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Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation:

H. Clinton Thompson, M.D.  Affidavit on the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Acquisition Information:

purchase

Biographical Information:

Dr. H. Clinton Thompson was commanded by General George McClelland to take charge of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum (Eastern State Hospital) in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1862. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .

Scope and Contents

Manuscript affidavit of Dr. H. Clinton Thomson, MD, on the conditions of Eastern Lunatic Asylum (the present day Easter State Hospital) in Williamsburg, Virginia dated March 3, 1866. The affidavit describes the patients and the buildings when Thomson arrived in 1862 to take charge of the hospital. He indicated patients were in need of food and clothing, the sewage system of the buildings had been confiscated for the war, and bedding and other items used when the "rebels" were in Williamsburg. Dr. Thomson enlisted the help of Henry M. Bowden and wife who had been officers of the institution before the war. Per a request to the Governor of Western Virginia, Doctor Gillet Watson soon arrived to take over management of the asylum.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bowden, Henry M.
• Eastern State Hospital (Va.)
• Eastern State Hospital (Va.)--History
• Eastern State Hospital (Va.)--History--19th century
• Legal documents
• Watson, Gillet (Dr.)
• Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865