Eastern Michigan Asylum, Jan 14, 1893
Mrs. Laura Leland, Dear Madam: Mr. Leland has just been here, and at his request I write you some of the details of your son's death. Mr. Bennett was very anxious from the first that the opium should be entirely withdrawn; and as he seemed to be so much in earnest about it, and to have a fair constitution, his wish was unhesitattingly acceded to; as in our expreience here, unfavorable consequences have never followed the abrupt withdrawl in young and vigorous people. He seemed to bb so much in earnest in his desire to cure himself of his habit, and that as speedily as possible, that even when medicine was given him to secure sleep the night beofre he died, he hesitated to take it, fearing that it contained some form of opium. Of course he suffered considerably from the inevitable results of the deprivation of his accustomed stimulant; but whenever questioned about himself he always spoke hopefully and showed a great deal of fortitude.
He invariably said that he was doing as well as could be expected and had no doubt about his ability to pull through. On Thursday night it was suggested to him that he lie in bed on the following morning, instead of getting up at his usual hour. He then said he did not think that this would be necessary, and in fact, when rising time came next morning he did not care to remain in bed much longer than had been his custom. He took very little breakfast that morning, eating only a mouthful or so of fish.
About eight o'clock he walked down to the wash-room, where the attendants were shaving their patients, and was himself shaved by them. During this process he talked with them in as good spirits as at any time, even laughing and joking with them about himself. At this time he said he was all right and that he would be over his troubles in a few days.
It was on Thursday that diarroea set in, for which medicines was being given to him. After shaving he asked for a dose of this medicine, as his bowles were still loose. He walked with the attendant to the latter's room and took his dose. Almost immediately after this he vomited. He then complained of feeling very strangely, and walked into his room, and threw himself on the bed. His attendant noticed his extreme pallor, and summonded his physician. The latter happened to be on his way to the hall, and saw Mr. Bennett within a few minutes after he threw himself on the bed. He was then unconsious and gasping.
Before stimulants could be given to him, hypodermically he had died. The immediate cause of death was, of course, heart failure, induced by the vomiting. His death, coming so suddenly, was a great shock to his attendants and to all, as it was entirely unexpected, and there was nothing in Mr. Bennett's condition to forcast such termination. during his few days stay in the asylum, he was pleasant and gentlemanly, and had won the regard of his attendants by his bravery and pluck. With mush sympathy for yourself and his wife in your sudden bereavement, believe me, Very truly yours, C. B. Buck, Medical Sup't.