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Elizabeth Packard is moved into an asylum ward where harsh treatment often breaks patients' spirits. She is determined to survive and help patients.
This Week’s Story relives American history and the Bible through brief inspiring stories presented on mp3 audio recordings and text for reading.
I shall put you into the asylum! part nine
In the Illinois asylum patients were eager to read news of the outside world. Slavery, possible war, the presidential election all were current hot issues. November 6, 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States.
Six days later Elizabeth Packard presented and read to Superintendent McFarland the document she had written about his abuses to patients. They were being crushed in spirit.
The document quoted patients and staff members. One staff member testified, “Dr. McFarland keeps people here who are not insane.” Staff members shared cases of abuse and said, “I would expose him, but I am afraid of losing my job.”
The doctor showed no concern as Elizabeth read until Elizabeth referred to his kissing her. He glared furiously. She assured him, “I will be released one day. Repent or you will be exposed.”
Nearly a week passed with no answer from McFarland. Then as she left a prayer service, McFarland’s strong hand grabbed her arm. He led her through long hallways to her new quarters—Eighth Ward.
The ward had no decoration. There were mattresses made from corn husks, no chairs, wooden benches against walls, and air that stunk of filth. Women ran through puddles of urine as they screamed and fought with other women. Their bodies were unwashed.
Elizabeth waited for some explanation from Dr. McFarland.
“Mrs. Packard, you may occupy this ward.” He left. The ward attendant came to meet her.
“Did my reproof offend him?”
“I understand there was an upset.”
“Elizabeth in this ward after supper all patients are locked in their rooms. Their only light then is the moon.”
Elizabeth was led to a cramped dormitory room with six beds. She watched her roommates carefully. Some appeared mild, some silent and depressed, and others were raving. Elizabeth was given a bucket for her night toilet. Then she heard the staff attendant Minnie turn the key in the door lock. She and her roommates were locked in.
Elizabeth knelt down beside her iron bedstead and corn husk mattress to pray. A roommate ordered, “Pray aloud!”
Elizabeth prayed for God to forgive the doctor. She did not want to go to God with darkness in her heart. To her faith was like love. Although Elizabeth had lost her privileges, she knew she had to practice what she preached. I must focus on what I practically do now to honor God and my own principles. I will not be crushed, nor will I submit while others are crushed.
The next morning, she filled a chamber pot with warm water and soapsuds. She was going to approach each of the eighteen women in her hall and help them with their personal cleanness. With firm and gentle hands, she washed their faces, necks, and hands. The hall had only one washbasin and no bathtub. Some women struggled, but Elizabeth was kind, and gradually they allowed her to begin their cleaning.
Days came often with fights between the women. One patient wrote: “Insane asylum: A place where insanity is made.”
Into this hellish asylum, what hope for change could come?
Join us next week for the conclusion to:
“I shall put you into the asylum!” part ten. Today’s team is Daniela and Nathan Thomas, Todd Warren, and Barbara Steiner.
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