Ten Years and Ten Months in Lunatic Asylums in Different States

by Moses Swan

MY WIFE VISITING ME IN THE INCURABLE HOUSE WITH BROTHER B. AND NEPHEW.

Dr. Gregory, in the Reign of Alfred.

After my wife and brother B. and his son Livy had been received for the first time into the incurable house, and seated in the south hall, I was loosed from the large room where I was once bound, and taken to the hall to meet my wife and brother for the first time in this hopeless house. My wife and friends had been told by doctors there was no hope of my being any better, I was incurable. This caused my visits to be few and far between.

I was considered a worthless man, and a nuisance. I was asked by my wife if I would like to go home with them, when I answered yes. Brother spoke to Alfred in regard to my going, who says, "You must ask Dr. Gregory." We took the parting hand and I remained a sufferer for years to come.