William Anderson, attendant, until I left October 13, 1870.
Soon after William came William B. Gibbs went home, and I was placed in the north-east room that Gibbs left, where I lodged until I left.
In this room I remained at least four years. I was a great sufferer from rheumatism in the stomach, much soreness and often raising blood; faint and weak; away from home and friends. But, says one, did not the attendant care for you? I ask, what can one man do for twelve patients, by night and by day, even if he was well disposed.
In this room were from three to six beds, from 1867 to '71, occupied by white and black, old and young. Should I attempt to fully describe every transaction that occurred in this room within the four years, a volume as large as this would not contain it. I will give a few names of persons over whom William Anderson was attendant in this room. I will relate a few transactions that occurred.
Myself, Ned Buel, Kirk Hull, William Jefferson, John P. Bacon.
I have talked with many country physicians since I left the asylum, and they generally believe that patients in Troy Asylum are all well cared for. But doctors are mistaken, and the public are deceived, and the poor incurable ones, and others, have to suffer wrongfully.
Troy Lunatic Asylum is like a whited sepulchre without, but within is full of dead men's bones; and I say to county doctors, do not recommend such an institution, neither blow for them longer, until a reform is brought about, for you know not who the fire burns in those secret chambers.
SUFFERINGS OF WM. JEFFERSON, A LUNATIC.
After Jefferson had been bound in bed all night Anderson loosed him and told him to get up. The negro refused; attendant drew the clothes immediately off him, the darkey leaped from the bed, though hands bound with cuffs, AA, and belt, B, grabbing the vessel from under his bed, threw it at the attendant's head, missed his game, hit the door and broke the vessel. Attendant drew the door shut and was gone for a time and I trembled in fear, lying in bed.