Text: C. F. Briggs (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), February 22, 1845, vol. 1, no. 8, p. ??

[page 126, column 2, continued:]

TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BLOOMINGDALE. ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, FOR THE YEAR 1845.

The condition of the inmates of this well known Institution are so pleasantly set forth in this report, that the term unfortunate hardly seems applicable to them. The following short extract in regard to their social condition at the Asylum sounds very unlike an account of the insane.

“On one evening of each week a party assembles in the family parlor, for the purpose asocial intercourse. The officers and from fifteen to twenty of the patients, both ladies and gentlemen, are generally present. The ordinary refreshments of evening parties, are served on these occasions. Balls are occasionally given, at which a greater number of the patients assemble than at the parties. At the last entertainment of this description there were about thirty of each sex, which does not materially differ from the number ordinarily in attendance. The festivities of the evening afforded very general satisfaction. There was cheerfulness wiihout extreme hilarity, gaiety without boisterousness, and a pervading disposition to participate in the enjoyment — to please and to be pleased.