Caldwell Conversion Pistol
CALDWELL CONVERSION PISTOL. (See also HENRY SAMUEL CALDWELL, PISTOL) The Caldwell Conversion Pistol is distinguished as the first of the popular Caldwell breech-loading pistols that brought fame to Henry Samuel Caldwell and his arms company. Though slow to re-load, it contains a powerful .44-caliber shot. The frame, seven-sided barrel, and cylinder are of unique stability as the design was created for and tested by the US Army, where it was issued to all field soldiers until a further-improved single-action model took its place. Known for power rather than speed.
Records, Louisiana State Asylum at Jackson
Handwritten notes, two pages
Author: Handwriting match for Dr. LeMonnier
Patient name: William Salter
Date: November 23, 1894
Male, white, 32 yrs old, native of N.O., La., unmarried. Recommending his commitment, finding him insane, suffering from Chronic Mania. Admitted by his Grandfather. (Patient's Grandfather has requested he have no further contact with the patient.) He is dangerous to himself and others and attempts to harm anyone who nears. Tears his clothing and bites his chair, when strapped down to it. Has to be kept constantly under surveillance. Shows no signs of intelligence and is not capable of speech. Utters moaning barks when agitated; otherwise silent. Pupils constantly dilated, though we have found no symptoms of a corresponding ailment.
Patient name: William Salter
Date: January 1, 1895
Patient has regained capacity for speech. Though but a week ago he did nothing but bark and growl, this morning he greeted his nurse with festive words befitting the season. Docile, polite, and intelligent,
Patient name: William Salter
Date: February 18, 1895
Patient has been discharged. Evidence of a full recovery of his mental capacities confirmed by both myself and Superintendent Huff, who has taken a special interest in his case.
Records, Louisiana State Asylum at Jackson
Handwritten notes
Author: Handwriting match for Dr. LeMonnier, additional handwriting match for Philip Huff Jones (italics)
Patient name: William Salter
Date: May 7, 1895
Recommending the patient's (second) commitment to the S-I-A, having been brought in by the police after attacking a woman on the street, leaving ragged bite marks on her shoulders and neck. Judging by the date of his last confinement, he is suffering from an illness of at least six month's duration, punctuated by periods of respite, and characterized by dysphoric mood, grandiose ability, grandiose associations, grandiose identity, poor self- care, wandering, abusiveness, violent outbursts, black outs, temporary losses of speech, and aggressive behavior. Infection has not reached final stage, despite six-month incubation period. Observe
Patient name: William Salter
Date: May 9, 1895
Upon examination of Mr. Salter I must note his worsened condition and increased aggression. His temperament has, sadly, changed little since his admission, despite the intensity of his treatment. His body is now covered with festering sores, the largest the size of an apple, and unrelated to the restraints on his chair and bed.
The patient cowers and moans when any person enters the room, though, it appears, more in repulsion than in fear. Nurse Baird reports that he is peaceful and still when left alone, staring blankly at the wall for hours at a time, as if in a trance. Yet the next day, he suddenly begins to speak fluidly and intelligently. His intellectual abilities give me new hope for his recuperation, and I have scheduled him for a joint examination with Dr. Huff next week.
