"...poor lunatick who, if set at liberty, would be mischievous to society..."
"There is a subject which gives me concern, on which I shall particularly address myself to you, as it is your peculiar province to provide means for the subsistence of the poor of any kind. The subject I mean is the case of the poor lunaticks. I find on your journals that it was Resolved, That an hospital be erected for the reception of persons who are so unhappy as to be deprived of their reason: And that it was Ordered, That the Committee of Propositions and Grievances do prepare and bring in a bill pursuant to the above resolution. But I do not find that any thing more was done in it. It was a measure which I think could offend no party, and which I was in hopes humanity would have dictated to every man, as soon as he was made acquainted with the call for it, It also concerns me much on another account; for as the case now stands, I am as it were compelled to the daily commission of an illegal act, by confining, without any authority, a poor lunatick who, if set at liberty, would be mischievous to society; and I would choose to be bound by, and observant of, the laws of the country. As I think this a point of some importance to the ease and comfort of the whole community, as well as a point of charity to the unhappy objects, I shall again recommend it to you at your next meeting;when I hope, after mature reflection, it will be found to be more worthy your attention than it has been in this."
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, April 16, 1767
