Louis Riel by World Book

Author:World Book
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biographies
ISBN: 9780716618805
Publisher: World Book, Inc.
Published: 2013-12-06T11:23:00+00:00

Mental illness

Riel’s friends grew ever more alarmed at his extreme pronouncements and increasingly bizarre and disturbing behavior. Frequent fits of ranting and weeping frightened the Barnabé family in Keeseville, Riel’s nearest semblance of a family during his latest period of exile. Eventually, Barnabé was compelled to contact Riel’s uncle, John Lee, in Montreal. Lee agreed to take charge of Riel and moved him into the Lee house in Montreal, an illegal act by the terms of the exile.

The move did not help. In fact, Riel’s condition worsened under the care of his aunt and uncle. His fits of ranting continued, and he tore at his clothes and threatened to throw himself out of a window. At church, he interrupted a service with a fit of shouting and had to be led out of the sanctuary. Badly frightened by Riel’s behavior, the family reached the end of their endurance and sought medical help for their guest.

Physicians recommended that Riel be committed to a mental asylum (hospital for the mentally ill) in Longue Pointe, Quebec. Riel was admitted to the asylum under the name of Louis R. David in March 1876. The use of an alias was necessary because he was still under the official order of banishment from Canada. In May of that year, Riel was transferred to an asylum in Beauport, a town near Quebec City. Again, he was registered under an alias, this time using the name Louis LaRochelle. Riel remained at Beauport for nearly two years.

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