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OF
        THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS





                      OF THE





^.^INSTITUTION FOR THE  INSTRUCTION OF THE
                AND THE






            PETITION





TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND COMMONALTY



         OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK,





               WITH THEIR






  YavoieaMe He^oTt and Patronage, &c.
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      THE NEW-YORK INSTITUTION
                    FOR THE
INSTRUCTION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB,


Silvanus Miller, Esq. in behalf of the Committee
  appointed for that purpose, reported a Circular,
  addressed to the  Citizens—whereupon an  order
  was passed, that the  same be accepted and pub»
  lished.
SIR,
    THE directors of « The New-York Institution for
the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb," are impelled by
a sense of duty, and a desire to promote the welfare of
those unfortunate persons  committed to their superin-
tending care, to make this appeal to a charitable and
benevolent  public.    To  their charge are intrusted
some of the most interesting,  innocent, and helpless
children of the human family.  Deprived of the sense
of hearing,  and  the power of speech, they possess all
those  sensibilities and  affections—all those feelings
and sympathies, which adorn,  delight and  dignify
society.   Without the fostering care of benevolent in-
struction, and the steady and kind supervision of en-
dearing  friends, these must languish in ignorance, re-
main the monuments of negligence, of inattention, and
oftentimes, of wretchedness.  The period of instruc-
tion to man, as far as  the  elementary principles of
learning are concerned,  is limited to the same number
of years, whether the pupils are favored by providence
with, or are deprived of the full power of utterance 
                   (      4     )
and .locution.   The age, therefore, to instil into  the
minds  of the  " Deaf  and  Dumb"  those principles
and ideas, which elevate man, should not be permitted
to attain  that period,  when exertion  and instruction
would  be useless  and  unprofitable.  Tbey  must be
taught in early life^*—their tender minds  must be nur-
tured, and improved by more than parental attention,
solicitude, and care.
  It is but a few years since the  benevolence of man
has been applied with active ingenuity, in  forming sys-
tems of instruction for  these  unfortunate  members of
society; and the first essays were considered*  as an ex-
periment, of doubtful issue.
  But  experience  soon demonstrated the  charming
consequences  of  the  benign  undertakings,  and  the
mind of man,  deprived  of what was considered essen-
tial to its successful improvement, developed resources
and powers, which at  once delighted and astonished
the most sanguine.  It was discovered, that the priva-
tion of speech and of hearing, did not, in any sensible
degree, impair the elastic qualities of the human intel-
lect; and the advancement of the pupils gave the most
cheering evidences, that in their instruction, their pre-
ceptors and patrons, were to be rewarded by the most
satisfactory results.
  Institutions  for  the  instruction  of the"Deaf and
Dumb," were multiplied,  and  their success has been
commensurate with the exertions and labor bestowed
upon a subject of such deep, and vital importance. The
establishments of institutions of this character, in  our
country, are of recent date; and their nature and use-
fulness may not have been duly appreciated by enlight-
ened America—but desirous at all  times to better the
condition of man, and emulous to further  those objects 
                   (     5      )
 which are so intimately connected with desirable exist-
ence ; in imitation of those philanthropists who have ma-
 nifested so much anxiety, and have been remunerated
 by so much success, in their application to these objects;
 the institution over which we  are the directors, was
 founded in the humble, but anxious hope, that with the
 aid of the charitable^ and under the dispensation  of an
 over-ruling providence, it  would become instrumental
 in restoring to usefulness, and rational enjoyment,  those
 who  have been visited by (what has been deemed)
 the  most  serious  calamities.  In the prosecution of
 their  arduous duties, and  to give the most extensive
 usefulness to their institution,  they  rely, with  well-
 grounded  confidence,  upon the liberal countenance
 and  munificent disposition of  their  fellow citizens;—
 to a discerning and charitable public, they apply; for
 a 4i portion of the  good things  of this life," whereby,
 they may be the better enabled, to accomplish the laud-
 able purposes of instructing  the Deaf and Dumb.
   To those  who have never witnessed the progress of
 improvement in the  minds of  such as are deprived of
 the sense of hearing,  and the  organs,  Or power of
 speech, there may appear to be insurmountable diffi-
 culties; indeed, without witnessing their progress, or
 examining profoundly the facts, the attempt and sys-
 tem appear paradoxical.  But for our encouragement—
 reality and example are before us.
   To  give  permanent and extensive  effect  to out
 warmest wishes,  and .most anxious pursuits,  we ask
 with earnest solicitation, the patronage of a discerning
 and  benevolent people.  In an establishment recently
 formed, under circumstances  well   calculated to ad-
 vance the objects of humanity, in its most  interesting,
 as well as most innocent character,  it is fondlv hoped. 
                  (      6     )
that there will be felt a strong, and general disposition to
further the great objects of improvement to such as are
placed under their charge, and thus enable those " afflict-
ed" children, to become useful as well as ornamental—-to
be the monuments of benevolence, the evidences of the
liberality and patronage, of.our beloved countrymen.
  In the  institutions organized  for the instruction of
" the Deaf and Dumb" there  appear to have been
two systems adopted: and as in all other discoveries of
a recent date5 some difference of opinion exists as to the
just preference-—a limited and  temporary experience,
seems to  yield to  the  method  of  communication by
sounds as well  as tokens.
  The directors of" The New-»York Institution for the
Instruction of the  Deaf  and Dumb," have engaged a
preceptor of acknowledged abilities, of kind and affable
demeanor, whose assiduous attention will be devoted
to the immediate instruction of pupils put under his
charge. The directors feel great confidence in his  qua-
lifications  and fitness, and anticipate reasonable success,
in the education of such as are placed under his super-
vision and instruction.
  It is the design of the directors of this institution, to
combine all that is practicable in the method of teach-
ing their pupils; to unite,  as  far as is possible,  the
single, with the two handed alphabet.
  The celebrated Watson, who teaches a school of the
" Deaf and Dumb" near London, is considered as the
most able preceptor of the present age; and his system
will be adopted in the government of the " New-York
Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb."
  The pupils will be instructed  in sensible objects, by
means of  pictures, or representations of nature, fami-
liar to their view; and, as they  advance, in the know- 
                   (     7     )
ledge of the connexion,  and signification of letters, to
their uses in spelling and reading,  and the power of
arithmetical numbers,  combinations, and actual calcu-
lation.
   By means of  this knowledge, they will be  enabled
to read print and manuscript, and to perform with ac-
curacy and expedition, the various duties of book-keep-
ing, and to do all that  is required in the general course
of business.
   A child having acquired the preceding  attainments,
can, with great facility, and will, with more than ordi-
nary correctness, communicate  the  objects of errands
and messages, on a common slate, provided for the pur-
pose, return answers,  make bargains, receive  and pay
money, and generally perform, all that is required of a
youthful agent.
   By a natural, and usual progress of young minds,
they become capable of acquiring abstract ideas, and
the principles of ethies.  Their condition and  improve-
ment soon enable them to know, that they owe great
duties to their God and  society, and to comprehend also,
that they are accountable, as well as rational creatures.
   Having acquired the necessary information, and ar-
rived at the  customary  age, they may be apprenticed,or
employed in any of the useful arts of mechanical, agri-
cultural, or other pursuits, where the senses  of touch
and sight are particularly necessary—they may acquire
the knowledge of sculpture, painting and drawing, and
the highest attainments in the graphic art—the trades of
a sail-maker, taylor, printer, and cordwainer, &c.  as
well as those of a farmer, gardener, or other useful
and respectable  occupations.
   In cases where the scholar shews  the power of using
or improving the vocal organs, and where his friends 
                   (     8      ;
desire it, he will be instructed in  obtaining the power
and influence, of articulation and speech.
   It will readily be perceived, that it is not possible at
this time, to go into a more full developement of the
manner of instruction, and the reasons of its preference
and adoption—but actuated by  a strong desire to be
useful in their undertakings, the directors have deem-
ed it  their duty to apply to a liberal-minded people,
for aid, in the furtherance of an object of such concern
and importance.
   The people of these United States, are characterised
by generous, noble and benevolent feelings; and it may
therefore be anticipated,  that a liberal disposition will
be manifested in the support of an institution, the be-
nefits and utility of which, cannot be too highly  appre-
ciated.
   While the  virtuous efforts  of the nation are  ac-
tively employed in the amelioration of the condition of
man, in  his religious and moral obligations,  and an ex-
panded  liberality  is still visibly extending itself to a
great variety of praiseworthy objects, we call the at-
tention and solicit  patronage, to a  subject inferior to
none in  interest and usefulness.
   Our little, unfortunate  innocents, " sons and daugh-
ters of affliction ;" who have never assailed the  ears of
the public with their  forlorn condition, now appeal to
their elevated charity—and it is  devoutly hoped, that
their interesting calls, will  excite the  commiseration,
and find access to  the best feelings,  and the most ten-
der considerations, which infold the hearts  of man!
   With the means afforded by their benefactors,  they
will be instructed  to appreciate the magnitude of their
obligations; to pour out their blessings on those, who,
m the plenitude of goodness, enabled them to improve 
                  (     9      )
those useful faculties,  and cultivate those intellectual
endowments, which emanate from '; the great source
of light and love!"
  The donations bestowed for the benefit of the Deaf
and Dumb, will be disbursed with economy and  care.
The  " expressive silence," but " imploring hands" of
" little children," appeal with fervent hope and anxious
expectation, to the favor of a charitable world ! With-
out their timely and efficient interposition, they must be
doomed to draw out the " measure of their days" in
wretchedness and ignorance ! destined to prolong a life
of misery and sorrow, without the power of enjoyment,
or the  possession  of those exalted acquirements and
faculties which  endear us to life, and distinguish the
human, as superior to the brute creation!
  In  such  an appeal, we cannot implore without suc-
cess : for  such purposes, the best wishes and ardent
prayers of the good will ascend to heaven, to succour
distress, and relieve the miseries of the innocent, and.
the cries of the helpless !

            BY ORDER OF THE DIRECTORS,

                SAML.  L.  MITCHILL, President

                JOHN 3. SCOTT, Secretary.
B 
                   i    *°     )

                  "FETITIOJC.

                TO THE HONORABLE

   Coie^oTation of tV\e> Cit^ of ^e^-^oxk.

 Gentlemen,
       In an age like the present, distinguished for so
 many  public charities, it is a matter of surprise, that
 the  melancholy condition of  the  Deaf and  Dumb
 amongst us, has not excited an earlier attention.
   In many cities of Europe, the tender feelings of hu-
 manity have long been alive to  this subject-—ample re-
 sources have been opened, and every effort has been
 employed to rescue those unhappy persons  from idle-
 ness, ignorance and wretchedness.
   To vou, gentlemen, it is unnecessary to trace the
 progress of those institutions of mercy, from the first
 partial  theories published nearly  a  century ago.—
 Through the happy and successful experiments of Fa-
 ther Vamin, Mons. Perrase, Mr. Hanick, Mr. Baka,
 Mr.  Braidwood, the Abbes De L'Epee  and Sicard,
 Dr.  Watson and many others—most of their plans of
 instruction have been published on this interesting sub-
ject, particularly two volumes by the latter gentleman,
 Dr. Watson, of London; and, no doubt, you are suffi-
 ciently acquainted  with their value.  In this city, the
 London of America, the most distinguished for charit-
 able societies of any part of the United States, an in-
stitution has been lately formed and incorporated by
our Legislature, for the instruction of the Deaf and
Dumb; already above threescore of those unhappy ob-
jects have come within the knowledge of the persons
who now address you; and it is  confidently believed, 
                  (      «     )
that more than one hundred of those innocent sufferers
are within the bounds of this city, under the protection
of your honorable board.
   Gentlemen, we  would appeal to your understand-
ings and  judgments, when we say that a more noble
and praise-Worthy institution never claimed your atten-
tion.   We are called by  the imperious voice of public
example, by the best feelings of humanity, and by the
providence of God, who points out  the plan—virtually
to open the ears of the Deaf,  and in reality fa loose the
tongues of the Dumb.  " If that man who causes but
two blades of grass to grow where only one vegetated
before, renders more essential service to mankind than
many politicians,"  how much more  blessed those who
are instrumental of cultivating the human mind,  and
especially  tinder such painful  and obstinate circum-
stances as the persons for whom we plead, of not only
rendering  them happy in themselves, as social beings
and useful members of society, but teaching  them the
knowledge of their God  and  the way to heaven, in the
light of divine revelation.
   The subscription books of the Society have been
 circulated and  are still  open, but the sums collected
 are far, very far short, of the object contemplated.
 The  directors of the institution look  up to  you  with
 confidence for immediate and liberal assistance—(their
 school is now in operation).  They do not presume to
 dictate in what manner  you shall help them: but they
 are pursuaded you will act worthy of yourselves, and
 will do justice to  a subject in which the honor of our
 City,  and the present and future happiness of so many
 wretched sufferers are so deep!v interested.
                      JOHN  B.  SCOTT,  Sec'ry. 
(     4*     ;
   The select committee, to whom was referred a com-
 munication from  the directors of the New-York Insti-
 tution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb,  re-
 questing aid  from the Corporation, in behalf of said in-
 stitution, beg leave to report, that they have given the
 subject all the attention which  their time and  capacity
 for investigating its merits would  admit, and  have no
 hesitation in  saying,  that  if properly patronized, the
 Institution for the  Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb
 will become  one  of the most beneficial and useful es-
 tablishments  in this city.
   For  the purpose of ascertaining the practicability
 and method of instructing these interesting objects, the
 committee visited the school, in company with some
 of the directors, and were highly gratified at the pro-
 gress of the scholars, as well as the emulation excited
 in them by their  teacher, to excel each  other in  their
 studies.  Judging from this exhibition of the talents
 displayed by the Deaf and  Dumb, the  committee are
 satisfied that they may not only be taught the rudiments
 of education, but with  attention and perseverance, at-
 tain a  knowledge of many of the higher branches of
 study.
   The committee are unable to express the  feelings
 of humanity  and commiseration excited  in them, on
viewing  the  wretched  condition of  these sons  and
daughters of  ignorance, and feel themselves bound by
every consideration of propriety, to recommend their
case to the humane consideration of the board, as one
of peculiar interest, both  as it respects the  objects
themselves, a6 well  as the public at large. 
                  (     ia     )
  The institution  was  incorporated  by an act of the
Legislature, on the  17th day of April, 1817, and has
been in operation  only five weeks.   The school con-
sists of eleven scholars:* three females, and eight males;
who are  taught reading, writing, and the  art of con-
versing by signs;  and an attempt, with some success,
has been made, to instruct them to  articulate words
and  short  sentences.  Only two of  the  scholars  pay
for their education; the friends  and relations of the
others being poor and  unable to pay, they are taught
gratis.  The price of a quarter's  schooling is fixed
by the directors, for those  who are able to pay, at ten
dollars, including  the necessary stationary, slates,  &c.
The annual expense of the present  establishment, al-
though very limited in its number, cannot be estimated
at less than % 2500; for the payment  of which, the di-
rectors have no other  resource, except the voluntary
donations of the charitable and benevolent.  Frequent
applications are made for  admission  in the school, by
those whose circumstances will not permit them to  pay
the expense of tuition;  but the finances of the institu-
tion are at so low  an ebb, that it is impossible to admit
more than the  present number;  and even they will be
found too many, unless something is done to foster  and
protect them, until efficient aid can be obtained.
  It has been ascertained that more than sixty of these
unfortunate beings are now residents in  this city, the
greater part of whom, if left in their present ignorance,
must sooner or later become chargeable on the public
for  their support.   Under  this consideration, is it not
the interest of the  Corporation to foster  and encourage
this institution, inasmuch as it will not only serve  the
• Tho number has already increased to eighteen. 
                  (     **     )
cause of humanity, but eventually prevent an increase
of paupers, and an addition to the expenditure for their
support?
  The committee have no  reason to doubt that a dis-
position exists in the board to assist, as far as propriety
will  warrant* so laudable an undertaking as the one
under consideration.  They, therefore, respectfully re-
commend the adoption of the following resolutions:
  Resolved, That the Institution for the Instruction of
the Deaf and Dumb,  be permitted to occupy, during
the  pleasure of this board, a room in the third story of
that  part of the Old Aims-House reserved for the use
of the Corporation, provided it is Used for  no  other
purpose, except for the instruction of the  scholars.
  Resolved, That the directors of  said institution be
authorized  to receive in their  school, ten Deaf and
Dumb persons, at the expense of the Corporation, pro-
vided such  persons are in needy circumstances, and
unable to pay the expense of their instruction, and are
inhabitants of this city, and that the expense of each
scholar shall not exceed  forty dollars a year.
  Resolved, That a donation of $ 500 be made to said
institution, to aid them in carrying into effect this laud-
able undertaking, and that a warrant now pass for said
amount.
  Resolved, That the committee on this  subject be en-
trusted with the execution of the foregoing resolutions.

                       STEPHEN ALLEN,

                       JOHN MORSS,
W. F. VAN AMR1NGE. 
(     «     )
         NEW-YORK INSTITUTION

                   FOR  THE

INSTRUCTION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB,
  At a meeting of the directors, held on the 16th day
of July, 1818—
  James L. Bell, Esq. informed  the board, that the
Common Council of the city had granted the use of a
chamber in the Institution, or building so denominated,
for the better accommodation of the school; had made
a donation of five hundred dollars, and had assumed the
patronage  of ten Deaf and Dumb youths of the city,
to be received as pupils:  Whereupon it was
  Resolved unanimously, That  the  thanks of this
board be  returned to the  Mayor, Aldermen and Com-
monalty of the city, for their liberality and munificence,
in furthering the efforts  making to rescue a  valuable
portion of our fellow creatures from ignorance and vice.
  Ordered, That the President and Secretary, be a
committee to convey the  sense of  this board, in the
most respectful manner to the Common Council.

            Extract from the Minutes,
JOHN B. SCOTT, Scc'ry. 
TERMS OF  TUITION.
   The School is superintended by the  Reverend Mr.
 fcstansbury.  To his wife is committed the domestic de-
 partment, so far  as tends to promote the convenience
 and comfort of the  boarders,  who are students in the
 Institution.  A committee of highly respectable ladies
 of the city, are appointed to visit the Institution, to sug-
 gest such regulations as may be proper in its domestic
 economy, with particular regard to the female scholars.
  Board, per annum, including washing and
     mending,.........g 150
  Tuition, including stationary,  -  -   -  -     40
  The branches of education  are Reading, Writing,
Arithmetic, &c. and Articulation, on the plan of the ce-
lebrated School of Dr. Watson, of England.
  Those who are unable  to pay for  their  education,
will be taught gratis.
                         J.  B. SCOTT, Scc'ry.


                 DIRECTORS

Of the  Xew-^LoYk Institution Ioy  ttve  In-
   struction oi the DEA¥ and HUM!*.
           ELECTED 22d MAY, 1818.
        SAMUEL  L. MITCHILL, President.
       JOHIV B.  ROMKYN, 1st. Vice President.
       CADWALLADER D. COLDEN, 2d. do.
       JOHN SLIDELL, Treasurer.
       JOHN B.  SCOTT, Secretary.
 DE  WITT CLINTON,       STEPHEN ALLEN,
 JOHN STANFORD,        ALEXANDER M'LEOD,
 SAMUEL AKERLY,        JONAS MAPES,
 JAMES L. BELL,          BISHOP CONNOLLY,
 COLLIN REED,           ELISHA W. KING,
 HENRY T. FELTUS,       VALENTINE MOTT,
 PETER SHARPE,          CASPER W. EDDY,
 WILLIAM L. ROSE,        GARRIT HYER,
 PHILIP  MILLEDOLER,     JAMES PALMER,
 SILVANUS MILLER,