John J. Crow
John Jonah Crow was a member of the 40th Regiment.
The following is a series of three letters claiming that drummer James Bennett and Private John Crow of the 40th regiment are lunatics.
LETTER ONE
Date 3 Nov 1854
Assistant Military Secretary requesting that two men belonging to 40th Regt. (Lunatics) being be removed to the Asylum.
Assistant Military Secretary’s Office Melbourne 3rd November 1854.
Sir. In transmitting the accompanying copy of a letter from the Officer in Command of the 40th Regiment with its enclosures from Surgeon Collings of that Corps reporting that the two men named in the margin are decided lunatics. I am directed by the Major General to request that you will move his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to give instructions for these two individuals being placed in the Colonial Lunatic Asylum.
I have the honor to be
Your most obedient
Humble servant
William F. A. Wallace
Assistant Military Secretary
1 Nov. 1854
31st October
40th Regt
Drummer
James Bennett
Private
John J. Crow
copy.
LETTER TWO
Melbourne. Victoria 1st November 1854
Sir, I have the honor to forward for the information of the Major General Commanding, a letter received from Dr Collings Surgeon of the Regiment under my Command, regarding two men, lunatics, named in the margin. In the temporary Hospital belonging to the Barracks, we have no sort of accommodation for Lunatics.
I therefore beg to recommend for the consideration of Sir Robert Nickle, the request that he may be pleased to obtain the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor to these men being placed in the Colonial Lunatic Asylum.
I have etc
Signed
Thos. J. Valiant
Commanding Officer 40 Regiment
Drummer
James Bennett
Private
John J. Crow
LETTER THREE
Copy
J54 12.268
Melbourne, Victoria October 31st 1854
Sir, I have the honor to report for the information of Lieut Colonel Valiant that the two men named in the margin are decided Lunatics, and that their presence in the Regimental Hospital owing to the insufficient accommodation affording no means of proper separation, it is not only detrimental to the other patients but militated against their own recovery. Under these circumstances I beg to suggest that measures should be taken for their removal to the Colonial Lunatic Asylum.
I have etc
(signed A Collings M.D)
Surgeon 40 Regt
Lt. and Adjutant Buckle
40 Regiment
Drummer James Bennett
Private John Jonah Crow
[1]
Also See
Military- ↑ VPRS 1189, Unit 140, File J 54/12.268, Transcribed by Christine Stancliffe