State Lunatic Asylum

HAMILTON, PATTERSON, SAUNDERS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/12/2008 at 22:50:51

Dubuque Weekly Times
February 14, 1861

STATE LUNATIC ASYLUM.

The following letter from Senator SAUNDERS of Henry Co., to Judge HAMILTON of this city, contains important information relative to the State Lunatic Asylum:
MT. PLEASANT, Iowa, Jan. 30, 1861.

HON. W. W. HAMILTON: My Dear Sir – Your favor of 18th inst., asking for information in regard to the State Lunatic Asylum, is received. I have the pleasure of saying to you that the east wing of the building is finished, and the steward is now engaged in fitting up and furnishing the rooms. The central part is nearly completed – will be finished in less than thirty days. The engine and heating apparatus are all in complete order and work like a charm, so that I can safely say to you, that by the first of March, all things will be in readiness to receive patients.

The Superintendent, Dr. PATTERSON, is expected here with his family this week. The Doctor comes to us highly recommended both as a gentleman and as a physician. This, with the excellent steward and matron who have been selected, insures a favorable start for the institution.

Trusting that the Institution may meet the full expectations of its many friends and that many hearts which are now and may be made to rejoice in consequences of its erection,

I am truly yours,

A. SAUNDERS.