Introduction

Introduction to the Admiral's Wife.

INTRODUCTION

            I still recall the day when it happened. Nobody knew it was to come, but it did. That day I was committed to Sabrina State Hospital in the northern part of the city. The road to get here was long, perhaps beginning when I was thirteen years old. That, of course, was back in 1883. In that time, I have had three children, two of them living. Perhaps the deceased child drove me to this wretched place. Who knows who did. Who knows if it was my first born, Alice. All I do know is, is that I am committed here for an indefinite period of time. Years perhaps.

            My name is Ruth DeWitt. For all intents and purposes I will use my maiden name. I was born on February 2^nd, 1870 in Fall River. My father left to fight in the New England War shortly thereafter. My mother, Jessica died in childbirth. My father then married an Englishwoman named Edith. My half-sister Elisabeth was born in 1871. Ten years later My twin brother and sister; John and Jessica were born. My parents were blessed with another set of twins in 1883, when I was thirteen. I may have had a hand in having them sent away. This set of twins were also brother and sister. Thomas and Lilian were their names.