SW_WH1793_Page_298

New York, 11th month, 3d, 1820. RESPECTED FRIEND, I am extremely desirous of obtaining some inform-ation of an establishment at Aversa, near Naples,which, I am told, is solely for the accommodation ofLunatics. As I have no acquaintance with any per-son residing at Naples, from whom I could procurethe information wanted, I applied to my friend,Stephen Grellet, who immediately mentioned to methy name, and stated, from his personal acquaint-ance, he was well assured of thy benevolence andkindness, and that I might take the liberty of address-ing a letter to thee on the subject of my inquiry. This,I hope, will be kindly received, as an apology for mytaking this freedom. It is said, that the mode of treatment towards thepatients at Aversa, is replete with tender and affec-tionate care and attention, in place of the harsh, cruel,and rigorous treatment, that has heretofore beenadministered towards Lunatic patients. This mode,called moral treatment, has been pursued with greatsuccess, at an Asylum called the Retreat, near York,(England,) under the care of the society of Friends,for the accommodation of the members of their ownsociety. Near this city we have just completed alarge handsome building, exclusively for Lunatics,which will accommodate more than 200 patients; attached to it is about eighty acres of land, orna-mented with extensive gravel walks, shrubberies,gardens, green-house, &;c. Here it is intended toemploy the patients in Horticulture and Agriculture,also to afford them every rational amusement. Ihave been one of the governors of the New YorkHospital for many years; and about four years ago,introduced to them, a proposition to establish anAsylum about six miles from the city, solely forLunatic Patients, on the plan of moral treatment,as pursued at the Retreat near York.