Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XLVIII. Mrs. Olsen's Eighth Ward Experiences. According to previous arrangements of Mrs. McFarland and Lizzy Bonner, it was now officially announced in the hall, that the latter was to take about fourteen of her patients up to the Eighth ward in a few days. This of course created a great sensation, and the query became general: "Who is going? Is it I?" So, while yet unable to sit up all day, I joyfully emerged with the rest, and in due ceremony, we were conducted to the very highest part of the building. Our ascent to the Eighth ward occurred in the morning. When the dinner hour arrived, and I again saw the tranquil beaming face of my beloved friend, Mrs. Packard, I longed to throw myself into her arms, and weep with joy upon her bosom. She was affected in the same way as were many others respecting the abusive treatment to which the patients were subjected. Yet she did not see the worst forms of this cruelty. The attendants dared not in her presence perpetrate these. She honestly expressed her feelings both to them and to the officers on this subject. When her eloouent, yet intensely gentle and tender voice was raised in the defence of the suffering ones around her, every other voice was hushed. We all knew she "was a host" in herself, and many of the "insane," possessed yet sufficient sanity to recognize in her their future deliverer. The hand of this, our dear friend, was ever ready to administer acts of beneficence, so far as her restricted privileges would permit--her voice to soothe, to cheer, and to sustain--to encourage the desponding and indolent to energetic activity and self-respect, and to intellectual and moral elevation. The sick delighted to grasp her hand, when she was permitted to visit them, and deep were the...
