OBITUARY NOTICES. 
393 
trict of Columbia, but insane patients from the army and 
navy, and from the numerous homes for disabled volunteer 
soldiers are received at St. Elizabeth. 
During the past year insane soldiers have been brought 
thither from Manila even to find a kindly refuge until reason 
may be restored or death bring a happy escape. It may seem 
strange that soldiers, young and active men, should furnish 
such a contingent to the hospitals for the insane. It is to be 
remembered that this occurs chiefly among volunteers, men 
who without the preliminary training of the soldier have 
left the farm and the village to take part in the tragic scenes 
of war. During the war of the rebellion many a man was 
found in a ragged uniform wandering aimlessly through the 
county, his “ descriptive list ” gone, and no means of identi¬ 
fication possible. Such unfortunates were sent to the nearest 
State asylum, where the Government humanely provided for 
them, and many hundreds lived and died in these places, 
unknowing and unknown. In some instances, when reason 
was recovered, friends were sent for and carried away a rela¬ 
tive literally “ called back to life.” There is something very 
pathetic and not generally thought of in the fate of these 
victims of war’s “ fierce alarms.” 
In the last report of the Government hospital, under Dr. 
Godding’s care there were nearly 2,000 patients under treat¬ 
ment. Think of the incessant watchfulness and vigilant care 
needed to provide the feeding, clothing, nursing and treat¬ 
ment of such an army of the diseased in mind, many of whom 
are turbulent and hopelessly mad. The superintendent has 
the assistance of five zealous and able assistants, besides a 
“ night physician,” whose title indicates his duty; but Dr. 
Godding was the ruler, and to him all repaired for counsel 
and aid. He never failed to meet them—officers, nurses, at¬ 
tendants, and patients—with kind words of encouragement, 
ready advice, and the exercise of authority to remedy their 
difficulties. 
It has been often felt to be a matter of grave regret that 
the engrossing household cares, to use a familiar phrase, 
