun." Of this, howev
er, ha is certain, t)mt he never had father or mother in tho flesh
that he was not conceived, neither was he born., ! He believes hiru
self possessed, if not of ubiquity, at least, of being' in several places
very remote from each other ,ut one and the fame time, and will re-
law to you, wun much earnestness the . ciffcrent, occupations ' in
which he is constantly engaged tt tticrarious,')ocations.:-Ho
holds frequent converse with his "fathcMhe' spirit," whol although
infri.tl.1. a 2 1 .1 . l , i i 1 -t
u"'"ro uu?fB, la uisiincuy seen ana neara Dy nun, ana renders
to him daily an account of the product of his multiplied labors,
wnicn amounts, accorduig to Ins estimate, to no inconsiderable sura.
The father is entitled to one half his earnings and the remainder.
numbering at this time, many millions, is at a future dav to be at
his own disposal. Notwithstanding however, the imraeuse wealth
..t?'l! a ... . . - -
oi tms inuiviaual, and the high distmction of being unencumbered
wuu uiuiiauiji uu is una ui iae most inmiMirious anu ust" iui meu,
that I hare ever seen in the sphere to which he belonged prior to his
insanity. Ho regards neither weather or any other obstacle, but is
constantly eugaged in necessary and profitable labor. , It is only
required to intimate what you wish done, and he accomplishes it
- ,!.. I ....... .
expcuiuousiy ana properly, lie is pernutted to go alone any where
that business may call, and is often engaged m labor during the
wnoie uay, remote irom the building and out ot view ot both otn-
cers and attendants. Such, indeed, is our confidence in him, that
we have even trusted to- his charge our stock of cattle and hogs,
numbering about forty head; tho duty of feeding and otherwise
taldng care6? which, ho performs recularlv and with scrupulous
nuuiiiy. lusieuu, uierciore, oi Dcmg in me common jau , irom
whence he was brought to us) in a state of filth and wretchedness, at
a cost to the commonwealth or about two hundred and fifty dollars
per annum, he is here a genteel, orderly, industrious individual,
who is at all times cheerful and happy, and is, moreover 'by his
iaoor, saving annually to the State the sum which' it would other
wise require to hire and support a laborer to perform more imperfect
ly the duties now dk-chargod by hun.n . '
..Tho .foregoing is but am among the. uimemui.aaeM&iJmm3i
at these hilffiane institntions. Indeed it trppfarsv-tfrnl tlw grwit body
of the insana, at the Western Lunatic Asylum are able to work a
lirgo portion of the time, upon tho farm attached to .the institution,
on4.Uial4hcy
There are in North Carolina, according it the best information
within the reach of your committee, one hundred and fifty two
white insane persons supported at the public expense, and four hun
dred and eighty supported by private expense: making in the .com
monwealth five hundred and eighty njne insane white persons. Of
free persons of colour, there are 2y, nudof slaves 192; so that the
whole number of insane persons in tho State is 81(X -The follow
ing statistical tables snew the number of white iusanffin ihe severul
States and Territories ; the comparative expense of supporting
chronic and recent cases of insanity; and the expenditures for
the ereHidir
tients accommodated at such institutions. Your committee believe
that aTaM
ture, by providing an Asylum for tho insane of our State, would con
stitute a dereliction of duty for which no ndequato excuse can be
rendered.
r. rt ft
W KJJ M
S at B
9j
S--9. 3 to 2
C i2 ri r- S
j t.
t 7 C 1
s s
cn iS at 3
B"Bi?::-.ir
3
9
B-3;
I:, v
o. I a. 1 V c I voi
i o W n ' ' ;'cS c ' t) 5 5
"'- ' - " r" " Ig g
C O c ebco-b"o"o
HP
a as
r.V,
--:-K::.-r-i-fi--ia-. - a n . Ut.
C? P-S n c. e 5' 5
SB"? re a I
S.5 So."-?! 2
r:. n b s w
S-3 n
, ej wi
i o ra
.1-8 - s s .'e,2a-fiftJa
t a 3 n.
3 6.
TACLB showing the number of white Insane persons in tlie several
' - -States auilTcriitbries
V II I T E S.
STATXIS.
7" c
H
S ''
c
J:
O
3'
. a.
e-c'ri -
5 O 8
SL8s
Mnine
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut Vermont
NeYork
New Jersey
Pennsylvauia
Maryland .
Vjrjiiain
Nonh Carolina
South Carolina
Georiit
Alabnnm '
Mississippi
Louisiana
Tennessee
Knntncky
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Missouri
Arkansas
Micfiignu
Florida
Wisconsin
Iowa .
District of Cblumbta-
2i7
180
.471
in
in
141
6S3
'144
460
13
3171
150
91
51
39
14
6
Krj
nor,
3G3
110!
3fl
.'42
-A
I
1
3301 537) 600,4381 to" 93a
300 4S0 284,030 1. to ; 58
0001U7I 729,0301 to 080
8G 203 105,5871 to . 530
384 498 301,856 1 to 006
254f 3981 299,8181 to 731
I463j2i462,378i890'l to 1,108
225 309! 36 1, 588 I to 052
U7f 19 161,676,1 1 51 16 .S6
30,
234
731
42S
2S5
213
193
102
49
696
490,
832i
3771
177
16')
37
7
13
C8,56lXld ,If126
3S7 317,717,1 to 82
1 084f 740,9681 to ' 71)7
580T 484,8701 to 836
376 259,084! 1 V CS9
294 407951 to 1386
232) 335,1851 to 1.414
116 179,074:1 to 1,513
65 158,4571 to 2,880
C99 610.6271 to' 016
795 690,2531 to, 14'ii
1195 1,502,122(1 -to 1,257
487 ' 678,698' I to 1,393
at
213
202
.45i
39
472,2541 lo 2,217
3AS88j
lMlJ27f94at4oJ2,791
S
14
77,1710 1,715
2I1.5C0
30,749
"42924
30,657
1 to 1,603
t to 6,424
I to 3,843
I to G,132
1 to 2,189
TABLE, showing the comparative expenses of supporting chronic
, and recent cases of insanity. , . . V
OLD CASES.
REOTJNT CASKS.
No,
1
3
4 '
v o
J 7
12
21
25
35
37
39
40
43
62
54
60
69
Ci
65
Prs't
age
Time at)
public
texpense
35l4years,
4110
5116
61 U
4415
39(U
51 14
4113
i 37,14
,4313
5112
4012
,2912
4111
6115
6110
3615
JO 10
..
'.il
(i
,a ,
u
; ' '
:
Ii
tt
H
Ait
V M .'
U '
Total ex
( penso.
No,
2058 60
2552 00
2552 00
215400
2305 00
2158 001
2240 IX)
:i3il.oo Ii64l:
135
130
14
145
164
1911. Oti
2240 00
f 1G44 00
1764 OOf 195
' 1764 00!
' 1864 OfH
1617 00
..260S 00
1470 00
,' 2705 00
188
19.1
193
Prs't
age.
Time at
, public .'
expense
I Total ex.'
' pcnse. ; j .
231
26
CO
27!
30
.47
27K3
40PS,
33
16
16
,29
!0
20
2Q
.41
I
16
197
198
199!
2061
2071
ioj
215,
45 13
oo m
4816'
2032
'37'10
14
'36
281 C
12
weeks
tt ."
I ...
u
. :
i w
V
J
60 00
CO. 00
., 80 00
6t) 00
62 00
70 00
!'l'll3,00.
81 00
v. 143 00
! , 67' 00
11 37 CO
: C2 GO
; '49 0Q
T '131 00
41 ! K0 00
;"99D0
;. 37.
00
Z a'w, w
13 00
63
asses'
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4- S3' a
loor pinn.U mn 1m conilrcJ that i'H r
(tit (ornor' metKie, wliicb relate lo AivIjia
for the 1l and dumb, ind Ihtr fullt .mciir m t'nm
rMifaarallira el hi Eiacllcwjr tl.at ISO idrqa.iM
tieawcw b lttn luf irgk1 to peiriiim lhi
ttlj(h Irntt. Atwnlin; tlx I a mm ilwr u- ia
lliit Stmt 983 dul'ul dusib iiertoat, bat trom nth
rr relulil xiarM al lulornatiw llierlrotr4iMi
Thrr U I dnf (Mi) d.tmS prnoti in tv iy I0OO UW
M IM lMlllt OMB .lCb lb flFM M4 tlumb CM Ixf
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