1853 NYS Lunatic Asylum Handwritten Document Utica New York Psychiatric History For Sale

1853–1854 New York State Lunatic Asylum (Utica, NY) Patient Invoice / Bill EphemeraUp for sale is a fascinating, 100% authentic piece of mid-19th-century American psychiatric and medical history. This is an itemized, handwritten yearly account statement from The N.Y.S. Lunatic Asylum (historically known as the Utica State Hospital) located in Utica, New York.The document covers the maintenance and personal care charges for a patient named Maria G. McCann spanning a full year from February 19, 1853, to February 19, 1854.Key Highlights & Document Details:

• Historical Institution: The New York State Lunatic Asylum in Utica was one of the earliest and most famous state-run psychiatric facilities in the United States, opened in 1843.
• Period Details: Written on classic, period-correct pale blue-tinted rag paper with a distinctive blind-stamped institutional emblem/maker's mark in the top-left corner.
• Itemized Account Breakdown: Includes charges for "Maintenance of Maria G. McCann" ($156.00 for the year), 7 articles of clothing, specific dressmaking fees dating to December 1853, and even a 16-cent charge for postage.
• Handwritten Sign-Off: Features a formal collection request at the bottom signed by "Caleb," an official/steward of the asylum, requesting the remaining balance of $38.01.
• Authenticity: Guaranteed original mid-19th-century manuscript. Perfect for collectors of medical history, asylum ephemera, New York State history, or genealogical researchers.

Condition Notes:
The paper shows typical light wear consistent with a 170+ year old document. It features crisp ink, clean cursive handwriting, and expected folding creases from being mailed and filed. There are no major tears or stains distracting from the legibility. Please review the high-resolution images closely to judge the condition for yourself.