Gracefully Insane by Alex Beam Read Free Book Online Page B

of his father. Of late has been boarding in the American House [now called the Parker House], living high, drinking Wine, Beer & Smoking Cigars, running up Bills at Tailors, Barbers, Livery stables, etc.
    Yesterday was the first time that he ever discovered to his friends any palpable delusions. He then thought a young lady was desperately in love with him and had sailed for Europe without disclosing it to him . He also imagined he heard screeches and cries in the house where he was boarding and that he had injured some one , perhaps his mother . He also has the idea he was pursued by enemies [and] that he had been poisoned . Was suspicious , wild & fearful .
    Warren’s first few months in confinement proved to be quite eventful, punctuated by manic episodes, paranoid outbursts, and even an escape attempt:
    April 20
    Slept but little during the night, and attempted to injure himself by
springing headforemost from his bed onto the floor. Sprained his muscles about the neck and was prevented from further injury by his attendant.
     
    April 21
    In painful distress because he thinks he must have committed some outrage in the city. Full of delusions. Thinks he is accused of murder and theft , & other crimes.
     
    June 15
    Mother died. Was fearful he “should go distracted” did not know but “his conduct had killed her.” Could not weep. Went home to see her on condition of not [reprimanding] his father—could not keep his promise. Writes insane letters.
     
    Aug. 2
    Went to walk with a new attendant, decoyed him into the city. Went into a shop and made his escape. Took his razor with him but did not use it improperly.
     
    Aug. 5
    Was returned today by a constable—found him at Nahant , had driven about from place to place chiefly in the night .
     
    Oct. 1
    During the past month, has been more civil & quiet but his delusions are at times strong—hears false sounds, as of screams of females suffering and crying for help—thinks the superintendent said to him on blowing his nose, “those are dear blows”—thinks the viscid secretions of his mouth are purulent matter and is exceedingly alarmed.
     
    Oct. 15
    Treated the supervisor rudely—was put in his room and promised never to repeat it. Was surprised to find that anyone dared to lay hands upon him.

    Oct. 20
    Made an attack upon a fellow boarder because he started at him as he thought—threatened to strike with a chair was overcome by the other but not injured—is now removed to the W. Gallery. Lays it much to heart—can see no necessity for “such solitary confinement.”
     
    Nov. 8
    Today attended the Probate Court to defend himself from being put under Guardianship—exposed his delusions to the court—got angry—and in coming out to the street attempted to make his escape—was caught and returned but is yet civil.
     
    Dec. 1
    Much as formerly—attempted to make a key from the brass of his umbrella—Never very social—pretty civil— aristocratic .
    Of course.
    Warren’s file shows months on end with no entries or just a brief notation, “in status quo.” His demeanor remained unpredictable: He was at times the gentleman, “musing and playing his flute,” and at times he was impulsively violent, “[kicking] about the furniture & breaking the chairs.” He heard voices, he entertained delusions, and he acted strangely, wrapping his socks over his shoes in order, as he explained, “to prevent the strength from going out of his legs.” In 1843 and 1844, he believed whores were persecuting him and threw his chamber pot at them. He was denied the use of a knife and fork. When the trustees showed up for a visit, he complained that he was being abused by the attendant, who “excited his private parts by some magnetic influence.” He then demanded “his release on the ground he is perfectly sane.”
    For the next several years, Warren fell into a routine. He was reclusive; every other afternoon, he walked into Charlestown with an attendant