Like the garden, we shall all be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
THE GARDEN CONVERTED INTO SHADY WALKS.
During my stay in the incurable house from July 3, 1862, to October 13, 1871, the beautiful garden that lay west of the asylum was converted into pleasant walks, with paths and crosswalks overspread with beautiful shade trees of various kinds, and a beautiful croquet lawn, neatly arranged for the diversion of the patients.
In 1860 or 1861 I was met at the dining table by Wm. B. Gibbs, an old acquaintance, who accosted me in the following manner: "How do you do, Brother Swan, I am glad to see you here." Glad, thought I, and happy to see a brother shut up in a lunatic asylum. I was not made glad to see any one who did not try to help me to get home. In the main house I had but few calls from acquaintances. I will record the names of those: My wife, P. Stade, Pittstown; C. Pierce, do; Mrs. Norman Baker, do; Mr. Sprut, do; John Warren, do. Home, home sweet home, thought I.
This Wm. B. Gibbs have just come from Utica Asylum, having been there once and again many years, at this time somewhat ferocious and mischievous, became quiet, and his sister took him home about 1867, with whom he now lives in a low, melancholy state of mind.
N. B.—Sometimes a person's troubles arise from the abuses of others, and sometimes from self-abuse. Could self-abused persons say as did the penitent thief on the cross, all would be well.
MY TREATMENT IN THE MAIN HOUSE.
The first night I was locked up in the inner prison or cell heretofore alluded to, and this was enough to make a rational man crazy. What, said I, a lunatic asylum for my home, a cell for my dining room, a cell for my lodging, and a cell for my closet of prayer. Ah, friend, can you imagine how one feels, sick and in prison, friendless and hopeless.
The first night said I, no dear wife to smooth down my pillow, and no dear daughter to fan my fainting person, or to give a cup of cold water. Ah, what a deplorable situation, if I die I must die alone.
Main House. In this house I received no maltreatment from attendants (much from patients, Gibbs, and others). I remained in this house fifteen months without the opportunity to go out, even to the chapel. Not a particle of medicine was administered to me while in this house, not a book did I have to read after O'Donnel destroyed the Bible.